Podcasts about john's seminary

This week on Follow to Lead, we will be talking with our two guests about a new video called “Souls in the Game,” produced by St. John's Seminary and the Archdiocese of Boston.  This new 30-minute documentary that tells the story of seminary formation and the building of community that goes beyond theology and philosophy classes to the basketball court.

How to Make Hard Tasks Easy I teach New Testament Greek at St. John's Seminary.  The first thing I told my class on the first day was to put away the notebooks and pens; they would not need them to learn the alphabet. I know what would happen. They would be writing down the Greek... The post Gospel-Homily for Second Sunday of Advent (2023) appeared first on St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine.

Today's witness Wednesday will be a bit different than usual. Today I am going to read you two blog posts written by Father David Barnes.  He was the Spiritual Director at St. John's Seminary in Boston in 2014 when these posts were written. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston in 1997. The two blog posts were written about a Eucharist procession that took place in 2014 from MIT to Harvard. It was in response to a “black mass” which was to be held that same night and the administration at the college refused to intervene. There are a few reasons I wanted to talk with you about this today. First, there is a Eucharist Procession this weekend right here in Lowell, MA, for anyone who is listening to this and who lives locally. It is on November 26th at 11 am at St. Rita's Parish. The other one is because I have heard this story at least twice over the last month, and I feel it is one that should be repeated. We tend to get scared watching the news. We feel as though evil is taking over, and we can sometimes feel helpless. This story shows us we are not helpless. It shows us good defeats evil. The Lord has already won the war of good vs. evil. He will always be victorious!The First Blog article is titled A Beautiful Night to be Catholic in the Archdiocese of Boston and was written by Father David Barnes on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.  CLICK HERE to go to Father David Barnes' BlogIt's a little after Midnight, and I am just getting in after participating in a magnificent evening.  Hundreds of Catholics joined in a Eucharistic Procession down Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge from the MIT chapel to St. Paul's in Harvard Square.  There, we spent a period of time in prayer.  The purpose of the evening was to pray in reparation for a planned Satanic Mass on the campus of Harvard University.  The procession, which passed MIT and Central Square, was a site to behold.  People were coming out of restaurants--some kneeling on the sidewalks, others blessing themselves, and some just staring in bewilderment.  Many of the servers who organized the procession were from Juventutem Boston.  That is the Traditional Latin Mass Community of young people.  They did an impressive job.  It's not easy to keep us priests organized.  The procession ended at St. Paul's in Harvard Square. When we arrived, the church--which I suppose holds about 1000 people--was already filled to capacity. So hundreds of those who walked in procession were left standing on the street outside of St. Paul's. As I looked out at the congregation, I saw many people from my previous assignment in Beverly.  They traveled a good distance to be there.  It makes me proud to have been in a parish of people who love the Eucharist so much that they would come to this event.  In the procession, I saw many students from Boston University (where I serve as Chaplain).  It was so inspiring to see their witness.  The unsung hero of the event, in my opinion, was Fr. Richard Clancy, who is the Chaplain at MIT and who is the Director for Catholic Campus Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston. He was the one who came up with the idea of a Eucharistic Procession.  Although he doesn't look for accolades, he deserves some today. Tonight, I spent several hours with Catholics from all over the Archdiocese of Boston--young and old, students, married people, priests, seminarians, religious men and women, lay people--who all love the Eucharist.  That's what being a Catholic is.  I'm grateful to have experienced their powerful witness tonight.The second blog article is titled The Harvard Eucharistic Procession Was Beautiful . . . But Now What? This was written on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.  CLICK HERE to go to Father David Barnes' BlogThe decision of a student group at Harvard University to host a "black mass" on its campus precipitated a massive response from Catholics around Boston, the United States, and even the world.  I've heard of parishes all over the United States that held Holy Hours at the time of the scheduled event at Harvard.  As I mentioned previously, I participated in a magnificent Eucharistic Procession from the campus of MIT to St. Paul's in Harvard Square.  Hundreds of Catholics followed the Eucharistic Lord down the main street in Cambridge, where thousands of onlookers witnessed the flock following the Eucharistic Good Shepherd.I'm not always a huge fan of "big events" because I feel like those things can be used as a substitute for true faith.  Sometimes, they feel as though the effort that goes into planning and executing them far outweighs the benefits.  They sometimes feel designed as a publicity stunt or as a way of evoking a strong emotional reaction, but the effects seem short-lived.  Last night's Eucharistic Procession had a different feel.  As I looked about and saw the many young college students from area universities participating, I was touched by their love for the Eucharist and their sincere desire to follow Christ. During the past year, one thing that has really struck me about the college students whom I encounter every day is their Eucharistic Faith.  Quite often, as I am standing outside of church on a Sunday before Mass, I am asked, "Father, do you have time for a quick confession?"  Similarly, for thirty minutes each day before Daily Mass, I hear confessions.  It is rare for there to be a day that nobody comes.  I also noticed this at Mass itself.  At every Sunday Mass, there are young people who come up in the communion line and ask for a blessing rather than receive the Eucharist.  Presumably, having examined their conscience, they do not want to receive the Eucharist until they have received the Sacrament of Penance.I find all of this very striking.  These young people are not scrupulous or legalistic.  They are not tied up in knots.  Instead, they strike me as being young people who simply love the Lord and who want to approach Him and receive Him with devotion and love.  Their love for the Eucharist and the ease with which they approach the Sacrament of Penance is a beautiful witness to Christ and His Grace.  I benefit from their example.All of this comes to mind for me today as I think about the "big event" of the Eucharistic Procession and the blasphemous "satanic mass" that precipitated it.  I am reminded of my own need to deepen continually my devotion to the Eucharist.  These events beckon all of us to examine ourselves and to renew our love for the Blessed Sacrament.  Do I love the Eucharist?  Do I live a life that is coherent with the Eucharist that I receive?  Do I humbly examine myself before approaching to receive the Eucharist?  Do I spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and make visits to be with the Lord in the Eucharist?  Do I receive the Eucharist with reverence, or am I distracted, careless, or even willful?  In this instance, the "big event" ought to cause all of us who are Catholic to become more coherent in our lives.  While we were rightly outraged at the intended sacrilege of the Eucharist by others, we ought to make certain that we do not simply become "protesters" in our relationship to the Eucharist. Instead, we ought to become more Eucharistic in our daily life.  This "big event" ought to deepen our desire to grow in Eucharistic intimacy.  We want to make sure that we ourselves are not sacrilegious, blasphemous, or careless.  I think the "big event" of the Eucharistic Procession will bear the most fruit if it is followed by Catholics everywhere examining our own consciences and humbly confessing our sins and receiving absolution.  For me, the Eucharist Procession was an amazing witness of people showing their love for the Eucharist.  In my life, however, the far more powerful and convincing witness of Eucharistic Faith is seeing the daily procession of college students making their way to the confessional. Both of these articles demonstrate how powerful the Eucharist is and also the power of taking Jesus, in Eucharistic Form, to the streets. People recognize and can feel His presence even if they don't know what they are feeling. If you have not participated in a Eucharistic Procession, I recommend you try to find one. They are so powerful, and it is so beautiful to see Jesus processing down the streets. It is one thing to love Jesus in the comfort and security of our churches. It is quite another to love Him out on the streets. I have placed a link to a video of the procession in the show notes. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO If you have a few minutes, I know you will be blessed by watching it. I hope you enjoyed hearing about this amazing event and the effect it had on so many!

In this episode of the Catholic Sportsman Show podcast, join us as we talk with Deacon Marcelo Ferrari on his journey to and at St. John's seminary in Boston, Mass. God willing, his journey will continue as a Catholic priest as he looks forward to his ordination in May 2024. In addition, we discuss his involvement in the documentary: "Souls in the Game", which is available for free viewing at soulsinthegame.com or on YouTube. To fully appreciate and understand this episode of the Catholic Sportsman Show, we suggest watching the video before listening to the podcast.    At St John's Seminary, basketball is another way for the seminarians to grow closer to God, their teammates and their community. The sacrifice given on the court fosters a greater love of God, neighbor, and service of others through the support of a team.  Saint John's Seminary & the Archdiocese of Boston teamed up for “Souls in the Game,” a new documentary depicting the spiritual life of seminarians intertwined with their love of basketball. Web site for St. John's Seminary https://www.sjs.edu/ Information about the National Vocations Week in the Catholic Church can be found at National Vocation Awareness Week | USCCB   

Fr. John Harrington was allegedly sexually harassed by the pro-LGBT academic dean of St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, and — after attempting to report this injustice — Fr. Harrington was canceled by his bishop. Fr. Harrington had the courage to stand for virtue and the unchanging Catholic teaching on sexuality. Now, he finds himself on the frontlines in the battle against the LGBT agenda — suing the pro-LGBT activists who sought to victimize him. Fr. John Harrington explains his harrowing experiences at St. John's Seminary and how the spread of the LGBT agenda continues to corrupt the leaders of the Catholic Church.LOVE LIFESITE? LOVE BEING PRO-LIFE? GET THE FIRST AND ONLY LIMITED EDITION PRO-LIFE SILVER ROUND FROM LIFESITENEWS: https://www.stjosephpartners.com/lifesite-silver-roundSHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ HELP US FIGHT THE CENSORSHIP OF BIG TECH: https://give.lifesitenews.com/Connect with us on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenewsJohn-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Published: November 15, 2021 In celebration of Vocation Awareness Week, Changing Our World‘s Jim Friend invited Fr. Michael Zimmerman, who currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and as an adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. With the heart of a teacher, Fr. Michael was inspired to create a systematic discernment program for young men drawing from the wisdom that he received as part of his own formation. During the pandemic lockdown in May 2020, Fr. Michael scripted 27 episodes which are now part of a video series called Scivias. Filmed in a way that captures many of Fr. Michael's own interests, such as rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course, the city of Boston. Fr. Michael hopes others can identify with his journey and recognize how pursuing God's plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires.Scivias Know the Ways of the Lord is a one-of-a-kind video series that serves as a vocational discernment guide for men considering the priesthood. The series is written and narrated by Fr. Michael Zimmerman, Assistant Director of the Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Boston. Designed to help young men recognize how pursuing God's plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires, the 27-episode series was released in April 2021. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SCIVIAS “Thank you Father, this series has really helped me discern.” “These videos are great. Thank you, and keep up the good work.” “I am now exactly 10 years into my priesthood, praise be to God. I loved your video and will be looking forward to more. Subscribed!” “I am a teen who's leaving high school next year, and I hope this series will help with my discernment. Thank you!” Watch the video presentation of this discussion https://youtu.be/BZc72N72v94 Recorded: November 5, 2021 Don't miss Changing Our World's FORGING FORWARDDon't miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin's Crosses” Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin's Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today's Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin's Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

Published: October 21, 2020 How do you engage and train clergy to talk about Stewardship? What are the key ingredients to having that conversation with parishioners? How does a Sacrament Worldview come into play?Join Changing Our World's panel of experts today as they discuss empowering clergy with the spirituality of stewardship. Our host, Jim Friend, participates on the panel with Changing Our World, Managing Directors Mary Doorley Simboski, ACFRE, and Fred Roberts, and special guests Tomasz Kierul, Director of Development at St. John's Seminary in Boston, and Anna Schulten, Office of Development in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. You can find out more about Anna by visiting her website at https://annaschulten.com Don't miss Changing Our World's FORGING FORWARDDon't miss the webinar series FORGING FORWARD, a virtual philanthropic conference designed to bring you nonprofit experts from around the country who are leading through the COVID-19 crisis. Daily Spiritual Reflection and Prayers on “Kristin's Crosses” Join Jim and Kristin Friend and their family on Kristin's Crosses YouTube Channel for “Today's Catholic Prayers.” Jim and Kristin offer the daily Gospel and Reflection along with the Rosary and Catholic Prayers of the day. Click here to visit the YouTube Page and subscribe. If you would like to join the Kristin's Crosses prayer group on Facebook, click here to request to join.

After the overturn of Roe v. Wade, a wide array of commentators bemoaned how much more support would now be needed for women who become pregnant when abortion is no longer available, or less readily available. What that implies, of course, is that abortion is a substitute for other supportive measures for pregnant and parenting women, or even more to that point, that those other forms of support are substitutes for the perceived cure-all of abortion. My guest today calls out this implicit assumption in an essay she wrote that specifically focuses on the ways in which institutions of higher education do or do not adequately support women as women, with their distinctive reproductive capacities in view.Angela Franks is Professor of Theology at St. John's Seminary in Boston. She is no stranger to our own McGrath Institute for Church Life as she currently serves as a Life and Human Dignity Writing Fellow for our Church Life Journal, and she has joined me on our show before to talk about gender, bodies, and the space of responsiveness. The article that is the basis of our discussion today comes under the title “Why Does Higher Ed Throw Women Under the Bus?”, which appeared in the Church Life Journal in September 2022, not long after the Supreme Court's landmark decision in the Dobbs case. Follow up Resources:●      Article: “Why Does Higher Ed Throw Women Under the Bus?” by Angela Franks in the Church Life Journal●      Podcast Episode: “Catholic Colleges and Pregnant Students, with Renée Roden” on Church Life Today●      Podcast Episode: “Gender, Bodies, and the Space of Responsiveness, with Angela Franks” on Church Life Today●      Article: “The Body as Totem in the Asexual Revolution” by Angela Franks in the Church Life Journal●      Video Series: “Into Life: Love Changes Everything” from the Sisters of Life and the McGrath Institute for Church Life: a 12-part original series on accompanying a woman into life.This episode is supported by NCEA, https://www.ncea.org/NCEA2023/whyattendChurch 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.

Dr. Marc Rugani, Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at St. Anselm College, discusses Benedict's third papal encyclical. The three encyclicals: Deus Caritas Est: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est.html Spe Salvi: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html Caritas in Veritate: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate.html Watch a short video about St. John Seminary's Online in M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program: https://vimeo.com/790530996 If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Dr. Michael Bolin, Professor of Philosophy at Wyoming Catholic College, discusses the depths of Pope Benedict XVI's second encyclical, Spe Salvi. The three encyclicals that will be discussed: Deus Caritas Est: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est.html Spe Salvi: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html Caritas in Veritate: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate.html Watch a short video about St. John Seminary's Online in M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program: https://vimeo.com/790530996 If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Dr. Andy Staron, Associate Professor of Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, dives deeply into the depths of Pope Benedict's first encyclical. The three encyclicals that will be discussed: Deus Caritas Est: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est.html Spe Salvi: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html Caritas in Veritate: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate.html If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Dr. Joshua Brumfield, IKON Director at the Newman Idea and author of the book The Benedict Proposal: Church of Creative Minority in the Thought of Benedict XVI, discusses the biography and legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. The three encyclicals that will be discussed in the next three episodes: Deus Caritas Est: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est.html Spe Salvi: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html Caritas in Veritate: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate.html If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Dr. Elizabeth Reichert, Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at St. John's Seminary, discusses how multiple ethical frameworks view sin. If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Fr. Luke Dysinger, Professor of Moral Theology and Church History at St. John's Seminary, discusses the biography of St. Benedict, Benedictine spirituality, and how Benedictine spirituality can transform society at large. If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Fr. Tim Peters, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at St. John' Seminary, explains the historical, theological, and spiritual significance of 1 Samuel 8. If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Fr. Gustavo Castillo, one of fifty nation-wide eucharistic preachers, discusses the Eucharist and the National Eucharistic Revival launched by the U.S. bishops this year and will last for the next three years. If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary in Los Angeles, email mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Dr. Abigail Favale, professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, discusses her new book, The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory, that addresses the most controversial anthropological issues of our time. Dr. Favale's book, The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory: https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Gender-Christian-Theory/dp/1621644081/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L8858YAHP7DR&keywords=genesis+of+gender&qid=1665905587&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjA1IiwicXNhIjoiMC42OSIsInFzcCI6IjAuODUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=genesis+of+gende%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1 Our previous conversation on the Catholic vision of women titled "The Genius of Women:" https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/3Kcdiz619tb If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary in Los Angeles, email mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Claire McMullin, the Vocations Volunteer Manager of the Vocations Office for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, discusses the recent movement in the Catholic Church in America that advocates for the single life to be understood as a permanent vocation. If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary in Los Angeles, email mapm@stjohnsem.edu

Dr. O'Donnell discusses the importance of evangelization in the midst of adversity. He reflects on the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, and what it means to encounter Christ.  Dr. O'Donnell is the president of Christendom College, where he also teaches courses in history and theology. He was the first layman to receive both his licentiate and doctoral degrees in Ascetical and Mystical Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. He has taught at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, California and at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.He is a Knight Grand Cross of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, and is a popular speaker worldwide, most recently being asked to speak at the Pontifical Council on the Family's World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. Additionally, he is the author of Heart of the Redeemer and Swords Around the Cross: The Nine Years War.

Apr 19, 2022 - Fr. Michael Zimmerman, who currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and as an adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. He is the creator of the video series: “Scivias”, which is designed to help young men recognize how pursuing God's plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires. Scivias: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGjC2Of_y01dtHvkEYnd6zQ  Listen live or get the podcast on the Veritas app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen 

Fr. Michael Zimmerman is a Catholic priest, artist, athlete, and writer who is assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. He is the creator of the Scivias video series, a vocational discernment guide. Follow Fr. Michael and the Scivias Video Series: • https://vocationsboston.org/ • Scivias Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGjC2Of_y01dtHvkEYnd6zQ Support this podcast! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E356519&id=2

Our guest for this episode of Follow to Lead is Fr. Michael Zimmerman, who currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. When the world went into lockdown with the pandemic in the Spring of 2020, Fr. Michael used that time to write 27 scripts for a series of vocation videos called Scivias. This video series serves as a guide for men discerning the priesthood. These videos make great resources for schools in their work of inviting young men to discern whether God may be calling them to Holy Orders.

Father Michael Zimmerman joins us to discuss the Scivias video series, which is helping men discern their vocations all across the globe. We also discuss why vocations are essential to the mission of the church. For more on Scivias, visit https://vocationsboston.org/ or their YouTube channel: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCGjC2Of_y01dtHvkEYnd6zQFr. Michael Zimmerman was ordained to the priesthood in 2017 and currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. With the heart of a teacher, Fr. Michael was inspired to create a systematic discernment program for young men drawing from the wisdom that he received as part of his own formation. During the pandemic lockdown in May 2020, Fr. Michael scripted 27 episodes which are now part of a video series called Scivias. Filmed in a way that captures many of Fr. Michael's own interests such as rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course the city of Boston, Fr. Michael hopes others can identify with his journey and recognize how pursuing God's plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires.

#catholic author Jim Sano joins me to talk about #faith and his great book titled "The Father's Son". It is book one of as trilogy in the #catholicfiction genre that is filled with great apologetics and evangelization content. Jim discusses how the book came about, his research, how the story developed, and the amazing feedback that he has received. Learn more about Jim by visiting his website at www.jimsano.com. Check out the book at https://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Son-Jim-Sano/dp/1987970128/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=the%20father%27%20s%20son&qid=1607534338&sr=8-4 About Jim: Jim Sano grew up in an Irish/Italian family in Massachusetts. Jim is a husband, father, life-long Catholic and has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. He has degrees from Boston College and Bentley University and is currently attending Franciscan University for a Master's degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. He has also attended certificate programs at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John's Seminary and the Apologetics Academy. Jim is a member of the Catholic Writer's Guild and has enjoyed growing in his faith and now sharing it through writing novels. The Father's Son (released August 15, 2019) is Jim's first novel and is the recipient of the Catholic Writers Guild's Seal of Approval Award for editorial integrity and faithfulness to Catholic teaching. Gus Busbi is Jim's second novel and was released on December 8, 2020 and Stolen Blessing will be his third novel was released on March 25, 2021. Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan.

Happy National Vocations Awareness Week! To help raise awareness, I am so very pleased to share this week's Say Yes to Holiness 1 on 1 Conversation podcast episode that I had with Father Michael Zimmerman, Assistant Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. Our conversation revolved around responding to God's invitation to holiness, discerning one's vocation, discussion of Fr Michael's innovative use of YouTube to help provide accompaniment to those discerning, some simple things parents can do to make the home a place where discernment naturally occurs, and also some things NOT to say to someone discerning a religious vocation! Fr. Michael Zimmerman was ordained to the priesthood in 2017 and currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. With the heart of a teacher, Fr. Michael was inspired to create a systematic discernment program for young men drawing from the wisdom that he received as part of his own formation. During the pandemic lockdown in May 2020, Fr. Michael scripted 27 episodes which are now part of a video series called Scivias. Filmed in a way that captures many of Fr. Michael's own interests such as rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course the city of Boston (!), Fr. Michael hopes others can identify with his journey and recognize how pursuing God's plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires. Throughout our conversation, Fr Michael shared his own story of discernment and the reality that every vocation has to begin with a relationship with Christ, which of course, led into a discussion of growing in holiness! I can't tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Fr. Michael, and I pray you receive much hope, inspiration and encouragement as I did so you may continue doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to continue to deepen your relationship with Christ so you can embrace the fullness of your vocation. You can also check out the podcast interview here on the Say Yes to Holiness YouTube channel For access to all the videos for Scivias and download the accompanying guide, visit: https://vocationsboston.org/parish-vocation-resources#sciviasForm To read Fr Michael's article, you can go here: "7 Things Not To Say To Someone Discerning A Religious Vocation" To contact Fr Michael, email: mzimmerman@rcab.org For more information: http://www.sayyestoholiness.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayyestoholiness/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sayyestoholiness On Twitter: semcsem On Clubhouse: csemmens www.christinasemmens.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sayyestoholiness/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sayyestoholiness/support

Fr. Michael Zimmerman was ordained to the priesthood in 2017 and currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary. With the heart of a teacher, Fr. Michael was inspired to create a systematic discernment program for young men drawing from the wisdom that he received as part of his own formation. During the pandemic lockdown in May 2020, Fr. Michael scripted 27 episodes which are now part of a video series called Scivias. Filmed in a way that captures many of Fr. Michael's own interests such as rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course the city of Boston, Fr. Michael hopes others can identify with his journey and recognize how pursuing God's plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires.

Fr. Michael Zimmerman, assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John's Seminary tells us about a new vocational video series called Scivias. Forgotten Dreams - Scivias Trailer Shepherd of Souls - Scivias Teaser Scivias: Episode 1

Intro:  I am clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski, and you are listening to the weekly podcast Interior Integration for Catholics Today in episode 63, we are discussing human formation -- what is it?  What do you mine it's missing for many people?  Windup: I am going to start with a bold claim and a controversial claim.   For many, many Catholic adults in our day and age, in our culture, there is a much greater need to focus on human formation than on spiritual formation. Let me repeat that:  Many, many Catholic adults at this point in their lives need solid human formation more than they need spiritual formation. Serious Catholic adults.   Commitment to human formation is so important in the Catholic married sexual life that it composes two of the four legs of my model of a Catholic marriage bed.   The husband's commitment to human formation -- one leg The wife's commitment to human formation -- the other leg Another leg is really understanding attachment and integrity needs (episode 62) Another leg is a model the Internal family systems-informed model of the person with a self and with parts -- we are a unity and a multiplicity -- episodes 60 and 61.  The floor is the a deep, abiding, childlike trust in Mary our Spiritual Mother and God our Spiritual Father.   Building a whole bed here, starting in episode 58.  No need to review all of it now.    So many Catholics with lots of spiritual formation who have built their spiritual lives on a very, very unsound natural foundation, with mediocre or poor human formation.  So their spiritual lives are unstable.   Example of early client -- extreme example Mid 30's, very earnest Catholic, very sincere, distressed --  I have to help his wife understand the Faith.  Wife was Catholic, but a lot of tension between them about his spiritual practices.   Danger of divorce -- wife: get to counseling or I'll divorce you  Wife concerns?  Spending three hours per day in Eucharistic Adoration Bringing their young children  Our Lady of Lourdes   No gainful employment  Wife feeling constantly criticized by his fraternal corrections, his attempts to help her become more holy.   Spiritual Problems?  No -- problems in the natural realm.   Blended with a part that is so driven by fear.   Part desperately trying to please an extremely demanding God and Mary -- trying to become holy, Pelagian efforts Lack of attunement to children -- alienated from them, they were becoming alienated from the faith Wedge in the marriage, wife thinks he's a religious nutcase.   He recognizes there are problems, wife needs to change Praying the Rosary  Fatima Visionary Sr. Lucia:  There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.   Problems come from his distorted human formation.    Priest sex abuse scandal.  Can frame it all spiritually.   The priest who sexually abused children gave in to lust, it was a violation of the virtue of chastity, among other virtues.  Ok.  Hmmm.  So it was a spiritual problem, a failure, he gave into temptation.   No doubt there are spiritual dimensions to this, including a most grave and serious sin.   Or is a primary issue with his disordered sexual attraction to children and a real lack of impulse control --problems in the natural realm, a problem with his human formation.  That makes so much more sense to me as being primary.   Scrupulosity -- so often seen as a spiritual problem, but is one of the most frustrating issues for confessors and spiritual directors encounter -- so often it doesn't resolve with traditional spiritual means. Primarily in the natural realm.  Did a whole episode with Adam Cross The Catholic Therapist on human formation issues, the real issues in the natural realm that underlie scrupulosity.   Serious Devastation -- original sin.   Effect on the human body -- death, illness, pain -- and now intensity of pain in childbirth, physical labor and toil to survive scratching out an existence from cursed ground.   Effect on the rest of our human formation Distrust of God  Fear  Anger  Loss of harmony  Really a kind of dis-integration -- in the world and inside of us.   Grace perfects nature; it does not destroy it.  St. Thomas Aquinas We need to work with our human natures.  We need our human natures to be formed.   Jesus discussed foundations  Discussion of foundations in Scripture -- Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”   Jesus as the cornerstone.   Algebra and arithmetic.   Hold up, we're getting ahead of ourselves here.  What is human formation? Definitions  Those who follow this Interior Integration for Catholic Podcast know that I am all about defining our terms. So much rests on a clear understanding of what we are discussing.   Human Formation, to be honest is a nebulous term. Used a lot in Catholic contexts -- primarily in seminary contexts.   A whole section is devoted to human formation in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops document entitled "Program of Priestly Formation, Fifth Edition" which came out in 2006.  pages 29-42 Longest and most complete discussion of human formation I could find in an official church document  14 pages -- but no definition of human formation.   The foundation and center of all human formation is Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, paragraph 75 Also in paragraph 75, we learn that "human formation is the 'necessary foundation' of priestly formation.   We learn that the goals of human formation is to foster growth so that a man can become  A free person Of solid moral character Prudent and discerning Invested in and capable of communion, of relating deeply with others With Good communication skills  Affective maturity - integration of feelings, thoughts and values Who cares for his body Who relates well with others A good steward of material possessions And who can function well in public.   But in all the 143 pages of this document, we get no definition of what human formation is.   Revisions -- sixth edition has been approved by the Bishops in November 2019, reportedly doubling in size to nearly 300 pages, -- As of April 2021, still awaiting recognitio from the Holy See, a formal recognition.   Pope St. John Paul II's 1992 Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis I Give You Shepherds 3 pages on the importance of Human Formation, but again no definition of it.  Nothing even close to a definition.  99 pages on the formation of priests in the circumstances of the present day.   Perhaps there's an assumption that we all know what it is.  But we don't. I will tell you that many US bishops don't have a very clear idea of what human formation is.  Many of their responses to the sex abuse crisis reveal that they are really lost with regard to human formation Unable to find much else.  The most relevant passage in the CCC is paragraph 2461 which says that "True development concerns the whole man.  It is concerned with increasing each person's ability to respond to his vocation and hence to God's call.   Seminaries Pontifical North American College -- August 2019 30-page description of their Formation Program.   Interesting read, lots of good information 7 elements of their human formation program   Very detailed breakdown 31 overall goals, personal, relational,  year by year of the specific milestones in human formation each seminarian should reach average of 7 goals per year.   No definition of Human formation St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Philadelphia  St. Mary's Seminary and University Baltimore MD.  St. John's Seminary in Boston, MA  Corpus Christi College and Seminary in Carlton, Victoria, Australia.   I could go on and on.  I spent hours searching.  If you can find a solid definition of human formation in any official church document, I will send you a prize.  Email me at crisis@soulsandhearts.com or text me on my cell at 317.567.9594, and provide me your mailing address and I will mail you a prize, which is my absolute favorite image of our patroness Our Lady Undoer of Knots  Consult with religious communities.  Expert in cults.  International Cultic Studies Association refers a lot to me when a convent or monastery goes off the rails in some way -- problems in human formation.   The bottom line is that at present there is a void in institutional Catholic Church around human formation.   Maybe human formation is defined in the upcoming Program of Priestly Formation, sixth edition.  I would love to see that.  Somewhere in the additional 150 pages, they will define it.   Possibility of the Catholic Christian Meta Model of the Human Person  came out last year in 2020 -- Vitz Nordling and Titus -- faculty at DMU.   No index entry for human formation -- focus on psychotherapy or counseling.   Understandable in some ways.  Colossal Failures when poor human formation has been brought in Immaculate Heart of Mary Community Story -- California -- Bill Coulson, Carl Rogers   Story of a repentant Psychologist.'66 and '67. what we called "sensitivity" or "encounter." In a chapter of "Lesbian Nuns", one former Immaculate Heart nun describes the summer of 1966, when we did the pilot study in her order - "We" being you and Rogers? Rogers and I and eventually 58 others: we had 60 facilitators. We inundated that system with humanistic psychology. We called it Therapy for Normals, TFN. The IHMs had some 60 schools when we started; at the end, they had one. There were some 560 nuns when we began. Within a year after our first interventions, 300 of them were petitioning Rome to get out of their vows. They did not want to be under anyone's authority, except the authority of their imperial inner selves. Psychological Seduction 1983 book William Kirkpatrick. Temptation to throw out the baby with the bath water.   So one of you might say -- So, Dr. Peter, it's easy to be a critic, why don't you define human formation.  Put your big boy Catholic psychologist pants and stop complaining and light a candle in the darkness, why don't you, hmmm? All right, since you threw down the gauntlet like that,  I will define Human Formation.  Reference to Vatican II -- Decree on the Apostolate of the laity paragraph 32 Lumen Gentium 37.  The laity are, by reason of the knowledge, competence or outstanding ability which they may enjoy, permitted and sometimes even obliged to express their opinion on those things which concern the good of the Church.  When occasions arise, let this be done through the organs erected by the Church for this purpose. Let it always be done in truth, in courage and in prudence, with reverence and charity toward those who by reason of their sacred office represent the person of Christ.   Correct me if I'm wrong.  Being small and childlike here.   Definition time with Dr. Peter [Insert Sound Effect] Human formation is the lifelong process of natural development, aided by grace, by which a person integrates all aspects of his interior emotional, cognitive, relational, and bodily life, all of his natural faculties in an ordered way, conformed with right reason and natural law so that he is freed from natural impediments to trust God as His beloved child and to embrace God's love.  Then, in return, because he possesses himself, he can love God, neighbor and himself with all of his natural being in an ordered, intimate, personal, and mature way.  Insert parts of the souls in addition to passions and faculties.   Breaking down the process  Lifelong -- there is no graduation.  Conception to death Our Lord -- human formation, in his humanity.   Raised by a family St. Joseph and Our Mother Mary formed him Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Process of natural development -- focus on the natural realm here  Aided by grace.  Because all good comes from God, even in unbaptized people and those who are not in a state of grace.   Integration -- key word.   All aspects of inner experiential and bodily life.   Awareness of experience -- making the unconscious conscious -- awareness of our parts in the multiplicity of self.  Bringing those parts into a harmonious unity with the core self.  Emotions Needs Emotions Guiding Beliefs/Assumptions Cognitions or Thought   Intentions Desires Attitudes Impulses Interpersonal style Body sensations Sexual aspects Nothing split off, repressed in the long run Revenge of the repressed  Freakouts in the post office -- Floyd.   So we can be calm, recollected and then able to enter into the phenomenological world of others Not just self-absorbed navel gazing  Starving waiter syndrome -- No one gives what he does not have.  Nemo dat quod non habet   Conformed with right reason and natural law -- this process is ordered.  It's not subjective, it's not whatever I make myself out to be -- we conform ourselves. Trust God as a His beloved child and embrace his love.   Fr, Tadeusz Dajczer -- pp 67-68 of his book "The Gift of Faith"  p.59 The foundation of evil lies in a lack of simplicity and a lack of childlike trust in God.   p.67  The lack of trust, the sowing of seeds distrust toward God is, in large measure, the source of all your sins and of all you existential and psychological anguish, and indirectly, also the source of your physical problems.   68  Distrust of God is worse than sin because it is the root and the source of sin   Lots of natural impediments to being able to love God Attachment injuries and relational traumas (discussed in the last podcast)  Integrity needs not met by parents and others infolved in our human formation  Prevent us from being small, with wonder and awe.   Then, in return, he can love God, neighbor and himself with all of his natural being in an ordered, intimate, personal, and mature way God -- overcoming negative God images  Neighbor   Self -- PPF 5th Edition self-knowledge  self-acceptance  self-gift -- the seminarian needs integrity and self-possession in order to make such a gift.   So much more than psychotherapy -- psychotherapy or counseling is only one means of human formation.   Human formation is relational  Human Deformation Trauma  Attachment Injuries   Sins Original Sin   Personal Sins Of other  Of me.   Getting stuck in old patterns -- automatic.  Trauma responses.   Vision -- Fostering Human Formation deliberately  Who?   Parents -- starting from conception Congenital impact -- hormone levels  Epigenetics -- effect on the body  CCC 2223  Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule.  CCC 2225 A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support for it throughout one's life.  Extended family -- grandparents, aunts uncles Brothers and sisters Pastors Priests -- Confessors -- Spiritual Directors Coaches Youth Group Leaders Remember, human formation is life long -- for adults Spouses  Supervisors  Friends  Life Coaches  Exodus 90 anchors  Therapists -- experts in working through de-formation.   What  This podcast helps you focus inward on your human formation -- to help you bring together the different parts of yourself into unity and harmony with God in the natural realm. a deliberate program Guided reflection.   How Set aside time -- many of you set aside regular time for spiritual work.  Prayer, Mass, spiritual reading, all kinds of spiritual formation.   Set aside time for your human formation as well.   5 minutes a day -- checking in with your parts -- meditation at the end of this podcast.   Know thyself -- Socrates Not just the spiritual focus, but a focus on your human formation   Commitment to taking human formation seriously. Hard to do on our own  Harness your own network of people to help with formation   Resilient Catholics Community -- guidance on it.  Specialize in it. Walking with each other -- companions, checking in  Supporting each other on the journey.   Get on the waiting list for the RCC --  go to soulsandhearts.com/rcc to sign up -- there's no obligation to join, but you will get all kinds of cool free stuff.  Not just for you, but for those you are called to love.  To help them with their formation.   When -- now.   Why Meditation -- parts and human formation.   Feedback.  Let me know how these episodes are landing with you -- -- some of you already have.  Get in touch with me on my cell at 317.567.9594 or my email at crisis@soulsandhearts.com Trying out a new idea -- an individual conversation hour -- I promise you I will be on my cell phone from 4:30 to 5:30 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 13 to talk with any Interior Integration for Catholics podcast listener about our podcast episodes. Let's have a conversation.  I want to be accessible.  There is no need to email me beforehand or text me or anything like that, just drop in and meet with me by phone.  I'm available.  My cell is 317.567.9594.  I like the phone or Zoom a lot better for relating than email or texts.  Not therapy, but really a chance to get into a good conversation about the podcast.  Your reactions, your feedback, whatever you want to talk about with regard to this Interior Integration for Catholics podcast.  And these conversations are private, I won't use anything from them in the podcast without your permission.   Premium Podcasts each week for our Resilient Catholic community members and our Interior Therapist Community members where we go deeper.  

Jim Sano grew up in an Irish/Italian family in Massachusetts. Jim is a husband, father, life-long Catholic and has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. He has degrees from Boston College and Bentley University and is currently attending Franciscan University for a Master's degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. He has also attended certificate programs at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John's Seminary and the Apologetics Academy. Jim is a member of the Catholic Writer's Guild and has enjoyed growing in his faith and now sharing it through writing novels. The Father's Son (released August 15, 2019) is Jim's first novel and is the recipient of the Catholic Writers Guild's Seal of Approval Award for editorial integrity and faithfulness to Catholic teaching.Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan.

Fr William Meninger is an American Trappist monk who is a spiritual teacher and a principal developer of Centering Prayer, a method of contemplative prayer. After studying at St. John's Seminary in Boston, Meninger was ordained a priest in 1958 for the Diocese of Yakima in the State of Washington, where he worked on an Indian reservation and with Mexican migrant workers for six years. In 1963 he entered the Trappists at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, where he served in the guesthouse for 15 years, as well as teaching scripture, liturgy and patristics to the younger member of the abbey. He served as subprior, prior and dean of the junior professed monks, not yet in final vows. Meninger came across a work by an English hermit of the 14th century, called the Cloud of Unknowing. It was written to help people living regular lives in the world develop and deepen their prayer lives. Meninger found that it taught contemplative prayer in a simple way available to anyone. He began to teach this method to the younger monks of the abbey and to the retreatants who had come to it for a period of spiritual reflection. In 1974 Meninger developed the workshop on Contemplative Meditation (later known as Centering Prayer) which he now teaches worldwide along with workshops on forgiveness, the Enneagram of Personality, sacred scriptures, and prayer. His method was further developed and promoted by two other monks of his abbey, Thomas Keating (his abbot at the time) and Basil Pennington.

“I was choosing things that I thought would make me happy, that didn't last” “I believe the only time to experience God is right now” “Iron sharpens iron” “It's interesting that Eve bit the apple you know, because the apple of the iPhone looks like someone bit out of it” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tpkpodcast/support

In this Special Edition of the Santiago Way podcast, Host Bill Stegall leads a wide-ranging conversation with Father Martin Vu. Fr. Martin was born in Garden Grove, California and is part of the first class ordained at the Christ Cathedral in July, 2019. Santiago is his first priestly assignment! His formal education includes a BA in Business Administration, UCI, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology at St. John's Seminary, Camarillo. It was in college that Fr. Martin rediscovered the beauty, goodness, and truth, of his Catholic faith. Fr. Martin's priestly motto comes from Mary's words in Luke 1:38 “Let it be done unto me according to your word.” Mary's response of faith and obedience to the will of God is what he seeks to live. The Santiago Way podcast is a project of Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest, California. This conversation was originally recorded at Catholic Men's Fellowship Quarterly Breakfast on October 5, 2019.

God didn't just create you...He thirsts for you! His heart is bursting with love for you! Yes, you! That is the underlying message of the mystics. It's also the underlying message of one of the best spiritual theologians in the United States. Dr. Anthony Lilles, Academic Dean at St. John's Seminary in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles can illuminate and discuss the interior life unlike anyone else I've heard or met. (You might remember him from episode 3.) His new book is Fire From Above: Christian Contemplation and Mystical Wisdom...and it's awesome. He is so steeped in the rich mystical tradition of spiritual giants like John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, that the power of their message almost bursts out of him. To be perfectly honest, I had something totally different in mind when I contacted Anthony to come on show. But then the Holy Spirit took over. Here's where He led the conversation: The mystical relationship between martyrdom and contemplation (inspired by the 21 young men martyred by Islamic militants in Libya) A deeper look into the mystical definition of contemplation The 3 essential elements of humanity every spirituality has to deal with (but only Christianity does) How forgiveness and the wounds of sin are related to contemplative prayer Why the Blessed Virgin is a key to a deep life of contemplation This is one of the most enjoyable conversations I've ever had on the show because it cuts right to the heart of what the mystical life is all about. It cuts to the heart of what our life is meant to be! Enjoy and God bless! Matthew P.S. Don't just listen to us talk about it. Do it! Grab your FREE copy of my quick guide to deeper prayer 8 Ways To Jumpstart Your Prayer Life! It's an easy step-by-step guide to help you rocket to God!       Don't miss a show! Subscribe to The Art of Catholic by clicking this link and then clicking "View in iTunes" under the picture and then "Subscribe"!  Love the show and want more people to hear the Catholic faith? Leave a review by clicking here and then the "View in iTunes" button under my picture. This pushes the show up the rankings and puts it in front of more people. Android user? You can listen to The Art of Catholic on the Beyond Pod app from the Google Play Store. Want to tour Catholic Europe's most beautiful holy sites? Join Matthew on a  St. Paul Center pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain, Lourdes, and other amazing holy sites this October 23rd to November 1st. Click here for details.  

Tell us what you thought of the show on Facebook or Twitter @TarotPodcast ! Sign up to be a part of the Archetypal Tarot Patron Team! tiny.cc/tarot This month Julienne is in conversation with Archetypal Counselor, Spiritual Director and film buff, Jim Curtan. Jim and Julienne discuss some of their favorite topics - Archetypes and Movies. They focus on the Tower card in particular and the many aspects of change that it symbolizes. They discuss the good, the bad, the scary and as well as the grace that change can bring when we fully allow ourselves to grieve the loss of the past and dive into what the change brings us. They also discuss the Tower card in relationship to popular films such as The Hunger Games, Castaway, Inside Out and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Jim has just released a self-guided audio workshop called Embracing the Grace of Change using the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel as a contemplation on the choices and opportunities presented by the kinds of change that the Tower card can present. ----more---- As a gift to our listeners Jim is offering a 20% discount on this course and all others by using this link or entering the code podcast at check out. More about Jim: Jim has combined his 20 years' experience in the entertainment industry with more than a decade as a retreat leader and spiritual director to develop a unique and entertaining approach to using film as a gateway to rich spiritual experience. He is a spiritual director, archetypal counselor and retreat leader. He has taught extensively with New York Times best-selling author Caroline Myss and has been a faculty member of the Caroline Myss Educational Institute (CMED) since its inception in 2003. He has also taught at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York, The London Centre for Spirituality, St. John's Seminary, Stillpoint Center for Christian Spirituality and The Crossings in Austin, Texas among others. His lectures and workshops have been well received throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, France and Indonesia. In his prior career as a talent manager, Jim advised such prominent actors as John Malkovich, John Travolta, Patrick Swayze, Geena Davis, Willem Dafoe, Andy Garcia and Melanie Griffith. Since 2014 Jim has produced a series of self-guided workshops using films for archetypal and spiritual contemplation of situations that affect our daily lives. Each comes with an audio course commentary on the film and workbook available to download immediately from his online store. Courses include: Sign up to be a part of the Archetypal Tarot Patron Team! tiny.cc/tarot Ratatouille: Fate, Destiny & the Hero's Journey The Way: A Journey of Healing & Self Acceptance Embracing the Grace of Change: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel These and more audio courses are available to download from his website http://jimcurtan.com/audio-workshops/ Podcast listeners can save 20% off any purchase when they use the offer code: podcast

Today's topics: Msgr. James Moroney and St. John's Seminary Summary of today's show: Msgr. James Moroney is completing his second full year as rector of St. John's Seminary and he joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor to discuss a variety of topics, including the amazing new tabernacle in the seminary chapel; the history of the crucifix; the translation of the Roman Missal into various languages; his insights in Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium; and a conversation about what makes a good homily. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Msgr. James Moroney, rector of St. John's Seminary Links from today's show:

Today's topics: Fr. Romanus Cessario Summary of today's show: As the lone Dominican on the faculty at St. John's Seminary, Fr. Romanus Cessario may be more familiar to listeners as a contributor the daily prayer book “Magnificat.” Fr. Cessario joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor to discuss the history and unique mission of the Dominican order as well as the basics of Catholic moral theology, his specialty at the seminary, and the origins and thought behind Magnificat. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Fr. Romanus Cessario, professor moral theology at St. John's Seminary Links from today's show:

Today's topics: 30 Places to Visit in the Archdiocese of Boston Summary of today's show: There are a multitude wonderful churches, chapels, and places in the Archdiocese of Boston and Scot Landry and Domenico Bettinelli list 30 of them that they believe Catholics in the area shouldn't miss, covering north, south, west of Boston and Boston itself. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Domenico Bettinelli Today's guest(s): Chris Kelley, Station Manager of WQOM Links from today's show: Places for Catholics to visit in the Archdiocese of Boston Merrimack 1. Lawrence: Cor Unum Meal Center and St. Patrick Parish 2. North Andover: St. Michael's 3. Newburyport: Immaculate Conception 4. Lowell: St. Joseph Shrine North and North Shore 5. North Shore: The drive along Route 127 from Salem to Gloucester which takes you by St. Mary star of the Sea Beverly; St. Margaret, Beverly Farms; Sacred Heart in Manchester by the Sea; Our Lady of Good Voyage and Holy Family in Gloucester [Also Marblehead/Swampscott right by the ocean] 6. Melrose: St. Mary's 7. Salem: Immaculate Conception 8. Malden: Immaculate Conception and Sacred Hearts 9. Peabody/North Shore Mall: St. Theresa's Chapel South and South Shore 10. Plymouth: St. Bonaventure 11. Weymouth Landing: Sacred Heart 12. Braintree: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center and Bethany Chapel 13. South Shore: Shore parishes in Hull, Marshfield 14. Hanover: Portiuncula Chapel 15. Hingham: Glastonbury Abbey West 16. Hopkinton: St. John's 17. Holliston: Fatima Shrine 18. Wrentham: Mt. St. Mary's Abbey and Gift Shop Boston 19. South End: Cathedral Crypt and Blessed Sacrament Chapel 20. Mission Hill: Basilica / OL Perpetual Help 21. South Boston: St. Augustine Chapel and Cemetery 22. South Boston: Gate of Heaven Church 23. West Roxbury: St. Theresa, Holy Name, Cemeteries 24. Cambridge: St. Paul's in Harvard Square when Choir School is singing at 11am 25. Charlestown: St. Catherine of Siena Church 26. Somerville: St. Catherine of Genoa Upper Church 27. Brighton: Grounds of St. John's Seminary and Seminary Chapel 28. Boston: Back Bay – St. Francis Chapel and the renovated St. Cecilia's Church 29. Boston: Back Bay –St. Clement's Eucharistic Shrine (24-hour adoration) 30. Boston: Financial District: St. Anthony Shrine

Today's topics: The Early Church Fathers and Church History Summary of today's show: Following a fulfilling career as an engineer, including working on the Global Positioning Satellites system, Dr. Ann Orlando, launched into a second career as a professor of patristics and Church history, including earning a doctorate in the field and eventually ending up at St. John's Seminary. Dr. Orlando joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor to introduce them to the early Church fathers, who they were, what makes them Church fathers, and what makes their writings important. Then they move on to a survey of the rest of Church history through the Middle Ages and into modern times. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Dr. Ann Orlando, professor of patristics and Church history Links from today's show: by Fr. John Vidmar, OP

Today's topics: Fr. Thomas Stegman, SJ Summary of today's show: On location at St. John's Seminary, Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor welcome Fr. Thomas Stegman, a Jesuit on the faculty of Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry, to discuss his background growing up in Nebraska, how he came to his vocation, the ministry of the Society of Jesus (i.e. the Jesuits), the School of Theology and Ministry (formerly the Weston School of Theology), and the first Jesuit pope. Fr. Stegman also talks about the importance of Scriptures and how the Bible springs up from the Church. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Fr. Thomas Stegman, SJ Links from today's show:

Today's topics: Fr. David Barnes Summary of today's show: On location at St. John's Seminary, Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor welcome Fr. David Barnes back to the show to talk about his first semester as Catholic chaplain at Boston University, which isn't a Catholic university but has a very large population of Catholic students. Fr. Barnes described the difference between being a parish priest and being a campus chaplain; leading the students in spiritual formation; hanging out with them; and celebrating the sacraments. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Fr. David Barnes Links from today's show:

Today's topics: Hospital Chaplaincy and the Sacrament of the Sick Summary of today's show: The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a gift from the Lord not just for the end of life, but for whenever we are seriously sick. Craig Gibson joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor on location at St. John's Seminary to discuss the sacrament, the ministry of hospital chaplaincy, and many of the issues surrounding preparing for death and illness. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Craig Gibson Links from today's show:

Today's topics: Priest Profile: Fr. Sean Maher Summary of today's show: Fr. Sean Maher grew up in Ireland, but came to the US as an adult and entered St. John's Seminary. Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor welcome Fr. Maher to talk about growing up in Ireland, how he came to the US, why he decided to become a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, and the international Emmanuel Community that he's a part of. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Fr. Sean Maher Links from today's show:

Today's topics: Sacred Scripture and Advent Summary of today's show: As we begin the season of Advent, Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor are on location at St. John's Seminary to talk with Fr. Joseph Briody to discuss Scripture and his doctorate in Sacred Scripture, his work on the Vox Clara commission, his study of the letters of St. Paul in Scripture, how to read the Bible, and how to approach Advent. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Fr. Joseph Briody Links from today's show:

Today's topics: Red Sox; Colleen Ritzer; New Hartford Archbishop; All Saints and All Souls Day Summary of today's show: Our usual Thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, Gregory Tracy, and Fr. Roger Landry consider the headlines of the week, including the Red Sox winning the World Series; the funeral Mass for a slain beloved teacher; the new archbishop for Hartford; St. John's Seminary alumni reunion; two priests who have died recently; All Saints and All Souls Days; and a young boy who captured the world's imagination by upstaging Pope Francis Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today's guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today's show: Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links.

Today's topics: Cardinal George's Lumen Gentium Talk at St. John's Seminary's new Presentation Hall Summary of today's show: Msgr. James Moroney of St. John's Seminary joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor to discuss the seminary's new Presentation Hall and Library in the former Our Lady of the Presentation church in Brighton's Oak Square, as part of a new strategy to expand the seminary's presence in the community that also includes new social media tools and the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization. The first major event for the new Presentation Hall will be a talk by Chicago's Cardinal Francis George on “Lumen Gentium and Episcopal Governance” as part of a Year of Faith series commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, and our panel discusses the significance of the document today, epecially as Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Msgr. James Moroney, rector of St. John's Seminary Links from today's show: Information on Cardinal George's lecture: Saint John's Seminary Forum for the YEAR OF FAITH and 50th Anniversary of Vatican II welcomes Francis Cardinal George, OMI who will present on “Lumen Gentium and Episcopal Governance” on Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 7pm, at Our Lady of the Presentation Lecture Hall, Oak Square, Brighton, MA 02135. Please call 617-746-5423 for Information There is no admission fee and no RSVP is required.

Today's topics: Headlines: Pope Francis Interview; the Deacon Dozen; Presentation Hall Summary of today's show: Our Thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, and Gregory Tracy considered the news headlines of the week, including the interview with Pope Francis that garnered so much media attention, much of it out of context; the upcoming ordination of 12 permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Boston; the opening of Our Lady of the Presentation Lecture Hall at St. John's Seminary; a proposed law to give taxpayers choice on abortion funding. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today's guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today's show: Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links.

Today's topics: Peace Vigil in Brighton and Rome; Pope Francis writing letters to the editor, on the phone, and driving in the Vatican; New encyclical on poverty coming? Summary of today's show: Our panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, and Gregory Tracy consider the news headlines of the week, including the vigils for peace held at St. John's Seminary and in Rome; Pope Francis' remarkable style that includes a letter to the editor of a major newspaper, calling people on the phone, and driving a car around the Vatican; reports of an upcoming encyclical on poverty; the Diocesan Financial Managers Conference held in Boston; a new gymnasium for the Teen Center at St. Peter's in Roxbury; the Knights of Columbus' pro-life Silver Rose touring parishes; and followup on the Day of Evangelization at an Attleboro parish. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today's guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston Links from today's show: Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links.

Today's topics: Seminarian Profiles: Tom Gignac and Patrick Fiorillo Summary of today's show: Scot Landry and Fr. Chip Hines talk to two of Boston's current seminarians attending St. John's Seminary, Tom Gignac and Patrick Fiorillo. Tom had a career as a consultant for IBM and later felt the call to the priesthood. Patrick grew up in one of the largest parishes in the archdiocese and heard the call while he was in college. Both Patrick and Tom are entering their third-year of seminary in the fall after a summer of pastoral work and special opportunities to study Latin for Patrick and to take a pilgrimage to Europe and study in Rome for Tom. Patrick has a degree in music and recording technology and his love for music has led to his current interest in Latin and liturgy. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chip Hines Today's guest(s): Tom Gignac, Patrick Fiorillo, and Chris Kelley Links from today's show: 877-888-6279: the line for feedback on the Try God billboards from WQOM

Today's topics: Christian Appalachian Project for Boston-area Catholics Summary of today's show: The Christian Appalachian Project was founded by Fr. Ralph Beiting, a priest of the Diocese of Lexington, KY. It has worked for decades to serve people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through a wide variety of programs and services. Fr. Ed Riley, currently the Dean of Men at St. John's Seminary, served as part of this ministry for 3 years full-time and he leads service week trips there each year, including this upcoming office. Christine Dufresne, from New Bedford and now St. Mary's Parish in Waltham, originally joined the mission trip in August of 2009 and then moved there to serve for 14 months as the aide to Msgr. Beiting. Both Fr. Ed and Christine share moving stories of their experiences on today's show. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Chris Kelley Today's guest(s): Fr. Ed Riley and Christine Dufresne Links from today's show: from on .

Summary of today's show: After 520 shows, The Good Catholic Life's producer Rick Heil is moving on to new opportunities in life. Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O'Connell are joined by Fr. Chip Hines and Rick's mom, Maureen Heil, from the Pontifical Mission Societies, to talk about Rick's work in helping create the show fresh out of college, his remarkable technical background — he's built not one, but three radio studios —what he's learned about his faith through the show, how he's changed because of it, and then they reminisce about some of their favorite memories over the past two-plus years of The Good Catholic Life. Listen to the show: Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry, Fr. Chip Hines and Fr. Mark O'Connell Today's guest(s): Maureen Heil Links from today's show: Today's topics: Farewell to Rick Heil 1st segment: Scot Landry welcomed everyone to the show. He said today was a big day at St. John's Seminary where the director of spiritual development, Fr. Michael Barber, S.J., has been named by Pope Francis to become bishop of Oakland, California. Fr. Mark O'Connell noted that it is unusual for a man to go from priest to bishop of a large diocese, without being an auxiliary bishop somewhere first. Fr. Chip Hines said it was so unexpected and he thinks we're in for more surprising appointments. Scot said Fr. Barber's mother was born in Oakland and his father was born in San Francisco. He entered the Society of Jesus and has held a variety of assignments, including chaplain in the Naval Reserve and since 2010 has served at St. John's Seminary. He will ordained to the episcopacy on May 25, which is very quick. Fr. Chip noted that it leaves a hole at St. John's for a very important job. Today is also momentous because our producer Rick Heil will be leaving us to become a full-time Genius at the local Apple Store. Scot noted that Rick has worked there part-time and they have pursued him for full-time for some time. Scot thanked him for helping to get Catholic radio in Boston off the ground and especially The Good Catholic Life. Rick talked about how difficult it is to leave a job you love. Scot said Rick was given free rein to shape today's show and he asked his mom, Maureen Heil, to be on the show. Maureen talked about Rick's radio equipment that fills her basement, more than some radio stations. She said he started as a young musical prodigy, reading music before he could read words. Rick's dad is an engineer and so he's always had an interest in building things and taking things apart. Maureen talked about how reading was important in their house and they would read a saint of the day every morning at breakfast. She remembered when Rick was in second grade at a class Mass at school. The priest said he was sure none of the kids would know who the day's saint was, and Rick's hand shot up and told him St. Scholastica. Maureen said Rick has always been a quick learner and absorbed things so well. Fr. Mark said Rick was always quick to share his talents. He said Rick helped with a tape that he wanted to play at his own father's funeral. Scot said he'll remember the homily Fr. Mark gave because he was able to play that audio of his father at the funeral Mass. Maureen said he isn't always looking for the credit, but works behind the scenes. Scot talked about the kickoff Mass for Catholic radio in Boston on All Saints Day in 2010, where they did a half hour interview with Cardinal Seán and some radio folks. There Cardinal Seán told Scot that we needed some local programming as well. In talking with WQOM's Jim Wright it became clear that he would do it if Scot was the host. Scot was worried about whether he would have time to do it. At the time, Rick, who had interned with us, came back and said he's looking for a job and he gives him a resume that right in the middle says that Rick had built a radio studio in college. It became clear in conversation that Rick really knew what he was talking about. That led directly to The Good Catholic Life getting off the ground. Scot said Rick built the entire studio and while Scot doesn't know the technical intricacies, Rick has been able to keep the show on the air every day. Rick talked about going to college and how in his senior year in high school was wondering what he wanted to do for life. He decided on music production and went to State University of New York at Oneonta. About three weeks into his freshman year, he walked into one of the buildings and heard music playing. He found the college radio station WONY. He volunteered there for his four years and has maintained ties to the station. It taught him how to be a self-starter. There were no academic credits, no one pushing him. That self-motivation helped him when he came to The Good Catholic Life. Maureen pointed out that Rick built a radio station and a cable TV station in his high school as an Eagle Scout project when he was in school there. Scot asked Rick's highlights from his 521 shows of TGCL. Rick said some shows are memorable because he couldn't stop laughing, like this past Tuesday where Fr. Chris O'Connor and Fr. Wayne Belschner talking about burning the rectory kitchen. The show about My Brother's Keeper is one of his favorites in a different way. He loved the Friday shows where we profiled so many priests and he got to know so much about the Boston area. Some of the best shows, though, are those that came together at the last minute. Scot noted that Rick is both producer and engineer. Rick said the sheer volume of email he gets might surprise listeners. He gets about 150 emails per day. He's also never read this many books, even in college. These books come in from publishers and publicists for potential interviews on air. Some authors are well-known and you know they would be great, but for new authors you want to read them and see if the listeners would grow in their faith by this story they have to tell. Scot said within Catholic radio we have a unique show because we go 56 minutes on one topic or one guest. He said some authors after the interview say that this is the most thorough interview they've had about their book. The word has gotten out and we get so many books and we ca n't just do interviews with authors. About one in 5 books pass muster. Rick said there are many times that he's listening to the show for technical matters and can't listen for content, so having done the research for the topic and guest ahead of time has helped him. He said radio is about people and meeting the guests has been a lot of fun. Scot said he always knew Rick was smart technically, but it quickly became clear that Rick knew the faith and knew a lot about he Pontifical Mission SOcieties, because of Maureen's work in the mission societies. Maureen said she's raised her children to live their faith in a public way and missionaries are the finest example of that. She said it's been a pleasure to see them take that on. They've all gone on mission trips. They've seen all kinds of missionaries came through their lives. They've seen Maureen have to stand up for the faith in the face of challenge. Maureen talked about the topics that haven't been covered on The Good Catholic Life yet about the missions. She said people might want to hear how people are living the faith around the world. The Catholic Church is alive and flourishing in the world, where the rubber meets the road, and she wants to bring that Good News to all of us. She said a person will listen to a witness before they listen to a teacher and if they listen to the teacher it's because they are witnesses. Fr. Chip talked about the loss of Rick not just for what he does, but because he's also a good guy. You can hire people to do technical stuff, but Rick is good with people and that's a good skill to have in life. He wishes Rick luck, but wishes he was staying. He said Rick has always been reaching to Fr. Chip to be involved. He said his favorite show was with Lino Rulli, The Catholic Guy, and he was very happy to be part of it. Scot asked Rick about his new job. Rick said his new job is repairing devices, but also repairing how you feel about your devices. When something that's an important communication tool in their lives, it can be very unsettling and disappointing. Maureen said it's about repairing relationships. It's not about technology. Scot said Rick started working at Apple part-time a few years ago. What does he love about working there? Rick thought he had been applying as a part-time technician job on weekends. It turns out he was applying for a part-time retail job on weekdays. As he's been there, he's grown to know the team there. It's a unique place to be where people challenge either to improve. You're working with people who have been hired because they're very smart. It's easy to be the geek in the room, but it's challenging to work with people who know this stuff more than he does. Every customer is a different challenge and he loves troubleshooting challenges. Scot said every day of the show has a different feel to it. He thinks our Friday show is the lightest, partly because of Fr. Mark's personality and also partly because it seemed to be the most available for priests to come in. Fr. Mark said he remembers the show where he was paying too much attention to Rick trying to troubleshoot a problem instead of paying attention to Scot. They lost their guest who was on Skype and while Scot continued to talk, he asked Fr. Mark a question and Fr. Mark admitted that he wasn't paying attention to him. Fr. Mark said priests now realize how much respect they receive on the show and those have been his favorites in letting people know them in a different way. Maureen said she will miss for Rick having be able to be in the room listening to the show. As his mom, she's loved that he can hear all the guests and the great conversations. It's been a blessing to see how it's affected him. Scot said he's surprised by how people have said to him that they listen to the show. He thinks regular listeners feel a sense of community with those of us on the show and they may be feeling a loss that Rick is leaving. Scot said he never expected Rick to be here forever just because there isn't a career path here up the ladder, but that Rick is moving on to something new and bigger. Rick said today feels like the first time he stepped onto Bus 12 on his way to kindergarten. It's a very big step and he's not used to it. He said it's going to be weird not be on air and make a million phone calls a day and read all those books. But Apple is a new opportunity and exciting. Scot mentioned that listeners may not realize that when they see Catholic Faith Essentials, or a Mass from Bethany Chapel in the Pastoral Center, that Rick is the guy who set up the video production. Rick said early on in the life of the show, he and Dom Bettinelli would brainstorm new opportunities to do things for the show. Dom came up with the idea to video stream the show and Rick took his previous experience and put it all together with video equipment. He said it's been a real pleasure to have the opportunity to build a radio studio in six weeks and build a TV studio. Fr. Chip said Rick makes the show look and sound good. He's now wondering who's going to be giving his messages to Scot during the show with Rick gone. 2nd segment: Now as we do every week at this time, we will consider the Mass readings for this Sunday, specifically the Gospel reading. Gospel Reading for Sunday, May 5, 2013, Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 14: 23-29) Jesus 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 mine but 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 everything and 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.” Scot said the disciples didn't understand so much of this when Jesus was saying this to them. Fr. Chip asked how many times in our lives have we relied on the Holy Spirit to help us in a particular moment to give us courage and the right words. He said on Pentecost you can see a change in the Apostles from bumbling around to being very focused and knowing what they need to do, which shows how much the holy Spirit helps us. Maureen said it's clear we need to sit back and listen to what is from the Holy Spirit instead of our internal doubts and questions. We need to let him lead us. We're taught to pray, but we're not often taught to listen. Scot said the best prayer sessions are when he asks the Holy Spirit to make him silent. Fr. Mark said Jesus talks of a two-way relationship, where the apostles love him in return and that will bring them peace. Rick said this part of John's Gospel makes him smile because it proves how clueless the apostles were sometimes, like us. Jesus is telling them here that they should rejoice that he's going to the Father and even if they don't get the Holy Spirit will help them get it. Fr. Chip said celebrating a funeral Mass, he tries to explain that it's a celebration. Yes, we're sad, but we will see that person again hopefully. We will live our lives to try to get there. If it's a young person or a sudden death, it can be hard and so you have to wait a while to say that. Maureen said when she goes to schools to talk about the missions, she teaches them a song that says that if you have Christ in your heart you live eternally. She talks to them how we can live here on earth so we can later live with him in eternity. Scot emphasized that many first communicants will be at Mass this weekend and so we should watch them as they receive reverently and give them good witness in how we receive. Scot said for the next five weeks or so, we will be airing the Best of our 521 episodes. These are very carefully chosen shows as the best examples. Rick said in the beginning he knew that 500 shows would be a big milestone. He said one thing he's learned is how to be open about faith. In college, faith is often strangled out. But this job has taught him how to live faith through all the guests and hosts and the topics. He's learned a lot and wouldn't change a thing.