JP2 Morning Crew

A Joyful Journey: Deacon Cruz Pleitez Shares His Faith and Life Story

Segment 1: Parenthood and Its Joys
Discussion on Parenthood: Brandon and Rob discuss the joys and challenges of parenthood, drawing from their personal experiences.
Prayer by Deacon Cruz Pleitez: Deacon Cruz opens with a heartfelt prayer for guidance and blessings.
 
Segment 2: Deacon Cruz Pleitez’s Early Life and Faith Journey
Introduction to Deacon Cruz: Shares his upbringing in El Salvador, his early work experiences, and his initial introduction to the Catholic faith.
Challenges and Joys of Childhood: Reflects on his joyful yet challenging childhood, including his work and education.
 
Segment 3: Moving to the United States and Meeting His Wife
Transition to the US: Deacon Cruz talks about his move to California, his education, and career ambitions.
Meeting His Wife: Shares the story of meeting his wife, her influence on his faith, and their journey together, including their service in the Catholic Church.
 
Segment 4: The Call to the Diaconate
Invitation to Diaconate: Discusses his involvement in his local parish and the eventual invitation to join the diaconate program.
Emphasis on Obedience: Highlights the importance of obedience in his life and spiritual journey.
 
Segment 5: Catholic Gift Shop
The Gift Shop Story: Rob shares his personal experience discovering Deacon Cruz’s gift shop.
Deacon Cruz’s Perspective: Describes how acquiring the gift shop was a blessing and a means to serve the community, offering spiritual guidance and support.
 
Conclusion:
Final Thoughts: Brandon and Rob reflect on the conversation, emphasizing the joy and dedication in Deacon Cruz’s story.

Navigating Faith-Based Investing with Bud Leedom

Bud Leedom's Background:
Bud shares his journey from an astronomy major to the financial sector.
Establishment of his investment management firm focusing on San Diego-based companies.
 
Faith-Based Investing:
Discussion on the importance of aligning investments with Catholic values.
Challenges of modern investing due to political and social mandates.
Importance of researching companies to ensure they match Catholic values.
 
Examples of Faith-Based Companies:
Mention of Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out as examples of companies holding strong to their values despite potential financial loss.
Discussion on the influence of the Catholic community in supporting value-aligned businesses.
 
Resources for Faith-Based Investing:
Mention of Ave Maria Mutual Funds and Aquinas Catholic Value Fund.
Importance of thorough research and understanding of company backgrounds and values.
 
Risk Management and Diversification:
Bud explains the importance of diversification in managing investment risk.
Cautionary tales of investing in single assets and the importance of trustworthy management.
Personal Experiences and Ethical Investing:
Bud shares experiences with companies that have questionable backgrounds.
Emphasis on the need for due diligence in understanding both companies and investment managers.
 
Mission and Values in Investing:
Importance of aligning investment practices with personal and client values.
Bud’s approach to getting to know clients and sharing mutual values.

Exploring Theology of the Body with Deacon Keith Esshaki

Deacon Keith Esshaki's Background:
Born in Iraq in 1962 and moved to the United States at 16.
Ordained as a permanent Deacon in 2006 and serves the Chaldean Church.
Shares personal journey and how he was drawn to Theology of the Body.
Introduction to Theology of the Body:
 
Explanation of Theology of the Body as presented by St. John Paul II.
Discussion on how the body reveals truths about God and the human person.
 
Personal Insights:
Deacon Keith shares his personal experiences and struggles with understanding the conjugal act and teaching it to his children.
His discovery of Theology of the Body through Catholic Answers and Jason Everts' chastity talks.
 
Theology of the Body Framework:
Overview of St. John Paul II's use of phenomenology to understand human experiences.
Explanation of the three states of the human body: original man, historical man, and eschatological man.
 
Cycles of Theology of the Body:
Breakdown of the six cycles of Theology of the Body addresses.
Use of Genesis and the Sermon on the Mount as foundational texts.
Emphasis on love as God loves, avoiding lustful objectification in relationships.
 
Practical Application:
Deacon Keith emphasizes loving as God loves and treating each other with pure love.
Encourages listeners to understand and live out Theology of the Body in their lives.

Building Community and Faith: A Chat with Father Bill Kernan

Introduction:Join the JP2 Morning Crew as we welcome Father Bill Kernan, the pastor of St. Margaret’s Parish in Oceanside and a former Navy surface warfare officer. Father Kernan shares his journey from the military to the priesthood, the role of community in the church, and the upcoming veneration of a significant religious relic at his parish.
Military to Ministry:Father Kernan discusses his transition from serving as a Navy officer to answering the call to priesthood. Insights into the challenges and motivations behind his decision illuminate his deep-rooted commitment to faith.
Community Building Efforts:
Explore Father Kernan’s efforts in community building, from his early days at Valley Center to his current role at St. Margaret's. His experiences reveal the impact of spiritual and community leadership in various parish settings.
Saint Paul Street Evangelization:
Co-host Rob Goodale shares his experiences with Saint Paul Street Evangelization, highlighting the outreach efforts and the personal transformations associated with active faith evangelization.Upcoming Parish Event - Relic of Saint Jude:
Learn about the significant event at St. Margaret’s with the arrival of the relic of Saint Jude. Father Kernan explains the importance of relics in Catholic faith and how this event aims to strengthen community ties and spiritual devotion.
Eucharist and Community:
Discussion on the central role of the Eucharist in building community within the parish. Father Kernan and the hosts delve into how communal worship fosters a deeper connection among parishioners.
Closing:
Father Bill Kernan concludes the session with a blessing, leaving listeners with thoughts on faith, perseverance, and community.
Reminder:
Don't miss the opportunity to join the community at St. Margaret’s Parish on July 12th for the veneration of the relic of Saint Jude. This event promises to be a profound experience for all attendees, fostering deeper connections within the community and with their faith.

Fueling Faith Through Community: The Role of College Ministries

Introduction:
Welcome to the JP2 Morning Crew with your host, Brandon Clark. Today’s co-host, Jamie Clayton, joins us to discuss the critical role of campus ministry in nurturing faith among college students.
 
Guest Introduction:
Jamie Clayton, a seasoned campus minister with extensive experience in youth and college ministries in San Diego, shares his journey from feeling called to ministry in high school to engaging deeply with college students at San Diego State University.
 
Main Discussion:
Transition to College Ministry: Jamie discusses the stark differences he observed in the faith journeys of students who attended colleges with active Catholic communities versus those who did not. This disparity prompted his transition from youth to college ministry, aiming to bridge this gap.
Impact of Campus Ministry: Jamie highlights the pivotal role campus ministries play in ensuring students maintain their faith during college, describing college as a "hinge point" in their spiritual and personal development.
 
Guest Segment:
Carly Smith Joins the Conversation: Carly, a former FOCUS missionary now working with Jamie at Paradigm Missions, shares her experiences transitioning to local community-focused ministry. She emphasizes the transformative potential of intentionally small, community-based missionary work.
Prayer and Reflection: Carly leads a prayer, invoking God’s guidance for their discussion and the broader mission of reaching and transforming the community through faith.
 
Key Insights:
Community and Mission: Both Jamie and Carly discuss the significant influence a vibrant community has on an individual’s faith journey, particularly in a college setting. They stress the importance of building a sustainable community that actively participates in the faith life of its members, beyond the college years.
Challenges and Opportunities in Technology: The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in fostering real, meaningful connections among young people today.
 
Closing Thoughts:
Carly reflects on the personal growth she has experienced through her missionary work and encourages listeners to find their mission field, whether in grand or simple ways. Jamie reiterates the importance of community support in sustaining their missionary activities and invites listeners to join their efforts through the Abundant Harvest campaign.

Faith and Service: A Conversation with Retired Marine Colonel Bernie O'Neil

Hosts:
Brandon Clark
Eddie Madueno
Guest:
Bernie O'Neil, Retired Marine Colonel and active member of the Legion of Mary
Episode Summary:
In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, Brandon Clark and co-host Eddie Madueno sit down with Bernie O'Neil, a lifelong and faithful Catholic who served as a Marine Colonel for 30 years. Bernie shares insights into how his faith sustained him through numerous military missions and his current involvement with the Legion of Mary, highlighting the impact of service and spirituality in both military and civilian life.
Key Highlights:
Military Service: Bernie discusses his 30 years in the Marines, detailing how faith was a constant companion through various assignments and challenges.
Prayer and Faith: Bernie reflects on the importance of prayer, starting the episode with a communal prayer and discussing its significance in everyday life.
Legion of Mary: Bernie talks about his work with the Legion of Mary, describing it as a spiritual army doing holy work in local communities, and offers ways listeners can get involved.
Personal Insights: Eddie and Bernie share personal experiences about leadership, humility, and the importance of recognizing Christ in others.

Hearts United: Rob Goodale's Journey to Faith and Sacred Celebrations

Episode Summary:
Join Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski as they dive into the solemn celebration of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with co-hosts and guests sharing personal stories of faith, devotion, and divine intervention. This episode features a powerful conversation with Rob Goodale, a retired marine who shares his compelling conversion to Catholicism, his deepening faith journey, and his active involvement in Catholic organizations.
 
Key Highlights:
Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary: Insights into the significance of these feasts and their deep-rooted history in the Church, including personal stories of faith and miracles associated with these devotions.
Guest Spotlight - Rob Goodale: From his early life and military service to a profound spiritual awakening and conversion to Catholicism, Rob discusses the impact of divine guidance in his life and his role in Catholic evangelization efforts.
Community and Service: Discussion on the importance of community involvement through organizations like the Legion of Mary, Knights of Columbus, and St. Paul Street Evangelization, with guidance on how listeners can participate.

Embracing Faith in Nature: A Journey with Martin Rosales at Whispering Winds

Episode Overview:
In this enlightening episode of the JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Raul Caro explore the significance of the Feast of the Visitation and engage in a deep conversation about the role of the Blessed Mother in our faith. Special guest Martin Rosales, Executive Director of Whispering Winds Catholic Conference Center, shares profound insights into the transformative power of nature and faith combined at the camp.
 
Highlights:
Feast of the Visitation - Co-host Brandon Clark shares his personal connection to this feast day and discusses its importance in the Catholic tradition.
Role of the Blessed Mother - Raul Caro opens up about his evolving relationship with Mary, highlighting how learning about her has deepened his faith.
Guest Introduction - Martin Rosales discusses the mission and impact of Whispering Winds, detailing how it provides a spiritual refuge and strengthens faith through the beauty of nature.
Powerful Testimonies - Martin recounts inspiring stories of faith and transformation experienced by visitors at Whispering Winds, emphasizing the camp’s role in facilitating these personal encounters with God.
Community Impact - Discussion on how Whispering Winds serves over 11,000 Catholics annually, fostering community and spiritual growth through various programs and retreats.
Q&A with Martin - Listeners get a closer look at the day-to-day operations and spiritual offerings at the camp, along with how individuals and groups can get involved or visit.
 
Closing Thoughts:
The episode wraps up with a reflection on the importance of nature in spiritual practice and evangelization, urging listeners to explore their own "Calcutta" where they can connect more deeply with God.

Desire, Action, Confidence: The Path to Everyday Evangelization with José Pulido

Main Segment:
In a profound conversation with José Pulido, founder of At The Service, they explore how intellectual honesty and a desire for truth can lead to a deeper faith and active evangelization. José shares his transformative journey from skepticism to faith and outlines how desire, action, and confidence can be seen as modern expressions of faith, hope, and love.
 
Key Points Discussed:
The concept of Ordinary Time as a period of spiritual growth.
Recap of the successful spring pledge drive and ongoing support for JP2 Catholic Radio.
José Pulido's background and his path from atheism to Catholic evangelization.
The importance of intellectual honesty in faith and evangelization.
Practical insights on how to live out evangelization daily, inspired by the Holy Family.
José's approach to evangelization through the lens of Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The impact of personal encounters with Christ on effective evangelization.

Pentecost and the Power of Media in Faith

Date: May 17, 2024
Hosts: Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski
Guest: John Hinterlong, Producer of the 2019 film Unplanned
Summary:
In this episode of the JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski dive into the liturgical significance of Pentecost and discuss the impactful role of media in spreading faith-based messages. Special guest John Hinterlong shares his journey from Hollywood to faith-based filmmaking, focusing on his role as a producer of the movie Unplanned. The conversation also explores the challenges and triumphs of creating media that aligns with pro-life values and the broader mission of the Church.