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 The Open Seat, we sit down with Sonja Howell to hear her inspiring journey from being raised Baptist to becoming Catholic and finding a home at Holy Family Parish.
Sonja shares how a love of learning has shaped both her career in education and her walk of faith. She talks about why she looks forward to the homily each week, how she finds practical lessons for everyday life in Scripture, and why she...
What happens when a lifelong skeptic begins searching for the truth?
In this episode of Open Seat, Austin See shares his journey from questioning God and wrestling with faith to becoming Catholic through history, service, and a life-changing encounter that challenged everything he believed.
As a Marine Corps veteran, former city council member, and nonprofit leader, Austin has dedicated his life to servi...
In this episode of Open Seat, Lora Arriaga joins us for a conversation about faith, family, service, and finding joy in the everyday moments of parish life.
Lora shares how welcoming her nieces and nephew into her home changed her life, the ministries that keep her connected to the Holy Family community, and why she believes the Gospel message is something we need not just on Sunday, but throughout the week.
From the ...
What happens when someone leaves religious life, builds what seems like the perfect life, and then feels called back?
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with novice Chris Allen, OSFS, to talk about his vocation journey with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. His story is a powerful reminder that vocation is not about having everything figured out—it's about responding to God's call one step at a ti...
What does faith look like through the eyes of a teenager?
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with 14-year-old Omar Garcia Jr. to talk about growing up Catholic, serving at church and discovering a deeper relationship with God along the way.
Omar shares how serving at a young age helped him grow in confidence and faith, how prayer became personal during the pandemic, and how young people can inspire an e...
In this episode of The Hot Seat, Father Mike and Katie Love tackle some of the toughest questions Catholics wrestle with today:
🔥 What boundaries can you have with family members involved in grave sin or illegal activity?
🔥 Why do priests lay face down during the Good Friday service?
🔥 Do you need to go to confession before receiving the Eucharist?
Father Mike breaks down Church teaching on confes...
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 exercis...
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. Th...
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 Chur...
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 fo...
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 l...
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...
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 d...
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 int...
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.
B...
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...
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, g...
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 Xiomar...
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...
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