Catholic author Katie Warner joins us for a lively and joy-filled conversation about the power of children's books in shaping faith-filled homes and families. We chat about how she got into writing, what makes Catholic children's books unique, and how stories can spark conversations. Katie shares her #1 tip for creating a strong Catholic culture in the home, practical advice for family prayer and introduces a powerful tool to help teach children how to have "Jesus Time" --their own personal prayer time with God. Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring show packed with wisdom for building up your domestic church!

To purchase Katie's books, visit TAN books https://lddy.no/1l6ff and use special code: LIVINGLIT15 for 15%off your order.

And be sure to check out Katie's website https://katiewarner.com for fantastic resources. as well as http://firstfaithtreasury.com/shop/

Find Katie on Instagram (KatieWarnerCatholic)

We Have a Pope! Talking with Kids About the Papacy, the Conclave & the Chair of St. Peter

with Katie Bogner of Look to Him & Be Radiant

Author, educator, and beloved friend of Living LIT—Katie Bogner—returns to the podcast for a timely and thoughtful conversation on the papacy, the Conclave, and how to bring these sacred realities into the heart of our homes and classrooms.

As the Church prepares for the election of a new pope, Katie joins Robyn to talk about how we can help our children and families understand this sacred and historic time. Drawing from her beautiful book We Have a Pope, Katie shares how to explain the Conclave, the papacy, and the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church—all in ways that are clear, reverent, and meaningful for kids. The Conclave isn't just for Cardinals-it's a time for the whole Church to pray and participate, including children. Join us for a conversation that's rich in faith, full of practical ideas and rooted in the Truth.

Katie's website: Look to Him and be Radiant with oodles of FREE resources for the Conclave/Papal Election & more!

*purchase We Have a Pope - St. Paul Center Use code "Bogner2025" for FREE shipping

RE-RELEASE: We Have a Pope with Katie Bogner - Cuddle Up: Catholic Storytime | Podcast on Spotify Listen to Katie read the book on this podcast

Kortnee's website: About – Studio Senn

Follow Katie on IG Instagram and Kortnee Senn Instagram St Paul Center Instagram

Last week's Living Lit episode with everything Papal election White Smoke & the Will of God: How a Pope Is Chosen | Living Lit - Living LIT | Podcast on Spotify

Emmaus Road Publishing: Instagram

Have you ever wondered what really happens inside the Sistine Chapel when a new pope is elected? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn is joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald, diocesan theologian, to unpack the sacred and fascinating process of papal elections. From conclaves and cardinal ballots to white smoke and divine guidance, we explore how the Holy Spirit moves in the heart of the Church to raise up the next successor of St. Peter. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or just pope-curious, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the beauty, mystery, and tradition behind this momentous decision.

Plus, we break down key terms and answer questions like:

• What happens when a pope dies—or resigns?
• Who can become pope?
• What’s the deal with the white and black smoke?
• And what does it mean to be the Vicar of Christ?

Get ready to peek behind the curtains of Vatican City in one of the most awe-inspiring traditions of the Church.

Fantastic resources for your family with info and printables All About the Conclave:

United in Prayer: The Conclave and the Future of the Church

Look to Him and be Radiant: Search results for we have a pope

What do forgiveness, Divine Mercy, a crooked jester, the Last Rites… and Babe Ruth have in common?

A whole lot more than you might think!

In this lively and truth-packed episode, Robyn is joined by the one and only Susan Joy Bellavance—Catholic author, storyteller, and joyful evangelist—to talk about her brand-new children’s book, The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight. This fictional tale, rich in Catholic Truth, opens the door to big conversations about mercy, reconciliation, sin, and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Susan is full of Holy Spirit fire and this episode will have you laughing, learning, reflecting and maybe even shouting a few "Amens!" as Suan drops truth bombs wrapped in joy!

Whether you're a parent, catechist, teacher, a big kid at heart, or a person who wants to see the Gift of Mercy and our beautiful Faith passed on to the next generation-this show is for you!

What is Divine Mercy & How you can celebrate it in the Home:

Divine Mercy Sundaes | Catholic Living: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J97sZO2mc4w&list=PLqSqcaJSjAjaEiH2BV6NUi90esDztL0dX&index=14

Susan's website: Susan Joy Books | catholic children's books Susan's book, "The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight" is 20% off until May 1 on her website: https://www.bellacorabooks.com/

Suan with Pope Saint John Paul 2 and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta: About | Bella Cora Books: https://www.bellacorabooks.com/about

Shop Tan Books https://lddy.no/1l6ff (special Living LIT link) and use code: "LIVINGLIT15" to purchase "The King & The Shattered Glass" & many other fantastic Catholic Children's Books: https://lddy.no/1l6ff

In this special Holy Week episode of Living LIT, Robyn invites listeners into her family’s cherished Holy Thursday celebration—a prayerful and meaningful meal that ties Scripture to symbolic foods. For years, this tradition has shaped her children’s understanding of the Last Supper, and now it’s something they look forward to each year.

Robyn shares:

• The special menu and what each food represents
• 
  
• Scripture verses that accompany each course
• 
  
• How this meal brings the Gospel to life in the heart of the domestic church
• 
  

She also reflects on another family favorite—The Seven Churches Visitation, after Holy Thursday Mass, a powerful tradition of keeping watch with Our Lord as He begins His Passion.

Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or enrich one you already have, this episode is full of ideas to help your Holy Thursday feel more like the Upper Room.

In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn welcomes the ever-creative and faith-filled Megan from One Festive Mama to share how her family celebrates Holy Week in a way that is both meaningful and doable.

Megan has created an incredible Holy Week booklet—a thoughtfully curated guide that brings together everything you need to walk through the holiest week of the year with your family. Inside, you’ll find simple how-tos, Scripture, prayers, liturgical projects, recipes, playlists, printable banners, and more—all in one beautiful, easy-to-use resource.

Megan and Robyn chat about how to embrace the solemnity and beauty of Holy Week without overwhelm, how to draw your children into the story of our salvation, and why living the liturgical year at home forms the Domestic Church in powerful ways.

Whether you’re brand new to liturgical living or simply looking for fresh ideas to deepen your family’s Holy Week traditions, this episode is full of inspiration, encouragement, and practical tools to help you Live In Truth and bring the mysteries of our faith to life at home.

Celebrate Holy Week: Family Traditions Made Easy - One Festive Mama here is the link to Megan's blog and Holy week booklet

In this special episode, I sit down with Fr Scott Traynor to explore the profound meaning of the Jubilee Year — a time of renewal, mercy, and pilgrimage deeply rooted in Scripture and Jewish tradition. Together, we unpack why the Church celebrates Jubilee Years, what it means to embark on a pilgrimage, and how these sacred experiences invite us to encounter God’s abundant grace.

Whether you’re planning a physical pilgrimage or journeying spiritually at home, this episode offers practical ways to enter into the Jubilee Year with intention and hope. Discover how this year is an opportunity for every Christian to embrace renewal & rest, seek reconciliation, and walk forward as a pilgrim on the path of faith.

Tune in for thoughtful reflections, historical insights, and encouragement to make this Jubilee Year a transformative experience — no matter where your journey takes you.

Fr Scott Catechism references CCC 1471-1479

Check out this great video with Fr JP Morgan and me--where we show you how to Take a Pilgrimage

Jubilee year opportunities throughout the Diocese: SXF0125_0 (2).pdf

*Registration for the pilgrimage that Fr talks about in June has closed. But don't let that stop you from taking your own..

What if fasting could transform not only your body but also your soul? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, I sit down with Beth Bubik, the Catholic Fasting Coach, to discuss her powerful Delay and Pray method of spiritual fasting. Beth shares insights from her new book, explaining how this approach integrates biology, neurology, and theology to help Catholics (or anybody) grow in virtue and deepen their relationship with God. Rooted in Thomistic thought, Delay and Pray isn’t just about food—it’s about renewing the mind, strengthening the will, and embracing fasting as a path to holiness. Whether you’re new to fasting or looking to deepen your spiritual discipline, this conversation will inspire you to see fasting in a whole new light.

https://thecatholicfastingcoach.com/media/ to reach Beth

Beth on IG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicfastingcoach/

Beth's Delay & Pray podcast Why Lent is the Perfect Time to Fast - Delay and Pray | Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0V8f3EFeuD7ZV9Xf0ozpOE

Checklist for a healthy & Holy Lent checklist cover: https://d11n7da8rpqbjy.cloudfront.net/catholicfasting/31044492_17381758939642025_LentGuide_TCFC.pdf?kuid=49732355-3810-4ccc-a19b-cea829f6433c-1741042714&lid=6327&kref=Qmv0Iz4dgaYf