What does authentic patriotism look like for Catholics? In this Fourth of July episode, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtue of patriotism through the lens of gratitude, justice, and Catholic tradition.

Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas, Chesterton, and their own experiences living abroad, they discuss how love of country differs from nationalism and why gratitude is the foundation of patriotism. They reflect on God's providence, civic responsibility, and how Catholics can love their country without idolizing it.

The conversation also offers practical ways to contribute to the common good through family life, local communities, and charitable engagement in an increasingly divided culture. Plus, they answer a listener question about maintaining relationships with family members who have left the faith.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

Get American Pilgrimage by Dr. Christopher Shannon here:

https://catholic.market/books/american-pilgrimage/?srsltid=AfmBOopYpTM47rxVjDIxQo7yk3uu7RIJMFnrwvg7mreqtcS6ev9Lp0XJ

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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp explore how to participate more deeply in the Mass, even during seasons of distraction, dryness, or spiritual fatigue. Drawing from their own experiences as parents and pilgrims in the faith, they discuss why the Mass is not primarily about what we get out of it, but about entering into Christ's sacrifice and allowing the liturgy to form us.

The conversation covers practical ways to listen more attentively, the relationship between confession and the Eucharist, the importance of thanksgiving after Mass, and how learning more about the Liturgy can deepen our love for it. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or a recent convert, this episode offers encouragement to bring your "five loaves and two fish" to the Lord and trust Him to transform even your imperfect offering.

To learn more about the show, visit http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Christ today—and how is it different from the time of the Apostles? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers reflect on the heart of discipleship as it appears in Scripture: to be called by Jesus, transformed by Him, and sent on mission with Him.

They walk through key Gospel passages like the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, showing how discipleship begins with hearing Christ’s call (“Follow me”), continues through surrender and transformation (“I will make you”), and culminates in mission (“I will make you fishers of men”).

Along the way, they explore how modern life—especially distraction, technology, and comfort—can pull us away from that pattern of discipleship. They offer practical ways to return to the basics: daily prayer, Scripture reading, the Sacraments, and intentional habits of attention that keep us rooted in Christ.

This conversation also highlights a central truth of the Christian life: discipleship is not primarily our achievement, but our response to God’s initiative in us.

-Watch Sacred Art with Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1140847

-Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637

-Watch Littlest Saints on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/801622

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