November 28, 2025

‘Preparing the Way’: New podcast series helps listeners embrace the season of grace during Advent

Criterion staff report

ArchIndy Vox, the official Spotify channel of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, invites listeners this Advent on a spiritual journey through the season’s four central themes—hope, peace, joy and love—with its new podcast series, “Preparing the Way.” Each episode offers practical insights, heartfelt reflections and resources to help you slow down, pray and prepare for Christ’s coming.

The weekly 10-to-15-minute episodes launch on Monday, Dec. 1, and feature guests from archdiocesan staff sharing their expertise and personal reflections. A new podcast will be posted each Monday in December. They will include:

—Hope: Learn how generosity transforms lives with Nathan Seiler, Catholic philanthropic advisor in the archdiocesan Office of Stewardship and Development, and John Etling, agency director of Catholic Charities Terre Haute.

—Peace: Discover family traditions and prayer resources with Ute Eble, archdiocesan director of catechesis, and Gabriela Ross, director of the archdiocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life.

—Joy: Find God in the holiday hustle with Deacon John Cord, coordinator of corrections ministry for the archdiocese, and Alexander Mingus, executive director of the Indiana Catholic Conference.

—Love: Reflect on Mary’s “yes” with Father James Brockmeier, archdiocesan director of worship and rector of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish in Indianapolis, and Felix Navarrete, archdiocesan coordinator of Hispanic Ministries.

—Bonus Episode: “A New Year of Grace” closes the series with spiritual resolutions and retreat ideas from Sandi Patel, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Retreat and Renewal Ministry, and Brian Disney, superintendent of archdiocesan Catholic Schools.

Whether you’re navigating holiday stress or seeking deeper meaning, “Preparing the Way” offers encouragement for a grace-filled Christmas and a renewed New Year. You can find the episodes on the archdiocese’s Spotify channel ArchIndy Vox at tinyurl.com/archindyvox. †

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