Welcome to Faith Fondue! A new podcast featuring author &amp; speaker—Haley DeMaria and teacher &amp; blogger—Anne Stricherz. Faith Fondue is a melting pot of topics, ignited the flame of faith and guided the Holy Spirit. No politics, as fondue is a Swiss cheese, and therefore neutral. Anne &amp; Haley are equal opportunity prayers; we pray for everyone.

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What?!!? God&#39;s love isn&#39;t fair? Tune in to hear Anne and Haley talk about the Gospel and many other fun topics: what does it mean to be an educator (hint: not just teachers!), podcast (does everyone have them?) and the value of reaching out. Human connection, in this world and the afterworld, is powerful. Take a listen!

God's Love

What?!!? God&#39;s love isn&#39;t fair? Tune in to hear Anne and Haley talk about the Gospel and many other fun topics: what does it mean to be an educator (hint: not just teachers!), podcast (does everyone have them?) and the value of reaching out. Human connection, in this world and the afterworld, is powerful. Take a listen!

Season 5, Episode 8: God's Love

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This week Faith Fondue features the book Pray For Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness, written by Notre Dame alumna Meg Hunter-Kilmer and introduced to us last episode after Anne attended a retreat on campus featuring the book and the author.What&#39;s the difference between Saint, Servant of God, Venerable, and Blessed? Not much in Pray For Us, as Hunter-Kilmer shares remarkable stories of ordinary people at each stage of sainthood.Haley and Anne discuss this &#34;ordinariness&#34; (we are all ordinary) and how one does not have to be extraordinary to be holy (with a side bar conversation about Stevie Nicks.) Sound complicated? Tune in to hear more. And pick up Pray For Us to read how a mean girl and an alcoholic both become saints.

This week Faith Fondue features the book Pray For Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness, written by Notre Dame alumna Meg Hunter-Kilmer and introduced to us last episode after Anne attended a retreat on campus featuring the book and the author.

What&#39;s the difference between Saint, Servant of God, Venerable, and Blessed? Not much in Pray For Us, as Hunter-Kilmer shares remarkable stories of ordinary people at each stage of sainthood.

Haley and Anne discuss this &#34;ordinariness&#34; (we are all ordinary) and how one does not have to be extraordinary to be holy (with a side bar conversation about Stevie Nicks.) Sound complicated? Tune in to hear more. And pick up Pray For Us to read how a mean girl and an alcoholic both become saints.

Season 5, Episode 7: Can a "Mean Girl" Become a Saint?

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Most people think of relaxing or self-care when they hear the word &#34;spa.&#34; In today&#39;s episode, Anne and Haley talk about another kind of SPA: an acronym from this weekend&#39;s homily that&#39;s also a little bit of self-care. Haley and Anne had a very different few days, but both were rooted in family - as Anne shares time with her siblings and mom; and Haley ventured to NYC to spend time with her sister, husband, son, and other family and friends. It just so happened the Knicks won their first NBA Championship in 53 years, flooding Times Square along with the Brazilian and Moroccan soccer fans in town for the World Cup.It&#39;s been a few weeks since Anne and Haley connected, so there was a lot to share about faith, sports, family, the Gospel... Welcome back to Faith Fondue!

What does SPA mean to you?

Most people think of relaxing or self-care when they hear the word &#34;spa.&#34; In today&#39;s episode, Anne and Haley talk about another kind of SPA: an acronym from this weekend&#39;s homily that&#39;s also a little bit of self-care. Haley and Anne had a very different few days, but both were rooted in family - as Anne shares time with her siblings and mom; and Haley ventured to NYC to spend time with her sister, husband, son, and other family and friends. It just so happened the Knicks won their first NBA Championship in 53 years, flooding Times Square along with the Brazilian and Moroccan soccer fans in town for the World Cup.
It&#39;s been a few weeks since Anne and Haley connected, so there was a lot to share about faith, sports, family, the Gospel... Welcome back to Faith Fondue!

Season 5, Episode 6: What Does SPA Mean to You?

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We&#39;re halfway through Lent! Wow, right? How are your Lenten resolutions going? Any Lenten traditions? In this episode, Anne shares some unique ideas from the Archdiocese of San Francisco, while Haley happens into her tradition each year. As we prepare our Hearts and Minds for Holy Week, both Anne and Haley continue to be inspired by those around us: a officemate priest and beans &amp; rice. Take a listen!

Midway Through Lent

We&#39;re halfway through Lent! Wow, right? How are your Lenten resolutions going? Any Lenten traditions? In this episode, Anne shares some unique ideas from the Archdiocese of San Francisco, while Haley happens into her tradition each year. As we prepare our Hearts and Minds for Holy Week, both Anne and Haley continue to be inspired by those around us: a officemate priest and beans &amp; rice. Take a listen!

Season 5, Episode 5: Midway Through Lent

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In this episode of Faith Fondue, Anne and Haley share personal stories and and lessons of life and faith of the legendary late Notre Dame Head Football coach, Lou Holtz. To know him was to love him, and to have met him was to learn from him. And we all have lessons we learn from Lou. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Remember Coach Lou Holtz

In this episode of Faith Fondue, Anne and Haley share personal stories and and lessons of life and faith of the legendary late Notre Dame Head Football coach, Lou Holtz. To know him was to love him, and to have met him was to learn from him. And we all have lessons we learn from Lou. 
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Season 5, Episode 4: Remembering Coach Lou Holtz

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Anne and Haley discuss the Winter Olympics (one is a fan, one not so much...) but both love the human stories behind the athletes. Did you follow the Winn brothers? And Alyssa Liu? Everyone loves a good comeback story and to cheer for the underdog; these Olympics had both!

Winter Olympics and the Stories We Love

Anne and Haley discuss the Winter Olympics (one is a fan, one not so much...) but both love the human stories behind the athletes. Did you follow the Winn brothers? And Alyssa Liu? Everyone loves a good comeback story and to cheer for the underdog; these Olympics had both!

Season 5, Episode 3: Winter Olympics and the Stories We Love

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In a new take on Faith Fondue, Anne and Haley will be discussing a book, movie, podcast, documentary - anything that relates to what we value most: family, friendships, and living life as women of faith. In this episode we discuss Father Nate Wills&#39; book, Pray Like a Champion, a fast-paced, easy read that combines tales from his work as the Notre Dame Football chaplain with everyday life experiences to which we can all relate. Take a listen and learn how to pray like a champion.

Pray Like a Champion Today (& Everyday!)

In a new take on Faith Fondue, Anne and Haley will be discussing a book, movie, podcast, documentary - anything that relates to what we value most: family, friendships, and living life as women of faith. In this episode we discuss Father Nate Wills&#39; book, Pray Like a Champion, a fast-paced, easy read that combines tales from his work as the Notre Dame Football chaplain with everyday life experiences to which we can all relate. Take a listen and learn how to pray like a champion.

Season 5, Episode 2: Pray Like a Champion Today (& Everyday!)

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After some time off, Anne and Haley are back! Faith Fondue enters it&#39;s fifth season with a familiar format and a fun new approach to living life as (mid-life!) women of faith. In our first episode we catch up, while sharing our thoughts on What&#39;s Hot (The Flame), our take on this week&#39;s Gospel (Spiritual Stew) and share take aways (Melting Pot) for the week...Listen in and join us on the journey of a new season!

After some time off, Anne and Haley are back! Faith Fondue enters it&#39;s fifth season with a familiar format and a fun new approach to living life as (mid-life!) women of faith. In our first episode we catch up, while sharing our thoughts on What&#39;s Hot (The Flame), our take on this week&#39;s Gospel (Spiritual Stew) and share take aways (Melting Pot) for the week...Listen in and join us on the journey of a new season!

Season 5, Episode 1: We're Back

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Congratulations to Anne and Haley - and our listeners! - for completing 24 episodes in 2024! How often do we set a goal or resolution and accomplish it? And what are you resolutions for this year? Both Anne&#39;s and Haley&#39;s include reading, boundaries, and a (re)commitment to our faith. It&#39;s also playoff season, both in college football and the NFL - including Fantasy Football. Lots to chew on in the Stew and our final episode (for 2024) of Faith Fondue!

24 for 2024

Congratulations to Anne and Haley - and our listeners! - for completing 24 episodes in 2024! How often do we set a goal or resolution and accomplish it? And what are you resolutions for this year? Both Anne&#39;s and Haley&#39;s include reading, boundaries, and a (re)commitment to our faith. It&#39;s also playoff season, both in college football and the NFL - including Fantasy Football. Lots to chew on in the Stew and our final episode (for 2024) of Faith Fondue!

Season 4, Episode 24: 24 for 2024 Yay!

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The third week of Advent begins with Gaudete Sunday. We light a rose colored candle to signify JOY and remind us that Christmas is near. Haley offers a joy-index. Where are you on a scale of 1-10? Anne encountered joy at a fundraiser celebrating a new school community that has a wonderful name: Nativity. The keynote speaker Father Mike Schmitz is naturally effusive and engaging…bring joy to the world and the Bible in a year! IHe reminded the audience and now all of us to prepare our hearts and our homes for Christmas! You wouldn’t run a marathon without training. What are we doing, what faith training has we exercised this Advent? No time to taper, there’s still one week to go!

The third week of Advent begins with Gaudete Sunday. We light a rose colored candle to signify JOY and remind us that Christmas is near. Haley offers a joy-index. Where are you on a scale of 1-10? 
Anne encountered joy at a fundraiser celebrating a new school community that has a wonderful name: Nativity. The keynote speaker Father Mike Schmitz is naturally effusive and engaging…bring joy to the world and the Bible in a year! I
He reminded the audience and now all of us to prepare our hearts and our homes for Christmas! You wouldn’t run a marathon without training. What are we doing, what faith training has we exercised this Advent? No time to taper, there’s still one week to go!


Season 4, Episode 23: A season and signs of JOY

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Both Anne and Haley traveled south for the long Thanksgiving weekend; Haley avoided the cold by escaping to Florida to be with family, while Anne ventured into enemy territory with friends to see Notre Dame play USC in a season-defining game. But hey, did you know there is a new Catholic Church/Center on USC&#39;s campus? Hear what Anne has to say about. After digesting football (college team won; NFL teams not so much), we enter into Haley&#39;s favorite time of year: no, not Christmas - it&#39;s ADVENT folks. And the theme this week is HOPE.

Both Anne and Haley traveled south for the long Thanksgiving weekend; Haley avoided the cold by escaping to Florida to be with family, while Anne ventured into enemy territory with friends to see Notre Dame play USC in a season-defining game. But hey, did you know there is a new Catholic Church/Center on USC&#39;s campus? Hear what Anne has to say about. 

After digesting football (college team won; NFL teams not so much), we enter into Haley&#39;s favorite time of year: no, not Christmas - it&#39;s ADVENT folks. And the theme this week is HOPE.

Season 4, Episode 22: A Season of Hope

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Last weekend was a big weekend for movie openings: Wicked and Gladiator 2. Haley and Anne haven&#39;t seen either one...&#34;which&#34; one will you see first? Wicked discusses timeless themes, one of them being &#34;inclusion.&#34; What does it mean to be truly inclusive...Haley and Anne discuss this as well as the miraculous medal. We are all over the place; a melting pot of topics!

Good Witch or Gladiator

Last weekend was a big weekend for movie openings: Wicked and Gladiator 2. Haley and Anne haven&#39;t seen either one...&#34;which&#34; one will you see first? Wicked discusses timeless themes, one of them being &#34;inclusion.&#34; What does it mean to be truly inclusive...Haley and Anne discuss this as well as the miraculous medal. We are all over the place; a melting pot of topics!

Season 4, Episode 21: Good Witch or Gladiator

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t&#39;s not what you think! Yes, the election happened this week. But in today&#39;s Gospel we think about the question &#34;Why?&#34; in a different way. Also, Why was Haley so stressed this week? Why are sports stressful? Why do we enjoy one particular athlete over another? Why do we pick up a book and stay with it? So many Whys out there to be discussed! Join us!

The Why is Everything

t&#39;s not what you think! Yes, the election happened this week. But in today&#39;s Gospel we think about the question &#34;Why?&#34; in a different way. Also, Why was Haley so stressed this week? Why are sports stressful? Why do we enjoy one particular athlete over another? Why do we pick up a book and stay with it? So many Whys out there to be discussed! Join us!

Season 4, Episode 20: The Why is Everything

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This weekend wrapped up four straight days of &#34;holidays&#34; (some made up) and kicked off the trifecta of holidays that is the last two months of the calendar. In other words, there was lots for Haley and Anne to talk about that does not include Election Day: honoring loved ones, candy corn, the ethics (and popularity) of sports betting, peacemakers, and apostles. Do you know what the Calavera Catrina is? Take a listen and learn!

Holy Days, Holidays,, Election Day and More

This weekend wrapped up four straight days of &#34;holidays&#34; (some made up) and kicked off the trifecta of holidays that is the last two months of the calendar. In other words, there was lots for Haley and Anne to talk about that does not include Election Day: honoring loved ones, candy corn, the ethics (and popularity) of sports betting, peacemakers, and apostles. Do you know what the Calavera Catrina is? Take a listen and learn!

Season 4, Episode 19: Holy Days, Holidays,, Election Day and More

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Anne and Haley gather around the flame where a lot is hot—or was in the Bay Area with a recent heat wave. Fortunately, it subsided and feels like Fall. This new season is a busy time and a tough time for many in our country. Recent events prompt questions like “Are you prepared? If so, how?” Jesus asks this question in our spiritual lives too.The spiritual stew speaks to the question: What must we do to inherit eternal life? Jesus gives a provocative answer with a poignant question, leaving Anne and Haley with plenty to chew on.Haley commits to reaching our goal of 24 for 2024 and not to let so much time pass before she reconvenes with her family of origin. Anne speaks to revisiting discipline so as not to be disappointed. Together, they will discuss the author of that quote in a future episode. Listen up and listen in….

Anne and Haley gather around the flame where a lot is hot—or was in the Bay Area with a recent heat wave. Fortunately, it subsided and feels like Fall. This new season is a busy time and a tough time for many in our country. Recent events prompt questions like “Are you prepared? If so, how?” Jesus asks this question in our spiritual lives too.

The spiritual stew speaks to the  question: What must we do to inherit eternal life?  Jesus gives a provocative answer with a poignant question, leaving Anne and Haley with plenty to chew on.

Haley commits to reaching our goal of 24 for 2024 and not to let so much time pass before she reconvenes with her family of origin. Anne speaks to revisiting discipline so as not to be disappointing. Together, they will discuss the author of that quote in a future episode. Listen up and listen in….

Season 4, Episode 18: Climate, Context, Camels and Connection

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Anne and Haley reflect back on Labor Day—what it means and where the long weekend took us. Still licking our wounds from a devastating Notre Dame loss (double whammy for Haley as a Ravens&#39; fan), while tying this week&#39;s Gospel to gossip (gasp!) and the humility of Jesus. As 9/11 approaches, both Haley and Anne share ways to reflect, remember, and keep life (and football) in perspective. Next episode Anne and Haley will discuss Monk Malloy&#39;s book on leadership. Before, Anne reflects back on books that made her laugh and cry. Haley shares a few examples you might not want to miss!

Laughter and Tears—Responses to reading and reflection

Anne and Haley reflect back on Labor Day—what it means and where the long weekend took us. Still licking our wounds from a devastating Notre Dame loss (double whammy for Haley as a Ravens&#39; fan), while tying this week&#39;s Gospel to gossip (gasp!) and the humility of Jesus. As 9/11 approaches, both Haley and Anne share ways to reflect, remember, and keep life (and football) in perspective. Next episode Anne and Haley will discuss Monk Malloy&#39;s book on leadership. Before, Anne reflects back on books that made her laugh and cry. Haley shares a few examples you might not want to miss!

Season 4, Episode 17: Laughter and Tears—Responses to reading and reflection

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So much happens when we gather around the table: for meals, for prayer, for the Eucharist, to listen and to learn. This is not something to take for granted. Let us look to our homes, work places and other spaces to make room at the table. Football Season is upon us and with that comes the emotions that unite us - and divide us. Once again, Haley strives to not become to attached to her teams. And in the Spiritual Stew, Anne keeps us grounded in the historical context of the week&#39;s readings.

Come, Join Me at the Table

So much happens when we gather around the table: for meals, for prayer, for the Eucharist, to listen and to learn. This is not something to take for granted. Let us look to our homes, work places and other spaces to make room at the table. 

Football Season is upon us and with that comes the emotions that unite us - and divide us. Once again, Haley strives to not become to attached to her teams. And in the Spiritual Stew, Anne keeps us grounded in the historical context of the week&#39;s readings.

Season 4, Episode 16: Come, Join Me at the Table

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This is the 15th episode in our &#34;24 for 2024,&#34; recorded on the 15th of August—the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The gift of this holy day brought Haley to mass, which was led by a familiar, important and much needed voice—Father Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C. (former Notre Dame President). Anne adds yet another chapter to one of her favorite stories, vis a vi her experience at St. Francis Parish up in Lake Tahoe (Incline Village). Anne and Haley recap the joys and lessons from the 2024 Olympic Games. From victory to patriotism, talent to sportsmanship—what we saw in Paris is not to be forgotten. We are ready for LA! Haley addresses a tough topic as it applies to collegiate swimming and rulings from the NCAA. Anne shares a word from the Gospel to guide all teachers this school year. Lots cooking in the Fondue pot, Enjoy!

From Glory of the Olympic Games to Gossip

This is the 15th episode in our 24 for 24 on the 15th of August—the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The gift of this holy day brought Haley to mass, which was led by a familiar, important and much needed voice—Father Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C. (former Notre Dame President). Anne adds yet another chapter to one of her favorite stories, vis a vi her experience at St. Francis Parish up in Lake Tahoe (Incline Village). 

Anne and Haley recap the joys and lessons from the 2024 Olympic Games. From victory to patriotism, talent to sportsmanship—what we saw in Paris is not to be forgotten. We are ready for LA! Haley addresses a tough topic as it applies to collegiate swimming and rulings from the NCAA. Anne shares a word from the Gospel to guide all teachers this school year. Lots cooking in the Fondue pot, Enjoy!


Season 4, Episode 15—From the Glory of the Olympic Games to Gossip...

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During a historic time in our country, it&#39;s more important than ever to have leaders in our lives to shepherd us in a positive way. Haley shares her shepherds; who are yours? Experience is a valuable teacher, but only if we learn the right lessons. Speaking of teachers, Anne heads back to school soon with a Leadership 101 goal of her own, while Haley is enjoying her month of self-care (while still working)... tune in!

Leaders and Shepherds

During a historic time in our country, it&#39;s more important than ever to have leaders in our lives to shepherd us in a positive way. Haley shares her shepherds; who are yours? Experience is a valuable teacher, but only if we learn the right lessons. Speaking of teachers, Anne heads back to school soon with a Leadership 101 goal of her own, while Haley is enjoying her month of self-care (while still working)... tune in!

Season 4, Episode 14—Leaders and Shepherds

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It was an A-List Holiday Weekend as the entire country enjoyed the HOT four-day Fourth of July. Both Anne and Haley traveled for the long weekend, spending time with family and friends-like-family. Haley&#39;s emotional few weeks grounded her in Community and Faith, while Anne&#39;s cousin inspires us all. (Spoiler Alert: No sports talk this episode! That&#39;s a first!)

Two Funerals, A Retreat, & a Holiday

It was an A-List Holiday Weekend as the entire country enjoyed the HOT four-day Fourth of July. Both Anne and Haley traveled for the long weekend, spending time with family and friends-like-family. Haley&#39;s emotional few weeks grounded her in Community and Faith, while Anne&#39;s cousin inspires us all. 
(Spoiler Alert: No sports talk this episode! That&#39;s a first!)

Season 4, Episode 13—Two Funerals, A Retreat, & a Holiday

Welcome to Faith Fondue! A new podcast featuring author & speaker—Haley DeMaria and teacher & blogger—Anne Stricherz.

Faith Fondue is a melting pot of topics, ignited the flame of faith and guided the Holy Spirit. No politics, as fondue is a Swiss cheese, and therefore neutral. Anne & Haley are equal opportunity prayers; we pray for everyone.