Building the Church at Home
Join us as we support your mission of building the 'Church at Home', the place where faith and family meet. We share insights from a priest, a mother, and a whole lot of others.
The Power of the Rosary
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. is joined by guests Katie Smith and Ingrid Arredondo. Together they discuss the power of the Rosary and share personal testimonies of how their lives have been touched through the devotion of the Rosary. Thy reflect on the history of the rosary and emphasize the fact that the rosary can be an effective spiritual weapon and a powerful tool to draw us close to Christ, through the intercession of Mary.
The Little Way: Learning from St. Thérèse
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the “Little Way” that offers a tangible action plan for pursuing holiness. They explore the background of St. Thérèse and the impact her family’s faith had on her own spiritual journey. They reflect on why Pope John Paul II named her a Doctor of the Church despite formal theological training. Together they break open her “Little Way” and discuss everyday opportunities that present itself for people to offer small sacrifices and serve others with great love as if they were serving Jesus himself.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the topic of the spiritual realm and what the Catholic Church teaches on Angels. Together they discuss how the Church acknowledges the role of angels as messengers, acting as spiritual ambassadors to further the Kingdom of God. They discuss the upcoming feast of the Guardian Angel and also the Feast of St. Michael, giving tips on how families can celebrate liturgical living at home. They also discuss spiritual warfare and how fallen angels seek to tempt us away from God and righteous living. This episode will leave you with tools to strengthen your devotion to angels as intercessors and guide you in being cautious of going awry in your spiritual life.
Bringing Our Sorrows to God Through Mary
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows and reflect on Mary’s redemptive suffering. Together they discuss the topic of grief and explore how in our own woundedness, we can become a source of life for others. They talk about Catholic devotions that help offer healing and bring meaning to tragic situations as well as contemplate how God is beyond time and capable of hearing our prayers for not only the present, but past and future as well.
Hasty Hearts
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and reflect on how Mary can be a model for spiritual habits as we start the new school year. They reflect on the theme from World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal and talk about how Mary can be a model to intentional discipleship and ordering priorities to make life more peace-filled to go forth in haste, not in a hurried frenzy.
Vocation Story: Getting to know Fr. Cesar
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram are joined by St. Joseph’s new Parochial Vicar, Fr. Cesar Garcia. Fr. Cesar shares his vocation story and how God invited him to the priesthood. Together they reflect on the many ways that God invites us into relationship with Him and offer tools for families to foster an openness to discerning a vocation to the religious life.
Citizenship & Catholic Conscience
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the importance of having a well-formed conscience and the responsibility that Christian’s have as citizens to participate in the political and social scene in accordance with God’s truth. They explore the four basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching that provide the framework for guiding good moral decisions as well as explore the concept of what it means to be intrinsically evil and if there are objective moral norms.
Ordinary Time - Anything but Ordinary
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the liturgical season of ‘Ordinary Time’ and discover how the longest season on the liturgical calendar is often the most overlooked and is anything but ordinary. They challenge people to find God’s presence in the ordinary and be attuned to his presence. They offer tangible ways that people can continue to grow in their faith and use this liturgical season to not only learn about the life of Christ, but also to learn about the many saints whose feasts are celebrated during this time.
Discerning Spirits
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the topic of discernment and explore how the “Spiritual Exercises” of St. Ignatius of Loyola can be utilized to recognize the movement of the Spirit of God in one’s heart and thoughts and to choose what is right & good. They explore the difference between discerning life-changing decisions and discerning spirits and recognizing God’s presence in our daily lives. They offer tools and resources for families to grow in prudence and interpret God’s will for our lives.
Keeping Kids Engaged in the Faith during the Summer
During this week's episode of St. Joseph's Workshop, Fr. Stephen Ingram is joined by Ojas Inamdar, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, to explore ways to keep youth engaged in the faith during the summer months. They offer tips and tools on using the free time of summer to become engaged in the faith in new ways, using resources to learn more about our faith, and building community within the church and family.
Discipleship and Engagement
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Stephen & Katie Smith, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, speak about discipleship. Together they explore what it means to be a disciple. They offer concrete ways that families can grow in discipleship and keep them connected and comprehensively participating in the church.
Summertime Liturgical Living
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss liturgical living ideas for the month of May and June as a way to help believers integrate the liturgical life with daily living, offering tools for families to deal with the stress of end-of-school-year activities. They explore the role of Mary in the Catholic tradition and how devotions to her can help women and families to be more intentional with theological reflection and the art of pondering to discern God’s presence in the midst of chaos.
Growing in Virtue
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss how virtues can be invaluable tools for helping Christians develop into their full potential. They explain the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance and reflect on how we can develop our ‘spiritual muscles’ to grow in character and strengthen our ability to choose the good in our daily lives.
Choosing Joy
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the importance of choosing joy as they reflect on the famous quote, “We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!” They spend time reflecting on the disciple’s post-resurrection experience and the birth of the early Church. They discuss the importance of missionary disciples having a disposition of joy and offer tips for how Christians can be more intentional in having a joy-filled heart.
Conversion Stories: Joy in Discipleship
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram are joined by Paula Nwosu to explore the Lenten theme of conversion. Paula is currently a catechumen in our RCIA program and will be receiving the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass this April. Paula shares her faith journey and the great joy she feels in being called to be a disciple. They discuss the importance of mystagogy and how reflection on God’s movement in our lives should be a life-long practice for every Christian.
Conversion Stories: Silent Witness
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram are joined by Shaun McAfee, M.Th. to explore the Lenten theme of conversion. Shaun shares how his insatiable desire for knowledge and truth led him to discover the Catholic religion and beauty of the Mass. His conversion started a chain reaction in his family that brought his wife and children into the faith. Together they discuss resources that people can reference to increase their understanding of Catholicism and the importance of the silent witness to share our faith with others.
Shaun McAfee’s books and website: EpicPew.com; twitch.tv/ThisCatholic; “Filling Our Father’s House” & “Reform Yourself!”; Recommendations for increasing knowledge of Catholic faith: “The Father’s Know Best” by Jimmy Akin; “The Faith of Our Fathers” by James Cardinal Gibbons; “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott & Kimberly Hahn; “Crossing the Tiber” by Stephen Ray.
Conversion Stories: Catholics Come Home
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram are joined by Deacon Ken Steponaitis, M.T.S. to explore the Lenten theme of conversion. Deacon Ken shares his touching faith journey and how a family tragedy led him to deep soul searching and an assessment of his life and faith. Together they reflect on the love and great desire that our Heavenly Father has for us to “Come Home” and be united with Him.
Pillars of Lent
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the three Pillars of Lent—Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. They reflect on these traditional Lenten components, offering scriptural reflections and practical ideas for how people can grow close to Christ during the upcoming Lenten season.
Spiritual Dryness
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the concept of Spiritual Dryness and distraction in prayer. They break open the etymology of the word ‘desert’ and its Hebrew roots to discuss how spiritual aridity can be an opportunity to talk to God and grow in your relationship with Him. They offer tips for how Christians can preserve through times of dryness and desolation and offer hope that God is ever-present, even in the silence.
Resources: “Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light” edited by Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C. ; Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola; “Introduction to the Devout Life” by Francis de Sales
How to Make a Good Confession
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the theology behind reconciliation and how to make a good confession. They discuss the power of confessing to repair broken relationships and help Christians to become more self-aware of vices that may endanger their spiritual life. They provide resources for having a thorough examination of conscience as well as offer tangible tips to participate in the sacrament with confidence. Resources: www.usccb.org https://thelightison.org/
Epiphany, Giving, and Evangelization
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the Feast of the Epiphany and the gifts of the Magi. They reflect on the implications of the journey itself, and how the Magi paid homage to the infant Jesus in an act of worship and self-giving. They discuss ways that families can celebrate the Epiphany and also encourage listeners to take a spiritual gift inventory to see how they can use their talents to help build up the Kingdom of God.
Spiritual Resolutions
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Director of Faith Formation Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram are joined by Fr. Jacob Dankasa, the Pastor of Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church in Irving. Together they explore the custom of making New Year’s Resolutions and discuss how families can transform this cultural practice to the benefit of their own spiritual growth by focusing on strengthening virtues and looking to the saints for inspiration. They discuss Fr. Dankasa’s new book,” A Spiritual Plan for Families” and offer tips on how families can be successful with creating spiritual resolutions that will stick.
Advent Pause
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram encourage listeners to take a pause amidst the busyness of Christmas preparations to refocus on experiencing Advent to the fullest. They discuss the doctrine of the incarnation and the history of nativity devotion. They also offer ideas on how to kindle the anticipation of waiting for Christ’s coming through a variety of prayer methods.
Living Liturgically
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Director of Faith Formation Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram explore the concept of Liturgical Living in the home and how families can be empowered to integrate their faith into their daily lives in fun and festive ways.
Role of Grandparents in the Faith of the Family
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Director of Faith Formation Emily Lugo is joined by Deacon Michael Hastings and his wife Kathleen to discuss the role of grandparents in the faith life of their grandchildren. They reflect on the significance of the relationships that grandparents have as a person of loving authority in the lives of their grandchildren. They discuss how grandparents can reinforce Christian values and virtues through the witness of their lives and how intentional one-on-ones can bring much spiritual fruit.
Saints in the Making
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo, M.P.S. & Fr. Stephen Ingram explore the importance of saints in the Roman Catholic Church and the process in which saints are officially named. They talk about common misconceptions non-Catholics have about saints and how Christians can utilize saints to progress in their own faith journey. Lastly, they reflect on how we are called to holiness and offer practical tips for families to be saints-in-the-making.
Life After Roe, Where Do We Go?
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram are joined by Jacquelyn Smith, the Education Director for the Catholic Pro-Life Community. Together they discuss the Catholic Church’s teaching on the Value and Inviolability of the Human Life and what the Pro-Life movement looks like after Roe v Wade being overturned. They offer ways that families can assist those experiencing pregnancy crisis and offer tangible ways that people can support the pro-life movement. https://www.prolifedallas.org/
Influencers
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss the role of Influencers in our lives and challenge listeners’ to be aware of not only social media influencers, but also the friends & families that impact your children’s lives. They reflect on our call to be disciples and influence those around us by sharing the Good News with those we encounter.
Sports and the Spiritual Life
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram are joined by Bruce Baumann, author of “Catholic to the Core,” to discuss the connection between the importance of discipline needed for athletic training and the discipline needed to be a faithful disciple. They discuss how parents can be intentional with creating holy habits and utilize extra-curricular activities as a spring-board for faith conversations.
Spiritual Habits for Back to School
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily Lugo & Fr. Stephen Ingram discuss spiritual habits for busy lives and how praying through your day can help make the stressful times more peace filled. They offer practical tools for how families can keep God in the midst of their back-to-school schedules and encourage intentionality in planning our days to maintain spiritual, mental and physical health.
Christian Leadership
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily & Fr. Stephen Ingram, discuss authentic Christian leadership and how servant leadership principles can be utilized from ministry, to the workplace, and even within the home.
Eucharistic Adoration
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily & Fr. Stephen Ingram, explore the centrality of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith and offer suggestions for how to make the most out of a holy hour of adoration.
Saying YES to God
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily & St. Joseph’s new Pastoral Administrator, Fr. Stephen Ingram, reflect on his discernment to the priesthood and the cost of saying “Yes!” to God. Together, they speak about the importance of a regular prayer life to discern God’s will for one’s future and the need to have radical openness to follow God wherever he may call.
Lifelong Formation & Conversion
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Emily & special guest, James Kauffman, speak about the importance of ongoing conversion and lifelong faith formation. They offer concrete ways that families can pursue ongoing formation, citing several resources that can be utilized as well as encourage intentional time in prayer to strengthen one’s commitment to God.
Transitions & Trust
In Fr. Jason’s last appearance on the St. Joseph Workshop podcast, he and Emily talk about transitions and how trust in God can help believers navigate the ever-changing dynamics that we may face in our world today. They reflect on scripture passages that offer hope and the importance of community to support major life changes.
Offering It Up
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason is joined by Ojas Inamdar and Eric Schreiber to discuss the concept of “offering it up.” Together they discuss how the act of offering up one’s suffering for others imitates the love of Christ through his Paschal Mystery. They reflect on how by accepting one’s daily cross, people can allow their sufferings to be used by God as well as grow in discipleship and trust in God.
Discipleship Pathways
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily speak about discipleship, exploring both the historical and biblical perspective of what it means to be a disciple. They offer concrete ways that families can grow in discipleship and keep them connected and comprehensively participating in the church.
Help-My Kid Doesn't Want To Go To Church
In this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by Katie Smith & Ojas Inamdar in front of a live audience to discuss what parents can do when their loved ones don’t want to go to Mass. They offer helpful action items for parents for the various stages of their children’s development—from toddlers all the way to young adulthood. Together they share ways families can prepare for Mass to make it more meaningful and encourage their children to enter into relationship with a loving God.
Guadalupe Radio Network interview with Dave Palmer
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are interviewed by Dave Palmer from the Guadalupe Radio Network for his KATH 910 AM Interview of the Week. Listen as they speak about how the concept of St. Joseph’s Workshop came about and what they hope to achieve through the parish podcast.
Celebrating the Easter Season
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss scripture passages and historical events that testify to the history and mystery of the resurrection story. They talk about Easter and offer a variety of ideas for how families can continue to celebrate Easter throughout the liturgical season.
Evangelization & Personal Invitations
In this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by Amy Lawrence to discuss evangelization and the scriptural foundation for our call to share the good news in today’s society. They offer helpful action items that both individuals and families can do in order to reach out to others—both within the parish and beyond. Together they speak about the importance of relationships and the power that personal invitations can make in drawing others closer to God.
St Joseph and Christian Masculinity
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by Brian Muth, the St. Joseph Director of Business Operations to discuss authentic masculinity and what it means to be a Christian man. They discuss a variety of themes including, toxic masculinity, the war, as well as how parents can teach their boys to be men.
Living Lent at Home
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss the history behind the 40 days of Lent and how people can enrich their spiritual experience in Lent through fasting. They discuss the variety of ways that people can fast from both food and material items and the importance of intentionally lifting their sufferings to Christ’s passion for a greater spiritual good.
The Five Love Languages for Kids
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss the different love languages that create the foundational building block of a relationship between parents and their children.
They reference Gary Chapman’s bestselling series on the Five Love Languages and speak about how awareness of these principles can help families mend relationships and more clearly communicate with one another, preparing the way for their children to have a relationship with a loving God.
The 5 Keys to Marital Life
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss the history behind St. Valentine’s Day and how sacrifice is the key to Christian love. They share practical tips for couples to maintain a holy marriage and keep their marital relationship a priority.
Finances, Family and Healthy Communication
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by Emily’s husband Felipe to discuss finances. They hope to share a message of hope that money doesn’t have to tear apart a family but can bring them together through healthy communication. They share practical tips for ways that families can understand the emotional constructs around finances and take control of their family’s financial future.
On Self Care, Setting Boundaries and Spiritual Needs
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by Katie Smith, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry at St. Joseph. They discuss the importance of a holistic approach to self-care and offer tips for families to assess the physical, emotional and spiritual needs to make an action plan for success.
How to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss how families can celebrate the whole Christmas season, from Christmas day through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. They share practical tips for ways that Catholics can celebrate each day, from gift-giving, culinary feasting, family games nights, to exploring liturgical feasts along the way.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss the Feast Day celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including the miraculous apparition to Juan Diego and the various symbols found within the image of Mary on the tilma. They remind listeners of our baptismal call to evangelize and challenge them to meet people where they are to share the good news of God’s love. They offer tips for families to participate in this beautiful devotion and ways they can share their faith with others.
Advent & The Spirituality of Waiting
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by Maria Callejas to discuss Advent and the spirituality of waiting. Together they offer concrete ways that families can enter into the Advent season and prepare their hearts and homes for the coming of Christ.
Virtue of Gratitude, the Eucharist and the Family
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily speak to the virtue of gratitude and how it should center us in the spiritual life. They discuss the Eucharist as the sublime act of thanksgiving and how we are called to be thankful in all circumstances. Together they offer concrete ways that families can lay the foundation for an attitude of gratitude.
Celebrating All Saints & All Souls Day
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss the history of All Saints & All Souls Day. They talk about how families can redeem Halloween and bring back the Christian roots into what has become a secular holiday.
What is the Domestic Church?
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason is joined by Sefanit Stefanos to discuss the importance of the Domestic Church. Together they discuss the history and theology behind that concept, as well as reflect on the implications for Catholic families in the world today.
Being Catholic means Being Pro-Life
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by Peggy Tucker to discuss what it means to be pro-life. They discuss the life-affirming gift of adoption and how parents can form their children to see the blessing of protecting life and honoring the dignity of the human person.
Eucharistic Miracles, Blessed Carlo Acutis & Transubstantiation
During this week’s episode of St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Jason & Emily discuss the Eucharist and explore the theology behind transubstantiation. They talk about several different Eucharistic miracles and the implications that science has on faith. They also explore the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis and the inspiration that he is to millennials today, affirming that we all are called to sainthood.
Bringing Prayer Home
Fr. Jason and Emily are joined by Deacon John Carlisle. They explore the topic of prayer and the obstacles that busy families may face creating a regular prayer routine. They explore Liturgy of the Hours, Pope Francis’ ‘Five Finger Prayer’ and other methods that families can explore to enrich their relationship with God.
Challenges of Change and Cultivating Gratitude
Fr. Jason & Emily talk about back-to-school anxieties that families may be facing. They discuss Transition theory and how people can navigate the varied emotions that arise during transition and change. They speak about the importance of cultivating gratitude and the blessings that can come from returning to school.
Discerning Vocations
Fr. Jason & Emily are joined by their two summer seminarians, Dale Sullivan & Wesley Castaneda. The two shared powerful moments in their life that led them to discern the religious life. Together, they speak about what families can do to promote vocations and an openness to the priesthood.
Clearing out Spiritual Clutter
Fr. Jason & Emily discuss the effects that physical clutter and mess can create in our spiritual life. They talk about ways to assess how we can minimize material possessions, as well as how we can clean up some emotional baggage. They encourage families to evaluate how simplifying and letting go may lead to a richer relationship with God.
Importance of Laughter & Play in the Family
Fr. Jason & Emily talk about the importance of laughter & play in family relationships. They encourage families to find ways to be present to one another and be joy-filled.
Freedom and Free Will - Special Guest Ojas Inamdar from Youth Ministry
Happy 4th of July Weekend! Is freedom doing anything you want to do? What is freedom? What is free will? Join Fr. Jason, Emily, and Ojas as they discuss the challenges of our times in relation to freedom, the choosing of the Good and the gift of our free will.
Prioritizing Family Schedules and Being Mindful to the Moment
Fr. Jason & Emily reflect on the scripture of Martha & Mary and how Jesus calls us to sit at his feet and take time to simply BE with him. They talk about the need to prioritize family schedules and be mindful of the present moment.
The Fruits of Marian Devotions
Fr. Jason & Emily talk about Marian Devotions and the spiritual fruit that can come from Mary's example as a role model in the faith.
Families Working Together Brings Them Together
Fr. Jason & Emily reflect on the Feast Day of St. Joseph the worker and the influence Joseph had on Jesus' life. Together they explore the blessing that can come to families who work and volunteer together.