Encounter Mercy

Happy New Year! This year begins on a joyful, yet somber note. As most of the world knows by now, our Holy Father Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has died, and now his funeral liturgies are impending. Join Father AJ and Father Andy as they remember this man and his importance in our church. Here are […]

Merry Christmas! Every year, the world celebrates Christmas in the weeks preceding the actual day and season, and as soon as it begins, the world ends the joyous season. Not us Catholics! We have just begun this wonderful time of year. As we journey through the Christmas Season, there are very important feasts that take […]

For 2022, we are both blessed and cursed in a way with four full weeks of Advent. While the entire rest of society wants to start Christmas, and some did back on November 1, the Church asks us to participate in the four weeks of Advent. As we continue toward Christmas Day, join Father Andy […]

After the 2019 Pew Poll (Listen here to our discussion on this poll) discussing the fact that very few people believe in the Real Presence in the Eucharist, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have asked the churches of the United States to enter into a time of Eucharistic Revival. This time of revival […]

Blessed Carlo Acutis is the first millennial on the path to Sainthood, and being that our hosts are all millennials, it is rather apropos that we take a week to chat about him. In addition to Carlo being a millennial, he also spent his short life on earth trying to bring others closer to the […]

After a hiatus, Vince and Fr. Andy are back, returning to the basics. Advent is upon us again, offering us a new way to enter into these days of preparation for Christmas. Join them as they chat about where thy have been and where we are going! As always, make sure to send in your […]

Holy Week is the pinnacle of the entire church calendar. During this week, we travel with Christ to Jerusalem, to the upper room where He turned the bread and wine into His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. We travel with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane, to His trial, conviction, and finally His death […]

What exactly is almsgiving, and how do we participate in this act of the Church? Join the guys as they discuss this important task in our Lenten journey.

Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving: the three main tenants of the Lenten journey; but how does one remain faithful to fasting, and understand its purpose? Join the guys as they discuss fasting and ways to remain faithful to your Lenten plan.

The church calls us to three important tasks during the season of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. Our prayer is so important, and needs to be focused on Christ, yet that can be extremely difficult, especially when we feel this pressure to pray. Join the gang as they discuss ways to pray this lent.

As we begin another Lenten Journey, there are many things, activities, undertakings available to us. So how exactly do we make sure this is a “good” Lent? Join us on our first video of our Lenten series where we talk about how to have this “good' Lent. The Encounter Mercy team talks about prayer, fasting, […]

Welcome back to the Encounter Mercy Podcast! After a long hiatus and a bit of a change studio-wise, the boys are back for a new season of the Encounter Mercy Podcast.

After a hiatus, the guys are back discussing All Souls and All Saints Days. Join Father Andy, Br. Barnabas, and Vince as they discuss these important feast days in our church calendar. The post All Souls Day appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Everyone needs support from time to time. Sometimes that support is from the IT department, sometimes that support is from family, and still other times, that support is from friends. Most importantly, we find support from our brothers and sisters in Christ, or at least we should be able to. Having these kinds of support […] The post Support appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

In the preparation for mass, there are some specific prayers that the priest and deacon should pray as they are vesting. These prayers have a spiritual meaning as well as reminds the priest of his purpose in the celebration of the liturgy. Join Father Andy, Deacon AJ, and Deacon Barnabas as they discuss the preparation […] The post Let's Prepare for Mass appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

A few weeks ago, Vince and Father Andy discussed Baptism in general, but often Catholics are asked why we baptize children, when a child cannot make a decision for themselves really. We recognize in our faith and the scripture and the tradition that the importance of baptism for the protection of all peoples as well […] The post Why Infant Baptism? appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

If you went to Mass on June 29 and had expected to only hear about Martha, it might have been a surprise to you to hear that we were celebrating Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Just this past January, Pope Francis decreed that the feast day of Martha would include her siblings with her. This gives […] The post Martha, AND Mary, AND Lazarus appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

In Pope Paul VI's Apostolic Exhortation, the faithful are called to continual growth in the Gospel message, to proclaim the message to the ends of the earth. As we continue to search for The Lord and find Him in our daily lives, it can be difficult to follow through with this command of Christ, yet […] The post Evangelii Nuntiandi: Follow Me appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

In this week's episode, we journey through the life of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Saint Benedict, better known as the Father of Western Monasticism, is the spiritual father to many religious communities throughout the world. The Encounter Mercy Podcast is lucky to have our own Benedictine monk at our disposal! Join Father Andy and Brother […] The post Our Holy Father, Saint Benedict appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

After a month hiatus, the gang is back! Between Father Andy moving and starting in a new parish assignment, Deacon AJ starting his summer assignment, Brother Deacon Barnabas settling in for summer at the Monastery, and the changes of life for Mr. Vince Dragone as a father and spouse, we come back together to discuss […] The post Transitions appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

A few weeks back, we had an episode on Fatherhood and raising Catholic Children. This week, we have a close friend of the Encounter Mercy Podcast, as well as a high school friend of Father Andy, Jillian Zaczyk, to speak on the topic of Catholic Motherhood and how she sees herself as a Catholic Mother, […] The post Catholic Motherhood appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Deacon AJ and Br. Barnabas talk about a favorite book of theirs, He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J., who was an American missionary to Russia during the onset of the 2nd World War.  Ministering in Eastern Poland during the rise of the Soviet Union, Ciszek is captured and is accused of being a Vatican […] The post He Leadeth Me appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

There are many issues and obstacles in the world that undermine Catholic morality and spirituality within our culture. Join Vince and Jesse as they discuss how to raise children in a secular world. Resources: Religious Parenting by Christian Smith The post Raising Catholic Children appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Building bridges between bodies of believers and non-believers is an important task in our role as ministers of the faith. But what does that mean exactly for us in the pews? Join Vince, Jesse, and Father Andy as they discuss this important role in our church today. The post Bridge Builders appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Finding the peace we discussed last week can be difficult, especially when we find ourselves in a state of sin. Other times peace can seem elusive when we focus totally on ourselves and our own abilities. Peace is something that we need to seek out each and every day of our lives, yet can be […] The post Searching for and Maintaining Peace appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Have you ever encountered someone or something that irritates you, and you've wanted to scream? Or maybe a situation that causes you fear or pain? It seems to be a part of our lives, yet there are healthy ways to deal with these situations. Join Father Andy, Vince, and Br. Barnabas as they discuss how […] The post Peace Be With You appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Recently, two bits of information hit the public that has caused some members of the church a great deal of worry and fear. These two documents show that there is a great decline in church membership in the United States as well as the state of religion with young people. These two combined show a […] The post The Future of the Church appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

At the end of our Lenten Sacrifice, the Church calls us into the three most holy days of our liturgical year. On Holy Thursday morning, traditionally Diocese throughout the world will celebrate the Chrism Mass. In this special mass, all priests of the diocese renew their promises made at ordination, and the holy oils for […] The post The Paschal Triduum appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

In life, we often hear about the need to sacrifice, and its importance in the Christian life. Join us as we discuss sacrifices in the Christian’s journey. The post Sacrifice appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Who exactly was Saint Patrick? Was he even Irish? And why does the world seem to worship this man? Join Vince and Jesse as they discuss this saint and his importance. The post Saint Patrick appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Have you ever felt that something is taking up too much space in your life? Maybe something that isn’t inherently bad, but needs to be pruned, or changed in a way? In our lives, we often get stuck in ruts and need to work on our habits to better ourselves. Join Vince and Jesse as […] The post Detachment appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Leprosy is a very serious public health concern and shows up regularly in scripture. Leprosy is extremely contagious, causing great concern for the public health. Although we do not encounter leprosy in our world today, we do encounter a spiritual leprosy. Leprosy is a disease that came about because of rancorous dissent against God’s authority.  […] The post Spiritual Leprosy appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

In this week’s episode, AJ and Br. Barnabas look at the words of the Rite of Ordination for a Deacon in light of their upcoming ordinations. They discuss the both the Old and Testament references found in the Rite, as well as their own reflections on what it means to minister as a deacon. The post Ordination to the Diaconate appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Last year’s Lenten season was definitely a first and a once in a lifetime experience. No one expected our lent to last as long as it did, nor did we expect the public worship to be cut short so quickly. With Lent 2021 upon us, we have an opportunity to make right what we might […] The post Lent 2021 – A Do-Over of 2020? appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Pope Francis calls us to what he calls spiritual accompaniment in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of The Gospel). Below is an excerpt (paragraphs 169-173) where Pope Francis writes about the need for everyone to be initiated into the “art of accompaniment.” Personal accompaniment in processes of growth …In our world, ordained ministers […] The post Spiritual Accompaniment appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20a NABRE In the Great Commission as listed above from the Gospel of Matthew, we hear Jesus give us […] The post I Baptize You… appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

We may have heard the Gospel parable of the Sower and the Seed before, but have we actually taken time to contemplate this story? Join Father Andy and AJ Gedney as they discuss this familiar story and its importance in our daily prayer lives A Reading from the Gospel of Mark On another occasion, Jesus […] The post The Sower and the Seed appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Not much is known about the life of Saint Joseph, and no words were ever written being attributed to him in scripture, yet our Holy Father Pope Francis has attributed this Jubilee year to this very important, yet obscure, saint. Join Father Andy, Vince, and Father Dan Hoffman as they discuss this saint and this […] The post Year of St. Joseph appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Saint Thomas Aquinas speaks on virtue and its place in the Christian Life. Join Vince and Father Andy as they discuss virtue with AJ Gedney. The post Virtue appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

As the Jewish people waited for their Messiah, they were expecting a great military leader to descend from the heavens and lead them into war against the occupying forces: the Romans and their empire. What they didn’t expect was a child king to appear to them, yet that is exactly what the prophets had proclaimed […] The post Spiritual Warfare appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

What a strange year we have had! Who would have guessed all that we would have to face one year ago? Join the gang as they discuss this past year and look forward to the next! The post Another Year Over and a New One Just Begun appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Join Vince on our last day of our Advent journey as we read the twenty-fourth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. VIII. The Resurrection Narrative Chapter 24 The Resurrection of Jesus. 1 But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 24 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

AJ leads today’s reflection on the twenty-third chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Chapter 23 Jesus Before Pilate. 1 Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 23 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

“Look Daddy! Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!” In the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” there are many Christian themes hidden, and sometimes blatantly staring at the viewer. For instance, one very obvious theme is that life is sacred and worthy of protection. Join Father Andy and […] The post Merry Christmas Mr. Potter! appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Join Jesse as we journey closer to Christmas in the reading of chapter 22 of the Gospel of Luke. VII. The Passion Narrative Chapter 22 The Conspiracy Against Jesus. 1 Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was drawing near, 2 and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put him […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 22 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Join AJ for day 21 of our Advent journey. Chapter 21 The Poor Widow’s Contribution. 1 When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury 2 and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. 3 He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 21 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Join Brother Barnabas for day 20 of our advent journey. Chapter 20 The Authority of Jesus Questioned. 1 One day as he was teaching the people in the temple area and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, approached him 2 and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 20 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Vince leads today’s reading of the nineteenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke Chapter 19 Zacchaeus the Tax Collector. 1 He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. 2 Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, 3 was seeking to see who Jesus was; but […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 19 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Join Brother Barnabas as he proclaims Chapter 18 of the Gospel of Luke. Chapter 18 The Parable of the Persistent Widow. 1 Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 18 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

Join Jesse as he leads us in Chapter 17 of the Gospel of Luke. Chapter 17 Temptations to Sin. 1 He said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur. 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and […] The post Encounter Advent – Day 17 appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.

We often hear questions like “if the Catholic Church is the one true church, then how is there corruption in it?” or hear statements like “I love the Church and Her liturgies, but I cannot support a church that permits horrible things from happening.” Both of these statements/questions are feelings that people have, but how […] The post The Actions of Men appeared first on Encounter Mercy Podcast.