Religion to Reality

Quick Summary
What if the struggle in your spiritual life isn’t a sign of failure, but proof that your relationship with God matters deeply? In this intimate conversation, spiritual director Mary Glowaski reveals how spiritual direction creates sacred space for encountering God’s love in unexpected ways, especially in our deepest struggles and shame.
Mary shares her unexpected call to spiritual direction, the profound difference between counseling and spiritual companionship, and why being harsh with ourselves blocks us from experiencing God’s unconditional love. If you’ve ever wondered what spiritual direction actually is, how to find a director, or whether it’s right for you, this episode offers compassionate wisdom from someone who has walked with countless souls through their most sacred stories.
Discover why spiritual direction isn’t about getting answers; it’s about learning to see yourself and others through God’s eyes of infinite compassion.
In This Bonus Episode, We Explore:

Spiritual direction focuses on your relationship with God, not on finding immediate answers or solutions
The gentleness in spiritual direction mirrors God’s gentle work in our lives—transformation doesn’t need to be forced
Many people struggle not with feeling unloved, but with seeing themselves as lovable
Spiritual directors are formed professionals who create covenantal (not just confidential) sacred space
The ego is sneaky—spiritual direction helps us get out of our own way so God can work
Self-compassion unlocks our ability to show genuine compassion to others
The struggles we face are often universal human experiences, not signs of unique brokenness
Anthropomorphizing God (making God in our image) prevents us from becoming reflections of God’s image

[00:00] Introduction and welcome
[00:36] Mary’s background: From social work to spiritual direction

Family life and career journey
The unexpected call while driving past University of St. Francis

[02:00] What is spiritual direction?

Difference from counseling and therapy
Responding to divine invitation
Seeing all of life as sacred

[05:00] The focus on relationship with God, not human guidance

Trusting God’s work in the directee’s life
Being a conduit rather than an answer-giver

[06:00] Common misconceptions about spiritual direction

Ancient practice that was lost and rediscovered
Not just for clergy—relatively new widespread practice (last 60 years)

[08:00] Suspending what we think we know

Trusting the directee’s experience of God
The privilege of witnessing sacred stories

[09:00] The gentle stance of spiritual direction

Creating peaceful, unhurried space
Cultural addiction to productivity vs. spiritual receptivity

[10:43] The struggle with self-love and feeling lovable

How harshness toward ourselves blocks God’s love
Knowing whose we are, not just who we are

[12:00] Spiritual direction vs. counseling vs. mentoring

How to discern what someone needs
Staying faithful to the original relationship

[14:00] How spiritual direction changes the director

Being humbled by directees’ courage
Witnessing God’s work in immeasurable ways
Holding stories in a covenantal way

[16:00] The unique interior access of spiritual direction

Seeing growth that spouses may not even see
The hidden nature…

QUICK SUMMARY
In this bonus episode of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Father John Gribowich sit down with Friar Rick Riccioli, a Franciscan Friar Conventual and parish pastor in Brooklyn, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about what evangelization looks like in the real world today.
With over four decades of religious life and pastoral ministry across Canada and the United States, Friar Rick reflects on the tension between radical welcome and Gospel truth, the difference between accompanying people and trying to control their faith journey, and how parishes can become places of genuine belonging without losing their Catholic identity.
From Alpha and Divine Renovation to funerals, young adults, parish leadership, and the quiet heartbreak of parents whose children have left the Church, this episode offers practical wisdom, lived experience, and Franciscan humility for anyone who cares about the future of parish life.

In This Bonus Episode, We Explore:

What authentic accompaniment really means—and what it is not
Why evangelization begins with relationship, listening, and trust
The difference between belonging, believing, and behaving
Lessons learned from Francis Corps and forming young adults in faith and service
How Alpha helps build a culture of hospitality, not just a program
Why funerals may be the Church’s most powerful evangelization moments
The quiet pain of parents whose children have drifted from the faith
Challenges of leading parishes with aging infrastructure and changing demographics
Why empowering the laity is essential to the Church’s missionary future
What young adults are actually looking for in the Church today

[00:00] Introduction & Friar Rick’s Background

Meet Friar Rick Riccioli: 42 years as a Franciscan, serving across Canada and the U.S.
Current ministry at Most Holy Trinity-St. Mary’s Parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Journey from Montreal to Toronto to Syracuse, now leading urban parish renewal

[03:00] Francis Corps: Faith Formation Through Service

Year-long volunteer program combining service and intentional faith formation
How the program transforms both social justice warriors and traditional Catholics
The power of living in community: “What did you do to my daughter?”
Learning to balance individual convictions with communal responsibility

[06:00] Bridging the Gap: Social Justice vs. Church Connection

Meeting people where they are: from soup kitchen volunteers to devoted parishioners
The importance of being “truly Catholic and truly human”
Creating space for questions and doubts without judgment
Why building relationships matters more than having all the answers

[11:00] Creative Outreach: The 11:11 Service

Creating a non-Mass Sunday service for those not ready for traditional liturgy
“Come for coffee, stay for supper”: Building pathways to the Eucharist
Navigating the challenges of radical welcome in practice
When soup kitchen patrons become part of your worshiping community

[13:00] The Art of Accompaniment

How much should we try to change people vs. meet them where they are?
Avoiding the trap of “I’m going to hold your hand and pull you where I want you to go”
Case studies: Walking with LGBTQ+ parishioners, families with trans children
Everyone’s path to holiness requires listening to God, not just conforming to prescriptions

Quick Summary
What does authentic prayer look like in the digital age? Monica Martinez, Parish Lead at Hallow, shares her powerful journey from a teenager who stopped going to Mass to becoming a passionate advocate for healing through faith. In this deeply personal conversation, Monica discusses how prayer evolved from a childhood habit into a transformative relationship, why apps like Hallow are helping people discover faith safely, and how the modern Church can create genuine spaces for encounter. Whether you’re exploring prayer for the first time or seeking to deepen your spiritual life, this episode offers practical wisdom on listening, silence, and meeting God in the everyday moments.

In This Bonus Episode, We Explore:
Monica’s Journey to Healing

How family struggles with divorce and alcoholism sparked a lifelong search for healing (2:00)
The pivotal 21st birthday moment that changed everything (4:00)
Why healing isn’t a one-time event but a continuous journey

Prayer Apps and Digital Spirituality

Why 43% of Hallow users aren’t Catholic—and what that reveals about modern faith seeking (6:00)
The “safety factor” of digital prayer: exploring faith without vulnerability (7:00)
Balancing prayer apps with authentic relationship: avoiding the “streak” mentality (10:00)

The Evolution of Prayer

From rote prayers to relationship: Monica’s transformation (22:00)
The freedom that comes from trusting the Holy Spirit (21:00)
Why “Come Holy Spirit” is about perception, not summoning (31:00)

Listening in Prayer

What makes someone a good listener in prayer—and in life (26:00)
The challenge and importance of silence (28:00)
Practical advice for entering contemplative prayer (30:00)

Prayer Styles and Traditions

Why different forms of prayer reflect God’s creativity (35:00)
The unity found in memorized prayers across cultures (36:00)
When to use rote prayers vs. spontaneous meditation (37:00)

Modern Evangelization

Creating welcoming parish environments post-COVID (39:00)
Why the Eucharist might not be the best first entry point (42:00)
The importance of accompanying seekers with gentleness (47:00)
Learning to meet people where they are, not where we think they should be (50:00)

About Monica Martinez
Monica Martinez serves as Parish Lead at Hallow, the #1 Catholic prayer app, where she partners with parishes across the country to deepen prayer lives. Previously, she worked as Associate Director for Alpha in the Catholic context and served in diocesan ministry. Monica’s work is driven by her personal experience of healing through faith, particularly her journey through family struggles with divorce and alcoholism. She travels nationally leading missions focused on prayer, evangelization, and creating spaces for authentic conversation about faith.
 
Memorable Quotes
On Prayer and Relationship:
“Prayer is not so much something I’m doing, it’s something I’m allowing to be done to me. When I’m tired, it’s not that I’m too tired to pray—I need you, Lord, to help me rest.” — Monica Martinez (23:00)
On Digital Tools:
“You don’t need an app to pray, but you also don’t need a trainer to get fit. But it really does help to learn the right form and not hurt yourself.” —Monica Martinez (7:00)
On Healing:
“When you encounter that relationship, when you encounter healing, there’s nothing left for you to do but help other…

Quick Summary
In this bonus episode of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Father John Gribowich sit down with Catholic educator and mindfulness teacher, Kathy Lorentz, to explore how prayer is far more than just words. It’s about cultivating awareness of God’s presence throughout every moment of our lives.
Kathy shares her journey from playing the Blessed Mother in a touring play at age 16 to becoming a theology teacher who works with students from preschool through adulthood. Her approach to prayer challenges traditional notions, revealing how attention, gratitude, and presence can transform mundane moments into sacred encounters.
Listen now to discover how you can develop a deeper prayer life without adding more to your to-do list.
 
In This Bonus Episode, We Explore:
The Nature of Prayer and Attention (03:00-09:00)

Why prayer isn’t just an activity but an awareness of God’s presence
The profound connection between attention and prayer: “Attention taken to its highest degree is the same thing as prayer” (Simone Weil)
How attention works like a spotlight—you can only focus on one thing at a time
Understanding that “attention is a muscle” that strengthens with practice

Navigating the Digital Age Mindfully (09:00-12:00)

Practical strategies for teaching high school students to manage digital distractions
The importance of turning off notifications and using “do not disturb” mode intentionally
Helping students recognize the preciousness of time through journaling their digital habits
How to be fully present whether in prayer or conversation

Prayer Practices for Everyday Life (12:00-19:00)

Using gratitude as a form of prayer—finding three or four meaningful moments each day
The comfort and power of repetitive prayers like the Hail Mary (Kathy prays it up to 50 times daily)
Creating “mindfulness bells” throughout your day—doorways, meals, car rides as prayer opportunities
Prayer while driving past struggling communities: holding people in compassionate love

The Importance of Intentional Prayer Time (20:00-23:00)

Why setting aside dedicated time for prayer matters, even when we know life itself is prayer
The transformative power of beginning your day with five minutes of prayer
How communal and structured prayer (like in monasteries) can form us
The blessing of working in theology education, where prayer is built into the day

Praying for Others (23:00-26:00)

What it means to hold people in prayer without imposing our will
Why Kathy rarely prays for specific outcomes: “I don’t have the wisdom to know what a suffering someone needs.”
The sacredness of simply blessing others: “God bless you. May God bless you.”
Understanding your presence itself as prayer when you carry the Holy Spirit with you

Misconceptions About Prayer (26:00-29:00)

How gratitude, acts of service, and caring attention are all forms of prayer
Meister Eckhart’s wisdom: “If all you said was thank you, that would be prayer enough.”
Why telling young people “You don’t get to choose” whether you’re spiritual—it’s part of being human
Moving beyond seeing prayer as separate from the rest of life toward integration

Cultivating Awe and Wonder (29:00-34:00)

How science and spirit aren’t opposites—the experience of awe bridges both
Dacher Keltner’s research: we need 50 experiences of awe per day, not just 2-3
Using “awe workshops” to help students recognize sacred moments
Einstein’s wisdom: “Never lose a holy cu…

Quick Summary 
What does it really mean to live an integrated faith life? In this powerful bonus episode, Father John Gribowich sits down with Cindy Black, a 26-year veteran of Catholic ministry, for an intimate conversation about discovering God in unexpected places and people.
Cindy shares her compelling journey from a “porta crib Catholic” who rarely attended Mass to becoming a passionate minister serving in youth ministry, diocesan leadership, Catholic radio, and parish evangelization. But this isn’t just another conversion story, it’s a profound exploration of how God shows up in bar conversations with atheists, friendships with those the church has wounded, and the sacred space of simply listening without agenda.
Through raw honesty and vulnerability, Cindy and Father John tackle the messy realities of ministry today moving beyond “winning arguments” to genuine encounter, and recognizing that every person, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyle, reveals something about the mystery of God’s love.
If you’ve ever felt that your strongest encounters with God happened outside traditional church settings, or if you’re wrestling with how to authentically love people the church has marginalized, this conversation will resonate deeply.
In This Bonus Episode, We Explore:
Finding Faith Through Witness (0:00 – 7:00)

Cindy’s journey from occasional Mass attendance to active faith
The transformative influence of her Catholic grandparents
How her grandparents embodied Theology of the Body before it was taught
The moment she encountered God’s love while holding her newborn daughter

From Relational Ministry to Radical Love (7:00 – 14:00)

The Christ Renew His Parish retreat that changed everything
Moving beyond “relational ministry with an ulterior motive”
Understanding that truth isn’t moral ideals—it’s a Person whose identity is love
Encountering God through unexpected friendships at a bar

God in the Margins (14:00 – 22:00)

Father John’s reflection on the Eucharist as lens for seeing God everywhere
Why the strongest encounters with God often happen outside church structures
The sacredness of face-to-face conversation in a dehumanized world
Suffering as the great unifier across political and religious divides

Accompaniment Over Conversion (22:00 – 31:00)

Moving from “winning arguments” to walking alongside people
The complex pastoral situation of accompanying a trans individual seeking baptism
What baptism really means when we don’t fully understand how grace works
Simone Weil’s paradox: refusing baptism to avoid separating herself from others

Formation as Transformation (31:00 – 40:00)

What faith formation really means (hint: it’s not just theology classes)
Avoiding the “consumer Catholic” trap
Why the disciples didn’t need seminary degrees to transform the world
Interior integration versus compartmentalization

The Art of Accompaniment (40:00 – 52:00)

Pope Francis’s call to “remove our sandals at the sacredness of the other”
How a barber brought four people to faith this year
Treating every interaction—even with store clerks—as eternal encounter
The prophetic practice of listening without agenda

Meet Our Guest
Cindy Black has served in Catholic ministry for 26 years across multiple roles including youth ministry director, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry (9 years), Catholic radio station team member (8 years), and currently serves in the Office of Evangelization at her home parish in Indi…

This is a simple trailer to let you know that next up for Religion to Reality is a series of bonus episodes. Every other week, we’ll release the full conversation we had with one of our guests from Season One. 
Have a listen to this teaser to hear a quick montage of our favorite topic revealed to us throughout the season.
See you for Season Two in 2026!

Religion to Reality: Season Finale – Living the Integrated Life
Quick Summary
In this powerful season finale of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Fr. John Gribowich reflect on their journey through over two dozen interviews, distilling the most transformative lessons about living an integrated spiritual life. They explore why listening, not activism, may be the most prophetic witness the Church can offer today, challenge traditional clericalism from surprising angles, and discover that belonging must come before belief. Through conversations with Stephen White, Fr. Thomas Gaunt, and Paul Fahey, this episode reveals how authentic relationships, radical listening, and the sacramental worldview can transform both individual lives and Church communities.
In This Episode, We Explore:
The Art of Radical Listening (4:00)

Why listening is the highest form of paying attention and waiting for God
The difference between productive action and contemplative discernment
How the spirit of Advent shapes authentic spiritual practice

Discipleship vs. Activism (6:30)

The dangerous professionalization of Church work
Why doing “Catholic things” doesn’t automatically equal discipleship
How the division between clergy and laity undermines the baptismal call

Clericalism from the Bottom Up (8:00)

Steven White’s provocative insight: laity share responsibility for clericalism
The transactional spirituality that’s persisted for 1,500+ years
Why waiting for bishops to fix problems is itself a form of clericalism

The Fluidity of Roles (12:00)

Moving beyond rigid categories while honoring the sacramental priesthood
How effective preaching happens beyond ordination
Creating healthy tension between structure and Spirit

Research as Sacred Listening (20:00)

Fr. Thomas Gaunt on CARA’s agenda-free approach to Church research
Why Sunday Mass attendance isn’t the only measure of active faith
The surprising power of baptism to create lifelong belonging

The Indelible Mark of Baptism (25:00)

Why does baptizing infants offer a “container” for spiritual growth
How baptism creates belonging regardless of church participation
The beauty of unconditional ecclesial presence

Belonging Before Belief (33:00)

Other Studies and Data with Hans Plate, Josh Packard, and Fr. Joe Gibino
Quick Summary
In this insightful episode of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Fr. John Gribowich step back from theory to examine the hard data behind Catholic discipleship and faith formation. They explore surprising findings from their comprehensive discipleship study and discuss what the numbers reveal about modern spiritual practices, evangelization comfort levels, and the changing landscape of faith in America.
Featuring interviews with three leading voices in faith research, Hans Plate (Vinea Research), Josh Packard (Future of Faith), and Fr. Joseph Gibino (Diocese of Brooklyn), this episode bridges the gap between data and pastoral practice. Discover what Gen Z really thinks about God, why 100% of people with spiritual directors found them through a spiritual community to which they already belong, and how the Synod on Synodality is reshaping the Church’s approach to listening.
Key Takeaway: Data isn’t just for businesses—it’s essential for understanding how to meet people where they are in their faith journey and creating meaningful pathways to deeper discipleship.
In This Episode, We Explore:
[00:00:00] Opening Reflection

“Listen and silent share the same letters” – the importance of silence in listening

[00:01:00] Why Data Matters for the Church

How businesses use data to serve customers
Applying data-driven insights to church ministry
Understanding where people stand in their faith journey

[00:02:00] Surprising Study Findings

Both physical and digital prayer aids are used across all generations (only 6% use exclusively one type)
100% of people with spiritual directors found them through their parish or faith community
Prayer apps correlate with increased prayer frequency
The challenge of measuring interior spiritual life

[00:04:00] The Omnichannel Approach to Faith

Why multiple touchpoints matter in spiritual formation
The integrated life as the ultimate goal
Different seasons require different spiritual resources

[00:06:00] Interview with Hans Plate (Vinea Research)

Majority of respondents pray over an hour daily
76% are comfortable evangelizing; 56% are proactive about it
High interest in learning more about evangelization
The need to understand what “evangelization” actually means to people

[00:09:00] Rethinking Evangelization

The Power of Community in Faith Formation with Dr. Mark Heyman, Renée Roden, and Luisamaria Hernandez
Quick Summary
How do you find authentic Catholic community in a world that’s more connected yet more isolated than ever? In this episode of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Fr. John Gribowich explore why community keeps emerging as a central theme in faith formation, and why finding the right fit can be so challenging.
From whiskey tastings to Catholic Worker houses to digital book clubs, discover how different forms of community serve different spiritual needs. You’ll hear honest conversations about parish shopping, the struggle to commit, and why sometimes the best community isn’t the one with perfect liturgy or programs, it’s the one where you show up consistently. Whether you’re searching for your spiritual home or wondering if online connections can ever replace in-person fellowship, this episode offers practical wisdom for the journey.
In this Episode, We Explore:
Community Happens When People Need It (2:00-3:30)

Why genuine encounters with God spark the desire for community
How passion and shared interests naturally create fellowship

Whiskey and the Word: An Unconventional Small Group (4:00-14:00) Guest: Dr. Mark Heyman, Licensed Psychologist & Small Group Leader

Creating low-barrier entry points for men’s fellowship
Why forced sharing turns people off from faith groups
The importance of consistency: same time, same place, every week
Understanding that not every group can (or should) be for everyone
How whiskey breaks down barriers without being about getting drunk

Living in Community: Lessons from Catholic Worker Movement (20:00-32:00) Guest: Renée Roden, Journalist & Catholic Worker Member

The reality check: community life is hard, even with a 1,300-year-old rule
Why intimacy and friendship are foundational to sustainable community
The temptation to become dictators of our own countercultural communes
How families are successfully living the Catholic Worker vision
Why conversion of heart requires healthy community support

Digital vs. In-Person Community (37:00-52:00) Guest: Luisamaria Hernandez, DeSales Media Success Consultant

Using digital spaces as entry points to in-person connection
Why commitment leads to consistency (and vice versa)
The power of showing up: how to actually find communities in your area