The Unplanned Joyful Life - Gain Confidence, Navigate Adversity, Live Purposefully, Engage your Christian Faith, Catholic Church
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Are you a successful and well-rounded individual, but are lacking spiritual fulfillment in your life? Do you consider yourself to be Christian, and grew up Catholic, but your family never really practiced? And, maybe they did. But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church? Have you experienced trials and tribulations and have sought out answers except for the Faith? But, you would like to learn more to see if the Catholic faith is a path you'd like to consider?
If this is you? You are in the right place. I want to encourage you to take time to explore your Catholic Christian Faith. I want to remind you that you are a loved, valued and an integral part of the Catholic Church Family founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, there is nothing he wants more than to welcome you home.
Hi, I am Cathy Jo Lang, daughter of The One True King. And, I am excited to welcome you to “The Unplanned Joyful Life” podcast. I am a practicing Catholic who recommitted to my Catholic Christian faith after experiencing a mental health crisis over 30 years ago. I suffered a severe postpartum depression that required a 3 week hospitalization and caused me to be away from my newborn baby at a time that he needed me the most.
When recovering from the depression, I searched for any and all help to deal with the guilt, shame and condemnation this experience brought. And, in order to decrease my chances of going through another mental health crisis, I decided to search, understand and embrace my Catholic Christian Faith. And, it was there, that I experienced complete healing, wholeness and transformation, never to suffer a depression again.
Through our Catholic faith, Jesus became the firm foundation on which my husband, Steve and I were able to build a beautiful family, full of love, life and purpose for our children and grandchildren.
And, although I would like to say to that we never experienced a trial or tribulation since. In 2019, we suffered the tragic lost our beautiful son Michael Robert at the age of 26. Michael suffered from a rare and chronic health condition without a sufficient medical diagnosis. This illness caused him chronic pain, fatigue, and isolation amongst many other symptoms, too many to mention. And, although his passing was devastating, we were able to receive God's healing, grace and provision through the mourning and grief we suffered as a family.
I never thought I could get through the loss of a child. And, I don't wish that hardship on anyone. But, because of our Catholic Christian Faith, Steve, myself and our other two children, Stephen and Elizabeth were able to lean on, trust in and practice the one true faith, Catholicism. And, although it took the love, provision and healing power of God, as well as the support of our family and friends, we were able to experience peace, hope and love in the midst of tragedy. We know that Michael is with Jesus. And, we look forward to the day that we will meet and embrace him again in our Heavenly Home.
Besides being wife, mom and grandmother, I am a Certified Professional Life Coach, Public Speaker and Podcast Host of The Unplanned Joyful Life.
I grew up in a loving but alcoholic and dysfunctional family. After going to group counseling with my family at the direction of our parents, I felt hope and excitement for the idea that change is possible. I saw my parents make significant transformation over time in order to bring health and wellness back to our family. And, I've been on a mission to live my best life ever since.
In this podcast, I’ll provide valuable insights to help you delve into the Catholic Faith, bring better understanding to the Church, it's practices and the benefits you will receive when practicing it on a regular basis. All this will help you become the best version of yourself. I will share “tried-and-true” tips and tricks for creating a God-centered home for you and your family. You will hear real-life examples of how to incorporate Catholic Christian values, Regular Self-Care, and Community Involvement in order to bring confidence, stability, and joy back into your life.
So, If you want to understand and embrace your Catholic faith, foster healthy relationships, and pursue goals and dreams that ignite your spirit, I’ll be here to support you every step of the way. You will hear from other Catholic Christians as they share their personal journey of faith, as well as professionals who will share their area of expertise with you.
Together, we’ll grow in knowledge, faith and grace to help you navigate “The Unplanned Joyful Life” with happiness and purpose!
So, take a deep breath, find a comfy spot, and listen in. We're going to do this together!
Episodes

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Inside today's episode, you will meet Bailey Davis. She will share testimony of her faith, as well as ways that surrendering her life to Christ has and continues to help her be a better mom and version of herself. She is an example of how God uses it all for his Glory and our good! Thank you Bailey!
Romans 8:28 NIV
"And we know that in al things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
If you are in need of help in NYS:
*Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
*Helpline that helps people and assesses their needs and connects them with resources:211
If this episode blesses you, please write an apple review
Join my free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com for your free coaching session!

Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Continuation of 2-part interview...
Meet Cheryl Clark from the Respect Life Office at The Diocese of Buffalo! She is the new Director of the Mother Teresa Home. And, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Respect Life Program at the Diocese of Buffalo Services. If you are in need of support or would like to donate time, money or supplies, Contact Cheryl at :
716-424-0217; 716-847-2205; email cclark@buffalodiocese.org
For an emergency for those in need: #211
If this episode blesses you, please write an apple review
Join my free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com for your free coaching session!

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Meet Cheryl Clark who has a lot to offer new moms, young moms, unexpected moms and families in need. She is the new Director of the Mother Teresa Home. And, she brings a wealth of Knowledge and experience to the Respect Life Program at the Diocese of Buffalo Services. If you are in need of support or would like to donate time, money or supplies, Contact Cheryl at :
716-424-0217; 716-847-2205; email cclark@buffalodiocese.org
For an emergency for those in need: #211
If this episode blesses you, please write an apple review
Join my free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com for your free coaching session!

Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
In today's episode, Cathy Jo continues Cheryl Calire's 2 part interview. Cheryl has spent the last 15 years working, serving and trailblazing to increase and improve services provided by the Respect Life office at the Diocese of Buffalo. She has used her background in accounting and marketing along with many other skills, to help provide for more individuals and families at every age and stage of life. She will share how she got involved, how God directed her to this position and where she plans on serving next.
If this episode blesses you, please write an apple review
Join my free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com for your free coaching session!

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
In today's episode, Cathy Jo introduces Cheryl Calire. Cheryl has spent the last 15 years working, serving and trailblazing to increase and improve services provided by the Respect Life office at the Diocese of Buffalo. She has used her background in accounting and marketing along with many other skills, to help provide for more individuals and families at every age and stage of life. She will share how she got involved, how God directed her to this position and where she plans on serving next.
If this episode blesses you, please write an apple review
Join my free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com for your free coaching session!

Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Today, Cathy Jo will continue her interview with Cheryl Zeilen-Ersing who is the Director of the Respect Life Office for the Diocese of Buffalo. She will share her personal journey, as well as a variety of services offered through the Diocese of Buffalo Respect Life Office. If you are in need of services or would like to donate time, supplies and or services, please contact:
The Diocese of Buffalo Respect Life Office at: 716-847-2205 / buffalo diocese.org.
St Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach: 716-842-2229
Project Rachel confidential helpline: 716-847-2211
Mother Teresa Home: 716-847-2205 (716-424-0217) or email pro-lifeoffice@buffalodiocese.org
catholic Charities: 716-218-1400, or website: ccwny.org
Thank you and God bless!

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Today, Cathy Jo will interview Cheryl Zeilen-Ersing who is the Director of the Respect Life Office for the Diocese of Buffalo. She will share her personal journey, as well as a variety of services offered through the Diocese of Buffalo Respect Life Office. If you are in need of services or would like to donate time, supplies and or services, please contact:
The Diocese of Buffalo Respect Life Office at: 716-847-2205 / buffalo diocese.org.
St Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach: 716-842-2229
Project Rachel confidential helpline: 716-847-2211
Mother Teresa Home: 716-847-2205 (716-424-0217) or email pro-lifeoffice@buffalodiocese.org
catholic Charities: 716-218-1400, or website: ccwny.org
Thank you and God bless!

Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
In today's episode, Cathy Jo will continue her interview Sarah Lindstrom from The Buffalo Diocese of Buffalo Respect Life Office. Sarah is in charge of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Centers and will share some valuable information with us. She talks about how and why she got involved, what kind of services St Gianna pregnancy outreach centers provides and how to contact St Gianna if you are in need of supplies, or would like to donate time/ money to support those that are in need. This is Part #2 of her 2-part interview.
Thank you Sarah!
To contact St Gianna Molla to donate or to make an appointment for services:
Call 716-847-2205 or Email: St.Gianna@buffalodiocese.org
The webpage address is: https://www.buffalodiocese.org/st-gianna/
Project Rachael: 716-847-2211

Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
In today's episode, Cathy Jo will interview Sarah Lindstrom from The Buffalo Diocese of Buffalo Respect Life Office. Sarah is in charge of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Centers and will share some valuable information with us. She talks about how and why she got involved, what kind of services St Gianna pregnancy outreach centers provides and how to contact St Gianna if you are in need of supplies, or would like to donate time/ money to support those that are in need. This is Part #1 of her 2-part interview.
Thank you Sarah!
To contact St Gianna Molla to donate or to make an appointment for services:
Call 716-847-2205 or Email: St.Gianna@buffalodiocese.org
The webpage address is: https://www.buffalodiocese.org/st-gianna/

Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo shares her journey to positive thinking. She gives 10 ways she has learned to improve her practice of positive thinking. She references books that may help in your efforts to improving your outlook and attitude and ways to help you choose our thoughts wisely.
She refers to books, including the Bible, where she quotes some scripture verses that pertain to improving our thoughts and renewing of our minds.
Books Cathy refers to in this episode are:
Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Healing Psoriasis by Dr. John Pagano
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
Bible verses: Romans 12:2 and Philippians 4:8
Have a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving Day!








