Taking Jesus and Young People Seriously
What would it look like if we actually took young people's faith as seriously as they're capable of living it? Jim and Meghan sit down with Eric Gallagher, husband, father of five, and executive director of Lolek Ministries, to talk about his own teenage conversion and the two decades he's spent helping young people build a real, lasting relationship with Jesus. From silent retreats to one-on-one spiritual mentorship, Eric shares why he believes "spiritual health" is a more useful measure than "spiritual life," and how a simple toolbox of prayer and discipleship can carry someone from high school through marriage and parenthood.
What’s in this episode:
Eric's teenage conversion story at a Steubenville conference
The priest and father who shaped his early faith formation
St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life" as a turning point
Going Deeper Retreats and the shift to one-on-one spiritual mentorship
Why "spiritual health" is a more actionable term than "spiritual life"
The new Spiritual Health Inventory tool from Lolek Ministries
A powerful story of three sisters transformed by quiet discipleship
The danger of expecting fruit from young converts too soon
Friendship and community as an antidote to spiritual isolation
Eric's toolbox approach to lifelong spiritual growth
One resource every Catholic family should know: The Hallow App, SOCA, Ignatian discernment resources, and Discerning Hearts
Book he is currently reading: A study guide on St. Teresa of Ávila's "The Interior Castle"
Favorite book: "Into Your Hands, Father" by Fr. Wilfrid Stinissen
Advice to his younger self: Trust silence and trust prayer, and seek out St. Francis de Sales sooner
Final wisdom for listeners: Take honest stock of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life, then make time for a day or weekend retreat
Resources Mentioned:
Lolek Ministries – Nonprofit focused on feeding the spiritually hungry
Spiritual Health Inventory – New beta tool for assessing your spiritual health baseline
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales – Classic guide Eric credits with transforming his own faith
Into Your Hands, Father by Fr. Wilfrid Stinissen – Eric's top recommendation on trust and abandonment to God
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Ávila – The classic Eric is currently working through via a study guide
Hallow App – Popular Catholic prayer and meditation app
Discerning Hearts – Resources on prayer, discernment, and spiritual formation