The Virtual Cup
Welcome to The Virtual Cup podcast. Join us as we fill each other's cups with Holy Spirit inspired conversations. As baptized christians the Holy Spirit lives is in each one of us. But, are we listening? How do we recognize Him in our daily lives and and become His hands and feet. May the GIFT of The Holy Spirit fill UP your cup.
50: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Faith & Gratitude: An Interview with Dell Stauber
Episode 50
Faith & Gratitude: An Interview with Dell Stauber
On today’s episode, Jessica and Meredith interview Jessica’s father-in-law, Dell Stauber. Dell is a husband to Jean of 68 years, father to 6 sons, grandfather to 21 and great-grandfather to 7! His strong faith and daily practice of gratitude is contagious.
Challenge: 1. Listen to Bible in a Year on the Hallow App with Father Michael Schmitz.
2. Reach out to an elderly person and have them share their story of faith
Resour...
49: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Mary
Episode 49
Mary
Bible Verse: Luke 1:30 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”
Challenge: Look up the Angelus Prayer and pray it one time this week.
Resources:
Netflix: Mary released in 2024
Angelus prayer: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/angelus-383
Mary Did You K...
48: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Advent
Episode 48
Advent
“But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.” Lk 21:34-36
MeaningThe word "Advent" comes from the Latin word...47: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Saints 101
Episode 47
Saints 101
We are all called to be saints. In this episode, sisters Meredith and Jessica talk about how people become canonized as saints and how their examples can guide us in our lives.
Bible verse: Psalm 50:5-8: "Gather my saints together unto me; Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
Challenge: Who is your church named after? Learn more about your church’s patron saint. Can you find a prayer card? Pray and be open to hea...
47: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Saints 101
Episode 47
Saints 101
We are all called to be saints. In this episode, sisters Meredith and Jessica talk about how people become canonized as saints and how their examples can guide us in our lives.
Bible verse: Psalm 50:5-8: "Gather my saints together unto me; Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
Challenge: Who is your church named after? Learn more about your church’s patron saint. Can you find a prayer card? Pray and be open to hear what saints...
46: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Word of the Year
Episode 46: Word of the Year
Choosing a word of the year can make a BIG impact on your life. Meredith shares her experience with implementing a word of the year over the pas 5 years. Making connections, Be present, Listen, Invite, and Joyfully Serve
Bible Verse: John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”
Challenge: Pray and journal over the next month for a WORD or Phrase for 2025.
Resources: St. Fra...
45: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Medjugorje: Through Gretchen’s Eyes
Episode 45
Medjugorje: Through Gretchen’s Eyes
Catholic sisters Meredith and Jessica welcome their sister Gretchen on this week’s podcast. Jessica talked in episode 43 about going to Medjugorje with Gretchen, and this week we hear about Gretchen’s experience.
Last week’s challenge was to increase the presence of the rosary in your life. If you don’t have one, email us and we’ll send you one! ADD EMAIL ADDRESS
44: The Virtual Cup Podcast: The Rosary: What & Why
Episode 44
The Rosary: What and Why
Bible verse: “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Challenge: Increase the presence of...
43: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Medjugorje: The Five Stones
Episode 43
Medjugorje: The Five Stones
Prayer with the heart: RosaryEucharist at Daily Mass Read the Bible daily Fast on Wednesdays and Fridays Monthly confessionWhy fast? Why is fasting important in faith? Fasting is about what we gain from the process: focus on God. Fasting is a discipline of abstaining from something good, like food, so we can concentrate on our spiritual lives and find satisfaction in God. Fasting is all about a desire for God.
Bible...
42: The Virtual Cup Podcast: God's Timing
Episode 42
“Trust in God’s Timing”
The Power of the Pause….Spend time in Prayer. Phone God up! “Please advise me, Please guide me.” Listen. Pray. God will guide you. Trust HIS timing.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”
Challenge: In a moment of decision this coming week, pause and ask God, “Is this timing right f...
41: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Phew
Episode 41
“Phew”
Join Catholic sisters, Jessica and Meredith as they talk about the relief Jessica felt when she realized Ephesians 2:8-10.
We are his hands and feet.
We often get overwhelmed and ask where do you want me Lord? Who am I serving? How can I do it all to please you!!! How can I win you over? What do I need to do!?!
Well, pressure is off. There is a sense of relief that we don’t have to EARN his love. Identify our God given gifts and how we can use them to ser...
40: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Confession
Episode 40
“Confession”
Why do we go? Why can it be so hard? Join Jessica and Meredith as they share their insight and experiences with confession.
Ideas: Go to confession when you are traveling.
Take notes as to what you are going to say. Reflect on your sins.
Don’t worry about making it perfect.
Father Mike Schmitz has a great video on confession.
Confession is such an interesting thing. It is scary and yet so beautiful.
Bible Verse: Psalm 41:4 “As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for...
39: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Trust the Nudge
Episode 39
“Trust the Nudge”
Bible Verse: “Many are the plans in the mind of the man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” Proverbs 19:21
God's purpose will ultimately prevail over our own plans and desires.
Challenge: Act on the nudge.
Thank so much you for joining us.
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38: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Overwhelmed
Episode 38
“Overwhelmed”
Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Challenge: When feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Pick one thing to focus on. Drop to your knees in praise and thanksgiving. Let go and Let God.
Resources: https://www.geneseo.edu/~heap/footprints.htm...
37: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Engaging in Prayer Intentions
Episode 37
“Engaging Family in Prayer Intentions”
August 25, 2024
Meredith shares the power of her family prayer jar and how this visual reminder is encouraging not only her family members to write down prayer intentions, burt also visitors.
Bible Verse: Mark 11:24 “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.”
Challenge: Create a visible Prayer “thing”.
Resources: Prayer Jar
Thank so much y...
36: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Obligation vs Gift
Episode 36
“Obligation vs. Gift”
August 18, 2024
Perspective plays into how we are viewing our Sunday attendance and Holy Days of Obligation. Meredith and Jessica talk about how their perspective of attending mass on Sundays and Holy Days has gone from the OBLIGATION to the perspective of attending mass as a GIFT.
Bible Verse: John 4:24 - “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
Perspective plays into how we are viewing our Sunday attendance...
35: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Episode 35
August 11, 2024
“Our Lady of Guadalupe”
Bishop Burke had the vision to build the shrine in LaCross in Wisconsin back in 1999. Construction started in 2004 and was completed in 2008. The Lord asked him to undertake this huge project. He said that people have such a hunger to know God and to love him, a hunger to which the blessed mother leads us in a particular way to the only place where that hunger can be satisfied.
Join Jessica and Meredith as they talk about M...
34: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Focus on Love
August 4th
“Focus on Love”
Jessica and Meredith talk about how powerful, yet simple, focusing on love can do to bring clarity and peace!!! Join them as they share TWO major events, unexpected, coming up in the next few months!
Bible Verse:
1 Corinthians 13:1-7. “If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith...
33: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Look to Jesus
Episode 33
July 28, 2024
Look to Jesus
When we’re looking for answers and seeking clarity, where do we turn? Our friends, family, social media? Look to Jesus.
“Peacefully do at each moment what at that moment ought to be done. If we do what each moment requires, we will eventually complete God’s plan, whatever it is, we can trust God to take Care of the Master Plan when we take care of the details.” St. Katharine Drexel
Bible verse: Jere...
32: The Virtual Cup: In Between
Episode 32
“In Between”
In this week’s podcast, sisters Meredith and Jessica talk about the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis that wrapped up this weekend. Attending a faith retreat can be so invigorating, but what happens after that -- during that “in between” time.
Ephesians 3:17-19: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Chris...
31: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Even More
Episode 31
July 15, 2024
“Even More”
Jessica helps her sister Meredith unpack her recent pilgrimage to Ohio. Meredith and five friends flew to Cincinnati to tour several churches and were extra blessed to eat at the Do Good Restaurant. Hear about her journey.
Bible Verse: Psalms 63:1 “O God, you are my God. My soul thirsts for you.”
Challenge: Pick one area of your faith life and do EVEN MORE this coming week.
Resources
https://cov...
30: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Let go and let God
Episode 30
“Let go and let God”
When the going gets tough, where do you turn? While it’s natural to try to figure things out on our own, God is always by our side. In today’s episode, sisters Meredith and Jessica encourage all of us to lean into our faith FIRST when facing a challenge.
Bible verse: Matthew 8:26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, Oh men of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. <...
29: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Embracing Community
Virtual Cup Episode 29
June 28, 2024
“Embracing Community”
Today, Catholic sisters Meredith and Jessica talk about the fruits of embracing community. Join them as they share a few highlights form the annual family camping trip and the power of being in community for that week! Maybe you don’t feel like going to that graduation party because you’re tired or don’t want to have a friend over for dinner because you feel like your house is too messy. But, what if it’s not about you?
Bibl...
28: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Our Lady of Champion Shrine
Virtual Cup Episode 28
June 22, 2024
Our Lady of Champion Shrine
Today Meredith and Jessica talk about the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Located near Green Bay, Wisconsin, it is the only approved Marian apparition site in the United States. Meredith recently visited and shares her experience.
Bible verse: Luke 1:30 “And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God’.”
Challenge: Look up to see if there’s a Catholic shrine near yo...
27: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Why Not Me?
The Virtual Cup Episode 27
June 14, 2024
“Why Not Me?”
On this week’s podcast, hosts and siblings Meredith Oman and Jessica Stauber welcome their sister Gretchen Schick. Gretchen, being treated for neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma, is our very special guest. She shares her story of battling cancer – for the second time – with rock solid faith and ponders the question, “Why Not Me?”
Bible Verse: Romans 5:3-5 “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character pro...
26: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Charisms
The Virtual Cup Episode 26
June 7th, 2024
Charisms
Episode Summary:
In this episode, sisters Meredith and Jessica dive into the topic of charisms. They aim to fill your virtual cups with a meaningful conversation about these special gifts from the Holy Spirit. The discussion revolves around the nature, purpose, and importance of charisms in the Christian faith.
Key Points:
Definition and Purpose of Charisms:
Charisms are gifts from the Holy Spirit intended for the benefit of the church as a whole.
They are supernatural, effective, and dynamic, requiring ongoing...
25: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Exploring the Power of Healing
The Virtual Cup Episode 25
May 31, 2024:
"Exploring the Power of Healing"
Today we’re talking about the power of healing. There is so much healing available. The Holy Spirit lives in us and is available to each of us.
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Own pilgrimage
Bible verse: Luke Chapter 10:1-2. “After this the Lord appointed 72 others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He...
23: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Eucharistic Pilgrimmage
The Virtual Cup Episode 24
May 24, 2024:
The Eucharistic Pilgrimage
In this episode of The Virtual Cup, Catholic sisters Meredith and Jessica dive into the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which has just kicked off across the United States. This unique pilgrimage aims to bring the Eucharist to various parts of the country, igniting hearts with a renewed fervor for Christ. The pilgrimage features four distinct routes: Marian, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Junipero Serra, and St. Juan Diego.
Key Discussion Points:...
23: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Power of Community
The Virtual Cup Episode 23
May 15, 2024
“Power of Community”
In this episode, sisters Meredith and Jessica delve into the profound impact of community, particularly in times of tribulation. They begin by sharing how they did with last week’s challenge:
Go sit outside for 10 minutes.Just sit and listen to your surroundings.Pay attention to what you are feeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually.(Jessica admitted to she completed the challenge just before the recording of this podcast.)
...22: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Be Still
The Virtual Cup Episode 22
May 11, 2024
“Be Still”
In this week's episode of the Virtual Cup Christian Podcast, sisters Jessica and Meredith delve into the profound topic of "Being Still." They explore the significance of stillness in our lives, the obstacles we face in achieving it, and strategies for incorporating more stillness into our daily routines.
The conversation begins by highlighting the immense value that comes from embracing stillness. Jessica and Meredith share personal insights into how being still has brought them courage, conf...
21: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Conversations & Connections
The Virtual Cup Episode 21
May 3rd, 2024
“Conversations & Connections”
Welcome to Episode 21 of the "Virtual Cup Podcast" with your hosts, Catholic sisters Meredith and Jessica. Today, we delve into the profound impact of simple conversations and connections in our lives.
In a world often bustling with busyness and agendas, it's easy to overlook the beauty and joy found in everyday interactions. Meredith and Jessica remind us of the value of slowing down, shedding our blinders, and embracing meaningful moments with others.
During this episode, they share heartwarming examples of recent connections that ha...
20: The Virtual Cup Podcast: The Gift of Retreat
The Virtual Cup Episode 20
April 24, 2024
“The Gift of Retreat”
Welcome to episode 20 of The Virtual Cup podcast! In today's episode, Catholic sisters Meredith and Jessica explore the profound gift, joy, and excitement of going on a retreat. They also address the potential fear that might hold some back from experiencing this transformative journey.
If you've never been on a retreat, Meredith and Jessica invite you to consider giving yourself this meaningful gift. They encourage listeners not to let the fear of the unknow...
19: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Healing
Episode 19
April 17, 2024
“Healing”
In episode 19 of the Virtual Cup Podcast, sisters Jessica and Meredith delve deep into the transformative power of healing through faith. With a focus on the miraculous healings performed by Jesus through laying hands on people, they revisit how important this is.
The episode begins with a discussion on the biblical accounts of Jesus healing the sick and afflicted, emphasizing the profound impact of his touch and prayers. Meredith and Jessica reflect on how these stories inspire hope and faith in believers, showcasing the enduring relevance of spiritual healing in our mod...
18: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Conquer
The Virtual Cup Episode 18
April 12, 2024
“Conquer”
Welcome to episode 18 of The Virtual Cup podcast! Tonight Jessica and I compare our Zion National Park trips and unpack the power of conquering fear, worry, doubt and the need to always be in control.
Philippians 4:6 “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understan...
17: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Divine Mercy
The Virtual Cup Episode 17
April 5, 2024
“Divine Mercy”
Welcome to episode 17 of The Virtual Cup podcast! Today, we delve into the profound concept of Divine Mercy. Join us as Meredith shares a few holy moments from the Easter Triddum. Together, we unravel the significance of Jesus' divine mercy, exploring the vision bestowed upon Saint Faustina, the iconic painting it inspired, and the profound words penned in Saint Maria Faustina’s diary. Alongside this exploration, we delve into the meanings of a novena and a chaplet...
16: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Time for Jesus
The Virtual Cup Episode 16
March 29, 2024
“Time for Jesus”
Join us today as we, two sisters, Jessica and Meredith, reflect on the importance of taking time for Jesus through the Stations of the Cross and the challenge of prayer. Good Friday stands out as a pivotal moment of deep spiritual significance. On this sacred day, we are called to meditate profoundly on the Stations of the Cross, walking alongside Jesus in His ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Good Friday invites us to pause amidst the busyness of lif...
15: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Total Reverence
The Virtual Cup Episode 15
March 22, 2024
“Total Reverence”
Today we talked about our mindset in attending church. For years, we went through the motions and lately we have found ourselves transitioning to an attitude and mindset of gratitude. I now look at attending church as a gift, an opportunity to show reverance to God. Jessica has had many opportunities to attend mass at the cathedral with Father Schmitz. He has shared these following words,
“God please help me to pray this ma...
14: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Receiving Compliments
The Virtual Cup Episode 14
March 15, 2024
“Receiving Compliments”
When someone gives you a compliment, do you receive it -- or reject it? Today sisters Meredith and Jessica talk about tendencies people have to reject compliments (including them) and how to graciously accept compliments and give God the glory. When receiving compliments, we hope it gives you a new courage to not only accept them but to FOCUS on these strengths and talents and steward them.
Bible Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who by the...
13: The Virtual Cup Podcast: Making the Connection
The Virtual Cup Episode 13
March 8, 2024
“Making the Connection”
Do you want to invite the Holy Spirit into your life, but not sure where to start? We invite you to join sisters Meredith and Jessica as they talk about how to make a personal connection with the Holy Spirit.
Key points covered in today’s talk to help you invite the Holy Spirit into your life and develop a relationship with Him:
The imp...12: The Virtual Cup Podcast: God as our Rock
The Virtual Cup Episode 12
February 28, 2024
“God as our Rock”
Join sisters Meredith and Jessica as they talk about God as their rock. They reflect on their college days when they felt alone, but they always had the constancy and love of weekly mass. They also talk about the lies we tell ourselves and challenge listeners to renounce the lies and announce the truths.
Bible Verse: Psalm 136:26 “O give thanks to the God of heaven, f...
