In Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Exhortation, the faithful are called to continual growth in the Gospel message, to proclaim the message to the ends of the earth. As we continue to search for The Lord and find Him in our daily lives, it can be difficult to follow through with this command of Christ, yet we must strive to follow after Him. Join Vince, Father Andy, and Deacon AJ as they discuss these issues in our world and our lives today.

In this week’s episode, we journey through the life of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Saint Benedict, better known as the Father of Western Monasticism, is the spiritual father to many religious communities throughout the world. The Encounter Mercy Podcast is lucky to have our own Benedictine monk at our disposal! Join Father Andy and Brother Barnabas as Bro. Barnabas tells stories and opens up the Rule of Saint Benedict for daily life.

After a month hiatus, the gang is back! Between Father Andy moving and starting in a new parish assignment, Deacon AJ starting his summer assignment, Brother Deacon Barnabas settling in for summer at the Monastery, and the changes of life for Mr. Vince Dragone as a father and spouse, we come back together to discuss these transitions in life.

A few weeks back, we had an episode on Fatherhood and raising Catholic Children. This week, we have a close friend of the Encounter Mercy Podcast, as well as a high school friend of Father Andy, Jillian Zaczyk, to speak on the topic of Catholic Motherhood and how she sees herself as a Catholic Mother, Wife, and faith leader. Join Father Andy, Jesse Spanogle, and Jillian Zaczyk as they discuss the faith in today’s episode.

Deacon AJ and Br. Barnabas talk about a favorite book of theirs, He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J., who was an American missionary to Russia during the onset of the 2nd World War.  Ministering in Eastern Poland during the rise of the Soviet Union, Ciszek is captured and is accused of being a Vatican spy.  Over the next 25 years, he spends time in prison and labor camps, and endures incredible amounts of suffering.  Through his trials, he is able to accept God’s will and learns the meaning of His Providence.  In this episode, Deacon AJ and Br. Barnabas share how this book continues to inspire them.