Open Seat: A Holy Family Podcast
Welcome to Open Seat, the podcast where we create a space for authentic conversations about faith—unfiltered and unapologetic. With each episode, we invite guests from all walks of life to share their personal journeys, struggles, and revelations moments of doubt, discovery, and everything in between. Here, we believe that every story matters, and in the open seat, there’s room for honesty, vulnerability, and community. Whether you’re questioning, seeking, or steadfast in your beliefs, you’ll find something relatable in these heartfelt discussions. So grab your seat, get comfortable, and let’s dive in to today’s story here - at the Open Seat.
Episodes
54 episodes
Trees and Spirituality with Paul Pfeifer
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Paul Pfeifer — horticulturist, nature lover, and director at Hidden Lake Gardens — for a thoughtful conversation on faith, family, trees, and spirituality.Paul shares his journey fr...
Stepping out in Faith with Dan Schwartz
In this powerful episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Dan Schwartz to explore what it truly means to step out in faith—especially when the path ahead is uncertain.Dan shares his journey about discovering the Catholic faith lat...
Nervous to Get Involved in Church? Watch This First
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Beth Deline to hear her powerful journey of faith, rediscovery, and courage.After stepping away from the Church, Beth unexpectedly found herself knocking on a rectory door, Beth sha...
Faith Beyond the Pew with Ethan Huston
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Ethan Huston, a recent college graduate navigating the uncertainty of life after school while staying deeply rooted in his Catholic faith.Ethan shares his journey of growing up in t...
Returning to the Center with Sister Janice Brown, OP
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Sister Janice Brown, OP, an Adrian Dominican Sister, to talk about centering prayer, discernment, and following God’s call at any stage of life.Sister Janice shares her remarkable journey from ...
Finding the Way Home with Kelly Reed
In this episode of Open Seat, we welcome Kelly Reed, a wife of 42 years, mother of two, grandmother of two, choir member, lector, and catechist at Holy Family Parish.Kelly shares her powerful faith journey — from being raised Ca...
Living Jesus Everyday with Connie Kingsley
In this episode of Open Seat, Connie Kingsley shares how Salesian spirituality has transformed the way she lives her faith in everyday life. From her journey into the Catholic Church to discovering the call to “Live Jesus,” Connie refl...
The Courage to Leave: Stephanie Jimenez's Journey of Faith and Freedom
In this episode of Open Seat, Stephanie Jimenez courageously shares her journey through doubt, anxiety, and an emotionally harmful relationship—and the faith that ultimately gave her the strength to leave.Raised in the Catholic Ch...
From Cancer to Catholic: Rick Cox’s Journey to Baptism
In this powerful episode of Open Seat, we welcome Rick Cox, a parishioner whose journey to the Catholic faith is marked by resilience, grace, and an unshakable desire for God.Rick shares how a cancer diagnosis unexpectedly led h...
Who is Your Neighbor? A Conversation with Bill Fetzer.
In this episode of Open Seat, we welcome Bill Fetzer, a lifelong parishioner, husband, father, grandfather, and neighbor whose story is rooted in faith, hard work, and treating others with dignity. From growing up in Adrian and playing baseball...
Hot Seat Answering Your Church Questions
The heat is definitely turned up in this episode of the Hot Seat as we welcome back Father Michael Newman, OSFS, for an honest, thoughtful, and wide-ranging conversation on questions you submitted, and quite possible some of our most chal...
Episode 42: Multicultural Advent with Our Lady of Guadalupe
In this special episode of Open Seat, we welcome Rocio Vazquez from the Guadalupe Society for a conversation on the beauty, history, and living traditions of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Advent season at our Parish. Rocio shares the meaning be...
A Double Dominican's Path to Hope With Sr. Xiomara Méndez Hernández
In this heartfelt episode of Open Seat, we welcome Sister Xiomara Méndez Hernández, OP — a proud “Double Dominican,” born in the Dominican Republic and now an Adrian Dominican Sister. Her story is one of faith, courage, and hope...
Spirituality and Authentic Relationships with Deacon Jon Dick
In this episode of Open Seat, Deacon Jonathan Dick, OSFS, shares his journey with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, discussing his path to priesthood, the significance of Salesian spirituality, and the challenges and joys encountered in his ...
Episode 39: Hot Seat is heating up!
Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, is back in the Hot Seat to answer your questions about faith, life, and everything in between. We dive into topics like leaving Mass early, a deep dive into Mary Magdalene and we also talk about walking with LGBTQ+ ind...
Open Seat Podcast: One Year Later
We can hardly believe it — we've made it through the first Season of the Open Seat podcast. In this special anniversary episode, our host Katie Love and Producer, Maria, look back on this past year of people telling their stories of...
Leading Adrian, Living Faith: Angie Sword Heath’s Full Circle Journey
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Angie Heath, Mayor of Adrian, to hear her remarkable story of faith and service. Raised in the Quaker tradition, Angie shares how her path eventually led her to the Catholic Church, where ...
The Church Founded by Christ: Becoming Catholic with Dale LeVeck
In this episode of Open Seat, Dale LeVeck, shares his remarkable journey from Quaker upbringing to finding a home in the Catholic Church. What began as mistrust and walking away from faith eventually turned into a powerful encounter with Christ...
Sister Rosemary: A Life of Pastoral Ministry and Dominican Joy
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Sister Rosemary, an Adrian Dominican Sister whose life of faith has been marked by joyful service, compassionate pastoral care, and decades of leadership. From her early days as a teacher ...
Healing hearts, one conversation at a time
In this heartfelt episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Sue Clegg — a retired nurse, lifelong caregiver, and woman of deep faith. Sue shares her journey from fixing bodies to tending souls, offering a raw and beautiful reflection on h...
Ministry of Medicine
In this episode of Open Seat, we welcome Anita Lanczki who shares her powerful testament of faith and compassion for others. Anita opens up about her career as a nurse and active roles in parish ministry, to include OCIA. As a Registered ...
Dreaming Big with God: Discerning Your Vocation
In this episode of 'Open Seat,' we delve into the inspiring journey of Sister Katherine Frazier, O.P., an Adrian Dominican Sister. Sr. Katherine shares her story from growing up on a hog farm in Indiana to her eventual calling to religious life...
Music Always Called Me
In this episode of Open Seat, we welcome Victor Solis, a passionate musician and dedicated member of his parish community. Victor shares his journey of faith, his involvement in church choirs, and his many years of ministry work, including deli...
Hot Seat Question & Answer: Session 2
Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, is back for a second round of questions that our listeners have submitted: If we have a falling out with a loved one; how can we heal and forgive if the other person doesn't communicate with...
Christ over Critics with Lupita Jimenez
In the Open Seat today is Lupita Jimenez, a High School student who shares her journey of faith amidst life's challenges and criticisms. Lupita talks about her involvement in church, her family's struggles with illness, and her own emotional ex...