What if penance isn't about guilt or punishment, but about love, freedom, and healing?
Penance is not about shame — it's about love.
Not about punishment — but participation.
Not about the past — but transformation.

In this episode of the Faith & Real Life Podcast, Greg Wasinski welcomes Fr. Jacob Bearer for an honest and pastoral conversation about penance — what it truly is and why it still matters today. Moving beyond the idea of penance as guilt or obligation, this discussion highlights the beauty of offering sacrifices outside of Confession through prayer, fasting, and intentional self-denial. Together, they reflect on how these practices unite us more closely to Christ, strengthen virtue, aid in the healing of souls, and draw us deeper into the life of the Church. A thoughtful and encouraging episode for anyone seeking a richer, more lived faith.

• CCC 1450 – The acts of the penitent

• CCC 1471 – Indulgences and the sacrament of penance

• CCC 1474 – The Communion of Saints

Fr. Jacob Bearer
Pastor, St. Edward & St. Lucy Parish
Parkman, Ohio
https://www.ssedwardlucy.com/
Diocese of Cleveland

Greg Wasinski is a full-time Catholic Christian Evangelist and Author who has traveled the country since 2009, sharing a message of hope through faith. He has presented in over 130 cities across 29 states and two countries. His podcasts and video blogs have been seen worldwide, inspiring others to commit more deeply to a relationship with God and helping the faithful better understand "why we believe what we believe." For more information, visit: www.GregWasinski.com

Trilogy Retreat Property is a 24-acre, bed-and-breakfast-style retreat property in Northeast Ohio. With five guest rooms, a two-acre lake, a guest cottage, a swimming pool, and an indoor hot tub, guests feel comfortable while allowing their souls to find rest and experience God in a new way. For more information, visit: www.Trilogy.center

Music provided by, and copyright, Michael James Mette – "Glimpses of You" www.MJM7.band

#ChristianPodcast#FaithAndRealLife #CatholicPodcast #Penance #Confession #CatholicFaith
#SpiritualGrowth #Evangelization #HopeAndHealing #FaithJourney #SpiritualFreedom #HopeAndHealing #BackToChurch

When someone you love is drifting, what's the most evangelical thing you can do? Say—and live—"I got your back." In this heartfelt conversation, Greg Wasinski and guest Miguel Chavez unpack the power of accompaniment: authentic friendship that stands with people in their restlessness, grief, questions, and return to God.

From airports full of people glued to phones to the quiet courage of making eye contact and asking, "Are you okay?", Greg and Miguel explore how clinging to God's grace changes what (and who) we cling to. They talk about Gen Z's search for meaning, why savoring faith matters in a fast-scroll world, and how story—not slogans—opens hearts. Miguel shares a recent health scare and the simple words that carried him: "We're here." Greg connects this to the One Initiative and preventative ministry—reaching people before the crisis. Together they revisit the woman at the well, lost sheep on the cliff's edge, and what it really means to be "good news" for someone else.

If you've been praying for a spouse, child, or friend to come home, this episode gives you language, hope, and a next step: be present, be patient, and keep saying, "I've got you."

Share this with someone who needs to hear they're not alone.

Greg Wasinski is a full-time Catholic Christian Evangelist and Author who has traveled the country since 2009, sharing a message of hope through faith. He has presented in over 130 cities across 29 states and two countries. His podcasts and video blogs have been seen worldwide, inspiring others to commit more deeply to a relationship with God and helping the faithful better understand "why we believe what we believe." For more information, visit: www.GregWasinski.com

Trilogy Retreat Property is a 24-acre, bed-and-breakfast-style retreat property in Northeast Ohio. With five guest rooms, a two-acre lake, a guest cottage, a swimming pool, and an indoor hot tub, guests feel comfortable while allowing their souls to find rest and experience God in a new way. For more information, visit: www.Trilogy.center

Music provided by, and copyright, Michael James Mette – "Glimpses of You" www.MJM7.band

#IGotYourBack #FaithAndRealLife #GregWasinski #MiguelChavez #TheOneInitiative #Evangelization #Accompaniment #AuthenticFriendship #ClingToGrace #LostSheep #Hope #Testimony #ChristianPodcast #CatholicPodcast #YoungAdults #PreventativeMinistry #SavorTheMoment #PutDownThePhone #RestlessHearts #WomanAtTheWell #MentalHealthAndFaith #RetreatLife #TrilogyRetreat #ComeBackToChurch

In this heartfelt episode of Faith & Real Life, Greg Wasinski welcomes special guest Millie Prebel to explore the power of life experiences in shaping who we are and how we live our faith. From unexpected turns to moments of grace, Millie shares personal stories of transformation, hope, and learning to trust in God through it all.

Millie's experience as a "Mimi" shares an interesting parallel with her path as a spiritual director trained in Ignatian Spirituality. Don't worry, this isn't a theological conversation, this is two friends talking life and faith - Mille was the original guest host of the Faith and Real Life Podcast in 2020-2021.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• How our past prepares us for purpose
• Letting go of perfectionism in spiritual growth
• Finding peace in the process -
• Why your story matters

Subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. 📲 More inspiration at faithandreallife.com