"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Ephesians 4:29We take some time to reflect in our own St. George Shrine about the graces, the stumbling blocks, and the lessons involved within the topic of communication. More than a byproduct of humanity, words have a divine origin and a potential to build someone up or completely cut them down. It's eternally important to reflect on how we communicate and more importantly how we are open to communication from a God who is constantly reaching out to us, hoping dearly for a response.

We get the chance to sit down with Mrs. Kerwin, the middle school theology teacher at St. Fabian in Farmington Hills to discuss her expertise: breaking through the walls of middle schoolers. We explore topics of the deep desire for authenticity as well as how to truly think like a middle schooler in order to see where they're coming from. We were so blessed by all of the insight that Kim has to offer with encouraging vulnerability and edified by all that she is doing for the Church.

"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win." -1 Corinthians 9:24

This week we're joined by two great coaches, Jeremy and Jacob Hickey, who break open the beauty of sport and show how their coaching is a direct vehicle to Christ, to help others run so as to win. They highlight the importance of healthy competition and stories of moments when the circumstances of victory mattered much more than the victory itself. Tune in to hear the connection between athletics and being a disciple of Christ.

This week, we travel out to Prince of Peace Catholic Church to speak with Fr. Andrew Dawson about the power of the sacraments. Combining his experience as a camp counselor as well as a priest, Fr. Andrew offers many deep points of reflection in terms of how we can allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the sacramental grace that the Lord desires for all of us. Tune in to hear how Fr. Andrew makes this reality present at his parish and how he views its importance within the upcoming generation of the Church.

This episode we're joined by our very own Melissa Marter! Combining her experiences with Hard as Nails Ministry and Catholic Family Land to now serving at Our Lady of the Fields, Melissa brings a breadth of ministerial knowledge and a deep understanding of the youth. Tune in to hear about her specialty: the art of debriefing and how it enhances the experience of all of the groups we have here.

Before Damascus finished up for the summer, we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Abby and Tyler about praise and worship, as well as how they help others to enter into this form of prayer. With insights even new to our ears, they both truly bring a refreshing and creative perspective to praise and worship, which reflects in their effectiveness to reach youth and adults alike. We hope that you are as blessed by this conversation as we were.

Fr. John has been a long time supporter of OLF and a vibrant figure during many of our retreats. We get a chance to sit down with him and really talk about the spirituality behind forming a relationship with Christ and how that relationship can help us model love to those around us.

After a full day of fun, we had the chance to sit down with Selena and Matt, who both serve on the administration of Chaldean Youth Camp. They both have a passion for serving their Chaldean community and passing on to the next generation what they've received by fully engaging with their Chaldean roots. CYC has been the longest running camp at OLF, celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year! Tune in to hear some great stories through the years of how CYC has grown and developed.