Restless Catholic Young Adults

Fr Joseph sits down with Matt & Ranae to discuss their own journey as young parents. Sacrifice is a given, but how has it led to personal growth? Has being a young parent changed their relationship with God as a father? Why would they suggest having children young if you can?    All this and more on this week's episode of Restless!  

Fr. Joseph and Matt sit down to discuss the impact of Catholic Media on personal evangelization. Matt shares his own testimony & the role that Catholic media played. Fr. Joseph shares some advice for the proper way to use media, even Catholic media. One hard and fast rule, you should be praying more than you should be scrolling!   LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate   OTHER SHOWS The Tangent: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpeAxbil8_mgC4Ielq0_MRQ Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg  

Have you ever met anyone that's had a near death experience? During this week's episode, Fr. Joseph told me (Matt) about the experience one of the Diocese's own pastors. He died, experienced purgatory and judgement, but was given a second chance by Our Lord. This week, we discussed the Four Last Things; Death, Judgement, Hell, (Purgatory) and Heaven. We discussed not only near death experiences, but what Scripture, Tradition and the Mystics tell us of these experiences and places. St. Faustina's description of Hell is… terrifying. Truly “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Simultaneously, as we seek to understand Heaven, it's… exciting! Perhaps, most importantly, we discuss the proper way to hope in Our Lord's mercy. LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate OTHER SHOWS The Tangent: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpeAxbil8_mgC4Ielq0_MRQ Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg  

Fr. Joseph, Lauren and special guest Fr. Chris Perrella sit down to discuss why The Lord of the Rings is an intrinsically Catholic work. From way the book encourages virtue, showcases the proper need for sacrifice, illustrates how good vs. evil really works to Lembas bread being a symbol of the Eucharist (physically and spiritually) and the characters representing Christ, the prophets, Mary, the saints (although not strictly in allegorical fashion, and not one for one). LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate OTHER SHOWS The Tangent: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpeAxbil8_mgC4Ielq0_MRQ Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg  

Do you know the Theological and Cardinal Virtues? Aristotle defined virtue as “excellence in being human”, and moreover, the Catholic Faith teaches that growing in virtue, and overcoming vice, is the path to growth in holiness!   This week on Restless, Fr. Joseph, Lauren and special guest Fr. Chris Perrella, discuss this very topic. Beyond defining virtue, they reflect on some practical and achievable tips to help your growth in virtue.   For example, if you need to grow in chastity (which falls under the virtue of temperance) you can take up fasting, not just from food but also from other goods.   By embracing the virtue in “easier situations” you're strengthened for more difficult ones.   LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate   OTHER SHOWS The Tangent: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpeAxbil8_mgC4Ielq0_MRQ Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg

Fr. Joseph, Lauren and Paul discuss the Papacy. More than whether or not  Christians should believe in the Papacy (spoiler...yes), they discuss some difficulties with it and how the doctrine helps develop the virtue of humility. Some questions asked include: Do you feel like the Pope is your spiritual father? What did Jesus mean by "the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church? What do we make of anti-popes and bad popes? and much more!  LINKS Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate  

Fr. Joseph, Lauren, and Paul discuss the necessary elements of true leadership in the Catholic Church. This includes overcoming perceived "busyness", recognizing the call to evangelization for all Christians (including lay people!), and discerning proper leaders for apostolates. LINKS Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/  

Fr. Joseph and Liz Sweeney sit down to discuss the ins and outs of reading the Bible as a Catholic. What's the relationship between Scripture and Tradition? How should Catholics reverence the Bible? What's the benefit of memorizing Scripture? All this and more on Restless! Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/

Fr. Joseph sits down with his friend Liz Sweeney to discuss her conversion to the Catholic Faith. Liz shares her experience in the evangelical world, how she overcame her wariness with Our Lady, her experience of the Holy Eucharist as a Catholic, and much more!  LINKS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restlesscatholicmedia/  

Trisha McManus is a Marriage and Family Therapist. Fr. Joseph and Trisha discuss the way the Faith and psychology intertwine. What does real healing look like? What is the role of Christ in our healing? What role does the loss of God play in the mental health crisis our culture is experiencing? Thank you Trisha for joining us on Restless! LINKS Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/

Fr. Joseph Gill and Joe sit down to discuss the integration of the Catholic Faith and American Immigration policies. They explore the Church's teachings on immigration, the rights of migrants, and the responsibilities of host nations. The conversation delves into the principles laid out by the USCCB, the challenges of cultural integration, and the current immigration situation in the United States. They emphasize the importance of balancing compassion for immigrants with the need for lawful immigration practices and community support.

Fr. Joseph and Trisha sit down to discuss her reversion to the Catholic faith, discussing her "culturally catholic" upbringing, her investigation of Buddhism, and finally her return to the Catholic Church.

Fr. Joseph, Lauren, and Paul walk through the stages of the spiritual life described by St. Teresa of Avila including how to eliminate mortal and venial sin, imperfections, attachments and more. They also discuss what it takes to move forward in the spiritual life, and what desires might stand in the way. 

Fr. Joseph, Lauren and Paul discuss how young adults can and should relate to their parents. They discuss why the parent-child relationship must change with age, the boundaries that need to be put in place for a healthy relationship and why we are all called to love our parents into old age. They also cover how siblings relate to each other and their parents. 

On today's episode of Restless, Fr. Joseph, Joe, and Matt sit down to discuss Josef Pieper's "Leisure, the basis of culture". In doing so they draw the distinction between leisure and entertainment and discuss why leisure's greatest form is worship. They also cover the connection between leisure & friendship, the transcendentals (truth, beauty and goodness) and work. 

How is it possible to evangelize the people who most intimately know your faults? Fr. Joseph, Diane and Matt sit down to discuss how we should be evangelizing our families, from broaching the topic of the faith with those who have fallen away to raising kids in the faith. Jesus said, "a prophet is never welcome in his hometown", but does this mean that there can be no evangelization in the home?

Diane and Fr. Joseph sit down to answer questions about Catholicism, including: Are we saved by faith alone? Why do priests kiss the altar? What's the point of Marian consecration? Why shouldn't Catholics be cremated? and more! 

Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Diane are the hosts of this week's episode of Restless. Paul and Diane just got engaged (to other people), so they sit down with Fr. Joseph to discuss the lessons that they each learned during their time dating as young adults. What's the benefit of being single? Should you lower your standards? Is Catholic Match any good? All this and more, on this week's episode of Restless! 

In this episode of Restless, Fr. Joseph, Diane, and Paul discuss the complexities of wealth and its implications from a Catholic perspective. They explore the nature of wealth, the moral responsibilities that come with it, and the balance between financial success and spiritual well-being. They also discuss how financial management is related to our vocations, most importantly, why everyone is called to develop the virtue of prudence in order to balance proper saving and generosity. Finally, they also cover the dangers of fame, ultimately emphasizing the need to seek Jesus above all material possessions. 

Fr. Joseph and Joe sit down to discuss the importance of prioritizing different Catholic liturgical seasons. Most fundamentally, this has to do with prioritizing the Sabbath day. What does it mean to truly take a Sabbath? How can you rid yourself of unnecessary tasks that resemble the servile labor Catholics are commanded to avoid? They also discuss the importance of being intentional with the various Liturgical seasons, Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and especially not having certain ones bleed into one another. #catholicchurch #catholic #podcast

Fr. Joseph and Lauren sit down to discuss the importance and characteristics of great young adult ministry!  

Fr. Joseph, Paul and Lauren discuss what it will take to "reclaim Christendom", that is, to cultivate a true Catholic Culture in the West. Is it the proper fight? What would a Catholic Culture look like? Is the Golden age now?

Are you working your "dream job"? Many young adults are dissatisfied with their work, and would like to do something better - but should they pursue it, even if it means upending their life? What is God's will for our jobs - should they be delightful, drudgery, or something in-between? Tune in to discuss our young adult crew discuss how a Christian can find meaning and satisfaction in their work!

The most important thing we do all week is to worship Jesus Christ at Mass. But how much we encounter the Lord's presence is often determined by how well we prepare - what do we wear? How early do we arrive? How should we spiritually prepare? This can make-or-break how much fruit we are able to receive from Christ's infinite sacrifice at Mass. Tune in to hear Fr. Joseph and Diane discuss how Catholics ought to prepare for the highpoint of their lives - worshipping Jesus Christ at Mass!

Fr. Joseph and Lauren discuss the in's and out's of effective youth ministry. Why perform youth ministry? How does tech impact effective youth ministry? Are sports an obstacle or a tool of effective youth ministry?    All this and more on Restless! 

Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Diane sit down to discuss how to deal with stress and anxiety as Catholic Christians. First and foremost, should one be anxious of their salvation? The answer might surprise you. Second, how does keeping an eternal mindset set us up for sanctification. Is there any positive effect of stress or anxiety? All this and much more on this week's episode of Restless! 

Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Diane discuss the signs of hope they've noticed both in society at large and in the Church. From very local signs of hope, like flourishing youth and young adult ministries & the daily availability of adoration, to national signs of hope, like the National Eucharistic Congress, Catholics should be encouraged by the many movements of the Lord! 

Fr. Joseph, Joe, and Lauren discuss the morality of contact sports, in particular those sports where one wins by physically harming another, like boxing and MMA. 

Fr. Joseph, Joe, and Lauren discuss the true call of men and women by calling upon the works of Protestant Pastor, John Eldredge. If you're a man who's ever faced the question "Do I have what it takes?" or a woman who's faced the question, "Am I lovely?", this episode (and these books) are for you!    Wild at Heart: https://wildatheart.org/books/wild-at-heart Captivating: https://wildatheart.org/books/captivating  

Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Joe get together to discuss the upcoming election. What are the most important issues of the upcoming election? Is Abortion the primary issue? Can/should Catholics vote for Former President Donald Trump?  All this and more on this week's episode of Restless! 

St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the most brilliant human beings ever. He wrote with clarity and depth about our Catholic Faith, and we are beginning to see a rediscovery of his works among young adult Catholics. Why is it so important to study the Angelic Doctor, and what can he teach us about the intersection of faith and reason? Tune in to hear Fr. Joseph and Paul interview Fr. Ambrose Little, OP, who runs the popular Youtube series Aquinas 101!

Fr. Joseph, Joe, and Matt sit down to discuss the why human formation is one of the most important parts of becoming a mature person. From developing virtue to having good manners, our human formation is the foundation upon which grace works. 

We all speak about others - both their gifts and their flaws. When our conversations turn to other people, does it become sinful? What is the difference between venting, asking for advice, and detraction? The sins of gossip, detraction, and speaking negatively about others is so destructive, both to us and to their good name, as we tear down those made in the Image of God. How can we overcome this sin? Tune in to hear the Restless crew discuss...how to have a discussion about others, without falling into sin!

This week on Restless, Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Matt continue their discussion on history from the perspective of God's story. 

History is truly His-story - the story of God acting in and through the circumstances that He guides through His providential hand. Where can we see Him moving? What is He accomplishing? - and can we still see Him today? Tune in to hear Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Matt discuss history from the perspective of God's story.

All of us want the world to see us in a certain light. Maybe it's as the jock, the intellectual, the fiery personality, the calm peacemaker. We call this "your personal brand" - it's the first impression that we try to make, and the way we want others to relate to us. How can our personal brand be shaped and influenced by our Catholic Faith, so that people see Christ in us? Tune in to hear how first impressions and our outward-face can be shaped by the Gospel!

Fr. Joseph, Matt, and Diane discuss the importance of creating (and meeting) expectations at work, in relationships, with family. They also talk about the expectations the Lord has of us, and how He walks with us in those expectations. 

Everyone's personality is different. Even the ancients knew this - they identified four main personality types, often called "the temperaments". How is your temperament a gift? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each temperament? And how does God use your specific temperament to draw you closer to Him and to advance His Kingdom through you? Tune in to hear Fr. Joseph and the Restless crew discuss our unique personalities and how God uses each one of them to build up the Church! You can take / the temperaments quiz mentioned in this episode at https://www.temperamentquiz.com

For many of us young adults, we have no time to create. Whether writing or art, music or starting new ministries, our lives are often too busy to do anything but go to work, pray, eat, and sleep (and often not even that!). But we are created in the image of a God Who is a creator, Who delights in making good and beautiful things. It is important, then, for all Christians to continue to find outlets for creativity, to use the inspirations and talents that God has given us to bring beauty and goodness into the world. But how can we do that, and why should we prioritize it? Tune in to hear how your creativity can change the world - and why it is so desperately needed, both for you and for the souls around you!

St. John Bosco famously said, "Only God knows the good that can come about by reading one good Catholic book". Today the Restless Crew discusses reading good books, the impact that it can have on your spiritual life, how to properly filter good fiction from bad fiction, and how to find the truth in various forms of art. Remember, St. Josemaria Escriva says, "reading has made many saints"!  

"Who believes in chastity anymore?" say many young adults. Indeed, this virtue of chastity is counter-cultural - and often misunderstood. Does it merely mean abstinence from sexual activity? There is a far more positive core of chastity, however, because it is the virtue that protects authentic love, which our hearts desperately desire. Hear the Restless crew discuss the nature of chastity and purity, and the tips on how to grow in this beautiful virtue of self-mastery, which makes oneself a gift to give away in love!

Living in society - especially as young adults - we should be concerned about our appearances. But when does it become the sin of vanity? Should we seek to be beautiful or handsome, and when does it become a distraction? Where does real beauty come from? Tune in to hear the Restless crew discuss how good looking we are...uh, I mean, how to avoid the sin of vanity!

Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Matt discuss the National Eucharistic Revival occurring in the United States. What does it take to have TRUE revival throughout the U.S.? What role does Catechesis play? Does Praise and Worship music belong in Adoration? How do you increase reverence of the Eucharist? 

Our relationships are some of the most important facets of our lives. Whether it's our marriage or our friendships, our siblings or our coworkers, our relationships impact our lives - which is why it is important for them to be healthy and strong. What makes for a healthy relationship? How do we deal with relationships that are draining or toxic? Tune in to hear how the Restless crew deals with their relationships - and how they are forming us to learn charity, patience, and virtues!

Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Matt continue their discussion from last week on ecumenism in the family. What makes a church? Are Catholics and Protestants more united than divided? 

Fr. Joseph, Paul, and Matt discuss traversing the ecumenical waters within their families. Should you attend a Protestant service? Should you receive "communion" at one? Are Christians more united than divided? VIDEO NOW ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@veritascatholicnetwork AMDG!

Our Restless crew continues our discussion from last week - what advice can our Bishop share to help us young adults continue passionately living our Catholic Faith in the world? How can we grow in holiness and evangelize? And does he ever see a renewal in the Church and in the world? Tune in to hear Paul, Diane, Lauren, and Fr. Joseph speak with Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport!

Our whole Restless crew welcomes our shepherd, Bishop Frank Caggiano, for a special discussion! We share our lives with the Bishop, and he shares stories of his vocation, his faith, and his direction for the diocese. We are so blessed to have such a shepherd with the heart of Jesus Christ!

Why do bad things happen to good people? This perennial question has been pondered by philosophers and saints, ordinary folks and artists, for centuries. It still makes people pause - why does God allow evil? Is He powerless? Or is it possible for him to bring great good out of the suffering of this world? Our Catholic Faith shines light on this great question of evil in the world - and its redemption.

In our country which so values independence, authority can seem constraining. Why do we need laws, rules, and government? Yet, from a Christian perspective, authority is given by God to men and women, for the ordering of a just society. Tune in to hear the Restless crew discuss their experiences with authority figures, the times that they've been in authority, and a Catholic view of how we are to follow our leaders.

One of the most popular pastimes, especially for youth and young adults, is playing video games. Some of the Restless crew is also into it! Is it innocuous, or harmful? How does it affect our spiritual lives? Tune in to hear the Restless crew discuss what video games they play, how it impacts them, and how best to use them so that they are a help and not a hindrance to Heaven!