In early October, the first episode of the podcast, “Ready, Willing, & Able,” was released on all streaming platforms, courtesy of the Office of Education at the Diocese of Allentown. While the show is geared primarily towards the parents of Catholic school children, the content is helpful for any Catholic parent. As the episode intro says, “Ready, Willing, & Able” will produce a monthly episode on various faith and parenting related topics, to “help you bring the richness of the Catholic faith into your family life, so that you, parents who are listening, will feel ready, willing, and able to live into your call as primary educators of the faith.”
The first episode dove into the importance of praying as a family. Host Genevieve O’Connor, Communications Specialist and Campus Minister at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, speaks with Dr. Mike St. Pierre, Superintendent of Catholic Education, about strategies for how families can pray together regularly and keep children engaged. Click here to listen to episode one: “School lets out at 3:30, but being Catholic doesn’t.”
Episode two, which released last week, tackled the intimidating topic of politics and parenting. O’Connor and Dr. St. Pierre emphasize that it is worthwhile to discuss politics with children, brainstorm how even disparaging propaganda can be a teaching tool, and explore how the Catholic faith can, and should, influence our political actions. Click here to listen to episode two: “Politics and Parenting.”
“Our hope is that this podcast is a helpful resource and support for our Catholic school parents,” commented Dr. St. Pierre. “The need for parents to feel supported by their Diocese is clear, and we believe that Ready, Willing, & Able is a tangible sign of the partnership between families and schools."
O’Connor added: “I hope that anyone who listens to this podcast is struck by the richness of our Catholic Faith, and that they see a little more clearly how it permeates every aspect of life, including and especially parenting.”
Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or search for it on your favorite streaming service.
