Episode 112 - The Man Who Made Me Catholic with Devin Schadt
Jul 17, 2024
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Devin Schadt, a pivotal figure in introducing Keith to Catholicism, shares his transformative journey from a chaotic childhood to a profound faith. He reflects on significant moments, such as his spiritual awakening sparked by a visit to a Catholic church and his experiences with family dynamics. Their candid discussion explores themes of healing, love, and the impact of fatherhood in shaping identity. Devin emphasizes the importance of humility and connection within the Catholic community, offering insights on masculine faith through his initiatives.
Devin Schadt's influence on Keith illustrates how friendships can be pivotal in shaping one's faith journey toward Catholicism.
Devin's multifaceted background as a graphic designer and author demonstrates the importance of utilizing personal talents in ministry.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of forgiveness in personal healing, particularly in the context of familial relationships and past wounds.
Discussions on fatherhood highlight the need for spiritual leadership, drawing parallels between modern challenges fathers face and the example of St. Joseph.
Deep dives
The Impact of Personal Testimonies
The podcast highlights the power of personal testimonies in faith, as demonstrated by the host's journey into Catholicism. It explores the life-changing role that an influential friend, Devin Shad, played in shaping the host's understanding of the Catholic faith. This friend provided clarity and insight that led the host to embrace Catholicism, illustrating how meaningful relationships can significantly shape faith journeys. The episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on another’s spiritual path.
Devin Shad's Role and Background
Devin Shad’s multifaceted background as a graphic designer, author, and speaker is presented as foundational to his ministry. Known for his devotion to St. Joseph and fatherhood, he has involved himself significantly in various outreaches, including running the Fathers of St. Joseph ministry. His experiences highlight the importance of sharing one’s talents in service to others and the Church. The conversation emphasizes how Devin has used his skills to communicate the essence of Catholic teachings and the philosophy of fatherhood.
Childhood Challenges and Personal Growth
Devin reflects on his tumultuous childhood experiences, revealing the emotional instability and challenges he faced growing up. His upbringing in a volatile home, marked by struggles with anger and rebellion, fostered a deep inner turmoil. This background propelled him toward negative behaviors like stealing and vandalism, showcasing the need for redemption and healing. Through personal encounters with Christ, he ultimately found a path to transformation and reconciliation, illustrating the power of divine grace in overcoming past wounds.
Faith and Fatherhood
The episode dives into the intricate relationship between faith and fatherhood, particularly through the lens of the figure of St. Joseph. Devin discusses how fatherhood is not merely a role but a reflection of divine authority and love. The conversation delves into the modern challenges fathers face while emphasizing the necessity of spiritual leadership within families. By emulating St. Joseph, fathers can foster environments of love, stability, and faith for their children.
The Journey of Healing and Forgiveness
Healing through forgiveness is a central theme explored in the podcast, particularly in the context of Devin's relationship with his mother and the challenges presented by their past. The discussion emphasizes that true healing often requires the willingness to forgive those who have hurt us, which can lead to inner peace. Devin recounts a transformative experience when he was able to forgive those in the medical community who inadvertently harmed his daughter, Anna Marie. This act of forgiveness facilitated his spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's presence in suffering.
The Value of Humility in Spiritual Growth
A recurring message throughout the conversation is the importance of humility in the Christian life, as modeled beautifully by Jesus and his earthly father, St. Joseph. The host and Devin articulate how humility opens doors to genuine relationships and a closer connection with God. They reflect on the dangers of pride and the temptation to seek validation through social media and popularity. Through their own experiences, they demonstrate that embracing humility can lead to a more profound and authentic faith.
Developing Spiritual Foundations
The conversation addresses the necessity of developing strong spiritual foundations for both men and families, through prayer and community. Devin notes that understanding one's identity in Christ is vital for men seeking to fulfill their roles as spiritual leaders and husbands. They discuss the challenges of contemporary life that make this undertaking difficult but also underline the rewards of staying committed to one's spiritual journey. This segment serves to inspire listeners to engage deeply with their faith and cultivate their spiritual practices.
Introduction to 'Jesus Way'
The episode introduces Devin's latest book, 'Jesus Way', which offers a reflective journey through the life and teachings of Jesus. The book serves as a guide for readers to deepen their understanding of Christ and how to embody his teachings in their daily lives. It reflects on the essence of Jesus’ identity and mission, connecting it with the experience of ordinary individuals striving to walk in his footsteps. Devin emphasizes that the journey encapsulates a desire to know Jesus personally and to become more Christ-like.
"Devin Schadt is the man who first introduced Keith to Catholicism back in 1997. Their friendship has had lots of twists and turns (and so have their lives). In this candid interview, Keith and Devin delve into Devin's spirituality, how his upbringing has impacted his life, his relationship with his wife and children, and so much more, including that first night discussing Catholicism with a very protestant Keith!
Devin's ministry has impacted untold multitudes through his books, talks, videos, and podcasts.
