Pamela Q. Fernandes's Blog

���We need to understand that God is somehow beyond creation and within it.���

Dr Celia E. Deane-Drummond

Who is Celia E. Deane-Drummond?

Professor Celia Deane-Drummond is currently the founding Director of the Laudato
Si��� Research Institute and Senior Research Fellow in theology at Campion Hall,
University of Oxford and an Associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion.

She was previously Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame,
Indiana from 2011-2019 and Director of the Centre for Theology, Science and
Human Flourishing from 2014-2019 and before that, Professor in Theology and
the Biological Sciences at the University of Chester from 2000-2011. She was also an honorary visiting Professor in Theology at the University of Durham, UK, from 2012-2024.

Her work at the interface of theology, ethics, and the biological and human sciences, including ecology, evolution, and anthropology, stems from her prior academic experience as a researcher in plant physiology as well as theology. She previously received doctorates in both areas of study. She served as a trustee of the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR) from 2019-2023.

Celia was chair of the European Forum for the Study of Religion and Environment from 2011-2018. She was the founding editor of the journal Philosophy, Theology and the Sciences from 2014-2023. Celia received the Civitas Dei award for contributions to Catholic theology from Villanova University in 2020. She is widely recognized internationally as a public speaker and has published hundreds of academic, pedagogical, or popular articles/chapters. Celia has either written or edited over thirty books.

Publications

Her recent book publications include:

The Wisdom of the Liminal: Human Nature, Evolution and Other Animals (2014), Technofutures, Nature and the Sacred, ed. with Sigurd Bergmann and Bronislaw Szerszynski (2015), Ecology in J��rgen Moltmann���s Theology, 2nd edition, (2016), Religion in the Anthropocene, edited with Sigurd Bergmann and Markus Vogt (2017)

Theology and Ecology Across the Disciplines: On Care for Our Common Home, edited with Rebecca Artinian Kaiser (2018),

Theological Ethics Through a Multispecies Lens: The Evolution of Wisdom Volume I: (2019), Shadow Sophia: The Evolution of Wisdom Volume II (2021), Hilda Koster and Celia Deane- Drummond, eds,

In Solidarity with the Earth: Women, Mining and Toxic Contamination (London: Bloomsbury, 2023), Morality���s Evolution and the Transcendent: The Evolution of Wisdom Volume III, in press.

��Catholics and the Environment: Beyond Laudato SiPQF �� 121 Catholics and the Environment: Beyond Laudato Si

In this episode, Pamela talks to Dr Celia Deane-Drummond, director of Laudato Si about the environment. She explains:
��� How can we reclaim a spiritual and sacramental understanding of creation that is rooted in Catholic tradition rather than ideology?
��� What are small but meaningful ways everyday Catholics can live out this theology at home, in the city, or even in an apartment.
��� How does understanding creation as a dynamic, evolving process change how we treat the earth practically? Does it affect how we view waste, consumption, or even farming?
-What are three practical practices rooted in Catholic spirituality that someone can begin today to ���care for our common home��� without burning out or being scrupulous?
��� How does the Eucharist shape our relationship with the natural world? Can living a Eucharistic life influence how we shop, eat, and waste?
��� Which virtue do you think is most lacking in how we treat creation���and how can we cultivate that in daily life?
��� If a parish wanted to deepen its ecological spirituality beyond recycling bins and solar panels, what would you suggest they do���liturgically, catechistically, or communally?

What is my role in today���s environment?

Celia, an expert in faith and ecology, shared profound insights on our role as Christians in caring for the world around us. She draws deeply from Laudato Si���, Pope Francis��� landmark encyclical on the environment, a document shaped with the help of theologians like Dr. Drummond, who contributed significantly to its development.

At its heart, Laudato Si��� reminds us that God is both in creation and the Creator of it all. Every tree, river, bird, and person is sustained by Him. Celia beautifully explains that this divine presence invites us not only to admire creation but also to protect it with responsibility and love.

She reminds us that caring for creation is not optional���it is an expression of our faith. Whether through farming practices, shopping choices, recycling habits, or the way we source our food, each decision can either honor or harm God���s world. She also points to the growing challenge of environmental refugees, urging us to reflect on sustainable options that protect both people and the planet.

Celia encourages us not to lose hope. Together, she says, we can bring about change���step by step, choice by choice.

With Creation Day on September 1 and the Season of Creation that follows, this is the perfect time to pause and ask:

How am I caring for my home, my office, my neighborhood?What habits can I change to live more sustainably?How am I honoring God, the Creator, in my everyday choices?

As Celia reminds us, we are sustained by God Himself. Our care for creation is, in turn, a way of sustaining each other and future generations.

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST

You might also like our conversation on��Confession and Why We Need It. And if this blessed you, please share the podcast with someone who needs it.

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All of the sacraments is not that the Lord needs us, it’s that He knows that we need Him.

Catherine DiNuzzo

Who is Catherine DiNuzzo?

Catherine DiNuzzo, MA, is a Catholic speaker, author, and Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, operating Sacred Heart Mental Wellness. This website provides mental health information, resources, assessments, and videos for Catholics who want to live a mentally fit lifestyle. Catherine wrote the bestselling book “The Catholic Guide Through Anxiety”. Readers praise Catherine for finally providing the resource they’ve been looking for and needing so badly.
Catherine earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. She has been traveling internationally for over 15 years to speak and train on the topics of mental wellness, anxiety, relationships, boundaries, and more. Catherine has been featured on EWTN (USA, Vatican, and Ireland), Blessed is She, and numerous Catholic radio and podcasts, and in print articles. Catherine and her husband, Dave, live in Kansas with their four amazing teenage children.

Overcoming AnxietyPQF · 120: Faith Over Fear: A Catholic Response to Anxiety

In this episode, Pamela talks to Catherine DiNuzzo about A Catholic Response to Anxiety. She explains:
-What inspired you to write The Catholic Guide Through Anxiety?
-How did her faith shape that journey?
-Why is anxiety such a widespread issue among Catholics today?
-The role of prayer and the sacraments in healing from anxiety?
-What’s the difference between redemptive suffering and unhealthy emotional suffering?
-What are some specific spiritual practices for someone battling anxiety?
-Confession as a healing tool for anxiety
-How can Catholic parishes better support those struggling with anxiety?
-What role should Catholic therapists play in the life of the Church today?

Faith Over Fear

In Scripture, Jesus reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Yet, in today’s fast-paced, fear-driven world, anxiety feels like a constant companion. We live in a state of chronic restlessness—often not over life-or-death matters, but everyday worries that consume our peace.

In this episode, I speak with Catholic therapist Catherine DiNuzzo, author of The Catholic Guide Through Anxiety. Catherine offers a deeply spiritual and practical approach to managing anxiety, grounded in the Catholic faith. She challenges us to see anxiety not as a curse, but as a gift—something we can name, acknowledge, and ultimately surrender to God.

Catherine discusses when anxiety becomes unhealthy and how to discern when it’s time to seek professional help. She also explores the powerful role of the sacraments, especially confession. Citing studies and personal experience, she explains how regular confession brings real freedom—and how spiritual healing complements therapeutic support.

Hope for the Anxious Catholic

One of the most profound takeaways? Her reminder that Jesus didn’t skip joyfully to the Cross. He suffered—and so will we. But through suffering, we grow in holiness. Her motto: “If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for you,” is both sobering and comforting.

She encourages us to invite the Holy Spirit into our anxiety and lean into prayer and the sacraments—not because God needs us, but because He knows we need Him.

If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety, this episode is for you. Consider seeking out a Catholic therapist or even becoming one yourself—especially if you’re discerning a vocation in mental health.

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST

You might also like our conversation on Confession and Why We Need It. And if this blessed you, please share the podcast with someone who needs it.

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“Before I start teaching, I’m going to start learning.”

Jared Staudt

Who is Dr. Jared Staudt?

Dr. Jared Staudt serves as the Director of Content for Exodus 90 and teaches for various institutions, including the Institute of Catholic Culture. He has served as the director of religious education for two parishes and a diocese, and has founded numerous schools and educational programs. Jared is the author of Words Made Flesh: The Sacramental Mission of Catholic Education and How the Eucharist Can Save Civilization, among other books. He and is wife, Anne, have six children, and he is a Benedictine oblate at Clear Creek Abbey.

The Ministry of Catechism

In this episode, Pamela talks to Dr. Jared Staudt about catechesis and the ministry of catechism.
– What is this ministry of catechists and why is it important?
-What traits should a person have to be a catechist?
-How do we know God is calling us to this ministry?
-What is the preparation process?
-Can you tell us about time constraints and spiritual preparation required?

PQF · 119 The Ministry of CatechismWhy Catechesis Needs More Than a Textbook — Reflections from This Week’s Podcast

For over a year, I searched for the right person to speak on catechesis—someone who could go beyond theory and bring real-world insight into how we teach the faith. Time and again, doors closed. But God always has a better plan. That plan turned out to be Jared.

Jared is no stranger to catechetical ministry. With years of experience as both a catechist and a Director of Religious Education, he’s created coursework for dioceses that helps shape how we pass on the faith. But what makes Jared stand out isn’t just his résumé—it’s how he brings together the heart of a parent, the mind of a theologian, and the wisdom of a teacher.

In this week’s episode, Jared dives deep into what it really means to serve as a catechist. He shares practical tips for the classroom and emphasizes that our ministry must be rooted in a strong personal prayer life. As he powerfully puts it, “We have to talk to Jesus before we can talk about Him.”

Whether you’re teaching adults or children, this conversation will leave you thinking. Is catechesis flourishing or floundering in your parish? How can we learn from what’s working—and avoid repeating the same mistakes?

Take a moment to listen, reflect, and join the conversation. Let’s continue to grow together in this essential mission of the Church.

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on Discerning Your Vocation and St Augustine. If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.

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God is the God who understands betrayal. It was his betrayal that led to His resurrection.

Melissa Presser

Who is Melissa Presser?

Melissa Presser is a Catholic writer, assistant professor of criminal justice, and seasoned attorney with over 22 years of experience in the legal field. She writes at the intersection of faith, justice, and healing, drawing deeply from both her professional expertise and her personal journey through trauma.

A devoted wife and mother of three, Melissa’s work is rooted in the conviction that God meets us most profoundly in our suffering. Through her writing and ministry to the brokenhearted, she seeks to bring light to places of pain and to invite others into a deeper encounter with Christ’s mercy. Melissa is currently partnering with Joni Marmo on Seeking Wisdom, a forthcoming podcast and community initiative focused on cultivating wisdom through faith-based workshops and retreats — launching soon at jonimarmo.com.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-presser-esq-4544402a8/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromlawtolecture/

Email me at: melissazpresser@gmail.com

Healing the Hurt: Moving On After BetrayalPQF · 118 Healing the Hurt: Moving On After Betrayal

In this episode, I talk to Melissa Presser about moving on after betrayal. She explains:
i. What should our first response be when we have been betrayed?
ii. How do we experience healing?
iii. What steps should we take to healing?
iv. How do you let go?
v. How do you deal with the recurring anger and negative emotion?

Turning to Jesus after Betrayal

This episode is another rich and inspiring conversation filled with wisdom on how to move forward after betrayal. It’s something we all face—whether it’s the sting of a small slight or a deep wound that feels like a knife to the heart. Melissa beautifully reminds us that Jesus, too, experienced betrayal. In fact, His betrayal wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of the resurrection.

She also shares the powerful and emotional story of Joseph, betrayed by his own brothers and left to endure years of slavery and imprisonment. Imagine the pain, the loneliness, the feeling of being utterly forgotten. Yet through it all, Joseph could say, “But God meant it for good.” That perspective changes everything.

Melissa encourages us to root ourselves in Scripture as we navigate the pain of betrayal—and to even pray for those who hurt us. It’s not easy, but with faith, it’s possible.

She also introduces the valuable resource of Catholic therapy through catholiccounselors.com, where Bible-based therapists can help guide you through the emotional aftermath and prevent the spiral into depression. I truly appreciate how open and vulnerable Melissa is about her journey—from the grief to the negative thought patterns that can linger. Her advice is grounded, practical, and full of grace.

So I’ll ask you—how have you handled betrayal in your life? What helped you heal the most?

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on Becoming a Missionary and St Augustine. If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.

We are on iheartradio, Stitcher, Itunes, and tunein.com. We’d love to hear from you. If you hear us on Itunes, please rate and review us.

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For spring, and my first vacation, I chose to go to the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC! As you may or may not know, I love cherry blossoms. I even have sheets and cushion covers with them! Lol. Anyway, DC as you can see is very urban, chic, clean and very much a chronicle of America’s history.

I chose to travel via Amtrak! Back when I got my Amtrak membership 3 years ago, I thought I’d barely use it! Almost 10 trips later, I think it’s a good thing. So, I’m not sure why I decided to travel the very next morning after my last ICU shift. I remember finishing my shift, picking and choosing some things, throwing it into my haversack and going to bed.

I had an early train so woke up early. It was only during my long train ride, I had a chance to remember all the things I had forgotten to pack. A toothbrush, toothpaste, pajamas, slippers, makeup, a comb and a whole bunch of other things.

When I got to Union station, DC, it was windy and cold. I chose to live downtown within walking distance of the sites I wanted to visit. I was quite tired with the journey. The nice thing was that I was given free breakfast vouchers for Johnny Rocket. The next day, after breakfast downstairs at the hotel, I took my bag and went walking. I tried to get the bus app but it was a long procedure and complicated registration. I gave up on that idea.

First Stop: The White House

A lot of areas were cordoned off, so I could only get a picture from a distance. Needless to say, it was still winter in DC. I was freezing! There are so many people and tour groups here that it can get hard to get a picture.

I continued my walk to the Tidal Basin.

Tidal Basin

Due to the weather, I caught the end of the season. A lot of the flowers were already on the ground. There were other trees, all in their blooming spring pinks and whites. It was beautiful. Only if it wasn’t so cold! .

Hop on-Hop off

I took the hop-on and hop off for the rest of the tour. I picked up the bus from outside the Jefferson memorial. There were lots of groups here so it was crowded. After, I took the bus, there were multiple stops. The Space and Science Center, The Museum of Art, the US Capitol Building, The Wharf, The Washington monument, Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, City Center & Chinatown and finally the Willard Hotel. These pictures from DC are all a mix of everything, the Chinatown shops all written in Chinese and red, the memorials, the statue of Einstein, the museums that I didn’t get to visit. A mix of this and that!

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

I had a chance to hear mass and the Tuesday St. Anthony’s novena at the Cathedral of St. Matthew. This is the place where the requiem mass for President JFK was held. The church is a Romanesque Revival and Byzantine-influenced cathedral. It was designed by C. Grant La Farge. It features a red brick exterior, a massive dome, and intricate mosaics. The interior is richly decorated with marble and semiprecious stones. The cathedral is shaped like a Latin cross. I spent some time here before heading out to eat.

Meals

Since it was Lent, my options were very limited. I chose to try a few local places. However, DC is expensive. You’ll be paying twice as much for any cuisine you choose. I chose to eat Indian as the vegetarian options were more diverse.

Museum of Natural History

I spent one of the afternoons at the Museum of Natural History. I did want to go to the Space museum but the line was 2 hours long so chose to go to the former. The museum has several exhibits. Dinosaurs, mammals, gems, etc. I loved the exhibit on light pollution and their efforts educate people about reducing light pollution were eye opening.

Just like that my week long vacation was over! My impression of DC is that it’s busy. The crowd is very business like. The traffic can be unpredictable. So while on the tour bus, the President was leaving the WH. So, we we waited forty minutes for the motorcade to pass. The hotel I stayed at, had an international team of some sort heading for a game. There’s a constant bustle. The whole city is just busy.

What I loved about it, was how walkable the city is. Having lived in smaller towns with no sidewalks in Pennsylvania, I have come to appreciate sidewalks. DC is very walker/cyclist friendly. There’s plenty of sunshine! And its’ well connected by bus or metro. Having seen my pictures from DC, what do you make of the city?

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“If you do not have a prayer life, your spirituality is going nowhere.”

Stephen Kass

WHO IS STEPHEN KASS?

Stephen Kass is a speaker, educator and specialist in Catholic adult faith formation and catechesis.

Professor Kass has led and participated in numerous retreats, parish missions, conferences and workshops across the country. He worked as a program coordinator at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology and teaches Sports and Spirituality and Saints Alive! for the Department of Catholic Studies. Prof. Kass has edited and written numerous articles for various Catholic publications and has been featured on several different national Catholic radio programs. He is also a veteran and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for 14 years where he completed several overseas deployments that included a joint tour with an airborne USMC Special Operations team. Prof. Kass is an Executive Vice President with 5, a national energy consulting and advisory firm based in Dallas, TX.

117 Easter Should Be Our Way of LifePQF �� 117 Easter Should Be Our Way of Life

In this episode, Pamela talks to Stephen Kass about the Easter season and how Easter should be our way of life. He explains:
i. What is the significance of Easter?
ii. Why should it be our way of life beyond fifty days?
iii. How can we prolong the disciplines of lent going forward in our life?
iv. What are some ways Easter has slowly changed your own spirituality?

Easter and Lent as a preparation to complete Life’s mission

I found Stephen through his article on Easter. There’s a treasure trove of articles on Lent but barely anything on Easter. Our emphasis as Christians is mostly on Lent and once Easter comes, it seems that our season abruptly ends.

Stephen has spent a lot of time with his Lenten preparation year after year. From pruning various things in his life and careful introspection, he has worked on his path to holiness. He shares on this episode, how he and his wife have evaluated continuing what adds to their spiritual life and discontinuing what doesn’t. He gives examples of what to do when we backslide. However, he also insists, this is a long journey. I love one of his quotes.

If you think you’re going to have it all figured out after one season of Lent, you are crazy!

Stephen Kass

What are you doing this Easter?

The one thing I realized from listening to Stephen is that Lent is the preparation. Easter season seem to be the heats. But the real race is the life after Easter where all the preparation and discipline of Lent comes front and center for application. All the disciplines we develop over 5 weeks, now must be put into practice. And every Lent is a new preparatory season to add a new virtue or skill that will equip us on our mission of life. Stephen makes it clear that we are all called to something. Lent should make us re-evaluate how it will shape our mission of life. Easter is a season of hope. No matter where you are and how far you are from the Lord, He is still with you, waiting for you with arms open wide. He is just one prayer away. What will you do this Easter season?

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on Becoming a Missionary and New Beginnings. If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.

We are on iheartradio, Stitcher, Itunes, and tunein.com. We���d love to hear from you. If you hear us on Itunes, please rate and review us.

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“When it comes to almsgiving, even if its extremely small, do it!”

Matthew McKenna

Who Is Matthew Mckenna?

Matthew McKenna is a Ph.D candidate in Theology at Ave Maria University. He studies and teaches on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien. His dissertation-in-progress explains the link between the masculine genius and the priesthood.

116 Tithing & AlmsgivingPQF �� 116 Tithing & Almsgiving

In this episode, I talk to Matthew McKenna about tithing and almsgiving. He explains:
i. What does tithing mean and how much are we expected to tithe
ii. What is almsgiving and how much is expected?
iii. What about those in difficult circumstances or struggling financially?

Do you Tithe?

I found Matthew after reading his article on Catholic Exchange. And he very kindly agreed to do this episode. He talks about the Biblical and Torah origins of this practice of tithing.

I remember watching my mother do this and did this every time I earned something, sometimes joyfully, sometimes fearfully, sometimes grudgingly. It’s always been hard to trust God and say, despite everything I need, I’m giving this to you. However, I have to say that you will never see how much effect and how far ever every cent goes or has in educating, supporting and building the church.

When it came to almsgiving, my parents committed a certain amount of their earnings annually to certain ministries, the Salesians in training in Matunga and the St Michael’s church in Mahim. Every few years when we went on vacation to India, my parents would do whatever they could to further these ministries. Now even, after my dad has gone, I see the fruit of it all when I see how these ministries have blossomed. I know a friend who always asks the Lord in prayer where she should give alms. And she says the Lord always points someone to her. If you’re not sure, ask the Holy Spirit to show you.

Matthew talks about tithing by definition being one tenth of our first fruits. I love how he talks about the distinction between tithing and almsgiving. Even if it’s sacrificing a coffee and a couple of dollars. Giving to God and giving to the poor is something that we see very clearly in the Bible.

Proverbs 19:17 (“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done”) and Deuteronomy 15:11 (“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land”).��

“Give��to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to��God��the things that are��God’s.” Mark 12:17. God has no need for our money but His church does. Do you tithe? How much?

Fruits of Giving

Matthew talks about how he has seen his own trust in God increase by this practice. Out total surrender is contrary to the world’s teaching that we are in control of everything. God only asks that we submit to Him, just as a child would to their parent out of complete love and trust knowing that God does what’s best for us.

I have seen this too. I remember the time when my dad had died and I was struggling with just bread and noodles for months, the Lord came through and provided somehow. It was always in the nick of time. God does take care of us. We need to obey and trust Him.

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on��Becoming a Missionary��and��New Beginnings.��If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.

We are on iheartradio, Stitcher, Itunes, and tunein.com. We���d love to hear from you. If you hear us on Itunes, please rate and review us.

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“You won’t regret it. There’s really no downside to bringing a new life in the world.”

Monica Walton

WHO IS MONICA WALTON?

Birthright is a pregnancy support service that began in Canada in 1968 and has grown to include hundreds of centers throughout Canada, the United States, and Africa. Birthright offers free and confidential, non-judgmental support, love, hope, and resources to any woman who is pregnant or thinks she might be pregnant, regardless of her age, race, circumstances, religion, marital status, or financial
situation. Birthright is a 501c3 charity that relies on the dedication, time, and talents of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Learn more and find your local Birthright Center at birthright.org.
Monica has volunteered for Birthright of Jackson, MS, for 30 years and currently serves as SE Regional Consultant for Birthright USA. Monica is a freelance writer and author. Follow and read her stories and reflections at SacredAndSensible.com. Her newest book, Lean Into Lent, is available at DogwoodPress.com.

Becoming a Pro-Life VolunteerPQF · 115 Becoming a Pro-Life Volunteer

In this post Pamela talks to Monica Walton about becoming a pro-life volunteer. She explains:
i. What does volunteering with pregnant women involve?
ii. What organizations are open to help and what kind of help do they need?
iii. Is there any training required?
iv. How has this affected her spiritually?

A pro-life volunteer

It was entirely by chance that I opened the daily readings at Christmas eve mass. There is no such thing as a chance in God’s kingdom. I never open the book. And there was an article with the title, “The woman at the well.” It’s one of my favorite stories from the Bible. And so I began reading the article by Monica Walton on the work of volunteering with pregnant women. I reached out to her and soon she said yes to doing an episode.

She talks about the requirements and the challenges that she has faced in over thirty years of volunteering. I love how she shares the start of her own ministry, a personal experience and the voice of the Holy Spirit and then her long journey into ministry. It just goes to show that God foresees everything. In hindsight, how everything that happens is used for our good.

Monica shares what work Birthright does for every mother and child. She explains how we can guide other people to it if and when the time comes. There are so many people volunteering silently in the Church, unsung heroes, who give of themselves everyday with no reward. This is the Church. These are its members and everyday I’m so proud to be Catholic knowing that everyone is doing their part to build God’s kingdom.

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on Mother Teresa and New Beginnings. If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.

We are on iheartradio, Stitcher, Itunes, and tunein.com. We’d love to hear from you. If you hear us on Itunes, please rate and review us.

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“There’s no way to sugarcoat this, becoming a missionary involves great sacrifice.”

Nicholas A Higgins

WHO IS NICHOLAS A HIGGINS?

Nicholas A. Higgins is a musician, writer, and Catholic missionary. He is originally from Florida and currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland, where he works as a Spanish & Theology teacher at an all-boys Catholic high school. Nicholas frequently visits Honduras to serve with his mission community, the Missioners of Christ. He has also produced several creative projects based on his time on mission in Honduras including his children���s book, ���The Campesino���s Dream���, which is about a young man who grew up in a village in Honduras. He is also releasing his debut album ���Fireheart��� this March and will be going on tour this June, sharing his original Christian songs inspired by his time in Honduras. Contact Nicholas at nahiggins@gmail.com to have him share his original music at your church or lead a worship service in English or Spanish. His books or music can be purchased at www.nicholashiggins.com. If you are interested in a mission trip to Honduras, apply at www.missionersofchrist.org

Becoming a MissionaryPQF �� 114 Becoming a Missionary

In this episode, Pamela talks to Nicholas A. Higgins about Becoming a missionary. He explains:
-What does missionary work involve?
-How did you decide to do missionary work and how do people find a group that they can volunteer with?
-How can it enrich you spiritually?
-What are the challenges of being a missionary?
-What about financial provisions during the time you’re volunteering?

Do You Want to Become a missionary?

I reached out to Nicholas during December and he was kind enough to respond and record on the 1st of January. Surprisingly, I happened to stumble on his website while I was looking for someone else. It’s so amazing how God leads us.

I have been looking to talk about missionary work last year. Nicholas who has been doing this for 15 years breaks down the process, the financials and the way God has turned his life around. I like how in retrospect you can see how God has steered him down a path after he answered God’s call. Is God calling you to missionary work? Do you feel a tug on your heart to go to the poorest people to evangelize. Nicholas is quick to point out that it’s not easy and becoming a missionary is a lot of sacrifice. He lays out the challenges and the spiritual benefits.

Even if you are unable to go physcially, can you pray for the missionaries everywhere who are brave and open to God’s call. Can you support them financially? Think about it as you plan the new year and think about your own ministry.

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“We think hope is some nebulous feeling but it is a person. We are supposed to be people of hope.”

Amy Smith

WHO IS AMY SMITH?

Amy Smith is senior editor for features at the National Catholic Register. As a wordsmith, she enjoys helping writers craft compelling stories for online and print that will edify readers, while writing on topics ranging from Jane Austen and Mother Mary to saints. Her book, The Plans God Has for You: Hopeful Lessons for Young Women (Emmaus Road Publishing), is based on her favorite Scripture, Jeremiah 29:11.

113 The Plans God has for your LifePQF · 113 The Plans God has for your Life

In this episode, Pamela talks to Amy Smith about Jeremiah 29:11 and the plans God has for our life. She explains:
i.What are the plans God has for us?
ii. How do we know what these plans are?
iii. How do we get over the old and start anew trusting God despite the past failures?

What are God’s plan for my life?

I came across the book Amy wrote, THE PLANS GOD HAS FOR YOU. It’s based on the verse Jeremiah 29:11, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” With the new year looming, I wanted to focus on relying on God for the decisions we make. The big ones, the small ones.

The big areas that Amy talks about are

-Gratitude for what’s already happening in our life

-Journaling since we forget in the midst of our circumstances the good things

-Finding peace in the decisions we make

-Fully Trusting God when we make the decisions after discernment

I love how she breaks down with examples how she made her own decision and how God guided her to make hers. She says we need to be hopeful and trusting God with that hope. She also echoed what some other guests have talked about during the process of discernment and having peace while making decisions. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit inspires us with the similar message.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2025

It’s our last episode for the year. 113 episodes so far. I’m so happy. We have come for far. Our guests have been so kind and full of wisdom. I thank all of our listeners, subscribers and readers. It’s been so wonderful to hear from you. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season and a fabulous 2025! May God bless your decisions as you rely on Him for direction.

Feliz Natal!

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on Advent and New Beginnings. If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.

We are on iheartradio, Stitcher, Itunes, and tunein.com. We’d love to hear from you. If you hear us on Itunes, please rate and review us.

The post 113 The Plans God has for your Life appeared first on PAMELA Q. FERNANDES.