In this episode of Mary Queen Stories, host Jennifer Longworth chats with Mike Allen, a Mary Queen parishioner and the director of family life and evangelization for the Diocese of Lexington. Mike explains his role in supporting parish ministries, particularly focusing on fostering stronger marriages through programs like Grace Marriage. He details how Grace Marriage offers quarterly mini-retreats designed to enrich and sustain marriages by providing couples with intentional time for reflection, discussion, and community building. Mike also discusses the adaptability and parish-centered nature of the program, ensuring it's accessible and engaging for busy couples. The conversation underscores the importance of nurturing marriages within the church and aligning individual efforts with the parish’s mission to receive God's love, serve joyfully, and make missionary disciples.

To learn more and register for Grace Marriage, visit MQHR.org/gracemarriage

Peggy Gabriel is a passionate member of our parish's Care of Creation Committee and the co-chair of the Laudato Si Commission for the Diocese of Lexington, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our discussion.

In this episode, we explore the foundational principles of the Laudato Si encyclical, authored by Pope Francis and dedicated to caring for our common home. Peggy sheds light on how this important document inspires our parish's efforts to live out our faith through environmental stewardship. From organizing the annual Blessing of the Animals on the feast of St. Francis to hosting vegetarian potlucks and compiling a related e-cookbook, Peggy details the innovative and communal ways we are embracing this mission.

We also delve into the diocesan-wide initiatives mandated by Bishop John Stowe, including the development of customized action plans by each parish to promote sustainable practices. Peggy explains the significance of these actions and provides a glimpse into the practical steps that Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary is taking, such as enhancing recycling efforts and using compostable materials for parish events like our popular Fish Fry.

Contact Peggy through Jennifer jlongworth@cdlex.org

Learn more about Mary Queen Parish at MQHR.org

Do you have a story to share? Fill out our form at mqhr.org/podcast

Kabby Akers, who has been a dedicated parishioner since 1980, is deeply involved in the Justice Ministry at Mary Queen and plays a pivotal role in BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct-Action).

In this episode, Kabby takes us through the impactful work of BUILD, an organization made up of 26 diverse congregations working together to tackle community issues by holding public officials accountable. She explains the structured process of BUILD, which starts with house meetings to gather concerns from the community and culminates in the powerful Nehemiah Action, where public officials are called to respond to proposed solutions in front of a gathering of over 1,000 community members.

From elder care and affordable housing to microtransit solutions, Kabby shares inspiring stories of grassroots change and the importance of community involvement. If you're curious about how you can make a difference or want to learn more about the transformative power of justice ministry, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the heart of community action and discover how BUILD is making Lexington a better place for everyone.

Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, pray for us.

Contact Kabby at kakers@cdlex.org

Learn more about Mary Queen Parish at MQHR.org

Do you have a story to share? Fill out our form at mqhr.org/podcast