In Goodfaith

In this second conversation with Karen Bortvedt Estrada, somatic stress release practitioner and founder of Wish You Knew, Maggie and Tim explore what it means to help young people feel safer, more present, and more at home in their bodies. The conversation begins with social media and smartphones: why we reach for them when we feel lonely, overwhelmed, or disconnected—and how a small pause can restore a sense of choice. Karen invites parents, educators, and ministers to approach technology with curiosity, recognizing that a phone or pair of headphones may sometimes be a young person’s source of connection, regulation, or safety. From there, the group offers practical ways to create more body-aware spaces. They discuss naming emotions, engaging the senses, arranging rooms with safety in mind, allowing movement and different prayer postures, making participation optional, and offering anonymous ways to respond. Karen also explains co-regulation: how the energy an adult brings into a room can shape everyone else’s experience. The conversation ultimately returns to a deeply incarnational truth: bodies are not obstacles to faith. God became human, the Eucharist is the Body of Christ, and our bodies carry wisdom worth listening to. Whether someone needs to rock, color, sit against a wall, keep their eyes open during prayer, or simply take a breath, there is room for them. Karen’s encouragement for anyone accompanying young people is simple: You are doing the best you can with the resources you have. Begin with one small shift, stay curious, and remember that repair is always possible. Practices mentioned in this episode Pause and ask what need is underneath the impulse to reach for a phone. Invite people to name an emotion, sensation, texture, or image that describes how they feel. Use the five-senses countdown to return attention to the present. Arrange seating so participants can see the room and have something solid behind them. Place a hand over the heart or abdomen during prayer. Allow rocking, coloring, stretching, floor seating, and other forms of movement. Offer time for private reflection before asking anyone to share. Make sharing optional and provide anonymous ways to participate. Let people keep their eyes open, soften their gaze, or choose a comfortable prayer posture. Regulate yourself before trying to help someone else regulate. Approach repeated behavior with curiosity and the most generous interpretation available. About Karen Karen Bortvedt Estrada is the founder and lead facilitator of Wish You Knew, where she creates spaces for individual and group reflection and transformation. She is a certified somatic stress release practitioner whose work helps people engage the body’s natural stress-response cycle through movement, visualization, vocalization, gentle touch, and rest. Links Listen to Karen’s first In Goodfaith conversation, “Permission to Be Human” Connect with Karen on LinkedIn Listen and follow In Goodfaith

What does Catholic social teaching have to say about artificial intelligence, and what might the Church offer a culture increasingly shaped by screens, algorithms, and polarization? Kim Daniels, director of Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, joins Maggie and Stephanie to explore the Church’s role in safeguarding human dignity amid rapid technological change. Drawing on her work at Georgetown, her participation in the global Synod on Synodality, and Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Kim offers a hopeful vision rooted in listening, dialogue, solidarity, and care for people who are poor and vulnerable. The conversation also considers the promise and real-world harms of AI, from algorithmic bias and exploitative labor to the environmental costs of data centers. Kim reminds us that human beings are more than their productivity or cognitive ability—and that our limitations, relationships, and embodied lives are not problems to optimize away. At a time of constant digital connection, even gathering for Mass becomes a countercultural witness: people coming together without devices to pray, celebrate the Eucharist, and encounter one another in an embodied community. Episode timestamps 00:37 — Introducing Kim Daniels 04:23 — The origins and mission of Georgetown’s Initiative 05:34 — Kim’s journey from law to Catholic public life 12:46 — Discovering the depth of Catholic social teaching 20:34 — Pope Francis and the call to become a poor Church for the poor 24:45 — Dialogue and bridge-building in a polarized culture 28:38 — Lessons from the global Synod on Synodality 34:02 — Moving from listening to concrete action 35:54 — The Church’s mission in the digital environment 38:23 — Parenting and forming young people in a digital culture 47:05 — Pope Leo XIV’s vision for AI and human dignity 53:26 — The real-world justice implications of artificial intelligence 59:13 — Vulnerability, grief, joy, and the gift of being human 1:05:42 — Why Mass is countercultural in the age of AI 1:09:27 — Catholic social teaching as a source of hope 1:12:49 — What is giving Kim hope today About Kim Daniels Kim Daniels is the director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University and an adjunct professor in Georgetown’s Department of Theology and Religious Studies. She has served as a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication and participated in the 2021–2024 Synod on Synodality as an expert participant. She also coordinated the Synod study group examining the Church’s mission in the digital environment. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Chicago Law School, Kim has advised Catholic leaders and institutions on issues including religious liberty, immigration, human life and dignity, and care for creation. Resources Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life Kim Daniels at Georgetown University Magnifica Humanitas : On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence The Synod study group’s report on the Church’s mission in the digital environment “What A.I. Has to Do With Poverty and Human Dignity” by Kim Daniels “In Magnifica Humanitas , Pope Leo Delivers a People-First Vision for AI” by Kim Daniels

In this episode of In Goodfaith, Maggie and Stephanie sit down with researcher and ministry trainer Charlotte McCorquodale to explore what 25 years of research reveal about the changing realities of Catholic youth and young adult ministry. Drawing on her longitudinal study, Illuminating Trends, Charlotte describes a field marked by expanding responsibilities, declining professional support, unequal compensation, and a growing leadership gap. Together, they examine why relational ministry is difficult to measure, how attendance-based metrics can obscure genuine transformation, and why accompaniment requires shared responsibility across the entire parish community. Charlotte McCorquodale leads Ministry Training Source and has spent decades studying and supporting Catholic ministry leaders. Her newest resource translates the research into guided conversations about the pressure points facing ministers and the balancing actions churches can take in response. She encourages ministry leaders to assess their own realities, identify trusted allies, and use data to begin honest conversations that can lead to meaningful change. 0:00–6:15 Opening, guest introduction, and the story behind the research Theme: how Charlotte’s doctoral work grew into a 25-year study of youth and young adult ministry 6:15–11:30 What has—and has not—changed Declining formation budgets, limited benefits, role confusion, and the continual need for ministers to justify their work 11:30–19:10 Valuing those who accompany young people The formation and expertise ministry requires; expanding job descriptions; research as a source of clarity and agency 19:10–29:30 Moving beyond “magical thinking” Why old ministry models no longer work; cultural change, relational discipleship, and the limits of attendance as a measure of success 29:30–34:40 Measuring transformation and supporting accompaniment Transactional versus transformational metrics; performance reviews, ministry structures, and using data to start conversations 34:40–40:30 The challenge of finding volunteers “People power,” shared mission, pastor support, and inviting adults into meaningful relationships with young people 40:30–48:10 Reimagining youth and young adult ministry Innovation, continuity through leadership transitions, young people as protagonists, and promising new ministry models 48:10–56:00 Building parishes of accompaniment Relational work as productive work; knowing people by name; baptism, belonging, and the responsibility of the whole community 56:00–1:03:15 A leadership gap in Catholic ministry Compensation, benefits, generational expectations, work-life balance, and why younger ministers are planning shorter tenures 1:03:15–1:15:30 Gender inequity and sustainable ministry The persistent pay gap, changing expectations among women and younger generations, family life, leave policies, and intergenerational support 1:15:30–1:22:55 Practical next steps and a new conversation resource Assessing ministry realities, finding allies, practicing difficult conversations, and addressing pressure points with balancing actions 1:22:55–1:26:26 Sources of hope and closing reflections The joy of accompanying young people, the commitment of ministry leaders, and an invitation to share and support the podcast

In this episode of In Goodfaith, Maggie and Stephanie sit down with Sister Nancy Usselmann, FSP, a Catholic media educator and advocate for AI literacy, to explore how Catholic social teaching speaks to artificial intelligence today. They discuss what AI is, how the Church has engaged with AI ethics, and practical steps pastors, educators, and families can take to navigate a world where technology increasingly shapes work, education, and relationships. The conversation anchors itself in Pope Leo’s encyclical and CST, calling for human-centered discernment, subsidiarity, and the dignity of the human person as central guides. Sister Nancy Usselmann, FSP, is a Daughter of Saint Paul and director of Pauline Media Studies. She teaches AI literacy and media mindfulness, speaks nationwide on AI ethics, and helps Catholic communities think critically about how to use technology for mission and evangelization. She also references the Catholic faithai.com platform, which offers formation guides and an AI mindfulness wheel for virtue-centered use of AI. - 0:00–4:50 Opening and guest introduction - Theme: setting the frame for AI ethics through CST and human dignity - 4:50–12:00 What AI is and why it matters to Catholics - Clarifications: machine learning, large language models, prompts, and the non-neutral character of AI - 12:00–15:25 The Church’s engagement with AI - Rome Calls for AI ethics; Vatican and CST as ethical voices in tech - 15:25–21:00 Practical formation and resources - Catholic Faith AI platform; AI mindfulness wheel; guidance for parishes, catechists, and educators - 21:00–28:10 Real-world implications: education, work, environment - Data centers, water use, subsidiarity, and implications for jobs and learning - 28:10–33:50 Discernment and practical guidance - Augmenting thinking vs outsourcing; empowerment vs dependence; CST in daily tech decisions - 33:50–40:00 AI in church life: liturgy, catechesis, youth ministry - The human witness remains central; accompany with AI tools thoughtfully - 40:00–49:55 Big-picture hope and what excites Sister Nancy - Positive apps for catechesis, accessible teaching, and mission-driven use - 50:00–54:43 Closing reflections and calls to action - Summaries, prayers, and where to find resources

In this episode, Maggie and Stephanie sit down with Dr. Guilherme Lopes just days after his CTU graduation to talk about how Catholic social teaching shaped his life long before it became his academic focus. Guilherme shares his story as a Brazilian immigrant raised in the Bronx, formed by the Salesians of Don Bosco through a tuition exchange at Holy Rosary parish, and how that early experience of being fed, clothed, and welcomed by a religious community planted the seeds for a career spent at the intersection of faith, justice, and youth ministry. The conversation moves through his unlikely path: a criminal justice degree born out of grief after losing his best friend to a drunk-driving accident, a hard stretch as a juvenile probation officer, and the moment at a Thursday art program for detained teens that redirected him toward ministry. From there, Guilherme traces his work revising the Salesians' Gospel Roads immersion program, his pivot away from "flashy," consumer-style youth ministry programming toward authentic, justice-oriented service experiences, and his eventual move to Newman University, where he now directs campus ministry and teaches theology. Maggie and Stephanie connect his story to Goodfaith's own immersion work, comparing notes on snack-cabinet rules, DoorDash bans, four-minute showers, and what it means to form a generation raised on curated, on-demand experiences.

Two social media posts started a movement. Less than a year later, the Dorothea Project counts more than 1,100 Catholic women across 75 dioceses. We sit down with founder Katie Holler and project leader Krista Varney to talk about how a grassroots network of Catholic women grew out of one mom's refusal to stay silent. Katie, a social worker in Steubenville, started the Dorothea Project after the second Trump administration's immigration enforcement hit her during her postpartum maternity leave. She made two Facebook posts asking if anyone else felt the same. Dozens of women answered, most of them saying some version of "I thought I was the only one." Named for Dorothy Day and Sister Thea Bowman, the Dorothea Project educates Catholics on Catholic social teaching and moves them to act in defense of vulnerable people. The conversation digs into why CST stays the so-called "best kept secret of the Church", what happens when you start treating your bishop like a constituent who needs to hear from you, and why building a movement means getting comfortable with tension instead of waiting for everyone to agree on everything. We get into the work of organizing at both the national and local level, the new CST-based voter guide the group is building ahead of the midterms, and why the laity coming to know their own power might be the real shift the Church needs.

Tim joins Maggie in the host seat for a rich conversation with Karen Bortvedt Estrada, a somatic stress release practitioner and founder of Wish You Knew. Karen helps us notice the things we override all day, the clenched jaw, the tensed shoulders, and makes the case for "humaning" instead of performing. The three get honest about the cost of caregiving work, and the scripts (capitalism, perfectionism, "your reward will be great in heaven") that keep ministers, teachers, and nonprofit folks running until they collapse. Karen's reframe is freeing: you are not broken, you're feeling the symptoms of a broken system, and naming that is where healing begins. The episode closes on the church itself, with Karen sharing what she wishes faith communities understood about the body, intuition, and letting their people be human, messy, and rested rather than endlessly productive.

Rosie Chinea Shawver didn't embrace faith until college. She grew up in a Puerto Rican and Cuban household where faith was present but not personal, like a piece of furniture. It took a persistent friend, a cute guy in the choir, and a priest who took her out for froyo to change all of that. Now, nearly 20 years into campus ministry and serving as Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA), Rosie has given her life to making sure young people have the same kind of encounter she did. In this conversation, we talk with Rosie about what it really takes to accompany young adults in faith and why that slow, deeply human work is exactly what the church needs more of right now.

One year ago, white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel and the world met Pope Leo XIV — the first American pontiff in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. A lot has happened since then. To mark the anniversary, we're joined again by Colleen Dulle. Colleen is the Vatican correspondent for America Magazine, co-host of the Inside the Vatican podcast, and author of Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter. Colleen reported live from Rome during the Conclave and has been tracking Leo's papacy ever since. She joins us from the middle of an international move with her young family, and we are so grateful for her time. Colleen's Links: Struck Down, Not Destroyed on Bookshop.org Inside the Vatican Podcast Instagram X (Twitter)

What does it look like to walk alongside young Latino Catholics at this particular moment in the life of the Church — and in the life of the United States? That's the heart of today's conversation with Juan Escarfuller and Elisabeth Roman from Instituto Fe y Vida, a Lasallian ministry founded in 1994 to form young Latinos as servant leaders in the Church and society. From WhatsApp groups that outlast retreats to banner-making retreats that reunite teens with their parents, Juan and Ellie paint a vivid picture of what formation rooted in community, culture, and faith actually looks like on the ground. They also speak candidly about the fear, grief, and resilience spreading through Latino parishes in the current political climate, and what they witnessed firsthand when a delegation of over 90 migrants was received by Pope Leo at the Vatican.

In our newest installment of our parenting series The Confessional, Maggie and Stephanie sit down with Kate and Anthony, a Philadelphia couple raising three daughters while doing deeply meaningful, demanding work in Catholic higher education and climate justice. From meeting at the National Catholic Youth Conference at age 17 to building an intentional family life rooted in faith, justice, and community, this conversation is warm and deeply real. Kate is the Director of the Center for Common Good at Villanova University. Anthony co-founded Taproot, a climate justice nonprofit working on issues of self-determination and climate reparations. Together they're basketball teams, navigating the Catholic Church's complicated moment, and trying to raise kids who understand why their faith compels them to care about the world. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

One year after the death of Pope Francis, Maggie and Stephanie welcome back John Grosso, digital editor of the National Catholic Reporter — this time calling in from paternity leave with a two-week-old at home. John shares where he was when Francis died (at his desk in a bathrobe at 3am), reflects on how Francis's legacy is still being fought over, and makes the case that Pope Leo XIV is building on that foundation. Then we get into the current moment: Trump's attack on Pope Leo XIV, JD Vance challenging the Pope on Just War Theory while standing in the homeland of St. Augustine, the American cardinals on 60 Minutes, and a USCCB slowly finding its footing. We end with the bigger question underneath all of it: what this moment is really asking of American Catholics, and what it means to choose the gospel over your politics. Also: a baby who may owe her potty training breakthrough to Pope Francis, and John's promise to review JD Vance's book the moment he's back from leave. Follow John Grosso online: National Catholic Reporter Threads BlueSky LinkedIn

In this episode of In Goodfaith, Maggie and Stephanie sit down with writer, theologian, and speaker Laura Kelly Fanucci for a conversation about faith, grief, parenting, and hope in uncertain times. Drawing from her life as a mother of five, her experience navigating crisis in her community, and her new book Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection, Laura reflects on how faith takes shape in the middle of real life. Together, they explore what it looks like to raise compassionate kids in a complicated world, how community becomes a lifeline in times of fear and division, and how the Resurrection provides a path through suffering About the Guest Laura Kelly Fanucci is a writer, speaker, and theologian whose work focuses on faith in everyday life. She is the author of several books, including Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection. Laura lives in Minnesota with her husband and five sons, where she writes and shares reflections on faith, grief, and hope. Links Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection by Laura Kelly Fanucci Follow Laura ( @thismessygrace ) for daily reflections and Gospel-based insights

In this episode of In Goodfaith, we sit down with Meghan Hatcher, Senior Director of Ministry Strategies at the Ministry Leadership Center, to explore a question that has shaped years of shared work between our organizations: What does real transformation actually look like in the life of a church? Together, we unpack the difference between transactional ministry (focused on numbers, attendance, and outputs) and transformational ministry, which centers on belonging, encounter, and lived change in people’s lives. Drawing from Meghan’s experience in church planting, pastoral leadership, and congregational strategy, we reflect on the moments that revealed the limits of traditional metrics, as well as the deeper stories of grace, healing, and community that often go unseen. We also introduce the Transformational Ministry Assessment, an innovative new tool developed in partnership between Goodfaith and the Ministry Leadership Center, designed to help leaders name, measure, and grow the kind of transformation that actually reflects the heart of the Gospel. This conversation is for anyone who has felt the tension between what’s counted and what truly counts—and who believes the Church is still becoming something new. Key Themes & Takeaways 1. The problem with “success metrics” in ministry Many churches rely on attendance, giving, and growth as primary indicators of health—but those measures often miss the deeper movement of the Spirit in people’s lives. 2. Transformation vs. transaction Transformation is about real change—how people think, feel, act, and relate. Transactional ministry focuses on participation and outputs. Both exist, but only one reflects the fullness of discipleship. 3. A defining story: when a church was “failing”… but lives were changing Meghan shares a powerful story of a church plant that was shut down for not meeting financial and attendance benchmarks—even as people were experiencing belonging, healing, and faith for the first time. 4. We are resurrection people—but often tell Good Friday stories Much of church culture focuses on decline and survival. But the Gospel calls us to notice where new life is already breaking through. 5. The Church is people, not a place The early Christian idea of ecclesia points to a gathered people, not a building. Transformation often happens beyond the walls—on playgrounds, in homes, and in relationships. 6. What people are actually longing for Belonging. Being known. Being accompanied. Not programs. 7. A new imagination for ministry Across the country, leaders are rethinking what church can look like—partnering with communities, listening first, and creating spaces that respond to real human needs. About the Transformational Ministry Assessment Developed through years of shared research and practice, the Transformational Ministry Assessment helps ministry leaders: Reflect on where transformation is already happening Identify gaps between intention and impact Shift from transactional to transformational focus Engage stakeholders in meaningful conversation Reimagine ministry through the lens of the Gospel It explores transformation across four dimensions: Head (thinking) Heart (feeling) Hands (action) Community (relationships) This tools enables churches to see more clearly, name what matters, and move forward with intention. 👉 Learn more: https://wearegoodfaith.org/transformational-ministry-assessment/

This conversation is a special one for us. We first met Sister Norma Pimentel years ago through our Magdalene Circle, and later had the chance to spend time with her at the border in South Texas. Those encounters changed us. They shaped how we understand accompaniment, what it looks like in practice, and what it asks of us. Sister Norma has spent her life walking with migrants and refugees through Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley . In moments of overwhelming need, she has helped lead a response rooted in presence and focused on meeting people as they arrive, caring for them, and helping them take the next step forward. In this episode, she shares what she has seen over the years, how things have shifted recently, and what it means to keep showing up when the world feels heavy and uncertain. More than anything, this conversation brought us back to something simple and demanding: our faith calls us to love the person in front of us. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this episode of In Goodfaith, Maggie and Stephanie sit down with journalist and Vatican correspondent Colleen Dulle to reflect on what it looks like to remain rooted in faith while confronting the Church’s hardest realities. Colleen Dulle is a journalist and Vatican correspondent for America Magazine and co-host of the podcast Inside the Vatican. Her book, Struck Down, Not Destroyed, offers a personal and professional account of faith lived in tension with the realities of the institutional Church. Drawing from her new book Colleen shares her journey covering the Vatican during moments of crisis, including the 2018 abuse scandal, and how that reporting intersected with her own spiritual life. She speaks candidly about doubt, anger, and the ongoing work of holding both love for the Church and a commitment to truth. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of Catholic journalism, the tension between institutional credibility and personal voice, and how motherhood has reshaped Colleen’s understanding of God’s love. Throughout, a consistent thread emerges: faith is not the absence of struggle, but a willingness to remain in it—with honesty, hope, and trust in the resurrection. Colleen's Links: Struck Down, Not Destroyed on Bookshop.org Inside the Vatican Podcast Instagram X (Twitter) Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this special installment of The Confessional on In Goodfaith, Maggie and Tim turn the microphones toward someone listeners know well — Goodfaith president Stephanie Peddicord — along with her husband Chad Peddicord. Together they reflect on the realities of raising teenagers in today’s hyper-competitive youth sports culture: the joys, the pressures, and the values they’re trying to pass on as parents. From travel teams and early specialization to sideline behavior and the challenge of keeping family priorities intact, this conversation explores what it means to form young people through sports while remembering that their worth goes far beyond performance. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this special bonus episode, we bring our podcast producer and Director of Communication & Development on to help us talk about the past two years. On February 26th, 2024, The Center for FaithJustice officially rebranded as Goodfaith. The process has been full of gifts and challenges, but has continually brought the organization closer to its mission: to cultivate a vibrant movement of faith in action through transformative experiences centered in Catholic social tradition. Over the course of this conversation, we reflect on what it meant to discern a new name, honor a deeply loved history, and step into a broader national calling. We talk about programmatic shifts, new partnerships, the launch and growth of this podcast, our move from Lawrenceville to Trenton, and the expansion of our team. We also share honestly about the realities of leading a Catholic nonprofit in uncertain times while remaining rooted in the richness of Catholic social teaching. Thank you for walking with us...in goodfaith. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

Rebuilding Communion in a Divided World: Insights from the Communion Project In this episode, Jonathan Lewis, Mission Strategy Officer with the Paulist Fathers, joins us to discuss the groundbreaking Communion Project. This is a fresh initiative aimed at fostering real unity within parish communities and beyond. As society grapples with polarization and division, this work reminds us of our call to embody gospel values through active dialogue, relationship, listening, and prayer. Key Topics The origins and mission of the Paulist Fathers, with a focus on American faith and identity The impact of polarization on both societal and church life, and how it hinders effective ministry The concept of communion in Catholic social teaching, and its importance in healing divisions Practical ways to cultivate community, rooted in virtues like patience, kindness, and listening The significance of small groups, accompaniment, and spiritual direction in building lasting relationships The role of media, algorithms, and social platforms in shaping perceptions and divisions Strategies for parish engagement: from awareness to action, starting with the basics How broader societal issues—history, injustice, and the common good—intersect with faith efforts The importance of patience, discipline, and virtue in long-term cultural and spiritual transformation Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to the Communion Project and its significance 2:09 - Reflection on the history of the Paulist Fathers and American identity 4:24 - Addressing polarization as a crisis affecting ministry and witness 5:58 - The Catholic vision of communion—unity amidst diversity 8:35 - The roots of American ideals connected to Catholic social teaching 10:00 - When did American Catholics start separating faith from the common good? 12:08 - Prophetic witness versus thermometer: setting the cultural tone 14:04 - The role of accountability and acknowledging historical complicity 16:18 - Reaffirming our call to see and respect human dignity 18:32 - The power of virtues like patience, kindness, and self-control in community-building 22:22 - Building genuine relationships beyond superficial parish hopping 25:27 - Recognizing the impact of algorithms and social media on division 30:28 - Developing moral muscles: listening, holding tension, and conflict resilience 36:45 - The importance of belonging, being known, and parish identity 42:31 - Moving from passive participation to relationship and belonging 46:48 - Practical resources: head, heart, and hands framework for building communion 54:30 - The importance of listening, dialogue, and prophetic witness in justice 58:07 - The patience needed for long-term cultural change and faith growth 60:42 - The call for the church to be a field hospital—living the virtues in action 65:28 - Connecting parishes with the Communion Project—how to get involved 67:38 - The role of spiritual accompaniment and direction in fostering unity 68:17 - What gives us hope amid challenging days? 69:06 - Final encouragement: start small, stay rooted, and walk together in good faithResources & Links Communion Project — Official site with resources and ways to get involved Connect with Jonathan Lewis: LinkedIn Twitter Additional Recommendations Watch The West Wing episode on division and reconciliation (recommended homework for a deeper cultural context) Explore Conflict Resilience by Dr. Bob Bourdone for skills on holding conflict and building resilience Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this episode of In Goodfaith, we’re joined by Dr. Jeff Thompson and Dr. Mayra Thompson, a husband-and-wife physician team who are reimagining what healthcare can look like when it’s rooted in dignity, accompaniment, and faith. Jeff and Mayra were recently featured in an article in America Media. They founded the St. Paul Medical Clinic in Lancaster, Texas. The clinic serves uninsured and underinsured neighbors—many of them migrants—through volunteer-driven, relationship-centered primary care. Our conversation moves from their unlikely love story (Chicago, medical school, and a lot of persistence) to their shared call to serve, and ultimately to the question that changed everything: Why were we traveling overseas on mission trips when the need was right in our own community? Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions