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Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Front Royal, Virginia. In Today's Show: I've been married for many years, have several children and have always practiced the Faith. But suddenly I see that I married for the wrong reason, had children for the wrong reason, and homeschooled for the wrong reason. I am committed to my family and my vows, but how do I move forward to have authentic relationships with the people I brought into my life and let go of the regrets from knowing that I probably would have been called to a very different life if I had actually been listening to God? Why are priests throughout the United States so diverse in their theology? How do we not let our regrets lead us into despair? When is a divorce or annulment warranted? Is it alright to refuse to enter one's parents' house as long as they are hosting unmarried siblings with their companions in the same room, and to let them know that reason? What if they had separate rooms? Are there any rules related to annulment in terms of who must be contacted as part of the process? For example, must adult children of the marriage be contacted/informed before an annulment can take full effect? Does the church keep a record of why each annulment was approved and who approved it? I struggle with severe anxiety before going to Confession. Is this a sign of spiritual weakness? My husband and I have been practicing NFP with a clear conscience, but recently we came across traditional writers who imply that even periodic abstinence for non-serious reasons could be sinful. How does the Church truly define a ‘just cause,' and how can couples discern this without falling into guilt or legalism? What's the best way to introduce the Rosary to small children without making it feel like a chore? How to stop superstitious thoughts? Why do people believe in superstition? As a Catholic woman, how can I serve in the Church without overstepping the roles God designed for men and women? You often speak on this show about uniting our sufferings to Christ. But how does that actually work in real life? How can I avoid despair and use my suffering redemptively? Is it wrong to wear pants as a woman? I want to be modest, but I also don't want to appear scrupulous or extreme. Do you believe homeschooling is the best way to pass on the traditional Catholic faith to our children? What are some options for folks who might not be in a situation that allows one parent to skip working and stay at home with the children? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Homily. He challenges us to examine where the vice of greed may be present in our lives. You can find Sunday's gospel at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080325.cfm
Luke 12:13-21Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”He replied to him,“Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”Then he said to the crowd,“Take care to guard against all greed,for though one may be rich,one's life does not consist of possessions.”Then he told them a parable.“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.He asked himself, ‘What shall I do,for I do not have space to store my harvest?'And he said, ‘This is what I shall do:I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.There I shall store all my grain and other goodsand I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,you have so many good things stored up for many years,rest, eat, drink, be merry!”'But God said to him,‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?'Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselvesbut are not rich in what matters to God.”
On this weeks podcast/radio programme we are (re-)sharing a discussion with Fr Michael Liston and Bishop Brendan Leahy where Fr Michael recounts his experience of establishing Muintearas Iosa in Limerick diocese in 1974. Muintearas Iosa is the main vehicle for youth ministry in the diocese. Inspired by the community of Taize, Fr Michael established this group which has been marked by over 50 years with a depth of spirituality, fun and friendship.At celebrations in 2014 marking the 40th anniversary Fr. Liston reminded those in attendance at the celebration that Muintearas is Irish for the spirit of extended family and friendship and that's exactly what they have developed over the years. “The Muintearas achieved a way of doing things that gave evidence on our weekends to this great idea that being a Christian is about being part of a family. Muintearas is an extended family. Our Muintearas is accessible to everyone and our gatherings enables us celebrate the joy and friendship we have had in a glorious mixture of our ordinary humanity and the work of the Holy Spirit.”This was originally published in podcast on 9 February 2025.We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week and also give brief outline of the upcoming National Novena in Knock. In part three we take our weekly prayerful reflection with this Sunday's gospel from Luke with the parable of the Rich Fool and ask ourselves how we would measure up against this particular gospel teaching. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com
On this weeks podcast/radio programme we are (re-)sharing a discussion with Fr Michael Liston and Bishop Brendan Leahy where Fr Michael recounts his experience of establishing Muintearas Iosa in Limerick diocese in 1974. Muintearas Iosa is the main vehicle for youth ministry in the diocese. Inspired by the community of Taize, Fr Michael established this group which has been marked by over 50 years with a depth of spirituality, fun and friendship.At celebrations in 2014 marking the 40th anniversary Fr. Liston reminded those in attendance at the celebration that Muintearas is Irish for the spirit of extended family and friendship and that's exactly what they have developed over the years. “The Muintearas achieved a way of doing things that gave evidence on our weekends to this great idea that being a Christian is about being part of a family. Muintearas is an extended family. Our Muintearas is accessible to everyone and our gatherings enables us celebrate the joy and friendship we have had in a glorious mixture of our ordinary humanity and the work of the Holy Spirit.”This was originally published in podcast on 9 February 2025.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com
Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: Are the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic Church the same? How does "Honor thy mother and father" change a child becomes an adult? What happens if you receive a blessing from God, but choose to reject it? Can an Eastern rite priest say mass in other rites? Why weren't Eastern Rite liturgies changed after Vatican II? What is the Eastern church's stance on contraception vs. the West? Which type of funeral mass should we have for a non-practicing Catholic? What do Eastern Catholics think of the feud between the Novus Ordo and Traditional Latin Mass? Can you explain kneeling vs. standing during mass in the different rites? What is the Eastern Catholic view on the synodal church? Any advice on discerning between “waiting on the Lord” and trusting in His timing? Is 1 Cor 10:2 an example of a type of infant baptism? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time homily. You can find the readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072725.cfm
Luke 11:1-13Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished,one of his disciples said to him,"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."He said to them, "When you pray, say:Father, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come.Give us each day our daily breadand forgive us our sinsfor we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,and do not subject us to the final test."And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friendto whom he goes at midnight and says,'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journeyand I have nothing to offer him,'and he says in reply from within,'Do not bother me; the door has already been lockedand my children and I are already in bed.I cannot get up to give you anything.'I tell you,if he does not get up to give the visitor the loavesbecause of their friendship,he will get up to give him whatever he needsbecause of his persistence."And I tell you, ask and you will receive;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives;and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.What father among you would hand his son a snakewhen he asks for a fish?Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?If you then, who are wicked,know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will the Father in heavengive the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Luke 10:38-42Jesus entered a villagewhere a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.She had a sister named Marywho sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,"Lord, do you not carethat my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?Tell her to help me."The Lord said to her in reply,"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.There is need of only one thing.Mary has chosen the better partand it will not be taken from her."
Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: Could you explain the difference in the concepts of original sin in the East versus West? As Western Catholics, are we able to venerate Eastern Saints or ask for their intercession? How does one experience a beatific vision? Do many, or few, go to heaven? Were my parents married in the proper way? Why are there so many "types" of Catholics, and do they get along? Are there any traditions in the Melkite church that have come about because of Latinization? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Homily. Sunday's readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071325.cfm
Fr. Michael Madigan speaks on behalf of the Mission Co-op Appeal and the work being done by the St. Patricks Fathers in Africa.
Brian Mercier on 7 ways to grow deeper in prayer, Fr. Michael Rennier on Chivalry, and Ellen Taylor drops the blogosphere.
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two otherswhom he sent ahead of him in pairsto every town and place he intended to visit.He said to them,"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest.Go on your way;behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;and greet no one along the way.Into whatever house you enter, first say,'Peace to this household.'If a peaceful person lives there,your peace will rest on him;but if not, it will return to you.Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,for the laborer deserves his payment.Do not move about from one house to another.Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,eat what is set before you,cure the sick in it and say to them,'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,go out into the streets and say,'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,even that we shake off against you.'Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.I tell you,it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,"Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name."Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpionsand upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time homily. This week, we are advised to be vigilant against the occult and reminded that God's mercy awaits us in the Sacrament of Confession. You can follow along with Sunday's readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070625.cfm
Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: Are there any Rites that do not fulfill one's Sunday obligation? How can we help prepare children who are getting ready to do their first confession? Can you suggest ways that we can reach out to the young people in our parish? Can you explain how the Bible considers Jesus' resurrection to have occurred after 3 days? What exactly is Heaven? Does the wife of an Eastern priest have a special title? If we were to discover life on other planets, how might that affect our Catholic beliefs? After praying for healing, is it possible that a person may experience pain for a while as a result of the Lord's intervention? Does God ever change his mind? Are Eastern rite churches allowed to play or use patriotic music during The Divine Liturgy? If I drank from a water bottle before Mass that had some crumbs from my toddler in it, does that violate the Eucharistic fast? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's Sunday homily. You can find the readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062925.cfm
HOMILY REFLECTION OF REV. FR. JOSE CABALLES, SVD at the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City, Philippines
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's Corpus Christi Sunday homily. The readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062225.cfm
Fr. Michael is the Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Community, Beale Air Force Base.
HOMILY REFLECTION OF REV. FR. MICHAEL CREENCIA, SVD at the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City, Philippines
HOMILY REFLECTION OF REV. FR. MICHAEL CREENCIA, SVD at the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City, Philippines
Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: If lifting an excommunication makes one not in schism, wouldn't that mean the Eastern Orthodox are no longer in schism? If the SSPX are not schism, does that mean the EO aren't either? If one looks at somebody of the opposite sex and notices their physical appearance or fitness in a non-lustful way, would that be considered sinful? I had a Priest tell me that I was fulfilling my Sunday obligation when I was attending the Orthodox Church for a year, but not with the SSPX. Would you say the same Father? Is it immoral to buy certain stocks in companies that may be involved in war? What happens in a Protestant Baptism? What does the term "ecumenical" mean? Is it true that in the eastern churches, Eucharistic miracles are seen as a bad thing? How do we explain to someone that Mary is sinless and was assumed into heaven with her body? After I receive absolution at the end of making my confession, is there something specific that I should be saying? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's Solemnity of the Holy Trinity homily! You can also pray with the readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061525.cfm
John 16:12-15Jesus said to his disciples:"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,he will guide you to all truth.He will not speak on his own,but he will speak what he hears,and will declare to you the things that are coming.He will glorify me,because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.Everything that the Father has is mine;for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mineand declare it to you."
HOMILY REFLECTION OF REV. FR. MICHAEL CREENCIA, SVD at the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City, Philippines
Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: When and why did the Melkites reunite with Rome? Why don't priests take off their biretta while preaching? What is the Church's opinion on embryo adoption? Is it morally acceptable to attend a friend's civil wedding ceremony? What are some advantages to being a married priest? Do Latin Rite Catholics who visit an Eastern rite parish have to attend mass on Holy days of obligation? What weight does Fr. give to the language of the mass? Which catechism does the Melkite church use to teach catechumens? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Listen along to Fr. Michael's Pentecost Sunday homily. You can follow with the readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060825-Vigil.cfm
Todd and Ellen discuss the news from the Catholic perspective, Fr. Michael Rennier on summertime, Work/Life Balance, and the art of nothing and Dr. Randall Smith on his article "how do people do it."
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's homily on Ascension Sunday. You can follow along with the readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060125-Ascension.cfm
Luke 24:46-53Jesus said to his disciples:“Thus it is written that the Christ would sufferand rise from the dead on the third dayand that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,would be preached in his nameto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.You are witnesses of these things.And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;but stay in the cityuntil you are clothed with power from on high.”Then he led them out as far as Bethany,raised his hands, and blessed them.As he blessed them he parted from themand was taken up to heaven.They did him homageand then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,and they were continually in the temple praising God.
John 14:23-29Jesus said to his disciples:“Whoever loves me will keep my word,and my Father will love him,and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;yet the word you hear is not minebut that of the Father who sent me.“I have told you this while I am with you.The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,whom the Father will send in my name,will teach you everythingand remind you of all that I told you.Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.Not as the world gives do I give it to you.Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.You heard me tell you,‘I am going away and I will come back to you.'If you loved me,you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;for the Father is greater than I.And now I have told you this before it happens,so that when it happens you may believe.”
Icon: Ivanka Demchuk John 14:15-31
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 5th Sunday of Easter homily. You can follow along with the readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051825.cfm
Father Michael Pfleger, pastor of Saint Sabina Church, joins Lisa Dent to discuss his 50 years of priesthood. Fr. Pfleger explains how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. influenced him and shares some stories from his 50 years in the church.
Today Fr. Michael Kerschen joins us to discuss the joys of non-monetary gambling, Fr. Garett's poor medical recommendations, and devastating seminary basketball losses that never go away. We eventually get to his vocation story in which the Lord used a difficult break up to lead him to seminary and ultimately an invitation to freely choose to unite to Jesus as His priest.
Icon by Ivanka Demchuk, Ukraine
Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: Can you explain the difference between blessing yourself from left to right, versus right to left as some Orthodox do? How do you justify the Filioque to the Orthodoxy? Is there any heresy in the Byzantine/Eastern rite in contrast to the western Roman Catholic rite? Is it coincidence that the Great Schism and Protestant reformation both happened under a pope named Leo? What is the Eastern rite view on toll house? Pope Honorius I: A valid objection to the papacy? Should a damaged scapular be burned or buried? Who purchases the ring for a newly elected Pope, and why is it so expensive? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
John 10:27-30Jesus said:“My sheep hear my voice;I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.No one can take them out of my hand.My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.The Father and I are one.”
Fr. Michael Kiernan discuss the new Pope Leo the 14th
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 3rd Sunday of Easter homily. You can follow along with the readings here.
Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. DESCRIPTION: In Today's Show: Why don't more priests offer continuous Catechism classes? If the Blessed Mother was protected from sin, why not the rest of humanity? Is it allowable to listen to an Orthodox Divine Liturgy since they are not in union with the Holy Catholic Church? How binding are abstinence rules put forth by the parents of a household during Lent? In the Eastern Rite, are Thursdays dedicated to Saints Peter, Paul and St. Nicholas? Or all the apostles and St. Nicholas? Is there any hope that the eastern Catholic Churches will grow in number? Did Christ descend into Hell? Can Eastern Catholics become pope? What is the Byzantine Catholic teaching on Thomism? What is the Eastern Rite's solution to getting rid of spite, resentment and anger? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's Divine Mercy Sunday homily. The readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042725.cfm
Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's Easter Vigil homily. The readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041925.cfm
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed. Alleluia! Easter Sunday is the first day of New Creation in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. And every Sunday, the first day of the week, is a little Easter, as the Church participates in the liturgy of the Word and the liturgy of the Table. Jesus enacts this pattern of worship with the two forlorn disciples on the road to Emmaus. In experiencing the risen Lord, their hearts burn within them, as he interprets the Scriptures concerning him. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him in the breaking of the Bread. Luke 24:13–35 Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may, by your life-giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Our Lenten Pilgrimage with the Saints continues this week on the Sacred Shores with St. John Paul II. Follow along with us in your devotional and enjoy the beautiful words and reflections from Fr. Michael Vidrine and art and reflections from Thomas Loustalot. Join us on the sacred shore of Jesus' heart, to allow Him to create in you an internal spiritual river where His love will flow, not only through you, but out to the hearts of your loved ones and your community!......
In this episode I welcome Fr. Michael Ward, from Oxford, England, to speak about the Just War Theory in C. S. Lewis. Don't miss this lively and enjoyable episode! ----- - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a Catholic priest of Miles Christi residing in Detroit. - Fr. Michael Ward is an Englishman, a Catholic Priest, and a literary critic and theologian, with a special expertise in the writings of C.S. Lewis. - Books mentioned in the Podcast: “Popcorn with the Pope” by Fr. Ward, “Why I'm not a pacifist” in a larger book “The Weight of Glory” by Lewis; “Surprised by Joy” an autobiography by C.S. Lewis. - To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat) preached by the Priests of Miles Christi, visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/ - Recorded “on the road” at The Grotto at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI. - Planning, recording, editing, and publishing by Fr. Patrick Wainwright, MC. - Gear: SE Electronics V7 microphones, with a ZOOM H6 recorder. - Intro music from pond5.com
Fr. Michael Gaitley joins Ralph to talk about his call to the priesthood and his book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus.