Saint In Progress

Almsgiving, prayer, and St. Basil on the goodness of fasting (originally released 2/28/2025)

* Almsgiving: where to give, and where to avoid* Prayer: lifetime devotions often start during Lent* Fasting: St. Basil the Great returns to give us encouragement for the benefits of a good fastResourcesThe Lepanto Institute charity reportsFind out why Fr. John Riccardo says, “Please read this and give it to every married man you know!” Get your copy of Honor Thy Wife today! Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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Rend your hearts — Saint in Progress Episode #58

Feb 1300:15:37Tap to summarize

Fr. Anthony Gerber had a beautiful post on Substack entitled, “Why Your Kids Don’t Go to Confession,” and it is definitely worth the read.Mike read it, read it again, then made the mistake of wading into the comments where someone with a rather anonymous account name said a few things that Mike found… rather offensive. Trying not to be like St. Jerome (a.k.a. “The Great Name Caller”) Mike restrained his reply, took some time to cool off, then recorded this episode.He then put together an examination of conscience based on the Theological and Cardinal virtues that is a combination of several different examines, and he has made it available for free as a PDF to all subscribers on Substack or at www.catholictreehouse.com. If you’re not a subscriber, sign up and get the download link. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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Know when to call a professional — Saint in Progress Episode #57

Feb 600:10:56Tap to summarize

A backed up drain leads to some thoughts about the American DIY mindset, and why it’s largely incompatible with growth in the spiritual life. Whether it’s plumbing or weighty spiritual topics, sometimes you need to call in an expert.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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Spiritual Winters and Bountiful Harvests — Saint in Progress Episode #56

Jan 3000:07:55Tap to summarize

Despite the unpredictable day-to-day nature of the weather, the cycle of the seasons has never stopped. Our spiritual lives go through seasons as well, and in this first episode of 2026, Mike discusses the nature of these spiritual seasons, and why it’s necessary—and good—when we have a spiritual winter, and why the harshest winters produce the most fruit-filled harvests.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.A defining moment. A simple question. A lifetime of answers.Everyone who serves in the public square is faced with a unique set of challenges. Confronting these trials through the lens of faith presents unique challenges of its own, as well as reasoned solutions.Part memoir, part reflection, this retrospective by author Michael Heyeck chronicles—with honesty and conviction—his own personal journey from a prayerful youth in New Jersey, to being the longest-serving member and chair in the 168-year history of the City of Westerville, Ohio.This is not a partisan manifesto, nor a simple memoir. Rather, What Are We Looking For? is a faith-informed examination of public service, written by a man who refused to separate conscience from responsibility. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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The big picture and little steps — Saint in Progress Episode #55

Dec 1900:08:23Tap to summarize

All frustrated because you can’t see the big picture and figure out the next steps in your life? In this final episode of 2025, Mike shares some advice his spiritual director gave him a long time ago that is valuable to everyone today.A podcast of Mike’s radio appearance from this morning can be found at: https://stgabrielradio.com/cafeOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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Eyes of Wonder — Saint in Progress Episode #54

Dec 1200:16:13Tap to summarize

What do you do when you kid’s school emails and asks you be the substitute St. Nicholas? Well, what would Mary do? She would say “yes” and so did Mike. This week, Mike’s experience playing the part of the beloved bishop of Myra has him reflecting on Matthew 18:1-6 and 19:13-14, and asking the question: “How can we enter the kingdom of heaven when we have doubts about the very thing that is the source and summit of our faith?”* Mike recommends: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of LisieuxOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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Embrace the Wait

Dec 500:13:48Tap to summarize

This time of year as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord, a common Advent theme is one of waiting. This week Mike avoids talking about the Israelites waiting for the messiah, and instead looks at the growing impatience that we all suffer, and why we need to embrace waiting.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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Re-homing our hearts — Saint in Progress Episode #52

Nov 2100:19:01Tap to summarize

Are you feeling overwhelmed by being always busy, and still feeling like you’re not working hard enough? You’re not alone. You’re living a broken work ethic that dates back to the mid 1500’s. (Gee, what happened around then?)This week Mike takes a look at:* The work ethic that the Puritans brought over that drives America today* The modern secular always-at-work mindset* The concept of “re-homing”* Rerum Novarum, an encyclical by Pope Leo XIII* Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus* The one thing we should all do, starting this Advent, to “re-home”Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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Freeing the Soul in the Stone — Saint in Progress Episode #51

Nov 1400:16:41Tap to summarize

A postcard of Michelangelo’s Pietà and a discussion of sacred art is the jumping off point for this week’s episode. Listen in as he covers:* Michelangelo’s unfinished “The Prisoners”* A profound quote from Michelangelo* The Martyrs of Constantinople (circa 730 AD)* Exodus, Deuteronomy, the Ten Commandments, and “graven images”* How God works as the Divine SculptorOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

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