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Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family

Parenting is not a clean-cut, simple process for those who like to follow the rules. Family life is messy and unpredictable, but it is the greatest adventure you will ever have. We are Mike and Alicia Hernon, parents of 10 children with a growing number of grandchildren, and we would like to invite you into some of the conversations we have had with each other about marriage, parenting, and Catholic family life. Our hope is that our conversation sparks a dialogue between you and your spouse that leads to greater unity and intentional Christian parenting in your home. Listen in to our podcast and start the conversation as we seek to lead our families to heaven. Visit us at https:///www/MessyFamilyProject.org for resources, guides, links and show notes.
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Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family
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Aug 25, 2025

The family is where children discover how to be human. - Archbishop Charles Chaput

 

Summary

 

In this episode, Mike and Alicia tackle some of the toughest family challenges with honesty, humor, and hope. These questions were submitted to us at the Midwest Family Conference, but we never got to them! We talk about things like how to respond to a loved one with a temper or a dysfunctional family that seems to fight constantly. What practical steps can parents take to guard their family culture when outside influences pull in the opposite direction? Mike emphasizes the irreplaceable role of fathers—especially in having honest conversations with teenage sons about life’s toughest issues. Alicia offers encouragement for wives supporting their husbands as spiritual leaders, even in the messiness of daily life. Together, they share practical strategies for cultivating virtue—reminding parents that even when kids bring out our weaknesses, God uses family life to make us holy.

 

Key Takeaways

  • We always need to start with ourselves when we come up against difficult relationships in the family. 

  • All of us are to work on helping other family members - spouse and children - to grow in holiness. 

  • Your family culture needs to be strong to inoculate your children against the culture of the world.

  • Parents’ love for each other and joy in their relationship is essential in bringing peace and positivity to the home. 

  • The father’s role in the life of his teen son and in the spiritual leadership of the home is irreplaceable. 

  • It is not your job to make your kids into saints - its their job to make you into a saint! 



Couple Discussion Questions

  • What do we need to work on in our marriage to bring more love and joy into our home?  How can we be a better example for our kids? 

  • Are there issues with our kids that we need to discuss?  What do we need to improve in our family culture? 

 

Resources

Catholiccouplesgetaway.com

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