the journey home ewtn 2022

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JOURNEY HOME

JOURNEY HOME

• RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
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JonMarc Grodi and his guests address the personal obstacles, doctrinal objections, and the irresistible attraction to the Church Jesus founded 2,000 years ago.

EVERETT FRANKLIN - FORMER CHURCH OF GOD ARMY CHAPLAIN

Everett Franklin was a US Army chaplain for twenty years, serving on behalf of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). His family had been in that particular Pentecostal denomination for four generations, so it was surprising to him that over time, his desire to grow deeper in his Christian faith kept leading him more and more toward discovering the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, and a home in the Catholic Church.

CHUCK GAIDICA - FORMER NAZARENE AND NONDENOMINATIONAL PASTOR

A strong Christian who served as a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene and nondenominational settings, Chuck Gaidica was also a successful TV anchor who began to understand the truth and beauty of Catholicism, and eventually, through questions about the nature of ministry, and the influence of fellow Catholic journalists, felt called home to the Catholic Church.

ELVIS GUTIERREZ - CATHOLIC REVERT

Elvis Gutierrez was raised Catholic, but as a young man, was living a reckless lifestyle. When the 9/11 attacks happened, he was serving as an EMT in New York City, and those events marked a major turning point in his life. He began over time to connect with strong spiritual mentors, who helped him heal from some of the hidden wounds he'd been carrying, and find peace in Jesus Christ and His Church.

JEREMY RIVERA - FORMER EVANGELICAL PASTOR

Jeremy Rivera was raised Catholic, but left the faith at 18. In college, he was at a low point when he was invited to an Evangelical church; he ended up plugging into a Bible study, and began to experience a major turnaround in his life. Jeremy went on to attend seminary, and eventually pastored in Hawaii, California, and Denver. However, he began to be troubled at all the different expressions of Christianity he saw around him, and knew there had to be a true, authoritative version of Christianity. His desire to seek that out led him back to the Catholic Church.

BECCA DICKERSON

Becca Dickerson always knew she'd be using her gifts to serve God in some way, but as an Evangelical Christian, she had difficulty discerning what shape that might take. Some of her friendships and experiences in ministry, especially during her time at Asbury College, began to open her up to the idea of the Catholic Faith, to the point where she could no longer sit on the fence about it; she knew she had to enter the Church.

Trapped in an abusive marriage, Pam Mings questioned her Baptist teachings. A friend turned her on to Catholicism, where she discovered St. Maria Goretti, patron of abused people.

DEACON GREGORY & ELLEN AMARANTE

Ellen went to Presbyterian, Baptist and nondenominational churches, while Gregory was an unenthusiastic Catholic. Their marriage resulted in his vocation and led her to the Church.

Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM - Catholic Revert, Former Agnostic

Fr. Ken Geraci grew up Catholic, but left the faith as a young man. He chased after fortune in the business world, eventually founding a highly successful software company. Unable to find happiness in all the ways he though would bring fulfillment, he revisited the idea of faith, coming back first to belief in God, then in Christianity, and eventually back to the Catholic Church. As part of that journey back, he recognized a call to the priesthood with the Fathers of Mercy.

Ratings & Reviews

The irresistible call.

Kati&Lali

I have been watching this programme for years on EWTN. Every life story, every journey is unique, yet somehow familiar. I never fail to be inspired by how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Excellent podcast. I recommend going back to the website and watching all of the programmes from the beginning.

Journey Home

A varied life style of the many who have come either back into the church or those coming into the church for the first time. This is their Journey into a Universal e Church Faith which I hope will get larger and Larger. Those Catholics if they are old or f they are young and do not follow the Church is a great Pity.entering th My opinion is unchanged. I hope that there will be stronger Faith for those in the Church and I pray for those thinking of the Church? The long treks always start with the first step on the way to ardcCheli Chelorum.

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• Creator EWTN
• Years Active 2016 - 2024
• Episodes 100
• Rating Clean
• Copyright © EWTN, All Rights Reserved, 2024
• Show Website JOURNEY HOME

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The Top 10 Journey Home Episodes of 2022

He went on to become a music minister, but nagging questions about the nature of worship led him to explore early Christianity, and what he found there drew him more and more toward the reality of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Watch Dr. Gregson’s episode.

9. Dr. Ian Murphy – Former Baptist minister

Dr. Murphy grew up Christian, but became agnostic as a teenager before having a born again experience. A controversy over him mentioning his faith in a graduation speech developed in him a boldness to preach, eventually leading him to Baptist ministry before he began to discover the beauty and truth of the Catholic Church. Watch Dr. Murphy’s episode.

8. Norman bin Yazid – Former Seventh-day Adventist minister

He pursued a call to ministry in an SDA context, but began to be troubled with some central tenets of their theology, and wondered if there might be another way to view the Scriptures than through the teachings of Ellen G. White.

Norman began to think and pray more deeply on the question of faith and reason, the meaning of beauty, and a proper view of Christian history.

Those questions would eventually lead him home to the Catholic Church. Watch Norman’s episode.

7. Mick Souza – Catholic revert

Raised Catholic by his mother and grandmother, Mick Souza was one of the smallest kids in his neighborhood, so he began working out, winning every athletic competition he entered, and eventually the Mr. Universe title in 1992. 

Along the way, he got caught up in money, and sins of the flesh, but none of it satisfied, because he had drifted far from faith.

When his mother passed, it was a turning point, and Mick knew more than ever that he needed the Lord back in his life.

Mick shares the many ways since that initial turning point that the Holy Spirit has been continuing to mold him and make him more of the man that God always intended him to be. Watch Mick’s episode.

6. Fr. Andrew Jones – Former Baptist

As a kid, he was fascinated by the Lord’s Supper, but always felt like there needed to be more to the celebration of it.

A trip to Greece and Italy just before college got him fascinated with icons, and the more he studied and prayed, the more he felt drawn to the ancient beauty of the Catholic Church and Her sacramental life. Fr. Andrew is a priest in the Diocese of Mobile, Alabama. Watch Fr. Andrew’s episode.

5. Fr. Gaurav Shroff – Former Hindu

His grandmother was the most observant Hindu in his family, and he remembers her devout prayers, as well as the various festivals he would celebrate with his extended family.

His love of classical music eventually led him to polyphony and Gregorian chant, and captivated by its beauty, he began to study the world that had produced it.

That led him to a powerful encounter with Jesus at a Good Friday service, and began in earnest his path to the Catholic Church and the priesthood. He now serves as a priest in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Watch Fr. Shroff’s episode.

4. Mallory Smyth – Catholic Revert, former non-denominational Christian

After finding life without God to be empty, Mallory started to give Christianity another try by exploring nondenominational congregations, but over time, came to realize that the Catholic Church, despite all of its broken and flawed members, was her true spiritual home. Watch Mallory’s episode.

3. Melissa Slagle – Former Baptist

Later, when one of her daughters announced she was becoming involved with United Pentecostals, who didn’t believe in the Trinity, it led Melissa to wonder who had the correct interpretation of Scripture.

The quest to understand that dilemma led her first to a thorough re-reading of the New Testament, and eventually to the claims of the Catholic Church, which had preserved the interpretation of Scripture from the time of the apostles. Watch Melissa’s episode.

2. Dr. Jennifer Frey – Former Atheist

Dr. Frey went on to study philosophy as an undergrad, and was surprised to discover that there were intelligent people in that field who also believed in God.

It raised a number of questions for her about how to best do philosophy, and those questions eventually led her to take seriously the claims of the Catholic Church. Watch Dr. Frey’s episode.

1. Katie Jacobson – Former Evangelical Protestant

Her quest to find out even led her to try membership classes with Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

A visit to Theology on Tap opened up a million questions about Catholicism for her, and started her on a journey to undo years of myths and misunderstandings about the Church, which she eventually came to realize was her true spiritual home. Watch Katie’s episode.

What a year! And we can’t wait to share another one full of great Journey Home episodes in 2023!

To support our work into the new year, please consider an end-of-year gift today!

View the Top 10 episodes from previous years: 2016 – 2017 – 2018 – 2019  – 2020  – 2021

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At Long Last

These last nearly thirty years have had their ups and downs, whereas I had wanted a venue to share my story.  At last it has come.  Marcus Grodi, the original host, had just passed the torch to his son, JonMarc Grodi for interviewing duties.

First, They Flew Me In

They flew me in back in April.  Their television studio is in the middle of a rural area in Ohio, where the Grodi family farms on the side.  They had an incredible library indoors, filled with all sorts of theological books, both pro and anti-Catholic.  I came with another former Episcopalian (actually a Charismatic Episcopalian, whereas I grew up Episcopalian in a parish with charismatic leanings),  Fr. Randy Sly.  He went first, which gave me time to gather my thoughts and try to salvage my poor sleep the night before.

The unique aspects of my testimony touch upon my upbringing, my positive experiences in the Christian groups I had participated in, and the tensions I felt with Mary, the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, and the issue of women in the priesthood.  My own personal faith journey began when I was fourteen years old, which was the age of my children when I taped this broadcast, so it gave me a sense of empathy of what my own parents probably endured when I was discovering a deeper union with God being possible.

All in all, I think I did pretty good.  Matt Swaim, who produces the show, said of my testimony “your taping was hilarious , heartfelt , endearing , and insightful , just as I’d hoped it would be! Can’t wait to share it in August.”   Despite the month delay, it’s finally here.  If you watch anything at all on September 19, make sure you watch The Journey Home as well.

As an aside, if you think that I might be a good speaker for your upcoming event, feel free to bring me in .

Enter the Conversation...

I was floored by your interview on JH!! and my very first time watching since Marcus retired. I could listen to you for hours and would love to hear how it went exactly, with your female priest the day you told her you were converting to Catholicism. And, more importantly how you she made you feel thereafter.

I’m going to look around your blog, love your closing testimony. Welcome home Nick!!

God reward and bless you and your family.

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EVERETT FRANKLIN - FORMER CHURCH OF GOD ARMY CHAPLAIN

Everett Franklin was a US Army chaplain for twenty years, serving on behalf of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). His family had been in that particular Pentecostal denomination for four generations, so it was surprising to him that over time, his desire to grow deeper in his Christian faith kept leading him more and more toward discovering the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, and a home in the Catholic Church.

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The Journey Home

Each week EWTN host Marcus Grodi brings on a guest for an in-depth interview to hear their stories of conversion to the Catholic Faith. The guests come from various backgrounds: Christian an... Read all Each week EWTN host Marcus Grodi brings on a guest for an in-depth interview to hear their stories of conversion to the Catholic Faith. The guests come from various backgrounds: Christian and Non-Christian, agnostics, atheists and others. Each week EWTN host Marcus Grodi brings on a guest for an in-depth interview to hear their stories of conversion to the Catholic Faith. The guests come from various backgrounds: Christian and Non-Christian, agnostics, atheists and others.

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15 of the Most Unforgettable Episodes of The Journey Home

The Journey Home is an awesome show that has been on EWTN for  very long time, and still continues to produce engaging and inspirational shows featuring guests who have converted to the Catholic Church. We love it, and we wanted to show our appreciation by bringing you some of of the most unforgettable episodes. You can find more in the Coming Home Network’s Youtube page , or the EWTN Channel playlist .

1. Throwing it way back to, Patrick Madrid

2. The Coming Home Network’s own, Matt Swaim!!

3. Anti-porn speaker/ author/ apologist/ awesomest, Matt Fradd

4. The ever awesome, Patrick Coffin

5. Meme Queen and former Lutheran, Nicole DeMille

6. Pro-Life Advocate and Activist, Abby Johnson

7. President of Sophia Institute Press, Charlie McKinney

8. One of the best new apologists, Devin Rose, former atheist and baptist

9. Former Neo-Pagan (wut?), Dr. Brennan Pursell

10. Founder of ChurchPOP, Brantly Millegan

11. Jerusalem Jones, Steve Ray

12. Convert from Judaism, Rick Rosen

13. The awesome Atheist convert, Jennifer Fulwiler

14. The time Marcus interviewed – wait for it – his SON! The resemblance is uncanny.

15. The unforgettable, Dr. Scott Hahn

BONUS:  Author and gifted man from Word on Fire, Brandon Vogt

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Catholic Life at College: 5 Dorm-Life Dos

Tips, based on recent college students’ experiences

Adriana Azarian , September 24, 2024 – National Catholic Register

Did you know St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier were college roommates? No doubt their holy friendship helped lead them to sainthood.

Whether there’s already a Catholic community in your dorm or if you feel called to evangelize others, the dorm is a great place to share God’s love. Seize the opportunities, and you, too, can grow in holiness in your dorm.

Here are tips on how you can do this, based on recent college students’ experiences.

Join or Start a Small Group

Sts. Francis and Ignatius shared their faith in community by praying the Spiritual Exercises together. If your dorm doesn’t have any existing small groups, prayer groups or Bible studies, consider starting one.

It can be as formal or informal as you’d like. Pick a spiritual reading or a book of the Bible and invite people to discuss it. Or spend 15-20 minutes praying the Rosary or  lectio divina , a form of meditation on Scripture, together at night. Bring snacks or tea and use this time to unwind and offer your busy life to the Lord.

Jude Healey is a senior at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Last year, he led a Marian consecration small group with other men in his dorm every Sunday.

Together, they discussed the readings, and they attended Mass and received blessings on the day of their consecration.

“It was an amazing experience growing in community with some of the guys in the dorm,” he said. “That was honestly one of my favorite parts, just being able to sit down with those guys and talk about those readings and hang out.”

Sloan Jacobs, a sophomore at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, said her women’s small group was “one of the highlights” of her freshman year.

“I definitely found camaraderie there and people who would help me remember my triumphs and the good things the Lord has done in my life, but also people who would call me out if I started getting spiritually lazy, which we all did for each other,” Jacobs said. “I really did feel like I found sisters I could talk to about literally anything and everything in these women.”

Decorate With Sacred Art

Not only will sacred art remind you of the Lord’s presence throughout the day, it will also be a conversation piece for people who might not know about the faith. If people ask questions, don’t be afraid to tell them about it.

Sidney Borland, a junior at New York University, said she kept an image of Mary and the Child Jesus in her room. “It’s a welcoming and beautiful image of a mother looking at her son, and that shows people the love of the Church, whether they know it or not,” she said.

Have a Priest Blessing

A priestly blessing is also important.

“With dorm rooms, you’re living in a building and there’s a lot of entry points and a lot of hurting people, and the devil loves to use that and feed off of that,” Borland said. “Having that blessing of protection and inviting Christ into that space is very important.”

It’s also a good practice to keep holy water in your room to bless yourself in your comings and goings and receive extra graces throughout the day.

Talk to People About Jesus

Let conversation about Christ come up naturally.

As St. Francis of Assisi is often attributed as saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.”

If people can see your witness as a Christian and are open to it, they will ask you questions.

“Many only talk about their faith during a Bible study or a church group. While these groups are good, small talk in the lobby or other communal areas can be just as beneficial in growing the faith as the larger groups,” said Nathan Fish, a sophomore at Hillsdale College.

Bring People to Church

If your school’s chapel, Catholic center or local parish has Mass, adoration or other events, simply ask people, Catholic or otherwise, to come along. You never know what seeds it might plant.

Healey said he recommends going to Catholic events with people to strengthen friendships and grow in faith.

“Once you start going to Mass, join FOCUS or St. Paul’s Outreach with some of those friends, that’s when those friendships can become more intentional,” he said.

“I know of friend groups that go to Mass every day or start their own personal apostolate, and those are really fruitful ways to get to know people.”

Adriana Azarian is currently completing an internship with the Register. She is a Hillsdale College student studying politics and journalism who enjoys writing news stories and features.

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