Old St. Pat's Podcast

As we race to check off the final names on our Christmas shopping lists, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of the season. But what if the most meaningful gift doesn’t fit under the tree? What if your presence is the actual present — the idea of giving the gift of your time, attention, and love to those who need it most? By showing up for others in small but significant ways, we become ambassadors of grace, peace, and love, spreading the true spirit of Christmas to our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Today, Father Pat McGrath invites us to pause and reflect on how we can bring joy through our actions, create deeper connections, and prepare our hearts for Christmas.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:The Christmas SongSilent NightO Come Emmanuel 

Picture Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem: winding roads, changing elevations, unexpected obstacles, and moments of quiet beauty. A physical journey, yes—but also deeply symbolic of the spiritual and emotional journeys we all undertake. Life, much like any trip, is filled with twists and turns, stretches of smooth highway, and patches of rocky terrain. Even if we’re not traveling to a specific destination, we are always moving—toward our goals, our dreams, and the purposes God has set before us. Today, Father Joe Simmons invites us to reflect on where we are on our journey—spiritually, emotionally, or physically. He encourages us to treasure the path we’re on and to walk alongside one another, offering support and companionship as we move forward together toward Christmas.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:Christ Be Our Light, Jesus, Hope of the World, Creator of the Stars

The holiday season is full of hustle and bustle—the rush to buy gifts, hang decorations, host parties, and navigate the emotions that often come with this time of year. At times, it’s the joy of happy memories, while at other times, it’s the ache of longing for loved ones or unfulfilled hopes. These forces can make us feel like we’re swimming upstream, caught in a current of chaos that leaves us drained and out of sync with God. But Advent calls us to something different—a chance to tune out the commotion and into Christ’s presence. It’s a season to step into the God Dimension and notice the love, gratitude, and hope surrounding us, even in the busiest times. See the love in every glowing decoration, every gathering of friends, and every gift exchanged. Look beyond the surface to the hearts behind those acts of kindness. In those moments, recognize the presence of Christ and allow it to fill you with peace so you can share that love with others. Today, Father Tom Hurley reminds us that Advent is a time to prepare, anticipate, and deepen our connection with God and, amidst all the chaos, helps us embrace God’s love and find peace.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:The King of Love My Shepard IsA Voice In The BeginningThe Truth

Have you ever stopped to think, what algorithm am I on? What’s being pushed to me on my phone and computer —crafted, curated, and targeted—to capture my click? And here’s the bigger question one must ask themselves: Is it for the good of me, my family, and my community? Does it bring me closer to others, or does it cause division? We live in a world where clicks hold power, and in that race for attention, truth often gets stretched, twisted, or sacrificed entirely. But we’re called to a higher standard, to seek out the truth rather than take what is served to us. And our true north for truth is simple and profound: love your neighbor. If what’s being presented as truth demeans, excludes, or promotes violence—then it’s not truth. It’s false. When we stay silent in the face of these distortions, we contribute to the erosion of truth and the harm done to those who, just like us, are made in the image of God. So today, Fr. Foley explores what it means to live the truth, to recognize the distortions around us, and to recommit ourselves to a life that reflects God’s love because the truth matters, and together, we can uphold it.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:Keep Me Safe, O GodWe Will Rise AgainChrist, Be Our Light

As the days grow shorter, it’s easy to feel the weight of the season—gloomy skies, colder air, and summer memories fading into the past. For many of us, this time of year can bring that familiar feeling of seasonal blues, where we feel drained and life’s challenges seem a little bit bigger. But here’s the thing: challenges, whether they’re seasonal or something deeper, don’t have to drag us down. We have a choice—a beautiful choice—to lean into faith, to embrace the love of those around us, and to allow that connection to lift us up. Today, Father Hurley walks us through how his Grandmother is a great example to us all of how we can navigate tough times, how leaning into God’s love and the support of our communities can renew our spirits, and how we can find joy and hope, even on the cloudiest of days.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:Gathered As OneCome All You ThirstyHow Can I Keep From Singing