Just a Guy in the Pew

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Hope Doesn’t Disappoint with Fr. Dave Pivonka

Who is the Holy Spirit? How can we get to know Him? We often find it easier to relate to Jesus and God the Father, having spoken directly in the Scriptures and displayed qualities we can understand. But the Holy Spirit often remains mysterious or distant. Join us in the pew as Fr. Dave Pivonka unpacks why that is—and how we can invite the Spirit into our lives in a real, transformative way.

This Lent, we have an opportunity not just for sacrifice, but to grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Stop chasing the world’s version of success, and instead, anchor yourself in the power and presence of God.

When we stop clinging to control and let the Holy Spirit lead, we discover that true strength isn’t found in worldly achievements, but in trusting Him—the One who makes all things new.

Check out Fr. Pivonka’s Work:
https://wildgoose.tv/
https://www.youtube.com/@WildGooseTV

https://franciscan.edu/
https://www.youtube.com/user/FranciscanUSteubie

Check out Fr. Pivonka’s Books:

Breath of God

Spiritual Freedom

Learn more about our pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey

Transcript coming soon!

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Losing to Win

Sometimes we forget that Lent is more than a season of waiting for Easter—it’s a chance to transform our lives.

Join us this week as we remember the power of humility and how what the world may call losing will actually bring us closer to true perfection. The cross didn’t look like winning to the Apostles, but through His death and resurrection, Christ won for us the greatest reward of all.

Fix your eyes on Christ and take the time to listen and learn from Him.

Learn more about our pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey

Transcript coming soon!

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Lent: Keep Showing Up

Lent is a journey filled with challenges, but what matters most is not perfection—it’s perseverance. Setbacks and failures are inevitable, but giving up is the easy way out, and you can’t expect to grow stronger by always taking the easy path. Whether through fasting, prayer, or simply showing up, Lent is an opportunity to repent and draw closer to the Lord.

Join us in the pew this week for a reminder that failure doesn’t have to be the end—what truly matters is the courage to begin again.

Learn more about our pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey

Transcript coming soon!

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Like St. Joseph with Devin Schadt

This week we welcome Devin Schadt into the pew to discuss the importance of authentic fatherhood, and how embracing the example of St. Joseph can and will transform your life.

Devin Schadt is the co-founder of The Fathers of St. Joseph, an apostolate dedicated to the renewal of authentic fatherhood. He is also a host on The Catholic Gentleman podcast. Devin reflects on his faith journey, describing his wayward youth and how God reached him at his lowest point. He explains the four pillars of Josephian Fatherhood—silence, woman, children, and charitable authority—and how they are invaluable tools of sanctity for all fathers and husbands.

Check out Devin’s new daily Lenten devotional here

Find more about Devin’s apostolate, The Fathers of St. Joseph, here

Listen to The Catholic Gentleman podcast here

Learn more about our pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey

Transcript coming soon!

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Lent: Leaving Your Idols Behind

Happy Fat Tuesday!

As we dive headfirst into Lent, take a moment to reflect on the things in our lives that we need to let go of. It could be a bad habit or addiction, a fear or grudge, or even our tendency to test God and demand signs and wonders to justify our belief.

Take time to consider what you prioritize over God in your life, then find ways to shift that focus. Lent is one of the many gifts the Holy Spirit and the Church have given us to deepen our faith and realign our lives with Jesus.

Join us this week as we strive to leave behind our idols, pick up our crosses, and walk with Christ.

Learn more about our pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey

Transcript coming soon!

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Do Men’s Groups Really Work? with Fr. David Aufiero

Fr. David Aufiero grew up in a troubled home, and after losing his father and grandmother, he reluctantly met with a local priest to talk through his difficulties. That one conversation led him to become the man he is today.

Fr. David knows well the struggles that men face and that the only way to overcome them is to bring the things we hide in the dark into the light. But it’s hard for men to open up and be vulnerable. How do you even begin to reach a whole parish?

That’s when he came across Just a Guy in The Pew. We were able to provide him with the tools and resources to get started, and even go in person to his parish to help launch this group for men. Now, more than a year later, Fr. David testifies to the positive effects that come from creating a space for men to support and challenge each other to grow in holiness.

Join John and Fr. David this week as they talk about the fruits and transformations they have seen firsthand from developing strong men’s groups.

Learn more about our pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey

Transcript coming soon!