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"Catechism of Familiar Things Their History and the Events Which Led to Their Discovery" offers a comprehensive exploration of everyday objects and concepts, enriched by the insights of a Reverend who once taught Physics and Chemistry. This revised edition simplifies complex ideas, making them accessible to all, while also acknowledging the contributions of notable inventors and scientists. The book's alignment with doctrinal teachings adds a layer of respectability, appealing to educators and curious minds alike. Its clear definitions of challenging terms enhance understanding, ensuring that listeners can engage with the material fully.
The Catechism moves on from bishops—the episcopacy—to priests in the presbyterate, who share in the bishop's ministry “in a subordinate degree”, to be “co-workers”. Fr. Mike dives deep into the service-leadership that priests are called to. “[A priest's] whole life must be configured and must be conformed to Jesus Christ the high priest.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1562-1568. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
How do we know that God exists? Can reason lead us to God?In this episode, we begin a new series exploring one of the most famous arguments for the existence of God: St Thomas Aquinas' cosmological argument.Before diving into Aquinas' First Way, we take a step back and look at the big picture. What exactly is a cosmological argument? How does it work? And why did Aquinas think that observing the ordinary world around us could lead us to the existence of a First Cause or Unmoved Mover?In this episode, we discuss: What a cosmological argument is Why we often reason from visible effects to invisible causes Aquinas' observations about change, causation, and contingent existence The difference between temporal and hierarchical causes What Aquinas means by a First Cause or Unmoved Mover Why Aquinas is not yet trying to prove every Christian belief about God How this overview prepares us for Aquinas' First Three Ways This is the first episode in a series unpacking St Thomas Aquinas' arguments for the existence of God. Whether you're interested in philosophy, theology, apologetics, or simply wrestling with life's biggest questions, I hope these episodes help make Aquinas' thought more accessible and encourage you to explore these remarkable arguments for yourself.SUPPORT THE PODCASTThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating through the following links: Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/caitlinwest Contact: www.caitlinwest.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
Today in our sermon series on the Westminster Shorter Catechism, we come to question 32 which brings us to a new subdivision in the Catechism. It is true that we often lack an eternal perspective, but it is important to look at the blessing that we have from Christ in this life.
There are three degrees within the sacrament of Holy Orders: the episcopacy (bishops), the presbyterate (priests), and the diaconate (deacons). The Catechism begins unpacking ordination with the bishops. Fr. Mike speaks on the special role that bishops play in the life of the Church. Today's readings are from Catechism paragraphs 1554-1561. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism unpacks—by way of comparison—the “two participations in the one priesthood of Christ”: the common priesthood of all the faithful and the ministerial (or hierarchical) priesthood of the bishops and priests. Fr. Mike hones in on the ministerial priesthood as a means for Jesus to minister to his Church. His ministers act on his behalf in persona Christi Capitis: in the person of Christ, the Head. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1546-1553. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The priesthood of the Old Covenant among the people of Israel is fulfilled in the one priesthood of Christ. The Catechism compares the Old Testament priesthood, “powerless to bring about salvation,” with the ordained ministry in the New Covenant. Fr. Mike unpacks the reality that there is only one true priest—Jesus Christ. His “priests” on earth are humble ministers. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1539-1545. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Patrick threads together questions of Catholic identity, deep family ties, and unexpected moments from the news, moving from the evolution of the Baltimore Catechism to the nuance of Orthodox-Catholic liturgical participation and the tension of honoring parents amid religious shifts. In one breath, he sorts out canon law’s changes, in another, he walks with a teenager inching toward faith and wrestles with listeners' real-life struggles about justice and generosity in marriage. Fast-moving, raw, sometimes blunt, Patrick probes both doctrine and doubt within Church debates and cultural flashpoints, all while keeping an eye on the messier side of truth. Fr. Gustavo López (email) - According to Article 47 of the 1970 Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, a Catholic for certain reasons could attend an Orthodox Sunday liturgy and it would fulfill his or her Sunday Obligation. That article was deleted when the Directory was revised in 1993; therefore, attending an Orthodox liturgy no longer fulfills a Catholic's Sunday obligation. (01:27) Matthew - Should the Baltimore Catechism have gone beyond the 60s and 70s? (06:24) Brady (email) – I’m 14 and want to get back into Church, but I don’t want to face criticism from my family Email - Are there passages from Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or other Church documents that explain a husband's duties regarding family wealth, stewardship, and caring for his wife in a valid second marriage? (20:28) Audio: Fauci 2022: “I am very happy to testify before any congressional oversight committee. I have nothing to hide. I can explain and validate everything that I’ve done. - 30 - https://x.com/nataliegwinters/status/2082550593143611878 (35:14) Audio: Rand Paul -- “There will be repercussions to your refusal to testify today.” – 1min - https://x.com/overton_news/status/2082457710038036812?s=20 (36:07) Jim - Things were moving fast during COVID, and Fauci was doing the best that he could with what limited information he had. (37:20) Audio: JFK JR on Fauci having a Pulmonary Infarction after being vaccinated - https://x.com/overton_news/status/2082645786148446500/video/1?s=46 (44:58)
July 30, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism- Third PartDaily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 15:10-35; Acts 24:24-25:12“How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the Word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without God's Word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter 3: ‘He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying” (Titus 3:5-8, quoted in the Catechism: Holy Baptism- Third Part)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Water alone gets you wet. It has no power to save. In this, Lutherans agree with other Protestants. They say that simple water can't make you God's child, or give the Holy Spirit, or forgive, or establish you in a new, godly life. To that, Lutherans say, “You're right. Simple water can't do that.”But Baptism is more than just simple water, just as God's Word added with the water is more than just a simple word. God's Word does things. God's Word works. The washing of water with the Word gives us a new birth as God's children, a renewal of life that had been corrupted by sin, and it is a means of salvation.Why is it that simply speaking words over this water actually connects the Word to the water? You can read Holy Scripture over many other things - textbooks, your locker, your game system, and the Word is not joined to those things. But we say God's Word is joined to the water of Baptism. Why is this? Remember, Jesus is also called “the Word of God” (John 1:1). As “the Word of God,” Jesus stood in the water at His own baptism. There, God called Jesus His beloved Son. The Holy Spirit was given to Him. And Jesus took His place among sinful men, that He might redeem sinful men. Because the Word of God - Jesus - was joined to that water then, so this same Word of God, Jesus, is also joined to the water of Baptism now. The Baptismal words of God also bring along the Incarnate Word of God, Jesus, who joins the two together. And there, God reveals Himself as your Father, Christ as your brother, the Holy Spirit as your treasure.Thus, the water of Baptism is more than just simple water. As the Catechism says, it is indeed “a life-giving water, rich in grace.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Miracle each time it happens As the door to heaven opens And the Father beams, ‘Beloved, Heir of gifts a king would covet! (LSB 593:2)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.
The Catechism enters Chapter Three on the “Sacraments at the Service of Communion” which include both Holy Orders and Matrimony. As it introduces the sacrament of Holy Orders, Fr. Mike reminds us that every vocation is a gift, and that—no matter what state of life we are in or have been called to—we should read this chapter with an open heart and a grateful spirit. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1533-1538. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Medicine today often prioritizes efficiency, profits, and policies, but Catholic healthcare was founded on a very different mission: to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Gomer and Dave speak with Ryan Conklin of CHRISTUS Health about what makes Catholic healthcare unique, why healing is more than curing, and how Catholic hospitals can remain faithful to their mission in an increasingly secular world. If you've ever wondered what truly sets Catholic healthcare apart, this episode is for you. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Pre-order A Catechism of the Strange here: https://www.amazon.com/Catechism-Strange-Stigmata-Relics-Miracles/dp/0829460683 Catholicism is full of wounds, bones, dreams, incorrupt bodies, visions, relics, and saints who seemed to glow with the presence of God.But these strange things are not merely spooky trivia. They reveal something essential about the Christian life: grace does not simply forgive us from a distance. It enters us, transforms us, and conforms us to Christ.In this episode, I talk about why I wrote A Catechism of the Strange, how wonder helped lead me back to the faith, and what the strangest corners of Catholic tradition reveal about what every human person was created to become.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 63—especially explaining how all God-given sacrifices pointed sinners to believe in Christ. Q63. What did these sacrifices represent? Christ, the Lamb of God, Who was to die for sinners. The lesson explores the theological significance of Old Testament sacrifices as pointing to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. It traces this theme from the first gospel promise in Genesis through Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting his faith that God would provide a substitute. The message emphasizes that salvation has always been only through faith in Christ, whether prospective or retrospective, as illustrated by the Passover and affirmed in Revelation. By examining these passages, the teaching reinforces that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all God-given sacrifices. This understanding assures believers that redemption is found exclusively through faith in Jesus.
This summary of the Catechism's teaching about the Anointing of the Sick is concise and rich. This holy anointing brings us hope and courage as we endure illness and the difficulties of old age. While we pray for healing of body and soul, this sacrament also prepares us for death. Fr. Mike ends this episode by explaining three practices of the Church that help her members prepare for death. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1526-1532. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre receives a new and daunting mission: Pope Pius XII appoints him Apostolic Delegate for French-speaking Africa. Now, while still shepherding Dakar, he must represent the Holy See across dozens of missionary territories, from Morocco and Senegal to Madagascar and Réunion. Chapter 9 shows him encouraging bishops, creating new dioceses, helping choose future pastors, raising funds, bringing in religious congregations, and strengthening the Church's presence across a rapidly changing Africa. We see his loyalty to Rome, his practical genius, his calm authority, and his deep concern that the African Church be truly Catholic, missionary, and rooted in strong native clergy. See all the episodes: https://sspxpodcast.com/catechism Buy the Catechism at Angelus Press >> We'd love your feedback on this series! podcast@sspx.org – – – – – – View this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSl9sYNQ8kE – – – – – – – The Society of Saint Pius X offers this series and all of its content free of charge. If you are able to offer a one time or a small monthly recurring donation, it will assist us greatly in continuing to provide these videos for the good of the Church and Catholic Tradition. Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> – – – – – – – Explore more: Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ – – – – – What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. – – – – – – What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org
The effects of the Anointing of the Sick are numerous and deeply transformative. In times of great need and temptation, this sacrament brings us strength, courage, peace, and the forgiveness of sins. Fr. Mike explains that these effects aren't only for the individual recipient but for the whole ecclesial community. We learn that when a person approaches the threshold of death, joining this anointing with Reconciliation and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute “the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1520-1525. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today in The Catechism Series, we begin with two basic questions: what is a catechism, and why are we using the Roman Catechism, also known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent? Before we enter into the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments, and Prayer, it is important to understand the kind of book the Church has given us, and the authority it carries. Fr. Richard Boyle explains the history of the Roman Catechism, its connection to the Council of Trent, and why Catholics today still need clear, systematic formation in the truths of the Faith. See all the episodes: https://sspxpodcast.com/catechism Buy the Catechism at Angelus Press >> We'd love your feedback on this series! podcast@sspx.org – – – – – – View this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSl9sYNQ8kE – – – – – – – The Society of Saint Pius X offers this series and all of its content free of charge. If you are able to offer a one time or a small monthly recurring donation, it will assist us greatly in continuing to provide these videos for the good of the Church and Catholic Tradition. Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> – – – – – – – Explore more: Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ – – – – – What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. – – – – – – What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org
As both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have seen a huge surge of young adults converting in recent years, Kari and Harry have fielded many questions from people interested in learning more about their faith. In this episode, they share the backstory of their spiritual journey, how it's evolved, and their big hope for the future. Ep. 107 Show Notes: o Favorite Podcasts: The Bible in a Year, The Catechism in a Year, Father Evan Armatas, Word on Fire, Live with the Louhs, The Arenao Hallow Appo Father Mike Schmitz on Catholic + Orthodox Common Ground on the Eucharist - “Pray for the unity of Christians, that one day, what divides us as Christians, may be overcome by what unites us as Christians.”o "Pope Leo XIV attends the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in Istanbul, and joins Patriarch Bartholomew I to underscore the bonds that unite us in our Christian faith and the continuing efforts to seek full communion"o Join Kari on Substack, Instagram, or Facebook; Sign Up for Kari's email listo Kari's Bestselling Book for Moms: Is Your Daughter Ready?o Kari's Bestselling Devo for Teen & College Girls: Yours, Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparisons and Love Your Lifeo Kari's Books: Love Her Well, More Than a Mom, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know and Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For?
Thomas asked the natural follow-up question to the “broken window”: if forgiveness cancels the debt but the damage remains, what happens to that remaining damage after we die? In this episode Greg takes up the common Protestant objection that any further purification after death seems to add something to the finished work of the Cross. Drawing on the Catechism, Scripture, and the Church's long practice of praying for the dead, he explains that everyone in purgatory is already saved and will reach heaven. Purgatory is not a second chance or a third eternal destination; it is the final, merciful purification of those who die in God's friendship but are still imperfectly ready to stand before Him. If you have ever felt the tension between being forgiven and still knowing you are not yet whole, this episode is for you. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.
The Anointing of the Sick is not just for those on the verge of death but for any faithful suffering from a grave illness. Fr. Mike explains that because of this, we don't have to put this sacrament off to the very end; instead, we can enjoy the graces it confers as often as is fitting throughout a lifetime. This section also discusses how we can celebrate the Anointing of the Sick. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1514-1519. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Have you ever thought of the Holy Spirit as simply your Helper, Comforter, or Guide? While all of those things are true, the Bible paints a much bigger picture. In this message, we journey from Genesis to Revelation to discover the Holy Spirit's incredible mission. From bringing order out of chaos at creation, to gathering scattered people at Pentecost, to breathing life into dry bones, the Holy Spirit has always been carrying out God's plan of redemption. His work isn't just about helping us make it through another week. He's transforming lives, restoring creation, and inviting every believer to join in God's mission. If you've ever wondered, Who is the Holy Spirit? or What does the Holy Spirit actually do? this message will challenge the way you think about one of the most misunderstood Persons of the Trinity. No matter where you are in your faith journey, you'll be reminded that what feels chaotic, broken, or beyond hope is never beyond the transforming power of God. If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today. We'd also love to hear from you in the comments. How would you finish this sentence: "The Holy Spirit is..." #HolySpirit #WhoIsTheHolySpirit #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Theology #HolySpiritExplained #Pentecost #GenesisToRevelation #Discipleship #Jesus #ChristianLiving #ChurchSermon #RadiantChurch
In this sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead, but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all, and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same; so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominably injurious to Christ's one only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.
By taking up our cross and following Christ, we gain a new way of seeing sickness and frailty. Along with this newness of vision, the Church is given the command from her founder to heal the sick. Since its beginning, the Church has anointed the sick among us, praying for their healing and salvation. Amid their sufferings, the suffering can endure, uniting themselves to Christ's own afflictions for the sake of the Church. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1506-1513. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Sickness and suffering bring us face-to-face with our fragility and limitations. While they might cause some to lose hope and become bitter, we can also endure them in such a way as to grow in maturity and trust in God. Jesus not only heals the sick in the Gospels but also plunges into suffering's depths. In this redemptive work, we know Jesus as the physician of soul and body. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1499-1505. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In today's nugget day, Fr. Mike reviews the major themes of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike emphasizes the six spiritual effects of this sacrament and reminds us of the great gift of Confession because, as the Catechism states, “to the eyes of faith, no evil is graver than sin.” We conclude today's article with humble gratitude for God's unfathomable mercy. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1485-1498. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As our culture continues to redefine truth, where should Catholics stand? In this powerful homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC explains the Catholic Church's teaching on communism, socialism, human dignity, private property, and the role of the State in light of the Gospel. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the teachings of Popes Leo XIII and Pius XI, he reminds us that our ultimate hope and freedom come from God; not from any political ideology. Fr. Chris also addresses today's cultural challenges, the importance of defending objective moral truth, and why the Church teaches that authentic freedom, justice, and human dignity can only flourish when God remains at the heart of society.This homily is not about partisan politics; it is about the salvation of souls, the protection of religious freedom, and remaining faithful to Jesus Christ in a world that increasingly rejects His truth.Readings for July 23rd. 2026:https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072326.cfm© 2026 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. All rights reserved. ★ Support this podcast ★
Fr. Mike expands on the purpose of indulgences and clarifies why the Church has the authority to provide indulgences. We also learn about the role of the Communion of Saints in our strive for holiness and the different liturgical forms and elements of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1474-1484. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
“What did the early church believe about the Eucharist?” This question opens a discussion on foundational beliefs, while also addressing the serious implications of Church teaching on moral responsibilities, such as the obligation to care for those in need, and the perceived disparities in how the Church treats traditional versus liberal interpretations of faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:45 – What did the early church believe about the Eucharist? 16:23 – The Catechism says it’s a mortal sin to let a child die of starvation if you have the financial means to feed them. I don't know anyone who does this. Is this really Church teaching? 32:40 – Why does it seem that the Church is coming down unfairly on those who hold a more orthodox/traditional stance of church teaching and allows those who take a more liberal take on the faith run freely?
What is medicine really for? In this solo episode, Gomer explores the purpose of medicine through the lens of Scripture, philosophy, and the Catholic faith. Drawing from Sirach, Plato, St. Thomas Aquinas, Edmund Pellegrino, and the healing ministry of Jesus, he argues that today's healthcare crisis is ultimately a crisis of understanding what it means to be human. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
What happens to us when we go to Confession? Fr. Mike explains the powerful ways the Sacrament of Reconciliation spiritually restores and perfects us. We also learn about the eternal and temporal consequences of sin, and finally, Fr. Mike discusses the four aspects to an indulgence and how these aspects require our cooperation with God's grace. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1468-1473. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today is day 202 and we are on the section The Sixth Petition: "And lead us not into temptation". 202. What is the sixth petition? The sixth petition is “And lead us not into temptation.” (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4) We will conclude today with The Lord's Prayer. If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
If God is the one who forgives our sins, why do we need priests as confessors? The Catechism teaches us today about the role of the priest as the minister of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We learn that priests ought to be "servants" of God's mercy rather than "masters" of God's mercy. Fr. Mike invites us to pray for all priests' hearts, encouraging gentle, loving, and truthful confessors. Lastly, Fr. Mike clarifies the purpose of excommunication and the sacramental seal. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1461-1467. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today is day 201 and we are on the section on second part of the Fifth Petition: "As we forgive those who trespass against us". 201. Will your forgiveness of others always result in reconciliation? No. Though my decision and desire to forgive may not result in my neighbor's repentance or our reconciliation, I am still called to forgive. (Matthew 18:15–35; Romans 12:17–21) We will conclude today with Prayer 33. For Our Enemies found on page 655 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
There is a sin that has learned to survive by not looking like one. We have made room for it—quietly, in the way we work and compete and measure ourselves against the person beside us. We have given it respectable names: ambition, drive, a healthy edge. Everyone feels it, we tell ourselves. So perhaps it cannot be helped. And what cannot be helped, we assume, cannot really be a vice.But the Christian tradition never granted it that cover. It saw this thing as anti-life. It traced it back to Satan himself—not his first sin, but the bitter fruit of his pride, the refusal to bear that another might be beloved. It warned that this sin shrinks the heart, isolates the soul, and turns its poison first upon the one who harbors it—that to give way to it is, in the old and startling image, to lay the hangman against your own heart. It corrodes friendships and families, churches and nations. And it does all of this while convincing us it is only natural.What feeds it is a lie: the fear that there is not enough love to go around, that another's blessing must mean my own diminishment, that I am the less-favored child. And if that is the lie, then the remedy is not merely to try harder to be good. It is to be brought somewhere we can finally see the truth—that before God there is no greater and no lesser, only beloved children, and that the gift given at the altar is not divided when it is shared but multiplied. My guest today has spent years unveiling this sin and naming its cure. She is Michon Matthiesen, of the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, and her work traces it through Scripture and the Fathers, through Aquinas and Dante, all the way to the one place she believes it can finally be undone: the Eucharist.Links:Sacrifice as Gift: Eucharist, Grace, and Contemplative Prayer in Maurice de la Taille, by Michon Matthiesen (Catholic University of America Press)Find an archive of Michon's work at Adoremus, including essays on the liturgy and Eucharistic sacrifice: https://adoremus.org/author/michon-matthiesen/On envy in the Summa Theologiae (II-II, q. 36), Thomas Aquinas: https://www.newadvent.org/summa/3036.htm"Hunger, Poverty, and the Eucharist," by Bishop Daniel Flores, article via Church Life Journal“The Joy of Hate Watching,” by Luke Burgis, article via Church Life JournalChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
When we confess our sins, we're not telling God something he doesn't know; we're giving God access to something he doesn't have: permission to heal our wounds. Today we learn why the act of confessing our sins is an essential part of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike also clarifies the difference between absolution, penance, and satisfaction. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1455-1460. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today is day 200 and we are on the section on second part of the Fifth Petition: "As we forgive those who trespass against us". 200. How do you forgive others? Forgiveness is a decision of my will and an attitude of my heart that seeks the good of my neighbor, and chooses not to hold against them the damage they have inflicted. I forgive whether they have asked for forgiveness or not. (Exodus 23:4; Leviticus 19:17–18; Matthew 5:38–48; Luke 17:3–4; 23:34; Acts 7:60; Romans 12:14, 17–21; James 5:9; 1 Peter 3:9) We will conclude today with The Collect for Saint Stephen found on page 624 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Specifically, we explore the origins and structure of the sacrament that we use today. Fr. Mike emphasizes that although some of the ways we celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation have changed, the essential elements have always remained the same. He also explores the importance of understanding the differences between perfect and imperfect contrition. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1446-1454. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
We continue our examination of the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that sin, above all else, is an offense against God and his Church. It damages our communion with both. He also unpacks how important it is that God has extended his ability to forgive sins to his apostles and their successors. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1440-1445. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Adam's about to be Coweta's biggest celebrity. Porter and Prairie Farm's SEO game has worked so well that a Tulsa news station called wanting an interview about egg prices and how they're crushing family farms. Problem is, Adam has no idea what egg prices are doing anywhere else. He just knows what he charges, and that they've lost 35 chickens in two weeks. Lady Haylee, in her prudence, said maybe skip the interview. Adam already said yes. The real debate of the week: overalls or no overalls for the camera. Overalls, obviously. Carhartt, not blue jean, collared shirt underneath. Now both guys want branded farm overalls, Niles Ranch and Fecundity Farm for Dave, Porter and Prairie Family Farm for Adam.Sponsor: Amen app (from the Augustine Institute) The Amen app is the free Catholic prayer app the guys use to walk through the Sunday Gospel with their kids on the way to Mass, plus free access to classics like Divine Mercy in My Soul and True Devotion to Mary. No paywall, no subscription trap. Download the Amen app right now.Sponsor: Select International Tours When Adam and Dave planned their first pilgrimage, Select International Tours is who everyone pointed them to, and having used them, the guys can vouch for it. Wherever you want to go, head to selectinternationaltours.com and see what they offer.Dave's week wasn't any calmer. He harvested and shucked 500 to 700 ears of corn with the whole family, then blanched all of it late into the night while Lady Pamela held down a house full of unexpected company. His exact line on the way out the door: "I gotta go drink with my buddy for Jesus. It's a ministry, babe." Piglets are due any day, and this time he's praying they're born alive.The pour is a revisit: Salterra 14-Year Single Malt Scotch, finished in an Oloroso barrel, 48% ABV. Warm, not hot. Worth going back to.The prayer request is Mary. She's got an eye procedure Thursday, lasers, to make sure her retina stays attached so she doesn't go blind. She needs to put on weight first. Some days she gains 70 grams, some days she loses it. Thank you for praying. Keep it up.Then the real topic: what actually happens to your soul between the moment you die and the resurrection of your body. Can fire really burn something with no body to burn? Pulling from Aquinas's Summa, the guys walk through it. Your body dies, your soul doesn't, and it faces judgment immediately, heaven, hell, or purgatory on the way to heaven. The senses go dark since they run through bodily organs, but the intellect and the will, the parts that never needed a body to operate, stay fully awake. Aquinas's answer to the fire question: it doesn't burn the soul like a stove burns wood. It binds it. In sin, you subjected your higher self to a lower appetite, so in justice, a lower thing, fire, now holds your higher self captive. It's God's instrument, not chemistry.Then the bonus round: limbo. The limbo of the fathers, emptied by Christ at the Harrowing of Hell. The limbo of infants, never defined as dogma, still debated, and Dave's new coinage for where he thinks it actually belongs: limburgatory. A place with no suffering doesn't belong bolted onto hell.Protect what you love. Provide the truth even when it costs you something. Establish your kids in what's actually at stake. Raise your glass.TOPICS COVEREDPorter and Prairie Farm's SEO play working so well a Tulsa news station wants an egg price interviewLosing 35 chickens in two weeks and having zero idea what egg prices are doing anywhere elseThe overalls debate: Carhartt over blue jean, collared shirt, and the case for branded farm overallsThe economics of homesteading: it only "pays for itself" if you value your own labor at zeroDave shucking and blanching 500 to 700 ears of corn with the whole family in one night"I gotta go drink with my buddy for Jesus, it's a ministry, babe"Piglets due any day and praying for a better outcome than last timeBourbon of the week: revisiting Salterra 14-Year Single Malt Scotch, Oloroso barrel finish, 48% ABVPrayer update on baby Mary: a Thursday laser eye procedure to protect her retina, and the fight to gain weightWhat actually happens to the soul between death and the resurrection of the bodyMatthew 25:41 and what "everlasting fire" could mean for a devil who has no body to burnThe difference between your particular judgment at death and the general judgment at the end of timeWhy death is genuinely abhorrent: the violent separation of body and soul, not just leaving earthAquinas on why the intellect and will stay fully awake after death even though the senses go darkSt. Gregory versus Aquinas on whether merely seeing hellfire is itself the punishmentAquinas's actual argument: fire doesn't cook the soul, it binds it, as an instrument of divine justiceWhy the fires of hell and purgatory are, per Aquinas, the very same fireThe three conditions required for mortal sin, and why hell is always a freely chosen destinationThe limbo of the fathers, the bosom of Abraham, and Christ emptying it at the Harrowing of HellThe limbo of infants, the 2007 theological commission document, and why it was never defined as dogmaBaptism of desire and the "intent of an intent" question for unbaptized infantsDave's case for "limburgatory" against Dante's placement of limbo as an annex of hellWhy presuming on God's mercy is itself a sin, and how that shapes the whole limbo debateREFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBooks & Writings:Summa Theologiae, Supplement, Questions 69 and 70, by St. Thomas Aquinas (compiled by his students after his death)The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (limbo placed as an annex of hell)Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska (free on the Amen app)True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort (free on the Amen app)Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1261 (hope for children who die without baptism)The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized, International Theological Commission, 2007 (approved by Pope Benedict XVI)Saints & Church Figures:St. Thomas AquinasSt. Gregory (the Great)St. AugustineSt. Francis de SalesSt. Maria Faustina KowalskaSt. Louis de MontfortPope Benedict XVIDr. Peter Kreeft (referenced via the Matt Fradd interview clip, and the recent death of his wife of 63 years)People:Adam Minihan (host; Porter and Prairie Family Farm, Lady Haylee, baby Mary's NICU and eye procedure update, M6 Marketing, The Grounded Builder on Substack)Dave Niles (host; Fecundity Farm, Niles Ranch, Lady Pamela, the corn harvest, coiner of "limburgatory")Lady Haylee (Adam's wife)Lady Pamela (Dave's wife)Matt Fradd (interviewer in the referenced Peter Kreeft clip)
In episode THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FOUR, Wade discusses how to pray Luther's Small Catechism. We hope you enjoy the episode! Let us know if you have questions you'd like us to address in a future episode. For more about the show and the hosts, visit the Let the Bird Fly! website. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music and Image used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner. “Not Drunk” by The Joy Drops is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.
Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance. In particular, we explore the different forms of penance, such as prayer, fasting, almsgiving, as well as other things people can do that orient their hearts towards conversion. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of taking up our own personal cross, accepting the suffering that is given to us by the Lord to carry with him each and every day. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1434-1439. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
We continue our examination of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Fr. Mike explores that interior conversion, or conversion of the heart, is a radical reorientation of our whole life. Conversion is so much more than just going through the motions or checking off the boxes. He emphasizes that interior conversion and repentance requires an active hatred for sin. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1427-1433. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
What does it mean to practice medicine as a faithful Catholic? Dave VanVickle is joined by Grant and Christy Martsolf to explore a vision of healthcare that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. They discuss restorative medicine, the dignity of the human person, AI, lessons from COVID, and how faith is shaping the future of healthcare through their new practice, Headwaters Clinic. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Together, with Fr. Mike, we begin the chapter on the sacraments of healing, starting with the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Christ has given the Church the power of the Holy Spirit to continue his earthly ministry of healing and redemption with the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. He also points out that through Reconciliation, we not only receive God's forgiveness, but are also reconciled to the Church. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1420-1426. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism has spent considerable time unpacking Holy Communion—the “sacrament of sacraments”—with us, and now she summarizes the most essential truths that we must internalize and move forward with. Fr. Mike takes this “nugget day” to tell us that God desires to feed us. He has given us his Son so that we might be filled with him and made whole again, in unity with him for all of eternity. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1406-1419. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism wraps up its overview of the Eucharist by reminding us that the sacrament of Holy Communion is a foretaste of what is to come in heaven. Fr. Mike exhorts us to prepare our hearts here on earth so that they might be conformed to God, ready to unite with him forever in heaven. The Eucharist is a most excellent path to such unity. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1402-1405. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The sacrament of Holy Communion unites the faithful together in a most profound, visible way. It also makes disunity in the Church all the more painful and apparent. The Catechism reveals the Church's teachings regarding the Eucharist and Christian churches who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike addresses a most common and difficult question: “If a non-Catholic believes that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, why can they not receive him in the sacrament?” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1396-1401. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As the popular adage goes, “you are what you eat.” The Catechism tells us that, as food nourishes the body, so Jesus present in Holy Communion nourishes the soul. It especially highlights the Eucharist's role in separating us from sin. Fr. Mike reminds us we must be open to change if Jesus is going to change us in the reception of Holy Communion. If—to use Fr. Mike's analogy—Holy Communion is a “shower” of graces, we must ensure that we're not wearing a raincoat. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1391-1395. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism goes over the prerequisites to receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, as well as how often the faithful can and should receive him. Fr. Mike ensures that we understand the gravity of our obligation to go to the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion. As St. Paul said, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1384-1390. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
We continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist, specifically how we worship the Eucharist. Fr. Mike examines how we, as Catholics, worship Christ's true and real presence in the Eucharist. He emphasizes how incredibly important the worship of Christ in the Eucharist is, specifically in Adoration. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1378-1383. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.