Community with Dr. Mark Heyman, Renée Roden, and Luisamaria Hernandez
Religion To Reality
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