Podcasts about laypeople

Episode OverviewDavid and Adam welcome Father Mike Schmitz to discuss the transformative power of prayer. With humor and candor, they explore the difference between merely saying prayers and truly praying, addressing how to cultivate a prayer life that aligns with God's will. Drawing from Saint John Chrysostom and Fr. Thomas Dubay, the conversation emphasizes the universal need for prayer, especially for laypeople navigating the challenges of daily life, and offers practical insights for moving from rote recitation to a deeper, relational encounter with God.Key Discussion PointsPrayer for All Vocations: Fr. Mike Schmitz challenges the assumption that monks have a deeper prayer life, citing Saint John Chrysostom's teaching that laypeople need prayer and scripture more than monks due to the “arrows and spears” of daily life—annoying bosses, irritating spouses, and bothersome kids. This resonates as a call for everyone to prioritize prayer, regardless of their state in life.From Saying to Praying: The hosts and Fr. Mike discuss the transition from reciting set prayers to engaging in mental prayer (e.g., Ignatian prayer, Lectio Divina). Fr. Mike shares a personal story of a silent retreat where a memorized psalm provided words when his own failed, highlighting the value of rote prayers as a foundation for deeper communion.Distractions in Prayer: The conversation addresses the common struggle of distractions, distinguishing between intentional distractions (e.g., checking a phone during prayer) and natural ones that God may use to purify prayer. Adam emphasizes the beauty of “wasting time” with God in contemplative presence, akin to an old couple silently enjoying each other's company, versus being distracted by external devices.Why Prayer Matters: Prayer is an act of faith, rooted in the belief that time spent with God transforms us into the person He calls us to be. Fr. Mike compares prayer's motivation to health practices like intermittent fasting: if you're convinced it makes a difference, you'll commit. Prayer changes us to love like Jesus, even when we feel inadequate.Overcoming Apathy and Ignorance: Referencing a humorous anecdote about a coach and player discussing “ignorance and apathy,” Fr. Mike stresses that convincing someone to pray requires sparking a desire to become more like Christ. Without an encounter with Jesus (the kerygma), prayer may seem irrelevant to those who don't yet care to grow in holiness.Practical Advice for Laymen: Fr. Thomas Dubay's blunt wisdom—“If you're content being a mediocre dad or mom, don't pray”—underscores that prayer is essential for excellence in any vocation. Fr. Mike encourages introducing children to mental prayer early, as seen in his summer camp where sixth graders learn Lectio Divina and Ignatian prayer.Featured GiftCatholic Woodworker Rosary: Fr. Mike receives an heirloom-quality rosary from The Catholic Woodworker, featuring handcrafted wood beads built to last. The hosts highlight its durability, even with young children handling it, and promote the official Catholic Man Show rosary.Spiritual TakeawayPrayer is not just a checkbox but an act of faith that transforms us into the image of Christ. Whether through memorized prayers that anchor us when words fail or mental prayer that fosters intimate communion, the key is presence with God. Laypeople, facing daily trials, need prayer as much as—if not more than—monks. By committing to prayer, even amidst distractions, we grow in love and align with God's will for our lives.Call to ActionGet a

Thann Bennett of the Equipped Newsletter and radio show takes us to the book of Zephaniah and a verse that he's speaking over his daughter.  He also address the news of the day around the Ukrainian conflict and tariffs. Apologist Daniel DeWitt reflects on what it's like to be a regular layperson, not on staff at at church.  He calls for mindfulness between church staff and laypeople, and what each are living.       Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

On today's Take 2 with Jerry & Debbie our topic is Laypeople are the Parish Backbone.

On today's Take 2 with Jerry & Debbie our topic is Laypeople are the Parish Backbone.

In this episode, Zac and Larry discuss Larry's observations from the Synod on Synodality in Rome. 00:00 Introduction and Conference Reflections 05:07 Insights from the Synod on Synodality 10:00 Expectations vs. Reality of the Synod 15:00 The Role of Laypeople in the Church 20:04 Pope Francis and Progressive Catholicism 25:04 The Vatican's Approach to American Catholicism 29:56 Conclusion and Future Implications 32:04 The Eurocentric Nature of the Synod 34:51 African Church Perspectives and Concerns 37:50 The Disconnect Between the Synod and Global South 39:43 Pope Francis and the Challenge of Co-optation 42:30 The Nature of Dialogue at the Synod 52:22 Hope for the Future of the Church

During the fourteenth century in Western Europe, there was a growing interest in imitating the practices of a group of hermits known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Laypeople and religious alike learned about their rituals not only through readings from the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers) and sermons but also through the images that brought their stories to life. In Illuminating the Vitae Patrum: The Lives of Desert Saints in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Penn State University Press, 2024), Dr. Denva Gallant examines the Morgan Library's richly illustrated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum (MS M.626), whose extraordinary artworks witness the rise of the eremitic ideal and its impact on the visual culture of late mediaeval Italy. Drawing upon scholarship on the history of psychology, eastern monasticism, gender, and hagiography, Dr. Gallant deepens our understanding of the centrality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to late mediaeval piety. She provides important insights into the role of images in making the practices of the desert saints both compelling and accessible to fourteenth-century city dwellers, who were just beginning to cultivate the habit of private devotion on a wide scale. By focusing on the most extensively illuminated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum to emerge during the trecento, this book sheds new light on the ways in which images communicated and reinforced modes of piety. It will be of interest to art historians, religious historians, and students focusing on this period in Italian history. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

During the fourteenth century in Western Europe, there was a growing interest in imitating the practices of a group of hermits known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Laypeople and religious alike learned about their rituals not only through readings from the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers) and sermons but also through the images that brought their stories to life. In Illuminating the Vitae Patrum: The Lives of Desert Saints in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Penn State University Press, 2024), Dr. Denva Gallant examines the Morgan Library's richly illustrated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum (MS M.626), whose extraordinary artworks witness the rise of the eremitic ideal and its impact on the visual culture of late mediaeval Italy. Drawing upon scholarship on the history of psychology, eastern monasticism, gender, and hagiography, Dr. Gallant deepens our understanding of the centrality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to late mediaeval piety. She provides important insights into the role of images in making the practices of the desert saints both compelling and accessible to fourteenth-century city dwellers, who were just beginning to cultivate the habit of private devotion on a wide scale. By focusing on the most extensively illuminated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum to emerge during the trecento, this book sheds new light on the ways in which images communicated and reinforced modes of piety. It will be of interest to art historians, religious historians, and students focusing on this period in Italian history. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the fourteenth century in Western Europe, there was a growing interest in imitating the practices of a group of hermits known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Laypeople and religious alike learned about their rituals not only through readings from the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers) and sermons but also through the images that brought their stories to life. In Illuminating the Vitae Patrum: The Lives of Desert Saints in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Penn State University Press, 2024), Dr. Denva Gallant examines the Morgan Library's richly illustrated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum (MS M.626), whose extraordinary artworks witness the rise of the eremitic ideal and its impact on the visual culture of late mediaeval Italy. Drawing upon scholarship on the history of psychology, eastern monasticism, gender, and hagiography, Dr. Gallant deepens our understanding of the centrality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to late mediaeval piety. She provides important insights into the role of images in making the practices of the desert saints both compelling and accessible to fourteenth-century city dwellers, who were just beginning to cultivate the habit of private devotion on a wide scale. By focusing on the most extensively illuminated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum to emerge during the trecento, this book sheds new light on the ways in which images communicated and reinforced modes of piety. It will be of interest to art historians, religious historians, and students focusing on this period in Italian history. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

During the fourteenth century in Western Europe, there was a growing interest in imitating the practices of a group of hermits known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Laypeople and religious alike learned about their rituals not only through readings from the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers) and sermons but also through the images that brought their stories to life. In Illuminating the Vitae Patrum: The Lives of Desert Saints in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Penn State University Press, 2024), Dr. Denva Gallant examines the Morgan Library's richly illustrated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum (MS M.626), whose extraordinary artworks witness the rise of the eremitic ideal and its impact on the visual culture of late mediaeval Italy. Drawing upon scholarship on the history of psychology, eastern monasticism, gender, and hagiography, Dr. Gallant deepens our understanding of the centrality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to late mediaeval piety. She provides important insights into the role of images in making the practices of the desert saints both compelling and accessible to fourteenth-century city dwellers, who were just beginning to cultivate the habit of private devotion on a wide scale. By focusing on the most extensively illuminated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum to emerge during the trecento, this book sheds new light on the ways in which images communicated and reinforced modes of piety. It will be of interest to art historians, religious historians, and students focusing on this period in Italian history. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/italian-studies

During the fourteenth century in Western Europe, there was a growing interest in imitating the practices of a group of hermits known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Laypeople and religious alike learned about their rituals not only through readings from the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers) and sermons but also through the images that brought their stories to life. In Illuminating the Vitae Patrum: The Lives of Desert Saints in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Penn State University Press, 2024), Dr. Denva Gallant examines the Morgan Library's richly illustrated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum (MS M.626), whose extraordinary artworks witness the rise of the eremitic ideal and its impact on the visual culture of late mediaeval Italy. Drawing upon scholarship on the history of psychology, eastern monasticism, gender, and hagiography, Dr. Gallant deepens our understanding of the centrality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to late mediaeval piety. She provides important insights into the role of images in making the practices of the desert saints both compelling and accessible to fourteenth-century city dwellers, who were just beginning to cultivate the habit of private devotion on a wide scale. By focusing on the most extensively illuminated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum to emerge during the trecento, this book sheds new light on the ways in which images communicated and reinforced modes of piety. It will be of interest to art historians, religious historians, and students focusing on this period in Italian history. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the fourteenth century in Western Europe, there was a growing interest in imitating the practices of a group of hermits known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Laypeople and religious alike learned about their rituals not only through readings from the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers) and sermons but also through the images that brought their stories to life. In Illuminating the Vitae Patrum: The Lives of Desert Saints in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Penn State University Press, 2024), Dr. Denva Gallant examines the Morgan Library's richly illustrated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum (MS M.626), whose extraordinary artworks witness the rise of the eremitic ideal and its impact on the visual culture of late mediaeval Italy. Drawing upon scholarship on the history of psychology, eastern monasticism, gender, and hagiography, Dr. Gallant deepens our understanding of the centrality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to late mediaeval piety. She provides important insights into the role of images in making the practices of the desert saints both compelling and accessible to fourteenth-century city dwellers, who were just beginning to cultivate the habit of private devotion on a wide scale. By focusing on the most extensively illuminated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum to emerge during the trecento, this book sheds new light on the ways in which images communicated and reinforced modes of piety. It will be of interest to art historians, religious historians, and students focusing on this period in Italian history. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the fourteenth century in Western Europe, there was a growing interest in imitating the practices of a group of hermits known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Laypeople and religious alike learned about their rituals not only through readings from the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers) and sermons but also through the images that brought their stories to life. In Illuminating the Vitae Patrum: The Lives of Desert Saints in Fourteenth-Century Italy (Penn State University Press, 2024), Dr. Denva Gallant examines the Morgan Library's richly illustrated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum (MS M.626), whose extraordinary artworks witness the rise of the eremitic ideal and its impact on the visual culture of late mediaeval Italy. Drawing upon scholarship on the history of psychology, eastern monasticism, gender, and hagiography, Dr. Gallant deepens our understanding of the centrality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers to late mediaeval piety. She provides important insights into the role of images in making the practices of the desert saints both compelling and accessible to fourteenth-century city dwellers, who were just beginning to cultivate the habit of private devotion on a wide scale. By focusing on the most extensively illuminated manuscript of the Vitae Patrum to emerge during the trecento, this book sheds new light on the ways in which images communicated and reinforced modes of piety. It will be of interest to art historians, religious historians, and students focusing on this period in Italian history. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Schelling points in the AGI policy space, published by mesaoptimizer on June 27, 2024 on LessWrong. I've been thinking about memetically fit Schelling points in the AGI policy space. I'll describe four such "Schelling policies", and use them as pedagogical examples. Shut it all down MIRI's new stated objective is the clearest example of a Schelling policy: "Shut it all down". MIRI states that they want governments to coordinate to pause all AI research that involves smarter-than-human systems. Laypeople will find this policy easy to understand, since they can rely on the shared cultural knowledge of CFC bans and international nuclear disarmament as case studies. If you want to coordinate a large number of people coherently towards furthering a particular policy, "you get about five words" that you can make 'common knowledge' such that people can coordinate in a specific direction. The ease of communicating the policy makes a big difference in such conditions. When you attempt to communicate an idea widely, you'll notice that people usually end up with multiple slightly (or sometimes wildly) differing copies of the original idea. If you've played the Telephone game, you've experienced just how much information can be lost as an idea spreads from one person to another. In the context of policies, individual people's beliefs and incentives will warp the instantiation of the policy they will communicate and support. (For example, you'll find companies lobbying regulators to carve out exceptions that benefit them.) Here's where Schelling points are invaluable: they serve as natural attractors in the space of ideas, and therefore enable people to 'error-correct' the idea they encounter and figure out the policy that everyone is coordinating around. "Shut it all down" is a Schelling point. "Shut it all down if we see evidence of unprompted deception and power-seeking in AGI models" is not a Schelling point, you have multiple free variables that can and will be optimized to benefit the people spreading the idea -- which can result in a lack of coordination and the idea being outcompeted by memetically fitter ideas. "Prevent the training of models using compute greater than 1025 floating point operations" also has a free variable: why exactly 1025 floating point operations? Why not 1024 or 1026? Until 1025 floating point operations becomes a Schelling number, the policy containing it is not a Schelling point. Effective Accelerationism (e/acc) The biggest difference between e/acc and the PauseAI memeplexes is that e/acc doesn't seem to have a coherent set of goals and beliefs. Here are a bunch of memes that e/acc people tend to espouse: "It's time to build." (also the last line of The Techno-Optimist Manifesto) "Come and take it." (where "it" refers to GPUs here) "Accelerate or die." At a first glance, one might say that e/acc isn't a Schelling policy -- it seems less like a coherent policy, and more like a set of 'vibes', verbal and non-verbal statements designed to create a desired emotional impact, regardless of the actual content. I disagree. A policy (or well, a memeplex) does not need to have an explicitly coherent set of beliefs and goals for it to result in coordinating people towards particular consequences. You might expect this to reduce the spread rate of this particular policy, but e/acc specifically compensates for it by being significantly more fun and socially, financially, and professionally profitable to coordinate around. For example, venture capital firms such as a16z want the opportunity to make a lot of money from the gold rush that is the race to AGI, and a lot of software developers want a shot at making billions of dollars if their startup succeeds. The possibility of regulations would cause the music to stop, and they don't want that. In fact, you don...

Link to original articleWelcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Schelling points in the AGI policy space, published by mesaoptimizer on June 27, 2024 on LessWrong. I've been thinking about memetically fit Schelling points in the AGI policy space. I'll describe four such "Schelling policies", and use them as pedagogical examples. Shut it all down MIRI's new stated objective is the clearest example of a Schelling policy: "Shut it all down". MIRI states that they want governments to coordinate to pause all AI research that involves smarter-than-human systems. Laypeople will find this policy easy to understand, since they can rely on the shared cultural knowledge of CFC bans and international nuclear disarmament as case studies. If you want to coordinate a large number of people coherently towards furthering a particular policy, "you get about five words" that you can make 'common knowledge' such that people can coordinate in a specific direction. The ease of communicating the policy makes a big difference in such conditions. When you attempt to communicate an idea widely, you'll notice that people usually end up with multiple slightly (or sometimes wildly) differing copies of the original idea. If you've played the Telephone game, you've experienced just how much information can be lost as an idea spreads from one person to another. In the context of policies, individual people's beliefs and incentives will warp the instantiation of the policy they will communicate and support. (For example, you'll find companies lobbying regulators to carve out exceptions that benefit them.) Here's where Schelling points are invaluable: they serve as natural attractors in the space of ideas, and therefore enable people to 'error-correct' the idea they encounter and figure out the policy that everyone is coordinating around. "Shut it all down" is a Schelling point. "Shut it all down if we see evidence of unprompted deception and power-seeking in AGI models" is not a Schelling point, you have multiple free variables that can and will be optimized to benefit the people spreading the idea -- which can result in a lack of coordination and the idea being outcompeted by memetically fitter ideas. "Prevent the training of models using compute greater than 1025 floating point operations" also has a free variable: why exactly 1025 floating point operations? Why not 1024 or 1026? Until 1025 floating point operations becomes a Schelling number, the policy containing it is not a Schelling point. Effective Accelerationism (e/acc) The biggest difference between e/acc and the PauseAI memeplexes is that e/acc doesn't seem to have a coherent set of goals and beliefs. Here are a bunch of memes that e/acc people tend to espouse: "It's time to build." (also the last line of The Techno-Optimist Manifesto) "Come and take it." (where "it" refers to GPUs here) "Accelerate or die." At a first glance, one might say that e/acc isn't a Schelling policy -- it seems less like a coherent policy, and more like a set of 'vibes', verbal and non-verbal statements designed to create a desired emotional impact, regardless of the actual content. I disagree. A policy (or well, a memeplex) does not need to have an explicitly coherent set of beliefs and goals for it to result in coordinating people towards particular consequences. You might expect this to reduce the spread rate of this particular policy, but e/acc specifically compensates for it by being significantly more fun and socially, financially, and professionally profitable to coordinate around. For example, venture capital firms such as a16z want the opportunity to make a lot of money from the gold rush that is the race to AGI, and a lot of software developers want a shot at making billions of dollars if their startup succeeds. The possibility of regulations would cause the music to stop, and they don't want that. In fact, you don...

Theoni Bell has been fascinated with Our Lady of Champion for a decade. Her historical fiction novel The Woman in the Trees: a novel about America's first approved Marian apparition was published in 2021 by TAN Books. In 2024, Theoni was added as a “witness” to the Libellus requesting permission from the Vatican to initiate the cause for the canonization of the seer Adele Brise. Theoni has spent years sifting through archival documents and corresponding with members of the shrine staff, historians in Belgium, and descendants of the community in which the apparition took place. She collects the stories of people who have experienced miracles — even minor ones — through Our Lady of Champion's intercession, in hopes that these will draw people to the shrine to encounter Our Lady there. This whole venture started in 2013 with two answered petitions after a visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Theoni also writes and speaks about baby loss. Her baby loss picture book Jellybean: a baby's journey to God came out April 2024 from Holy Heroes. She sells baby loss memorial prayer cards and prints on Etsy. Theoni has a master's in international journalism and studied religion and culture in 9 countries. She came to Catholicism in college. She writes from Houston where she lives with her husband and three children, never forgetting to ask aid from their four children in heaven. Links in Show: www.theonibell.com Jellybean: A Baby's Journey to God – Holy Heroes www.holyheroes.com/loss www.etsy.com/shop/visionsofthegoodhelp Additional Resources for Families: Miraculous - a boy catalogues the miracles in his community while dealing with the loss of a newborn sibling. A Whale of the Wild - a girl whale anticipates the birth of her sibling and it is stillborn. She flees with her baby sister to lay her to rest in the burial place of her ancestors. The Woman in the Trees - a Belgian girl loses her sister while immigrating to Wisconsin with her family and learns to lean on the faith against the harshness of pioneer life and the grief and bitterness of her mother. (Strange enough, I wrote this book before I lost Sloane, but the death of this sibling is the main struggle of my characters and they eventually integrate it into the faith with the help of the apparition seer. God definitely prepared me for this huge loss.) Sursum Corda - Eileen Tully Ministry for grieving mothers Red Bird Ministries - large national organization with retreats, conferences, online talks, support groups, and more. Laypeople and clergy have started Red Bird groups in their own parishes.

Dimes and Judas discuss a recent health scare in the Dimes house, new and exciting Aboriginal math using graffiti, a comprehensive review of the latest Fallout TV show, and intense commentary on the recent discourse occurring about Right Wing Women leaving for the Left because they hate their men. After reviewing an article by Spandrell reviewing the rise and fall of the Neoreaction (NRx) movement from the inside, they segue into a review of the book “Human as Media: The Emancipation of Authorship” by Andrey Miroshnichenko. This book explores the concept of the Viral Editor, essentially the aggregate mind and soul of the internet given form by a neural network of users, each of whom functioning as a form of media in and of themselves. Lastly on this edition of The Copepranos Society, Dimes speaks with famed Canadian journalist Matthew Ehret of “The Canadian Patriot” who describes the secret occult forces controlling the Canadian parliament and the dark secret science projects dominating our headlines. This one gets to it all! Timestamps: 00:18 – Fortissaxis Typing... a Substack! 02:01 – Dimes Does Not Have Cancer (Bad End) 10:12 – Aboriginal Made-Up Math Getting Special Government Funding 17:44 – Where in the World is JF Gariepy's Wife? 13:24 – Cant(Be Straight)well Gate Update 35:46 – The Victorious Normalization of the Incel Discourse 38:15 – The New Rift Between Men and Women on the Right as More Women Enter 54:05 – Possible Solutions to the Gender Problem / “Woman Question” (WQ) 1:03:47 – Movie Korner: Late Night With the Devil 1:05:20 – Movie Korner: Fallout (2024) 1:26:21 – Show and Expanded Universe Updates 1:29:31 – Criems Chat: Right Wing Persian 1:30:15 – Sandrells “A Post-Mortem on Neoreaction” 1:43:47 – “Human as Media: The Emancipation of Authorship” Discussion Begins 1:48:59 – The Emergence of The Pivotal Generation 1:50:53 – The Emancipation of Medias Empowering the Laypeople and Delegitimizing Institutions 1:55:06 – If you Don't Publish Online, You Don't Exist 2:00:12 – The Quest for Response as a Sixth Sense 2:02:39 – The Viral Editor as the Economy of Takes 2:07:51 – The Filter of Communities as a Response to the Feed 2:12:50 – The Response of the Establishment and the Issue of Fake Screenshots 2:21:53 – Matt Ehret Interview Begins

Not withstanding the saying, 'Love constructive criticism; don't get overly disturbed by these complaints.' In most cases, the complaints come from people who enjoy complaining, and their desire compels them to search and dig for something they can attach their complaint to. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/012/004/4040

Refresh their memories by reminding them of the experience from time to time and speak from the heart. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/012/003/3989

Clarifying some common misconception about what it takes to become a sotapanna and how can a lay person do it. For a new essay by Bhikkhu Anigha also see: https://www.hillsidehermitage.org/what-the-jhanas-actually-are/ If you wish to support our work, the Hillside Hermitage Sangha and this channel you are very welcome to do so via: https://www.hillsidehermitage.org/support-us/

In Acts 28:30-31(KJV) says “30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”   In this message Reverend Lindsay starts the new message on “How Laypeople Have Helped the Church to Grow''. A Lay person is someone that keeps their secular job and works in the ministry. Some of our favorite Bible characters did the work of the Lord freely without being paid. The disciples recruited congregation members to assist the pastors with building the church. If you have skills, you should be using them in the church. Congregations often wrongly feel that the work of the church must be done by pastors and shepherds only. It's not just the work of one person; it's the work of the whole congregation.   Let us all be encouraged to use our gifts in service to our God to build His House!

After the Vatican's announcement regarding the Synod on Synodality's voting process, Father Dave explains the history of these gatherings and their future impact. Contrary to previous custom, laypeople, including women, will participate as voting members of the general assembly that begins this October.

Dedicated by Mourad Shehebar for Refuah Shelemah of Chaya Sarah Bat Simcha

That's right. TDP is back. Jonny and Bertie are joined by Matimba and discuss nanotechnology, as well as recent news stories. Enjoy x

Introduction Welcome to Let's Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.   All views, information and opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Family Enterprise Canada.   Description Host Steve Legler speaks with Professor Peter Jaskiewicz about the book, Enabling Next Generation Legacies: 35 Questions that Next Generation Members in Enterprising Families Ask.   They discuss the fact that the rising generation in many family enterprises gets neglected for too long, even though they are the ones who are the key to sustaining the family's legacy. They also talk about ways that FEAs can use the book when working with family clients to help initiate important family discussions.   Guest bio Peter Jaskiewicz   Professor Peter Jaskiewicz is the University Research Chair in Enduring Entrepreneurship at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. He conducts quantitative and qualitative research on entrepreneurship and family business. His current research focuses on antecedents of transgenerational entrepreneurship and corporate reputation in family and founder firms. He is also an Advisory Board member at Venture for Canada.   You can find out more about Peter on the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa website and follow him on Twitter @peterjask.   Key Takeaways [0:26] Steve Legler, your host for this episode, welcomes Peter Jaskiewicz and asks him to share a little bit about how he constructed his latest book.   [4:08] Peter shares what four categories came to the fore when organizing the questions next-generation members had submitted for the book.   [7:30] From 35 questions to more than 35 answers, Peter shares the process of getting academics and Laypeople to participate in the book.   [9:58] Peter explains how this book can best be used by advisors and why it helps to normalize questions.   [16:05] The independent third party is one way of introducing and tackling tough subjects, Peter shares an anonymous example.   [19:44] Peter speaks on what legacy means and how his work touches on the relationships between founders and next generations and the process of rejuvenation.   [23:49] Peter touches on the primary focus of the Family Enterprise Legacy Institute.   [26:00] The feedback for the book is threefold. Peter explains how endorsements drive positive results. He shares what question from the book he found most interesting.   [30:24] Peter shares his book recommendations as well as his one piece of advice from an advisor to other advisors.   [33:30] Steve thanks Peter for coming on the show to share so much of his expertise with the audience.   If you enjoyed today's episode, you can subscribe to Let's Talk Family Enterprise on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast app. Please remember to share this episode with family, friends, and colleagues. Share your thoughts with us at fea@familyenterprise.ca.   Mentioned in this episode The Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast is brought to you by Family Enterprise Canada. Enabling Next Generation Legacies: 35 Questions that Next Generation Members in Enterprising Families Ask, by Peter Jaskiewicz and Sabine Rau Family Enterprise Legacy Institute   Peter's reading recommendations: Hector and the Search for Happiness, by François Lelord   More about Family Enterprise Canada Family Enterprise Canada (FEC) FEC on Facebook FEC on Twitter FEC on LinkedIn

The Sangha discuss common misunderstandings of the Dhamma and how a more realistic understanding informs the basics of daily practice. #knowledge #understanding #freedom Yathā-bhūta-ñāna-dassana in context - the Upanisasutta (vital conditions for freedom) https://suttacentral.net/sn12.23 See the video version of this call on YouTube. ►YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tON5iMQrRk Weekly Sangha calls, everyone is welcome.  ►The Sangha US - https://join.skype.com/uyYzUwJ3e3TO ►The Sangha UK - https://join.skype.com/w6nFHnra6vdh To meet Dhamma friends, hang out, or volunteer—join our Discord Sangha. Everyone is welcome. ►Discord - https://discord.gg/epphTGY 00:00 Informal structure around the noble Dhamma 02:14 Yathā-bhūta-ñāna-dassana: knowledge and vision of things as they are; lawfulness  07:12 Mistaking the Dhamma for an ontology; limitations to what we can know 13:01 Figure things out: what causes dukkha? How do the four noble truths work? 14:37 Analogy of athlete who practices without skill; active investigation and effort to understand and make a change 17:07 Cost-benefit analysis - when we remember 19:27 Advice for someone joining religious Buddhism; visit to Lao wat; the third fetter 24:58 Laypeople and the noble Dhamma; becoming a monk; the worldly winds; friendship  33:10 Flaws in practice; root misunderstandings; never mind, start again 38:44 Investigation vs. narrative; from dukkha to sukha 44:00 What are the foundations of practice? Waking up, the effort of letting go 45:31 Obvious unwholesome thoughts vs. under the radar thoughts; concepts and fabrications

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: A Quick Qualitative Analysis of Laypeople's Critiques of Longtermism, published by Roh on August 15, 2022 on The Effective Altruism Forum. While preparing this post, How to Talk to Lefties in Your Intro Fellowship was posted and it received some interesting pushback in the comments. The focus of this post is not reframing EA marketing that may weaken its epistemic status but exploring misconceptions of EA longtermism that its marketing may produce. See footnote for more details. Summary I coded 104 comments of Ezra Klein and William MacAskill's podcast episode “Three Sentences that Could Change the World — and Your Life” to better understand the critiques a layperson has of longtermism. More specifically, I wanted to capture the gut-instinct, first-pass reactions to longtermism, and not true philosophical arguments against longtermism. Because of this particular sample, this analysis is especially relevant to left-leaning, EA-inclined but EA-unfamiliar individuals. One reason examining people's first takes in detail might be informative is that it helps us identify the way in which longtermist messaging can be misinterpreted when there's a large inferential gap between EAs and well-meaning people. Finally, following MacAskill's What We Owe the Future book release, I anticipate a surge of discussion on longtermism generally. Summarized Takeaways (see Interpretation for more detail & context): In discussions about longtermism with left-leaning / progressive people completely new to the movement, here are things to keep in mind. Note that other groups may not generate such misconceptions from traditional EA rhetoric. Prepare for concerns about longtermism being anti-climate change Explain how the future world's well-being is also affected by longtermist causes (i.e. elephants can also be turned into paperclips) Make explicit ways the animal welfare is being considered in EA efforts Discuss how overpopulation may be overestimated as an issue and not a huge contributor to climate change when discussing the long term future Prepare for despair about the future Challenge underlying assumptions that big change is made only through political venues by pointing out effective change pathways outside of politics (academic research, non-profit work, non-partisan policy work) & generally EA focuses that have have high tractability Clarify longtermist approaches to assessing and overcoming Challenge underlying assumptions about how soon and how likely the end of the world is Legitimizing the movement Emphasize EA as a Question, not a set of cause areas Explain longtermism's role as a practical movement (and not just a thought experiment Reference the Iroquois tribe's efforts towards sustainability as an historical precedence for longtermism & acknowledge of non-white philosophical predecessors Highlight non-white-male EA work in longtermist discussions Discuss neartermist work, animal welfare work, and donation work to legitimize EA as a whole Emphasize EA's efforts towards moral circle expansion Things I think would be useful going forward: A comprehensive list of big EA achievements in longtermism For encouraging optimism and legitimizing the movement's efforts A historical track record of what important work EA has done. For legitimizing the movement, both in and out of the longtermism space Previous people have said this before A EA survey response to the statement: we should not destroy the earth in the effort to sustain human life. Methodology I read the online comments responding to the podcast, and summarized eight themes that the critiques fell into. Then, I went back and coded each comment into which themes they fit. I excluded comments that replied to other comments (either in a reply chain or that @'ed someone else's comment). This was done in a vaguely scientific manne...

Today's Topics: 1, 2) Can laypeople lay hands on others during prayer?  https://www.osvnews.com/2022/04/18/can-laypeople-lay-hands-on-others-during-prayer/  3) Cardinal presides over “great exorcism” to protect Mexico from return of the devil  https://aleteia.org/2015/06/14/cardinal-presides-over-great-exorcism-to-protect-mexico-from-return-of-the-devil/ 4) Cardinal Tagle tells convention of exorcists: Mystery of love conquers mystery of evil  https://aleteia.org/2017/09/02/cardinal-tagle-tells-convention-of-exorcists-mystery-of-love-conquers-mystery-of-evil/

Dr. Bruce Schultz — Board of Regents for Concordia University Chicago and professor at a biomedical university in Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how he has seen laypeople be influential in the lives of young people, how these laypeople can encourage young people to consider church work vocations, how laypeople in all vocations can support young people, and how his own children were supported to pursue church work vocations. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

On Saturday, March 19, unexpectedly and with no fanfare, the Vatican published the new 54-page constitution for the Roman Curia, called “Praedicate Evangelium” or “Preach the Gospel.” Among other changes, it made evangelization the Vatican's top office, opened leadership of top Vatican offices to any baptized Catholic, and made the protection of minors a permanent part of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell and host Colleen Dulle break down the document's changes in the context of Pope Francis' vision of evangelization, and what effects they are likely to have. Colleen and Gerry also discuss Pope Francis' second phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Links from the show: With Pope Francis' reform of the Roman Curia, nine years of work is coming to fruition Pope Francis is drawing on Vatican II to radically change how the Catholic Church is governed Pope Francis just opened the door for lay people to head Vatican departments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Rhetorical Abusability is a Poor Counterargument, published by Cullen OKeefe on January 8, 2022 on The Effective Altruism Forum. This post is a bit less polished than ideal, but I wanted to get it out of my drafts Introduction One sometimes sees the following type of objection to consequentialism or utilitarianism: P1. Consequentialist reasoning would justify X. P2. X is not justifiable. C. Therefore, consequentialism is wrong. Similar argument structures can also be applied to any number of ideologies/philosophies: P1. Libertarianism would justify X. P2. X is not justifiable. C. Therefore, Libertarianism is wrong. Call this general argument format the Justifiability Argument. Some recent criticisms of longtermism arguably follow this structure. We can also call the ideology in P1 the "target ideology" for generic purposes. However, note the potential ambiguity of "justify" as used in the Justifiability Argument. Depending on the sense in which it is used, P1 could mean either of the following: A. Consequentialism, properly applied, implies X is justifiable. B. A speaker can use consequentialist reasoning (e.g., consequentialist argumentation, consequentialist phraseology) to make a rhetorically convincing case for X. A. is a normal premise in a modus tollens. A lot has been said on when and whether moral arguments of this form are compelling, especially where P2 is supported by ethical intuitions alone. I will not add to that discussion here. B., however, is much more interesting. For the Justifiability Argument above to work under interpretation B., one needs an additional premises or argumentation. This post explores the Justifiability Argument under interpretation B, which I will call the Rhetorical Abusability Argument. To focus solely on that question, for the sake of argument we can assume that P2. is true, though in reality we may also disagree with it. Supplying the Missing Premises Rhetorical Abusability To make the Rhetorical Abusability Argument work, one could try to insert a premise like: P3. It should not be possible for a speaker to make a rhetorically convincing case fora false conclusion using the reasoning of the true moral theory. Call this the "Rhetorical Abusability Premise." I think most people who make the Justifiability Argument implicitly assume something like the Rhetorical Abusability Premise. Unfortunately, the Rhetorical Abusability Premise seems incredibly weak to me. For one thing, what is rhetorically convincing to people is a product of moral psychology, not of moral truth. It would be very odd if first-order moral truth depended on the contingencies of how convincing different rhetoric is to different audiences. Different people will find different things rhetorically convincing, and different speakers are differently skilled at rhetoric. It should not be surprising if there are many false (by supposition) moral conclusions that a skilled rhetorician could make some number of people believe. Laypeople's moral beliefs are not especially coherent, and for most of history (and possibly still now) people have believed morally unjustifiable things. So, the mere fact that someone can rhetorically abuse some theory to convince some listener of a false moral conclusion cannot be a good reason to reject that theory. There are other reasons to reject the Rhetorical Abusability Argument as formulated here. One advantage to the person using the Rhetorical Abusability Argument is that the Rhetorical Abusability Argument imposes no obligation to present the criticized moral theory correctly. What's important to the Rhetorical Abusability Argument is that the cited arguments or phraseology merely purport to apply the target ideology. This is beneficial to the person making the Justifiability Argument for a number of reasons. One is that it simply ...

Sometimes the idea of studying theology can be intimidating to the person in the pew. In Drew's second conversation with John Stevick (a member of Central and Managing Editor for the TDI Blog), they uncover why a deep study of God is actually the pathway to true and lasting joy.  Special Event: What better way to begin your study of theology than by attending TDI's annual theology weekend we call the 4:14 Conference?! The event will take place February 4-5, 2022. You can buy your tickets now by visiting us at www.414conference.com  We hope you will join us! Sword and Staff Podcast is a resource from The Discipleship Institute, a ministry of Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia. To explore more of the tools we develop to help you make disciples, visit us online at www.centraltdi.com 

Hey gang!This week we shift our focus to the role of the layperson as a worship leader. Is a music ministry volunteer a worship leader? How does that work, and how should worship pastors work with volunteers? Laypeople are critical to the workings and success of just about every worship ministry; we are glad to talk about the vital role that anyone can play in the worship ministry of their church. 

Sometimes the idea of studying theology can be intimidating to the person in the pew. In this episode, however, Drew sits down with John Stevick, a member of Central and Managing Editor for the TDI Blog, to uncover why a deep study of God is actually the pathway to true and lasting joy.  Special Event: What better way to begin your study of theology than by attending TDI's annual theology weekend we call the 4:14 Conference?! The event will take place February 4-5, 2022. You can buy your tickets now by visiting us at www.414conference.com  We hope you will join us! Sword and Staff Podcast is a resource from The Discipleship Institute, a ministry of Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia. To explore more of the tools we develop to help you make disciples, visit us online at www.centraltdi.com 

In this videoconference talk from 16 Jul, 2021, Ajahn Anan discusses about the various types of happiness that laypeople can have. "So we have to train our minds to have metta, karuna, mudita--sympathetic joy, and upekkha--equanimity. Sometimes we don't have a mind of mudita to others, we have had jealousy in the past as well, but we trained ourselves and then the jealousy reduces by itself. Before we had a mind with no metta to ourselves and others, or we used to have no compassion for ourselves and others. But when we know that we want to have happiness, then we know it's better not to harm ourselves, nor harm others. This is progressing to be better. And if we are living as a householder, and we want to have the happiness of a layperson, of a householder, then the Buddha taught that the happiness of a lay person is 1. have wealth, 2. use wealth for benefit, 3. not having debt, 4. doing actions that are blameless."

Jérémy Royaux a interviewé Kenzo Nera, doctorant en psychologie sociale à l’Université Libre de Bruxelles à propos des recherches innovantes auxquelles il a participé dans le domaine du conspirationnisme. A “Conspiracy Theory” Conspiracy? A Mixed Methods Investigation of Laypeople’s Rejection (and Acceptance) of a Controversial Label (Kenzo Nera , Sarah Leveaux, Pit P. L. E. […]

Dr. Jim Garlow is joined by Dran Reese, who is the Founder and President of the Salt and Light Council, which is designed to mobilize and teach Christians how to civically engage in line with the truths in scripture. She discusses the formation of the organization and the importance of both Pastors and Laypeople to engage.  Her website: https://saltandlightcouncil.org/ Follow us on social media: facebook.com/wellversedworldtwitter: @wellversedworldinstagram: @wellversedworldwww.wellversedworld.org

In the second entry of our mini-series 20 Questions, listen in on a frank and entertaining conversation between three architects and two "laypeople," as each group asks what they have always wanted to know about the professions of their counterparts. Architects and show hosts Kellen Krause, Anthony Catania, and Rodrigo Bollat Montenegro are joined by Jeanz Holt, an attorney, and Rich McGovern, who works in digital media in New York City. Although all five of our contributors are enthusiastic about architecture - Jeanz and Rich even worked previously for the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art - find out what the enthusiasts have always wanted to know about the professionals, and how the architects think of the "laypeople" who live and work in the buildings they design.

This week Courtney is joined by a special guest, her dad, Steve Clifton! He's been in the ministry for a while and has pastored three separate churches during that time. This isn't an episode to discuss ministry from the perspective of the pastor but from the perspective of laypeople in the church. What is the purpose of a pastor? How do we bring up disagreements with our pastor? When is it appropriate to leave a church and how do we do it? Listen in to find out.Let us know your thoughts!Instagram: @alotofthoughtspodcastEmail: alotofthoughtspodcast@gmail.com

In this episode I interview Kary Shumway, entrepreneur, CEO, CFO, and CPA to simplify financial concepts and give laypeople strategies to take their personal and business finances to the next level, especially in this time of pandemic.  Support the show

  Does your Pastor or Priest talk to you about abortion? In fact, are church leaders, Pastors and Priests the best people equipped in the country today to lead the effort to end abortion? Questions or comments about the show? We love hearing from you! The post appeared first on .

In this episode, the Clearview staff sit down with Dr. David Alan Black to discuss the importance of textual criticism in the lives of believers and in the context of the church. If you have any topics you'd like for us to discuss, be sure to email us at carpemanana@clearviewbc.org!Support the show (https://clearviewbc.org/give)

In this episode, the Clearview staff sit down with Dr. David Alan Black to discuss the importance of textual criticism in the lives of believers and in the context of the church. If you have any topics you’d like for us to discuss, be sure to email us at carpemanana@clearviewbc.org!

In this episode, the Clearview staff sit down and talk about the importance of fatherhood, both in the Bible and in our own lives. If you have any topics you'd like for us to discuss, be sure to email us at carpemanana@clearviewbc.org!Support the show (https://clearviewbc.org/give)

In this episode, the Clearview staff sit down and talk about the importance of fatherhood, both in the Bible and in our own lives. If you have any topics you’d like for us to discuss, be sure to email us at carpemanana@clearviewbc.org!

Feature Interview (13:00) – Infectious Disease and Public Health Specialist Dr. Paul Carson discusses the history of vaccines, how they have changed the health and life expectancy of people around the world, and why people have a moral obligation to vaccinate themselves and their children. Dr. Carson’s article “Catholic Social Teaching and the Duty to Vaccinate“: https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2017.1284914 CDC Vaccine Information: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center: https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center Immunization Action Coalition: http://www.immunize.org/ Also in this episode: News (1:10) – Newest Shingles vaccine how it works, who should get it, and why it’s more effective and more ethical. Plus, promising research that might signal the possibility of a vaccine that could help end the opioid epidemic (https://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/acon-vch120718.php) Medical Trivia (Answer at 41:00) – What were the two new vaccines that were given to as many soldiers as possible before going over to Iraq for Desert Storm in the early 1990s? Linacre for Laypeople (40:30) – Dr. Jo Markette talks about the devastating consequences artificial birth control is having on the planet in ways you might not expect (“A Step Toward Ecological Conversion: Protecting the Planet by Pitching the Pill”) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

What is placebo? The original meaning of the word placebo is, “I will please.” That statement comes from a time when doctors didn’t have our modern code of ethics, and they would prescribe whatever would make the person feel better. They probably had the best intentions, but they also would have known that whatever they were prescribing might not have been a real medication for the symptoms the patient was experiencing. Doctors, even then, knew that suggestion was powerful, sometimes more powerful than the medicine they were prescribing. Laypeople who hear the word “placebo” automatically think of sugar pills. They may think only that it’s something a doctor gives to placate and make people feel better when they aren’t getting the active medication. Placebos have long been used as a comparison arm for clinical trials. Usually it is in the form of an inert sugar pill or sham-procedure. Researchers can observe a psychobiological response known as the placebo effect. But when thinking about the word “placebo,” we must think of the entire effect of it, and it is perhaps better termed “the meaning effect.” As I discussed in last week’s episode of the podcast, the meaning we give something creates belief, and belief is a potent change mechanism, even when it comes to our physical health. It is especially potent when it comes to mental health. The placebo effect encompasses the therapeutic alliance, expectations, natural healing of the body and mind, and the environment of therapy. It involves the power of suggestion, mood, and the beliefs behind even one positive or negative interaction with a doctor. It also, as we will see, involves studies involving heavy-hitting medication. When there is an increased ritual, there is an increased placebo effect. During a hospital stay, the surgery preparation, meetings with doctors, nurses and therapists can have an incredibly therapeutic effect on a patient. It is possible to see biological mechanisms triggered by psychosocial context and attribute it to a placebo effect. What is the power of suggestion, the meaning effect, placebo effect, and how do we use it or avoid it in our practices and when testing new medical treatments? For the rest of the article, go: here Link to sign up for CME go: here Member Login to do CME activity go: here Instagram: dr.davidpuder Twitter: @DavidPuder Facebook:DrDavidPuder

During our horrific Catholic Scandal what Can We Lay people Do? Dr Tom Curran interviews Dr Taylor Marshall about the Catholic abuse scandal and discusses how he handles it as a father and philosopher. They discuss the practical ramifications of how laypeople can address the Catholic scandal and how they promote holiness within the Catholic Church. Dr Curran and Dr Marshall talk about the confusion under Pope Francis and how they understand to best navigate during this difficult era. The Taylor Marshall Show Podcast is now also available on Spotify: Play “Taylor Marshall Show” inside Spotify. Listen to audio or watch the Youtube video interview by clicking here. Or listen to the audio mp3 here: Check out Patreon Patron Benefits! All these video discussions are free. Do you want to recommend a show, get signed books, and show support? Here’s how: click on Patreon Patron link: Become a Patron of this Podcast: I am hoping to produce more free weekly podcast Videos. Please help me launch these videos by working with me on Patreon to produce more free content. In gratitude, I’ll send you some signed books or even stream a theology event for you and your friends. Please become one of my patrons and check out the various tier benefits at: https://www.patreon.com/drtaylormarshall If the audio player does not show up in your email or browser, please click here to listen. If you find this podcast episode helpful, please share this podcast on Facebook. Announcements: * The podcast is now on my channel on Youtube.com * The complete Sword and Serpent Trilogy is now published, including the the third Book: Storm of Fire and Blood. * Download the Study Guide at: http://swordandserpent.com * New classes at New Saint Thomas Institute. We have just begun our New Testament Studies curriculum. Please visit: newsaintthomas.com for more details. I’d love to read your feedback: While you listen to today’s podcast, would you please take 30 seconds to write a review? Please click here to Rate this Podcast! Please Share Your Feedback: iTunes: 1,706,247 downloads on iTunes as of today. * Youtube: Leave a comment on Youtube here. SHOUT OUTS: A huge “shout out” to all 832 (!) of you who wrote amazing 5-star reviews at iTunes. Please rate this podcast by clicking here.

During our horrific Catholic Scandal what Can We Lay people Do? Dr Tom Curran interviews Dr Taylor Marshall about the Catholic abuse scandal and discusses how he handles it as a father and philosopher. They discuss the practical ramifications of how laypeople can address the Catholic scandal and how they promote holiness within the Catholic […] The post 178: Catholic Scandal – What Can We Laypeople Do? Dr Taylor Marshall interviewed by Dr Tom Curran [Podcast] appeared first on Taylor Marshall.

Feature Interview (13:00) – What does “Board Certified” really mean? Dr. Les Ruppersberger, past-president of the Catholic Medical Association and a recently retired OB/GYN from Philadelphia talks about what patients need to know about their doctors’ board certification and the best ways to really know if a doctor is good or not. Also in this episode: News (1:00) – Health benefits of saunas (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.04.008), High rates of birth complications in the United States (https://www.ahrq.gov/news/newsroom/press-releases/complications-hospital-births.html), Coffee linked with longer life (https://doi.org/ 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.2425), Medical Trivia (Answer at 39:00) – In terms of the two-liter bottle that contains your favorite pop (or soda, depending on where you come from), how much blood does the average 180 pound (82 kg) person have in his or her body? Linacre for Laypeople (41:00) – As part of the special Humanae Vitae anniversary issue of the Linacre Quarterly, Radiologist Dr. David Hilger explains his new article about the dangers of hormonal birth control and why the medical field needs to do a better job informing patients about the risks (Look for his article in the upcoming November 2018 edition of the Linacre Quarterly Vol. 84, Issue 4, November 2017) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

Feature Interview (12:00) – Dr. Robin Smith, founder of Stem for Life and Vice President of the STOQ Foundation’s Scientific Committee in the Vatican’s Council for Culture, discusses the Vatican’s efforts to help promote live-saving medicine and how ethical approaches to stem-cell research and regenerative medicine have proven more successful than others. Also in this episode: News (00:45) – CDC Report on Increased Suicide Rates (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0607-suicide-prevention.html) Women’s Health Tip (4:40) – Causes of Post-Menopausal Bleeding Medical Trivia (Answer at 48:45) – While you might find a frenulum in your brain, digestive tract, or external genitalia, where in the human body will you find the most frenulae (plural for frenulum)? What do they do? Linacre for Laypeople (40:30) – Fr. James McTavish describes his work with trafficking victims in the Philippines and the terrible consequences of trafficking on women’s health throughout the world (“The Devastating Consequences of Sex Trafficking on Women’s Health,” Linacre Quarterly, Vol. 84, Issue 4, November 2017) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

Feature Interview (12:00) – Heart Disease expert Dr. Michael Farkouh discusses the latest research into the causes, treatments, and prevention of heart disease including how alcohol affects the risk of heart problems, the dangers of people living in big cities, how screen time can increase your risks for heart disease, and even how misguided government can be hurting you. Then he gives some important tips on the best steps you and your family can take to lower your risk for heart disease. Dr. Michael Farkouh, MD is Professor and Vice-Chair, Research, Department of Medicine, at the University of Toronto and the Peter Munk Chair in Multinational Clinical Trials at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. Director of the Heart and Stroke Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Cardiology Training at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Also in this episode: News (00:45) – New info that could lead to a blood test for melanoma (https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.25669) Women’s Health Tip (4:40) – Zika Update: What You Need to Know for Fall 2018 Medical Trivia (Answer at 48:45) – In the five-year period from mid-2012 to mid-2017, internet searches of “basal cell carcinoma” saw five peak periods for the weeks following November 21, 2013; May 9, 2014; October 27, 2014; May 6, 2015; February 8, 2016; and February 13, 2017. These peaks were 50-150% higher than the average internet search rate for “basal cell carcinoma”. What happened on each of these six dates that led to this greatly increased interest in basal cell carcinoma? Linacre for Laypeople (40:30) – Dr. Frederick White discusses his recent article about the push for physician-assisted suicide, how professional medical associations are being lobbied for their support, and the important efforts from some doctors to resist the trend (“The American Medical Association and Physician-Assisted Suicide,” Linacre Quarterly, Vol. 85, May 2018) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

Feature Interview (11:55) – Gastroenterologist Dr. Saad Jazrawi explains the science behind gluten sensitivity, the difference between sensitivities, allergies, and other digestive diseases, and how changes in diet can affect health. Also in this episode: News (00:50) – How music education can help children learn in other subjects (https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00103) and new research in the best ways to check for prostate cancer. Preventive Medicine Tip (7:25) – Folic Acid Supplements in Pregnancy (https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/) Medical Trivia (Answer at 38:30) – Physician jobs are expected to grow 15% from 2016-2026, but some specialties are expected to grow faster than others. Which of these is expected to grow the most – 164% – over that period of time? a) Family Practice b) OB/GYN c) Geriatrics d) Hematology/Oncology e) Urology Linacre for Laypeople (40:30) – Nurse and legal consultant Nancy Valko discusses the eugenics programs of Nazi Germany and how understanding this history can help us avoid repeating past inhumanities (“Book Review: Nurses and Midwives in Nazi Germany: The Euthanasia Programs,” Linacre Quarterly, Vol. 85, May 2018) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

Feature Interview (11:30) – Neurosurgeon and dementia researcher Dr. Martin Bednar discusses Alzheimer’s Disease including symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention. Then he gives some advice for caregivers and family members of people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia and on how the dignity of patients can be honored. Also in this episode: News (00:55) – Are e-cigarettes helping smokers quit? (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0198047) Preventive Medicine Tip (3:45) – Obesity Screening for Adults and Children (https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/) Medical Trivia (Answer at 38:15) – What part of the cell contains DNA that is only inherited from mom? Linacre for Laypeople (40:00) – Marquette nursing professor Richard Fehring discusses the health consequences for adolescents and young adults using contraception (“Influence of Contraception Use on the Reproductive Health of Adolescents and Youth Adults,” Linacre Quarterly, Vol. 85, May 2018) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

Feature Interview (15:00) – Brendan Rhatican, who recently completed his first year of medical school at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, gives an insider view of the triumphs and trials of a first-year medical student. Also in this episode: News (00:55) – How writing before bed, even just a to-do list, can help you fall asleep (http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/xge0000374) and how rubbing alcohol can help you deal with nausea (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.09.031) Preventive Medicine Tip (8:40) – Pre-Eclampsia Screening and Prevention (https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/) Medical Trivia (Answer at 42:25) – What is the Bacchus maneuver, and how can it prevent early death? Linacre for Laypeople (41:20) – Dr. Wes Ely discusses his work in the intensive care unit and how his faith gives him special tools to help patients in danger of death with the offer of baptism (“On Being a Catholic Physician: Baptism in the ICU,” Linacre Quarterly, Vol. 84, May 2017) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

Feature Interview (13:15) – Bioethicist Fr. Ryan McCarthy discusses embryo adoption and the ethical questions Catholic theologians are considering about how we might ethically respond to the crisis created by leftover embryos from in vitro fertilization. More info: Fr. Ryan McCarthy’s Book: What to Do with the Least of Our Brothers?: Finding Moral Solutions to the Problem of Endangered Embryos (http://a.co/cYjRzFo) National Catholic Bioethics Center - Human Embryo Adoption: Biotechnology, Marriage, and the Right to Life (https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/books/human-embryo-adoption-biotechnology-marriage-and-right-life/) Also in this episode: News (00:55) – New study answers “Can you make up for lost sleep on the weekend?” (https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.12712) and why are US birthrates at an all time low? (https://www.livescience.com/62592-birth-rate-declines-2017.html) Women’s Healthcare tip (6:45) – Healthy Weight Gain in Pregnancy Medical Trivia (Answer at 39:15) – While there are no house villas in the human body, there are villi. Where are villi found and what do they do? Linacre for Laypeople (41:20) – Dr. Natalie Rodden discusses her work as a palliative care doctor and how she honors the dignity of her dying patients and helps shepherd them toward a holy and happy death (“On Being a Catholic Palliative Medicine Physician,” Linacre Quarterly, July 2018) http://journals.sagepub.com/home/lqr ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

Feature Interview (14:50) – Dr. Jeff Berger, medical director of Guest House, the national Catholic addiction treatment center for Priests, Deacons, and Religious, discusses medical marijuana including the latest research on usage and effectiveness, plus his recommendations for Catholic health care workers and ministers as legalization efforts grow. American Society of Addiction Medicine, Patient Resources: https://www.asam.org/resources/patient-resources Also in this episode: News (1:00) – Medical School Enrollment Up 29% Preventive Medicine Tip (8:20) – Depression Screening for Adults and Children (https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/) Medical Trivia (Answer at 40:00) – How effective is a “base tan” at preventing sunburn? Linacre for Laypeople (42:45) – Dr. Barbara Golder, editor for Catholic Medical Association’s journal The Linacre Quarterly, explains how Catholic doctors and their patients can learn from their published articles. https://www.cathmed.org/programs-resources/cma-resources/linacre-quarterly/ ------ www.redeemerradio.com www.cathmed.org Follow us on Facebook: @DoctorDoctorShow Submit your question(s): Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/Doctor E-mail - Doctor@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

How can normal church folk do ministry in their community? That's our topic in this episode. After a long period apart, David, Bethany, and Guy come back together this week to record an episode they've been excited about for a while. After catching up on our recent big life changes, we talk about: Guy and Becca's reaction to our adoption episode (#021); We can't lean on our pastors to do all our work for us; Best way for non-pastors to get involved in ministry is to follow the example we see in Acts 6; Laypeople bringing the needs they see to the leadership, then being empowered by the leadership to meet those needs; Some examples we've seen of how this can work; Some first steps we can take towards making this happen in our churches; RECOMMENDATION STATION Guy: Unlikely by Kevin Palau; David: Exploring My Strange Bible podcast Bethany:  

This reading and commentary, from 'Cittaviveka: Teachings from the Silent Mind', was given by Ajahn Amaro on 9 January 2014 during the winter retreat at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. The post Chapter 5 and 6 – Laypeople and the Vihara, Anagarika Training appeared first on Amaravati Buddhist Monastery.

This reading and commentary, from 'Cittaviveka: Teachings from the Silent Mind', was given by Ajahn Amaro on 9 January 2014 during the winter retreat at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. The post Chapter 5 and 6 – Laypeople and the Vihara, Anagarika Training appeared first on Amaravati Buddhist Monastery.

We can approach a church service as our opportunity to serve the Lord through what we are doing during our gathering, or we can go to a church service with the expectation that we are going to be served by the Lord. We usually hold one approach as our predominant understanding of what is occurring when we gather. There is a church service order called the Divine Service. This is an order of service typically used within Lutheran traditions. Its name was mentioned in Episode 28, but not much was shared about what actually transpires in a Divine Service. So for this episode, Andy interviews Pastor Jaime Nava of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Yucaipa, CA, to learn more about what the Divine Service is and why Jaime thinks it is the best approach to sharing the Gospel during our church services.Show Links:Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - Yucaipa Episode 28 of Reconnect which Sparked the need for this Episode Jaime Shares that Law and Gospel is a Lutheran Distinctive and Episode 27 of Reconnect Explains both of These Terms The Divine Service - An Explanation at Steadfast Lutherans An Explanation of the Divine Service for Laypeople by Lutherans Online

President Obama created the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans to speak truth to power, highlight and disseminate evidence regarding possible solutions in closing the opportunity gap, and serve as a liaison between and among communities that are focused on supporting students of color. This week, Executive Director David Johns joins the show and - among other things - charges every single person with a responsibility to do right by all of our children.

Here is the sixth part of a six-part series featuring those special people who make art and entertainment out of folding air into latex balloons. Our conversations centered on making a living doing art, how they started in the biz and their creative processes. Laypeople and twisters alike will enjoy these fantastic conversations. Robbie tells […]

Here is the fifth part of a six-part series featuring those special people who make art and entertainment out of folding air into latex balloons. Our conversations centered on making a living doing art, how they started in the biz and their creative processes. Laypeople and twisters alike will enjoy these fantastic conversations. Suzanne and […]

Here is the fourth part of a six-part series featuring those special people who make art and entertainment out of folding air into latex balloons. Our conversations centered on making a living doing art, how they started in the biz and their creative processes. Laypeople and twisters alike will enjoy these fantastic conversations. Danny and […]

Here is the third part of a six-part series featuring those special people who make art and entertainment out of folding air into latex balloons. Our conversations centered on making a living doing art, how they started in the biz and their creative processes. Laypeople and twisters alike will enjoy these fantastic conversations. Larry and […]

Here is the second part of a six-part series featuring those special people who make art and entertainment out of folding air into latex balloons. Our conversations centered on making a living doing art, how they started in the biz and their creative processes. Laypeople and twisters alike will enjoy these fantastic conversations. Annie and […]

I am excited to present the first part of a six-part series featuring those special people who make art and entertainment out of folding air into latex balloons. Our conversations centered on making a living doing art, how they started in the biz and their creative processes. Laypeople and twisters alike will enjoy these fantastic […]

**Today's host(s):** Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor **Today's guest(s):** Janet Benestad, Secretary for Faith Formation and Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Boston * ["Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States" (USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis](http://www.usccb.org/evangelization/goandmake/eng.shtml) * []() **Today's topics:** Evangelization as an inward and outward activity **A summary of today's show:** Scot and Fr. Chris talk to Janet Benestad about evangelization and the strategy put forward by the US bishops in their document "Go and Make Disciples". **1st segment:** Scot welcomes Fr. Chris back to the show. Last Wednesday, Fr. Chris helped with the graduation of the Master of Arts in Ministry program. There were 16 graduates. Bishop Dooher gave the commencement address and he talked about evangelization. He told them that what they learned there, they now have to spread to others. Some of them are working in parishes, one is a Boston Symphony Orchestra member, and another is a chemist. It shows that the work will be done not just in parishes but in homes and places of work. One of the 16 is the hundredth graduate of the program. Laypeople and deacons formed at the heart of the Church. Fr. Chris has also been with the men at Norfolk state prison, who are always listening to the show. Fr. Chris celebrates Mass. Sometimes he will also speak afterward. He will also hear confessions.   Scot said there is now a Boston Bruins flag flying outside the Pastoral Center today in honor of the Bruins playing in the Stanley Cup finals against the Vancouver Canucks. Walking through Boston yesterday, he saw a Bruins flag at City Hall and the State House, so he's happy to see it here. Fr. Bryan Parrish, who works in the Pastoral Center, said the flag was donated by one of his parishioners.  It's a great time to be a Boston sports fan. Scot pointed out that the flag flies between the Vatican flag and the US flag, temporarily replacing the Massachusetts state flag. **2nd segment:** Scot and Fr. Chris welcome Janet to the program. Janet has been at the archdiocese for several years and before that in the Diocese of Scranton. She started in Scranton 12 years ago in a similar role, overseeing religious education, youth and young adult ministry, prison ministry, hospital ministry, cultural diversity, and more. Her secretariat was reconstituted prior to her joining her team because Cardinal Seán had wanted a new focus on evangelization and faith formation. Janet said both parts are vitally connected. Faith formation helps people come to know Jesus in a systematic, while evangelization is a broader effort. It helps people understand that everything they do is connected in some way to the love of God. Fr. Chris said the great gift of the Eucharist is God's abiding presence. In coming to Eucharist and hearing the Word of God proclaimed we are sustained. We can't give what we don't have and how can we share if we don't know Jesus. Evangelization often has a sour taste in the mouth in our culture. It's too often described as proselytization, which is forcing the faith on others or manipulating. Janet said to be a witness is to not engage in propaganda, but to be a living mystery, to live in such a way that life would not make sense if God did not exist. It is the message of Jesus Christ, given in the Gospel and preached with conviction and all of the power of the Holy Spirit. Scot said Henri Nouwen's definition is "one beggar leading another beggar to the bread." The person who evangelizes doesn't have all the "food", all the answers, but knows the way. You just have to lead people to Christ. Fr. Chris said it complements the idea of the Body of Christ, that there's no one person who can communicate all of the faith to another. This is why we have all the saints, who shared the faith in their own way, just as we do. The word some basic words in our faith. Evangelium means Good News in Latin. We are passing on the Good News handed to us by the Apostles and disciples and successive generations. Janet said in the early days of the Church there were no seminaries, no parochial schools, no Catholic colleges, no CCD. The faith was alive in the people who had experienced it directly from Jesus or the Apostles. We don't keep good news about movies or restaurants or the like to ourselves, but we hesitate to share the most important good news. The Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles on Pentecost and they couldn't help but share the Good News, despite the fear they had been under before that. Scot said if we think we're not capable of being evangelizers, if we need more courage or understanding, we can pray to the Holy Spirit for those gifts. Fr. Chris said another image is the lamplighter. The lamplighter lights one lamppost at a time and soon the whole street is alight. We can be like the lamplighter to our family and friends. About 20 years ago the US Bishops Conference issued a document on evangelization. It says that evangelization is both inward and outward. Janet said in order to evangelize one has to grow deeper in the faith, to pray, to become active in the community. That's the first step of evangelization. The document says one reason for evangelization is so that people can experience the grandeur with which they are made.  Fr. Chris quoted John XXIII: The goal for every person is to get to heaven and bring as many people with us as we can. We have to become holy ourselves. People should know we are Christians as soon as they interact with us. Ghandi said he would become a Christian if he ever met one. Scot said God created each of us with a unique set of gifts. Every person ever created has a unique set of gifts and God has an eternal destiny and a purpose for using those gifts. By being connected with that, we will increase our sense of joy and love in this life and the next. **3rd segment:** We witness to Christ by our actions, by willing to talk about it in any way we know, and by asking or inviting people to join with us in our faith. Scot said the outward direction of evangelization comes the great commission of Jesus: Go and make disciples of all nations. This is the name of this document. Janet quoted Fr. Mark O'Connell in a homily saying to children that they can be evangelists. He told them that when they go to school on Monday and talk about their weekends, tell others they went to church. Everyone is called to evangelize. Every person has a story of faith. Tell that story. Articulate it as best you can and then live it in everything you do. Fr. Chris added that forgiveness is an important element. When we forgive it's a response to God's forgiveness for us. All of the components of our live are opportunities to evangelize. How many times is there an opportunity to show God's love and mercy to people we encounter every day.  Scot said people tell him they don't evangelize because they fear or have received a hostile reaction. Certainly nearly everyone who has evangelized has received such a reaction at one time or another, even Jesus. Fr. Chris said, looking at TV, people have no problem exposing the craziest, most intimate details of their lives, yet we fear to reveal who we really are. Pope Benedict XVI has established a new pontifical council to promote evangelization. For many years, the Church saw evangelization as going to foreign lands that have not heard the Gospel, but today we have to re-evangelize ourselves. Pope Benedict says every Catholic should buy a catechism and know what it says. The Pope has said we need to use all the forms of media to get the message out. Then build on the things that have worked to spread the good news. Scot asked Janet for ideas to overcome fear of hostility to our witness. First, remember it's not an argument or debate. Lead people to love. Second, listen first before speaking and preach through the actions of your love and concern. When a person leaves the Church, our concern for them does not end at the church door. Our concern for them lasts beyond their hostility. It can be a kind word or gesture and care and charity. Recognize that the person's soul is in a process of conversion. Scot had interviewed Fr. John Corapi and was struck by the humber of men who had come back to their faith because of his talks. Fr. Corapi said it's up to the Holy Spirit to convert. Our job is  to invite. Second, pray for the person we're inviting and then praying after the invitation. Third, connect them as much as possible to the Church. Don't stop trying, but don't force ourselves on them. Let them know we really care for them, we want what's best, and we're not pushy. * [Fr. John Corapi interview in The Boston Pilot, 2/18/11](http://www.pilotcatholicnews.com/article.asp?ID=12973) Fr. Chris said we have to be able to say, "this is why my faith is so important to me." Be ready to give a defense of our faith in three sentences. What's essential about my faith? Why is it important to me? Scot said God's plan of salvation includes us being a vessel of reconciliation and invitation. Men who think about the priesthood often think of all their flaws that would prevent them from being a good priest. Yet it's our flaws which others could see in us which makes our faith seem accessible. God chooses the weak and makes them strong. **4th segment:** There were several goals in the USCCB document: 1. To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others 2. To invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith. 3. To foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ The first goal includes many programs of renewal and conversion, particularly our rite of Christian initiation programs. Pastors have been telling Janet that people in the parishes are growing deeper in their faith as a result of Catholics Come Home. Scot said this document does a great job at explaining what evangelization in the big picture, to express the goals, and then to get very granular in giving tactics for how every parish and family can experience this renewal. 1. To foster an experience of conversion and renewal in the heart of every believer, leading to a more active living of Catholic life 2. To foster an experience of conversion and renewal in every parish 3. To make the evangelizing dimension of Sunday Eucharist more explicit 4. To foster an appreciation of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and of all the sacraments, the sacred signs of our Catholic life 5. To foster a greater appreciation of the power of God's Word in our worship 6. To foster an even deeper sense of prayer among our Catholic people  7. To foster a renewed understanding of the faith among Catholics 8. To foster a sense of discipleship among Catholic adults and children  9. To foster active and personal religious experience through participation in small-group and other communal experiences in which the Good News is shared, experienced, and applied to daily life 10. To foster a sense of the domestic church within households in which families, individuals, and groups reside 11. To promote and develop a spirituality for the workplace  12. To foster greater appreciation of cultural and ethnic spirituality Many of these have to do with the Sunday Mass. Fr. Chris said the Mass is one of the principle places we go to be renewed with the Lord. The document talks about encouraging Eucharistic adoration and about sacramental preparation. The Church re-introduces us to our faith in the preparation, even if we've baptized other children already, for example.    Scot focused on the suggestions for the domestic church. * cultivation of daily prayer and times of prayer in the home; * establishment of times of family sharing; * home-based rituals shaped by the liturgical year; * formation of groups of parents, families, and households to develop spirituality in the home; and * adaptation of new and meaningful faith practices within the family in view of the decline of family prayer. Janet said some people don't quite know how to live the Christian faith together with their family. Start by praying together as a married couple. Then when children come, pray with them, and get them used to the idea that spiritual life is not something we do in private, but which we do as a community. Scot's brother, Fr. Roger Landry, says his best seminary was the domestic church of his home where he learned so much of his faith.  Fr. Chris said he heard about kids who write to the bishop about their confirmation sponsors and how often it's someone in their lives who have witnessed to their faith. It's all the little moments of passing on the faith, taking the opportunities that are there. It takes effort to carve out time for prayer, but how will we know Jesus if we don't. The second goal of the document is "To invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith."  Some of the strategies are: 1. To make every Catholic institution, especially our parishes, more welcoming  2. To help every Catholic feel comfortable about sharing his or her faith and inviting people to discover Christ in our Catholic family of believers  3. To develop within families and households the capacity to share the Gospel 4. To equip and empower our active Catholic members to exercise their baptismal call to evangelize 5. To use special times in parish and family life to invite people to faith 6. To cultivate an active core of the baptized to serve as ministers of evangelization in their parishes, dioceses, neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes 7. To effectively invite people to our Church 8. To design programs of outreach for those who have ceased being active in the Church 9. To design programs that reach out in particular ways to those who do not participate in a church community or who seek the fullness of faith   Janet said many of our parishes have become more welcoming through Catholics Come Home, creating ministries of welcoming, putting explanatory and welcoming materials in the pews, making the churches more accessible to those who might be uneasy about coming. As institutions become more aware of their Catholic identity, they become better witnesses to a culture that is somewhat hostile to them. Scot said many Catholics leave the Church for evangelical churches because they are welcomed there, by joyful people. There are too many Catholic parishes where someone could attend every week and no one would ever know their name or speak to them. Fr. Chris noted that the Pastoral Center is open every weekday for Mass at noon and on Thursdays for confessions, which is welcoming.  Some of the strategies of the third goal are: 1. To involve parishes and local service groups in the needs of their neighborhood 2. To foster the importance of the family 3. To develop groups to explore issues of the workplace and lay spirituality  4. To encourage Catholic witness in the arts and in the American intellectual community 5. To involve every Catholic, on different levels, in areas of public policy 6. To involve the Catholic Church, on every level, in the media 7. To involve Catholics, at every level, in questions of economic systems  The Church has a lot to offer the culture. Janet said the document is forward-looking on Catholic social teaching. We respect the dignity of the human person which is a fundamental teaching of our faith. Every Catholic is called to bring to every part of their life the mindset of a Catholic, the Christian idea of society founded for the common good. Fr. Chris recalled Pope Benedict saying even for someone who doesn't believe, it's better to follow the Ten Commandments because everyone's rights will be protected. Scot said the third goal encompasses the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.