In this week’s episode of Bakhita’s Blessings, Fr. Mitch and Dr. Alice Prince are joined by Dr. Latonia Collins-Smith, President of Harris-Stowe State University. Together, they dive into how Dr. Collins-Smith's faith shapes her leadership and commitment to education. Fr. Mitch also unpacks the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus invites Simon Peter to "put out into deep water." What does it mean to trust God when we’ve already tried and failed? How can we respond to God’s call, even when it challenges us to leave everything behind? Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, purpose, and the power of saying "yes" to God’s call.

Saint Josephine Bakhita, you are with us.Tune in for this inspiring conversation and let your faith guide you to action. 🎧🙏

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Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast – Episode 17: JESUS IS THE KINGDOM

In this special episode of Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast, hosts Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince are joined by Shameem Clark Hubbard, Alderwoman of the 10th Ward in the City of St. Louis. Together, they delve into the profound message of today’s Gospel: “Today this passage is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:18-19).

Fr. Mitch reflects on how Jesus boldly announces His mission to heal the sick, forgive sins, and set the world free from sin and death. Jesus’ coming into the world is the embodiment of the Kingdom of God, bringing heaven and earth together through His life, death, and resurrection. This Gospel reminds us that our lives are a participation in the life of Christ, calling us to announce freedom for captives and abundance of life for the poor.

Dr. Prince and Alderwoman Hubbard discuss how this mission resonates with the realities of our community, offering hope in the face of challenges. Alderwoman Hubbard shares her insights on leadership, faith, and the ways we can work together to bring the Kingdom of God to our neighborhoods.

The episode concludes with a call to action: to trust in God’s love, remain hopeful in the face of life’s storms, and live out the Gospel in our daily lives. With faith and courage, we are empowered to transform our troubled world into the very Kingdom of God.

Saint Josephine Bakhita, you are with us.Tune in for this inspiring conversation and let your faith guide you to action. 🎧🙏

Listen now on all major platforms and YouTube!

In this episode of Bakhita's Blessings Podcast, Fr. Mitch and Dr. Alice Prince delve into John 2:1-11, the story of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs His first miracle. Fr. Mitch brings a fresh perspective on the profound relationship between Jesus and Mary, shedding light on how her faith, trust, and intercession influenced this pivotal moment in His ministry.

Dr. Prince reflects on how this insight deepens her understanding of Mary’s role—not just as Jesus' mother, but as a model of devotion and trust that Christ calls us to emulate. Their conversation connects this relationship to the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., examining how the devotion and trust we are invited to place in Christ can inspire us to work toward justice and renewal.

Together, they discuss the systematic and deliberate disinvestment in Dr. King's dream and the neighborhoods and streets named in his honor, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for revitalization rooted in justice and faith. Join this meaningful conversation as they weave the Gospel’s message of hope with the call to action inspired by Dr. King's vision for equality, love, and community renewal.

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Holy Waters, Sacred Journey: Finding Renewal in Baptism

In this inspiring episode of Bakhita's Blessings Podcast, hosts Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince reflect on the significance of the Baptism of the Lord and how it shapes our understanding of our own baptism. Jesus’ baptism by John in the River Jordan marked the start of His public ministry, revealed His identity as the beloved Son of God, and sanctified the waters of baptism for all of us. Through this act, Jesus made our baptism holy, inviting us to share in His divine life and mission.

We’re also excited to welcome two special guests: Mike Doyen, Fr. Mitch’s identical twin brother, and Sister Patty Cormack! Together, they share personal stories and insights about faith, family, and how the grace of baptism calls us to live as God’s beloved children.

This episode explores the transformative power of baptism, reminding us that it is more than a ritual—it is a call to holiness, a new creation in Christ, and a journey of faith that lasts a lifetime.

Join us for this uplifting conversation filled with joy, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose as we explore how Jesus’ baptism guides and inspires our own.

Welcome to Episode 14 of Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast, where we celebrate the first Sunday of the New Year 2025 by reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. This powerful passage tells the story of the Magi, their unwavering faith, and their journey guided by the star to the Christ child.

In this episode, Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince dive deep into the symbolism of the star, encouraging us to stay focused on our faith and purpose as we enter the new year. They explore themes of perseverance, spiritual leadership, and the courage to follow God’s guidance, even when the path is uncertain.

Join us as we reflect on the wisdom of the Magi and learn how to keep our eyes on the stars—the promises and guidance of God—throughout life’s journey. Begin this year with faith, hope, and a renewed commitment to living with purpose.

Listen, reflect, and be inspired to let the light of Christ guide you in 2025!

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Welcome to Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast! In this episode, "The Holy Family: Finding Strength, Resilience, and Her Voice," we explore the Gospel for the Feast of the Holy Family and dive into the powerful lessons it offers for our lives today. Join us as we discuss the importance of family, resilience, and the role of women’s voices in shaping our Catholic faith.

Father Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince bring thoughtful insights and heartfelt stories, unpacking the Gospel reading about Jesus in the temple and connecting it to the joys and struggles of modern family life. Whether you’re a progressive Catholic, a Black Catholic, or simply someone seeking deeper spiritual connection, this episode is for you.

Discover how vulnerability, love, and faith transform our relationships and lead us closer to holiness. We celebrate the beauty of diverse families and their role as the domestic church, drawing inspiration from the Holy Family and our own unique experiences.

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In this special episode of Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast, Fr. Mitch and Dr. Alice Prince are joined by Fr. Frank Mutesasira, a resident priest at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish. Originally from Uganda, Fr. Frank has been a valued member of our parish family. Fr. Frank will be with us for 2-years while studying at St. Louis University. His spiritual strength and vibrant faith have been a blessing to our community, and we are grateful for his presence.

In today’s episode, we dive into the Gospel of Luke 1:39-45, where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and the joy of their encounter leads to an outpouring of blessings. As we reflect on this powerful moment of shared faith and love, Fr. Mitch, Dr. Alice, and Fr. Frank discuss the themes of joy, support, and the importance of community in nurturing our spiritual lives. This passage invites us to recognize the blessings in our own lives and the profound connections that come from living out our faith in unity with others.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the power of God's love and the joy that comes when we walk together in faith.

In this episode of Bakhita’s Blessings, we reflect on the message of joyful anticipation in the third week of Advent, inspired by Luke 3:10-18. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we explore how John the Baptist's call to repentance and generosity challenges us to embody joy, compassion, and self-giving. Advent is a time to share our blessings, support those in need, and turn toward God’s light with open hearts. Join us as we embrace the spirit of Advent, discovering ways to live out joy and hope while deepening our readiness for Christmas. Courtney Conners is our special guest. Courtney is a lifelong Catholic who talks about her faith journey. It is important for us to listen to the young voices of our community. How do we keep them inspired, motivated, and connected?