Advent starts this weekend, and Father Dave welcomes Father Mike Schmitz to discuss preparing our hearts this season. Father Mike is the host of Ascension’s “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year” podcasts, as well as the new series “Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz.”

Krista asks Father Dave for advice on wanting to serve the poor while also tending to her young children.

We’re all called to spread the Gospel, and Father Dave welcomes back Franciscan friar Father Casey Cole to discuss his new evangelization mission and book. Father Casey and two fellow young friars moved to Charlotte, NC to found SEARCH, which stands for Seek, Encounter, Accompany, Renew, Convert and Heal. He is also the author of the new book, “Sent: How to Evangelize Wherever You Are, Whoever You Are.”

We all can experience a rut in our prayer lives, and Father Dave welcomes Lisa Hendey to discuss how we can invite Christ into our everyday moments. Lisa is the founder of CatholicMom.com and her new book is called “Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way: A Weekly Devotional.”

Through the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican recently published a document called "Mater Populi Fidelis," or "Mother of the Faithful People of God,” which clarifies different titles for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave explains the purpose of this document, specifically in reference to the Vatican’s rejection of labeling Mary “co-redemptrix” or “co-mediatrix.”

Father Dave welcomes back veteran tour guide Joan Watson to discuss the benefits of going on a pilgrimage. Joan is the pilgrim formation manager for Verso Ministries and the author of the new book “Making a Pilgrimage: A Companion for Catholics.”

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about finding time to go to Confession. “My parish only offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturdays 30 minutes before Mass. This one time makes it very difficult [for me] to go to Confession. In fact, I’ve been avoiding it due to the schedule,” Michael begins. “Is it rare or commonplace to ask a priest for a private confession?  We have two priests for 3,500 families so they are super busy; I feel guilty adding to their work load. All the parishes in my diocese have similar schedules.”