Idaho Catholic Podcast

What if the most powerful sermons were never spoken… but seen? In this episode, discover the hidden meaning behind Catholic art—why it exists, what it teaches, and why it’s more important today than ever. From stained glass to the crucifix, this episode will change how you see the Church forever.

Are Catholics and Protestants really that different… or are we closer than we think? In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey with Deacon Pat Kearns, we dive into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in Christianity:

What would you do… if you stood at the foot of the Cross? Not in a painting… Not in a church… But there— in the mud, in the blood, in the storm… Looking up at Jesus Christ… dying for you. Would you turn away? …Or would it change your life forever? www.TheCatholicJourney.NET

You Are Not Alone… You Never Have Been What if I told you… you have a constant companion… a heavenly protector… a guide who sees God face-to-face…

Can a Catholic go to war… and still be faithful to Christ? Can a Catholic take a life… and not commit sin? Most people think they know the answer. Most people are wrong. In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns—U.S. Navy veteran who served alongside the Marines—dives deep into what the Church actually teaches about war, killing, and moral responsibility. ⚔️ Is all killing murder? ⚔️ When is war justified? ⚔️ Are we called to peace… or to defend the innocent? This is not politics. This is truth.

Someone asked me… “Why do you write books?” And the answer surprised even me. I don’t write just to tell stories. I don’t write just to teach. I write… because somewhere along the way, writing became prayer. In this deeply personal episode, I share how writing has allowed me to see my life, my struggles, and the people around me through a completely different lens—one shaped by faith, reflection, and the desire to see as God sees. From Catholic novels… to devotionals… to spiritual workbooks… and even children’s books—each one was born from a single mission: To help souls encounter God. But more than that… This episode isn’t just about why I write. It’s about the question you may be avoiding:

What if the problem isn’t that you don’t pray enough… …but that you’ve never really talked to God? So many of us were taught how to say prayers— but not how to enter into a real relationship with Him. We recite the words. We follow the routine. But deep down… something feels missing. In this powerful episode, we explore the truth that can change everything: Prayer is not a ritual. It’s a conversation. A real, honest, personal encounter with a God who already knows your heart—and is waiting for you to open it. If your prayer life feels dry… distracted… or distant—this episode will challenge you, inspire you, and invite you into something deeper. Stop saying prayers… Start talking to God.

Has the Catholic Church lost its courage? It’s a question many are asking… Maybe even you. In a world that is growing louder, more aggressive, and increasingly opposed to truth—why does the Church sometimes seem quiet… hesitant… even unclear? Are we afraid to speak? Have we softened where we once stood firm? Or are we being called to something deeper than noise and reaction? In this powerful episode, I take on the real questions people are asking me as a Catholic and as a cleric—questions about truth, courage, confusion, and what it really means to stand firm in today’s culture. This is not about tearing down the Church. It’s about loving her enough to ask the hard questions… and being willing to become part of the answer. Because the Church has not lost her truth. The real question is… have we lost the courage to live it?

What if you found out… you only had 1–3 years left to live? Not someday. Not decades from now. But right now. Would anything in your life actually change? Would you go to Mass differently… Pray with more urgency… Love your family more intentionally… Let go of the things that don’t really matter? Or would you keep living… the same distracted life? This episode is more than a reflection— it’s a wake-up call. Because the way you would live if you knew your time was short… is probably the way God is calling you to live today.

Why do special forces soldiers wear St. Michael medals? Why do some have his prayer tattooed on their bodies? And why does the Church call on him in one of the most powerful prayers ever written:

Most Catholics have never heard this about St. Joseph… The Church calls him:

It didn’t start as a problem. It started as a drink. A way to relax… A way to cope… A way to take the edge off. But somewhere along the way… it stopped being a choice. Alcohol isn’t evil. But when it becomes a chain… something deeper is happening. In this episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns explores: • How addiction slowly takes hold • The spiritual battle behind alcoholism • The lies that keep people trapped • And the path back to freedom through Christ If you or someone you love is struggling… this conversation could be the beginning of hope.

Divorce can feel like the end… but what if it’s not? In this powerful episode, Deacon Pat Kearns speaks directly to those carrying the pain of divorce—offering hope, truth, and a reminder that God never walks away from broken hearts.

What if the reason you feel anxious… overwhelmed… or stuck isn’t because you’re missing something— …but because you’re holding onto something too tightly? In this powerful episode, we uncover the hidden attachments that quietly keep us from peace… and from God.

Something unexpected has been happening on my daily walks… What started as a simple attempt to get healthier has turned into something much deeper. On these quiet walks, I’ve discovered something about God, faith, and life that I never expected. In today’s episode of The Catholic Journey, I share how something as simple as walking has changed my life — body, mind, and soul. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or distant from God… this episode might speak to you.

Why Do Catholics Keep Jesus on the Cross? I recently received a comment that said: "Stop putting Jesus on the cross. He already suffered. Why do Catholics keep killing Him over and over again?" It’s a question many Christians sincerely ask. But the answer reveals something deep, powerful, and beautiful about the Catholic faith that many people have never heard before. In this episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns explains: • Why Catholics display the crucifix • Whether the Mass “re-sacrifices” Jesus • Why the Resurrection and the Cross can never be separated • And how the crucifix reveals the greatest love story in human history You may be surprised by what the Church actually teaches.

What if your hardest season is actually where God is doing His greatest work? Most of us find it easy to thank God when life is going well. But when we face disappointment, loss, suffering, or uncertainty, gratitude can feel almost impossible. Yet Scripture tells us something remarkable: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Not because suffering is good—but because God can transform even our darkest moments into something meaningful. In this episode of The Catholic Journey with Deacon Pat Kearns, we explore the powerful idea of gratitude in adversity—how faith allows us to see God working even in the struggles we wish we could avoid. You’ll discover: • Why gratitude changes the way we experience suffering • How the Cross reveals God’s purpose in pain • A simple spiritual practice that can transform difficult seasons If you’re walking through a challenging time, this reflection may help you see your story through a new lens of hope.