Martha, Mary, and Matthew 25 Finding Christ in Every Encounter Season 2 Episode 16Welcome to Season 2, Episode 16 of Bakhita’s Blessings, the weekly podcast of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish where we explore the life of the Church, share our parish mission, and seek the guidance of our patron saint, St. Josephine Bakhita, as we open wide our doors and hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve all God’s people.

In this episode, Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince dive deep into two powerful scripture passages: Matthew 25:31-46, known as the story of the Sheep and the Goats, and Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary. Together, they reflect on how these Gospels invite us to live a life of faith that balances service and contemplation.

This week’s discussion also highlights the parish’s partnership with World Vision and the Matthew 25 Challenge, which connects us to the people of Lesotho, Africa. As a nation struggling with high poverty rates and limited access to medical care, Lesotho reminds us of our global responsibility as Christians to see Christ in those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or imprisoned.

Listen as Fr. Mitch explains how Matthew 25 calls not only individuals but entire nations to act with justice and mercy. Dr. Alice brings a personal perspective as she explores how sacrificing daily comforts helps us reconnect with the presence of Christ. Together, they explore how Martha and Mary each model different forms of prayer—through action and stillness—and why both are essential in the Christian life.

Key topics include:

• What it means to recognize Christ in every person
  

• How the Matthew 25 Challenge invites us into solidarity with the poor
  

• The importance of balancing service with rest and contemplation
  

• Why God’s will, not our own, leads to true peace and purpose
  

• Lessons from Martha’s and Mary’s encounters with Jesus
  

This episode is a rich resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Christian discipleship, social justice, and personal spiritual growth.

Scripture focus: Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 10:38-42 Discover more about our mission and community at stbakhitastl.org

If this episode resonates with you, like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-filled conversations. Share it with a friend or family member who needs encouragement to see Christ in the ordinary moments of their life.

Love Your Neighbor and Yourself The Good Samaritan Reimagined

In Episode 15 of Bakhita’s Blessings Fr Mitch and Dr Alice Prince dive deep into Luke 10 25-37 and the timeless parable of the Good Samaritan But this isn’t your typical take on loving your neighbor Together they explore the challenging truth that we cannot pour from an empty cup—and sometimes the downtrodden one in need of compassion is ourselves This heartfelt conversation moves from biblical scholarship to real-life application as Dr Prince invites Fr Mitch and all of us to reflect on how we show up for others and whether we allow others to show up for us Along the way they reflect on current tragedies the interconnectedness of all creation and how Black Catholic spirituality can reignite our sense of belonging in God’s love Tune in for laughter conviction and a call to live fully into Christ’s command Love your neighbor as yourself Luke 10 27 This episode will inspire you to see the Good Samaritan story in a whole new way and maybe even change how you care for yourself and your community #BakhitasBlessings #GoodSamaritan #LoveYourNeighbor #CatholicPodcast #FaithInAction #BlackCatholicVoices #HealingAndHope #SelfCareIsHoly #LukeGospel #DigitalEvangelization #CatholicLife #StJosephineBakhita #PodcastForTheSoul #TrendingFaith #ChristianYouTube

Peace in the Midst of Chaos | Season 2 Episode 14

Season 2 Episode 14 of Bakhita’s Blessings dives deep into faith during turbulent times. 🌎💔 As wars escalate globally, Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince reflect on the pain, fear, and uncertainty in the world and how the Gospel calls us to choose mercy, compassion, and radical love—even for our enemies.

This powerful conversation reminds us that Christ’s death and resurrection remain at the center of our lives, offering hope and light even in the darkest moments. Together they unpack Isaiah’s prophecy of Jerusalem, Paul’s proclamation of the cross, and Jesus’ call to bring the Kingdom of God to others.

In these times of heartbreak, this episode challenges us to examine our hearts, pray deeply, and live as peacemakers in our families, communities, and the world. 🕊️

🙏 Scripture Focus: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 – “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

#BakhitasBlessings #CatholicPodcast #FaithInAction #PrayersForPeace #StJosephineBakhita #BlackCatholics #RadicalLove #KingdomOfGod #Luke10 #HopeAndHealing #MercyOverJudgment #DigitalEvangelization

Chosen to Serve: Answering God’s Call | Season 2 Episode 13

Season 2 Episode 13 of Bakhita’s Blessings brings a heartfelt conversation about living faith beyond borders. Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince welcome special guest Joycelynn Barnes from World Vision. Together, they explore how faith inspires action—feeding the hungry, bringing clean water to villages, and sharing the Gospel in powerful ways.

As we celebrate the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Fr. Mitch reflects on their transformation from brokenness to bold discipleship. How can we, too, let God use us to serve others and spread His love? This episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own mission and see how God might be choosing YOU to serve.

Scripture Focus: Matthew 25:35-40 – “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

#BakhitasBlessings #CatholicPodcast #WorldVision #Matthew25Challenge #ChosenExperience #FaithInAction #StJosephineBakhita #BlackCatholics #FeastOfPeterAndPaul #CleanWater #HopeAndHealing

Season 2, Episode 12 – Spirit-Filled Joy: Pentecost, Provision, and Radical Faith (Luke 9:11-17)

Welcome to Bakhita’s Blessings, our weekly podcast where we explore life in the Church, share the mission of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, and seek the guidance of our patron saint as she leads us to open wide our doors and hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve all God’s people.

In this episode, Dr. Alice Prince and Fr. Mitch Doyen reflect on the incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, celebrating the historic moment when so many children and families said “yes” to the Catholic faith. They discuss the power of provision in times of uncertainty and how Jesus reminds us through the Gospel (Luke 9:11-17) that He alone is enough.

💛 You’ll hear stories of transformation, radical faith, and the work of healing wounds in our community through initiatives like We Build Together. From baptisms to bold acts of love in North St. Louis, this episode is a testimony that God is truly moving.

🙏 What does it mean to bring your loaves and fish to Jesus? How is God calling you to trust Him fully this week?

✨ Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep saying “yes” to God.

#BakhitasBlessingsPodcast #CatholicPodcast #PentecostJoy #Luke91117 #RadicalFaith #StJosephineBakhita #HolySpirit #WeBuildTogether #FaithInAction #HealingAndHope #LoveYourNeighbor

Season 2, Episode 11 – Radical Hospitality: Love, Peace, and Rebuilding Together (John 14:23-29)

Welcome to Bakhita’s Blessings, our weekly podcast where we explore life in the Church, share the mission of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, and seek the guidance of our patron saint as she leads us to open wide our doors and hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve all God’s people.

In this powerful episode, Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince sit down with special guest Tasha Kaminsky to talk about radical hospitality, building faith-filled communities, and responding to life’s storms—both physical and spiritual. With recent tornadoes devastating parts of North St. Louis, we reflect on God’s call to love our neighbors and be peacemakers in a fractured world.

This episode’s Gospel (John 14:23-29) reminds us that Jesus gifts us with peace and calls us to live sacrificial love. From interfaith collaboration to serving marginalized neighborhoods, this conversation will inspire you to lean into God’s radical love and to make room at your table for all.

💛 Are you ready to practice radical hospitality in your own life? 🙏 Stay tuned for Fr. Mitch’s reflection on the Gospel and practical life applications you can carry into your week.

✨ Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with your community. When you share it, tag it with: #RadicalHospitality #LoveYourNeighbor #BakhitasBlessingsPodcast

Hashtags (YouTube & Social Media): #RadicalHospitality #PeaceAndLove #John142329 #StJosephineBakhita #CatholicPodcast #FaithInAction #InterfaithCommunity #NorthStLouis #HealingAndHope #LoveYourNeighbor #SpiritualGrowth

✨ Episode 10, Season 2: Love That Changes Everything ✨

Welcome to Bakhita’s Blessings, the podcast where faith meets real life. In this milestone 10th episode of Season 2, Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince celebrate a historic moment—the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first Holy Father with roots in both the United States and Peru. Together, they reflect on his vision, his connection to Catholic social teaching, and how his global perspective challenges all of us to embrace love without limits.

This week’s Gospel from John 13:31–35 calls us to do the hard and holy work of loving one another as Christ loves us. But what does that look like in the messy, everyday moments of our lives? From parish partnerships and grassroots movements to the quiet prayers before walking into our homes or meetings, this conversation will inspire you to lead with love and live with intention.

🎧 Whether you’re navigating healing, change, or simply seeking encouragement, this episode reminds us all: “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

🙏🏽 Listen, share, and join the growing community that is shaping a church rooted in compassion, justice, and belonging.

#CatholicPodcast #BakhitasBlessings #PopeLeoXIV #CatholicSocialTeaching #FaithInAction #John1331 #CatholicChurch #LoveOneAnother #BlackCatholics #ChristianUnity #PodcastSeason2

Episode 9 – Held in God’s Hands: Trusting the Voice of the Shepherd

Welcome back to Bakhita’s Blessings, where we open wide our hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve. In this powerful episode, Fr. Mitch and Dr. Alice Prince dive into the comforting and transformative words of Jesus from John 10:27–30:

“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.”

What does it mean to be known by God? How do we learn to recognize His voice amidst the noise, distractions, and uncertainty of our world? And what assurance can we find in the promise that we are held securely and eternally in God’s hand?

This week’s conversation is a reminder of the deeply personal relationship God desires to have with each of us. Fr. Mitch shares reflections on how the shepherd image calls us to deeper trust, while Dr. Prince explores how this Scripture speaks to those who feel forgotten or lost. Together, they unpack the sacred assurance that we are never outside of God’s loving reach.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd
  

• How to recognize the voice of God in everyday life
  

• The significance of spiritual security in a world of anxiety
  

• Stories of faith from the St. Josephine Bakhita Parish community
  

• A prayerful reflection to ground you in God’s love this week
  

Whether you’re walking through grief, joy, confusion, or celebration, this episode is a reminder that you belong, you are known, and nothing can separate you from the love of God.

Take a deep breath. God is calling you by name. Are you ready to listen?