Podcasts about children now

The Oakland school district is looking for ways to fund lead contamination cleanup, after tests earlier this year revealed that at least 30 schools have dangerous lead levels in the drinking water. The district has been under fire from students, teachers and parents for taking months to release the results of its testing. We'll talk about why Oakland, in the schools and beyond, has such high rates of lead poisoning, how the school district has handled it and what needs to be done to fix it. Guests: Alex Bledsoe, activist filmmaker producing OAKLEAD, a documentary about the history of lead poisoning in Oakland Kelly Hardy, senior managing director of health and research, Children Now, a California-based org focused on improving child well-being Mike Hutchinson, vice president, Oakland School Board

We Are God's Children Now and Forever; Acts 2:28-3:3; David Harl Scripture read by Ray Demaret

Best-selling mystery writer Alafair Burke talks to Susan Carey Dempsey about her latest book, “Where are the Children Now?” Shelter Island — and the South Ferry — provide a critical clue.

Lishaun Francis - Director of Behavioral Health at Children Now – joins Tavis for a conversation about the rising concerns for the mental health of youth and teens in light of recent tragic events, and with regard to new data that shows that the youth are presently in a mental health crisis.

2022.09.11 We Are God's Children Now | 1 John 2:28 - 3:10 by EP Church Annapolis

Lishaun Francis - Director of Behavioral Health at “Children Now,” a research, policy and advocacy group focused on building power for kids. As part of the health team, she leads Children Now's behavioral health portfolio. As kids come back to start the new school year in Los Angeles and several other districts across California this week, there's been a renewed focus on their mental health (particularly for children of color). In light of recent events in the past few years (school shootings, Covid, debates of teaching CRT, and more), it seems that kids need mental support now more than ever. She joins Tavis to unpack the many issues that kids are struggling with, and to talk about the ways that they can be helped to make it through these challenging times.

A new lawsuit was filed Monday accusing the National Football League and its owners of violating the Chargers relocation terms with the city of San Diego. Then, after a loss in the U.S. Supreme Court, the Biden administration has officially withdrawn its vaccine mandate for large businesses. Later, KPBS military reporter Steve Walsh reports on how the Navy is trying to manage this latest phase of the pandemic. After, a recent report from Children Now shows the suicide rate for Black youth and young adults ages 10-24 has doubled since 2014, while rates among other goups have remained the same. So what's driving this disturbing trend? Lastly, Bay Curious looks into the threats facing butterflies.

Happy New Year 2022 from the California Charter Schools Association! It's the start of a new legislative season in Sacramento. Governor Gavin Newsom kicked things off by releasing his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. We hear from CCSA's Vice President Colin Miller who gives us more details about the proposed spending plan – and what it all means for charter public schools.  In our Change Makers segment, CCSA's President and CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Ted Lempert, Executive Director of Children Now, a research and advocacy organization in Oakland. Lempert talks about education funding today under the state's Local Control Funding Formula and what his organization is doing to ensure all students get a high-quality, equitable education. Finally, we bring you an audio postcard from Para Los Ninos in Los Angeles which is offering digital literacy classes to their Spanish speaking parents. Parents learn everything from sending an email to downloading Zoom so they can join meetings. 

Weekly roundup for July 31, 2021 The United States approaches two consequential deadlines today. What is the deadline for California? How much more dysfunction can we endure before the deadline for our tolerance will expire? NOTES: 1. "Debt Limit", Department of the Treasury, accessed July 31, 2021; https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-markets-financial-institutions-and-fiscal-service/debt-limit 2. "Republicans threaten to hold up debt ceiling days before deadline, raising potential for political showdown", by Tony Romm, Seung Min Kim and Mike DeBonis, Washington Post, July 21, 2021; https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/07/21/republicans-debt-ceiling 3. "Can Democrats raise the debt ceiling alone and avert a market meltdown?", by Chris Matthews, MarketWatch, July 31, 2021; https://www.marketwatch.com/story/can-democrats-raise-the-debt-ceiling-alone-and-avert-a-market-meltdown-11627672206 4. "Progressive Cori Bush says 'some Democrats went on vacation instead' of preventing the eviction moratorium from expiring", Business Insider, July 31, 2021; https://www.businessinsider.com/cori-bush-democrats-vacationed-ahead-of-eviction-moratorium-expiration-2021-7 5. "House Republicans Block Emergency Legislation by Chairwoman Waters to Extend Federal Eviction Moratorium Due to Republican Objections: Thousands of Families and Children Now at Risk of Eviction", U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, July 30, 2021; https://financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=408277 MUSIC CREDIT: "Angry Bass Line", by Adigold; elements.envato.com IMAGE CREDIT: "Tying one's shoes", by asobuno, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tying_one%27s_shoe.jpg

Today, Thursday July 29 “We Are God's Children Now” 1 John 3:1-3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. When I was a young kid growing up in the state of Texas, my dad was a pastor and we were very poor. I have often said, “That the poor people called us poor.” We also moved so frequently that I never felt like I had any friends or was ever accepted by the kids around me. (I went to thirteen different school by the time I graduated.) So, I lived in my own little world and would often daydream what it would be like to have a powerful rich daddy, maybe who was even the President of the United States. It was a fantasy world! Of course that never happen for me as a child, but one day, February 21, 1971, as a nineteen year old teenager, in Cincinnati Ohio, I found Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and I was born again into a new family! The family of God. John reminds us here in these verses that this happened because of God's great love for us. He wrote in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.” God's love does not save me but it was His love that sent His Son to pay the price for my sins which was death on a cross! And now He can save me because the sin price has been satisfied and if I receive Him, He does a wonderful miracle. Paul wrote about this in Colossians 1:13-14, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” John says it this way in John 1:12-13, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” At the moment of our new birth we are transferred from the family of the devil into the family of God and “we are God's children now…” (v. 2). Present tense, not some day in the future!!!!! What can I say!!!!!! My Father created the universe, He is in charge of everything, and He owns everything! And He calls me His beloved child! I am eternally loved and accepted by Him! We can now love God, because He first loved us! (1 John 4:19) Oh, my friend, be encouraged to know, that if you have received Jesus as your Savior, God calls you His child! And this is not a fantasy world! It is the “real deal!” Awesome!!!!! God bless!

Jake speaks with Lishaun Francis of Children Now. They discuss the nature of the crisis of suicide, anxiety, depression and substance use facing kids today, and what we can do about it on a policy level as we exit the pandemic. Children Now is an organization that advances public policy to support the physical and mental health of kids, especially children of color.

Economic development and public policy trailblazer Lenny Mendonca -- who most recently served as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Chief Economic and Business Advisor -- takes us inside the administration’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and shares insights on a range of vital topics, including: the shape of California’s economic recovery the future of workK-12 and higher education alignmentschool fundingthe importance of leaders making space to openly discuss mental health, and of coursethe impact of the COVID-19 crisis on just about everything. ABOUT OUR GUESTLenny Mendonca grew up in Turlock in California’s Central Valley. He received his MBA and certificate in public management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he now serves as a lecturer. He holds an AB, magna cum laude, in economics from Harvard College.As a senior partner emeritus with the global consulting firm McKinsey and Company, he has worked with public sector, nonprofit and corporate clients, and developed expertise in areas such as globalization, economic development, regulation and education. Lenny has chaired and served on numerous statewide, national and regional nonprofit boards and coalitions, such as California Forward, New America, Bay Area Council and Children Now (to name just a few) to help advance ambitious budget, education and governance reforms. Soon after being elected in November 2018, Gavin Newsom appointed Lenny as Chief Economic and Business Advisor to the Governor, a position he served in until April of this year, when he stepped down for health reasons. Lenny lives on the Half Moon Bay coast with his wife, Christine. They raised their two daughters, Allie and Rebecca, there and are the founders and owners of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and the Mavericks Beer Company.LEARN MOREGovernor’s Future of Work CommissionRegions Rise Together initiative“I faced a challenge one out of every three people in America has: depression and anxiety,” guest commentary by Lenny Mendonca, July 2020 CalMattersQUOTABLE“California is a state with radically different economies, radically different industries, radically different challenges. It was true before the environment that we're in today and this pandemic accelerates it: We need to have a closer integration between understanding what the future of work looks like, what jobs will be available and how to ensure that everyone in the state has the educational experience to succeed."ABOUT CASBOThe California Association of School Business Officials is the premier resource for professional development and business best practices for California's school business leaders. CASBO is dedicated to promoting excellence and professionalism in all aspects of school business.Follow at @CASBOABOUT YOUR SERIES GUIDE Paul Richman is a public education advocate and consultant. Contact him at edfundingca@gmail.com. Follow at @pjr100

In our inaugural episode, Guest Samantha Tran from Children Now, a statewide nonprofit organization, takes us through a study comparing a typical California high school to similar schools in two other states that invest more per student than California. What the study found, she says, was jarring.Public school students in California don’t have the same types of experiences and opportunities that kids in most other states do. The typical California school is dramatically understaffed. On average, California has among the worst ratios of adults to students, among the highest class sizes, lowest number of counselors, nurses, social workers – and, Samantha says, that means kids get a lot less opportunities than kids in other state that invest more.View the report, “Not Enough Adults to go Around: Underfunded California Schools Provide Less Support For Kids.” As part of this episode, Samantha also helps us explore how California school funding wound up in this situation, and what it might take to raise up the state’s inadequate investment. We consider an insightful way to measure a state’s overall commitment to education funding -- by a concept economists call “effort” – that is, comparing how much a state spends on schools as a percentage of the personal income earned by state residents.The Children Now report states that, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, in the late 1960s Californians as a whole were contributing 4 percent of their personal income to schools; by 2015-16, that had declined to 3.2 percent (among the lowest 10 states), which translates into a difference of $16.6 billion if Californians made a similar effort today as they did decades ago. In addition, if California invested at the national average level of effort, which is 3.7 percent, it would be spending an additional $11 billion per year on its schools. Both Illinois and New Jersey – the two states included in the Children Now research brief -- fund a much higher level of effort, 4.5 and 4.9 percent, respectively. If California spent on K-12 education at a similar level of effort as these two states, it would spend an additional $26.7 billion (Illinois effort) or $37 billion (New Jersey effort). “There has been a lot of work to improve public schools in California,” Samantha says. “A lot of reforms have occurred. But we have not stepped up on the investment side – and that means we do not have enough adults on campus. We can only push so far without also investing in the resources to help educators be successful and ultimately support student outcomes.”

Greetings! Welcome to Lechem Panim. In today's passage (1 John 5:1-12) we are going to be talking a lot about assurance; assurance of who Jesus is and assurance of who we are in Him. If You Wake— I recently read a story about [A life insurance agent {who} was speaking with a would-be client. After a long presentation of the risks of not buying the policy, the man was still a bit hesitant. “I feel that you're trying to frighten me into a hasty decision. “Oh, no, I would never do such a thing!” the agent assured him. “I'll tell you what — Sleep on it tonight. If you wake in the morning, give me a call then and let me know your decision.”] If you want assurance, an insurance agent is not always the best choice. However, when it comes to where we are going to spend eternity, the apostle John wants his readers to have absolute assurance. One of the things that makes 1 John such a valuable epistle is that it's aim is to give us personal assurance of our salvation. While in his Gospel, John writes in order that we might “have” eternal life (John 20:20-31), he wrote this epistle so that we might “know” we have eternal life (I John 5:13). He uses the word "know" 39 times in this epistle alone. John wants us to have the assurance and peace that comes from knowing where we stand with God. Do you know where you stand this morning in your relationship with God? Do you have complete assurance of your salvation. John says we can. We can test ourselves in order to know whether or not we are truly children of God. And John gives us three major tests. Belief in Christ— In verse 1 is the first test: What we believe about Jesus. It says: 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, Both Divine and Human— And as we said before, that involves our believing that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. And as fully God and fully man, He died on the cross for the atonement of our sins and was raised from the dead in order that we also might experience victory over sin and death. So belief in who Jesus claims to be and placing our faith and trust in Him for salvation is how we receive salvation.  Love for God's Children— Now in the second part of verse 1 we are given the second test: and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. If we are truly saved, then we will truly love the Father. And if we love the Father the way we ought to, we will love and care about those He loves and cares about. Now John has made this point before. Remember he records in his Gospel Jesus saying in… John 13:34-35 (ESV)— 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Obvious, but Not Easy—  Now we know that we are supposed to love each other; that's obvious. But just because something is obvious doesn't mean it's easy. I think sometimes we forget how difficult this really is. How do we think about that sibling who has wounded us? That person at church who has wounded us? Those people who you run into in life who, when you are down, enjoy kicking you and making you feel small? What about that person at work who always makes your job harder by how they do theirs. In our thought life, how do we view them? Do we love them? Apart from God, that love becomes very difficult; actually impossible. We can never truly love our brother or sister or neighbor until we first love the Father in and through Jesus Christ. Our love for God can enable us to love them because we love them not for their own sakes, but for Christ's sake. And John is very careful to connect the two. We love our brothers and sisters and neighbors by first loving God. If we truly love Him and maintain that relationship, He will perfect the love we have for others. He says in verse 2… 1 John 5:2-3a (ESV)— 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. Obeying God's Commands— And in that verse is contained the third test of genuine Christianity: loving God and obeying his commands. If we truly love God, then we will keep His commands. And more than that, we will want to keep His commands. They will be a joy. As the second part of verse 3 says: And his commandments are not burdensome. Now why are they not burdensome? Because His Law; His commands are not just regulations He comes up with, but are an expression of His very nature and character. And therefore if we truly love Him, we will love His nature and character and therefore as a result will also love His Law and practice His commands. Overcome the World— Now verses 4-5 mark what is perhaps one of the most encouraging passages in scripture. It says… 1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)— 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Living in Light— Through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, we can have victory over sin and temptation because we can, as John says, abide by the commands that God has given us. We can live in His light and have victory over the darkness merely because of the fact that we are abiding in the Light of the World and He in us. And if we allow Him, He can expel all darkness in us and also much of the darkness around us as we bring the light of Christ to others. And once again if we truly love Christ, then we will want to do that. Refuting Gnosticism— Now during this time there was a false heresy that was developing that served as the foundation for what would later become Gnosticism. And this was a belief system that denied that Jesus Christ had come in the flesh (1Jn 4:1-3; cf. 2Jn 7). And one of the representatives of this belief system was a man named Cerinthus. And he taught that the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at the time of his baptism and then left him before he died on the cross. And so (they claim) that “Christ' never experienced death. Now WE know that it was necessary that Jesus (as the Christ) die in order to atone (to pay for) the sins of the world. And you cannot be a true Christian without believing in that foundational truth. This is why John has been trying to emphasize throughout this epistle first that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (1 John 4:2) and secondly, those who believe that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are “of God” and have been “born of God” (1 John 4:2; 5:1a). And in defense of this John presents to us specific witnesses we have concerning the truth that Jesus is the Christ and that he has come in the flesh. 1 John 5:6a (ESV)– 6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood.  The Water— Now the "water" refers to Jesus' baptism in the Jordan river, when the Father spoke from heaven and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:13–17). And you will remember that after he came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended and rested upon him as a dove. And this was one of the means by which the Father testified (audibly from heaven) concerning His Son; right at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Talk about validation!!! The Blood— Now the second witness is “the blood”. And “the blood” refers to Jesus' death on the cross and the testimony that was born of Jesus as He was hanging there. At the end of Jesus' ministry [the Father gave further witness as the time drew near for Jesus to die. He spoke audibly to Jesus from heaven, and said, “I have both glorified it [My name], and will glorify it again” (John 12:28). Furthermore, the Father witnessed in miracle power when Jesus was on the cross: the supernatural darkness, the earthquake, and the rending of the temple veil (Matt. 27:45, 50–53). No wonder the centurion cried out, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (v. 54) Jesus did not receive “the Christ” at His baptism and lose it at the cross. On both occasions, the Father witnessed to the deity of His Son.] The Spirit— Now “the water and the blood” are not alone in their witness, but are joined by a third witness: The Holy Spirit. It says in… 1 John 5:6b-8 (ESV)– And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.  And so we see that the Holy Spirit is another key witness to the incarnate Christ. And He is certainly a strong witness, for He was heavily involved in every aspect of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus. He was involved in Jesus' conception (Mt 1:20), played an active role in His baptism (Mt 3:16), was with Jesus and led Him during His time of temptation in the wilderness (Lk 4:1), and was upon Him for all of His ministry (Lk 4:18). He also came upon the disciples, sanctifying them and bestowing on them spiritual gifts (Hebrews 2:3-4); and inspiring some of the disciples to author New Testament books and letters. And so the Spirit is a huge witness to who Christ is. And John points out how The Spirit, the water, and the blood, all agree with one another, meaning that they agree in their testimony that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Now here John continues… 1 John 5:9 (ESV)– 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. The Greater Testimony— And this simply means that since in a court of law we receive and accept the witness of men, how much more should we accept the testimony of God. Isn't he greater? Of course. Now for those who have been “born of God”, it says… 1 John 5:10a (ESV)– 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.  Confirmation in Our Spirit— And what John (and Jesus) is saying is that when we set out hearts and minds on doing the will of God, we will know that the doctrine of Christ is really from God. We will receive confirmation in our spirit regarding who Jesus really is and who we are in Him as born again believers. Now there are those (obviously) who reject the testimony of God. And John says of them…  1 John 5:10b-12 (ESV)– Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. And what John is saying is that you cannot have life apart from Jesus. All these witnesses that John is talking about (witnesses to who Christ is) ought to lead us to place our faith in Him as the ONLY source of life there is; and to follow Him with a complete and total commitment of ALL of who we are to Him. When we truly place our faith in Jesus like that, there will be (like John says) that fruit; that evidence in our lives demonstrated in righteousness and love; and we can have assurance that we are indeed children of God. And if you want to experience that deeper relationship with Him today, open your heart to God in prayer and invite Him to begin that work in you. And as it says in… Philippians 1:6b (ESV)— …he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This sermon was delivered by Pastor Jordan Hall on December 8, 2019 at Fellowship Baptist Church. Entitled, We Are God's Children Now, this sermon was taken from 1 John 3-2-3 and deals with the topic of adoption and expectations for holy living.

This week: We discuss retiring CSU Chancellor Timothy White's impact and why two competing taxes on the November 2020 ballot would be problematic.

The California Community Colleges Podcast kicks off the new year with a topical discussion on “starting early” – improving the education pipeline by investing thought and resources into early childhood education. In this episode, Samantha Tran, Senior Managing Director of Education Policy at Children Now, and Heather Hough, Executive Director of Policy Analysis for California Education, join Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley to provide their expertise on evolving topics like universal preschool, building the early childhood workforce, and the importance of early education in closing achievement gaps. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/CCCCOPodcastEpisode19_transcript.pdf

Did you know, one in six children has a developmental disability and one in five is neurologically impaired? Can toxic chemicals be the cause of most of these disabilities? Our guest today is Shelley Tzorfas the Author of “Recovering Autism, ADHD, & Special Needs” A guide to Help Parents and Those Who Work with Children Heal their Children Now. .Shelley is the owner of Specialized Tutoring/Learning Assessments and believes that the kids need one to one instruction. Shelley has been working with children and teens afflicted with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities as well as average but struggling "C" students. Her book is a guide for parents and teachers to learn efficient and effective ways to heal special needs children now. The book also covers information on how to navigate the educational system from pre-school school through college, vacationing with special needs children, and career ideas beyond the school years. A must read for parents and teachers and therapists who willing to do the work and to children  to become happy, healthy, independent and self-reliant. To buy Shelley’s book follow this link: Recovering Autism, ADHD, Special Needs

Everyone agrees kids are important. Ted Lempert of Children Now and the Children’s Movement talks with us about the cracks in services to children, and how we’re failing to make sure all children have equitable and equal opportunities and access to early education, healthcare, and K-12 education. While budget issues are being debated in Congress […] The post Family Connections – Falling Through the Cracks–Where We’re Failing America’s Kids and What You Can Do appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

**Today's host(s):** Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O'Connell  **Today's guest(s):** Fr. John Phalen, CSC, President of Holy Cross Family Ministries * [Holy Cross Family Ministries](http://hcfm.org/) * [Congregation of Holy Cross](http://www.holycrosscongregation.org/) * [Brothers of Holy Cross](http://www.holycrossbrothers.org/) * [Family Rosary](http://familyrosary.org/) * [Family Theater Productions](http://www.familytheater.org/) * [The Story of Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC](http://www.hcfm.org/FatherPeyton.aspx) **Today's topics:** Father John Phalen of Holy Cross Family Ministries, the Family Rosary, Family Theater, God's Children Now retreat **A summary of today's show:** Scot and Fr. Mark talk with Fr. John Phalen about praying the rosary as a family including practical tips for praying with children. They also discussed the upcoming Family Rosary day for families on June 4 at BC High and the status of the cause for canonization of Fr. Patrick Peyton, the famed Rosary Priest. Also, this Sunday's Gospel reading on the road to Emmaus. **1st segment:** Scot welcomes back Fr. Mark. Fr. Mark says in the past week he's been doing end of the academic year duties, including his last class with seminarians at St. John's for the year and last with the permanent deacon class. He teaches marriage & family and a class on the temporal goods of the Church and is just starting an introduction to canon law class. Scot said May is one of the two months of the year the Church dedicates to the Blessed Mother. (October is the other.) One of the ways we live the devotion to the Blessed Mother is the rosary. In Easton, Mass., is headquartered Holy Cross Family Ministries, founded by Fr. Patrick Peyton, known as the Rosary Priest. Fr. John Phalen, the current president of the ministry, will join us to discuss praying the rosary as a family. **2nd segment:** Scot welcomes Fr. Phalen to the show. Fr. Phalen is a past president of the Mariological Society. Scot asked Fr. Phalen why Catholics need to turn to Mary for a robust faith life. He said Mary was the first Christian and the first among the saints. If we want to conform our lives to Christ, we should go to the one who knew Him the best. She is the one who contemplated His face the most, who spent the most time with Him in her life. Here in the Northeast, we connect May with flowers, but this month we also celebrate Mother's Day, so it is appropriate. Fr. Mark asked about her role as intercessor. Fr. Phalen said Mary is a special intercessor. He said that on a trip to Uganda, he found a parish called "I Saw You" Parish. The pastor said the ground was the king's property at one time and it was forbidden trespass. When trespassers were brought before the king, the accusation was "I Saw You" and they would be condemned to death. The only person who could intercede with the king was the Queen Mother and she would sometimes intercede, asking for him to comply as a favor to her. People in the parish understood the role of Mary as intercessor  by this Queen Mother role. Mary helps us by going to her Son an interceding for us with her prayer. She is like us completely, being a human being who gave birth to her savior. Scot said he recalls Fr. Peyton's saying "The Family that prays together, stays together." Why is it great for families to pray the rosary together? Fr. Phalen said the rosary's prayers are very simple: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. If they need the mysteries, there is simple guides available. Saying the Hail Mary over and over helps us to contemplate the mysteries. The Rosary is simple so everyone can do it. Grown adults can participate on their own level, but in the presence of other members of their family.  Fr. Mark said there are many families that try and give up because of how the kids squirm. Fr. Phalen says keep trying, but do it in small bites, like just one decade at a time. Keep coming back to it. Model it as a something you want to do it and then hold it out as something they can do when they're grown up enough to do it. It's been proven that the Rosary lowers blood pressure and calms you down. But sometimes we make the perfect the enemy of the good and we expect a complete rosary right then and there. Gradually, they will become accustomed to it. Fr. Mark asked about the balance between listening to the words of the Hail Mary and reflecting on the mystery. We don't want to just whip through the words. Fr. Phalen says he's usually trying to get people to slow down and enunciate the words. As for repetition, Bishop Sheen used to say that if you love someone, you will say you love them over and over again. We're different people from moment to moment and so we're not repeating ourselves because we're saying it as a new person to a new person. I love who you are now as I am now. We also have repetition in the Mass: Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, Lord have mercy. Holy, Holy, Holy. It's not enough just to say it once. Scot asked when are the best times for families to pray the Rosary together. Fr. Phalen says dinnertime is great because the family is all together, so pray before or after the meal, relating it to the meal and the unity achieved around the dinner table. Ask the children for their special intentions. Besides the spiritual benefit, the children and parents learn more about what is going on in their hearts and minds and lives. **3rd segment:** Scot asked the best way to offer intentions for family rosaries. Fr. Phalen said it will help to break up the whole rosary by punctuating each decade with specific intentions, while offering general intentions for the whole rosary. Should each family member have their own or share one rosary? Fr. Phalen said some families keep a bowl of rosaries. Others have a set of hooks with a rosary for each person. Then there's the orsary our mothers gave us: Our ten fingers. Fr. Mark asked about good sources of mysteries: Fr. Phalen said there is the book of "[Father Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book](1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=pilo0e-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0898709822)". There's also his own book "[Living the Rosary: Finding Your Life in the Mysteries](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594712646/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pilo0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=1594712646)." When he was in seminary, he would return home to visit his parents. He would spend time at night on the dock on the lake, and he would find the Glory of God in the world and receive a sense of God's presence. This moment stays with him now, especially every time he contemplates the mystery of the Transfiguration. His aim in the book is helping people connect the moments in their lives to the moments in the mysteries that will helps us in our prayer. Scot asked about the Luminous Mysteries that Bl. John Paul II offered to the Church. Fr. Phalen said one of his most profound remarks was that the Rosary marks the rhythm of life. This was from his [Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae_en.html). He said that the rosary was the prayer of the laypeople. It was created in the Middle Ages in imitation of the monks' prayer the 150 Psalms of the Liturgy of the Hours. Because they couldn't read, the people needed the assistance of an image of a mystery to help them pray. In the churches and cathedrals the artwork taught the people of the moments of the lives of Christ and Mary and the saints, just like the mysteries of the rosary. So the [Luminous mysteries](http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/rosary/luminous.htm) pick up the time from the ending of the Joyful Mysteries to the beginning of the Sorrowful Mysteries. But Pope John Paul did it in a humble way by proposing it and not imposing it so the people could take it up or leave it. But Fr. Phalen's experience is that the people do love it and are praying it. In his letter, Bl. John Paul said: >The Rosary is by its nature a prayer for peace, since it consists in the contemplation of Christ, the Prince of Peace, the one who is “our peace” (Eph 2:14). Anyone who assimilates the mystery of Christ – and this is clearly the goal of the Rosary – learns the secret of peace and makes it his life's project. Moreover, by virtue of its meditative character, with the tranquil succession of Hail Marys, the Rosary has a peaceful effect on those who pray it, disposing them to receive and experience in their innermost depths, and to spread around them, that true peace which is the special gift of the Risen Lord (cf. Jn 14:27; 20.21). **4th segment:** One of Holy Cross Family Ministries most important works is supporting the spiritual life of families. They have coming up on June 4 at Boston College High School an event from 8am to 5pm. Register at familyrosary.org. Bring family members of all ages, from the youngest on up. There are workshops planned just for the small children. There will be a track for teens led by Fr. Bob Reed of CatholicTV. There will be a Spanish-language track for the whole family. Greg and Lisa Popcak will speak to families as well. The theme is God's Children Now -- Living and Learning Together. There will also be workshops on topics such as bullying, using the Internet and more. The day will end with the Rosary and a Mass celebrated by Bishop Daniel Reilly of Worcester. * [Gregory and Lisa Popcak's ministry: Pastoral Solutions Institute](http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/index.htm) For the last few years have taken place at Stonehill College in Easton, but they wanted to move closer to Boston to be more central. Some day they want to hold it in Fenway Park with 30,000 people praying on the field. The cost is $7 per person and $40 max per family, if registered before May 15. Price goes up to $10 each and $50 per family after May 15. Lunch is included. Fr. Phalen gave an update on the cause for canonization of Fr. Peyton. The paperwork was sent to Rome last July, the closing of the major local work. Now the Vatican is reviewing all the materials and once that is done, then possible miracles will be considered for beatification. Right now, they are looking at possible miracle, but can't say too much about it right now. Fr. Mark said the amount of work that goes into such investigations is amazing. It is very meticulous work. **5th segment:** Looking at this Sunday's readings for Mass. * [Gospel reading for Sunday, May 8: Luke 24:13-35](http://www.usccb.org/nab/050811.shtml#gospel) >That very day, the first day of the week,  two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them,  “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him,  “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning  and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted  what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread. What strikes Scot is how sad the disciples are in the death of Jesus and how they didn't understand all that happened. Fr. Phalen said they are so down, it reminded him of Red Sox fans. They are down every year, even when their team is doing well for now. The disciples' hopes had been dashed. Then Jesus Himself criticizes them for being foolish and explains everything to them. Fr. Mark says he's truck by how an extraordinary day it was. Jesus just rose from the dead and chose to spend the day walking with two guys on the road to Emmaus. And the He explains all of Scriptures in the greatest lesson ever given. And now we don't even know both of their names.  Scot said God's grace had an effect on them as Jesus spoke because their heart burned. And they didn't want it to end and invited Christ in because Christ does not force himself on us.  Fr. Phalen said there is a great Eucharistic reference here as they recognize Jesus in the Eucharist, the breaking of the bread. For ourselves, after a crisis, sometimes we can say, wasn't it necessary for it happen because God knew better than I. Scot noted that going back to Jerusalem from Emmaus is 7 miles uphill and they ran it away after a long day's walk. They must have been so excited.  Fr. Phalen said we can recognize Christ in our accompaniment of one another, especially gathered around the Table of the Lord, and it gives us great hope. That will conclude today's presentation of The Good Catholic Life. For recordings and photos of today's show and all previous shows, please visit our website: TheGoodCatholicLife.com. You can also download the app for your iPhone or Android device at WQOM.org to listen to the show wherever you may be. We thank our guest Fr. John Phalen. For our co-host, Father Mark O'Connell, our Production team of Rick Heil, Anna Johnson, Justin Bell, Dom Bettinelli, and George Martell, this is Scot Landry saying thank YOU for listening, God bless you and have a wonderful weekend!

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869. Today's Topics: ****40 days for life. A great opportunity! Find a location near you. ****The 90's song "BRICK" by "Ben Folds Five". The song is about the ending of a child's life (abortion). Very sad, and we discuss it.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, you're welcome to call.This is the FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast!Let's FREE the children in the womb from oppression and injustice and help mothers so they can care for their children.We can win this. We can bring dignity and equality to children within the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW.com

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869. Today's Topics: ****40 days for life. A great opportunity! Find a location near you. ****The 90's song "BRICK" by "Ben Folds Five". The song is about the ending of a child's life (abortion). Very sad, and we discuss it.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, you're welcome to call.This is the FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast!Let's FREE the children in the womb from oppression and injustice and help mothers so they can care for their children.We can win this. We can bring dignity and equality to children within the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW.com

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869. Today's Topics: ****Discussing a new Pro-Choice perspective on the child in the womb. It seems some view the child as valuable, sorta'. Very interesting.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, you're welcome to call.This is the FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast!Let's FREE the children in the womb from oppression and injustice and help mothers so they can care for their children.We can win this. We can bring dignity and equality to children within the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW.com

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869. Today's Topics: ****Discussing a new Pro-Choice perspective on the child in the womb. It seems some view the child as valuable, sorta'. Very interesting.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, you're welcome to call.This is the FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast!Let's FREE the children in the womb from oppression and injustice and help mothers so they can care for their children.We can win this. We can bring dignity and equality to children within the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW.com

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869. Today's Topics: ****Planned Parenthood Defunding Passed house! ****Chuck Smith makes 3rd and likely final statement about when he believes it is okay to end a child's life. ****What about pregnancies where a mother's life is in danger? GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, you're welcome to call.This is the FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast!Let's FREE the children in the womb from oppression and injustice and help mothers so they can care for their children.We can win this. We can bring dignity and equality to children within the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW.com

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869. Today's Topics: ****Planned Parenthood Defunding Passed house! ****Chuck Smith makes 3rd and likely final statement about when he believes it is okay to end a child's life. ****What about pregnancies where a mother's life is in danger? GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Whether you're pro-choice or pro-life, you're welcome to call.This is the FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast!Let's FREE the children in the womb from oppression and injustice and help mothers so they can care for their children.We can win this. We can bring dignity and equality to children within the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW.com

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Today's Topics:****Could Planned Parenthood be defunded? Planned Parenthood cover-up of sex-trafficking?****Chuck Smith makes questionable comments about abortion on "Pastor's Perspective" radio show. FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com

CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Today's Topics:****Could Planned Parenthood be defunded? Planned Parenthood cover-up of sex-trafficking?****Chuck Smith makes questionable comments about abortion on "Pastor's Perspective" radio show. FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio Broadcast Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com

Today's Topics are HUGE if you're "pro-life":**** Pro-Life vs. PRO-CHILD-EQUALITY**** What words should and shouldn't we be using within the pro-child-equality movement?FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio BroadcastCALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com

Today's Topics are HUGE if you're "pro-life":**** Pro-Life vs. PRO-CHILD-EQUALITY**** What words should and shouldn't we be using within the pro-child-equality movement?FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio BroadcastCALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com

Today's Topics:After learning about Kermit Gosnell, I was reminded of all the other bad pro-choice proponents. This show is a review of some of them: (Links with info at bottom) **** Amanda Marcotte: Pro-choice advocate from RHRealityCheck.org. She talks about pregnancy as a disease. *** Sunsara Taylor: Writer that explains how it is immoral to speak of the the child in the womb as a baby! **** Peter Singer: Prominent pro-choice advocate form Princeton university. He thinks it is okay to end children's lives in and out of the womb and his own mother's life, yet not okay to kill animals, but okay to have sexual relations with them. **** Antonia Senior: She writes article, “Yes, Abortion is Killing. But It’s the Lesser Evil." Really? **** Lisa Harris: She speaks unashamedly in detail about her time ending children's lives. Her writing left me speechless and literally wanting to vomit. FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio BroadcastCALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com Relevant links:**** (Peter Singer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Singer#Abortion.2C_euthanasia_and_infanticide ) **** (Antonia Senior: http://www.scribd.com/doc/33782505/Yes-Abortion-is-Killing )**** (Lisa Harris: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/archive/ldn/2009/oct/09101501 & http://www.lifeissues.org/radio/r2009/11/Lisa_Harris_Abortioneers_10-5-09.pdf )

Today's Topics:After learning about Kermit Gosnell, I was reminded of all the other bad pro-choice proponents. This show is a review of some of them: (Links with info at bottom) **** Amanda Marcotte: Pro-choice advocate from RHRealityCheck.org. She talks about pregnancy as a disease. *** Sunsara Taylor: Writer that explains how it is immoral to speak of the the child in the womb as a baby! **** Peter Singer: Prominent pro-choice advocate form Princeton university. He thinks it is okay to end children's lives in and out of the womb and his own mother's life, yet not okay to kill animals, but okay to have sexual relations with them. **** Antonia Senior: She writes article, “Yes, Abortion is Killing. But It’s the Lesser Evil." Really? **** Lisa Harris: She speaks unashamedly in detail about her time ending children's lives. Her writing left me speechless and literally wanting to vomit. FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio BroadcastCALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com Relevant links:**** (Peter Singer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Singer#Abortion.2C_euthanasia_and_infanticide ) **** (Antonia Senior: http://www.scribd.com/doc/33782505/Yes-Abortion-is-Killing )**** (Lisa Harris: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/archive/ldn/2009/oct/09101501 & http://www.lifeissues.org/radio/r2009/11/Lisa_Harris_Abortioneers_10-5-09.pdf )

Today's Topics:****Open to Caller Questions & Comments...****The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case was decided January 22, 1973, 38 years ago. Let's talk about the case just after its 38th anniversary. FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio BroadcastCALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com

Today's Topics:****Open to Caller Questions & Comments...****The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case was decided January 22, 1973, 38 years ago. Let's talk about the case just after its 38th anniversary. FREEtheChildrenNOW.com Radio BroadcastCALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com

Todays Topics:****Open to Caller Questions/Comments****Abby Johnson's NEW book, Unplanned - Abby Johnson is an ex-Planned Parenthood director who is now pro-life. We will discuss what is in the book along with some audio from her web-conference the day the book was released(Link to webcast: http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=16864185 ) (Link to Focus on the Family broadcast: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002417.cfm )****The MTV show "16 and Pregnant" does an "abortion" episode called "No Easy Decision" and I've got some thought provoking audio clips from the show to share. (Link to show: http://www.mtv.com/videos/no-easy-decision-special/1654990/playlist.jhtml )CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com

Todays Topics:****Open to Caller Questions/Comments****Abby Johnson's NEW book, Unplanned - Abby Johnson is an ex-Planned Parenthood director who is now pro-life. We will discuss what is in the book along with some audio from her web-conference the day the book was released(Link to webcast: http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=16864185 ) (Link to Focus on the Family broadcast: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002417.cfm )****The MTV show "16 and Pregnant" does an "abortion" episode called "No Easy Decision" and I've got some thought provoking audio clips from the show to share. (Link to show: http://www.mtv.com/videos/no-easy-decision-special/1654990/playlist.jhtml )CALL TOLL FREE: 1 (888) 369–1869.Goal 1: Free children in the womb from oppression and injustice.Goal 2: Help mothers choose to care for the child within them. I need your help to spread the word.GOT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Pro-choice & pro-life people are welcome to call the show.Let's bring dignity and equality to children within in the womb!Why wait for tomorrow?Let's FREE the Children NOW!e-mail: Info@FREEtheChildrenNOW,com