Marek Dziekonski joins Emily and Fr. Patrick in the virtual studio (back from summer break!) to tell his story of meeting Jesus after a parachuting accident and moving to the United States to serve as a missionary. (2:00) Emily and Fr. Patrick after taking a few months off for “summer break,” and introduce the episode guest. (4:45) Welcome Marek Dziekonski! Marek shares about his life growing up in Poland and what his family would do for vacation in the summer. He introduces his family: wife and four kids. (7:30) Marek shares the story of his encounter with Jesus (it involves a WWII parachute!). (17:43) Marek shares the discernment process he went through to decide to become a missionary, which ultimately led to him moving from Poland to southeast Michigan. (23:25) Fr. Patrick gives a shout-out to Marek’s mother and reads from the book of Proverbs. (25:28) Marek shares what it was like to move to the US and his work as a missionary here in the Archdiocese of Detroit — especially what his prayer life was like during that time. (31:43) Marek shares what it looks like for him to live as a joyful missionary disciple today: as a husband, father, and photographer. (38:28) Marek leads closing prayer.

Open Door Policy

Episode 75: Marek Dziekonski

Marquette Method instructor Laura Sparling discusses her journey to joyful missionary discipleship and how she witnesses God changing lives through NFP. Show notes: (0:18) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and talk about the beauty of Michigan water and some of our Archdiocese of Detroit parishes that sit right on the waterfront. (3:27) Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Laura Sparling, who is a mother of five, an oldies music lover, and married to an American hero. Laura talks more about her family and her husband’s heroism. She also talks a bit about her nursing background and career before teaching NFP. (6:54) Laura shares about her religious upbringing in the Methodist Church and how her college experiences led her to really seek God and how she eventually came to RCIA. She especially discusses what it was like going through the RCIA process with her husband and the role her father played in her conversion. (12:48) Laura discusses how she got involved with Natural Family Planning, what led her to the Marquette Method, and how she became an instructor. She talks about what it was like to learn about NFP as a nurse and coming from a natural place of awe and wonder at the humanity God creates. (20:39) Emily asks about Laura’s experience sharing NFP with other women and couples, and Laura shares that it has given her a beautiful opportunity to use her nursing degree, especially through the ability to bring God’s design for marriage to new people. (26:50) Fr. Patrick asks about the Marquette Method of NFP specifically, and Laura briefly explains what it is and how it compares with other methods. (33:29) Laura shares her dream, which is to keep raising her big family — and maybe welcome more! She hopes that her children will all know the faith well and know and share who they are in Christ. She shares how people can learn more about the Marquette Method and gives advice to men or women who haven’t ever been involved with NFP. (38:28) Emily and Fr. Patrick close in prayer. Links from this episode: Whole Mission (https://www.mmnfp.com/)

Episode 74: Laura Sparling

Colleen Vermeulen, Director of the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, shares her experience of reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, how it empowered her faith journey, and how the scriptures keep discipleship grounded. Show notes: (0:32) Emily and Fr. Patrick share updates, reflect on the Solemnity of Pentecost, and introduce this episode’s guest, Colleen Vermeulen. (6:19) Colleen talks about her life growing up in a Catholic family, making her sacraments, and playing violin for her parish. She shares a profound question a friend asked her in high school that inspired her to consider her relationship with God. (11:39) She reflects on the point when things “clicked” for her, which she remembers most significantly from really listening to the Gloria during Mass one Sunday morning. Colleen also talks about her experiences in both Catholic Masses and Baptist services. Fr. Patrick then reflects on Colleen’s witness to what the Archbishop wrote in Unleash the Gospel about the evangelical fervor of non-Catholic Christians and how that has touched her faith life. (17:28) Colleen discusses how her Catholic and Baptist worlds came together through a friend from college with whom she was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Another profound question from her friend inspired her to read the entire Catechism, and on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2006, she felt a deeper calling to serve the Church. (26:00) She reflects on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 10 years later, in 2016, and shares a particularly meaningful excerpt from her 2006 sermon journal, just before her conversion. (30:10) Fr. Patrick asks Colleen more about her experience reading the Catechism and Colleen reflects on it and the freedom it brought her to discern where God is calling her. Emily then asks about the role of scripture in Colleen’s life and her work with the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan. (37:29) Fr. Patrick asks about Colleen’s big dream, and she shares her hopes that she’ll keep growing as a parent. She talks, too, about how the scriptures keep her and her husband grounded in the present. (40:04) Colleen closes in prayer, and Emily gives listeners information for how they can connect with the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan. Links from this episode: Catholic Biblical School of Michigan (https://cbsmich.org/)

Episode 73: Colleen Vermeulen

Fr. Jake VanAssche, administrator at St. Damien of Molokai Parish in Pontiac, discusses his priestly vocation and the graces that come when we remain open to God. Show notes: (0:25) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and share some updates from their lives, including Tigers games, street ministry, reading Romans, a trip to South Bend and more. (6:45) Fr. Patrick introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Jake VanAssche, Administrator of St. Damien of Molokai Parish in Pontiac! He shares some fun facts about Fr. Jake, and Fr. Jake elaborates, discussing his hobbies of shooting clays and woodworking — and his role as a new great-uncle! (9:41) Fr. Jake discusses what it was like growing up as the youngest of nine, the role their Catholic faith had in their upbringing, and when he started hearing the call to the priesthood. He talks about his experience altar serving, and a particularly impactful priest from his youth. (15:45) Fr. Jake expands more on his vocation story and how, when he really became open to receiving God’s grace, he felt peace in knowing God’s plan for him. Emily asks about Fr. Jake’s experience hearing God, and Fr. Jake mentions the changes he felt in his heart, and the need he felt to go to confession. (25:46) Fr. Patrick asks Fr. Jake about his big dreams these days, and Fr. Jake responds that he hopes that people will go to heaven, and that on earth they will know joy. He talks about the desire to be holy and about what things his parish is doing to help others encounter Jesus and feel this joy. (32:43) Fr. Jake shares some things that keep him joyful, like spending time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, praying to Our Lady, and celebrating Mass. He then closes in prayer. Links from this episode: St. Damien of Molokai Parish (https://www.st-damien.org/)

Episode 72: Fr. Jake VanAssche

John Hale, President and Co-Founder of Corporate Travel, discusses the importance of always being open to God’s grace, and what he learned during the trials of the pandemic. Show notes: (0:44) Emily and Fr. Patrick share updates of what’s going on in their lives, from new opportunities for fellowship to the birth and baptism of a baby girl for previous ODP guests Jordan and Napoli Beachnau! They also discuss Mothers Day traditions in their parishes and lives. (5:25) Emily introduces this episode’s guest, John Hale, President and Co-Owner of Corporate Travel. John shares a little bit about his family of seven and his business. He also talks about where his favorite place is of everywhere he’s traveled. (10:24) John talks about the importance of the people that God has placed in his life who have reflected the love of Christ through their lives. He reflects on his early life in Port Huron being full of fun and laughter and the joy that has brought to his discipleship. (14:05) Fr. Patrick asks John about a time in his childhood or teenage years when he felt a very clear call to follow Jesus, and John reflects on his godparents teaching him to pray the rosary when he was in grade school. He shares how his relationship to the rosary has helped him become more deeply connected to Mass and the scriptures. (17:19) John shares the story of how he and his wife met and how marriage has helped him grow more as a disciple. He talks about the particular graces his wife and children were throughout the trials of the pandemic. (23:42) John discusses some of the ways he remained open to the grace of God in his life, especially throughout the challenges of the past year and a half. He mentions the habits his family established during the lockdown, as well as the daily meditative prayer he did as part of Exodus 90. (29:29) Emily asks John about the graces God has placed in his life recently, and John mentions his recent contribution to ‘Looking for God’ by Teresa Tomeo, as well as a profound moment he heard God’s voice during Mass in the pandemic. (32:05) Fr. Patrick asks John what his big dreams are these days. John shares that his main hope right now is to be able to provide the life-enriching experiences he’s been able to give people in the past, and that he’s able to help others grow in faith and love. (34:21) Fr. Patrick, John, and Emily close in prayer. Links from the episode: Jordan and Napoli on ODP (https://www.unleashthegospel.org/episodes/episode-67-jordan-and-napoli-beachnau/) Corporate Travel (https://www.ctscentral.net/) Life’s Little Instruction Book (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lifes-little-instruction-book-h-jackson-brown/1004897765) Exodus 90 (https://exodus90.com/) Listening for God (https://teresatomeo.com/listeningforgod/)

Episode 71: John Hale

Ave Maria Radio producer Melissa Florian shares how the Lord healed her of addiction and gave her a hunger for the Eucharist instead Show notes: (0:07) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up and discuss their excitement for spring and the month of May, and what graces have been flowing in their lives. They also discuss a possible ODP field trip soon! (5:06) Fr. Patrick then introduces this episode’s guest, Melissa Florian, a producer at Ave Maria Radio. She shares a little bit about her background and home parish and her connection to a few parishes in Detroit. (9:04) Melissa talks about growing up the youngest of six, the effect her parents’ divorce had on her faith life, and the kind of friends she had and time she spent before truly encountering Christ. (15:33) She then discusses the cleansing power she felt from the Lord, how he healed her of her addiction, and the desire and hunger she felt for the Eucharist in its place. (19:36) Melissa offers a prayer for all those who want to desire the Eucharist more, that the Holy Spirit come upon them and bring them that gift. She then talks about her work now with Ave Maria Radio, about the movement of the Holy Spirit in so many facets of her career, and what drew her to radio initially. (28:24) Emily asks how Melissa continues to praise God and witness to her faith today, and Melissa responds with her efforts to always talk with the everyday brothers and sisters she encounters, and she talks about her petition to God that he make her mouth his mouthpiece. (31:14) Fr. Patrick asks what dreams the Lord has been putting on Melissa’s heart lately, and she shares her hopes to help others who are bound by addiction and to reach those who are hidden from society and show them the love of God. (35:12) Melissa closes in a prayer. Links from this episode: Touchdown Jesus (https://www.uhnd.com/history/2007/07/21/touchdown-jesus/) Ave Maria Radio (https://avemariaradio.net/) Epiphany - Ave Maria Radio (https://avemariaradio.net/program/epiphany/)

Episode 70: Melissa Florian

New Associate Director of the Permanent Diaconate Deacon Chris Beltowski talks about his discernment, his new role, and the ministry of the diaconate. Show notes: (0:30) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up on what’s been going on in their lives, the lovely weather we’re having, and their experiences this Holy Week and Easter season. (4:47) Emily introduces this week’s guest, Deacon Chris Beltowski, who talks briefly about his family: his wife of 25 years, their four daughters, and his first grandson. (7:28) Dcn. Chris shares what his life was like before really encountering Christ. He talks about growing up at St. Mary’s in Royal Oak and just going to Mass out of obligation, and the conversion he felt toward Christ while teaching a fifth grade religious education class in his twenties. He mentions the role his wife played in his journey toward Jesus, as well. (10:47) Fr. Patrick asks Dcn. Chris about his diaconate discernment, and Dcn. Chris talks about the role his marriage played in this discernment and how he felt the urge to be more actively living out the faith after encountering Theology of the Body. He shares some of his experiences as he began discerning and his early studies at the seminary. (14:54) Dcn. Chris reflects more on the importance of family in his diaconate ministry — and in his life as a disciple in general. He shares particularly about his experiences with Natural Family Planning and the commitment and trust that displays to God. He shares, too, about the family’s commitment to praying together in a variety of ways. (18:42) Dcn. Chris talks more in-depth about some of his first active ministry opportunities like prison ministry and St. Vincent DePaul, as well as about his ministry as a deacon specifically. He share some stories from street ministry where he has seen the Gospel lived out before his eyes. (24:23) Emily asks how Dcn. Chris can share his own encounter with others through his work as a deacon, and he shares that he just tries to remain open to where the Lord is asking him to go. He gives a few examples of this practice and how it has yielded fruit in his life and ministry. (27:37) Dcn. Chris introduces his new position as the Associate Director for the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Fr. Patrick is reminded of the love and fear of the Lord Dcn. Chris saw in his parents and he reflects on this fear as wonder and awe, sharing that he observes this same wonder in Dcn. Chris as he describes his diaconal ministry. (30:26) Fr. Patrick and Dcn. Chris reflect on Dcn. Chris’s predecessor, Dcn. Kevin Breen, and what a foundation he laid for the ministry of deacons in our archdiocese during his tenure as Diaconate Director. Dcn. Chris also shares testimony about Dcn. Breen’s embodiment of the joyful mission we’re called to. He then discusses his vision for the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Detroit and what a band of joyful missionary disciples truly is. Fr. Patrick and Emily, too, reflect on the signs and wonders that come from God when we preach the kerygma. (39:08) Dcn. Chris shares what thoughts he would give men who are discerning the diaconate, urging families to ask their kids what God wants them to be, and imparting the importance that one’s vocation comes from God. (43:00) Dcn. Chris closes in prayer. Links from this episode: Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Detroit (https://www.aod.org/permanent-diaconate) Theology of the Body, Christopher West (http://www.theologyofthebody.net/) Natural Family Planning (www.aod.org/nfp)

Episode 69: Deacon Chris Beltowski

Kate Bryan, Founder and CEO of 1 Girl Revolution, shares her experience of growing up with chronic illness and how it inspired her to amplify the stories of women across the country. Show notes: (2:42) After Fr. Patrick and Emily briefly catch up and discuss spring and the great sunshine, Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Kate Bryan. (5:11) Kate discusses what it was like growing up with Job Syndrome, her very rare immune deficiency, and the role that played in her faith and her desire to witness to the Lord’s greatness. She also mentions her great-grandfather having been visited by Solanus Casey, and the lessons about faith her grandfather taught her. (9:54) Kate shares some of the most challenging experiences of growing up being bullied as a result of her Job Syndrome symptoms, as well as one of her most significant breakthroughs in faith. (14:04) Kate provides some background on 1 Girl Revolution, how it got started, and where it is today. She talks about giving a platform to women across the country of all ages to tell their stories, and how it stemmed from the knowledge and feeling of being uninvited or unwelcome in certain places. (19:14) She discusses some of the stories 1 Girl Revolution has recently covered and some upcoming documentaries and stories she’s currently working on. Fr. Patrick asks if any people Kate’s talked with in the past have reached out again and shared any impact that 1 Girl has had on them, and Kate shares a story of human trafficking survivors she’s worked with who have, in turn, created ministries to help other women escape dangerous situations. (23:42) Kate tells the story of her friend Jada, a woman who was in rehab at the time Kate first connected with her, and how upon leaving rehab, Jada went back to school to become an aesthetician and started her own organization to help other women in rehab feel confident about themselves. (28:45) Kate shares some of her experience of moving away and returning to Detroit, how elements of ministry and of life can come full circle. She reminisces on Sundays in Corktown growing up, the nostalgia she finds in her faith community still, and how great it is to be back in Detroit. (31:17) Fr. Patrick and Kate discuss the Mass at Most Holy Trinity that is usually followed by healing prayer led by students of Encounter Ministries, and Fr. Patrick shares a bit about what Encounter Ministries is. (33:06) Kate talks about her dreams for the future of 1 Girl: more podcasts, more documentaries, and more of empowering everyone, not just women and girls, to tell their stories and see their purpose. Links from this episode: 1 Girl Revolution website (https://1girlrevolution.com/) 1 Girl Revolution on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1girlrevo/) The Girl Inside (https://1girlrevolution.com/the-girl-inside/) New Directions for Women (https://www.newdirectionsforwomen.org/) Gaelic League (https://www.gaelicleagueofdetroit.org/) Encounter School of Ministry (https://encounterschool.org/) Kate Bryan (https://katembryan.com/)

Episode 68: Kate Bryan

Jordan and Napoli Beachnau join Fr. Patrick and Emily to discuss marriage as a vocation, a sacrament, and a way to live the Gospel. Show notes: (0:59) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and discuss the hope that comes with the first signs of spring, the way individuals are coming back to Mass with the end of the general dispensation, and the graces found in this Lenten season. (5:08) Fr. Patrick introduces this episode’s guests, Jordan and Napoli Beachnau and shares a bit about their hobbies and the experience they shared walking the Camino de Santiago in 2018. (8:25) Jordan shares the story of his conversion to Catholicism and the role his sister played in bringing him into the Church. He talks about his experience discerning the priesthood and how that was changed by a powerful revelation from Mary at Lourdes. (14:15) Napoli shares her testimony of her Catholic upbringing from her Baghdad-born parents and the constant tugging the Lord has had on her heart — she just didn’t know it was him! She talks about encountering Jesus through love of other people and the gentleness the Lord has shown her. (19:09) Jordan reflects on the night before their wedding, when he heard Jesus calling them to more than just what an earthly marriage looks like. He discusses the discernment he and Napoli did before their ceremony and the way they live out their marriage as a grace-filled sacrament together. (24:47) Napoli shares her experience with the Camino trip in 2018, and how the Lord was revealing hurt on her heart that was preventing her from drawing fully into him and the Camino was a time to work through that emotional strife. She shares the foundation that this has laid for her and Jordan’s marriage and how it inspires them to turn to the Lord with any difficulty. (29:01) Jordan talks more about the moments after Mary’s revelation to him at Lourdes and how it changed his relationship with Napoli almost instantly. The two also discuss how they find strength in times of difficulty in their relationships with each other or with Christ, and the grace that they find in the moments when they’re closest to Jesus. (37:28) Napoli talks about her experience as a Creighton practitioner intern and how it has related to their vocation of becoming parents. She discusses fertility and reproductive issues she has experienced, the effect it had on their marriage, and the miracle of the child they’re now expecting. (49:39) Jordan and Napoli share advice they would give to newlyweds living through the pandemic and quarantine together, and Fr. Patrick closes with a blessing. Links from this episode: Camino de Santiago (http://santiago-compostela.net/) Young Catholic Professionals Detroit (https://www.ycpdetroit.org/cpages/home) Encounter Ministries (https://encounterministries.us/) St. Paul Street Evangelization (https://streetevangelization.com/) NFP Creighton Model (https://info.aod.org/hc/en-us/articles/360039273233-Creighton-Model)

Episode 67: Jordan and Napoli Beachnau

St. Aloysius Parish Engagement Coordinator Beth Allison shares her journey from interior design to ministry, and the universal connection of the Catholic faith she’s experienced as she’s travelled the world. *Show notes: * (0:42) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up, and Fr. Patrick shares the joy he had of opening his parish as a coronavirus vaccine site. Emily mentions that her mom is in town, so she was able to share a bit of her new Detroit life with her family! (3:21) Emily introduces our guest, Beth Allison, who is the engagement coordinator at St. Aloysius Parish in Detroit. Beth shares that she’d spent the morning in prayer reflecting on a prompt to say yes to the Holy Spirit, and mere minutes after her prayer time she received the invitation to join Open Door Policy tonight! (5:54) Fr. Patrick asks about Beth’s previous career as an interior designer and the experience she had designing the Chancery for the Archdiocese of Detroit Central Services. They also reflect on her role in the Synod. (7:29) Beth talks about what her life was like before dedicating herself to serving the Church, and how attending public high school with youth ministry and Bible study at St. Paul on the Lake helped her broaden her faith — and eventually take over as the youth minister! She also shares testimony of how intercessory prayer has helped her overcome anxiety and accompanied her on her walk with Jesus. (13:54) Emily asks how Beth came to realize that God was calling her to a different purpose, and Beth reflects on the experience she’s had through travel and mission trips and how those helped her recognize her love of missionary work and working with young people. (17:21) Beth shares the great gifts that young people bring to the Church as joyful missionary disciples. She talks about the importance of just loving young people, and giving them the space to ask questions and experience silence. (19:49) Beth talks about all her travels and missionary work, and how the Catholic Church remains universal. She reflects on walking in the footsteps of the saints, either knowingly or unknowingly, and all the different aspects of the Church she’s seen that way. (28:32) Emily asks about Beth’s work in her role as the Engagement Coordinator at St. Aloysius, a position that will be formed in all Families of Parishes moving forward. Beth discusses all that’s part of her job, especially giving tours of the church, which combines her love of design and love of ministry together. (38:40) Beth shares a story of a time she shared something the Lord had put on her heart and it turned out to be exactly what her friend needed to hear, and the confidence it gave her in sharing what God is telling her. (41:07) Fr. Patrick explains some of the prophetic nature of our lives as children of God, and Beth closes in a prayer. Links from this episode: St. Paul on the Lake (http://stpaulonthelake.org/) St. Aloysius Detroit (https://www.staloysiusdetroit.com/) Catholic Relief Services (https://www.crs.org/) Brick House in the City (https://brickhouseinthecity.com/) No Unlikely Saints (https://brickhouseinthecity.com/product/no-unlikely-saints-a-lenten-pilgrimage-with-sacred-company/) Blessed Såra Salkahazi (http://catholicsaints.info/blessed-sara-salkahazi/) The Blessing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKd0B2YhHpk)

Episode 66: Beth Allison

Chris Leach, Director of Evangelical Charity for the Archdiocese of Detroit, enters the studio to reflect on the ministry of healing and the role it has played in his missionary journey. Show Notes: (0:16) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and share what they’ve been up to since our last episode. Emily shares that she’s visiting family in California and Fr. Patrick reminisces on his love for hot climates — in moderation. (3:31) Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Chris Leach, Director of Evangelical Charity for the Archdiocese of Detroit, who recently got a puppy, lost over 185 pounds, and is studying at Encounter Ministries to help others on their path to healing. (5:48) Chris discusses his Catholic upbringing and how he’s always known Jesus, sharing about a profound witness he experienced as a high schooler among many other teens and young adults who were so open to the movement of the Spirit in their lives. (8:41) Chris talks about his first job in ministry as a Youth Minister at Our Lady of Good Counsel, the parish where he grew up! He also mentions volunteer experience he had through the archdiocese ministering to incarcerated youth, which he was able to do with his background in criminal justice. (13:17) Chris shares his experience growing deeper in faith through healing ministry and reading Unbound: The Practical Guide to Deliverance. He shares how the book brought him to Encounter Ministries, a healing ministry he and Fr. Patrick are involved in. (15:58) Fr. Patrick gives a bit of the scriptural background on what healing ministry is, and some of the key players in Encounter Ministries, like Dr. Mary Healy, Sacred Heart Major Seminary professor. (21:15) Chris talks about the role of Unbound and those prayer steps in his weight loss journey and how they helped him reclaim his identity. He discusses a piece of Unbound theology that particularly moved him, and how that idea has helped him discover what graces he can give to others. (27:36) Chris shares testimony about a physical healing he witnessed when a friend’s leg was lengthened by the Holy Spirit. He also reflects on another instance of physical healing that he experienced when he met Fr. Patrick Gonyeau at St. John Newman for the Michigan Catholic Young Adults Conference. (33:39) Fr. Patrick shares his experience of the same physical healing, and asks Chris about his new position with the archdiocese. Chris talks about his new role as the Director of Evangelical Charity. (39:39) Chris closes in a blessing.

Episode 65: Chris Leach

Michelle Piccolo

Curtis Simpson, Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish, reflects on catching the Holy Spirit, how he uses Christian Service as a vehicle for evangelization, and whether coincidences exist with God. Show notes: (1:51) Curtis introduces himself and gives an overview of his role as Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit. He shares his New Years' resolution, discusses his conformation saint, St. John the Baptist, and mentions the great influence of Fr. Don Archambault in his walk with Christ. (4:13) Curtis describes what life has been like as a joyful missionary disciple, especiall as a Christian Service Coordinator during the pandemic, and how helping others and serving others is the best way to live out Jesus's call for us. (8:29) Curtis shares his experience of growing up as a young Black Catholic man in Detroit, and how the expectations of his neighbors and the influence of Fr. Don Archambault led him to a greater conversion to Christ. He mentions, too, a powerful experience of "catching the Holy Spirit" as a teenager. (17:13) Curtis reflects on how he began living his life differently after that encounter and how his relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit had to mature. He describes learning to be still and listen for the Lord, having to examine what his faith meant to him as a young adult, and his eventual leap of faith in accepting the Christian Service position at Corpus Christi. (24:21) Considering what it is that inspires him in his faith and journey, Curtis shares his love of serving those who come to the parish, because they think they're coming for tangible help, but they're really about to experience Jesus. He also shares certain scripture passages that particularly move and inspire him. (29:55) Are there coincidences? Curtis reflects on how we can confuse the movement of the Holy Spirit as mere coincidences, and times when he has seen that movement in action. He shares three key ways to recognize the Holy Spirit: be comfortable being uncomfortable, know and play your specific role, and be open to the Spirit in everyday moments. (38:25) Curtis shares a challenge his faith faced for a time, and how he was able to overcome that challenge, recognize the enemy trying to prevail, and turn back and recommit to the Lord. He stresses the importance of leaning on others in times of difficulty, and how this will help defeat the evil one. (43:23) Emily asks how Curtis was able to reignite his faith, and he answers with advice a fellow Corpus Christi parishioner had once given him: keep moving. He affirms the reminder that we are not alone, we have Jesus and each other, and we need to keep moving forward in our faith. (53:40) Fr. Patrick and Curtis close in prayer.

Curtis Simpson Jr.

From a teenager embedded in the party scene of Southwest Detroit to a young adult minister with Jornadas — and with a vision of the Blessed Mother along the way — Ricardo Hernandez shares the journey of realizing God’s endless love. (0:47) Ricardo discusses his current experiences living as a joyful missionary disciple, his work at the Basilica of Ste. Anne with Jornadas and Corazon Puro young adult ministries, and his podcast, Cafe con los Santos. (7:49) Ricardo reflects on what his life was like before his encounter with Jesus and the journey that brought him to belief in Jesus. (15:59) While Cru got him in the door, Ricardo considers the one thing that was missing was the Catholic truth of forgiveness and salvation. He discusses the power of prayer and how his prayer routines have changed throughout the pandemic. (24:08) Fr. Patrick asks Ricardo about a stumble on his faith journey, and Ricardo talks about his experiences with mental unwellness and how his faith is what allowed him to fully recover from his challenges. (30:41) Ricardo considers how his ministry was affected by his having COVID, and he reflects on the patience God has asked him to have and the new ways Ricardo has been called to serve. (36:32) Ricardo shares a powerful testimony about a vision of the Blessed Mother he had on a silent retreat with Corazon Puro and the imagery she presented him. (43:06) Emily asks Ricardo for some final thoughts, and he reassures listeners about Jesus’s unending love for us, and the amazing possibilities for life and happiness that are available to us through faith in Jesus. (46:41) Ricardo offers a final prayer over the podcast and listeners!

Episode 62: Ricardo Hernandez

Fr. Steve, Danielle, and new hosts Fr. Patrick Gonyeau and Emily Mentock reflect on seasons past and look forward to what Open Door Policy has in store. (1:38) Fr. Steve and Danielle reflect on the great successes they’ve had as hosts of 54 episodes of Open Door Policy, and they announce the transition to the podcast’s new hosts, Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau. (4:36) Danielle and Fr. Steve share memories of their favorite ODP episodes, their funniest guests, most inspiring guests, and unexpected rapid fire answers. (16:28) Fr. Steve and Danielle reflect on the greatest graces and blessings that have come from hosting Open Door Policy over the past five seasons. (18:58) Fr. Patrick challenges Fr. Steve and Danielle to share their favorite memories about Open Door Policy producer Ron Pangborn! (21:26) Emily and Fr. Patrick discuss the future of Open Door Policy, what listeners can expect in the coming episodes and seasons, and what they most look forward to in the podcast. (25:08) For listeners who don’t know her, Emily gives a little bit of background on how the Lord brought her to Detroit from South Bend and her role in the mission here. (28:41) Danielle and Fr. Steve talk about what they’re working on now and what their futures in ministry have in store for them, like depicting Catholicism in art and inviting people to grow closer to Scripture. (33:45) The four discuss the new 52 Sundays and how it can help families reclaim Sunday for the Lord, especially during the pandemic. (34:47) Fr. Steve, Danielle, Fr. Patrick, and Emily share stories of when they met each other, their impressions of one another. (39:00) Emily and Fr. Patrick thank Danielle and Fr. Steve for their time hosting Open Door Policy and wish them the best on their way! Fr. Steve closes in prayer.

Episode 61: Fr. Steve and Danielle Pass the Mic

Open Door Policy is a podcast hosted by Fr. Steve Pullis, Director of Evangelization, Catechesis and Schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit, and Danielle Center, a parishioner at St. Augustine and St. Monica Parish. In each episode, Fr. Steve and Danielle talk with guests from across the Archdiocese of Detroit who are living as joyful missionary disciples. Guests share their personal testimonies, their stories of encountering Jesus Christ and their decisions to follow Him. They also talk about Unleash the Gospel, a pastoral letter from Archbishop Allen Vigneron that describes how God is calling us to join a movement to transform the Archdiocese of Detroit. The name of the podcast, Open Door Policy, is a tribute to Blessed Solanus Casey, God's doorkeeper, and reflects God's call for the Archdiocese to be mission-focused and to go out and share the Gospel – the most radical, beautiful and life-changing message of all time.

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Open Door Policy

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