"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." -Philippians 3:20 This week we are joined by a friend of OLF, John Brahier, who serves as the Associate Superintendent of Catholic Culture for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Within his role, John is able to offer ample insight into the state of all 79 of the Catholic schools in the archdiocese as well as the future forward for promoting a solid culture at each of these schools in hopes of bringing the entire group together. As a father of three (soon to be four!), John himself has personal interest in paving a bright future for all of the youth that we serve.

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." -Hebrews 13:7

Live from the MANS conference in downtown Detroit at the Huntington Place with over 1700 attendees, we had a wonderful conversation with Sr. Kateri Burbee and Laura Ilov, the principal and assistant principal at Holy Redeemer Grade School in Mexicantown. They run an astonishingly faith-based program and encourage their students above all to be saints. We sit down and discuss how they're able to do that in 2024, the fruits they've noticed from taking such a radical approach, and how we all play an active role in the formation and catechesis of others.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine." -Isaiah 43:1

When it comes to our programs staff, no one is more beloved by our groups than Paco Herrera, who truly invests himself into each and every participant of the program he's running. Paco talks about the importance of calling someone by name, the need to "put on a show" to bring energy program, and how this all harmonizes with a deep and profound spiritual environment. Tune in to hear Paco break open and investigate the technique that has made him a staple for any OLF retreat.

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10

All five of the Hickey kids come together in the same room to share their experiences of growing up within the camp setting. Far from being the ordinary childhood experience, all five of the Hickeys share their gratitude for what they received and how it equipped them to be attentive to people on the personal level as they've grown into adulthood. We're grateful for the opportunity to have this conversation and we hope you are edified by all of the lessons learned and shared by Jeremy, Maria, Jacob, Bryan, and Michelle.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Ephesians 4:29We take some time to reflect in our own St. George Shrine about the graces, the stumbling blocks, and the lessons involved within the topic of communication. More than a byproduct of humanity, words have a divine origin and a potential to build someone up or completely cut them down. It's eternally important to reflect on how we communicate and more importantly how we are open to communication from a God who is constantly reaching out to us, hoping dearly for a response.

We get the chance to sit down with Mrs. Kerwin, the middle school theology teacher at St. Fabian in Farmington Hills to discuss her expertise: breaking through the walls of middle schoolers. We explore topics of the deep desire for authenticity as well as how to truly think like a middle schooler in order to see where they're coming from. We were so blessed by all of the insight that Kim has to offer with encouraging vulnerability and edified by all that she is doing for the Church.

"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win." -1 Corinthians 9:24

This week we're joined by two great coaches, Jeremy and Jacob Hickey, who break open the beauty of sport and show how their coaching is a direct vehicle to Christ, to help others run so as to win. They highlight the importance of healthy competition and stories of moments when the circumstances of victory mattered much more than the victory itself. Tune in to hear the connection between athletics and being a disciple of Christ.

This week, we travel out to Prince of Peace Catholic Church to speak with Fr. Andrew Dawson about the power of the sacraments. Combining his experience as a camp counselor as well as a priest, Fr. Andrew offers many deep points of reflection in terms of how we can allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the sacramental grace that the Lord desires for all of us. Tune in to hear how Fr. Andrew makes this reality present at his parish and how he views its importance within the upcoming generation of the Church.