Welcome to the first episode of our podcast “In Goodfaith!” As we embark on this new journey, hosts Maggie Smith and Stephanie Peddicord offer insights into the dynamic transformations happening within New Jersey’s faith communities. Guided by key themes from Pope Francis’s “Christus Vivit,” we are excited to explore a holistic approach to faith that emphasizes engaging young people as active participants in change.
Program Initiatives: The “Next Level” program is a cornerstone of this initiative, emphasizing year-round engagement with both young people and adult mentors. It invites participants to dive deep into addressing local issues like mental health and racial justice, grounded in the Catholic social tradition. Meanwhile, the “Family Matters” initiative aims to weave faith into the fabric of everyday family life, creating a supportive community for parents and children alike.
A New Era of Faith Integration: Gone are the days of short-lived impact; the Goodfaith organization is embracing long-term community involvement. With a focus on head, hands, and heart, these programs look to cultivate experiences rooted in the Gospel, encouraging profound personal transformation for everyone involved.
Join the Conversation: Listeners are encouraged to connect with the podcast through newsletters, social media, and other communication channels. Engage with the stories of transformation and share your questions for future episodes.
Closing Prayer: As is customary, each episode concludes with a prayer to strengthen our spiritual mission and community connection, inviting all listeners to reflect on their faith journeys.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and actionable insights in upcoming episodes of “In Goodfaith.”
Key Quotes and Timestamps:
- On Empowerment and Agency (00:10:35):
- “When young people are empowered to take the lead, extraordinary things happen—change that ripples through communities and hearts alike.”
- Protagonism in Action (00:18:12):
- “Protagonism isn’t just about being the main character; it’s about young people owning their faith journey and creating real change.”
- On Fostering Community (00:27:48):
- “Our program, ‘Next Level,’ is not just about summer involvement. It’s about creating a sustained community that supports and grows together year-round.”
- Integration of Faith in Daily Life (00:34:05):
- “Faith isn’t isolated to Sunday services; it’s woven into the daily fabric of who we are and how we live.”
- Challenges in Faith-Based Parenting (00:41:50):
- “One of the biggest challenges for parents today is to integrate faith into everyday activities, not just rely on traditional education.”
