Podcasts about church life

Fr. Nate Wills has been the chaplain for the Notre Dame football team since 2018. He's been along for exhilarating triumphs and devastating losses. He's seen and felt the energy of packed stadiums and the nervous focus of the pregame rituals. He's watched young men try and fail, then recover and succeed. But through it all, maybe the most important thing of all is simply this: he's been there. He's been present. And because of that, he's witnessed the presence of God in unexpected and otherwise unseen places, and he's helped other people to take note, too.After collecting stories of these rich and humbling experiences, Fr. Nate has crafted these stories into short, illuminating reflections for the rest of us. His new book, Pray Like A Champion Today, opens up for us stories of the Notre Dame football program as seen in relation to the Gospel, with a call to prayer. Fr. Nate joins me today to talk about culture, character, and the presence of Christ as seen from the sidelines and beyond.Follow-up Resources:Pray Like a Champion Today, by Fr. Nate Wills, C.S.C.Follow ”Pray Like a Champion Today” on InstagramCheck out the hugely popular “Saturdays with the Saints” lecture series, where a public lecture on a saint is offered (in-person, plus available online) every Notre Dame home football Saturday.Church 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.

On the show, we interview long time friend Dr. Artur Rosman, translator of the new book The Philosophy of Drama, by Józef Tischner. Artur is the Editor-In-Chief of the Church Life Journal, at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame University. On the one year anniversary of the publication of his translation of the book, Artur joins us to speak about Tischner's contribution to philosophy and theology through the lens of his philosophy of drama, his place in Polish Catholicism and the Solidarity movement, and what its like to translate such an intriguing, in depth work. You won't want to miss it! Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:Be Not Afraid with Fr. PJ McManusCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here

Topics: Recovery, Bipolar, Incarceration, Racism, Church Life, Adult Children Hosts: Brian Perez, Chris Williams, Dr. Jill Hubbard Caller Questions & More: Chris discusses four steps to focusing on your Internal State. I have bipolar disorder and I depended on my mom who died 2yrs ago; how can I keep working if I try to work but get filled with dread? My son is The post New Life Live: August 12, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

Many of us have learned to see the world differently because of C. S. Lewis. But how did Lewis learn to see the world the way he did? From whom did he learn to see the marriage of the spiritual and material, of heavenly things right along with scientific things? If we go in search of answers to such questions, we find ourselves plunged into the Medieval world and encountering, among others, Dante.In his book, The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis, Jason Baxter helps us uncover the influence of great books on Lewis's great mind. Dr. Baxter joins me to continue our conversation which began on his work of translating Dante, to move now from Dante to Lewis, who was himself a man who lived in modern times but was not of those times.Follow-up Resources:The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis: How Great Books Shaped a Great Mind, by Jason M. BaxterLearn more about Dr. Baxter's work at https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/Church 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.

Acts 2:42-47

In this powerful sermon, guest speaker Sean Samuelu shares his journey from serving as an English-speaking pastor at a Korean Presbyterian church to planting Remedy Chapel in Fresno, across from Fresno City College. He expresses deep gratitude for the mentorship of Pastor Karl and the church's generous support, which has impacted lives both locally and globally. Diving into Psalm 107, Sean explores four groups of people—those who wander, sit in darkness, live in foolishness, and face storms—highlighting God's unfailing love that heals, saves, and delivers. Through personal anecdotes and scripture, he underscores the transformative power of Jesus, encouraging believers to reflect on God's goodness and inviting others to consider the hope found in Christ.Watch all our sermons on our YouTube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Translating Dante is not a matter of rendering words in one language for words in another language. Indeed, no act of translation is so direct or basic. But as with Dante's Comedy when the style itself is part of the art – the sound of the thing, the movement, the embodiment – the translator needs to feel as much as think, relying on sense along with knowledge. Why? Because the hope of giving us – the readers of a translation – an encounter with the great good found in the art depends on the more holistic, more full-bodied work of scholarship and personality, at once.Jason Baxter has studied Dante for years and written on him before, including with his marvelous and illuminating book, A Beginner's Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy. Now he is completing the work of translating the master's poem for English readers that brings us into not just what the poem says, but what it feels like. Follow-up Resources:Inferno, A New Translation by Jason M. BaxterPurgatorio, A New Translation by Jason M. BaxterA Beginner's Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy, by Jason M. BaxterLearn more about Dr. Baxter's work at https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/Church 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.

The post Virtues for Church Life appeared first on Bethel Mennonite Church - Gladys VA.

Year C – 6th Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 16 – July 20, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd Luke 10:38-42 Colossians 1:15-28 Grace and peace to you from our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is our center and our focus. Amen. *** Martha… Martha… Martha… Poor Martha gets a bad rap from this story… but I understand her, and I bet you do too… especially if you're an older sister or sibling. The text doesn't explicitly say who is the older sister… but I think anyone who knows sisters knows… that she's the older one. She has welcomed the traveling Jesus into her home and is bustling away at all the many tasks of hosting, while her sister sits at his feet, not lifting a finger… just listening… ugh!! Oh Martha… You know the stories that make us cringe… this is one of them for me… which tells me there is something in here that I need to pay attention to. Before we get into it, though, there are some interesting things I'd like to point out… The first is that we tend to harmonize our four gospels… and what I mean… is that in our remembering, we tend to blend the information between them, rather than remember the specifics between each of the gospel authors. There's nothing wrong with that… after all, that's how we tell the full story of Jesus' birth! But it also means that when we hear a story about Martha and Mary, we might immediately remember that Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, had two sisters… Martha and Mary… and they lived in Bethany. Except that Luke never mentions Lazarus… nor does Luke write that Jesus is passing through Bethany. What he writes is… “Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. If they were sisters to Lazarus, or any other male, it would have been his home… but no… this is Martha's house. And that right there is something to notice… Jesus could have chosen nearly any other home in this certain village, where the host of the home would have been a man. That would have been expected and proper… but Jesus chooses to honor the home of two single women. And then… we hear that sister Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to what he was saying and learning from him. She is wholly focused on Jesus. But women weren't usually given this preferred place of discipleship… and yet, Jesus chose her… he teaches her. And Martha… poor Martha… Martha was doing what anyone at that time would have expected of her… she was busy in the kitchen and distracted by all the tasks of entertaining company. We've talked about hospitality in the ancient world before… Martha was offering hospitality to these travelers who had come to her home. So even with these seemingly small details, we can take note… Jesus is, once again, turning things upside down and breaking down barriers. So given the entirety of this situation… when I read his rebuke of Martha… I hear him speaking to her in a loving and warm tone. He may be telling her that Mary has made the better choice, but I hear him speaking in a loving way… inviting her to consider that he's not your typical guest. He tells her… she is worried and distracted by many things, but right in that moment… with Jesus in her home… there is need of only one thing… Him. I so… resonate with this story. I find it so easy to get caught up in details and plans that I can forget what the goal was at the start. And I know faith communities are not immune to this… we gather here in the name of Christ, but how often do congregations get wrapped up in unnecessary details? We've only just begun our time together… you and me… but I know at some point, this will come up because it's a completely human thing to have happen… We'll get sidetracked and distracted by details, and we will need to remember that Jesus is why we gather for worship and study, Jesus is why we give of our time and our treasure, and Jesus is why we serve. The focus of our mission here… is simple… it's Jesus. So… as you all know, we just concluded a very fun week of VBS. We had a small group of kids… and a wonderfully large group of older youth and adults who showed up to volunteer. They busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing our dinner and cleaning up afterward, and they planned bible lessons, crafts, and games. All so that our small group of little kids would feel surrounded by love and support as they learned about Jesus! …Jesus was our mission. By those counts, it was a very successful week! These folks all showed up ready to serve… just like Martha served… except their focus was on Jesus… just like Mary. You see… I don't think Jesus was telling Martha that her tasks were bad… I think he was telling her that her focus was off. She was focused on her tasks instead of being focused on him. Jesus doesn't say that serving others is bad… keep in mind that immediately before he comes to Martha and Mary's home, he has just told a lawyer that serving your neighbor in love is how we serve and honor God. Serving is good… and learning is good… So it's not what you are doing… It's why you are doing it. Why do you serve… study… sing… worship? What is your motivation? I do these things… and I think you do too… because we follow Jesus, and we know that giving time and space in our lives for Jesus changes the way we interact with the world. Love… changes how we interact. When we remember that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and through him, all things on heaven and earth were created… and that in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and that through him, God was pleased to reconcile all things back to God. When we remember all this… and that the great mystery of it all… is that Jesus Christ dwells in each of us… because of love… we are changed… transformed! Jesus is calling us to himself, and Jesus is the better part of anything we can do… because Jesus knows that if we allow the love of Christ to be central in our lives… then the world will never be the same. And so, we rejoice! We rejoice with Martha and Mary… with Peter, James, and John… With Pheobe and Lydia… with Paul and Barnabas… We rejoice with all those who have come before us in the faith, and all who will come to Christ after… We rejoice that Jesus Christ is our focus… no matter the shape of our ministry in this world… be it cooking, nursing, driving, feeding, cleaning, studying, praying, singing silly songs with kids… or any number of other ways we can show love in this world… We rejoice that Christ is at the center of it all… the truest source of love, and our reason for being. Amen.

Many of the disruptions in local church life are widely known. For example, most congregants and church leaders can clearly see the impact of COVID several years ago. But there have been a number of “quiet” disruptions that don't get much attention. Thom and Sam look at ten of them over two episodes. The post Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 2) appeared first on Church Answers.

In this week's episode, we spoke with Dr. Timothy O'Malley from the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame about the powerful connection between faith, family, and citizenship. Dr. O'Malley reflected on the family as the first school of virtue and a foundational space for forming responsible, engaged citizens. The conversation explored how Catholic social teaching can guide families in addressing cultural challenges with humility and courage. Dr. O'Malley emphasized the role of the domestic church in building a society rooted in love, service, and moral clarity.Check out the writings he mentioned in the podcast here: Gabriel Marcel and the Discovery of FatherhoodMotherhood: A Confession (by Natalie Carnes) Review Dr. O'Malley's current work on the liturgy and children HERE!

Many of the disruptions in local church life are widely known. For example, most congregants and church leaders can clearly see the impact of COVID several years ago. But there have been a number of “quiet” disruptions that don't get much attention. Thom and Sam look at ten of them over two episodes. The post Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1) appeared first on Church Answers.

This week, we talk about The Institute for the Study and Elimination of Jewish Influence on German Church Life and their new bible and hymnal and about Walter Grundmann.

Send us a text In this episode of the Healing the City podcast, Pastor Eric continues his conversation with Bob Lefevre. They talk about Bob's experience cooking for the Village, how much he enjoys it, and what he's learned about preparing meals for large groups. The conversation also turns to music—specifically Bob's deep love for worship. They close by reflecting on Bob's steady posture of prayer and the way it shapes his life and relationships. Support the show"Healing the City" is a profound and dynamic weekly podcast that dives into the complexities of creating healthier communities. Featuring the voices and perspectives of the esteemed members of the Village Church, each episode is thoughtfully crafted to address the challenges and opportunities for meaningful change in our cities. With a holistic approach to healing, the podcast explores a wide range of topics, from soul care and spiritual direction to mental health and community involvement. It provides listeners with insightful and thought-provoking perspectives on the issues facing our cities, as well as practical steps they can take to make a difference. Join hosts Corey Gilchrist, Eric Cepin, Ashley Cousineau, Jessica Dennes, Michael Cousineau, Mark Crawford, and Susan Cepin as they navigate the complexities of our communities with wisdom, grace, and a deep commitment to positive change. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will be inspired to become active participants in healing the city and creating a brighter, healthier future for all. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comThe Village Church meets at 10a and 5p on Sundays1926 N Cloverland Ave, Tucson AZ 85712Mail: PO Box 30790, Tucson AZ 85751

On our last episode, I welcomed two of our Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellows to talk about the pilgrimage through France that our cohort completed at the start of summer. The final destination on that pilgrimage was Lourdes. As follow up to that episode, I want to share with all of you a relatively short reflection on thirst. In particular, I want to talk about a pilgrim's thirst. But in the end, I really want to talk about the waters of Lourdes. Follow-up Resources:Read this episode in article form at OSV Magazine under “A thirsty American pilgrim drinks his fill at Lourdes” by Leonard J. DeLorenzoThe Song of Bernadette, by Franz WurfelLearn more about the Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellowship“Pilgrimage and the Urgent Question of Faith,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, essay in the Church Life Journal“A pilgrimage of sacred art,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, article in Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly“Encountering Christ on Pilgrimage, with Joan Watson,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch 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.

Watch on YouTube Topics: Medications, Teens, Counseling, Church Life, Suicide, Siblings, Difficult Conversations, Borderline, Adult Children, Weddings Hosts: Brian Perez, Dr. Jill Hubbard, Dr. Jim Burns Caller Questions & More: Dr. Jill discusses the importance of evaluating medication over time because the risk may start to outweigh the benefit. My 17yo son is hanging out with guys who have threatened suicide; The post New Life Live: July 3, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

June 29, 2025 Steve Barbee

Join us as our Teaching Pastor, Adam Vinson, continues through our post-Acts study and discussion of the Gospel. Notes from today can be found at the link below. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wa3gWOiA_IDgkcqKLhQN7UMtQIgY1x0e/view

Send us a text We say God can have it all… but what about the parts we keep hidden? In this episode, Pastor Jason explores the story of King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) and the “surrender gap” that blocked the blessing of God—not just in his life, but in his community.With honesty, humor, and hope, this message challenges us to examine the “keep out” signs in our hearts. Whether it's pride, fear, or comfort, anything we withhold from God can hinder His work in us and through us.But surrender isn't about shame—it's about healing. And when we let go, God begins to bless others through the very places we once held back.

Pastor Jeff Cranston continues his conversation with Pastor Jason of Crossway Church as they dive deeper into what makes the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination distinct. They explore how the Alliance approaches communion and baptism, what a typical Sunday service looks like, and how its leadership structure supports both local autonomy and global mission.

In this insightful episode of "Father and Joe," Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks delve into the complex yet enriching journey of cultivating trust and fostering meaningful relationships with ourselves, others, and God. They explore the intricacies of trust—how it's built step-by-step through integrity, dependability, and consistency, and how it's intrinsically linked to vulnerability. The hosts candidly discuss the challenges around rebuilding trust, especially for those who have experienced trauma, and highlight the importance of being open to growth in relationships.Father Boniface provides a profound perspective on how our daily, seemingly simple interactions are rooted in unexpected levels of trust. Whether navigating a complex journey through a foreign market or simply shopping at a local store, trust silently governs many aspects of our lives. Joe emphasizes that understanding trust starts from within, analyzing our past interactions, and being conscious of the behaviors that foster or hinder relational growth.Listeners are invited to envision their relationships as a canvas, where the practice of mental preparation can be as impactful as the actions themselves. Drawing parallels from sports, Joe illustrates how champions attain mastery not only through physical prowess but through mental agility—foreshadowing their moves and understanding their counterparts' strategies. This analogy extends into relational dynamics, where understanding others' preferences can significantly enhance our interactions and emotional bonds.The conversation further deepens into self-reflection's role in improving relational and spiritual lives. It highlights Pope Francis's teachings on losing touch with our hearts due to societal distractions, advocating for a slower pace that allows for introspection. The two hosts reiterate the need for reflecting on questions of identity, purpose, and divine relationship to maintain a more fulfilled and engaged life.Father Boniface and Joe eloquently conclude that just as much—or even more—growth occurs through thoughtful reflection and genuine communication. They underline that life's challenges invite us to continuously learn, adapt, and nurture our relationships spiritually and interpersonally.This episode serves as a compelling reminder that opening our hearts and minds can transform relationships, weaving trust into the very fabric of our lives. By integrating these elements into our daily practices, we not only enrich our connections with others but also create more space for a profound union with God.Tags: Spiritual Direction, Relationship Building, Trust Development, Self-Reflection, God, Faith Journey, Mental Preparation, Personal Growth, Prayer Practice, Relationship Dynamics, Emotional Intelligence, Trust in Relationships, Vulnerability, Integrity, Dependability, Spiritual Growth, Building Trust, Emotional Connection, Mindfulness, Personal Relationships, Communication Skills, Trustworthiness, Self-Awareness, Reflection, Spirituality, Overcoming Trauma, Religious Guidance, Heartfelt Conversations, Everyday Trust, Relationship Skills, Emotional Growth, Connection with God, God's Will, Christian Faith, Relationship Analysis, Spiritual Practices, Church Life, Engaging Faith, God's Teachings, Podcast SeriesHashtags: #FatherAndJoe #SpiritualDirection #Trust #RelationshipBuilding #FaithJourney #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #Communication #EmotionalIntelligence #TrustInRelationships #Vulnerability #Integrity #Dependability #SpiritualGrowth #Mindfulness #PrayerPractice #ConnectionWithGod #ChristianFaith #EmotionalConnection #UnderstandingOthers #GodsWill #RelationalDynamics #ReligionAndFaith #HeartfeltConversations #PersonalRelationships #SpiritualPractice #EverydayTrust #RelationshipAnalysis #SelfAwareness #GodsTeachings #FaithAndLife #FaithPodcast #ReflectiveLiving #BuildingTrust #OvercomingTrauma #EmotionalGrowth #EngagingFa

Remember the first works and keep them fresh.

Watch on YouTube Topics: Age Diversity, Communication, Adoption, Adult Children, Church Life, Addictions, Enabling Hosts: Brian Perez, Dr. Jacqui Mack-Harris, Dr. Alice Benton Caller Questions & More: Dr. Jacqui shares from the book A New Kind of Diversity and instead of having conversations about our generational differences, we are becoming estranged. How should I respond when my husband gets The post New Life Live: June 18, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

Arising from the McGrath Institute for Church Life, the Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellowship forms Notre Dame students as leaders in the study and spirituality of the saints. We launched this fellowship in 2025 with an inaugural cohort of 12 students selected from a pool of many, many applicants. As part of their fellowship, our saints fellows completed a course this past semester (with yours truly) on praying with the saints. Next year they will become leaders of other undergraduate students, as they form groups of students who pray together and serve together in a manner common to a saint each fellow selects. But in between the course they complete and the year of leadership they undertake, the whole cohort of 12 fellows, along with me and a chaplain, make a pilgrimage to immerse ourselves in the cultures that gave rise to particular saints––cultures which, in turn, these saints renewed and enriched. This year's pilgrimage was to France, specifically: Paris, Chartres, Lisieux, LeMans, Tours, and Lourdes. Today, two of our Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellows join me to talk about the meaning and significance of this pilgrimage with the saints. Macy Vance is a rising junior and Kate Apelian is a rising senior at Notre Dame, but really I should let them introduce themselves.Follow-up Resources:Learn more about the Sullivan Undergraduate Saints FellowshipCheck out the wildly popular “Saturdays with the Saints” lecture series“Pilgrimage and the Urgent Question of Faith,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, essay in the Church Life Journal“A pilgrimage of sacred art,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, article in Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly“Saints who flew, with Carlos Eire,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Encountering Christ on Pilgrimage, with Joan Watson,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Saints, for Real, with Meg Hunter-Kilmer,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“The Theology of the Saints, with Katie Cavadini and Leonard DeLorenzo,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch 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.

Episode Topic: The Feminine Genius and Catholic History“The Feminine Genius & Catholic History,” presented by Bronwen McShea, took place at the McGrath Institute for Church Life conference True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in March 2025, developed by Abigail Favale, Ph.D., Professor of the Practice, Theology & Literature, at the McGrath Institute for Church Life.Featured Speakers:Bronwen McShea, Loyola University ChicagoRead this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/3efa90.This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture. Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career. Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu. Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Father Dave welcomes back Timothy O'Malley to discuss how we can better relate to Mary as our Blessed Mother. O'Malley is associate director at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, and the author of the new book “A Fierce and Tender Love: 7 Meditations on Mary, Mother of God.”

It's the season of summer camps, vacations, and in Sean's case a time where he unplugs, prays, and listens to the Lord's direction for the next season. But if you're not out of town, then we'll see you on Sunday! But wait...do I have to go to church? Why is it important to physically attend? How does online church fit into modern worship, and what is the significance of spiritual community? Why go to church? "For the Bible tells me so."00:00  Invitation to River City Community Church01:07 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life01:34 Summer Sabbatical and Youth Camp02:24 Purpose of Sabbatical04:12 Summer in the Psalms Series04:41 Leading Worship and Coaching06:19 Importance of Church Attendance08:25 Defining Church and Community10:50 The Importance of Being Part of a Church Community12:10 New Testament Teachings on Church Attendance12:57 The Early Church: A Model of Commitment and Community16:21 Modern Challenges: Online Church and Community21:10 Encouragement to Engage in Church Life22:58 Invitation to River City Community Church24:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

It's the season of summer camps, vacations, and in Sean's case a time where he unplugs, prays, and listens to the Lord's direction for the next season. But if you're not out of town, then we'll see you on Sunday! But wait...do I have to go to church? Why is it important to physically attend? How does online church fit into modern worship, and what is the significance of spiritual community? Why go to church? "For the Bible tells me so."00:00  Invitation to River City Community Church01:07 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life01:34 Summer Sabbatical and Youth Camp02:24 Purpose of Sabbatical04:12 Summer in the Psalms Series04:41 Leading Worship and Coaching06:19 Importance of Church Attendance08:25 Defining Church and Community10:50 The Importance of Being Part of a Church Community12:10 New Testament Teachings on Church Attendance12:57 The Early Church: A Model of Commitment and Community16:21 Modern Challenges: Online Church and Community21:10 Encouragement to Engage in Church Life22:58 Invitation to River City Community Church24:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Hi everyone. For today's episode I do not have a guest joining me; instead, I am just going to share with you directly. You see, my dad died a few weeks ago and just last week we celebrated his funeral Mass. I've written a few books over the years and I dedicated one of those books to my dad, who raised me. That book is about fostering communion with our beloved dead. The beloved dead now include my dad. So what I wanted to do today is share with you a portion of the book in remembrance of my dad, specifically the book's brief epilogue where I highlight five pastoral priorities for this communal task of fostering communion with the dead. These are priorities for those of us who mourn, for those who accompany – or should accompany – those who mourn, for families, for parishes. The book's is title Our Faithful Departed: Where They Are and Why It Matters, published by Ave Maria Press in 2022. After I share the epilogue with its five priorities with you, I then read my dad's obituary, which I wrote. Follow-up ResourcesOur Faithful Departed: Where They Are and Why It Matters, by Leonard J. DeLorenzoOur Faithful Departed Discussion Guide, a free resource for parishes, schools, families and friends.“Heaven in the Midst of Death, with Laura Kelly Fanucci,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Life is changed but something ended, with Stephanie DePrez,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Life in Death in Life, with Robert Cording,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Praying for the Dead, with John Cavadini,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch 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.

Watch on YouTube Topics: Anxiety, Church Life, Young Adults, Grief, Same-Sex Attraction, Teens, Stealing, GrandparentingHosts: Brian Perez, Dr. Sheri Denham Keffer, Dr. Jim BurnsCaller Questions & More:Dr. Sheri shares how worship music calms the vagus nerve if anxiety has fallen upon you. How do we handle our church being secretive about their finances and the names of the elders? I've The post New Life Live: May 30, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

What can Christians on the right and left continue to learn about the experience and discipleship of trans people and those with gender incongruence?Today we'll be looking into some of the tough questions of transgender anthropology and pastoral care. But instead of debating directly over the questions (Should we use preferred pronouns? What is just legislation? How do we talk to kids? To affirm, or not to affirm?), we concentrate on how to care for people.Our two guests today, while not in substantial theological disagreement about trans topics, bring to their different experiences, approaches, and relationships lots of much-needed nuance, and some timely new questions, to a conversation grounded in traditional Christian theology.Can we question aspects of trans-anthropology as needed, or question current rhetoric or practices, but in the cause of charity, honesty, and human flourishing rather than against it? How do the right and left get caught in echo chambers here? How do we affirm the flawed gifts of the human body, while engaging its most painful experiences? How can we learn better to love and trust people?Our guests today are Dr. Abigail Favale and Pieter Valk. Abby is a writer and professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. She has an academic background in gender studies and feminist literary criticism, and now writes and teaches on topics related to women and gender from a Catholic perspective. Her latest book is The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory. Pieter is a sought-after author and speaker on discernment, vocational singleness, and LGBT+ topics. Pieter is also the Founder and Director ofEquip, the leading coaching and training solution for theologically-traditional churches aspiring to be places where LGBT+ people thrive according to God's wisdom. He is also a teacher and diaconate explorer in the Anglican Church in North America.Pieter's Christianity Today article with stats from the Us Versus Us reportAbby's websitePieter's websiteRegister for a Living Church conferenceGive to support this podcastMentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about the Transforming Leaders Program

On Sunday we got to hear from one of our missionaries, Nicole Mosher, on what adoption into the family of God looks like.  This new identity of adopted sons and daughters affects every part of our lives.   It means we can't find identity in our giftings or what we can do for God anymore. We simply rest in His unconditional love, and yield to His perfect leadership. We get to labor alongside Him from that place of security.   It means that we can overcome any earthly circumstance, not with our own strength or wishful thinking, but because of who our Father is. It is only as we stay connected to His heart, and receive everything we need from Him, that we will see the kingdom expand in us and around us.    Link to Sermon Guide & Activations: 05.18.25 Sermon Guide

On June 1, 1925, the Supreme Court declared, “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” Pierce firmly established the liberty of parents to direct the lives of their minor children without interference by the government.You've listened to our Left Panel's discussion of Pierce – now, it's the Right Panel's turn! Today, we speak with Michael Farris, founding president of ParentalRights.org and former CEO and president of Alliance Defending Freedom; Melissa Moschella, professor of practice and philosophy at Notre Dame University's McGrath Center for Church Life; and Emilie Kao, Vice President of Alliance Defending Freedom.The EPPiC Broadcast is hosted by Michael Ramey, president of the Parental Rights Foundation. You can sign up for email alerts to keep yourself informed on parental rights news at https://parentalrightsfoundation.org/get-involved/.Support the show

Watch on YouTube Topics: Addictions, Self Awareness, Autism, Church Life, Depression, Feelings, Aging Parents, Loneliness, Grief, Suicide Hosts: Brian Perez, Marc Cameron, Dr. Alice Benton Caller Questions & More: Marc discusses how to overcome what masters you.  Is it better for me to put my 18yo grandson with autism on private Christian insurance or use assistance from the government?  How do The post New Life Live: May 19, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

In our previous episode of Church Life Today, I was joined by Professor Christie Kleinmann of Belmont University, who talked with me about her fascinating and truly original course on Strategic Public Relations for the Inklings (specifically, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Dorothy Sayers). This is a follow up to that previous excellent episode where things get even better because today I am joined by three of Professor Kleinmann's undergraduate students.Ryleigh Green is a senior at Belmont University who was part of the C. S. Lewis group in Professor Kleinmann's class.Jed Mangrum is a sophomore at Belmont who was part of the Tolkien group.And Adriana Alosno is a junior at Belmont who was part of the Dorothy Sayers group.I've done a lot of podcast episodes over the years, and this one is one of my favorites. Enjoy.Follow-up Resources:Learn more about The Inklings Project. Interested in applying as a fellow for 2026–26? Check out the call for applications here (due July 1, 2025). Check out the Dorothy Sayers Instagram account from the Sayers group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Check out the C. S. Lewis Instagram account from the Lewis group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Check out the J. R. R. Tolkien Instagram account from the Tolkien group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Find syllabi from Inklings Project fellows in our free syllabus repository.Read and subscribe to the “Inklings Quarterly.”Church 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.

Episode Topic: The Church's Vision for WomenThirty years ago, in both Evangelium Vitae and his Letter to Women, Pope John Paul II issued a clear call for the genius of women to be “more fully expressed in the life of society as a whole, as well as in the life of the Church” (Letter to Women 10). Throughout his papacy, in fact, he emphasized women's “prophetic character,” calling on them to be “witnesses” and “sentinels” — guardians of the sacred gift of life and the order of love (Mulieris Dignitatem 29; Homily at Lourdes 2004). “The Church's Vision for Women,” presented by Angela Franks, took place at the McGrath Institute for Church Life conference True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in March 2025, developed by Abigail Favale, Ph.D., Professor of the Practice, Theology & Literature, at the McGrath Institute for Church Life.Featured Speakers:Abigail Favale, professor, University of Notre DameAngela Franks, St. John's Seminary, BostonRead this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/f9588d.This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture. Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career. Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu. Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

“Habemus Papam.” We have a pope. We have a papa. We have a father.  The announcement of a new pope is a startlingly joyous and even spellbinding moment, when not just the faithful but also many who seemingly have no interest in the Church stop and cheer together. What is being proclaimed? What is the significance of the pope for the Church and, through the Church, for the world? What are we all struck by when the announcement echoes through the arms of St. Peter's square to every corner of the world?John Cavadini joins me today to talk about the announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV. We hope this conversation offers you something a little different than what the typical news commentary on this historic occasion offers. Church 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.

Pastor Travis Hearn brings a powerful and cinematic message to Impact Church titled “Living a Life of Sacrifice.” With raw honesty and heartfelt storytelling, he invites us into the legacy of his mother—Toni—a woman who gives up her own dreams, works four jobs, and sacrifices everything just to be present for her son. But this isn't just her story—it becomes a mirror for all of us. In this message, Pastor Travis calls you to something deeper: not just believing in Jesus, but fully belonging to Him. As he unpacks Romans 12:1, you'll be challenged to offer your life—not in part, but in full—as a living sacrifice. Worship, he says, isn't just what happens on a Sunday stage, it's what happens when your life hits the altar on Monday morning. If you've ever felt unseen, broken, or out of place, this message reminds you—you're not overlooked, you're set apart. Through the promise of Psalm 91 and the boldness of Daniel, you'll be inspired to stop conforming and start transforming. Because when you see God's mercy clearly, giving Him everything won't feel like loss—it'll feel like the only thing that makes sense.

Watch on YouTube Topics: Self Worth, Affairs, Depression, Dating, Church Life, Weddings, In-laws, Physical Abuse Hosts: Brian Perez, Dr. Jill Hubbard, JJ West Caller Questions & More: JJ discusses why you should challenge yourself without letting the challenge define your worth.  What's the next step for me if my husband had a 10yr affair, and I didn't handle it The post New Life Live: May 6, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! This week, Chad talks with Dr. Abigail Favale about her book "The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory" with Ignatius Press. Dr. Favale's book came out in 2022 and has received excellent reviews, and while the topic is not one we often discuss on the podcast, Chad thought it would make for an interesting conversation, and he was absolutely right! Dr. Favale currently works at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, where she is a professor and writer. Her topics of interest revolve around matters of women and gender from a Catholic Perspective. In today's episode, she and Chad discuss the philosophy and theology of gender and different ways we approach it. Thanks to Dr. Favale for taking the time to join us! We hope you enjoy!Buy "The Genesis of Gender"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Have you ever thought about becoming a brand expert for C. S. Lewis or J. R. R. Tolkien? On the one hand, these seem like authors who need no introduction. On the other hand, how many people today really know the work of these towering 20th Century authors, beyond what made its way onto the silver screen? And what about one of the authors closely associated with them – Dorothy Sayers – who is far from well known in the general public but whose work is of similar creative and literary quality with her more famous friends and interlocutors?Maybe you haven't ever thought about launching a public relations campaign for one of these authors for the sake of a modern audience of young adults, but my guest today has. She is Christie Kleinmann, Professor of Public Relations at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Professor Kleinmann is one of a dozen fellows in our second annual cohort of the Inklings Project, run out of the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Along with the other eleven fellows who come from colleges and universities across the United States and in four foreign countries, Professor Kleinmann developed and offered a new course this spring that draws the work of the Inklings into her own area of expertise: strategic public relations. The students in her course were divided into three semester-long groups, which each took as their “clients” one of these three Inklings: Lewis, Tolkien, and Sayers. Today, Professor Kleinmann joins me to talk about the project of her course, the relevance of the Inklings, and the creativity of her students.This is the first of a two-episode set. The second episode will feature three of Professor Kleinmann's students, one from each of the three Inklings groups. Follow-up Resources:Learn more about The Inklings Project. Interested in applying as a fellow for 2026–26? Check out the call for applications here (due July 1, 2025). Check out the Dorothy Sayers Instagram account from the Sayers group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Check out the C. S. Lewis Instagram account from the Lewis group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Check out the J. R. R. Tolkien Instagram account from the Tolkien group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Find syllabi from Inklings Project fellows in our free syllabus repository.Read and subscribe to the “Inklings Quarterly.” Church 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.

Topics: Discontentment, Hope, In-laws, Estrangement, Adult Children, Physical Abuse, Trust, Church Life, Separation, Intimacy Hosts: Brian Perez, Marc Cameron, Dr. Alice Benton Caller Questions & More: Marc explains the difference between hoping and wishing, and he shares ways to deal with discontentment in marriage.  How can my husband and I connect with our granddaughters? Our daughter-in-law has alienated us from them.  I was choked and beaten The post New Life Live: April 21, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

When we say the name “God”, have we assumed too quickly that we know what we mean? We use that word quite regularly, without much strain or prolonged consideration, as if the meaning of the word were self-evident. But what if you had to explain – indeed, translate – the word “God” into a language that had no such concept? That would force you, I think, to really reckon with what you mean and what you assume when you use that word: the name, “God”. That is not merely an intellectual exercise; that was in fact the experience of the 16th and 17th Century Jesuit missionary, Matteo Ricci. His primary mission was to China, where he strove to bring and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who often had not only a different language but also a different imaginary landscape than that which European Christians were accustomed to.In our episode today, the eminent scholar of the Sino-Western Exchange, Professor Anthony Clark, talks with me about Matteo Ricci, evangelization, inculturation, and the legacy of dialogue. Anthony Clark is Professor of Chinese History at Whitworth University, where he also holds the Edward B. Lindaman Endowed Chair, and he directs the Oxford Lewis-Tolkien Program, the Rome History and Culture Program, the area of Asian Studies, and the Study in China Program. He joins me today, in studio, while visiting Notre Dame to deliver a lecture titled “In the Footsteps of Dialogue: China and the Legacy of Matteo Ricci.” Follow-up Resources:Find out more about Professor Anthony Clark at his website: https://anthonyeclark.squarespace.com/China's Saints: Catholic Martyrdom During the Qing (1644–1911), by Anthony Clark“China's Religious Awakening after Mao,” by Ian Johnson, article in Church Life Journal“Religion in China, with Ian Johnson,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch 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.

Welcome to part 3 – our final episode in this series on how to “do church”! In parts 1 &2, we discussed and explored lots of aspects of church culture, from how to dress, to how to act, to how talk the talk! Today, we’re hearing from you! You sent in lots of great questions […]

Welcome to part 2! In this series, we're exploring and discussing church culture. Today, we’re talking about about issues of church etiquette and decorum, including… How to dress for church Is breastfeeding in church OK? How to conduct yourself in the worship service and Sunday School so as not to be a distraction. We’re also tackling […]

Today, we're embarking on a three part series on “doing church,” so to speak. It's not so much about theology, it's more about church culture. For those who weren't raised in church and became Christians as adults, walking into church for the first time can be unfamiliar and daunting. But even if you were raised […]