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 But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church?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!
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, you will meet Alison Pipitone. Although she is well known for her musical abilities, you will get to know another very important side of Alison. She is a college educator and she is changing lives. She will share information about the work she is doing to help Adult students obtain their GED. She is a talented and beloved instructor at the ECC/Catholic Charities' Pathway Program in Western New York as well as other colleges. If you are looking to earn your degree, and would like to learn more about the Pathways' Program, you can find information online at www.ecc.edu or call 716-851-1322 or via Catholic Charities at ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400. And, to reach Alison regarding her singing, songwriting and band leading endeavors, you can find her at alisonpipitone.com or on instagram @apipitoneband
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Father Sam Giangreco continues to share his personal story of growing up in the Catholic Faith and being called to God's Mercy. In his personal journey of faith, he experienced joy, sorrow and a profound feeling of God's call on his life. Sometimes the call was clear and sometimes it was more subtle. But with patience and persistence, Father Sam answered the Lord's call on him to enter into Priesthood. Father Sam now serves as an assistant Pastor in the Family of Parishes of West Seneca, mainly 14 Holy Helpers and St. Gabriel.
If you would like to contact father Sam, please email him at frsgiangreco@stgabeschurch.com.
You can also find his homilies at mercytriumphshomilies.blogspot.com.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Father Sam Giangreco continues to share his personal story of growing up in the Catholic Faith and being called to God's Mercy. In his personal journey of faith, he experienced joy, sorrow and profound feeling of God's call on his life. Sometimes the call was clear and sometimes it was more subtle. But with patience and persistence, Father Sam answered the Lord's call on him to enter into Priesthood. Father Sam now serves as an assistant Pastor in the Family of Parishes of West Seneca, mainly 14 Holy Helpers and St. Gabriel.
If you would like to contact father Sam, please email him at frsgiangreco@stgabeschurch.com.
You can also find his homilies at mercytriumphshomilies.blogspot.com.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Father Sam Giangreco shares his personal story of growing up in the Catholic Faith and being called to God's Mercy. In his personal journey of faith, he experienced joy, sorrow and profound feeling of God's call on his life. Sometimes the call was clear and sometimes it was more subtle. But, with patience and persistence, Father Sam answered the Lord's call on him into Priesthood. Father Sam now serves as an assistant Pastor in the Family of Parishes of West Seneca, mainly 14 Holy Helpers and St. Gabriel.
If you would like to contact Father Sam, please email him at frsgiangreco@stgabeschurch.com.
You can also find his homilies at mercytriumphshomilies.blogspot.com.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
In today's episode, Cathy Jo shares her experience and benefits of choosing to "be where you are". You can call it living in the moment or being mindful of the task at hand. But, either way, when dealing with a variety of responsibilities, you and your family will benefit significantly from this habit. You will learn 7 ways you'll succeed from this practice. Please refer to scripture passages: Psalm 118:24, Matthew 6:34, James 4:14, and Philippians 4:6.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo updates and informs you on how the podcast is growing, what she hopes to do in the future and 7 things you can do to support The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast. It has been and continues to be an incredible experience. Cathy Jo will work to improve this podcast in every way possible. And, she prays that it brings encouragement, support and a sense of camaraderie to your daily life, as well as tangible resources to help you live your best life!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo addresses feelings of loneliness and lack of direction. She shares 12 things you can do to feel more connected and directed in your life. If you are feeling significantly affected by emotional distress, and are in need of professional and immediate help, please contact The Crisis help line at #888-828-6539 or if you are in NY State, call #988.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo Lang continues her interview with Father Bill Quinlivan, a Parish Priest and Pastor from Buffalo, NY. Father Bill continues to share his journey of growing up in a Catholic Irish family, hearing and accepting his call to priesthood and sharing what he wants young mothers to know about the Catholic Church. He will share his songs, books and other projects as well. You can find Father Bill's inspirational songs and stories at www.frbillsings.com. or go to the Facebook page, frbillsings and prepare to be entertained!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo Lang continues her interview with Father Bill Quinlivan, a Parish Priest and Pastor from Buffalo, NY. Father Bill continues to share his journey of growing up in a Catholic Irish family, hearing and accepting his call to priesthood and sharing what he wants young mothers to know about the Catholic Church. He will share his songs, books and other projects as well. You can find Father Bills inspirational songs and stories at www.frbillsings.com. or go to the Facebook page, frbillsings and prepare to be entertained!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo interviews Father Bill Quinlivan, a Parish Priest and Pastor from Buffalo, NY. Father Bill shares his journey of growing up in a Catholic Irish family, hearing and accepting his call to priesthood, as well as what he wants young mothers to know about the Catholic Church. He will share his songs, books and other projects. You can find Father Bill's inspirational songs and stories at www.frbillsings.com. or go to the Facebook page, frbillsings and prepare to be entertained!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!