The Lampstand: God's Vision For The Family

On Holy Thursday, Jesus instituted two sacraments—the Eucharist and the Priesthood—by which He would continue to share His life with the world after His death. The Eucharist is also at the heart of every vocation because it is the pattern for authentic self-gift. Join Alex Dee and Fr. Steven Booth as they discuss the spiritual significance of Holy Thursday and the practical ways that families can rejoice in Jesus' gifts to the Church on this sacred day.

Pre-Cana: what is it and why does it matter? Join me in conversation with Fr. Jon Schnobrich as we discuss the vocation of marriage and how the Church walks with her faithful as they enter into this beautiful vocation. We also discuss how St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body  is an amazing gift for spouses and the world today. This episode is a great listen for the newly engaged, those about to become engaged, and even those who are married who are looking for a quick dive into marriage related topics and Theology of the Body.

Alex Dee sits down with Fr. James Phalan, C.S.C. to discuss the Sacrament of Reconciliation aka Confession. Fr. James has served as a priest for the Congregation Of Holy Cross all over the world from Peru to France and now serves as the National Director of Family Rosary USA. Together, he and Alex share and unpack the beauty of the tangible and intangible graces of this amazing Sacrament. 

Students for Life staff members Camille Cisneros and Kate Maloney join Alex Dee to discuss the pro-life movement, the dignity of women, and the effects of the anti-life culture on the family. They also share some of the newest initiatives from Students for Life—perfectly timed for this pivotal moment in history. 

What does the spirituality of St. Jeanne Jugan teach us about the sanctity of life? How does it offer a counter-narrative to the dominant cultural perspectives? Join us as we sit down with Sr. Constance of the Little Sisters of the Poor, as she shares her order's beautiful and simple wisdom of how to build a culture of life.

President of Holy Cross Family Ministries Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. describes his calling to the priesthood, his 50 years of service to the Church, and his passion for continuing the mission of Venerable Patrick Peyton. Father Willy and Alex discuss the relevance of Father Peyton's conviction, "The family that prays together stays together," and the enduring importance of prayer in contemporary family life. 

Alex Dee sits down with Dr. Timothy O'Malley, professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame and Director of Education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life. They discuss what “liturgy” means, what it is, and why it matters to families. They also speak candidly about relationships on college campuses and the importance of inspiring today's younger generations to understand the gift of the dreaded “r” word…responsibility.

What is spiritual leadership in family life? How can men become fathers after the Heavenly Father's heart? Dr. Gregory Popcak and Alex Dee discuss the vocation of fatherhood, the example of St. Joseph, and practical ways that contemporary fathers and mothers can work together to raise holy, happy families. Dr. Popcak is the director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, co-director of the Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life, and author of the BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to Be an Awesome Dad. 

 Dr. Joseph Atkinson and Alex Dee continue their conversation on the meaning of the term "domestic church." What are the forces preventing contemporary families from fulfilling God's call to holiness? How should families, the Church, and society respond? Dr. Atkinson is Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C. and the author of Biblical and Theological Foundations of the Family: The Domestic Church.  

Dr. Joseph Atkinson joins Alex Dee to discuss the meaning of the term "domestic church." What are the forces preventing contemporary families from fulfilling God's call to holiness? How should families, the Church, and society respond? Dr. Atkinson is Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C. and the author of Biblical and Theological Foundations of the Family: The Domestic Church.