The Rite to be Catholic Podcast

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In the podcast, The Rite to be Catholic host Shawn Ayar and his guests tackle everyday issues Catholics face. This is the first podcast produced by the Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization (E.C.R.C.) and Mar Toma Productions. The topics are derived from da


    • May 2, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Rite to be Catholic Podcast

    Episode # 28 - Freedom Behind Bars

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 44:41


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Tom Naemi to discuss how God can us all of us to do His will. They discuss Tom's new book, “Freedom Behind Bars.” How God has qualified others to do great things in their lives when they themselves doubted they could or that they were worthy. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #27 - Lenten Transformation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 41:58


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Jeff Kassab to discuss the transformation that comes during lent. They discuss how we as Catholics need to take certain steps during this season. They talk about the 3 pillars of lent and how if done right can lead to a transformation in your life. Also, how the theme of lent to is to follow the greatest commandment, love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #26 - The Prodigal Son

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 32:50


    In this episode, Shawn discusses the parable of the prodigal son. He goes over the parable and why Jesus chose this specific parable during that time. He also dives into the true meaning behind certain parts of the parable. Lastly, he breaks down each of the 3 characters in the parable and how we can all relate to them in our live at some point. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #25 - Two Thieves (Compare & Complain)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 31:28


    In this episode, Shawn discusses two thieves, comparing and complaining. He talks about how these two thieves can rob you of your happiness and push you away from thanking God and loving Him. He goes over examples of each one of the thieves and how we as Catholics can combat them. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #24 - Inner Healing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 48:37


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Sister Rita Bazzi to discuss Inner Healing. They discuss the importance of inner healing, what does it mean to be healed. They also discuss the importance of healing and how to identify if it is needed in your life. Lastly, they touch on the benefits of inner healing. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode # 23 - Raising A Holy Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 49:41


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Perrin Atisha to discuss raising a Holy family. They discuss the importance of the family, where the foundation is laid, and how it all starts at home. They talk about why it is so important to raise a Holy family and advice on how to do so. Lastly, they go over what each member of the family has in this task, the father, the mother, and siblings. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #22 - Keeping Our Youth Faithfull Catholics

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 47:27


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Alana Bahoura to discuss how to keep our youth faithful Catholics. Alana shares her story and the passion she has for teaching and theology. Shawn and his guest discuss the different ways to keep our youth thinking and interacting in the faith. They go over a few tips to help do so and Alana gives her advice on the topic being she interacts with the youth. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #21 - Transformation Through Loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021 59:17


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by John and Anne Mansour to discuss that while dealing with loss, some people are transformed by the power of God. They share the story of their beautiful family and the experiences they went through. We also talk about the people who helped them in their most troubled times which in turn, helped them create Stride for Seminarians. John and Anne also started a group, Grief Ministry, that helps people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #20 - The Crosses We Carry

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 35:12


    In this episode, Shawn speaks about the crosses we carry in our lives and shares his thoughts and experiences on this topic. Also, what does it mean to carry your cross, examples of the crosses in lives and tackles the question, what is God trying to teach/show us with the crosses we come across in our lives. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #19 - Transformation through Sickness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 42:17


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Chanel Yono to discuss that while dealing with sickness, some people get transformed by the power of God. Chanel shares her story and experiences while going through what she endured. Also, how through this suffering, her relationship with God was made stronger and she was able to truly hear His message. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #18 - The Power Of The Eucharist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 46:45


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Ziyad Alfred to discuss the power of the Eucharist. They go over what the Eucharist truly is, why it is important, the blessings during mass which transforms the bread and wine, adoration and lastly how it has changed their lives. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Also, please share your stories with us on how the Eucharist has changed your life. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #17 - Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center (ECRC)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 41:49


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by the founders of ECRC, Karam Bahnam and Neran Karmo and the Director, Patrice Abouna. In this episode, we discussed how ECRC started and why it did. We focused on what this organization is, what they stand for, what they have to offer today to the faithful and what the future holds. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #16 - Catholicism: Spiritual or Cultural?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 48:55


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Anas Kesto, from the Salty Catholic podcast. Together, we talked about Catholicism, is it spiritual or cultural. In today's world people talk about being Catholic in a more cultural way. How it is something most people mold to fit their lifestyle not where they mold their lifestyle to fit being Catholic. We discuss how it is in fact the Truth and Word of God and for all times. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let us get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #15 - Lent (Chaldean Rite)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 50:28


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Paul Karmo, to discuss Lent. We talk about “the why” behind Lent and what makes it important. We also discuss the differences between the way the Latin Rite celebrates Lent and how the Chaldean Rite celebrate Lent and lastly, we discuss how both traditions are right in the way they celebrate Lent and how each bring a beautiful perspective to the season of Lent. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let's get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #14 - Spiritual Warfare

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 52:04


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Delone Arabo and Adora Ibrahim, to talk about Spiritual Warfare. Both guests share their experiences and stories about how they have encountered this and how they fight it. We discuss the truth about spiritual warfare and how it is real, how to recognize it in your daily life and what tools God gives us to combat it. Lastly, we talk about what it means to put on the Armor of God. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let's get the word of God out there! The podcast episodes are available on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.

    Episode #13 - New Year, Fresh Start

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 29:27


    In this episode, Shawn goes over how we as Catholics should always see the bright side to any situation, knowing that God is with us and knows what is best for us. Shawn speaks about what we encountered last year with COVID and what we could have learned from it. Also, how this year being the year of St. Joseph, we should strive to be more like him in trusting God. Lastly, he speaks about setting family and religious goals/resolutions for 2021 and how to keep them throughout the year. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please share this podcast with friends and family. Let's get the word of God out there!

    Episode #12 - The 7 Deadly Sins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 56:45


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Pierre Konja, to discuss the 7 deadly sins. Fr. Pierre shares his experiences and stories about overcoming temptation using the spiritual exercise program, Exodus 90. We also discuss each deadly sin and how they relate to the world today, why we as Catholics call them the deadly sins and how to overcome each one with the 7 heavenly virtues. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode.

    Episode #11 - What We Believe: Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2020 56:12


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Kevin Yono, to discuss what we as Catholics believe and why. This is part 2 of 2 on the topic. In part 1, Fr. Kevin shared his experiences and stories about his conversion to the priesthood and his love for our Holy Mother Mary. In part 2, Fr. Kevin re-joins Shawn to continue the conversation. We discuss why we as Catholics pray with the saints, how they are with God and how they offer up prayers to our Lord. Lastly, we talk about the Eucharist, how it is the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. This is validated through scripture and church tradition. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode.

    Episode #10 - What We Believe: Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 41:04


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Kevin Yono, to discuss what we as Catholics believe and why. This is part 1 of 2 on the topic. In part 1, Fr. Kevin shares his experiences and stories about his conversion to the priesthood and his love for our Holy Mother Mary. We also discuss how we as Catholics do not worship Mother Mary, but how we honor and love her above all other saints in heaven being that she is the Mother of God.  This is validated through scripture and church tradition. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode. Please stay tuned for Part 2 where we will continue our talk, discussing the saints and the Eucharist.

    Episode #9 - Did You Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 29:43


    Did you ever wonder what a certain religious symbol was that you saw in church or elsewhere or why we do or don't do certain things in our faith? In this episode, Shawn sits with his two brothers, Calvin and Malvin, to discuss questions on symbols of the faith, their meanings and some Eastern Rite Catholic historical facts and differences. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode.

    Episode #8 - Marriage

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2020 48:50


    In this episode, Shawn and a surprise guest are joined by a married couple who lead one of the marriage prep classes at E.C.R.C., Jason and Jennifer Abro, to talk about marriage. Both guests share their experiences and stories about their marriage and what they tell couples during the marriage prep classes. We talk about the Church's position on marriage and how the Bible gives us examples of how to have a great marriage. We also share some tips on how to keep a Christ centered marriage. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode.

    Episode #7 - Defending The Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 44:34


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by the hosts of The Catholic Avengers podcast, Shamasha (Sub-Deacon) Jeff Kassab and Pelar Esshaki to talk about defending the faith. Both guests share their experiences and stories about how they have come to know and defend the faith. We talk about why it's important, how to properly go about it, and the beauty that comes from doing so. Hope you enjoy and take away something from this episode.

    Episode #6 - The Chaldean Rite

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2020 52:02


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Matthew Zetouna on The Rite to be Catholic podcast to talk about the Chaldean Rite of the Catholic faith. Fr. Matthew shares his journey on how he came to learn about and love the Chaldean Rite. Living in America we are exposed to the Latin Rite more than other rites, however there are 24 other rites in the Catholic faith. All are in full communion with each other and each rite has their own traditions. This episode we will discuss the Chaldean Rite, the differences, the beauty of the rite, the history, and the mass.

    Episode #5 - The Quarantine Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 44:21


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Bryan Kassa and Mental Health Therapist Stephanie Nofar in The Rite to be Catholic podcast to talk about the current situation we all are living today, quarantine life. Fr. Bryan and Stephanie share their stories on how they have been dealing with quarantine and the stresses that come with it. We also discuss the Do's and Don'ts of quarantine, how if we are not careful during this time, it can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. The guests share ways to stay positive and how through prayer and therapy we can overcome this pandemic.

    Episode #4 - Toxic Masculinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 46:55


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by representatives of the Genesis 4:9 Men's Group Shamasha (Sub-Deacon) Jeff Kassab and Pelar Esshaki to talk about Toxic Masculinity and how being truly Masculine is good if one follows the example of Christ. In today's society, this can be looked at in a negative way. We will tackle that view and show you how to be truly masculine through Christ, the perfect example of masculinity.

    Episode # 3 - Holy Feminism & Women's Role in the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 46:57


    In this episode, host Shawn Aywar is joined by Sr. Rita Bazzi, spiritual advisor and Catholic talk show host, Coach and Communications Strategist/Evangelist Vanessa Denha Garmo. They are discussing Holy Feminism and the women's role in the church. Sister Rita and Vanessa share their stories on how they have encountered feminism in their lives and how it has changed their views on it. What is holy feminism vs. the feminism we see in the media today. How the Catholic church is for women and the many roles women have in the Church.

    Episode #2 - Confessions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2020 46:07


    In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Patrick Sitto and Shamasha (Sub-Deacon) Vidal Denha to talk about the Sacrament of Confession. Why confession is important, where it is mentioned in the bible, why Catholics believe what they believe about confession and common questions about this Sacrament are discussed. Vidal and Shawn share their confession testimonials and how it has impacted their lives. The steps of a proper confession and the benefits of a good examination of conscience before confession are also discussed.

    The Rite to be Catholic - Episode #1 Atheism

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2019 28:06


    In the podcast, The Rite to be Catholic host Shawn Ayar and his guests tackle everyday issues Catholics face. This is the first podcast produced by the Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization (E.C.R.C.) and Mar Toma Productions. The topics are derived from daily experiences and current affairs in our modern world. On every podcast, a guest shares a testimonial that demonstrates how many people face the same obstacles and how to overcome them through Christ. Listening to the podcast, you will not only learn about your Catholic faith, but also get answers to questions on your mind. The “Rite” to be Catholic podcast is being presented by believers of the Eastern Catholic Rite. Episode 1: Conversion of an Atheist In this episode, Shawn is joined by Fr. Pierre Konja and former atheist Delone Arabo, who is now a Catholic advocate. Delone shares his conversion story -- how he came to know God and the joys of being Catholic. Common misconceptions people have about the faith are discussed and how people with a good foundation, who are rooted in their faith, can overcome the greatest obstacles.

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