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
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Paul Pfeifer — horticulturist, nature lover, and director at Hidden Lake Gardens — for a thoughtful conversation on faith, family, trees, and spirituality.
Paul shares his journey from studying horticulture at The Ohio State University and Purdue University to discovering a deeper spiritual connection through nature, prayer, and the Ignatian spiritual exercises. Together...
In this powerful episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Dan Schwartz to explore what it truly means to step out in faith—especially when the path ahead is uncertain.
Dan shares his journey about discovering the Catholic faith later in life, a decision that came after years of searching, questioning, and ultimately surrender. But it’s his family’s story that brings faith to life in a profound way. Through their experi...
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Beth Deline to hear her powerful journey of faith, rediscovery, and courage.
After stepping away from the Church, Beth unexpectedly found herself knocking on a rectory door, Beth shares the moment that changed everything—when a priest told her, “All the angels and saints in heaven are rejoicing at this moment.”
Beth opens up about coming back to the Church and overcoming ...
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Ethan Huston, a recent college graduate navigating the uncertainty of life after school while staying deeply rooted in his Catholic faith.
Ethan shares his journey of growing up in the Catholic Church, choosing to stay involved when many walk away, and what it really means to live your faith instead of just showing up on Sundays. From starting a young adult Bible study t...
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Sister Janice Brown, OP, an Adrian Dominican Sister, to talk about centering prayer, discernment, and following God’s call at any stage of life.
Sister Janice shares her remarkable journey from working in banking and finance and raising her daughter as a single mother, to later entering religious life and dedicating herself to Catholic ministry and spiritual formati...
In this episode of Open Seat, we welcome Kelly Reed, a wife of 42 years, mother of two, grandmother of two, choir member, lector, and catechist at Holy Family Parish.
Kelly shares her powerful faith journey — from being raised Catholic, to leaving the Church for many years, to eventually returning home to the Eucharist. She opens up about:
- What led her and her husband away from the Catholic Church
- The quiet longing...
In this episode of Open Seat, Connie Kingsley shares how Salesian spirituality has transformed the way she lives her faith in everyday life. From her journey into the Catholic Church to discovering the call to “Live Jesus,” Connie reflects on how prayer, the virtues, and a deep personal relationship with Christ have shaped her heart, her family life, and her service to others.
She speaks about learning to love more i...
In this episode of Open Seat, Stephanie Jimenez courageously shares her journey through doubt, anxiety, and an emotionally harmful relationship—and the faith that ultimately gave her the strength to leave.
Raised in the Catholic Church, Stephanie reflects on moments when she questioned God, felt overwhelmed by fear, and struggled to believe she was worthy of love. Through prayer, family support, and grace she didn’t ...
In this powerful episode of Open Seat, we welcome Rick Cox, a parishioner whose journey to the Catholic faith is marked by resilience, grace, and an unshakable desire for God.
Rick shares how a cancer diagnosis unexpectedly led him to church for the first time—not out of obligation, but through a simple act of friendship. What began as accompaniment soon became a calling. With no religious upbringing and no intention...
In this episode of Open Seat, we welcome Bill Fetzer, a lifelong parishioner, husband, father, grandfather, and neighbor whose story is rooted in faith, hard work, and treating others with dignity. From growing up in Adrian and playing baseball as a young man, to building a career through perseverance and integrity, Bill shares lessons learned through decades of work, family life, and service to the Church.
The heat is definitely turned up in this episode of the Hot Seat as we welcome back Father Michael Newman, OSFS, for an honest, thoughtful, and wide-ranging conversation on questions you submitted, and quite possible some of our most challenging questions yet!
Topics include:
•How to respond to claims that the Church excludes people, especially those who are LGBTQ+
• Why can't there be women...
In this special episode of Open Seat, we welcome Rocio Vazquez from the Guadalupe Society for a conversation on the beauty, history, and living traditions of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Advent season at our Parish. Rocio shares the meaning behind the Novena, Mañanitas, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day, and other Hispanic cultural practices that prepare our hearts for Jesus’ birth, including Las Posadas, gift gi...
In this heartfelt episode of Open Seat, we welcome Sister Xiomara Méndez Hernández, OP — a proud “Double Dominican,” born in the Dominican Republic and now an Adrian Dominican Sister. Her story is one of faith, courage, and hope that transcends borders.
From fashion designer in Santo Domingo to hospital chaplain in Chicago and now Executive Director of the Dominican Sisters Conference, Sister Xiomara shares her remar...
In this episode of Open Seat, Deacon Jonathan Dick, OSFS, shares his journey with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, discussing his path to priesthood, the significance of Salesian spirituality, and the challenges and joys encountered in his formation. Jonathan reflects on his evolving faith, the importance of being present, offering mercy, and the profound connections built through genuine friendships. Join us fo...
Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, is back in the Hot Seat to answer your questions about faith, life, and everything in between. We dive into topics like leaving Mass early, a deep dive into Mary Magdalene and we also talk about walking with LGBTQ+ individuals in faith, why priests are called “Father,” and how to navigate the gray areas of Christian life. With humor, stories, and real-life wisdom, this episode is a reminder...
We can hardly believe it — we've made it through the first Season of the Open Seat podcast.
In this special anniversary episode, our host Katie Love and Producer, Maria, look back on this past year of people telling their stories of faith filled with struggles, laughter and the work of the Holy Spirit. From how the Open Seat came to be to surprises, challenges, and blessings along the way, we’re taking time to...
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Angie Heath, Mayor of Adrian, to hear her remarkable story of faith and service. Raised in the Quaker tradition, Angie shares how her path eventually led her to the Catholic Church, where she discovered grace, mercy, and a true sense of home. From her roles in education and community leader to her role as mayor, Angie reflects on the full circle moments that shaped her...
In this episode of Open Seat, Dale LeVeck, shares his remarkable journey from Quaker upbringing to finding a home in the Catholic Church. What began as mistrust and walking away from faith eventually turned into a powerful encounter with Christ—sparked by a simple online search and a tug at his heart across the street from St. Mary Campus, Dale reflects on his promise to his grandmother, the joy of OCIA (Order of Ch...
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Sister Rosemary, an Adrian Dominican Sister whose life of faith has been marked by joyful service, compassionate pastoral care, and decades of leadership. From her early days as a teacher to her years as a hospital chaplain and congregational leader, Sister Rosemary reflects on the moments that shaped her vocation, the joy of community life, and what it means to “preach...
In this heartfelt episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Sue Clegg — a retired nurse, lifelong caregiver, and woman of deep faith. Sue shares her journey from fixing bodies to tending souls, offering a raw and beautiful reflection on how her calling has evolved from the hospital floor to quiet visits with the homebound and lonely.
Through laughter, wisdom, and real talk about faith, family, and purpose, Sue reminds u...
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