Faithful & Authentic: The All Saints Parish Podcast

48 Strong: Running a 5K Every Day for a Year (9-Month Check-In)

Hi, I’m Father Jonathan Meyer. Back on September 4th—my birthday—I made a wild commitment: to run a 5K every single day for an entire year. I call it “48 Strong,” and today I’m checking in at the nine-month mark. In this video, I share:
Why I started: I wanted to push myself physically, mentally, and spiritually—no treadmills allowed, rain or shine (or frostbite!).
Early struggles & milestones: Frostbitten ankles, subzero runs, and how I got past the “I don’t want to link my shoes” moments.
Physical wins: I’ve lost 10 pounds (from about 194 to the low 180s) and sleep better than ever.
Mental & spiritual growth: Running gives me daily time to pray, process, and offer each 5K as a sacrifice for someone else—turning pain into purpose.
Community & creation: How running with friends keeps me accountable, and why experiencing God’s world each day (from Arkansas to France) has been a blessing.
I’ve only skipped two runs (both times I was down with a virus), and I’ve learned that the hardest part is simply taking that first step. If you’re inspired to make a commitment—whether it’s a half-mile walk or your own year-long goal—this video will encourage you to start, stay consistent, and see how your body, mind, and spirit transform.
🙏 Thank you for watching. If you enjoy following this journey, please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe for future check-ins (including the big 365-day wrap-up on September 4th), and leave a comment telling me: What’s your next commitment going to be? God bless!

Feeling Like You Don’t Belong? You’re Not Alone

Have you ever felt like you just don’t fit in? Fr. Jonathan Meyer shares a powerful personal reflection and reminds us of Jesus’ words: “They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.”
When you feel out of place, it may be because you’re living the truth, set apart for something greater. You were made for more. You were made for holiness.
Let the Holy Spirit remind you that you belong to God. 🙏🔥
 
#RiseUp #PentecostNovena #YouBelong #FrMeyer #CatholicFaith #Consecrated #SetApart #ComeHolySpirit

Jesus Is Praying for You—Right Now

Did you know that Jesus is praying for you at this very moment? In today’s Pentecost Novena reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reminds us that Christ, our eternal High Priest, is constantly interceding for us before the Father. You are not alone in your struggles—Jesus is with you, fighting for you, and lifting you up in prayer. Let that truth bring you peace and hope today. 🙏🔥
 
#RiseUp #PentecostNovena #JesusPraysForYou #CatholicFaith #FrMeyer #HopeInChrist

Pentecost Novena: Finding Courage in Christ When Life Feels Overwhelming

Welcome to another Rise Up video! In this Pentecost Novena reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer invites you to be honest about the struggles weighing on your heart—and then to entrust them to the Holy Spirit. Drawing from John 16:33 (“In the world you will have trouble; but take courage, I have conquered the world”), Fr. Meyer reminds us that no burden is too heavy for Christ to carry. When you feel overwhelmed, write down your worries, name them before God, and pray, “Come, Holy Spirit!” for the gift of courage and fortitude.
Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome & Introduction to the Pentecost Novena0:45 – Why Naming Our Troubles Matters1:30 – Scripture Reflection: John 16:332:15 – How to Pray for the Gift of Courage3:00 – Encouragement & Final Blessing
——————————🙏 Let’s Stay Connected:• Text riseup to 84576 to receive these daily reflections via text or email.• Like this video if it encouraged you and share it with a friend who needs to hear this today.• Don’t forget to subscribe and click the 🔔 to join our online parish community for more reflections, homilies, and faith resources.
💬 Share Your Thoughts:What’s one practical step you’re taking this week to “make a list” of your troubles and surrender them to Christ? Drop a comment below so we can pray for one another.
📱 Follow All Saints Parish:• Facebook: facebook.com/AllSaintsParish• Instagram: @AllSaintsParish• Website: allsaintsparish.org
#RiseUp #PentecostNovena #HolySpirit #CatholicFaith #CourageInChrist

Will Today Be a Day of Praise? | Ascension Sunday Reflection

Happy Ascension Sunday!
It’s Day 3 of the Pentecost Novena, and Fr. Jonathan Meyer invites us to pause and reflect: Will today be a day of praise?
 
Filmed with sacred stones from the Mount of Olives in hand—where Jesus is believed to have taken His final step before ascending into heaven—Fr. Meyer reminds us that we are called to imitate the apostles:
 
“They were continually in the temple praising God.” (Luke 24:53)
 
Whether through Adoration, Sunday rest, or simple phrases like “Praise the Lord” or “Thanks be to God,” this is a call to lift our hearts.
Let today be a day of joy, peace, and praise.
 
🔥 Come, Holy Spirit.
🙏 Join the novena.
🌍 Believe it’s real.
 
#AscensionSunday #PentecostNovena #ComeHolySpirit #FrJonathanMeyer #CatholicFaith #RiseUp

Why Did Jesus Leave Us? | Day 2 of the Pentecost Novena

Why did Jesus ascend into heaven and leave us behind?
 
On Day 2 of the Pentecost Novena, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on the powerful truth that Jesus didn’t abandon us—He went ahead to prepare a place for us. By ascending, He brings our humanity into the heart of the Father and calls us to follow Him into the heavenly realm.
 
If you missed Day 1, it’s not too late.
✨ Join the Church in praying the mothership of all novenas.
📜 Write down your intentions today.
🔥 Come, Holy Spirit.
 
#PentecostNovena #ComeHolySpirit #Ascension #CatholicFaith #FrJonathanMeyer #RiseUp

The Mothership of All Novenas Starts Today | Will You Pray the Pentecost Novena?

Happy Easter! There are nine days until Pentecost—meaning today marks the beginning of the original and most powerful novena: the Pentecost Novena.
 
In this episode of Rise Up, Father Jonathan Meyer invites you to join Mary, the apostles, and the early Church in the Upper Room as we pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
 
Discover the beauty and power of novenas, the importance of writing down your intentions, and the simple invitation:
“Come, Holy Spirit.”
 
🙏 Will you pray with us?
📜 Grab your novena and start today.
 
#PentecostNovena #ComeHolySpirit #CatholicFaith #RiseUp #FatherJonathanMeyer #Novenas #Pentecost

From Grief to Glory | Hope on Ascension Thursday

Who do you know that is grieving?
On this 40th day of Easter—Ascension Thursday—Fr. Jonathan Meyer invites us to reflect on the journey from grief to joy, from Lent to Resurrection, and from earth to heaven.
 
As we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, we’re reminded that our humanity is now in heaven, and that offers real hope—especially to those who mourn. Whether you’ve been walking this 86-day journey through Lent and Easter or just tuning in today, you’re part of something bigger: a life rooted in grace, consistency, and faith.
 
💬 Reach out to someone grieving today.
🙏 Let them know they are not alone.
☁️ Let today be a day of hope, joy, and peace.
 
#RiseUp #AscensionThursday #GriefAndHope #CatholicFaith #FrMeyer #YouAreNotAlone

Do You Trust the Holy Spirit to Guide the Church? | Rise Up with Fr. Meyer

Do you believe the Holy Spirit still guides the Church today?
 
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reminds us of the beautiful truth that the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ, intimately united to its Head—Jesus Himself—and guided by the Spirit of Truth.
 
Jesus promised, “The Spirit will guide you into all truth.” That’s why we remain Catholic. That’s why we trust the Church—even in challenging times.
 
✨ Be bold.
✨ Be Catholic.
✨ Be led by the Spirit.
 
#RiseUp #HolySpirit #CatholicChurch #BeBoldBeCatholic #FrMeyer

Do You Believe Jesus Actually Won? | He Is Risen! Hallelujah!

Happy Easter and welcome to Rise Up with Fr. Jonathan Meyer!
Today’s Gospel reminds us of a powerful truth: the ruler of this world has been condemned.
Jesus has triumphed over sin and death—He has won! And because of that, we are called to live with joy, hope, and encouragement, even in a broken world.
So… do you really believe He’s victorious?
Let this be a reminder: We know how the story ends. We know who wins. Hallelujah!
 
📖 Scripture: John 16
🙏 Rise Up. Stay focused. Be joyful.
#HeIsRisen #EasterJoy #RiseUp