Footsteps to Heaven

Have you ever wished God would simply show you His entire plan? Most of us spend a lot of time worrying about the future—wondering whether we're making the right decisions or if we're missing God's will. But what if discerning God's plan is much simpler than we think?
In this inspiring podcast episode, Terry Modica (founder of Good News Ministries of GNM.org) talks with Connor Curley. He is a hog farmer turned philosopher, National Guard member, husband, adoptive father, and author of "Remembering Freedom." Hear the surprising ways God led him through life's twists and turns. His story is a powerful reminder that God doesn't ask us to know what we're supposed to be doing in the future. He asks us to faithfully do what He's calling us to do today.
If you've ever wondered if it's God's will for you to adopt a child or become a foster parent, listen to Connor Curley's story that he shares in this episode.
You'll discover:
• How God uses our passions, talents, and circumstances to guide us.
• Why community plays an important role in discerning God's will.
• Why we shouldn't shy away from good things just because they're hard.
• How living in the present moment leads us into God's larger plan.
• Why today's "yes" to God is enough. As Connor shares, if you do what God wants you to do today—and keep doing that every day—God will bring you exactly where He wants you to be.

In this episode, Ken Ogorek reveals the 7 keys for discerning God's will. With these you can confidently take the next faithful step, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide and, if you make a mistake along the way, redirect you.
Ken Ogorek is Executive Director of the Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Ken co-authored with Scott Hahn the 3-book set "Breaking the Bread", a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass. Make the most of Sunday Mass through reflections on Scripture, the Catechism, and short prayers. https://stpaulcenter.com/search?q=breaking%20the%20bread&type=store
Key Takeaway: The Catholic Church offers us 7 keys for discerning God's will for our lives. When we seek His will using these keys He faithfully leads us toward the purpose for which He created us. Ken Ogorek shares the life-changing realization that transformed his own discernment: Instead of asking God to bless his plans, he began asking what God's plans were for him.
In this conversation with Good News Ministries founder Terry Modica, you'll discover:
• Why God isn't hiding His will from you
• Practical ways God speaks
• Why you don't have to wait for perfect certainty
• How the Holy Spirit will gently direct you when you walk in faith
There are 7 keys to discerning God's plan for you:
1. Sacred Scripture
2. Sacred Tradition
3. Prayer
4. Silence
5. Sacraments
6. Other People
7. Life Events
If you're facing an important decision—or simply want to grow in hearing God's voice more clearly—this episode will give you practical guidance and renewed confidence.

Have you ever wondered if you're really following God's plan—or if you're simply following your own ideas? One of the biggest mistakes we make is trying to figure it all out by ourselves.
In this inspiring episode of Footsteps to Heaven, Terry Modica talks with Belinda Terro Mooney—author, Catholic life coach, speaker, and Secular Carmelite—about how God leads us into our unique calling and why we don't have to navigate that journey alone.
If you've been praying for direction, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering what God is asking of you next, this conversation will encourage and equip you. Watch this episode today and discover why God never intended you to discern His will alone.
Together, they discuss:
• How to recognize the fruits that confirm you're on the path God has prepared for you.
• Why peace—not perfection—is often the sign you're moving in the right direction.
• Practical ways to overcome fear, burnout, anxiety, and discouragement while discerning God's will.
• How healthy spiritual and lifestyle habits can make it easier to hear God's voice.
• Why taking one faithful step at a time is the key to fulfilling your God-given mission.
Belinda Terro Mooney also shares insights from her own journey of discernment and explains how coaches, spiritual directors, trusted friends, and other faithful companions can help us stay focused on God's purpose for our lives.
KEY TAKEAWAY: You don't have to discern God's will alone; He provides trusted people to help guide your journey.

If you're facing a difficult decision or wondering whether God is calling you to stay or move on, don't try to discern alone. Keep showing up in prayer, seek wise spiritual guidance, and trust the peace that Christ gives. God will reveal His will one step at a time.
Have you ever wondered whether God is asking you to stay where you are—or whether it's time to move on?
Maybe you're facing a difficult decision, feeling restless, or trying to discern what God wants for your future. How do you know when to persevere, and when to let go?
In this episode of Footsteps to Heaven, I sit down with author and speaker Kimberly Souba to talk about the often-overlooked grace of "staying" and how God leads us through seasons of uncertainty.
Together, we discuss:
• How to recognize God's voice in the midst of confusion
• The difference between worldly desires and God's peace • Knowing when God is saying "stay" and when He's saying "move on"
• The importance of spiritual direction and community
• Kimberly's inspiring journey of discernment and faith
One of the most encouraging insights from our conversation is this: Even when you don't know what to pray, keep showing up.
God knows your heart, and He will guide you one step at a time. If you're seeking clarity about God's will, this episode will encourage you and strengthen your trust in Him.
And if you know someone who is struggling with an important decision or feeling uncertain about the future, please share this episode with them. It could be exactly the encouragement they need right now.

Don't let fear or uncertainty keep you from God's plan. Pray, seek community, and take the next small step in faith—trusting God to open the doors He wants you to walk through and close the ones that aren't His will.
How do you know whether an opportunity is really God's will—or just your own idea? How do you know whether an opportunity is really God's will—or just your own idea? In this episode of Footsteps to Heaven, Terry chats with Philippe Monfiston about his journey of discernment as a husband, father of four, Catholic entrepreneur, and participant in the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative. The wisdom they share include how God guides us through prayer, community, and the small steps of faith that open the door to His plan.
You'll discover:
• How to recognize when God is calling you to something new
• Why fear of making a mistake can keep us spiritually stuck
• The importance of seeking wisdom from family and faith-filled community
• How God often confirms His will by opening and closing doors
• Why taking "baby steps" can lead to great things
 
If you've ever wondered, "Is this really God's will for me?", this conversation will encourage and inspire you.
Remember, you don't have to have everything figured out before taking the next step. God is faithful, and He knows the plans He has for you.
📘 Terry Modica’s workbook: Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well https://knowinggodswillanddoingitwell.com
📚 Connect with Philippe Monfiston on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/philippemonfiston/
 

How do you actually discern God’s will for your life?
In this powerful episode of Footsteps to Heaven, hosted by Terry Modica, Jessica Murdolo shares her remarkable journey of conversion, healing, and discovering God’s call in the midst of everyday life. What begins as a story of personal struggle becomes a clear testimony of how God patiently leads us—often through unexpected moments, quiet prayer, and even the struggles we wish we could avoid.
Jessica’s story also reveals how her ministry, Milk and Honey: Theology of the Body for Me and Mommy, was born—helping mothers and daughters (ages 9–12) understand femininity, faith, and identity through the lens of God’s love and truth.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
• How God often speaks through repeated “signs” and encounters
• Why silence, prayer, and adoration are essential for discernment
• How suffering and struggle can become turning points for mission
• What it looks like when God gradually reveals your calling step by step
If you are part of a parish, ministry, or Catholic community, consider bringing Jessica's Milk & Honey retreat experience to your mothers and daughters. Reach out through the ministry website (MilkandHoneyTOB.com) to explore hosting a retreat and helping young girls and families encounter their God-given identity and faith in a deeper way.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re missing God’s direction—or how to recognize it when it comes—this episode will speak directly to you.
📘 Terry Modica’s workbook: Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well https://knowinggodswillanddoingitwell.com
📚Visit Jessica Murdolo's website: https://MilkandHoneyTOB.com
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567974293521

Most of the time, God doesn’t give us the whole roadmap. He asks us to trust Him enough to take the next step.
Listen to Terry Modica and her guest, Frances Smit, on this episode of Footsteps to Heaven as they discuss why it's important to stop waiting for complete certainty before moving forward in what you think might be God's plan for you. Begin with one faithful step — through prayer, the sacraments, Scripture, and trust — and allow God to reveal His plan as you walk with Him.
 
Frances Smit shares her powerful story of:
• Entering the Catholic Church through a leap of faith
• Learning to hear God’s voice through Scripture and prayer
• Overcoming depression and discovering healing
• Leaving behind security to follow God’s call
If you’ve ever struggled to know God’s will, felt stuck, or wondered whether God is truly guiding your life, this episode will encourage you.
📘 Terry Modica’s workbook: Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well https://knowinggodswillanddoingitwell.com
📚 Visit Frances Smit's website: https://FrancesSmit.com
Connect with her on Substack: https://fbsmit.substack.com
 

How do you know if God is calling you to make a major life change?
In this episode of Footsteps to Heaven, Terry Modica talks with author, speaker, and pro-life advocate Maria Gallagher about her journey from secular journalism to full-time pro-life ministry. Through prayer, the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, and spiritual discernment, Maria discovered God’s plan for her life — even when the path was uncertain.
 
In this episode, Terry Modica and Maria Gallagher discuss:
• Signs God may be calling you to something new• How joy and discomfort can reveal God’s direction• The importance of prayer, journaling, and quiet listening• Trusting God during financial uncertainty• How God uses your past experiences for His purpose• Practical ways to discern your vocation and calling
If you are struggling to understand God’s will for your life, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.
 Maria Gallagher’s books: Available through Marian Press at shopmercy.orgVisit her website: MariaVGallagher.comConnect with her on Instagram: @mariavgallagher
 Chapters:0:51 Meet Maria Gallagher | From Journalist to Pro-Life Advocate2:02 How Prayer and the Rosary Changed Maria’s Life3:22 Finding Joy in God’s Calling4:13 Why Maria Left Secular Journalism5:16 The Unexpected Door God Opened6:30 Moving to Pennsylvania and Trusting the Holy Spirit7:25 Signs You’re Being Called to Something New8:55 How God Uses Your Past Experiences10:07 The Challenges of Following God’s Will12:11 Relying on God’s Strength During Difficult Times14:24 Prayer Habits That Help Discern God’s Voice20:47 How to Discern God’s Plan for Your Life22:06 Listening to God in Silence and Journaling23:18 Seeking Wise Counsel and Community24:44 Recognizing the Gifts God Gave You26:02 Journaling Through Spiritual Discernment27:28 Trusting God Financially During Big Life Changes30:38 Maria Gallagher’s Books on Mary and Faith32:39 Terry Modica’s Workbook on Knowing God’s Will
Excerpt
Terry Modica:
Maria is an author, an advocate, a speaker, and life coach from Pennsylvania. As a journalist, she received awards from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Cleveland Press Club.
She is the author of four published books, all through Marion Press, which are available at shopmercy.org. That’s shopmercy.org. By figuring out God’s will for her life, she left her career as a secular journalist to become a full-time pro-life advocate.
Maria, that’s a big career jump. What motivated you to do that?
Maria Gallagher:
Well, I have to say it was the result of a whole lot of prayer, and I believe the intercession of the Blessed Mother that I made that change, and probably, too, the promptings of my mother in particular, who had often wondered how long I would really stay in journalism, because as a young woman in high school, she had been the student reporter for her local newspaper. And although she enjoyed writing, she didn’t enjoy the atmosphere at the newspaper. And so she wondered how long I would last.
I think I lasted a lot longer than she had predicted. But what happened was that at one point in my life, I decided to go on a retreat at my parents’ parish, and this had a profound effect on me. And for the first time in a long time, I returned to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
And I felt so unburdened and so free after that. And subsequent to that, I began praying a rosary every single day. And that led me to become involved in the pro-life group at my parish, and I participated in a rosary procession at the local abortion facility in Columbus, Ohio.
And that led to me becoming a sidewalk counselor, where I discussed resources and possibilities with women who were seeking abortion, that they might choose life for their children. And I decided that the more I became involved in the pro-life movement, the more joyful I was. And I felt that this was a real call in my life to become involved in the pro-life movement.
But I found that to be incompatible with my job as a public radio reporter. And in public broadcasting, as in much of broadcasting, the Bible of the industry is something called the Associated Press Stylebook. And that style book tells you how to refer to different issues and controversies.
For instance, you cannot use the phrase pro-life in your reports. You have to say anti-abortion activists. You cannot say unborn child or unborn baby.
You have to say fetus. And I became increasingly disenchanted with that censorship, basically, in my writing. And I think the tip off came when a fellow journalist thought that I was really off the wall because I was reading a Catholic publication at my desk in my free time.
He thought that was really radical. And I decided this is not the environment for me. I don’t think it’s radical to be reading Catholic publications.
In fact, I think it’s a very good thing. And I didn’t appreciate the fact that I was being silenced a great deal in my reporting on the issue of abortion. And so I really didn’t know where to turn….
For help in discerning God’s plans for you, get my workbook “Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well“

We are excited to share Terry Modica’s latest interview on The Nonprofit Exchange.
Host Hugh Ballou spoke with Terry Modica, co-founder and executive leader of Good News Ministries, a global organization dedicated to digital content creation and mission-driven outreach. Terry shared her inspiring journey of how Good News Ministries was born out of a deep passion for evangelization and education, sparked by her experiences in adult education and transformative workshops.
Terry recounted the pivotal moment when she and her husband felt called to move from New Jersey to Florida, where they encountered a community eager for the same mission they had envisioned. This led to the establishment of Good News Ministries of Tampa Bay, highlighting the importance of stepping up to a calling and taking risks in the pursuit of a greater purpose.
Throughout our conversation, we explored the challenges Terry faced in transitioning her vision into reality, including the need to adapt to new leadership styles and the importance of building a strong organizational culture. Terry emphasized the significance of treating people with respect and responding to their needs, drawing from her own experiences of frustration with unresponsive organizations.
We also discussed the role of technology in expanding their reach, as Terry embraced digital platforms early on, recognizing the potential of the internet to connect with a broader audience. She shared insights on measuring impact, not just through statistics but also by listening to the feedback from those they serve.
Terry's commitment to continuous self-improvement and her guiding principles as a servant leader were evident throughout our discussion. She underscored the importance of being adaptable and responsive to the needs of the community, which has been crucial for the sustainability of Good News Ministries.
As we wrapped up the episode, I encouraged listeners to reflect on their own visions, establish effective systems, and engage their communities to bring their missions to life. Terry's experiences and insights serve as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we are dedicated to serving others.
Subscribe to The Nonprofit Exchange for more inspiring conversations and insights into the world of nonprofit leadership!” 

On this episode of Footsteps to Heaven, Terry Modica talks with John Beaulieu the founder of Romans 5:5, a ministry committed to "Renewing the Church - One Soul at a Time" about what attracts young #GenZ men to the Catholic Faith.