Women in the La Frontera Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rick Trevino
Women en la Frontera features conversations with women from the Rio Grande Valley on topics that impact us all, and that give witness to the incredible ways God works in our lives.
Notes En este episodio, Rose Pallais se une a la Hermana Norma Pimentel para conversar sobre cómo ser una mujer de fe.
Presentadora: Hermana Norma Pimentel
Invitada: Guest: Rosa Pallais
Frontera TipsRose:
Para entrar en oración con Dios, primero aprender a silenciar y callar todos los ruidos en el corazon y la mente.
Sr. Norma
Libro: La Familia Que Alcanzo a Cristo
Episode 14, Be Not Afraid; Be a Courageous Woman of FaithIn this episode, Rosie Stockwell from Edinburg, Texas who is an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, joins Brenda Nettles Riojas for a conversation about service, humility and being a courageous women of faith.
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Guest:
Rosie Stockwell, a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Past State Regent (from 2017 to 2019), and leadership trainer.
Reflection Questions:
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What helps you keep peace in your heart?
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How have you been a representative of peace?
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How are you being a courageous woman of faith.
Frontera Tips
Rosie
Book: “Humility of Heart” by Father Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (Translated by Herbert Cardinal Vaughan
Brenda
Make some time to journal. Question prompt: Have there been moments in my life where I have held back from doing something out of fear?
In this episode, Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, joins as a co-host with Brenda Nettles Riojas for a conversation about saying “yes” to God, accompanying others, and recognizing God’s presence in everything we do.
Co-host:
Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you took time for a retreat? How often do you take time to spend in silence and in prayer to recharge yourself so that you are better equipped to say “yes” to God’s call?
- How are you accompanying another who may need of your presence?
- Who is walking with you and helping you on your journey to God?
Frontera Tips
Sister Norma:
- Go find someone you can help without expecting anything in return.
- Book: La familia que alcanzó a Cristo: La saga de Citeaux by M. Raymond
Brenda:
- Book: Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life by Henri J.M. Nouwen
In this episode, Angelica Corona, Creative Communication Specialist for the Diocese of Brownsville, joins Brenda Nettles Riojas for a conversation about gratitude and entering the season of Advent.
Guest:Angelica Corona, Creative Communication Specialist for the Diocese of Brownsville.
Reflection Questions:
- What are the blessings in your life this year? Do you thank the Lord, Jesus daily?
- What saint will accompany you in this New Year?
- How will you prepare this Advent season?
Frontera Tips
Angelica:
- Make a Christmas Creche for the Baby Jesus with acts of kindness and verses from the Gospels.
- Slow down the Christmas decorations.
Brenda:
- Book: To Begin Again: An Advent Invitation by Bishop Daniel E. Flores
- Spend some time for a personal Year-in-Review
Show Notes
Episode 11, Walking in the Spirit of Christ
In this episode, Yolanda Carrillo, director of Health Ministries for the Diocese of Brownsville, joins Brenda Nettles Riojas for a conversation about the lessons learned from her work in health ministry – being Christ to others, maintaining joy in challenging moments, end-of-life decisions, and mental health realities.
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Guest:
Yolanda Carrillo, director of Health Ministries for the Diocese of Brownsville.
Reflection Questions:
What are the wounds you carry that you need to heal so that you can be more present for others?
- How do you comfort another during times of struggle?
- Have you talked about end-of-life decisions with your loved ones?
- How do maintain joy in your life and balance the joys and the sorrows?
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Frontera Tips
Yolanda:Book: “Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence” by Sarah YoungMovie: Miracle in Cell No. 7
Brenda:The Rules of St. Benedict
Episode 10, Let’s talk about deathIn this episode, Lydia Pesina, director of the Family Life Office for the Diocese of Brownsville, who facilitates grieving sessions, joins Brenda Nettles Riojas for a conversation about death, working through grief, remembering our loved ones, and our own memento mori.
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Guest:
Lydia Pesina, director of the Family Life Office for the Diocese of Brownsville.
Reflection Questions:
Who are you praying for this season of your life? How are you honoring their memory?
- Your Memento Mori/Remember your death. Are your prepared? Have you been following Christ and growing in holiness?
- How do you accompany another in their time of grief?
Frontera TipsLydia:
Book: The New Day Journal: A journey from grief to healing for people coping with the loss of a loved one,” by Mauryeen O’Brian
Song: “Tiempos” by Ruben Blades (https://youtu.be/mCjYsBscZ7I)
Tips for those who are grieving:
- Embrace all emotions as they appear.
- Do the WORK of grieving.
- Process your grief with another.
- Be patient with yourself and with God’s healing process.
- Be cognitive of the stages of grieving.
Brenda:
Create a play list of music that reminds you of your loved one who has passed.
Two songs on Brenda’s list include:
“Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony (https://youtu.be/YXnjy5YlDwk?t=63)
“For Those Who Can't Be Here” by Tom Walker (https://youtu.be/dyXBfAjDj-A)
Episode 9, Caring for Our Elders
In this episode, Estela Soza Garza of McAllen joins Brenda Nettles Riojas for a conversation about caring for our elders.
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Guest:
Estela Soza Garza of McAllen who for 40 years as a social worker provided services to families in different settings, including mental health support to residents in nursing homes.
Reflection Questions:
· Who are the elders in your life?
· How are you engaging the elders in your life?
· What are some of the challenges you are facing?
· Do you have any tips to share with other on how to spark joy in our elders?
Frontera Tips
Estela:
Three books:
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Tell me Your Life Story, Mom (Dad, Grandma, Grandpa) (Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake)
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The Caregiving Season: Finding Grace to Honor Your Aging Parents by Jane Daly 3. The Family Caregiver's Manual: A Practical Planning Guide to Managing the Care of Your Loved One by David Levy
Brenda:
Pope Francis’ Catechesis on Old Age, 18 sessions offered during his General Audiences from Feb. 23, 2022 to August 24,
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022.index.2.html
En este podcast las Misioneras Catequistas Lumen Christi que trabajan en la comunidad en Donna.
acompañan a Brenda Nettles Riojas para una conversación sobre el descernimiento para una vida consagrada, y el acompañamiento con las familias migrantes.
Invitadas:
· Hermana María Jesús Martínez Pérez
· Hermana Doris Santos
· Hermana Maria de la Paz Morales
Las Pregunta:
· ¿Cómo podemos, en nuestra vida cotidiana, acompañar a los demás?
Consejos fronterizos:
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La Película “Corazón Ardiente”. Invita a familias que se consagren al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.
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Para las familias, empiecen a rezar el Santo Rosario.
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Para los jóvenes y para todos, los invito a reflexionar en sus vidas sobre la presencia real de Jesús en la Eucaristía y aprendan sobre la vida del Beato Carlo Acutis.
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Practica la gratitud. Escríbele a alguien una carta de agradecimiento esta semana.
Episode 7, Apostolate of Holy Motherhood
In this episode, a new mother, Tiffany Hinkle Riojas, joins Brenda Nettles Riojas for a conversation about motherhood and being a restoring part of the Church. Tiffany talks about her decision to stay home to care for her newborn and the opportunities to live out her faith.
Guest:
Tiffany Hinkle Riojas, New mother, culinarian, and businesswoman,
Reflection Questions:
- How are you being a restoring part of the Church?
- What moments in your daily life could you offer up as mortification?
- Which virtues are you working on in your life?
Frontera Tips
Tiffany: Look up Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of Americahttps://patronessofamerica.org/
Brenda: Movie: Father Stu
Episode 6
Topic: Hope, Reparation, Modesty & ChastityIn this episode, Patricia Sandoval, a prolife and chastity speaker, and author of the book Transfigured, joins Kristina Garza, a missionary, educator, and activist and Brenda Nettles Riojas, Diocesan Relations Director of the Diocese of Brownsville and Editor of The Valley Catholic, for a conversation about hope, reparation, modesty, chastity and the defense of life.
Guests:
Patricia Sandoval, a prolife and chastity speaker, and author of the book Transfigured, in which she shares her story of redemption after three abortions, drug addiction and homelessness.
Kristina Garza, a missionary, educator, and activist.
Reflection Questions:
- What is modesty? Do you practice modesty?
- What gives you hope?
- Are there moments in your life for which you need to offer reparation?
Moving Forward & Frontera Tips
Patricia Sandoval:
Persevere. Never give up. “We are called to be faithful to the end.”
Kristina Garza:
Joy. “Remember, we are apostles of joy. … There is always a cause for joy.” “We persevere, but we also persevere with a smile.”
Brenda:
Learn. Learn more. Pick up a copy of Patricia Sandoval’s book: Transfigured: Patricia Sandoval's Escape from Drugs, Homelessness, and the Back Doors of Planned Parenthood
https://www.amazon.com/Transfigured-Patricia-Sandovals-Homelessness-Parenthood/dp/1947701002
Episode 5
Topic: The Sanctity of Life & the Work Ahead
In this episode, Kristina Garza, a missionary, educator, and activist joins Brenda Nettle Riojas, Diocesan Relations Director of the Diocese of Brownsville and Editor of The Valley Catholic, for a conversation about the work ahead in the defense of life following the historic decision by the Supreme Court of the United States on June 24 to overturn Roe v. Wade. In their conversation they also address the myths and misconceptions about abortion
Guest:
Kristina Garza, a missionary, educator, and activist.
Reflection Questions:
· Can you define what is an abortion?
· What steps can you take to become better informed and engaged to building a culture that cherishes every human life?
· Are you prepared to walk with a mom in need? Are you informed about the resources available for pregnant mothers in your community?
Frontera Tips
Kristina:
Will Wilder Book Series by Raymond Arroyo
Brenda:
Spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament.
In this episode, Kristina Garza, a missionary, educator, and activist joins Brenda Nettle Riojas, Diocesan Relations Director of the Diocese of Brownsville and Editor of The Valley Catholic, for a conversation about the call to be a missionary and to defend life.
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Guest:
Kristina Garza, a missionary, educator, and activist.
Reflection Questions:
· How are you called to protect life?
· How are you evangelizing in your community?
· Is fear or indifference keeping you from responding to God’s call to action?
Frontera Tips
Kristina:
“Hail O Queen,” song by Damascus Worship https://youtu.be/kyTlCEeVR5U
Brenda:
The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops https://www.usccb.org/resources/7-703%20The%20Mystery%20of%20Eucharist,%20for%20RE-UPLOAD,%20JANUARY%202022.pdf
Episode 3, Topic: Young Adult Faith Journey
Women en la Frontera features conversations with women from the Rio Grande Valley on topics that impact us all, and that give witness to the incredible ways God works in our lives.
In this episode Brenda Nettle Riojas, Diocesan Relations Director of the Diocese of Brownsville and Editor of The Valley Catholic, is joined by Lolis Flores, Catholic musician and founder of a Rosary apostolate called Ejercito Mariano (Mary’s Army).
Guests:
Lolis Flores, Catholic musician and founder of a Rosary apostolate called Ejercito Mariano (Mary’s Army). https://www.facebook.com/lolis.music
Lolis shares her conversion story and how she has seen the power of prayer in her life. “The rosary has changed my life.” She also reminds us, “Los tiempos de Dios son perfectos”. (It’s all in God’s timing.)
Reflection Questions:
· How do you maintain your faith in the day-to-day challenges?
Program closing song “En Lo Profundo” from Lolis CD by the same name. https://youtu.be/1O6ZtN9rrJE
In this second episode, Host Brenda Nettle Riojas, Diocesan Relations Director of the Diocese of Brownsville and Editor of The Valley Catholic, is joined by guests Ofelia de los Santos and Lydia Pesina for a conversation about listening.
Guests:
Ofelia de los Santos, Director of the Stewardship and Grants Office and also of the Immigration Office. Before coming to the diocese Ofelia worked as an attorney in Hidalgo County.
Lydia Pesina, Director of the Family Life Office.
She has an adopted daughter and two grandchildren
Reflection Questions:
· Are you listening attentively to the people in your lives?
· What can I do to listen with the heart?
· How is the Lord calling us to live our vocation to holiness?
Frontera Tips
Lydia:
As recommended by Bishop Daniel E. Flores, read the Gospels every day. Reminding us “you are what you think,” and we need to make space for the words of Jesus.
Ofelia:
Magnificat and Word Among Us.
Brenda:
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel: Evangelii Gaudium https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Gospel-Evangelii-Publication-Conference/dp/1601374585 https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html
In this pilot episode Host Brenda Nettle Riojas, Diocesan Relations Director of the Diocese of Brownsville and Editor of The Valley Catholic, is joined by guests Ofelia de los Santos and Lydia Pesina for a conversation about listening.
Guests:
Ofelia de los Santos, Director of the Stewardship and Grants Office and also of the Immigration Office. Before coming to the diocese Ofelia worked as an attorney in Hidalgo County.
Lydia Pesina, Director of the Family Life Office.
She has an adopted daughter and two grandchildren
Reflection Questions:
· Are you listening attentively to the people in your lives?
· What can I do to listen with the heart?
· How is the Lord calling us to live our vocation to holiness?