In this Morning Air episode, Glen Lewerenz and regular contributor Michael O’Rourke, founder of Strong Catholic Dad, explore how to talk to your children about Purgatory – a topic that often feels mysterious, misunderstood, or even frightening. As Michael explains, “Purgatory isn’t about punishment – it’s about love.” It’s the final stage of purification that prepares our souls to stand joyfully before God, fully cleansed and ready for Heaven.

Every fall, as All Saints Day and All Souls Day approach, Catholic parents have a unique opportunity to connect this season of remembrance with deep truths about eternal life. Yet, Michael notes, many families allow Halloween’s “spooky” themes to overshadow the holy meaning of this time. He encourages parents to reclaim the conversation – teaching children that purgatory is not something to fear, but a beautiful sign of God’s mercy and ongoing love for His people.

To help kids grasp such an abstract concept, O’Rourke offers vivid analogies that ground theology in everyday life. He compares purgatory to getting ready for a wedding – cleaning up before meeting someone you deeply love. Just as we wouldn’t attend a celebration in dirty clothes, our souls, too, need to be “washed clean” before entering the perfection of heaven.

He then shares a gripping real-life story of a family rescued from a burning car, using it to illustrate how our prayers and sacrifices help “pull souls to safety”. Children can easily relate to this imagery – understanding that their prayers, Mass offerings, and small acts of love truly help those in purgatory reach heaven faster.

Michael also recalls a viral story of a softball player who injured herself rounding the bases. When her teammates couldn’t help her without disqualifying the play, members of the opposing team carried her around the bases so she could finish the home run. “That,” Michael says, “is what happens when we pray for the souls in purgatory. We carry them home.”

Throughout the conversation, he reminds you that purgatory is a place of hope because every soul there is assured of heaven. Our prayers, sacrifices, and acts of mercy can help shorten that journey and bring great joy to those awaiting union with God.

Michael O’Rourke’s message is simple but profound: parents should not avoid talking about death or the afterlife. Instead, they should frame it as part of the great adventure of salvation – a story that ends in the triumph of God’s love. “When we carry others through our prayers,” he says, “they’ll be the ones cheering for us when we make it home to heaven.”

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

In this&nbsp;Morning Air episode, Glen Lewerenz and regular contributor&nbsp;Michael O&rsquo;Rourke, founder of Strong Catholic Dad, explore how to talk to your children about Purgatory &ndash; a topic that often feels mysterious, misunderstood, or even frightening. As Michael explains, &ldquo;Purgatory isn&rsquo;t about punishment &ndash; it&rsquo;s about love.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s the final stage of purification that prepares our souls to stand joyfully before God, fully cleansed and ready for Heaven.
Every fall, as All Saints Day and All Souls Day approach, Catholic parents have a unique opportunity to connect this season of remembrance with deep truths about eternal life. Yet, Michael notes, many families allow Halloween&rsquo;s &ldquo;spooky&rdquo; themes to overshadow the holy meaning of this time. He encourages parents to reclaim the conversation &ndash; teaching children that purgatory is not something to fear, but a beautiful sign of God&rsquo;s mercy and ongoing love for His people.
To help kids grasp such an abstract concept, O&rsquo;Rourke offers vivid analogies that ground theology in everyday life. He compares purgatory to getting ready for a wedding &ndash; cleaning up before meeting someone you deeply love. Just as we wouldn&rsquo;t attend a celebration in dirty clothes, our souls, too, need to be &ldquo;washed clean&rdquo; before entering the perfection of heaven.
He then shares a gripping real-life story of a family rescued from a burning car, using it to illustrate how our prayers and sacrifices help &ldquo;pull souls to safety&rdquo;. Children can easily relate to this imagery &ndash; understanding that their prayers, Mass offerings, and small acts of love truly help those in purgatory reach heaven faster.
Michael also recalls a viral story of a softball player who injured herself rounding the bases. When her teammates couldn&rsquo;t help her without disqualifying the play, members of the opposing team carried her around the bases so she could finish the home run. &ldquo;That,&rdquo; Michael says, &ldquo;is what happens when we pray for the souls in purgatory. We carry them home.&rdquo;
Throughout the conversation, he reminds you that purgatory is a place of hope&nbsp;because every soul there is assured of heaven. Our prayers, sacrifices, and acts of mercy can help shorten that journey and bring great joy to those awaiting union with God.
Michael O&rsquo;Rourke&rsquo;s message is simple but profound: parents should not avoid talking about death or the afterlife. Instead, they should frame it as part of the great adventure of salvation &ndash; a story that ends in the triumph of God&rsquo;s love. &ldquo;When we carry others through our prayers,&rdquo; he says, &ldquo;they&rsquo;ll be the ones cheering for us when we make it home to heaven.&rdquo;
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The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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