Aim Higher Catholic Podcast

"The will of God is that we should receive everything through Mary." — St. Bernard Every year on May 23rd, the Feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, is celebrated with reverence and devotion. This special day honors the profound role of Mary as a mediator, a compassionate intercessor who bridges the gap between humanity and the divine. On this feast, we acknowledge that it is through her that all graces and blessings flow, inviting the faithful to seek her intercession for their needs and spiritual growth. Sister Catherine's Favorite Prayer: O Mary, Virgin Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me!

In this episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine dive into the rich history surrounding the discovery of the Holy Cross, an event attributed to Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.

In this episode, Father Anthony, O.F.M., and Sister Catherine, T.O.R., delve into the profound significance of one of the holiest weeks in the Liturgical Year—Holy Week. They explore key moments from the Passion of Our Lord, including the poignant betrayal by Judas, and the heart-wrenching denial by Peter, showcasing the frailty of human loyalty. The conversation also highlights the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples, and afterwards, instituting the Holy Eucharist. Drawing upon reflective readings from the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. John, as well as the Epistles of St. Paul, Father and Sister provide deep insights into these transformative events that define the essence of Holy Week. Gospel of St. Matthew: Chapter 26, verses 1-35 St. Paul's Letter to the First Corinthians: Chapter 11, verses 23-34 Gospel of St. Luke: Chapter 13, verses 1-38

In this episode, Father Anthony, O.F.M., and Sister Catherine, T.O.R., explore the rich history and deep significance of the Chrism Mass. They delve into the ceremony itself, highlighting the rituals and traditions involved. Additionally, they discuss the meaning and use of the Holy Oils that are blessed during this sacred service, highlighting their importance in the life of the Church and the sacramental practices of the faithful. To dive directly into the heart of this episode: 39:05 To listen to the sermon referred to in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-1201R2iXk

March 19th is the Feast of St. Joseph, a day dedicated to honoring the steadfast protector of the Holy Family. In this episode, we delve into Saint Joseph's significant role as a loving husband and devoted father, reflecting on his unwavering faith and strength. We explore how we can draw inspiration from his virtues to enhance our own lives in meaningful ways. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give you our hearts and our souls.

*This episode was first released on March 14, 2022! In this episode, we discuss our favorite Lenten hymns, delving into their spiritual meaning. We also discuss how we can use music to help lift our souls closer to God, even during this penitential season.

In this episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine delve into the powerful message of Jesus' parable about two men who went to the temple to pray. Themes of justification by faith, humility, repentance, self-righteousness, and salvation inspire us to reflect on our own lives and spiritual journeys. You can read the parable here: Luke 18:10-14

In this episode, Father and Sister discuss the upcoming Season of Septuagesima and how to embrace this time to prepare for the best Lenten Season ever. #aimhigherpodcast

In this episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine discuss the upcoming feast of Candlemas Day, which is celebrated on February 2nd. Father Anthony also reads from Father Francis Weiser's book, "The Holyday Book," which includes a chapter dedicated to this particular feast. The chapter explores the history of Candlemas as well as the customs associated with it from various countries, leading to some interesting discussion points. The words of the song sung in the province of Vorarlberg: Hail, glorious herald, holy light, God sends you from His Heaven bright, Your cheerful glow and golden rays May bring us happy summer days. Lead us through earthly toil and strife To everlasting light and life. Liturgical Prayer: Almighty and eternal God, we humbly beseech Thy majesty: as Thy only-begotten Son was presented in the temple this day in the substance of our flesh, so let us be presented unto Thee with cleansed souls. Amen. Skip to the 25:30 mark to listen to the part about the feast day.

As you all know, we are looking forward to the year 2025! With this in mind, we have chosen "Growing Closer to God" as this year's theme. This topic is wonderfully broad, allowing us to explore many meaningful aspects. Our hope is that all of our listeners will share this excitement.

In this episode, Father and Sister share some memorable moments from Christmas and Epiphany weekend, along with their goals for the upcoming year. They hope that our listeners will join them in their excitement for deepening their love for God.

In this episode, we discuss the Christmas Season, focusing on the Epiphany. We can learn many lessons from the Three Kings, our forefathers in the Faith.  *This episode was first released on January 4, 2023.

Many of us know the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." While it's a catchy tune, it also has a deeper meaning. In this episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine delve into the song's origins, accompanied by a coloring book created by two of our parishioners. If you would like to obtain a copy of the coloring book, please contact Sister Catherine at sistercatherine.tor@gmail.com. Links to the episodes mentioned in this podcast: The Christmas Carol: A Catholic Perspective https://youtu.be/7IBxeJuPKq0 The Angels & US https://youtu.be/Pf4HfeeW1Oc

In this episode, Father Anthony explores the book "Religious Customs in the Family" by Fr. Francis Weiser. He discusses the significance of customs within the Church and how specific traditions have influenced Catholic prayer and belief. Father Weiser begins with a section titled "General Customs," which addresses practices applicable to the entire Church. The third chapter focuses on Family Prayer. #aimhigherpodcast #deogratias

This episode was first released on December 7, 2022. To read the article from The Seraph: http://www.franciscanfathers.com/popular_articles In this episode, Sister Catherine interviews His Excellency Most Reverend Giles Butler, O.F.M. about his article for the December 2022 issue of the Seraph titled "The Vigils & Eves of the Church."

In this episode, His Excellency gives some guides on how to practice the Season of Advent while still living in the world.   Link to the article from His Excellency featured in The Seraph in December 2019: http://www.franciscanfathers.com/popular_articles

In this episode, Father Anthony delves into the book "Religious Customs in the Family" by Fr. Francis Weiser. He explains the importance of customs within the Church, and how certain customs shaped the way we as Catholics pray and how we believe. Father Weiser begins with the section titled "General Customs," i.e., those that apply to the entire Church. The second chapter deals with the Sacraments.

In this episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine share their experiences from their recent mission trips. They discuss how spending time with fellow Catholics helps deepen our connection to the Catholic Faith, enhances our love for our neighbors, and ultimately brings us closer to Almighty God.

In this episode Father Anthony delves into the book "Religious Customs in the Family" by Fr. Francis Weiser. He explains the importance of customs within the Church, and how certain customs shaped the way we as Catholics pray and how we believe. Father Weiser begins with the section titled "General Customs," i.e., those that apply to the entire Church. He starts with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Eucharist.

Pax et Bonum! "Stories Jesus Told" is one of our favorite series, and we're back with the Parable of the Mustard Seed from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 31-35. In this episode, Father Anthony guides us to understand that even the smallest action done out of love for God is significant in His eyes. "Another parable he proposed unto them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. Which is the least indeed of all seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come, and dwell in the branches thereof. Another parable he spoke to them: The kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, until the whole was leavened. All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the multitudes: and without parables he did not speak to them. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world." If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at aimhigher.podcast@gmail.com Deo Gratias! #aimhigherpodcast #parablesofjesus

The Liturgical Year will soon be coming to a close but there are still a few great feasts to remember! **Celebrating Hallowtide** The Liturgical Year is soon coming to an end, but like the mythical phoenix, it will rise anew with the season of Advent. Before the Church reaches this climactic conclusion with the Gospel account of the end of the world and the General Judgment, it celebrates one of the most sacred parts of the fall season—Hallowtide. Hallowtide refers to the triduum of All-Hallows Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day. Even though Pope Pius XII suppressed the vigil of All Saints in the 1950s, we can still observe this day as a time of spiritual preparation, thereby preserving the essence of Hallowtide. This celebration and commemoration embody the dogma of the Communion of Saints, an article of our faith explicitly stated in the Apostles' Creed: “I believe… in the Communion of Saints.” **All-Hallows Eve Program (Evening)** 1. Renew the Baptismal Vows (the promises made to God at Baptism, located in the Missal at the end of the Holy Saturday services). 2. Pray a Rosary (dedicate this Rosary to the entire Communion of Saints). 3. Sing “O Come, Holy Ghost” (praying to the Holy Ghost to grant us the grace to become saints). **All Saints' Day Program (Anytime during the day)** 1. Attend Mass (if possible). 2. Pray a Rosary (in honor of all the Saints and Angels). 3. Read from the “Lives of the Saints.” A family may choose their patron saint for the year and read about his or her life. If this is your first year doing this devotion, consider starting with St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, since every family should have a devotion to this great saint. Afterwards, sing “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.” **All Souls' Day Program (Anytime during the day)** 1. Attend Mass (if possible, and perform the devotion described in the “Announcements and Reminders” section). 2. Prepare your Poor Souls list a few days in advance so the priest can place it on the altar during Mass, as is customary. 3. Pray a Rosary (for the faithfully departed). 4. Visit a cemetery (if possible; at a Catholic cemetery, you can choose anyone and pray for their soul. You may pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be. Follow those prayers with: “Eternal rest grant unto (him, her, them) O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”) **Suggestions:** One way that a family or individual can make the most of this holy time is by preparing meals that align with the nature of the feast. While the Church does not mandate fasting and abstaining on All-Hallows Eve or All Souls' Day, choosing to do so can enhance our appreciation for the importance of preparation and prayer. Traditionally, beans or lentils are served on All Souls' Day. Additionally, on the Feast of All Saints, consider preparing a special meal to reflect the celebratory nature of the feast. To read Father Anthony's article, "The Last Great Feast": http://www.franciscanfathers.com/popular_articles If you would like to have your dearly departed remembered at Mass on All Souls' Day, you may contact Father Anthony: fatheranthony84@gmail.com

Come Holy Ghost! We are now on the last gift for our Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost series, focusing on the Gift of the Fear of the Lord and the distinction between the gift and the virtue.  Father Tanquerey in the book, The Spiritual Life: "The gift of fear perfects the virtues of hope and temperance. It perfects the former by inspiring us with a fear of displeasing God and of being separated from Him. It perfects the latter by detaching us from the pleasures that could bring about that separation. Hence, it may be defined as a gift which inclines our will to a filial respect for God, removes us from sin, displeasing to Him, and give us hope in the power of His help."

Pax et Bonum! On October 4th, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Holy Father, Saint Francis of Assisi. As Franciscans, we have much to admire and love about St. Francis. With this in mind, we have chosen to delve into the profound teachings of 'The Three Ways of Perfection', a topic that has captivated us and we believe will inspire you as well. 1. The Purgative Way is the purifying of the soul in view of attaining an intimate union with God. 2. The Illuminative Way is the stage of the spiritual life that aims for the imitation of Christ through the positive exercise of Christian virtues. 3. The Unitive Way is characterized by three conditions: 1) a great purity of heart, 2) a great mastery over self, and 3) a constant need to think about God. Points of Discussion: 1. The Purgative Way is shown by his conversion and being the Church builder. 2. The Illuminative Way is shown by the Rule – living according to the Gospels. 3. The Unitive Way is exemplified by Greccio – Nativity Scene, Alverna – Stigmata, and Portiuncula – Holy Death. Deo Gratias!

In this episode, Father and Sister have a delightful discussion with His Excellency Bishop Giles, O.F.M. about his article "The Inner Voice," which appears in the September 2023 issue of the Seraph.   

In this episode, we discuss the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and how by following her example we too can learn to accept God's Will in both joy and sorrow. The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1) The Prophecy of Simeon 2) The Flight into Egypt3) The Loss of Jesus 4) The Meeting of Jesus & Mary on the way to Calvary5) The Crucifixion 6) Jesus is taken down from the Cross 7) The Burial of Jesus The Prayer: Grant, O Mother, Fountain of Love, that I may unite my grief to thine. Give me thy sorrows - sorrows which inflame my love, and unite me to God, that I may be pleasing to Him.

Come Holy Ghost! We continue our Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost series, focusing on the Gift of Piety and the distinction between the gift and the virtue.

Pax et Bonum! Peace and good to you all! In this episode, Father and Sister discuss the history of Gregorian Chant and share some of their experiences in learning to sing in the choir, along with their favorite chant hymns. Here is a link to a playlist with several of our favorite hymns: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3hauoLkfnY7v-r4dMxuHNOIxEZ3rqv16&si=Ci3N897MQ-rvhPkE

In this episode, Father and Sister remember their long-time pastor and spiritual director, Father Bernard Colussy, OFM who passed away on July 24, 2024. Requiescat in Pace. Link to the Tribute on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_Q1fS4paU4

Welcome back to the Aim Higher Podcast! After an unplanned break, Father and Sister are ready to dive into many discussions about our beautiful Catholic faith. This Thursday, August 15th, we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it seems like the perfect time to discuss our love and devotion to the Mother of God. Lyrics to Concordi Laetitia: Concórdi lætítia Propúlsa mæstítia Maríæ præcónia Récolat Ecclésia Virgo María Quæ felíci gáudio Resurgénte Dómino Flóruit ut lílium Vivum cernens Fílium Virgo María Quam concéntu párili Chori láudant cǽlici Et nos cum cæléstibus Novum melos pángimus Virgo María O Regína vírginum Votis fave súpplicum Et post mortis stádium Vitæ confer prǽmium Virgo María Gloriósa Trínitas Indivísa Únitas Ob Maríæ mérita Nos salva per sǽcula Virgo María. Amen. With harmonious joy, with sadness repelled, the Church recalls Mary's praise: O Virgin Mary! Who, with happy joy – the Lord having risen flowered like a lily, beholding her Son alive. O Virgin Mary! O how the celestial choruses sing praise with equal concert, and we, together with the dwellers in heaven, compose a new melody: O Virgin Mary! O Queen of virgins, be favorable to the prayers of your suppliants, and after the circuit of death, confer the prize of life:  O Virgin Mary! O glorious Trinity, indivisible Unity, on account of Mary's merits, save us throughout the ages: O Virgin Mary! Amen. Video Tribute for Father Bernard, OFM: https://youtu.be/5_Q1fS4paU4

Come Holy Ghost! We continue our Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost series, focusing on the Gift of Knowledge and the distinction between the gift and the virtue.

"My son, in your sickness, neglect not yourself, but pray to the Lord, and He shall heal you." Ecclus. 38:9 In this episode, we discuss the importance of the Last Sacraments. As Catholics, we need to ensure we are prepared for death. There are things we can ensure for ourselves, but there are also things we need to make sure our loved ones are aware of.

Come Holy Ghost! We continue our series on the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost, focusing on the Gift of Fortitude and the distinction between the gift and the virtue.

In this episode, we discuss the two pillars of the Church - Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Though Peter and Paul had some differences, their unity is symbolized by their love of Christ, which they embraced on their way to martyrdom. Read along with Father from 1 Corinthians 12: 1-20 "Now concerning spiritual things, my brethren, I would not have you ignorant. You know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say the Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit; And there are diversities of ministries, but the same Lord; And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; To another, faith in the same spirit; to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit; To another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the discerning of spirits; to another, diverse kinds of tongues; to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink. For the body also is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were the eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God hath set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him. And if they all were one member, where would be the body? But now there are many members indeed, yet one body."

In this episode, Father and Sister continue their discussion on a reflection titled "Virtues to be Practiced in Conversation" featured in the May issue of Under Her Mantle. In part two, we go over the virtue of charity. The author wrote: Humility ought to be associated with charity, the humility which treats every one with consideration and respect (Romans 12:10); listens to others without permitting itself to interrupt them, feels no annoyance at being itself interrupted them or not listened to with attention; willingly defers to their opinion in so far as conscience authorizes them to do so, avoids speaking of itself or of what may attract praise and esteem. Zeal for good ought to sanctify conversation, by consoling our neighbor in his trials, encouraging him in his annoyances, strengthening him in his weakness, raising him up when he is cast down, giving him good advice with discretion, leading him to God and to virtue. (Philippians 1:27) “Be you in all manner of conversation holy.” (1 Peter 1:15) If you are interested in subscribing to our publication, Under Her Mantle, you can email Sister Catherine: sistercatherine.tor@gmail.com

Come Holy Ghost! We are continuing our series on the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost with the Gift of Counsel. The gift of counsel helps us to discover the will of God in difficult circumstances. Before they received the Holy Ghost, the Apostles were inconstant in their thoughts, desires, and actions, at one time full of high zeal, at other times despairing and weak. But Christ promised them the gift of counsel, saying: "Do not be anxious how or wherewith you shall defend yourselves, or what you shall say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you." (Luke 12:11)

In this episode, Father and Sister discuss a reflection titled "Virtues to be Practiced in Conversation" featured in the May issue of Under Her Mantle. In part one, we go over the virtue of charity. The author wrote: "Charity ought to preside over it (James 3:13); a gentle charity, characterized by a serene expression of face, an affable manner, kind and cordial words; and indulgent charity, which takes in good part and interprets in a favorable manner all that is said; which excuses others, even at its own expense, in so far as prudence permits; which never shows any annoyance at wants of good breeding, rudeness, or infirmities of our neighbor; which accepts with meekness advice, reprimands, mortifications, whatever they may be; an attentive charity, which watches over its words and manners, that it say nothing or do nothing which can give displeasure, but, on the contrary, say and do everything that is amiable in so far as conscience allows; lastly, a communicative charity, which testifies affection for others, joyfully renders them good offices, and interests itself in all that concerns them." If you are interested in subscribing to our publication, Under Her Mantle, you can email Sister Catherine: sistercatherine.tor@gmail.com

Come Holy Ghost! We are continuing our series on the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost with the Gift of Understanding. Link to the Six Laws of the Church Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwFaKelQUkArltMcBIzbxyNCDpvtzCK6U

In this episode, we will explore the beautiful mystery of the Holy Trinity. The fundamental truth on which everything in the Christian religion rests is the dogma of the Holy Trinity, from whom all things come and to whom all who are baptized in His Name must return. During the course of the cycle, we call to mind God the Father, the Author of Creation; God the Son, the Author of Redemption; and God the Holy Ghost, the Author of our Sanctification. The Church recounts this wondrous mystery, acknowledging and adoring the Unity of Nature and Trinity of Persons in Almighty God.  #aimhigherpodcast #holytrinity

We continue our series "Stories Jesus Told" with the Faithful Servant. We reference Mark 13: 32-37. "Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,) Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch." Other references include: Matthew 24: 42-51 Luke 12: 35-48

We read in the Gospel that Our Lord foretold the coming of the Paraclete to His Disciples and the Epistle shows us the realization of that promise. "O Come Holy Ghost, and fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."

It's almost been forty days since we celebrated the Resurrection of Our Lord. In this episode, we discuss the beauty this wonderful feast offers us! 

We are happy to announce a new series on the Aim Higher Podcast: The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost.  In this episode, His Excellency shares his thoughts on the gift of Wisdom and how we can apply it to our everyday lives.  We also went over a project Sister Catherine used in her Confirmation class - if you would like the worksheets for yourself, send an email to: sistercatherine.tor@gmail.com Link to our episode about Martha & Mary: https://youtu.be/KGfdZ5Dnvts?si=fk4DUN7HNPv7Dfnl    

We continue our series "Stories Jesus Told" with the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30. Link to the podcast episode Sister references:  https://youtu.be/ie7TOypzAEU?si=YJV0RV02cdPBepri Father also reads from The Imitation of Christ, Book One - Chapter Twenty: On the Love of Solitude and Silence You can read the chapter here: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1653/pg1653-images.html#chap20

In this episode of Aim Higher, we talk about a Paschal Meditation that can be used when praying the Franciscan Crown Rosary. This episode was first released on April 27, 2023.

The Gospel for the Second Sunday after Easter is about the Good Shepherd.  "The Good Shepherd," says St. Gregory, "gave His life for His sheep, that in our sacrament He might change His Body and Blood into food with which to fill all whom He had ransomed. He has shown us the way we must follow to despise death, and set before our eyes the example to which we must conform."  

Rejoice and be glad! It is the Easter Season, the Feast of Feasts, and we are meant to rejoice! It is true that this world is a valley of tears and a rollercoaster of joys and sorrows, so how do we make the best of it? How can we continue to rejoice, even after Easter Sunday is over? What else is there to rejoice about contained in the Liturgical Year? In this episode, we delve into the answers to these questions and explain how it is by doing little things we are able to maintain that joy. Oh yeah! We also have a long conversation about fish... I mean a ridiculously long conversation!

We went to the movies! That's right - we decided that we ought to go check out the movie produced by Angel Studios in case we were ever asked about it and we were indeed!  Spoiler Alert! We were not fans (although that was to be expected) but we explain why that is the case.

In this episode, we discuss the history & significance of Palm Sunday and its importance as the beginning of Holy Week.

In this episode, we discuss the beauty of the True Presence. Paul Whitcomb's writings from the book Confession of a Roman Catholic guide us in our endeavor.  #HolyEucharist #TruePresence  

In this episode, we delve into a Lenten Meditation that one could apply while saying the Seven Joys of the Franciscan Crown Rosary. First released on March 18. 2022.

In this episode, we discuss the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 24:1-13). We found this parable to be an excellent catalyst to discuss the sin of presumption and how to avoid it.  As always, if you have any questions or comments, you can contact us at: aimhigher.podcast@gmail.com