We are not alone in trying to follow Jesus

Theresa Alessandro with Helena Judd

The All Kinds of Catholic podcast community met in person last weekend for the first time. Afterwards people who attended were asked in a feedback survey if they were glad they had been there. Unanimously, they said Yes!

Theresa Alessandro, creator and host of the weekly podcast, reports: "It was a joy to be with just some of our pod community of listeners and guests. For me, it was good to hear directly how much listeners are appreciating the weekly podcast conversations with ordinary Catholic people."

One attendee reported that after hearing Fr John in Episode 86 speaking about prison ministry, she decided to go and be with people in prison for Mass. Another said the conversations help her to feel that she is 'not alone' in trying to follow Jesus in her life.

This week's podcast episode, a lively and honest conversation with Helena Judd of Radio Maria England, was recorded live at the event. Theresa reported that not only was Helena a fantastic guest but her gift for drama ministry with children and young people with disabilities opened up ideas for future podcast conversations.

After a simple lunch, the group shared their thoughts about the podcast mission and ideas for further developments. An online gathering of the pod community is likely to follow, especially helpful for those who were not able to attend in person this time.

You are encouraged to look out for next week's episode of the podcast too. Theresa pointed out that, 'There is so much armed conflict in the world as we begin Holy Week. It's fitting that our two guests in next week's episode, share the impact on their lives and their faith of carrying crosses to Walsingham in Holy Week, a pilgrimage tradition that began as an act of reconciliation and witness in response to the end of the Second World War.'

The All Kinds of Catholic podcast is created and hosted by Theresa Alessandro. In each episode, Theresa is in conversation with a different Catholic guest exploring how they live their faith in the world today. Guests will often be people who are not in the public eye. Taken together, their stories illustrate the image Pope Francis uses in Evangelii Gaudium, of a 'chaotic…genuine experience of fraternity, a caravan of solidarity, a sacred pilgrimage' experienced by Catholic people 'stepping into this floodtide' of life.

The growing podcast community can be found on Substack

Theresa convenes the Catholic Podcaster Network which meets regularly online. Get in touch if you work in this area and want to be connected. She would be happy to chat further about this podcast and podcasting.

The podcast is kindly supported by the Passionists of St Patrick's Province, Ireland & Britain and by CAFOD.

Web: allkindsofcatholic.substack.com

Socials Fb Twitter/X Instagram Bluesky @KindsofCatholic