St. Joseph's Workshop with Fr. Matthew Spencer

Father Matthew: surprised by Relevant Radio friends, today. Father shares testimonies of lives changed by Catholic radio…including his own. Everything is a blessing, if we allow God’s mercy to permeate it. The current pandemic situation included. Next week is Holy Week: Close to Jesus to the Last – a five part retreat with Father Rocky […] All show notes at Last Show, Souls Changed, Surprises & Lessons, Holy Week 4.3.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Father Matthew welcomes Timmerie Geagea and they chat about how to share the gospel of Jesus with love and care. Timmerie and Father Matthew discuss the influence of St. Pope John Paul II in their lives. What is truth? What is God communicating to us through his divine revelation? Facts about Sacraments: the proximity of […] All show notes at Big News, St. Pope John Paul II, General Absolution, Radio Silence 4.2.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Vatican announces additional intercession for Good Friday and votive mass for the end of covid-19 pandemic. CCC 2777: reflection on the Our Father prayer. Why do we call God, “Our Father?”  Lessons from radio: when Father Matthew realized the numbers of people listening to and relying on Relevant Radio, it brought additional weight to the […] All show notes at Good Friday & Votive Mass, Prayer, Reach & Rightness, Jesus in Prayer 4.1.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

The coronavirus pandemic has shown a spike in searches for prayer. Exploring the CCC 2566: prayer in light of the Old Testament. Prayer is the way we try to connect with the Divine; God initiates the communication. Faith and prayer are intertwined. We are called to pray on behalf of others; we are called to […] All show notes at Increased Interest in Religion, Faith & Prayer, Lessons, Moses & Seraph Serpent 3.31.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Father Stephen Spencer joins Father Matthew: discussing the ways technology has quickly filled in during the pandemic. Live streaming masses, rosaries – building community. Out and about during quarantine: Father Stephen shares a heartwarming experience. Baking bread and learning Vietnamese. Father Matthew shares lessons he’s learned as a radio host: it’s easier to do things […] All show notes at Technology Bridges Gap, Generosity of Strangers, Collaboration, Today’s Readings 3.30.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Father Matthew reflects on Pope Francis’ special proclamation of the Gospel at the Vatican: Urbi et Orbi. Jesus is in control and he cares what happens to us. Will the pandemic lead to a great spiritual renewal? Year of St. Joseph extended until December 8, 2020 for the Oblates of St. Joseph. To be pious […] All show notes at Urbi et Orbi, Generosity of St. Joseph, Lessons from Radio, Judging 3.27.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Who are the poor and why are they blessed? Why does Jesus have a particular love for the materially poor? Do we have an attachment/immoderate love of the material? In this time of self confinement, why not take a virtual tour of Rome? Reflections on the coronavirus spread throughout Italy: will more Christians will come […] All show notes at Blessed are the Poor, Virtual Tours, Lessons in Radio, Seeking Validation 3.26.20  - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Today’s feast day completely transformed humanity: darkness became a thing of the past. Beginning of the unfolding of the Paschal Mystery. Just as Mary said “Yes” to God’s will, we are called to do the same. You don’t have to see the future, to be able to say “yes” to God’s will. When God comes […] All show notes at The Solemnity of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Role, Memory Lane, Addiction to Sadness 3.25.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Creative solutions and heroic actions in Italy during the Covid-19 crisis; great reminders that we are looking toward eternal life. We all have a part to play…stay prepared. Father Matthew shares some insight from Father Jacques Philippe on keeping peace in big decisions: prayer, time/patience, reflection, act, trust. Oblates observe an additional holy hour; the […] All show notes at Good News, Big Decisions, Holy Hour, Healing 3.24.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Why do we continually try to predict the end of the world? It’s a great grace/blessing to not know when the world will end. God doesn’t ask us to live in fear; he says, “do not fear/do not be afraid.” Prayer v Pandemic: Father explains our worldwide prayer campaign to unite in prayer for an […] All show notes at End of the World, Worldwide Prayer, Cabin Fever, Second Sign 3.23.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Timmerie Geagea (filling in for Father Matthew in the host seat, today) welcomes Father Donald Calloway to discuss consecration to St. Joseph. Relative to today’s quarantine situation: look at St. Joseph who was tasked with fleeing to Egypt to protect the lives of his young family. Father Calloway explains his inspiration: the world needs a […] All show notes at Consecration to St. Joseph, True Manhood, Baby Boom, Balance & Spiritual Communion 3.20.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Joseph was the father of Jesus — Mary referred to him as such, “Your father and I have been looking for you.” Joseph (Son of David) transferred his Davidic line to Jesus. Young, strong, virtuous: the greatest husband possible for Mary. Lessons in perspective from astronauts: with a bird’s eye view of the planet, astronauts […] All show notes at Fatherhood of St. Joseph, Overview Effect, Resilience, Called & Equipped 3.19.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

The Feast of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary begins at tonight’s vigil. Humility is the first attribute of one who adores Jesus. It was because of his humility, St. Joseph was able to serve Jesus. Spiritual director of St. Padre Pio, Father Dolindo Ruotolo and the Surrender Novena Prayer. https://www.fatherdolindoruotolo.com/ Are you […] All show notes at Humility, Surrender, Flashback to 04, Pandemic Etiquette & Closeness of God 3.18.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Workers around the world, working from home. Can you learn to limit your distractions in the spiritual life? How are you working on being present to the Lord? Feast of St. Patrick, missionary of Ireland: remembering great saints. We are called to live in intimate union with Christ. Lent is about eliminating vice, repenting of […] All show notes at Working from Home, Favorite Saints, Home Schooling, Self Reporting on Love 3.17.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Father Matthew shares his perspective of travelling back to the US from Peru in the midst of covid-19 pandemic. Origins of the word quarantine and connection to lenten observances. Be not afraid. Good news for the unborn. Technology can help us in spite of quarantine, but will never replace our need for human interaction. In […] All show notes at Pandemic Perspective, Good News, Protecting the Church, Wash & Be Clean 3.16.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Today’s broadcast originally aired February 21, 2020 How much detail do you need to provide in making a good confession? Father provides some advice on being plain, entire and prudent. Landing an A380 airbus in tricky circumstances: parallels in the spiritual life. Embrace and exalt that in the Christian life, we are completely dependent on […] All show notes at (encore) Confession, Flying, Anxiety & Memory, St. Peter Damian 3.13.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Guest Host, Cale Clarke, The Faith Explained: Easter is coming, get ready to see the world asking for “proof” for Jesus. Cale offers more historical evidence to demonstrate that Jesus Christ did indeed die on the cross and resurrect. Resurrection: historical, eyewitness accounts, testimony of women and the empty tomb. Caller, Susanna: Where were the […] All show notes at Proof of Christ, Historical Evidence, Easter Accounts, Details of the Crucifixion 3.12.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

In this season of Lent, we are called to share the gospel. Like Moses, we must listen to and depend on God who gives us grace through the sacraments. Father shares the differences in the accounts of the annunciation of our Lord to Mary through the Angel Gabriel and the annunciation of our Lord to […] All show notes at Called, Annunciation, Perspective & Relationship, Pacific Crest Hiking 3.11.30 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Guest Host: Timmerie Millington welcomes Mountain Butorec with a report from what’s happening in Rome. www.thecatholictraveler.com  Timmerie and Mountain discuss a humbling and inspiring site in Rome, the Scala Sancta/Holy Stairs: the stairs Jesus climbed to Calvary. How did you meet your spouse? On a dating website? At church? Callers respond! Timmerie weighs in on […] All show notes at Catholic Traveler Reports from Rome, Scala Sancta, Happy Meetings, Life Issues 3.10.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Father describes the conferral of the sacrament of Ordination. When receiving the Book of Gospels: Believe what you read; Teach what you Believe; Practice what you Teach. How do we practice what we teach? How do we imitate Christ? Do we live our faith with evidence? When we give up a vice (like smoking), it’s […] All show notes at Ordination, Practicing what we Teach, Breaking Bad Habits, Right Relationship 3.9.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Corona Virus and Liturgy; The Long Line of Sinners Who Became Saints; What Makes a Sacramental Marriage?; The Wealth of Joseph What should you do regarding communion in light of the current Corona Virus threat? Pope Francis reminds us that we asks the saints to pray for us in the Confiteor. We are in a […] All show notes at Corona Virus and Liturgy; Sinners to Saints; The Wealth of Joseph 3.6.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Did you know that 4 out of 5 people are more likely to attend church with you if you simply invite them to go with you? Was St Joseph a martyr?  The more holly we become, the more we will suffer. Is it true or legend that St Patrick drove all the snakes out of […] All show notes at Invite people to mass; Was St Joseph a martyr?; Snake bite in Ireland; Divine Mercy and conversion - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

What the Devil Fears; How Subtle Discrimination becomes Blatant Persecution; Houses Large and Fine with Nobody Living There; The Obedience of St Joseph When you start fasting and increase the discipline, the Devil is actually fearful of you. A young man’s insight on Isaiah 5. “In my hearing the LORD of hosts has sworn: Many […] All show notes at What the Devil Fears; Subtle Discrimination becomes Blatant Persecution 3.4.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

The Beer Fast, Prayer of St Ephrem, Seeing More Clearly During Power Outage, A Close Call The Beer Fast – 17th century monks, who did not consume solid foods during lent, developed a beer to provide nutrients. Prayer of St. Ephrem – “Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner…” LA Residents lose power because […] All show notes at The Beer Fast; LA Power Outage; A Close Call; Prayer of St Ephrem 3.3.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

‘Automatic’ Prayer Life; Never Dialogue with the Devil; Facial Recognition Database Hacked; What Makes You Holy? How are your Lenten sacrifices going? How is your approach to your Lenten sacrifice influencing the success of your dedication? Is it bad if your prayer life is “automatic?” There are many opportunities this Lent to establish good habits […] All show notes at Ethics and Artificial Intelligence; What makes one holy?; Don’t Dialogue with the Devil 3.2.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Stations of the Cross: a Friday tradition during Lent. Do you see “love” when you contemplate the passion of Christ? We try to see ourselves more clearly, and objectively through the Stations of the Cross. As we pray for Pope Francis’ health, we reflect on a recent message delivered on his behalf: sometimes we place […] All show notes at Fridays in Lent, Widespread Mediocrity, Safety First?, Fasting 2.28.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Father Matthew explores, Harold Kushner’s book When Bad Things happen to Good People. How has the trauma in your life, led you to more holiness? Trust? Here’s the coffee, can we talk? Father Matthew shares progress on Shrine Coffee. We have to reflect on the best way to draw people to the love of Christ. […] All show notes at Mystery of Suffering, God Allows Suffering, Coffee Evangelization, Pope St. Leo the Great 2.27.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

How do you make big decisions? How do we learn to discern God’s holy will for us?  St. Ignatius of Loyola offers seven conditions for discernment. Father recalls his first Ash Wednesday service( 48 services in one day!); and today’s service. “If we die in Christ, we will rise in Christ.” – St. Paul Spring […] All show notes at Big Decisions, Components for Discernment, Ash Wednesday, Deep Cleaning 2.26.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Catholic Church has embraced life since the beginning; laws of government will not change Catholic Church’s position on life – we won’t be exempt from facing persecution in this world. (News from California)  In the same way that some technology helps us reduce chaos; we should cultivate virtues to reduce our tendency to become accustomed […] All show notes at Life from the Start, Noise Canceling, Catholic Bibles, First & Last 2.25.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

What to do when you’re getting annoyed. Small things can lead you to holiness. Parents: safeguard the faith of your children. Computer programming teen Carlo Acutis to be beatified.  Pope Francis reminds us: if we expect to defeat Satan, we need to experience personal conversion. Two types of wisdom are referenced in today’s gospel; how […] All show notes at Addressing Annoyance, Carlo Acutis, Pope’s Lenten Message, Wisdom 2.24.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

How much detail do you need to provide in making a good confession? Father provides some advice on being plain, entire and prudent. Landing an A380 airbus in tricky circumstances: parallels in the spiritual life. Embrace and exalt that in the Christian life, we are completely dependent on God. Is anxiety connected to memory? Memory […] All show notes at Confession, Flying, Anxiety & Memory, St. Peter Damian 2.21.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

UCLA study shows a curious link between acetaminophen and willingness to forgive social pain. Are we concerned about the complete healing of each other? Healing begins when people work towards forgiveness. On the road again! Father Matthew recalls a rental car “surprise” from a weekend in Scranton. In this life we will only experience partial […] All show notes at Pain & Healing, Partial Justice, Silence & Prayer, Considering Lent 2.20.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

 The Death of Bob Nill, Operant Conditioning, IKEA bag purse, Discovery in Silence Bob Nill, an 88-year-old crossing guard, is killed after saving children from being struck by a car. The odd relationship between operant conditioning (i.e. clicker training) and training of surgeons. There is an art to helping one grow in virtue as in […] All show notes at The Death of Bob Nill, Operant Conditioning, IKEA bag purse, Discovery in Silence 2.19.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Today’s show was originally broadcast on 1.6.20 Research shows stability decreases stimulation in prefrontal cortex whereas unfamiliar experiences challenged/increased brain function. Can emotionally painful events create patterns of growth? Do we allow our spiritual lives to stagnate? Prisoners rehabilitating with a cuppa joe: learning coffee service/barista skills at Rikers Island prison. Restoring relationships and human […] All show notes at (encore) Predictable v Spontaneous, Rikers Island Rehabilitation, Religious Hospitals, Time Boxing 1.6.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

“Bad Religion”, Life after a shark attack, Time off from work, Seeking Signs Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi – The law of prayer is the law of belief. Which came first: bad theology or bad liturgy? The recovery of young surfer, Bethany Hamilton, after being attacked by a shark. The counter intuitive facts about taking time […] All show notes at “Bad Religion,” Life After a Shark Attack, Time Off, Seeking Signs 2.17.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Satan the Accuser, Gate Control Theory, Medical Scams, Valentine’s Day The Evil One (“the Accuser”) loves to use our sins against us. Should we ever be discouraged by our sins? Why does it help to rub or hold your toe after you stub it? Father discusses the Gate Control Theory of pain. Father discusses the […] All show notes at Satan the Accuser, Gate Control Theory, Medical Scams, Valentine’s Day 2.14.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Pope Francis calls for holiness in religious life; are we grounded in a proper understanding of the elements of our faith? We have to know our faith, in order to live it and explain it. Looking like Satan: Father shares a story about a (Christian) man who modifies his appearance to resemble Satan. Why is […] All show notes at Amazon Synod, Face of Evil, St. Faustina on Love, What Defiles? 2.12.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Why do couples struggle to unite in the spiritual life? What can you do to overcome the distance in your spiritual life? Father Matthew shares practical ideas for bridging gaps in the spiritual life of marriage. Today we celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes & World Day of the Sick. Pope Francis reminds us that the […] All show notes at National Marriage Week, Tips for Bridging the Gap, World Day of the Sick, Proper Worship 2.11.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Insight from a tech pioneer: managing people can be one of life’s most fulfilling endeavors. What is it that makes us most fulfilled in life? Does success translate to happiness? Can we be successful in our attempt to leave sin behind, without a strategy? Can we grow in the spiritual life without the tools that […] All show notes at Managing People, Success/Tools/Strategy, Perfectionism, Standing Firm for God 2.7.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Priests in Australia lending a hand in prayer and deed.  Mount Saint Mary University creates a unique living situation for “retired” religious nuns and student mothers. Pray for Bishops; Father recalls an old article by Bishop Conley (Lincoln, Nebraska), reminding us we have been taught by Jesus. Even with great catechesis, why are so many […] All show notes at Australia, Gifts of Older Nuns, Taught by Christ, Confirmation 2.6.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Have we solved the problems associated with traffic? Why do we lose our peace when it comes to traffic? How do we address struggles in our spiritual life? Do we recognize or identify the dignity of people around us? A look at the work of late artist, Jason Pollen whose work included thousands of sketches […] All show notes at Traffic & Spiritual Life, Jason Pollen, Small Houses, Faith 2.5.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Are we doing all we can to protect life? With so many threats upon life, it’s our greatest mission to protect life. Indiana teen works with local fire department to create culture of life. How easy is it for you to talk about your Catholic faith?  $43k found in a thrift store couch ottoman: what […] All show notes at Baby Boxes, Faith ID, Thrifty Find, Jarius’ Daughter 2.4.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

We love our Catholic feast days and today we celebrate two wonderful Saints – with candles and everything! GPS mix ups on the way to celebrating mass at Holy Cross Cemetery mausoleum. Wonder what to do when you’re anxious, concerned about multiple things? What is stealing your trust and faith away? Reminders from Candlemas: laws, […] All show notes at St. Ansgar & St. Blaise, Trusting in God, Presentation of the Lord, Traditions 2.3.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Growing numbers of lonely/socially reclusive young adults in Japan. Understanding the pressure of human interaction; we need communal interaction and alone time. Father Matthew has another cherimoya; it wasn’t as good as his first one in Peru. Things we experience here on Earth fall short of what we will experience in heaven. Catholicism and secularization […] All show notes at A-Loneliness, Cherimoya in the USA, Hospitality with Priests, Ears ought to Hear 1.30.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Encouragement from St. Bernard of Clairveaux: looking for peace? Fly to the mercy of God. Christian persecution around the world; Knights of Columbus announce new initiation ceremonies, open to the public. Personal conversion changes the world! We’ve been experiencing a dramatic uptick in “fake news” – Father explains how this is an offense against God’s […] All show notes at Looking for Peace, KofC Public Initiation, Honesty, Embracing the Fullness of Truth 1.29.20  - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Last Sunday was specially focused on the Word of God; Father Matthew shares how the word of God confirmed his call to the priesthood. The words of Jesus have the power to transform lives. Father discusses the news: Dan Burke announced his resignation as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News on Jan 7. […] All show notes at Word of God, Dan Burke, Celebrating the Sacraments, St. Thomas Aquinas 1.28.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Examining the impact of the recent tragic death of Kobe Bryant. We see his accomplishments and brokenness, but realize they are not the sum of who he was. Let’s treasure the people in our lives; embrace forgiveness; work with tenacity! Marriage: and intimate union of persons, a theological reflection of God. Not uncommon for Priests […] All show notes at Death of Kobe Bryant, Gaudieum et Spes, Rosaries of Bread, Youthful Kingship 1.27.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Father Stephen joins Father Matthew today: discussing history of celibacy in the priesthood & tradition of the collection! Science beginning to help turn public opinion pro life.  We want abortion to be illegal but also recognized as an unhealthy option. St. Francis de Sales: holiness is everyone. How do we cultivate the skill to see […] All show notes at Traditions & History, Pro Life Opinions, Devout Life, Confession Challenges 1.24.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Walks and marches taking place across the country this weekend; #FastForLife in solidarity. Oblates of St. Joseph celebrate the Feast of the Espousal of the Holy Spouses, Mary & Joseph today. How powerful this feast falls on the day after the anniversary of Roe v Wade; almost as an antidote to the evils of the […] All show notes at Life Events & Espousal, Pastoral Guidance, Bishops & Community, Jealousy 1.23.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

San Diego Charger (Catholic) Phillip Rivers moving to Florida; Green Bay Packer, Arron Rodgers comments on God. What is hell? Worry is central to human existence. How does scripture invite us to turn away from worry? God is with us in moments of strife and worry. Strong words from Pope Francis today: admonishing clergy to […] All show notes at Football Scoops, Worry, Simony Refresher, Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle 1.21.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Ants in the wine at mass!? Father Matthew shares a surprising moment from this weekend. The Church has been celebrating the sacraments through the messiness of life. Work each day to create a worthy dwelling place for the Lord; and especially surrender the messiness. Contemplating the sacrifice of confession through the writings of St. Agustine. […] All show notes at Messiness and Solutions, St. Augustine’s Confessions, Hard Work, Lent 1.20.20 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio