Sons of Ars

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This is a lighthearted podcast where two seminarians sit down to discuss their life in seminary, topics and issues Christians face in the modern world, and the spiritual life. We hope to invite others into this journey that we are on and that countless other men are on across the world. We hope you…

St. John Vianney Theological Seminary


    • May 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 98 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Sons of Ars podcast is a truly inspiring and uplifting show that focuses on the journeys of men who have been called by the Lord to enter seminary and become priests. The hosts of this podcast share stories from different individuals, highlighting the unique ways in which they were called and their experiences in seminary life. As a listener, I find these stories to be incredibly inspiring and it fills my heart with joy to hear about the generosity and dedication of these men who respond to God's call.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the variety of stories that are shared. Each episode introduces us to a different person and their unique journey towards priesthood. This diversity allows for a broader understanding of how God calls men from all walks of life to serve Him as priests. It also helps listeners to see that there is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a priest, but rather, each person's story is filled with grace, challenges, and blessings.

    Another aspect that I appreciate about The Sons of Ars podcast is its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The hosts create a comfortable environment where conversation flows naturally and it feels like you're sitting down with friends for an engaging discussion. This casual tone allows for more authentic storytelling and makes it easier for listeners to connect with the content.

    While there aren't many negative aspects to mention about this podcast, one possible drawback could be its limited scope. As it primarily focuses on stories of men called to the priesthood, it may not appeal as much to those who are not specifically interested in or connected to this topic. However, for anyone curious or involved in vocational discernment or seminary life, this podcast offers valuable insights and relatable experiences.

    In conclusion, The Sons of Ars podcast is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the different paths young men take when answering God's call to enter seminary and become priests. The inspiring stories shared on this show will undoubtedly touch your heart and deepen your faith. I highly recommend listening to this podcast and allowing the testimonies of these men to inspire you on your own spiritual journey.



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    Latest episodes from Sons of Ars

    Finish Together

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 43:11


    Michael Sparks takes a journey of reminiscing with two good friends Dominic and Nate as they also look forward to what the future entails.   Also, we forgot to shout-out future priest Dcn. Aaron Alford, congrats! You can listen to his episode published March 21, 2022 https://sjvdenver.libsyn.com/he-who-is-called-by-god    (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians for the sake of inspiring those discerning to take the next step and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.) Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/  Or for more updates visit our FB page https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries

    You Will See - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 3/29/25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 43:39


    Leviticus 8:1-17, 9:22-24; From a treatise on John by Saint Augustine (3:08); Mark 10:32-45 (6:40); Homily by Very Rev. Samuel Morehead V.F. (9:27)   Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

    Let God Stretch Your Soul - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 2/8/25

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 20:02


    Galatians 1:1-12; From a homily by a spiritual writer of the fourth century (1:37); Luke 24:35-53 (4:35); Homily by Rev. James-Peter Trares, O.P. (6:55)   Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

    It was a Crazy Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 51:49


    Michael Sparks and James Joseph sit down with a long-time priest Fr. Bill Breslin who shares his life journey during and after Vatican II. Many priests in those tumultuous times were confronted with the crisis of the chaos and it took courage to withstand it by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Bill shares a glimps into that perspective. (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.) Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    You Have Stayed Long Enough - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 1/19/25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 19:35


    Deuteronomy 1:1, 6-18; (3:05) from a Letter to the Ephesians from St. Ignatius of Antioch; (5:34) Mark 16:1-20; (9:22) Homily by Fr. Tom Scherer.    Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

    Unexpected Fulfillment - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 12/14

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 17:29


    Isaiah 45:1-13; (2:52) from a Letter by Saint Leo the Great; (6:30) Luke 24:35-53; (9:10) Homily by Archbishop Samuel Aquila Support our Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

    Behind Every Man...

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 46:50


    In this episode, Michael Sparks and Michael Salemi bring in a good friend and soon to be priest to the studio. Deacon Kade Megaffin shares his journey of love and tells stories of promising relationships that ended in being called by Christ.   (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.) Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    Consider Tonight - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 10/26

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 14:40


    Wisdom 1:1-15; (2:57) Letter to the Corinthians by St Clement I; (5:22) John 20:1-18; (8:44) Homily by Dcn Kade Megaffin Support our Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

    Fruitful Fraternity from Afar

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 42:29


    Michael Sparks and Anthony Olmes discuss a favorite topic of this podcast, but with a different perspective. The fraternity in light of family allows the true friendship to unfold even if distance seems to get in the way. (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.) Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/   

    And We're Back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 28:19


    James and Dave catch up with the listeners and chat with their friend Tommy Myers about their summer assignments, the current fall semester, and what the future holds this academic year at St. John Vianney. (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.) Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/   

    Listen to the Heart - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 9/28

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 21:02


    Philippians 1:1-11; (2:00) from the letter to the Philippians by St. Polycarp; (4:30) Mark 16:1-20; (8:05) Homily by Dcn Jacob Chavez

    Mission is Awesome and Frustrating

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 37:52


    Michael and James recap the summer and discuss a little of what it means to be on mission as a seminarian especially during the summer. Michael referenced the interview he did on the Drew the Catholic show: https://youtu.be/8JbUDLwrxDI?si=mlpeHUb_JSa8yeQA  Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/  Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/

    Trusting the Lord Crazily

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 43:43


    Michael takes some fraternity time out side of his summer assignment to talk with Mark Rocco, a seminarian from Colorado Springs who studies at the Mount St. Mary's seminary in Maryland and happens to be assigned nearby. They discuss the similarities and diferences between seminaries and then dive into Mark's vocational calling right out of high school. Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/  Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/ https://www.assumptiondenver.com/s-projects-side-by-side

    Church Fathers Series (Part II): Discipleship

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 54:00


    Five years after the release of Part 1, Fr. Micah Flores joins Michael Salemi and John Cooney to continue the discussion on the Church Fathers. From the Lord Jesus to St. John, from St. John to St. Polycarp, and from St. Polycarp to St. Irenaeus, the life of Faith has been passed down through discipleship to us today. Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/  Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/

    Poverty of Flying with God

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 55:43


    Michael Sparks and James Joseph invite a guest to share his testimony of God working throughout his life to bring him to seminary. Jeff Pooley shares some stories about those who've inspired him and his life as an airplane pilot, but most especially how beuaty and human relationship all point to our desire for relationship with God.  Reference mentioned for those looking to go into religous life or priesthood, but  have lots of debt. https://rescuevocations.org/  Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Do you want monthly updates about life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 4/13

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 28:07


    (0:00) Revelation 6:1-17; (3:21) First Apology of St. Justin Martyr 66-67; (6:08) Luke 24:1-12; (8:04) Homily by Cardinal Francis Stafford

    The Rest of Seminary

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 41:42


    Michael Salemi, James and Dave explore the meaning of leisure especially in the context of seminary life. They take a philosophical look at leisure and then examine the interior life of being rejuvenated especially as seminarians. They include a little discussion about Irish step dancing. Book mentioned, "Leisure: The Basis of Culture" By Josef Pieper Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/  Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/

    Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 3/16

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 19:54


    (0:00) Hebrews 1:1-2:4; (2:30) St. Athanasius Epistle 14, 1-2; (5:42) John 8:1-11; (7:42) Homily by Dcn. Blaise Buches.

    What Does It Mean to Prophecy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 55:06


    John, Michael, and Dave discuss their experiences at a conference hosted by Encounter School of Minsitry about the gift of prophecy. Learn more about Encounter: https://encounterschool.org/  Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    Going to SEEK and Finding Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 40:32


    Michael Sparks is joined by two new voices: Dave Napierkowski and James Joseph! The two make their Sons of Ars debut speaking with Michael about their experience traveling to the annual SEEK conference in St. Louis, MI.  The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Check out all the talks from SEEK24 here: https://seekreplay.com/ Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 1/20

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 28:02


    (0:00) Deuteronomy 18:1-22; (4:25) Sacrosanctum Concilium nn. 7-8, 106; (8:45) Luke 24:1-12; (10:55) Homily by Fr. John Ignatius from the Servants of Christ Jesus. 

    Learn from One Who Serves

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 83:04


    Michael and Michael are joined by Mario Enzler. Formerly a Swiss Gaurd for St. John Paul II, Mario learned first-hand what it means to live a life of holiness. 

    A Renewal of Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 61:51


    Michael and John are joined by Jose Delgado from the Archdiocese of Denver. Jose shares his story of how he was led to the seminary by his parents finding the charismatic renewal. Support Saint John Vianney Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

    Beauty Breaking Through

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 55:18


    Michael and John are joined by Riley Helgoe from the august diocese of Helena, Montana. Riley shares his story of coming back to Catholicism and finding his call to the priesthood. Support Saint John Vianney Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

    Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 10/28

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 15:02


    Timestamps: (0:00) Wisdom 1:1-15; (2:42) From a letter to the Corinthians by St Clement; (4:52) John 20:1-18; (8:56) Homily from Archbishop Samuel Aquila.

    Vigil Praise Homily 9/30

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 13:04


    Timestamps: (0:00) Philippians 1:1-11, (1:35) A Letter to the Philippians by St Polycarp, (4:25) Mark 16:1-20, (8:09) Homily from Fr. Rocco Porter.

    We Need Living Saints

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2023 51:51


    September 2023 Episode Host, Michael Sparks, spontaneously invites brother seminarian Daniel Carlisi to help host this unprompted episode. They invited a brother of our brother to share his journey from worldliness to hearing God's plan for his life. While he attends a different great seminary, his story is inspiring and helps us understand the freedom of following God's plan and the peace that flows in that choice. The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    A Simple Summer Summary 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 36:02


    All the hosts, John Cooney, Michael Salemi, and Michael Sparks, sit down to discuss their latest summer as seminarians. They discuss a variety of topics and lots of travel. A whirlwind of experiences thrown into one episode, so hold onto your hats.  The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    Dead Bodies Float Downstream; Keep Growing in Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 53:46


    July 2023 Episode Host and editor Michael Salemi in the midst of his summer asignment brings to listeners a summer episode with a special guest who is an Alumni of St. John Vianney and has been a priest for a few years. Fr. Kevin is a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, he shares his journey out of seminary and what it's like to maintain joy in the priesthood. Even emidst sudden transition in his life, he gives great thanks to God and shares some lighthearted stories from his priesthood. His wisdom to stay rooted in Christ rings true to the Christian journey for all who desire relationship with God. References: Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/ 

    Go out to All the World

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 25:46


    Now at the end of the academic year, Michael and John look back on their time walking the streets of Denver and encountering the homeless with Christ in the City.

    Open your Heart to Receive Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 45:01


    April 2023 Episode Hosts John Cooney and Michael Sparks invite Deacon Gabe for his second time on the Sons of Ars. Since last time on the podcast he became a deacon and finally shares his story into the seminary with priestly ordination only a few months away. His wisdom to unvail one's heart is expressed through his experience of asking for graces from God and then being able to recognize the abundant ways God bestows grace at all times times. References: Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/  Last time Deacon Gabe was on the podcast was Season 1 Episode 4 Deacon Gabe mentions this incredable Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men, (well worth the read) Into the Breach - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix (dphx.org)

    Vigil Praise Homily 4/22

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2023 11:05


    Fr Kevin Penkalski from the Diocese of Phoenix preaches on understanding the paschal joy of Easter.

    Vigil Praise Homily 3/25

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 13:56


    Dcn Gabirel Sabado preaches on the love of the Father revealed through the Son and the necessity to remember the truth of His love.

    Be Holy Today!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2023 48:08


    Hosts Michael Salemi and Michael Sparks invite fellow classmate Brother Andrew Brebeuf from the Servants of Christ Jesus to share his love of Jesus. He shares his experience after his re-conversion of bringing Jesus to others which lead him to deeper trust in God and then to religious life. They discuss the life changing power of trusting in God.   References: Email us with comments or questions at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at the updated website and where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/  Servants of Christ Jesus: http://www.scjesus.org/

    We don't talk about literature club

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2023 21:02


    John and Michael come together at the beginning of lent to talk about the literature club John started at the seminary. They discuss the ways that good literature can help form everyone, and how literature points towards the depth of humanity which ultimately relates to the spiritual life oriented to God. You can email us at:  sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com

    Vigil Praise Homily 2/25

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 11:39


    Fr. Luke Barder preaches on the importance of knowing God rather than to know about Him.

    Hi Mom!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2023 62:19


    Michael and John spend time with Mary Machado, mother of former host Jacob Machado. Mary addresses the experience of being a mother of a seminarian. 

    Vigil Praise Homily 1/28

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 16:11


    Dcn Kyle Tannehill preaches on the virtue of hope and how we can use it to see the Lord more clearly.

    Our Biggest Fan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2023 47:47


    Michael and John are joined by Connor Companik from the Diocese of Phoenix. After explaining his claim as the podcast's "Biggest Fan™", Connor explains his journey to seminary and how his devotion for sacred music has grown over the years. The audio clip used in this podcast is from the Corpus Christi Sunday Mass (May 29, 2016) at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance antiphon is from the Graduale Romanum for the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Credit for this clip goes to the SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral schola.

    Embracing Your Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2022 45:55


    Michael and John talk with Daniel Rivas from Denver about his discernment. Given a heavy cross early in life, Daniel recounts how his time of trial helped him grow closer to God and discern his vocation of priesthood.

    Go Ask Your Brother

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2022 54:27


    Michael and John are joined by Brother Charbel from the Capuchin Friars. Brother Charbel talks about his conversion to Catholicism and his time of religious life. (Editor's note: while Michael and John were diligent in recording early in the month, the editor... not so much.)

    Vigil Praise Homily 11/19

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2022 26:46


    His Emminence Cardinal Stafford preaches on the nature of a vigil and meeting Christ in an unexpected place.

    An Apprentice of the Master Craftsman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 50:24


    This month, Michael and John chat with Connor Ryan from the Diocese of Pueblo. From the western slope of Colorado to the small mining towns of Arizona and Alaska, Connor tells the story of his physical and spiritual journeys that led him to seminary and a deeper life with Christ.

    Vigil Praise Homily 10/15

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 20:08


    Fr Adam Bradshaw preaches on Faith and Prayer

    Vigil Praise Homily 9/17

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2022 16:20


    Fr. Brady's Homily from Vigil Praise for 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time Readings: Ez 24: 15-27; St. Augustine on Pastors; Mt 28: 1-10, 16-20.

    Be Present

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2022 48:05


    After finishing his first year of priesthood in Uganda, Fr Julius Lule comes back to visit the seminary. Michael and John take this opportunity to ask him about his first assignment and how his time in seminary helped him prepare.

    Time for Recollection

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 41:01


    They are all back from summer break! Michael Sparks, John Cooney and Michael Salemi sit down and discuss what adventures they had during the summer. Their discussion covers what it's like being a seminarian on break and then how to return with a balanced approach of recollecting with the help of Christ.

    The gift of Fatherhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 41:01


    In Flagstaff Michael interviews one of the founders of The Sons of Ars. One year after his ordination Fr. Ian Wintering shares his first year as a priest and explains what it means to have joy in the priesthood through the gift of fatherhood and fraternity.

    A Chat with the Cardinal Part 2: Mercy and War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2022 49:14


    The conversation continues. Cardinal Stafford tells the story of the beginnings of Saint John Vianney Seminary and his inspirations from the works of Rouault.

    A Chat with the Cardinal Part 1: From the Trinity to Us

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2022 44:46


    Michael and John sit down with Cardinal Stafford, the former archbishop of Denver, and discuss the joy of the priesthood as a result of Trinitarian love.

    Dang! Servant Deacon

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2022 38:38


    Deacon Anthony Dang, soon to be Father shares his preperation for the priesthood and enlightens us about his story to seminary right out of high school. What does a transitionary deaon do? Michael and John dive in.

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