The Gathering Place, a Podcast from Blessed is She

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What does it actually look like to live the Catholic faith in marriage and family life? 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

In this episode of Catholicism for Catholics, Dr. MaryRuth Hackett shares honestly about her journey from Protestantism to Catholicism, raising children in the faith, navigating spiritual differences in marriage, and learning how to evangelize first through love and example. 🫶🏽

Together, we explore:
What makes Catholic family life different
How to share the faith without forcing it
Raising children with wonder, not just rules
What to do when a spouse or child struggles with the faith
The importance of living the faith before preaching it
Trusting God with the people we love most

“If you don’t love being Catholic, don’t expect your family to love it either.”

Whether you’re married, parenting, praying for loved ones, or simply trying to live your faith more authentically, this conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight.

We’re so grateful you’re here. Subscribe to our ⁠YouTube channel⁠ and join us for more episodes of Catholicism for Catholics from Blessed is She. 🤍

In this episode of Catholicism for Catholics, Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett reflects on how our Catholic faith shapes our relationships, especially with our families of origin.
Sharing from her own experience as a Protestant convert to Catholicism, Dr. Hackett opens up about the challenges, misunderstandings, and grace that can come when faith journeys look different within a family. Her story reminds us that evangelization doesn’t begin with arguments, it begins with living a joyful, authentic Catholic life.
In this conversation, she highlights three important ways we can integrate our faith into our relationships:
Live your faith — Let your life reflect the joy and grace of the sacraments.
Be well-formed — Grow in your understanding of what the Church teaches and why.
Act with courage — When others ask about your faith, respond with charity and confidence.
Whether your family shares your faith or not, this episode offers encouragement to love well, witness authentically, and trust the Holy Spirit at work in every conversation.
If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate faith conversations with family members or how to live your Catholic faith more fully in everyday relationships, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes in the Catholicism for Catholics series from Blessed is She.

In the spiritual life, following Jesus often means walking the narrow way. It's the path of humility, surrender, and obedience.

In this conversation, Jenna and Beth reflect on what it means to lay down our lives with Christ, not only in big moments, but in the small, daily “deaths” that shape our hearts to become more like Him.

They talk about how God lovingly reveals our weaknesses, not to shame us, but to invite us into deeper transformation. When we begin to see our sins, limitations, and struggles more clearly, it can actually be a sign that the Lord is working in our hearts.

Jenna and Beth also reflect on the beauty of obedience: how choosing God’s will over our own can feel costly, but ultimately leads to freedom, healing, and new life. Jesus shows us that the path to resurrection always passes through surrender.

If you’ve ever struggled with vanity, pride, weakness, forgiveness, or the call to surrender more deeply to God, this conversation is for you. The Lord meets us exactly where we are and gently leads us forward on the path that leads to life. ✨

Are you wondering, “How do I become Catholic?” You’re not alone and you’re in the right place! In this episode of Catholicism for Catholics, Alison Oertle walks through the beautiful invitation of the Catholic Church and explains the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), the process through which adults are welcomed into the fullness of the faith.

Becoming Catholic isn’t just about joining a church, it’s saying yes to a lifelong relationship with the God of the universe. Through baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist, we receive His grace, live in communion with the Church, and grow closer to Jesus every day.

Alison compares the OCIA process to a love story with God, starting with inquiry (getting to know Him), moving through the catechumenate (falling in love and learning about the faith), and preparing for initiation at the sacraments. Whether you’re a new Christian or already walking with Him, OCIA is a chance to encounter Jesus and experience His love in a profound way. 💜

“The future depends on love.” What you fall in love with shapes your life. Let this invitation into the Church transform your heart, your daily life, and your understanding of God’s grace.

If you’re ready to explore the Catholic faith, consider contacting a local parish to attend an inquiry session, the first step in your journey with Jesus and His Church. ⛪️

Head over to our YouTube channel to watch our Catholicism for Catholics series.