Strength Training for the Soul

Discover how two Gospel passages about Mary's contemplative heart reveal the transformative power of patience. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, we explore how Mary's example can inspire us in our fast-paced world. Learn simple ways to cultivate patience and reflection in your daily life, from family gatherings to nature walks. Join us as we begin 2025 with purpose, and share your own word for the year in our Strength ...

Join host Patty Kujawa with special returning guests Jill Fischer and Claire Ziolkowski as they reflect on spiritual lessons from 2024 and share hopes for the year ahead. From dealing with seasons of spiritual dryness to finding community in faith, this candid conversation offers practical wisdom for deepening your relationship with Christ. Learn how embracing silence, maintaining daily prayer despite life's chaos, and finding the ...

In this special Christmas Eve episode, discover the powerful story of Joseph - a man who never spoke a word in the Bible, yet whose actions changed the course of history. Through examining Joseph's response to life-altering news and impossible situations, host Patty Kujawa unpacks timeless lessons about strength, faith, and character. Learn why true impact often comes not from speaking the loudest, but from living with unwavering c...

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, host Patty Kujawa sits down with Father Tim Schumaker, pastor of Saint Joseph Church in Grafton, WI, to explore a challenge many of us face: staying spiritually connected during busy times. Father Tim shares insights on how to combat the "busyness" that often pulls us away from meaningful prayer and spiritual growth, especially during the hectic Advent season. Whether you're feelin...

In this vulnerable journey, Patty Kujawa offers a compassionate exploration of grief during the holiday season. Drawing from her personal experiences of loss, including the recent passing of her uncle and the heartbreaking loss of her son Jack, she provides a tender guide for navigating mourning during Advent.

With raw honesty and spiritual wisdom...

Philanthropy isn't always about big money; when it's about big heart, the payback can be huge--for everyone involved. Jamie O'Donohue, owner of O'Donohue's Pub, shares how ordinary people can make extraordinary differences through time, talent, and genuine service. From overcoming personal struggles to supporting local charities, Jamie shows that giving back isn't a burden—it's a joy that can transform both the giver and the commun...

Joe Meyer, director of the Catholic Ecology Center and environmental science teacher, shares how his passion for faith and nature led to creating a unique ministry. From his personal journey to the founding of the Catholic Ecology Center, Meyer discusses how spending time in nature can deepen our spiritual lives and help us hear God's voice more clearly. He offers practical wisdom for answering God's call and finding divine beauty ...

Ever wonder how people know they're on the right path?

When investment banker David Sweeney started having thoughts about priesthood, he tried to ignore them. He thought the priesthood was a fine life, it just wasn't one for him. In this episode, Fr. Sweeney shares how daily prayer transformed his life and helped him discover his true calling—and how it can help you find yours.

#PurposeDriven #FaithJourney #Catholic #SpiritualGrowt...

After months of strengthening our spiritual foundations through Daily Prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments, we're ready to level up! In this special check-in episode, we introduce 'Strength Spotting' - our new segment celebrating God's daily presence - and look ahead to inspiring stories of ordinary people who relied on these same fundamentals to discover their extraordinary purpose. Plus, find out how a simple retreat question sp...

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we're hitting the Bible gym for a serious workout! Join us as we explore why Scripture is the ultimate protein shake for your faith and learn some killer techniques to make your Bible study sessions more effective.

Our spiritual personal trainers, Jill and Claire from St. Dominic Parish, spot us as we lift the heavy questions: Why is Scripture so crucial? How do we choose the right...

Time for a quick spiritual workout! In this "Check-In" episode, we're spotting your sacramental practice. Discover how Confession and Eucharist act as your spiritual gym sessions, helping you shed the weight of mistakes and bulk up on divine grace. Get practical tips on finding Mass and Confession times, and learn why these sacraments are crucial for tethering yourself to God. Plus, get a book recommendation to deepen your Eucharis...

Ever wonder how to stay connected to Jesus in your daily life? Join us as we dive into the power of sacraments! We're mainly talking about two sacraments you'll want to keep in your back pocket: the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Plus, we'll chat about what makes the sacrament of marriage so sacred. Here's a fun tidbit: one of our guests says going to Reconciliation is like visiting a doctor for your soul. Intrigued? Tune in to lear...

Explore the rich world of daily prayer with experts Claire Ziolkowski and Jill Fischer. Discover the differences between vocal and mental prayer, learn practical tips for consistent devotion, and find out why your favorite chair (or even a closet!) might be the perfect prayer spot. Whether you're a novice or looking to deepen your practice, gain insights to transform your daily connection with God. Remember, prayer isn't about perf...

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we’re checking in on your progress with our first assignment: establishing a daily routine of prayer, sacraments, and Scripture reading.

Today, I’m joined by Mitch Sadowsky, my physical strength trainer. Mitch shares his expertise on how to make habits stick, offering practical strategies and insights. I’ll be breaking down his key takeaways and exploring how these principles can b...

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we explore the spiritual practices that are the bedrock of a strong relationship with Jesus Christ: daily prayer, the sacraments, and reading Scripture. Why are these disciplines so essential to our faith journey? How do they transform our hearts and deepen our connection with God? Join us for a faith-filled conversation as we dive into the power of prayer, the grace received throu...

In this first episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we introduce a brand new podcast designed to help you deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in spiritual strength. We will examine the state of our Catholic faith and why new insights and practical tools to enrich your spiritual life might be needed to cultivate a closer connection with our Lord. Whether you’re new to the Catholic walk or looking to renew your r...