The Father Joe Podcast

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Meet Fr. Joe Grimaldi JCL and longtime radio personality Ken Calvert. How did a holy roller and a rock n' roller meet up? Well, that's a great question. It all started in Birmingham, Michigan, at Brother Rice High School in 1966. Find out how their two distinctly different vocations came together so seamlessly on the Father Joe Podcast. Peace and enjoy!

Joe Grimaldi


    • Dec 21, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 342 EPISODES

    4.9 from 25 ratings Listeners of The Father Joe Podcast that love the show mention: father joe, fr, great, love, joe and ken, grimaldi.



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    Latest episodes from The Father Joe Podcast

    Two Priests 92 Years Old and Going Strong

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2022 20:15


    You've heard the expression, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Well, meet a couple of 92 year old priests still saying Mass and loving the ministry. Our Fr. Joe Grimaldi is 82 and is the pastor of a large church. How do they do it?

    Are you doing more 'Alone Together'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 25:39


    'Alone Together', is a total contradiction, except that more and more, it is how people have spent their time since March of 2020. We've discovered that a decent number of Americans are comfortable, and enjoy, rolling solo. Can we apply that going to Mass?

    Advent is a Season of Anticipation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 19:13


    Purple is used at Advent as it is at Lent to represent the penitential nature of the season. In fact, Advent used to be known as “little Lent.” The color is a symbolic reminder for us to be preparing ourselves for the coming of our Lord.

    The Pandemic and the Nation's Report Card

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 18:40


    The pandemic had a devastating impact on our students. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress found that nearly four in ten eighth graders failed to grasp basic math concepts and only one in three students achieved reading proficiency standards.  

    Whatever Happened to Actual Grace?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 19:40


    If you took your parish's catechism classes when you were growing up you remember actual grace. It's a supernatural kick in the pants. It gets your will and intellect moving so you can seek out and provide acts of kindness to those in need.

    The Feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 18:38


    The feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran is celebrated by the entire Church. It marks the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome by Pope Sylvester I in 324. This church is the cathedral (or chair) of the bishop of Rome, who is our Pope.

    What does Day of the Dead celebrate?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2022 19:49


    Day of the Dead combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s. The holiday, which is celebrated mostly in Mexico on November 1 and 2, is like a family reunion—except dead ancestors are the guests of honor.

    9 Tips for Returning to Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2022 20:51


    Sometimes when we go to Mass, things don't go as well as we wish. In an ideal world Mass would be full of life and joy. Everyone would leave feeling completely one with God. But other times, Mass can feel different. Remember this, Christ is truly present in the Mass.

    Let's Say Happy Birthday to the Jesuits

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 20:52


    This summer the Jesuit order celebrated their 488th birthday. The Jesuits were founded by Ignatius de Loyola, a Spanish soldier turned priest. For centuries, the Jesuits have worn many hats: missionaries, educators and writers. The prospect of a Jesuit pope was once considered unlikely Therefore, the 2013  as Pope Francis surprised many.

    The Significance of The Keys of St. Peter

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2022 21:02


    The next time you are at Church look for the Keys of St. Peter. The Keys of Heaven refers to the image of crossed keys used to represent the metaphorical keys of the office of Saint Peter, the keys of Heaven, or the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is explicitly referenced in the Bible in Matthew 16:19. 

    The Incredible Shrinking Funeral

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 16:46


    COVID has changed our lives forever. Pardon the metaphor, but it's like we've spent over two years in a storm shelter. We're free to move about once again; however, the landscaped has changed. A Funeral became a Major challenge. Maybe COVID's N0.1 Victim.

    Revin' it up with the Revered

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2022 24:23


    Near my parish in metro Detroit an event called The Woodward Dream Cruise is held. Classic car enthusiasts attend the event held annually on the third Saturday of August. The Cruise now attracts more than 1.5 million visitors from around the world. We pray for a safe and fun filled event. 

    Many Catholics do not go to their parish for Mass

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022 23:22


    Some Catholics go elsewhere to find what they like. For example, they go to a historic, ornate church that offers the official Latin Mass. The same with a church that offers the Gregorian chant. Some Catholics would even like the Church to return to pre-Vatican II. 

    Pope Francis says ‘door is open' to eventual retirement.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 22:07


    We could not help but notice the Pope's health issues as he journeyed to Canada. The pontiff's knee has hampered his ability to move about without the assistance of a wheelchair. The possibility of retirement appears to be an option. Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 after roughly seven years in office.

    "Mass is streaming and who wants breakfast?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2022 19:21


    A May 2022 Study finds too many Catholics are “accustomed to not being in church.” The survey conducted by Vinea Research is examining the effects of the pandemic on Church attendance and faith practice. Among the key findings, the survey discovered that a significant portion of Catholics have become “accustomed to not being in church.” The authors suggest that while Catholics have been generally strengthened in their faith during the pandemic, many are in no rush to return to the pews. 

    Can a Catholic Priest Ever Return to the Lay State?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2022 19:40


    For any number of reasons, a priest may conclude that he cannot continue living the life of a priest. Most priests who leave have done so after months and perhaps years of prayer and reflection, often shedding tears as they make this important decision.

    Devotion versus Worship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2022 17:18


    May I say the rosary during the celebration of the mass? Praying the rosary is defined as a devotion. We are requested to concentrate our attention on the sacred actions of the memorial of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection as is celebrated in Holy Mass. 

    How did America ever become so divided?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2022 18:21


    To say America is in a delicate place right now is an understatement. Abortion, gas prices, the January 6th insurrection, gun control, immigration, climate change and our old friend covid – That's enough to make the point. Some say we haven't been this divided since the Civil War. I believe that the solution is staring you right in the face.

    We Are Chosen by Our Baptism to Be a Prophet of the Lord

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 22:02


    Most of us probably do not think of ourselves as prophets. Every baptized person, is called to be a prophet. How can we do what Jesus asks, to bring his love to bear on every situation in our everyday life. Let's discuss. 

    Add my name to the COVID positive ranks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 16:47


    It was my first ever trip to Mackinac Island for a conferance at the historic Grand Hotel. It was a great conferance at a stunning Michigan location. It was the parting gift that I wish I'd left in my hotel room. 

    You Just Gotta Take the Time to Laugh a Little

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2022 21:15


    It's amazing how many Hollywood comedians attended Catholic schools, from Bob Hope to Jim Gaffigan. Memories of the nun's habits, discipling with rulers and priests chaperoning the prom are part of the schooling legacy. We dedicate this podcast to you.

    Psychics, Soothsayers and Spirits

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 21:22


    An email asked me to share my thoughts about psychics. Some people enjoy a field trip to a psychic, fortune teller or palm reader. Let's have a chat. 

    Need a Vacation but Can't Take the Time?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2022 16:40


    What do you do when you just can't take the time away you know you need and deserve? The operative word is ‘need'. A man I know well tells me “There's no vacation from being a Catholic Priest.” 

    Bette Davis said, 'Getting old ain't for sissies 

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 19:25


    Moving a parent, even a willing one, into assisted living, or any senior living facility, is full of emotion. They're frightened about aging, making new friends, and finding their way in a new place. We may feel guilt. These feelings are normal, but don't need to last forever.  

    Wanna Say a Prayer? There's an App for That

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 20:36


    ‘iBreviary', ‘Catholic Calendar', ‘Laudate', ‘Click To Pray', ‘Hallow'. These are just a few of the Catholic apps available for your cell phone or tablet. So, how do you feel about a tablet or smart phone taking the place of a Sunday Missal or Bible?

    When a Friend or Family Member Marries the Couple

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 21:14


    Having a close family member or friend officiate your wedding is becoming a growing trend among couples. 43 percent of couples in the US had a friend or family member act as the officiant at their wedding. Many couples are forgoing religious norms and traditional vows for wedding ceremonies. And, the trend is growing.

    The Atrocities of Ukraine are Beyond Disturbing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2022 16:55


    Pope Francis condemned the “horrific cruelties” against unarmed women and children in Bucha, Ukraine on Wednesday, saying that the blood of innocent civilians “cries out to heaven” for an end to the atrocities of war. 

    Name five things that make you angry

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 19:00


    I had a friend ask me "Why is Jesus so angry in today's gospel?" That's a great question. As we know, Jesus was human, yet he's also fully divine. Jesus got angry, but angry for the right reasons. How you challenge your anger can help define who you are. 

    The Friday Fish Fry is Off the Back Burner

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2022 19:36


    It's Friday night and you can smell it in the air around Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Auburn Hills, MI. Did somebody say “fish fry?” In various parts of the country, the Friday Lenten fish fry is a staple. Parishioners come together and enjoy fish instead of meat.   

    Lent is a Good Time to do a little Remodeling

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2022 18:43


    You can handle the small projects. Maybe it's anger, patience or being selfish. A key to this process is both prayer and reflection. We ask God to guide us in reshaping our weaknesses. Remember, we don't have to do a major remodel. Those around you will embrace your upgrade.

    What is a Legacy Fulfillment? Do you Have One?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 24:27


    You don't have to be wealthy to plan your legacy. Not unlike a church's row of pews, the Catholic Church has several philanthropic avenues for you to examine when you consider ways to give. Even after death.   

    Warning: This Podcast May Cause Weight Gain

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 19:49


    Fat Tuesday is that date on our calendar when we get to indulge ourselves. Parades, alcohol and sweets. Lots of sweets. The Polish Paczki, New Orleans beignets, King Cake and gumbo. The list goes on. As we prepare for lent, let's enjoy our family, friends and some tasty food.

    Lent 2022 – Past Present and Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2022 17:15


    We have done other podcasts on Lent. Pre-COVID-19 and during the virus. From giving up meat, sweets or alcohol to going all in to help out at a non-profit food rescue provider. Let's revisit our traditions and options. 

    If My Parish Was a Person

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 22:41


    How would you describe yourself? What would you say is your strongest trait? Reliable? Optimistic? Well, how about your parish? If your parish was a person what would be his/her strongest traits? 

    Pure Michigan Has a New Bishop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2022 15:06


    Northern Michigan is a destination for yet another reason. Pope Francis has named a new bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. Meet Bishop-elect Jeffrey J. Walsh.

    What Is The Angelus Prayer? Do You Know It?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 19:38


    If you answered, "give me a minute," you probably haven't said it in awhile, or ever. Hundreds of years ago, bells would toll to remind us to recite the Angelus. Not so much anymore. At the Vatican, many offices have the custom of pausing work every day to pray the Angelus together at noon.  

    Time for us to freshen up on our A-B-C's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2022 16:14


    From the Loyola Press: The start of a new liturgical year, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, also marks the transition from one lectionary cycle (A, B, or C) to the next. These cycles are a result of the Second Vatican Council, which ordered a change in the Sunday readings at Mass so that Catholics would become more familiar with the text of the Bible. As a result we now have a three-year cycle of readings built around readings from the three synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

    Looking Forward to 2022 With Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 16:56


    Remember "So Long 2020!"? Have you heard the expression “wash, rinse and repeat"? 2022 is off to a rough start. It's only week one and we are now in our third year of the COVID virus. Let's start the New Year with hope and prayer.

    Merry Christmas 2021 and Happy New Year 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2021 17:35


    A lot has happened in a year. Especially for yours truly. I am once again the Pastor of my own church. Sacred Heart in Auburn Hills, MI. I love the assignment. Part of that comes with my first Christmas and New Year. Let's pray for healthier New Year. Pray for the end of COVID.

    The Sudden Loss of a Child

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 16:39


    It's hard to imagine anything worse than the loss of a child. As a Catholic Priest, I try to be open in my counseling with couples and parents about their child or children: let them know that I support them, and are there to talk and listen.

    Welcome to Advent 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 16:25


    Advent is a period of preparation extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio, "to come to," and refers to the coming of Christ. Though Christ has already come into the world, the Church invites us to renew our desire for the Lord more deeply into our lives, and to renew our desire for Christ's triumphant second coming into the world.

    Where Would the Catholic Church Be Without Women?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2021 22:09


    Is it time for women to be Deaconesses? Once again, the debate is being discussed. Many say yes...many say no! I offer my opinion.

    Father and Son Songs Can Provoke Different Memories

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2021 18:51


    Harry Chapin had the #1 1974 hit "Cat's in the Cradle". It chronicles a son whose dad doesn't have time for him.  The father is repeatedly unable to spend time with him due to his job. His son promises to grow up to be just like his dad. And, he does.

    The Gospel says I should renounce my possessions?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 20:19


    In Luke's Gospel this week he writes: "Every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” Essentially, we're being asked, do we cherish our wealth more than our fellow person? Wealth is not a bad thing. It's how we use it.  

    What do we really know about the 12 Apostles? - Not that much

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 18:40


    On today's podcast we'll talk about the 12 Apostles. Because of them we have our faith. Many Apostles are associated with a request. Danny Thomas prayed to St. Jude, he is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. Let's do a deeper dive. 

    St. Luke - The Patron of Doctors and Our Medical Caregivers.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 20:33


    On October 18th we celebrated the feast of St. Luke evangelist, physician and companion of St. Paul whose gospel preserved the most extensive biography of Jesus Christ. St. Luke is the patron of doctors and other medical caregivers. His feast reminds us to continue to pray for our healthcare workers.

    Should Our Next Pope Be a Younger Man? American?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2021 23:10


    Pope Francis is 84. In July, 2021 he spent a week-long hospitalization requiring surgery. It has served as a reminder that the pope is reaching an age when people deal more frequently with health problems and become more vulnerable. Will we ever see a young American pope?

    When Anger Provokes Hate, Forgiveness is Paramount

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2021 17:06


    Have you found yourself angry with a good friend or family member? You may want to look at how you deal with your hatred and anger. Anger can make you anxious, frustrated and even depressed and that's unhealthy. Forgiveness is not optional. It is essential. 

    At 81, I'm once again the Pastor of a Catholic Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 19:56


    You often hear, 'God works in mysterious ways'. I was recently asked to be the pastor and administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Auburn Hills, MI. and I've accepted. I'm asking for your prayers as I hope to succeed and apply the necessary passion to my exciting new assignment. Thank you and God Bless.

    We Remember - We Celebrate - We Believe

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2021 16:03


    On September 18th Catholic Cemeteries in Michigan joined together for a prayer service in memory of all lives lost during the pandemic. For many, this period has cost us the experience to celebrate the lives, and loss, of our loved ones. Let us pray. 

    My child's not the brightest, but he/she has talent!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2021 20:13


    When it comes to going to college don't panic if you hear, “your student may need to follow one of these alternative paths.” Not all kids are built for a major university or college. 

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