What does real leisure look like for Catholics? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger discuss why leisure is not laziness, escapism, or endless consumption, but a deeply human and spiritual practice rooted in rest, wonder, worship, and delight.

Drawing on Joseph Pieper, St. John Paul II, Scripture, family life, and the rhythm of Sunday, they explore how Catholics can reclaim leisure as a way of becoming more present to God, family, creation, and the good things that restore the soul. From keeping Sunday holy to embracing boredom, taking pilgrimages, reading, praying, playing, and simply watching the sunrise, this conversation offers practical ways to make summer more restful, intentional, and joy-filled.

Support the Augustine Institute by joining Mission Circles: Heralds, and get exclusive content like this live Practicing Catholic episode! https://give.augustineinstitute.org/campaign/745239/donate

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Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, joins Practicing Catholic to share his journey from a secular Catholic upbringing and agnosticism to a life of grace, prayer, and priesthood. Along the way, he reflects on business, ambition, authentic friendship, the witnesses who helped him return to the faith, and the surprising path by which God called him to become a priest.

Fr. Ken also offers practical wisdom for Catholics seeking holiness in ordinary life: learning to love the process of sanctity, investing in one’s vocation, building faithful community, and quieting the noise of distraction in times of change. Through his story, listeners are reminded that God works patiently through grace, friendship, integrity, and daily fidelity.

Learn more about Fr. Ken Geraci and the Fathers of Mercy here: https://fathersofmercy.com

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Pilgrimage is more than religious travel. It is a concrete act of faith that helps us step away from ordinary life, bring our bodies and souls before God, and remember that the whole Christian life is a journey toward him.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the tradition of pilgrimage, from major destinations like the Holy Land, Rome, Fatima, Lourdes, and the Camino to small local pilgrimages close to home. They discuss how pilgrimage can involve sacrifice, fellowship, prayer, spiritual warfare, surrender, and the humility of receiving from God rather than trying to achieve holiness on our own terms.

Whether you have the opportunity for a major pilgrimage or simply want to make a small visit to a local shrine or adoration chapel, this conversation offers practical encouragement to begin. Watch to consider where God may be inviting you to make an intentional journey of faith.

Watch Symbolon: The Faith of the Church on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1039081

Come on Pilgrimage with the Augustine Institute! https://web.cvent.com/event/10dfe3ea-33f6-4e3f-aaea-054b2c3bca3b/summary

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Motherhood reveals some of the deepest lessons of love: sacrifice, courage, patience, discipline, encouragement, and the steady gift of making a house into a home. In this Mother’s Day episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what they have learned from their own mothers and from watching their wives live the vocation of motherhood.

Together, they discuss the art of parenting, the challenge of helping children flourish without controlling them, and the way mothers often “decrease” so their children can grow. They also reflect on Mary, the surrender required in parenthood, the sanctifying work of family life, and the gratitude we owe to mothers and grandmothers.

Whether you are a mother, a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone grateful for the mothers in your life, this episode offers encouragement to see motherhood as a powerful path of love, discipleship, and grace.

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Friendship is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of the Christian life—and many people quietly struggle to form and sustain it. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore why friendship feels harder today than ever, especially in a digital, mobile, and often isolated culture.

Drawing on Scripture, Aristotle, and lived experience, they break open what real friendship actually requires: risk, commitment, shared life, and a willingness to move beyond superficial connection. They also offer honest reflection on their own struggles with friendship and practical ways to begin building deeper relationships.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What does coffee have to do with the Catholic faith?

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sits down with Fr. Rennier to explore the surprising connection between coffee, prayer, and the Christian life. From its controversial origins as the “devil’s drink” to its role in monasteries, parishes, and everyday friendships, coffee reveals something profound about how we live—and love—as Catholics.

Along the way, they discuss:

– The fascinating history of coffee and its unexpected link to the Church

– How rituals (like your morning cup) can shape your spiritual life

– Why conversation and friendship are essential for evangelization

– The beauty of craftsmanship and “amateur” work done for love

– How ordinary, repeated actions can lead us closer to God

Whether you’re a coffee lover or just curious about living your faith more intentionally, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding holiness in the everyday.

Use the code PRACTICINGCATHOLIC at Gloria Patri Coffee for 20% off your purchase, and 50% of the proceeds will go back to the Augustine Institute! Check out Gloria Patri here:

https://gloriapatri.com/collections/all?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=missioncircle

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Confession can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger walk through what the Sacrament of Confession really is, why it matters, and how to approach it with confidence. Whether it’s been a few weeks or a few decades, they offer practical, realistic tips to help you make a good confession without getting stuck trying to make a “perfect” one.

They explain what Confession actually does and why it’s such a gift, break down the three essential parts of the sacrament, and share simple ways to examine your conscience without unnecessary stress. Along the way, they emphasize that sometimes the best advice is simply to go, while also addressing common struggles like fear, forgetfulness, and perfectionism.

The conversation also explores how frequent confession leads not just to better habits, but to deeper spiritual healing and growth at the level of the heart.

If you’ve been putting it off, this episode might be the nudge you need.

Want to dive deeper into the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Watch the Augustine Institute Series Forgiven here: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115608

Download the Amen app to listen to the examination of conscience narrated by Scott: https://amenapp.org

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Did Jesus truly rise from the dead—or is the Resurrection only a symbol of hope?

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger welcome Dr. Michael Barber, Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at the Augustine Institute, for a rich and accessible conversation on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, early Christian testimony, and historical reasoning, Dr. Barber explains why the Resurrection is a real event rooted in history—and why it remains the foundation of Christian faith. From the witness of Mary Magdalene to the doubts of the disciples, from St. Paul’s bold proclamation to the surprising spread of Christianity among the Gentiles, this conversation shows how faith and reason work together.

The episode also explores how Catholics can live the Resurrection today through prayer, the sacraments, bold trust in God, and renewed hope during the Easter season.

-Listen to Dr. Barber’s talk about the Resurrection here: https://app.formed.org/app/videos/2091418

-Dr. Barber’s Book on the Anointing of the Sick: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540960993_the-bible-and-the-anointing-of-the-sick

-Check out Dr. Barber’s social media below!

- X (formerly, Twitter): @MichaelPBarber (https://x.com/MichaelPBarber)

- TikTok: @michaelpbarber (https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelpbarber)

- YouTube: @Michael.Patrick.Barber (https://www.youtube.com/@Michael.Patrick.Barber)

- Instagram: michaelpatrickbarber (https://www.instagram.com/michaelpatrickbarber/)

- Facebook: ProfMichaelBarber (https://www.facebook.com/ProfMichaelBarber)

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