Open Seat: A Holy Family Podcast
Welcome to Open Seat, the podcast where we create a space for authentic conversations about faith—unfiltered and unapologetic. With each episode, we invite guests from all walks of life to share their personal journeys, struggles, and revelations moments of doubt, discovery, and everything in between. Here, we believe that every story matters, and in the open seat, there’s room for honesty, vulnerability, and community. Whether you’re questioning, seeking, or steadfast in your beliefs, you’ll find something relatable in these heartfelt discussions. So grab your seat, get comfortable, and let’s dive in to today’s story here - at the Open Seat.
Episodes
Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, is back for a second round of questions that our listeners have submitted:
- If we have a falling out with a loved one; how can we heal and forgive if the other person doesn't communicate with us?
- Mass is getting crowded and I've been going to another church because of it. Are there plans to add another Mass?
- Are we supposed to stand or kneel during and after communion and whe...
In the Open Seat today is Lupita Jimenez, a High School student who shares her journey of faith amidst life's challenges and criticisms. Lupita talks about her involvement in church, her family's struggles with illness, and her own emotional experiences. She also tells us how she maintains her faith with resilience, hope, and the Holy Spirit.
This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We...
In this episode of Open Seat, Markos Diaz shares his heartfelt journey back to the Catholic Church, highlighting the transformative power of the sacrament of reconciliation. Coming back to the Catholic faith, Markos found healing, peace and a renewed relationship with God, eager to share it with others. His story offers practical insights and encouragement for anyone seeking to deepen or rediscover their faith.
In this episode of 'The Open Seat,' Katie Francies shares her inspiring journey of faith, community, and resilience. She speaks about the loss of her daughter, her husband's battle with Alzheimer's, and how her faith and community have been pillars of strength. Katie also touches on the importance of community within the Catholic Church, her role in welcoming new parishioners, and her love for natu...
This week in the Open Seat, we sit down with Gabi Cabrera to talk about his experience as a young adult in the faith. Gabi, a college student and lifelong member of the Holy Family Parish, shares his experiences growing up in a faith-driven family, the profound impact his faith has made during challenging times, and how he's had to lean on God's perfect timing through life's ups and downs. Gabi opens up...
Hear this inspiring journey as sit down with Chris Warner, a new parishioner at Holy Family, who shares her story of her ministry of caregiving. Chris talks about her upbringing in Tecumseh to becoming an indispensable member of her community, providing care and comfort to those in need, nursing homes and to her husband before his passing. She discusses the beginnings of her caregiving journey, her long-lasting dedica...
This week on the Open Seat we welcome Fr. David Whalen, OSFS, discussing his journey and experiences in religious life as an Oblate of St. Francis. Father Dave talks about his background, career, and various roles as an Oblate, from teaching and serving as a high school principal to being the Provincial. He provides insights into Salesian spirituality, emphasizing its fitting and challenging aspects. He also offers ad...
This week on the Open Seat Podcast, we welcome Adrian Public School Superintendent, Nate Parker, who also happens to be a parishioner and confirmation catechist at Holy Family Parish. Mr. Parker shares his journey of faith, family, and dedication to education. From his upbringing in a Catholic family to his career as an educator, Nate discusses how his faith has shaped the way he witnesses to others. He talks about t...
This week on Open Seat, we welcome Justin Mazur, a state police officer with a profound connection to his faith. Justin shares his journey from growing up in metro Detroit to meeting his wife at Wayne State University, playing professional baseball, and ultimately joining the state police. Justin illustrates how his faith has guided him through some of the darkest moments of his career, offering hope and resilience to...
In this episode of Open Seat, Jenna Duckett, who recently came into the Catholic Church this year along with her husband and two children, shares her profound journey into the Catholic faith, discussing the initial hesitations, her quest for answers, and healing that led her to embrace Catholicism. Jenna helps to debunk some of the misconceptions she and her husband had before becoming Catholic as well as the resource...
This week on the Open Seat, we’re joined by Father Pat McDaid, SM, who shares his inspiring journey of faith and vocation as a Marianist Priest. From his beginnings in Adrian to his current ministry in San Antonio, Father Pat reflects on the key examples and influences that guided his path to the priesthood. He also offers valuable advice on how to pray for and support those discerning any vocation. Don’t miss Father ...
This week on Open Seat, Mike Towler shares his inspiring journey of finding the love of his life unexpectedly, discovering a new career in dentistry, and embracing a deep connection with the Catholic Faith. Mike and his wife, Jodi, serve in the Marriage Ministry at Holy Family Parish, guiding engaged couples in meaningful conversations about faith as they prepare for marriage. Mike also reflects on the importance of l...
Join us as Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS and Open Seat Podcast host, Katie Love answer questions submitted by you! Tune in as they answer questions about:
- Favorite Things
- Pets in heaven
- School Challenges
- Getting involved in ministry
- How to be a good friend
- Best things about being a Catholic Priest
- Cremation & Burial
- Catholic Teaching on Heaven, Hell & Purgatory
In this episode of the Open Seat podcast, we welcome Maria Jaimez, affectionately known as the godmother of Adrian. Maria shares her journey of faith, rooted in her upbringing in Adrian's Sunnyside area and heavily influenced by her mother's strong spirituality and the Hispanic community. She speaks candidly about her life's mission to bring people to the power of the Holy Spirit and building the church...
In this episode of Open Seat, we continue the conversation with the Fr. Mike Newman, OSFS, as he shares his journey of faith, from his early years of teaching to his involvement in what would become Holy Family Parish. You will hear Fr.Mike's passion for languages, biblical studies involving monsters, and, of course, Salesian Spirituality. We explore the challenges and blessings of living a faith-centered life in...
Join us in this gripping episode of Open Seat, as we sit down with the Very Reverend Michael E. Newman, OSFS, the pastor of Holy Family Adrian. Fr.Mike shares his incredible life story filled with divine intervention, life-threatening medical incidents, and the people who helped him get through it all. From near-death experiences to finding his calling with the Oblates, Fr.Mike's story is an inspiring testament ...
In this episode of Open Seat, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ivelisse Auffant. Ivelisse shares her path from growing up in Puerto Rico to dedicating her life to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, her academic endeavors, and her extensive travel experiences around the globe. Her narrative also explores the challenges and transitions that led her to eventually leave the Adrian Dominican Sisters after 30 years, and h...
In this episode of Open Seat, Joe Baker shares his transformative experiences with the Holy Spirit throughout his life. From unexpected job opportunities to profound personal realizations, Joe reveals how faith and spiritual encounters have guided him. He discusses significant milestones, including his time in the army, his involvement in the Charismatic Renewal, and meeting his wife Pat. Joe's stories provide in...
In this emotionally charged episode of Open Seat, DJ Vallejo shares his journey of faith when overcoming challenges, battling suicidal thoughts, and regaining faith. Raised by a single mother who battled cancer, DJ discusses the struggles of growing up without a father, the importance of mental health for men, and how faith and community helped him heal. DJ works to remove the stigma of men and mental health and invit...
In this heartfelt episode of Open Seat, Jesusa Arnett shares her inspiring life story of living with addiction while pursuing higher education, and coping with profound grief. Jesusa talks about her journey from being a high school dropout to earning a master's degree, her battle with drug addiction, and finding strength in faith. She also discusses her new support group, 'Among the Living,' at Holy Fam...
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