Old St. Pat's Podcast - podcast cover

Old St. Pat's Podcast

Old St. Patrick's Church, Father Bryan Massingale, Fr. Bryan Massingaleold-st-pats-podcast.simplecast.com
Old St. Patrick's is a Roman Catholic community in Chicago's bustling West Loop neighborhood, founded by Irish Immigrants on Easter morning in 1846. Since then we have grown into a home to a membership of about 4,000 households and innumerable friends. As we grow, we continually redefine what it means to be an urban church. We are committed to remaining open to new visions and possibilities, seeking broader horizons as we journey into our future. We encourage you to encounter the God who loves you, engage in a community that welcomes you, and serve the world that needs you. This podcast aims to welcome all into a Catholic experience like no other. Welcome to the Old St. Pat's Podcast.
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Episodes

Start With Your Heart - Fr. Pat McGrath 9.22.24

Have you ever stopped and thought to yourself, "How can I make the world a better place - I'm just one person!" It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, but the journey begins in your own heart. You're already on your way when you cultivate love, joy, kindness, and hope within yourself. Even the smallest acts of kindness can lighten the load we all carry, reminding us that every gesture of love matters. In this episode, Father Pat McGrath invites us to take action for others and become p...

Sep 24, 202416 minEp. 475

Embracing Inner Transformation - Fr. Pat McGrath 9.15.24

When was the last time you changed your mind about something big? Or shifted your attitude on a deeply held belief? When have you made a change in yourself—a habit, a mindset, something that allowed you to grow? Change is never easy. It demands motivation, effort, and often, a great deal of courage. But perhaps the hardest part is deciding to change in the first place. Today, we ask an even deeper question: What needs to change in you to enter more fully into the life God is calling you to live?...

Sep 17, 202415 minEp. 474

Open 24/7 - Fr. Tom Hurley 9.8.24

No matter your age or situation—whether you're teaching a classroom of kindergartners, assisting patients at a hospital, or working remotely from home—life is full of noise. Texts, pings, notifications, emails, and even our racing thoughts can make it hard to find peace. We may text a friend, turn to a colleague, or call a family member for relief, but what happens when no one’s available to have a conversation? Turning to the one who’s always available means we can access a sense of peace at an...

Sep 10, 202419 minEp. 472

Who Is Behind the Mask? - Fr. Pat McGrath 9.1.24

Ever feel like you’re wearing a mask that hides who you really are? Whether it's the roles we play, the habits we cling to, or the labels we wear, sometimes these "masks" can keep us from becoming the person God created us to be. They might protect us, sure, but they also conceal our true selves, causing a disconnect between who we are inside and what we show the world. When our outer persona doesn’t match our inner truth, it can lead to inner turmoil, pain, and a sense of inauthenticity. So, wh...

Sep 03, 202414 minEp. 470

Can God Trust Us? - Fr. Ed Foley 8.25.24

In any new relationship, one of the first things we consider is, "Can I trust this person?" Trust is the foundation for any relationship to grow stronger, deeper, and more meaningful. In this past Sunday's readings, we explored the sixth chapter of John, which shifted our focus from the bread itself to the trustworthiness of the one who offers it. It's not just about the sustenance provided, but about the reliability of the provider. As we learn to trust God, we must also ask ourselves: can God ...

Aug 27, 202422 minEp. 468

Shifting from Fear to Love - Fr. Pat McGrath 8.18.24

We all face a common struggle: focusing more on what scares us than what we love. But why do our fears so often overshadow our sense of love and peace? And, more importantly, how can we shift our primary focus toward love? We can go to church, engage in prayer, and receive communion. When we receive the Eucharist, we’re not just reminded of love—we’re nourished by it. Today, Father Pat McGrath encourages us to bring our worries and anxieties to Mass, where we are embraced by the One who is love....

Aug 20, 202415 minEp. 466

From Overwhelming to Overcoming - Fr. Joe Simmons 8.11.24

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by challenges that just seem to keep piling up? Have you ever been so tired, physically or emotionally, that you simply want to say, "Enough, I can't handle anymore?" If you've ever felt this way, you're not alone. When life feels too heavy when difficulties seem endless, and there appears to be no way out, how do we find the strength to keep going? Today, Father Joe Simmons invites us to sit back, take a deep breath, and journey to a place where we can find renewa...

Aug 13, 202413 minEp. 464

Whispers of the Divine - Fr. Christopher Alt 8.4.24

In today's fast-paced world, we sometimes overlook the small yet profound moments of kindness and love surrounding us. Whether it's a stranger's smile, a friend's thoughtful gesture, or a selfless act from a loved one, these instances are not mere coincidences. They are whispers of the divine, gentle nudges from God, reminding us of His ever-present love and care. But how often do we accept these moments as glimpses of God's presence? How do we draw near Him, open our hearts, and believe in His ...

Aug 06, 202418 minEp. 462

Hope Therapy - Fr. Ed Foley 7.28.24

Have you ever wondered if your life today matches the dreams your younger self had? Maybe some things are just as you imagined, or maybe your reality is far from what you planned. No matter where you stand, now is the perfect time to start shaping your desired future. We can wait for someone else to bring about the changes we desire, or we can step up with faith, hope, and action to create the life, city, and world we envision. Imagine a world filled with peace, kindness, joy, love, laughter, ca...

Jul 30, 202415 minEp. 460

Embracing Rest and Renewal - Fr. Jack Wall 7.21.24

If you're in Chicago right now, you can attest to the fact that summer here is truly magical, with the city sparkling in all its glory. From the magnificent lakefront with the boats, bike path and beaches to the neighbor hood block parties and street fests, it's a season that lifts the spirit. Summer, in general, is a time when we can take a break from work, school, and chores and relax and connect with others and enjoy everything the city has to offer. In today's gospel reading, Jesus invites t...

Jul 23, 202417 minEp. 458

The Oneness of the Human Family - Fr. Jack Wall, 7.14.24

Consider marriage: two unique individuals coming together, not to dominate one another, but to create something new and dynamic. In a healthy marriage, each person listens, empathizes, and loves selflessly, seeking the best for the union rather than just for themselves. This union is a continual process, revealing deeper truths about who we are as a human family. Our differences, far from causing division or oppression, help us discover a deeper way of being human together. This concept extends ...

Jul 16, 202422 minEp. 456

Help Our Unbelief - Fr. Pat McGrath, 7.7.24

Even though God has shown His goodness over and over, staying fervent in our faith can be challenging, especially when things aren't going our way. We all have most likely experienced times when, even though we logically know we want to have faith, doubt still creeps in, and hope seems distant. But what if we could find peace and truly know that God is with us, loves us, and is always there for us? Today, Father Pat McGrath inspires us to shift our perspective, increase our faith, and discover t...

Jul 09, 202413 minEp. 454

Hearts Courageous - Fr. Christopher Alt, S.J. 6.30.24

Have you ever found yourself avoiding something because you're afraid? Maybe you think someone else can do it better, or you're worried about what others will say or even terrified you'll fail. We've all been there. Our insecurities and fears can hold us back. But what if there was a trick to unlock the power of a courageous heart, especially when the world, our friends, or our family need us to be brave? Today, Father Christopher Alt reveals a way to overcome our doubts, find that courage, and ...

Jul 02, 202418 minEp. 452

Calming the Storms of Life - Fr. Ed Foley 6.23.24

The storms in your life might be swirling with full force, literally and metaphorically. These storms—whether emotional, financial, or spiritual—can make us feel isolated and fearful. But this past Sunday's Gospel reminds us that we're not alone. Jesus stands up, rebukes the wind, and says to the sea, 'Peace, be still.' And the storm calms. During our moments of calm, we not only find relief but also a clear call to action. It's not just about seeking peace in our own lives, but also about exten...

Jun 25, 202419 minEp. 450

Cultivating Kinship - Fr. Pat McGrath 6.9.24

A crowded bus, the loud gym, a bustling office, a busy classroom, or a cafe grabbing your morning coffee—in these ordinary places, extraordinary moments of connection unfold. A smile exchanged with a stranger, a colleague's supportive nod, a thoughtful gesture in the checkout line—small, fleeting acts that hold the power to transform not just our day but the very fabric of our communities. It's about seeing and being seen, about belonging to one another. And there are endless opportunities to re...

Jun 11, 202417 minEp. 447
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