Ave Spotlight

I sit down with Tom Corcoran, co-founder and president of Rebuilt Parish, to explore one of the most challenging encounters in the Gospels: Jesus and the Rich Young Man. Drawing from his new book, Tom unpacks why this story continues to speak to every Christian wrestling with the tension of happiness. Together, we discuss how Jesus always begins with love before inviting us to the cross.

Three Takeaways:

Jesus loves us before He challenges us. Every invitation to sacrifice begins with an encounter rooted in His love and desire for our happiness.

Idols take many forms. Wealth, status, comfort, family, entertainment, and even good things can become obstacles when they take God's rightful place.

Mission begins with surrender. Personal conversion and parish renewal both start by letting go of what keeps us from fully following Christ.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Oscar welcomes Andy Churray, president of Vagabond Missions, to Ave Spotlight for a conversation about what it means to live on mission. Andy shares how Vagabond Missions brings the Gospel to inner-city neighborhoods by reaching young people who are often overlooked by traditional ministry. Rooted in Jesus' words that "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head," their mission isn't built on flashy programs but on a simple philosophy: make a friend, be a friend, and bring a friend to Christ. Through stories of authentic relationships, Andy reminds listeners that evangelization begins not with projects or programs, but with presence, grace, and the courage to go where others will not.

Three Takeaways:

Mission begins with relationships. The Gospel spreads most powerfully through authentic friendships, not elaborate strategies.

Create margin for people. Like Jesus, we must slow down enough to truly see, know, and accompany those around us.

Grace comes before the checklist. Lasting evangelization isn't about completing tasks—it's about allowing Christ's love to overflow into the lives of others.

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Oscar welcomes Santonio Hill for a conversation that bridges the worlds of sports, faith, and discipleship. Together, we explore why people passionately identify with teams, wear their colors, defend their loyalty, and find community through sports. But what might happen if that same energy were directed toward a relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church?

Drawing from the examples of elite athletes, Santonio challenges listeners to embrace the discipline, sacrifice, and consistency required for spiritual growth. Through his personal conversion story in Eucharistic Adoration, he reveals how falling in love with God transformed his life and gave him a mission greater than himself.

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Oscar sat down with Paul Blanchard, director of social media outreach and IT specialist for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, to explore one of the most important questions facing the Church today: How do we embrace technology without losing our humanity? Drawing from Pope Leo XIV recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Paul shares insights from the front lines of digital evangelization, where technology serves the mission of making disciples rather than replacing relationships. Together we discuss AI companions, social media, human dignity, and the Church’s responsibility to provide moral guidance in a rapidly changing world. Through it all, Paul reminds listeners that the goal of technology should not be efficiency alone, but deeper communion with God and one another.

Three Takeaways:

Technology should serve relationships, not replace them.

Human dignity must remain at the center of AI development.

Evangelization is ultimately personal.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

On this episode, Oscar sits down with Helena Heffernan of Life Teen International to explore the often challenging journey of discernment. Helena shares how prayer, silence, and honest self-awareness helped her recognize where her gifts could truly flourish. Their conversation is a powerful reminder that vocation is not about forcing a path forward, but faithfully responding to where God is genuinely calling you.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)