Podcasts about Communio

S2 Ep. 12: Albert Mohler on the SBC, ERLC, Abuse Reform and More Jared Cornutt and Griffin Gulledge sit down with SBTS President Albert Mohler for a wide ranging conversation about many issues around the SBC. Is it right to say the SBC had a sexual abuse crisis? What are the implications of the law amendment regarding church leadership? What is the the role of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) and its future? What about the ongoing challenges of race and reconciliation?   The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram  

J.P. De Gance is the founder and president of Communio and the co-author of the book, Endgame: The Church's Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America. JP is also the author of the Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationships.  Communio is a ministry... The post J.P. De Gance appeared first on ABQ Connect.

S2 Ep. 11: David Dockery on SWBTS, Institutional Recovery, and Theological Identity Jared Cornutt and Griffin Gulledge sit down with SWBTS President David Dockery to talk about the seminary's recovery from financial challenges, its theological identity, and the state of the conservative resurgence within the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Dockery shares insights from his personal history, particularly regarding racial issues, and emphasizes the importance of conviction and civility in theological debates.   The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

S2 Ep. 10: Kevin Ezell on Church Planting, Transparency, and the SBC Jared Cornutt and Rob Collingsworth sit down with Dr. Kevin Ezell to talk about the work at NAMB, calls for transparency, and the most pressing issues at the 2025 SBC.   Kevin Ezell serves as President of the North American Mission Board.   The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

  S2 Ep. 9: Paul Chitwood on Developments in Missions and the IMB Jared Cornutt and Andrew Hebert sit down with Paul Chitwood for a conversation about the the cooperative program, recruiting and sending missionaries, IMB's fundraising, and some new and exciting developments in global missions.   Paul Chitwood serves as President of the International Mission Board.   The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

Greg dives into the Vatican politics shaping the 2025 papal conclave, revealing a 60-year fight for the Church's soul between the Concilium and Communio visions born after Vatican II. While Concilium's openness to modern culture has often aligned with Western leftist ideals, Communio champions timeless tradition, and these dueling perspectives will divide the cardinals choosing the next pope. Far from American left-right divides, this struggle defines the conclave's stakes, offering insight into what's next for the Church.   Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

S2 Ep. 8: Jeff Iorg on CP at 100, Dallas, and Where Abuse Response Stands Jared Cornutt sits in this week as host, and is joined by Jeff Iorg for a conversation about the ongoing response to the abuse crisis in the SBC, the importance of the Cooperative Program, and key decisions facing messengers at the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas.   Jeff Iorg serves as the the eighth President and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee.   The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

Did you know more than 70 percent of churches in America have no active marriage ministry? Communio is on a mission to change that—while also helping churches evangelize in their communities. In this week's episode of The Narrative, JP De Gance, Communio founder and president, sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot to explore how churches can take the lead in strengthening marriages and families through the hope of the Gospel. The guys dive into: ⛪ Why marriages are struggling—and how the Church can respond

We had the delight of hosting Jared Smyth, vice president at Communio and former FOCUS missionary (and Joseph's former missionary!) for this episode!For those in marriage ministry/parish ministry/diocesan ministry, check out Communio and let Jared know if you're interested in their services at jsmyth@communio.org! As always, check out our work, and join our email list, at https://ouroutpost.org/join our free resource library platform herecatch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/see what we have upcoming in terms of events here: https://ouroutpost.org/events/send us an email at hello@ouroutpost.organd please rate, review, and share!If you're a Catholic husband, feel free to sign up for some time to chat with Joseph! https://bookme.name/ouroutpost/45-minutes-with-joseph

Richard G. DeClue, Jr., S.Th.D. is the Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute. In addition to his undergraduate degree in theology (Belmont Abbey College), he earned three ecclesiastical degrees in theology at the Catholic University of America. He specializes in systematic theology with a particular interest and expertise in the thought of Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. His STL thesis treated Ratzinger's Eucharistic ecclesiology in comparison to the Eastern Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas. His doctoral dissertation expounded and evaluated Ratzinger's theology of divine revelation. Dr. DeClue has published articles in peer-reviewed journals on Ratzinger's theology, and he taught a college course on the thought of Pope Benedict XVI. He is also interested in the ecclesiology of Henri de Lubac, the debate over nature and grace, and developing a rapprochement between Communio (ressourcement) theology and Thomism. The Mind of Benedict XVI by Dr. Richard DeClue: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/the-mind-of-benedict-xvi

Guest: J.P. De GanceOrganization: CommunioPosition: Founder and PresidentInterview Location: 2025 National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas Website: www.communio.org

The Meaning of Catholic is a collaborative lay apostolate dedicated to uniting Catholics against the enemies of holy Church through the domestic church, catechetics, and the public promotion of truth and charity. https://meaningofcatholic.com/-Confession of Faith: https://meaningofcatholic.com/my-confession-of-faith/-Internet Promise: https://meaningofcatholic.com/my-promise/ Join the Guild to support our work and access the online community, free books, and exclusive content: https://meaningofcatholic.com/registeror donate: http://meaningofcatholic.com/donateor if you can't afford to join and would like free membership, contact us: https://meaningofcatholic.com/contact Join our lay sodality which offers up penance for clergy and seminarians: https://meaningofcatholic.com/2022/03/01/fellowship-st-anthony/

John Stonestreet and Maria Baer discuss the new Executive Order on IVF and why it's neither pro-life nor “pro-fertility”. Conserving true family values means holding everyone accountable, without hypocrisy. The collapse of the family structure has a devastating impact on a local and national scale.  Recommendations Communio The cost of conservative hypocrisy by Katy Faust Segment 1 - Executive Order on IVF Executive Order: EXPANDING ACCESS TO IN VITRO FERTILIZATION Segment 2 - Conserving Family Values without Hypocrisy  WORLD - The cost of conservative hypocrisy by Katy Faust Institute for Family Studies: The Family Structure Index 2025 Segment 3 - The National Impact of the Collapse of Family Structure Center for Christian Value: How the Collapse of Family is Stunting the Nation's Growth TIME: Is There Hope for the American Marriage? by Caitlyn Flanagan J.P. DeGance, Founder and President of Communio, at Lighthouse Voices __________ Get your copy of Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life by David L. Bahnsen with your gift of any amount at colsoncenter.org/february. Sign up for the free course from The Colson Educators, Hope Always: How to Be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide at educators.colsoncenter.org.

S2 Ep. 7: Shane Pruitt on Student Ministry, Cultural Changes, and Revival Griffin Gulledge fills in this week as host, and is joined by Shane Pruitt for a conversation about student ministry, evangelism in today's culture, revival, and why it's so hard to find a youth minister. Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi reside in Texas, with their five children. The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

S2 Ep. 6: Brent Leatherwood on the Trump Administration, the SBC, and More David Sons is joined by ERLC President Brent Leatherwood to talk about the ERLC, ways they will work with incoming Trump Administration, major political and ethical issues on the horizon, and the SBC.  The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

After spending nearly a month in Rome, Bishop Barron has just returned from the concluding session of the Synod on Synodality. However, numerous basic questions remain among the faithful: What challenges were discussed during this synod and what solutions, if any, did the attendees reach? What impact, if any, does either the structure or content of the synod have on the Church's ability to evangelize effectively both in the US and abroad? A listener asks how parishes should adapt to today's needs. 00:00 | Intro 01:27 | A visit to the Czech Republic 03:10 | What is synodality? 06:58 | The Instrumentum Laboris and its role in the synod 07:56 | Who attended the synod? 09:14 | Relating 2023's synodal gathering to 2024's 11:09 | Bishop Barron's daily routine in Rome 16:20 | Communio theology as represented at the synod 19:27 | The teaching status of the recent synodal document 21:01 | Assessing the synod's benefit to the Church 22:35 | Limitations of synodality as a ruling principle 25:23 | The question of women's ordination 28:00 | Concerns for the authority of the local bishops' conferences 29:41 | Has this synod perennially changed the Church? 31:15 | The possibility of future synods 32:01 | Listener question 34:004 | Join the Word on Fire Institute Link: EWTN article: https://www.ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodalitys-final-document-what-you-need-to-know-3645 E&C Online article: https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/barron/some-thoughts-upon-returning-from-the-second-session-of-the-synod/ Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

S2 Ep. 5: Nathan Lino on Creating A Culture of Evangelism In Your Church TBR Leadership team member Griffin Gulledge fills in for a conversation with Nathan Lino (pastor of FBC Forney, TX) about creating a culture of evangelism in the church. They talk about the pastor's role in creating an evangelistic culture, the role of prayer, how to do training for evangelism, if door knocking and mass revival events are outdated, and more. The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

A discussion of her article in Communio:  "Completing What is Lacking in Christ's Afflictions: A Biblical Exploration of Ecclesial Co-Atonment". Communio, Spring 2024 issue

In this episode of The Missional Life Podcast, we're diving deep into the intersection of faith, family, and community with J.P. De Gance, the founder and president of Communio. J.P. shares his journey in launching this groundbreaking ministry that partners with churches to promote healthier relationships and marriages. We explore the pressing question: How can the church lead the charge in saving faith and family in America? J.P. offers key insights into how a data-driven approach to relationship ministry can help reverse the decline in faith and strengthen the fabric of society. Whether you're a church leader or someone passionate about revitalizing marriages and families, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration!

S2 Ep. 4: Trump's Election and Political Engagement Host David Sons is joined by Baptist Review leadership team member Andrew Hebert for a conversation with Dean Inserra and Dan Darling about the election of Donald Trump. They talk about what this might tell us about how the country is changing, what a second term might look like, and how being a part of a local church equips us to better engage politically.  The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Thanks to our podcast sponsor: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

S2 Ep. 3: Pastor Appreciation Rob Collingsworth fills in as host for a discussion about Pastor Appreciation Month—and pastor appreciation in general—with Griffin Gulledge and Matt Kendrick. The Baptist Review exists for Southern Baptists to engage in good faith discussion about the issues, current events, and questions that matter in our Convention. To follow the conversation, read The Baptist Review online at www.thebaptistreview.com Read the article: "13 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor" Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Communio Learn more about how Communio can train and equips your church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. ----more---- Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

Ever wondered why strong Christian marriages are the cornerstone of a thriving faith community?  Today, we promise you'll uncover the importance of healthy family structures and the pivotal role men play in leading their families with insights from J.P. De Gance, founder and president of Communio. JP shares wisdom from his impactful book, "Endgame: The Church's Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America," providing a strategic blueprint for churches to rejuvenate marriages and, by extension, faith. His personal anecdotes, from coaching high school football to managing life with eight children, offer a relatable and heartfelt perspective on balancing faith, leadership, and family. For full show note details, go to the episode webpage:https://thelionwithin.us/podcast/438-endgame-with-jp-de-gance/Send us a textJoin us for the Iron in Autumn Men's Retreat, October 18-20, 2024, at Abundant Blessings Farm in Stem, North Carolina. This is a men's-only event, open to all men 18 and up. Whether you're gathering around the bonfire, hiking through God's creation, or engaging in group sports, every moment is crafted to foster deep connections and personal growth. Reserve your spot at this link. Get ready for iron sharpening iron! Get started for free with our 30 Day to Unleash the Lion Within series In just 30 days, you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. This free resource offers a series of messages, with proven methods to simplify and apply God's Word to your life, empowering you to be an effective leader. Visit thelionwith.us/unleash to get started for free today. Support the showJoin the Community TodayThe exclusive community for men who are seeking Truth and Accountability which creates courage to lead, fulfillment and direction. Start your 30-Day Risk-Free trial today!Join the Daily Spiritual Kick OffJoin Chris and other members every weekday morning in our app FREE! Dive into God's Word and leave with practical ways to simplify and apply it to your daily walk. Join the Daily Spiritual Kick Off today!

Paul Kuhn and Kip Nanninga, both recognized leaders in marriage and family ministry, join the Ladies of LoveTalk -- Cathy Endebrock, Kerri Brinkoeter, and Marlene McMichael -- to discuss why healthy marriages are so important to building strong families. The two leaders have come together with area churches for a Marriage Ministry Training Conference on Saturday, November 2. The conference is designed to help churches build marriage ministry within their congregations. See "atxmarriage.com" for more information and registration. The Marriage Ministry Training Conference is slated for November 2, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Austin Ridge SW Campus. The campus is located at 7416 State Hwy 71, Austin, Tx 78735.

Paul Kuhn and Kip Nanninga, both recognized leaders in marriage and family ministry, join the Ladies of LoveTalk -- Cathy Endebrock, Kerri Brinkoeter, and Marlene McMichael -- to discuss why healthy marriages are so important to building strong families. The two leaders have come together with area churches for a Marriage Ministry Training Conference on Saturday, November 2. The conference is designed to help churches build marriage ministry within their congregations. See "atxmarriage.com" for more information and registration. The Marriage Ministry Training Conference is slated for November 2, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Austin Ridge SW Campus. The campus is located at 7416 State Hwy 71, Austin, Tx 78735.

Summary of the EpisodeDr. Richard DeClue, a professor of theology, discusses the Communio school of thought and the differences between the Communio and Concilium journals. He explains that the Communio school focuses on investigating the sources of theology, such as scripture and the church fathers, while the Concilium school adopts modern philosophies. Dr. DeClue also discusses the development of doctrine and the role of the Pope in the church, emphasizing that the Pope is not an absolute monarch but a servant of the servants of God. He explains the concept of synodality and its historical significance in the early church. The conversation explores the concept of synodality in the Catholic Church and the nature of the beatific vision. It delves into the role of synods and the importance of bishops listening to the people of God before making decisions. It also discusses the confusion surrounding the term 'synodality' and the misconception that it implies a democratic process. The conversation then shifts to the nature and grace debate, examining the question of whether the beatific vision is a natural desire or solely a supernatural gift. The discussion highlights the complexity of the topic and the need for charity and understanding in theological debates.Takeaways* The Communio school focuses on investigating the sources of theology, such as scripture and the church fathers.* The Concilium school adopts modern philosophies in their work.* The Pope is not an absolute monarch but a servant of the servants of God.* Synodality is the collaboration between bishops at the local, regional, and universal levels.* The Synod of Bishops is an advisory body to the Pope. Synodality emphasizes the importance of bishops listening to the people of God before making decisions.* The term 'synodality' does not imply a democratic process in the Catholic Church.* The nature and grace debate centers around whether the beatific vision is a natural desire or solely a supernatural gift.* The debate between nature and grace is complex and requires charity and understanding.* The Word on Fire Institute and the Evangelization and Culture Journal are valuable resources for theological discussions.Who is Richard DeClue, S.Th.D.?Dr. Richard DeClue is a systematic theologian and Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute. He earned degrees in theology at Belmont Abbey College (BA) and The Catholic University of America (STB, STL, and SThD). Both his STL thesis and doctoral dissertation focused on the thought of Pope Benedict XVI, particularly on his ecclesiology and theology of divine revelation, respectively. Additionally, he has published articles on Benedict XVI in Communio, Nova et Vetera, and Evangelization & Culture. KeywordsCommunio, Concilium, theology, sources, philosophy, development of doctrine, Pope, synodality, synodality, Catholic Church, beatific vision, nature and grace, theological debatesThanks for listening to Good Distinctions! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gooddistinctions.com

Thomas Mirus and Nathan Douglas's mini-series on magisterial documents about cinema comes to a close with an episode covering the Vatican II era - specifically between 1963 and 1995, spanning the pontificates of Pope St. Paul VI and Pope St. John Paul II. This was, frankly, an era of decline in terms of official Church engagement with cinema. Where previous pontificates had dealt with film as a unique artistic medium, Vatican II's decree Inter Mirifica set the template for lumping all modern mass media together under the label of "social communications" - discussing them as new technology and social phenomena rather than as individual arts. That said, even if it leaves something to be desired artistically, boiling everything down to "communication" does result in some valuable insights. And every once in a while in this era, a pope would deliver a World Communications Day message specifically about cinema. Important themes in the documents from this time include: -Artists should strive for the heights, not surrender to the commercial lowest common denominator -Communication as self-gift -Film as medium of cultural exchange -JPII: “The mass media…always return to a particular concept of man; and it is precisely on the basis of the exactness and completeness of this concept that they will be judged.” -The necessity to train children in media literacy so they can properly interpret, not be manipulated by, images and symbols -The role of critics Documents discussed in this episode:  Vatican II, Inter Mirifica (1963) https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19631204_inter-mirifica_en.html Address of Pope Paul VI to artists (closing address of Vatican II, 1965) https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/speeches/1965/documents/hf_p-vi_spe_19651208_epilogo-concilio-artisti.html Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Communio et Progressio (1971) https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_23051971_communio_en.html Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Aetatis Novae (1992) https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_22021992_aetatis_en.html Pope Paul VI, First World Communications Day address (1967) https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_p-vi_mes_19670507_i-com-day.html Pope John Paul II, 1984 World Communications Day address https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_24051984_world-communications-day.html Pope John Paul II, 1995 World Communications Day address on cinema https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_06011995_world-communications-day.html SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to keep this podcast going: https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Music is The Duskwhales, “Take It Back”, used with permission. https://theduskwhales.bandcamp.com

Communio is a nonprofit ministry that trains and equips churches to share the Gospel through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. J.P. De Gance is the founder and president of Communio and the co-author of the book, Endgame: The Church's Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America. JP is also the author of the Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationships. 

This week on Family Policy Matters, host Traci DeVette Griggs welcomes J.P. De Gance, founder and president of Communio, to discuss a new initiative he's working on in Charlotte, North Carolina to help churches help strengthen marriages and families. 

Wouldn't it be fascinating if the most current social science research discovered not some new and unheard-of things but rather ancient and even biblical truths? The nonprofit organization Communio is reporting that this is indeed what is happening. Through their Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationships, they have found that family structure is the most important indicator for the religious commitment of those raised in that home. Alongside that, of course, we regularly find people who do better in school, who are more successful in work, who are healthier, and who can manage relationships better on their own. It is as if we humans were created for stable, committed relationships and called to procreate from this marital commitment.J.P. De Gance, the founder and president of Communio, joins me today to discuss the work he and his team have been doing and how their work can help equip churches to evangelize through healthy relationships and marriage. J.P. is also the co-author of the book, Endgame: The Church's Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America. You can find out more about J.P. and Communio at their website, communio.org. Follow-up Resources:Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationship from CommunioEndgame: The Church's Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America by John Van Epp and J.P. De Gance.“The State of the Family in America, with Brad Wilcox,” podcast episode via Church Life Today 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.

In what was seen as a surprise pick to many, Pope Francis appoints Providence's Bishop Richard Henning as the next archbishop of Boston – we speak one-on-one with Archbishop-elect Henning about what he's looking forward to in his next assignment. Mark Irons examines where both U.S. vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance stand on the life issue and other topics critical to Catholic voters. In light of JD Vance's resurfaced comments on childlessness, we take a deep dive into what's behind the lower marital and fertility rates today with Communio president J.P. De Gance and Catholic writer Emily Stimpson Chapman. And Colm Flynn takes us inside the kitchen of Fr. Leo Patalinghug's food ministry.

This week on The Open Door (August 7th) we will explore the thought of Servant of God Romano Guardini, a widely influential theologian whom both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis deeply admired. So did Flannery O'Connor! Guardini is often thought of as a unifying figure in the Church. Our welcome guest is Christine Myers Miller. She is a graduate of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage and Family in Washington, DC, and is the Director of Adult Faith Formation, Marriage & Family Life at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Tulsa. Dr. Myers Miller researched Romano Guardini for her doctoral thesis, studying the topic of Christian responsibility for the world. She has published essays in the Catechetical Review, Humanum online review, and in the important theological journal Communio. Among the questions we'll ask are the following. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? Have you always been an Okie?What was it like to study at the John Paul II Institute? How does the Institute reflect the vision of St. John Paul II?What are your responsibilities as Director of Adult Faith Formation and Marriage & Family Life at your parish?  Could you introduce us to Romano Guardini? A time-line would help. And how did he survive World War II? In these “interesting times” there's deep disagreement on just what it is to be a human being. What does this mean in terms of how we can best address ethical questions?On your view, crisis can be an occasion of growth. How might this come about with regard to scandals in the Church?Romano Guardini saw the apparent contradiction between faith and science as one of the main sources of crisis in his time, and it surely remains one for us. How might we effectively respond to it?How might Guardini advise us to manage AI technology?You have written that “faith needs culture to survive” and warned that “a faith without culture is a dying thing.” What would a Catholic culture look like today?  Might it involve a distinctive Catholic political presence?

JP De Gance, President and Founder of Communio, joins Carrie to share important research on the power of strong marriages and families in transferring faith to the next generation and transforming communities. One example: efforts of churches in Jacksonville, Florida reduced divorce rates by 24%!

What the best way a father can love his children? By loving their mother with a Christ-centered love! JP DeGance, founder and president of Communio, shares in a special Father's Day interview how to have Christ-centered relationships and reveal God's great love to their communities!

In this episode of the Happy Women Podcast, Jen Horn and Katie Gorka discuss their experiences with their own fathers and the impact their fathers had on their lives. They also talk about the importance of fathers and the role they play in the family. They share their thoughts on Father's Day gifts and the significance of creating memories with loved ones. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about Jordan Peterson and his tour, 'We Who Converse With God,' which explores faith, psychology, and the importance of speaking up and speaking out. Finally, they highlight two organizations, Take Charge USA and Communio, that are working to support fathers and strengthen families through church-based programs.Support the show: https://www.sebgorka.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Happy Women Podcast, Jen Horn and Katie Gorka discuss their experiences with their own fathers and the impact their fathers had on their lives. They also talk about the importance of fathers and the role they play in the family. They share their thoughts on Father's Day gifts and the significance of creating memories with loved ones. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about Jordan Peterson and his tour, 'We Who Converse With God,' which explores faith, psychology, and the importance of speaking up and speaking out. Finally, they highlight two organizations, Take Charge USA and Communio, that are working to support fathers and strengthen families through church-based programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#9: Dr. Larry Chapp joins Midnight Carmelite as we discuss a range of issues, including technology and its proper use. We also talk about GS22 being the official podcast of Communio, the concept of razing the bastions, empathetic thinking, Christ on the cross, and the acceptance of being wrong.

John and Pat Hazelwood have committed their lives to serving the Lord and are called to lead others into victorious living for Christ. They are the founding directors of ‘Yes, Marriage Works!, Inc.', a non-profit organization focused on marriage and family sustainability. They are also Ordained Chaplains with the International Federation of Chaplains. The Hazelwood's have been married for over 43+ years and are the proud parents of nine children; six of which are married and have 16 grandchildren. They are certified facilitators in several nationally accredited programs that focuses on developing relationship skills. Their experience has allowed them to use transferable skills to help couples manage high stress levels, life changes, and raising children in arenas domestically and internationally. John and Pat currently serve as marriage coaches with Pioneers International. They coach missionaries before and during their time overseas. They have worked with couples serving in 15 countries. John is also an Engagement Officer for Communio, a non-profit organization that trains and equips churches to share the Gospel through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. John Hazelwood Church Engagement Officer M: 614.747.0360 E: jhazelwood@communio.org www.communio.org www.yesmarriageworks.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/momentsofgrace/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/momentsofgrace/support

Hosts: Fr. Steve & Rich Budd In today's episode, we talk about Communio. We hear a reflection on The Holy Spirit. And we listen to a poem by St. John Henry Newman, “Lead, Kindly Light,” read by Dan Dowsett.

There's a direct link between being raised in a family with a mom and dad present and a commitment to faith, according to the president and founder of Communio, a nonprofit that equips churches to work for the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family.“Many pastors don't know that 80% of everybody sitting in the pews on Sunday morning come from a home where mom and dad stayed continuously married,” says Communio's J.P. De Gance. After working in public policy and politics in Washington, D.C., De Gance says he began to see that “so much of what's going on wrong in our country flows from the collapse of family and faith.” He started Communio to come alongside churches to help them identify how they can foster healthy families and marriages, and to equip singles with the tools to create those thriving relationships in the future, with a goal toward furthering the Gospel in America. De Gance joins “The Daily Signal Podcast” to explain why an American revival of faith requires a restoration of the family. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a direct link between being raised in a family with a mom and dad present and a commitment to faith, according to the president and founder of Communio, a nonprofit that equips churches to work for the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. “Many pastors don’t know that 80% of everybody sitting […]

Fatherhood is a unique journey that provides an opportunity to shape the lives of our daughters. In a recent episode of the Dads with Daughters podcast, JP DeGance, the president of Communio, shared valuable insights on fatherhood, relationships, loneliness, and the importance of community in raising daughters to be strong and independent women. Impactful Moments of Fatherhood In the podcast, DeGance shared his experience as a father to eight children, highlighting the significant impact of fatherhood on his life. He emphasized how his relationship with his daughters has shaped his perspective on parenting. He touched upon the realization of a different connection and relationship with his daughters compared to his sons. Understanding the Unique Bonds DeGance discussed the importance of forming unique relationships with each of his children despite their different personalities and age ranges. He highlighted the significance of spending quality time with each child individually and fostering connections that are tailored to their individual needs and interests. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting each child in a personalized manner. Challenges of Raising Daughters The discussion delved into the challenges of raising daughters in the modern world, particularly in terms of relationships, healthy partnerships, and the impact of societal changes on their well-being. DeGance shed light on the implications of the current cultural trends on daughters' perceptions of relationships and the importance of guiding them to discern healthy and meaningful connections. Insights on Loneliness and Community DeGance's organization, Communio, has conducted extensive research on loneliness, uncovering concerning trends in societal well-being. The study revealed alarming insights about the epidemic of loneliness and its impact across different demographic groups. Particularly, the podcast emphasized the importance of community and mentorship among men, highlighting the profound impact of having connections outside the family unit to combat loneliness and reinforce purpose in life. Cultivating Meaningful Relationships One of the key takeaways from DeGance's insights was the emphasis on cultivating healthy, purpose-driven relationships within the family and the broader community. He stressed the significance of modeling a parent-centered home rather than a child-centered one, highlighting the role of the marriage relationship as the foundation for trust and social trust in children. Guiding Fathers to Be Present DeGance shared invaluable advice for fathers, encouraging them to live life with their children and actively engage in their lives. This guidance underscored the importance of being present and actively involved in children's lives, especially during their formative years. In conclusion, JP DeGance's insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of fatherhood, relationships, and community in raising strong daughters. His perspectives on building unique connections with each child, navigating the challenges of parenting, and the significance of community involvement offer valuable lessons for fathers striving to raise empowered and resilient daughters. As fathers, our role in shaping the lives of our daughters extends beyond mere presence. It encompasses creating a supportive and purpose-driven environment, fostering meaningful connections, and nurturing strong, independent women. Through prioritizing father-daughter relationships, active involvement, and community engagement, we can contribute to the holistic development of our daughters and empower them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and resilience. By embracing the insights shared by JP DeGance, fathers worldwide can deepen their understanding of their pivotal role in raising strong, empowered daughters and actively contribute to their daughters' journey toward a fulfilling and purposeful life. If you've enjoyed today's episode of the Dads With Daughters podcast, we invite you to check out the Fatherhood Insider. The Fatherhood Insider is the essential resource for any dad who wants to be the best dad that he can be. We know that no child comes with an instruction manual, and most are figuring it out as they go along. The Fatherhood Insider is full of valuable resources and information that will up your game on fatherhood. Through our extensive course library, an interactive forum, step-by-step roadmaps, and more, you will engage and learn with experts but, more importantly, with dads like you. So check it out today! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:05]: Welcome to Dads With Daughters. In this show, we spotlight dads, resources, and more to help you be the best dad you can be. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:16]: Welcome back to the Dads with Daughters podcast, where we bring you guests to be active participants in your daughters' lives, raising them to be strong, independent women. Docs. Really excited to be back with you again this week. Every week, I love sitting down with you and being able to talk to you about this journey that we're all on called fatherhood. And it is a unique journey in many ways, but it doesn't have to be. There are so many ways in which we can learn and grow from the offered from the people that are around us, from other fathers, and this show is all about connecting you with other people's experiences to be able to help you to be the father that you wanna be and to help you to raise those strong independent women the that you have in your homes. Every week, I love bringing you different guests, different dads, and different other individuals with resources that can help you to do just that. And this week, we got another great guest with us. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:12]: JP DeGance is with us today, and JP is the president of Communio. He is also the founder and president. I should say, let me step back. JP DeGance is with us today, and JP is the president and founder of Communio. And we're gonna talk more about the organization and some of the things that they've been finding inside, like, a recent study that just came out about loneliness. And we're also gonna be talking about the fact that he's a father of 8. And I was talking to him before we started today and said that it just kinda blows my mind because I think 2 is enough for me, but 8 is a whole new game. So I'm excited to have him on. JP, thanks so much for being here. JP DeGance [00:01:52]: Hey, Christopher. Thank you for having me. It's great to be here with you. Thank you so much. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:57]: It is my pleasure having you here today. I love that we're able to talk about fatherhood and Communio. I guess, 1st and foremost, I wanna turn the clock back in time. I love being able to have this power when when I talk to people and being able to turn the clock back. And I know you've got 8 kids. I'd like to go back to that 1st moment. That first moment that you found out that you were going to be a father to a daughter, what was going through your head? JP DeGance [00:02:20]: You know, for us, it was number 3. And I'll tell you. It was funny. I told my wife brings this up to me all the time. She says, I see, oh, I'm gonna treat, you know, my kids the same. I'm gonna, you know, my son's daughter's gonna be the same. And then, I had my daughter, and I realized, we have a different connection, a different relationship. And I love my girls. JP DeGance [00:02:42]: I've I've we're we're all tied up. Chris for four boys and four girls. It's about as evenly distributed as you can. But being able to bond with my daughters and having daughters, I'm confident, makes me a better a better man. It causes me to want to be more in comparison to my sons, who I'll rough up. I relate a bit differently to my daughters, and it's been beautiful, not great. And my wife has called me out on it quite a number of times that you don't really treat them the same. Later on, I got a quote from my father That I love. He's like, you treat all of your children equally. JP DeGance [00:03:18]: You don't treat them the same. And I think that there's a lot of a lot of wisdom in that. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:23]: I love that. Now a lot of dads that I talk to I talked to a lot of dads over the years, and a lot of dads say to me that having that daughter in their life. Is not only an amazing thing, but it also brings some fear with it as well. And I guess for you, As you look at the fact that you have eight kids four girls and four boys, what has been your biggest fear in raising daughters? JP DeGance [00:03:47]: Nobles. Because of my work, and you mentioned some research that we've been doing, I run an org and a ministry that really seeks to equip churches to champion and encourage healthy relationships, marriage, fatherhood, and healthy fatherhood. And as I've gotten into the data, you can't help but understand That there is a retreat from marriage that's occurring that's gonna affect our sons and daughters, and that means something, especially for our daughters and how they grow and Dom. And and how they discern healthy relationships. I think the culture has cheapened relationships and meaningful relationships. And so coming alongside my daughters to help form them is so that they can know what the healthy guy looks like and how to avoid problematic relationships and toxic relationships, and then form friend groups, right? That reinforces that. Right? My mom used to say, you know, you are. I'm sure I'm not the only one whose mom said this. Right? You are who your friends are, who you associate with. JP DeGance [00:04:51]: You often reflect in terms of your personality and who you are. So those are just some of those things that, you know, recognizing. You know, the reality is is even at Conley, and you think about college, no, today's college is now 60% women, 40% men, and in the last, most recent most recent class. And what that actually mathematically means as a dad is it's gonna be actually harder mathematically for our daughters to find a guy who is of historically speaking woman marries someone of the same academic attainment level. And that means, if her daughters pursue college, it'll become harder to identify someone just because it just becomes a math problem. These are just some of the things I think about. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:30]: Now with eight kids, I know that even with twoo kids, each child is very different. I'm sure that with eight kids, you've got many different personalities and many different perspectives. And as you father 8 children, you have to build those unique relationships with each one of those kids in different ways. How do you do that, and how do you balance being able to build those unique relationships with each of your children, especially based on the age range that we're talking about? JP DeGance [00:06:04]: We spend a lot of time together, a lot of our social time as a family. And the kids enjoy being around each other. These kids we, we fight. The kids fight. Right? The kids argue, and that's all normal. But I will say our 18-year-old, our 17-year-old, and our 15-year-old are strange in that they don't complain when it's family time and we're Doing something social and fun. That said, it's it you're absolutely right. It's critical to find that time where you can spend time together individually with dog. JP DeGance [00:06:34]: A child. So I do a number of things. I travel for work, not infrequently, and so I try to bring one of my kids with me on a work trip Periodically so that there it's just with dad. If I'm going out, I have to go to Montana periodically, and that's a fun place to go and drive around and see the natural wonder of that heart of the country, and I'll do that. I've I've had to go on trips to Denver. I'll take one child. And one of the things that we'll do is try to do different types of rites of passage kind of experiences with our with a kid with our children when they hit a certain age, particularly, like, right before puberty, you know, they go on a trip. With me. JP DeGance [00:07:10]: It's a son who goes with me, and the daughter goes with mom. And we make a trip away, and we do a bit of the bird and the bees, conversations and, you know, how life is gonna be changing and really try to lay the groundwork there. Then when they graduate high school, we've done this once Now. We'll be doing it again this summer. We've taken our oldest. We've just selected that point to be just a trip with an experience that we just do with a high school graduate and celebrate that moment, let them know how important that moment was and their achievement and and and, obviously, in our as a family of 8, really appreciate that time when it's just me and them Or me and my wife and my child. And so those are some of the ways. And then you, you know, every child, you're absolutely right. JP DeGance [00:07:57]: Every child is different. Right? They need different things. Okay. I've grown to notice that my sons and I are studying this area; they want to know If they're competent, they wanna know. If I think that they're competent, they're they're they're effective. They can do they can do things. And so frequently, that's part of how I reinforce the My sons and my daughters so frequently wanna know if, and they range again from age 4 to age 15. They wanna know if they are actually beautiful. Are they being reinforced? I think they're certainly reinforcing your self-image and, Letting her know that Dad knows that they're they're a beautiful young lady, beautiful inside and out, and that's important in a way. JP DeGance [00:08:39]: They react differently, my sons and daughters, on these things, and I've seen that as really important for my daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:08:45]: We talked about fears and how raising kids can be smooth sailing. It can also be challenging at times. What's been the hardest part for you In being a father to a daughter? JP DeGance [00:08:57]: Yeah. The hardest part of being a father to a daughter. My kids have struggled with dyslexia, sons and daughters. And realized that the traditional school model for us wasn't wasn't working for my daughters. What it wasn't working for my sons. I ended up having a series of conversations with a businessman that I thought very highly of, and he helped me open my eyes to thinking differently about education, particularly educating my daughters. Right? In the end, it led us to decide to alter what we were doing. We ended up Moving into a homeschool model where we could allocate capital for the kind of tutoring they needed and the kind of pace in the areas they needed. JP DeGance [00:09:40]: And that's been a really good thing. I think mom is really good at handling things like ways to dress and what have you. And so I don't have to do much of that. My wife is all over the stuff, and the and the girls, That's been a good thing for us, and the girls, I think, have, with some reluctance, taken to mom's guidance on such Dutch Things. Mom dresses well, and so they see that you can dress beautifully elegantly, and you can also dress modestly in those ways. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:10:12]: I mentioned that you were the president and CEO of Communio, and you sort of started to talk a little bit about what Communio is and what it focuses on. Tell me more about Communio, and then we'll talk about some of the research. I wanna hear more about the organization first. JP DeGance [00:10:28]: Sure. So we function like as a business to business, a b to b, so to speak, as a business model. So our customers always and everywhere, the local church. Okay. We equip the local church to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, the Marriage, and the family. And a major part of, obviously, that is fatherhood. And so we do that through Coaching churches, training churches, and evidence-based strategies on relationship health. We do help produce No. JP DeGance [00:10:59]: A transformation in the mindset of pastors in the church is that investing in the strength of your marriage or your relationships is something everybody does. If you wanna be healthy, happy, and holy, no. And then that's what that's what one ought to do. And a big thing is part of that message is for men. Right? Heavily, on dads. If I love my children, One of the best ways for me to love my children is, whenever it's possible, to love the mother of my children more than my own children because when I do that, it spills over and has lifetime benefits on our children. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:11:33]: I mentioned the fact that your organization had been doing some research into loneliness. So talk to me about That and why your organization chose to start doing research on this topic. JP DeGance [00:11:46]: I've been startled like many of the Folks who've who've looked into space; we've got shortening lifespans. We are, as a country, when I was a kid. When you were a kid, people talk futurists saying, you know, maybe we're gonna live to a 100 or maybe a 110 in the future. It'll just be normal. No one ever thought 40 or 50 years ago that people would be short, living shorter and shorter lives. And that's that's where we are, particularly men as of recently, but it's also women. And we're heavily divergent from similar countries. So if you look at other countries of high wealth, we are having a sharp decline in our lifespan. JP DeGance [00:12:20]: That has a heavy relationship to the loneliness problem. In 2008, the first year in the United States, the surgeon general said that we had an epidemic of loneliness, and it's only increased. And so we work with our client churches to a small number of factors, no And one of those is loneliness, and there's something called the UCLA summary loneliness index. It's a 3 question tool that when you use it, depending on how you answer it, no If you score 6 or higher on it, you fit the public health definition of loneliness, which means your lifespan is basically the difference between dying in your the Mid-seventies to dying in your late fifties or, you know, right at sixty. Okay. And that's how significant it is. And and so. JP DeGance [00:13:03]: We wanted to make folks aware of what's going on with it. And, well, one of the things that stuck out sadly is some of the findings were it's not who you think Dog. Is lonely. Right? You would think it would make sense that it's the elderly and it's the widowed are the most likely to be lonely. And the reality is that the loneliest folks in the survey were the never married in their thirties and also the divorced in their thirties. Those were the two loneliest groups. They were lonelier than widows, and there was the loneliest group of widows were widows in their Fifties, which makes sense, and widowers and widows in their fifties, which makes sense. It's premature to have lost a spouse. JP DeGance [00:13:46]: That age, or maybe you're a recent empty nester, and so there's a major life change. But even still, someone who's 30, the 4-year-old who's never married, or 33 who's divorced. They're actually lonelier by a significant margin than those folks and Docs. Making sure, you know, when we talk to our client churches, like, this is something you need to be aware of. Right? Like, this is as a pastor, Doc. If you're talking about the importance of forming a heterogeneous community between singles and married, divorced and widowed, the Young and old. That should be a normal part of life in thinking through how to form those kinds of interlocking communities. The folks can have meaningful relationships and have the kind of purpose that flows from meaningful relationships that undo all of the horrible health effects of loneliness. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:14:34]: So, a part of the Organization that this podcast is all about is called Fathering Together, and we talk about the importance of building community. And this show is all about raising our kids. I think that things that you just said are things that we need to reinforce with our kids in many different ways. As your organization delves deeper into not only some of the causes and the groups that are being affected to raise the consciousness of society around us, it will be able to start making changes internally. But are there things that your organization may have identified that, as parents, we should be aware of To be able to reinforce with our own kids as they're getting older to help them not lead that lonely life the As they JP DeGance [00:15:22]: get older. Yeah. You know, first, it's critically important, and this is gonna sound to some listeners paradoxical. One of the most important things is not to build Not. A child-centered home, but a parent-centered home. And I mean that in the sense of whether there's a marriage in the home or you're parenting with a spouse, Dom. The most important relationship is the spouse. And when that happens, a child can actually feel safe and trust That our ability to form social trust, one of the big things that social scientists have uncovered is that our levels of social trust in America are in rapid decline. JP DeGance [00:15:55]: We first learned to trust others based on those most primal relationships with our parents. And then when we see it model the Father to the child, but then when the child sees the dad relating frequently to the spouse. And so what's key is to model a life where, no, you know, it's easy. Right? I've paid kids, but you can do this with two kids. You can revolve your entire life around youth sports, youth activities, academic competitiveness, anything that you want, whatever you want to turn fashion into the idol, I think. The reality is that when it's a child-centered home, You raise people who will become self-centered later. Okay? Because they see themselves, hey. The most important people in my life communicated that I was the most important person in my life. JP DeGance [00:16:48]: And then now I'm going out into the world, and I'm the most important person in my life. No. And the paradox of happiness is living for the other. We're wired deeply to live in some in a sacrificial way to not go out of our way for the other. That's what love is. And so I think a key in raising our daughter's dog. They see that we love their mothers and that we model the kinds of healthy friendships that should be in our lives. And then, obviously, that doesn't mean that you don't do your sports, and it doesn't mean that you don't want your child to be competitive and great at what they're doing. JP DeGance [00:17:25]: No. But rightly ordered is the key here that these things are held, intention. There's moderation in such things. So sometimes there is a hard decision that needs to be made that as a husband, right, I need it's maybe not the best thing for my marriage that I I don't see my wife For thirteen weekends in a row because we're doing travel sports every weekend. I'd not say that that being in a hyperbolic example. Right? And then if you're you're a single dad, okay, you're an unmarried dad, Then I think that that's important to model a life of moderation. Right? So that a child can see and live a life of moderation where the child is Nuts. Encouraged and supported by that relationship between father and daughter, if I can't trust that my dad's there for me, it spills over into lots of other areas of my life later as I grow up. JP DeGance [00:18:15]: And I can't then trust that a future person who pursues me, as a man pursuing your daughter in the future, It's harder for that daughter to trust in the relationship. It's harder for her to trust certain friendships or business in relationships Dog. So much of who we are is formed in our family of origin. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:18:34]: Appreciate that. Now, as you think about relationships with other men, In regard to the importance of having bonds with others as well, what is your study found about the importance of having those connections to people outside of your family that Can help you to stave off loneliness? JP DeGance [00:18:57]: Yeah. Look. I'm a huge fan. I'm a big believer in mentorship and community Among men. So I have had a friend group of other dads that range in age, that are ranged about a dozen years older than me and Dog. About a dozen years younger than me. And we're actually on a text thread together, and we'll text each other. We'll get together periodically, Socially, mostly, but sometimes we do, what you would consider a Christian small group activity, but it's certainly a mix. JP DeGance [00:19:27]: And I have benefited so much from just being pals with dads who have some kids who are Doubt. 10 years further ahead of the journey on me and being able to talk to him. Nothing structured and formal,, you know, being able to Go over for a barbecue and a beer and talk and talk about challenges of fatherhood and the Thinking of being thoughtful about forming our children is just incredibly important and incredibly important within the realm of loneliness. Right? There's so many, so many men. We are Wired, Richard Reeves wrote a book on boys and men. He's actually a progressive scholar but spends a lot of time writing about men. Dog. And it's his argument that I'm I kinda persuaded on that in a lot of ways, masculinity in its social manifestation is no A bit more fragile than femininity, and his argument is that you know, we're wired for purpose. JP DeGance [00:20:22]: Humans are wired for purpose. Right? And we derive our sense of purpose most frequently from being a husband and then being a father. Okay? And when we walk through life, and we got those 2 things out of our life, what you're seeing doc Is ex what researchers identified is this epidemic of loneliness because and you've got an explosive growth in opioids and substance abuse, men died, and liver cirrhosis. Doc. All of this is what happened. It's the social manifestation or the psychological manifestation of social phenomena where you no longer have that sense of purpose is now void, no And Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:20:54]: it needs to be filled with something. JP DeGance [00:20:54]: And frequently, it's found in forms of escape. And our role as a dad Should be for anybody listening; this should be a place where I derive a deep, deep sense of purpose in my life. Ideally, the Best outcomes occur when you're a married dad. But then, if you're not a married dad, then it's how do I find ways to function in a healthy way as frequently as I can as a single dad. And understand this is deeply who you are, Dog. And you've created another person. A daughter shares your DNA, half of your DNA, and her self-image, her mental health, her future decisions on who she couples up with, who her spouse is, her future feelings of loneliness or isolation or the lack thereof, Doc. Wrapped up in her relationship, whether you like it or not with her. JP DeGance [00:21:47]: And so that should actually, I don't share that to scare any of the listeners. No, I show that to encourage you and just know you've got a big job. We've got big jobs as dads. We're not replaceable. Nobody else can serve that role as a dad. And so the Latin phrase, be a man. We have to step up and be a man. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:22:06]: You sharing that. Now we always finish our interviews with what I like to call our fatherhood five. We're gonna ask the Five more questions to delve deeper into you as a dad. Are you ready? JP DeGance [00:22:14]: Yeah. Go ahead. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:22:15]: In one word, what is fatherhood? JP DeGance [00:22:17]: Fun. I don't know. I feel like it's a lot of fun. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:22:19]: When did you finally feel like you succeeded at being a father to a daughter? JP DeGance [00:22:24]: I read a book to my teenagers. I read we do a lot of read-aloud books, no, And we've done stuff like Tolkien and Baham. I picked a book called How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk. And I told my kids, and I told my daughter. I told my teenage boys and my teenage daughter that I read to them. I told them, look. It's too late for your mother, but it's not too late for you. And my daughter, at the end of it, okay, this is about as high praise as you can get. From a 14-year-old, she said, Dad, this is the 1st book you read to me that was interesting. JP DeGance [00:22:51]: And so I felt like knowing my daughter, that's, like, spiking the football. She's like, this is the greatest thing ever is what what that Dawson. So I felt like that was a major win. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:22:58]: I love that. I haven't read that book, but I think I might have to check it out. JP DeGance [00:23:01]: It's a great book. Read by my friend John Van App. He's a great scholar And a student of human relationships. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:23:07]: Appreciate you sharing that. Now if I were to talk to your kids, how would they describe you as a dad? JP DeGance [00:23:12]: I think they would say I'm the Don Juan. But I also know, you know, they'd say fun and that dad likes to teach us. And so because when we're eating dinner at the table, I'm usually we're doing pop Dog. Quizzes, whether it's on matters of deep importance or or matters of college football. It just depends. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:23:30]: Who inspires you to be a better dad? JP DeGance [00:23:32]: All 8 of my kids. I feel an awesome responsibility that I know Doc. No one will have a greater impact on our likelihood of living a healthy and happy life later than me and certainly their mother. But there's a lot of data. It says, particularly for our daughters, that there's this outsized major impact that dads play, and so I just can't help, but when I see my kids in the morning, especially my little 4-year-old, I can't help. Lucy, my youngest, is a daughter, and she runs the house, as my older kids all know. I Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:24:16]: You've given a lot of pieces of advice today. As we finish up today, what's 1 piece of advice you'd want to give to every dad? JP DeGance [00:24:21]: Live life with your children. And I mean that song, The Cats in the Cradle and the Silver Spoon. A little boy, blue, and the man on the moon. When you come home, son, I don't know when. I think so. Many times, it's so critical for us to abide and be around our children and enjoy when they're little to be with them And in the things that they love to do. Even though it may not be the most fun thing for us when our little ones are little push yourself to find the joy in playing and condescending to your daughters when they're really little. And because as you do that and continue to do that, As they get older, they will want to spend time with you, and you will want to spend time with them. JP DeGance [00:25:02]: The thing that I've gotten the most joy out of is actually these teenage years. Now that I am a college freshman, all of my teenagers actually enjoy spending time with me, and they like spending time with their friends. But when it's time to do something, they look forward to it. And they're okay with an occasional Friday night or Saturday night and dad, I'm watching some games with dad or or spending some time with dad. And that's all built on years of living life with them from a young age. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:25:31]: Well, JP, I just wanna say thank you. Thank you for sharing your journey, for sharing this study. If people wanna find out more About you, about your organization, where should they go? JP DeGance [00:25:40]: Go to communio.org, particularly to get the study, which goes into the slowness of data, the Goes into a lot of interesting stuff. Particularly, it goes into a lot of research on fathers' impact on faith practice, Which for dads who are interested in understanding that, it's communio.org backslash study. It's the relationship with our earthly father. That has an impact on whether or not you believe that there's a heavenly father out there who loves you. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:26:08]: Well, JP, I just wanna, again, say thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for sharing and being able to help fathers to be able to see the importance of finding that community around them, and I wish you all the best. JP DeGance [00:26:18]: Hey. Thank you so much, Christopher. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:26:20]: If you've enjoyed today's Dads with Daughters podcast episode, we invite you to check out the fatherhood insider. The fatherhood insider is the resource for any dad who wants to be the best dad that he can be. We know that no child comes with an instruction manual, and most dads are figuring it out as they go along. The And the Fatherhood Insider is full of resources and information that will up your game on fatherhood. Through our extensive course library, an interactive forum, step-by-step road maps, and more. You will engage and learn with experts, but more importantly, dads like you. So check it out atfatheringtogether.org. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:26:59]: If you are a father of a daughter and have not yet joined the Dads with Daughters Facebook community, there's a link in the notes today. Dr. Christopher Lewis: Dad's with Daughters is a program of fathering together. We look forward to having you back for another great guest next week, all geared to helping you raise strong, empowered daughters And be the best dad that you can be. Dr. Christopher Lewis : We're all in the same boat, and it's full of tiny screaming passengers. We spend the time. We give the lessons. We make the meals. We buy them presents. Bring your A-Game because those kids are growing fast. The time goes by just like a dynamite blast calling astronauts and firemen, carpenters, and musclemen. Get out and be the world to them. Be the best dad you can be. Be the best dad you can be.

How does the decline in marriage impact the decline in faith practice and affiliation? What has contributed to the rise in “none's”? Can scientific research and inquiry help us understand the connection between marriage and faith?   To have this important conversation, I welcome JP De Gance, founder and president of Communio, which is a nonprofit ministry that trains and equips churches to share the Gospel through the renewal of healthy relationship, marriages, and the family.   In today's episode, we discuss loneliness in America, marriage and divorce statistics, how the perception of marriage has changed from a cornerstone to capstone venture, how the decline in marriage correlates with the decline in faith practice, how dads play a key role in their children's faith practice, and strategies that parishes and communities can implement to serve better serve marriage.   Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Websites mentioned in the show: Communio Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationships

A new nationwide study on faith and relationships reveals a strong correlation between people who grew up in homes with married parents and their continuation of their practice of faith in adulthood. It also shows that loneliness is a crisis that is negatively affecting relationships and religious life. The conclusions of the study are drawn from a nationwide survey of 19,000 Sunday church attendees conducted during worship in 112 Evangelical, Protestant, and Catholic congregations. Newt's guest is J.P. De Gance, founder and president of Communio, a national nonprofit organization that works with churches to strengthen families and develop stronger faith lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This lecture was given on April 15th, 2023, at the West Coast Intellectual Retreat on Divinization. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: r. Andrew Hofer, O.P., grew up as the youngest of ten children on a farm in Kansas, and studied history, philosophy, and classics at Benedictine College. He then went to St Andrews, Scotland for a Master of Letters in medieval history. He entered the Order of Preachers as a son of the Province of St. Joseph, and was ordained a priest in 2002. After finishing his S.T.L. and serving as an associate pastor for a brief time, he was sent to Kenya as a missionary for two years. He taught at the Tangaza College of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and other institutions in Nairobi. He returned to the U.S. and completed the Ph.D. in theology at the University of Notre Dame, with the primary area of history of Christianity (specializing in patristic theology with additional studies in medieval theology) and the secondary area of systematic theology. His research appears in such journals as Vigiliae Christianae, Augustinianum, International Journal of Systematic Theology, New Blackfriars, Nova et Vetera, Pro Ecclesia, The Thomist, Communio, and Angelicum and in books published by Catholic University America Press and Ignatius Press. He is the author of Christ in the Life and Teaching of Gregory of Nazianzus (Oxford Early Christian Studies), Oxford University Press, 2013, and the editor of Divinization: Becoming Icons of Christ through the Liturgy, Hillenbrand Books, 2015.

This lecture was given on July 17th, 2023, at St. Peter's Church on Capitol Hill. For more information about upcoming events, please visit our website: https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events Speaker Bio: Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., grew up as the youngest of ten children on a farm in Kansas and studied history, philosophy, and classics at Benedictine College. He then went to St Andrews, Scotland for a Master of Letters in medieval history. He entered the Order of Preachers as a son of the Province of St. Joseph and was ordained a priest in 2002. After finishing his S.T.L. and serving as an associate pastor for a brief time, he was sent to Kenya as a missionary for two years. He taught at the Tangaza College of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and other institutions in Nairobi. He returned to the U.S. and completed a Ph.D. in Theology at the University of Notre Dame, with the primary area of history of Christianity, specializing in patristic theology with additional studies in medieval theology and the secondary area of systematic theology. His research appears in such journals as Vigiliae Christianae, Augustinianum, International Journal of Systematic Theology, New Blackfriars, Nova et Vetera, Pro Ecclesia, The Thomist, Communio, and Angelicum and in books published by Catholic University of America Press and Ignatius Press. He is the author of Christ in the Life and Teaching of Gregory of Nazianzus (Oxford Early Christian Studies), Oxford University Press, 2013, and the editor of Divinization: Becoming Icons of Christ through the Liturgy, Hillenbrand Books, 2015.

This lecture was given on March 8th, 2023, at West Virginia University. For more information about upcoming events, visit thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events. Speaker Bio: Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., grew up as the youngest of ten children on a farm in Kansas, and studied history, philosophy, and classics at Benedictine College. He then went to St Andrews, Scotland for a Master of Letters in medieval history. He entered the Order of Preachers as a son of the Province of St. Joseph, and was ordained a priest in 2002. After finishing his S.T.L. and serving as an associate pastor for a brief time, he was sent to Kenya as a missionary for two years. He taught at the Tangaza College of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and other institutions in Nairobi. He returned to the U.S. and completed a Ph.D. in theology at the University of Notre Dame, with the primary area of history of Christianity, specializing in patristic theology with additional studies in medieval theology, and the secondary area of systematic theology. His research appears in such journals as Vigiliae Christianae, Augustinianum, International Journal of Systematic Theology, New Blackfriars, Nova et Vetera, Pro Ecclesia, The Thomist, Communio, and Angelicum and in books published by Catholic University of America Press and Ignatius Press. He is the author of Christ in the Life and Teaching of Gregory of Nazianzus (Oxford Early Christian Studies), Oxford University Press, 2013, and the editor of Divinization: Becoming Icons of Christ through the Liturgy, Hillenbrand Books, 2015.