Friends of the Bridegroom returns with a preview of a new season that adds new voices while continuing the podcast's mission to deepen friendship with Christ through meaningful conversations and lived experiences.

• Welcome to the on-ramp for season four, following the transitions of Father Ben to the Saint Paul Seminary and Brenda to Iowa
• Meet Tom McGovern, our volunteer video producer who shares his faith journey and spiritual role models
• Season four will focus on prayer as a central theme, exploring its connection to reclaiming Sunday for God
• New voices will share personal stories of faith
• The podcast will include voices from Saint John the Baptist Catholic School, showcasing Catholic education and practical faith applications
• Father Bobby, our new pastor, will continue to make regular appearances
• Open invitation for listeners to participate, especially seeking a regular female host

If you'd like to get involved with Friends of the Bridegroom or share your story, please contact Adrian Sanchez.

If you enjoy the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5-star rating and a short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

In this episode, Father Ben Little, our pastor, discusses his upcoming transition from Saint John the Baptist Parish to become a spiritual director at Saint Paul Seminary. He explains what spiritual direction involves—helping individuals deepen their prayer life and discern God's will—and how it differs from counseling or therapy.

Father Ben shares insights about seminary formation, including the 7- to 9-year journey seminarians undertake, and the crucial role spiritual directors play in guiding these men. He reflects on how his parish experience will benefit seminarians who ultimately hope to serve in parishes themselves.

The conversation also explores the broader concept of vocational discernment, with both Father Ben and Adrian Sanchez, director of marketing and communications, offering personal perspectives on accompanying others on their spiritual journeys. They discuss the importance of affirming the gifts we see in others rather than simply asking if someone has considered priesthood or religious life.

Father Ben closes by reassuring parishioners he plans to maintain connections with the parish despite his new assignment, viewing this transition as "pausing" rather than ending parish ministry.

If you enjoy the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5-star rating and a short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

Join Father Ben Little, our pastor, and Brenda Sevcik, our director of music ministry, as they unpack the parish pilgrimage through some of France's most sacred Catholic sites. From the healing waters of Lourdes and its moving candlelight processions, to the historic papal palace in Avignon, to the spiritual treasures of Paray-le-Monial where the Sacred Heart was revealed to Saint Margaret Mary. Father Ben shares meaningful moments at the shrines of Saint Bernadette, Saint John Vianney, and his confirmation patron, Saint Vincent de Paul, while weaving in spiritual reflections on faith, wine-making, and what makes a true pilgrimage. Plus, hear about the pilgrims' excitement when white smoke appeared in Rome, announcing Pope Leo XIV!

If you enjoy the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5-star rating and a short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!