POPULARITY
Father Casey Jones is a priest of the Diocese of Venice, Florida. He currently serves as the pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and school in Naples, Florida. In Today's Show: Is Dia De Los Muertos Catholic? What should people do when they feel abandoned by the church? Was Advent ever a fasting season? Why Be Catholic If Others Can Be Saved? Can Catholics use corporal punishment? What can churches do to keep them open 24/7? Are confessions valid if they were never finished? Is our moral decline caused by secularization? Why does the church require OCIA for converts? Is there a limit on how long a homily can be? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] This episode in the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" dives into the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds as vibrant summaries of the Gospel. Greg shares his journey from a deconstructed Evangelical hipster “fellowship” to embracing the Creeds' role in guarding the apostolic faith against heresies, drawing from the Catechism and early Church fathers like St. Irenaeus and St. Athanasius. He contrasts Catholic creedal unity with evangelical “no creed but Christ” and subjective faith statements, highlighting the Nicene Creed's power in Mass. This episode invites OCIA participants and global listeners to see the Creeds as a living roadmap for conversion. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Is confession Catholic therapy?” This episode explores the role of confession in spiritual healing, alongside discussions on the Catholic understanding of salvation, the challenges of prayer devoted to Mary, and navigating marriage in the Church when one partner is hesitant. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – Is confession Catholic therapy? 09:45 – What is the Catholic view of Salvation as it relates to faith? 14:22 – I struggle with the time prayer devoted to Mary? 20:13 – Can you explain the foundation of the Catholic church? 29:05 – How can I get married in the Church, but my spouse doesn't want to? 34:24 – I am struggling with accepting and understanding Confession. After a general confession, I find myself thinking of new sins or doubt of making a good confession 42:45 – Are sins committed in dreams sinful, and how can one deal with minimizing “sins” in dreams? 46:50 – Going through OCIA, what tips and pointers can Fr. offer as he goes through the process? 52:28 – What to do when she attends Mass and witnesses folks doing odd things…I.e. Drinking coffee, brings dog etc….?
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome: The Holy Spirit and the Sacraments:” Discover the Spirit's role as Creator, Inspirer, and Sanctifier, and how sacraments like Baptism and Eucharist use matter—water, bread, oil—to effect divine change, rooted in Scripture and the Catechism. Greg contrasts Catholic efficacious sacraments with evangelical symbolic ordinances, highlighting their incarnational power. This episode enriches your OCIA journey, guiding you to experience God's grace through material signs.
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Patrick threads together questions about faith, technology’s grip, cultural shifts, and daily life. He fields calls about Catholic teaching on theft and lying, muses on fast food’s sneaky impact, and considers practical anxieties around technology in schools and choosing partners with shared beliefs. Raw, sometimes wry, and never shying away from the awkward or profound, Patrick moves the conversation seamlessly, from social commentary to the Catechism to heartfelt advice, all while keeping it unmistakably human. Audio: Turn off the TikTok: No Kings, except for all those other times. (You don’t hate authoritarianism; you just hate what you are told to hate) (00:19) Victoria - Question about lies. What kind of sin is lying? My neighbor is helping himself to my property. (03:11) Chris - You were talking about distortions of reality. I think you are right, and I am concerned that deep fakes will come on strong. (08:20) Sophia - Thank you so much for giving the Eustace, FL station shout out and for your show! (16:23) Jessica - Does your belief about cell phones extend to computers? Should kids get a personal laptop? Should I seek a school that does that? (21:08) Billy - When Patrick leaves, listeners like us are drifting in the harbor. I feel neglected in the OCIA process, and I need some advice. (31:36) Vivian - What is your advice on children dating people from other religions? Should my daughter go to Protestant boy's church? (35:48) John - When my wife and I consummate the marriage, is it appropriate to disengage in the middle of the act even though we are old? (45:33)
Fr. Francisco Nahoe, OFM Conv., has served the Church and the Franciscan Order in Catholic education, campus ministry, parochial ministry, and catechesis. He is a chaplain at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California, and focuses his scholarly efforts on Renaissance rhetoric and Polynesian ethnohistory. In Today's Show: How often should we go to confession? Why do we need OCIA before baptism? Will Catholics have to go through the rapture? How do you go about proper spiritual reading? Can you be pro-life and support the military? How do we get rid of occult items? How do I shift my mood from miserable to joyful? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg continues the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" by exploring the Church as Christ's living Body and instrument of grace. Discover its nature as the Body of Christ, People of God, and Temple of the Holy Spirit, its threefold mission, hierarchical structure, and four marks, drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and Lumen Gentium. Greg contrasts the Catholic view of a visible, apostolic Church with evangelical emphases on an invisible fellowship, offering reflections for unity. This episode guides your OCIA journey, revealing the Church as the home for your faith. Visit consideringcatholicism.com for more insights. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“What should you do if you disagree with the pope?” This episode tackles this important question while also exploring whether ex-cathedra statements are a recent development in the Church, the purpose behind papal interviews, and the implications of the pope’s humanity on his infallibility. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these pressing topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:45 – What should you do if you disagree with the pope? 15:29 – The ex-cathedra statements from the papacy seem to be a new addition and weren’t in the early Church. Are they a new addition? 23:11 – Why is the pope doing papal interviews if he has a seat where he can make announcements? 30:47 – If the pope is human, how can he not commit error? 36:30 – I'm in OCIA and I want to attend the latin mass but how do I know whether the latin mass church accepts or rejects the pope and Vatican II? 43:32 – To what extent does the pope have to make changes and reform the liturgy?
In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Liz Norman, 2nd year PhD student at Purdue University in Earth, Atmosphere, and Planetary sciences. During their conversation, they discuss her physics undergrad at North Carolina State, being a student athlete especially with a hard major, how COVID affected her eligibility as an athlete, her gravitational waves NASA internship, her work in planetary science, her journey to conversion, the effect of her grandfather's death on her faith, the process of OCIA, her love of the communion of saints, and so much more.Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" continues by focusing one the main character in the Gospel story: Jesus Christ. Delve into the Incarnation—Jesus as fully divine and human in hypostatic union—and His redemptive mission through life, death, resurrection, and ascension, with insights from Scripture and the Catechism. Greg contrasts Catholic sacramental Christology with evangelical atonement emphases, offering reflection prompts to bridge perspectives. To go deeper, check out these episodes: Snapshot: Christ the King (#156) What is the "Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe?" (#283) Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
“How Does the Vatican Approve Miracles?” This episode explores the significance of Mary in Catholicism, addressing questions about her unique role and the nature of her sinlessness. Additionally, we delve into how the Vatican approves miracles, the reality of the holy fire at the holy sepulcher, and the implications of marriage convalidation for those entering the Church. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:29 – How Does the Vatican Approve Miracles? 14:30 – I have a lot of Protestant friends who ask me a lot about Mary. I am curious now, why do we venerate Mary at all? If she was born without original sin, how can she be good? She didn’t have the option to be sinful, because she was born without sin. So shouldn’t we venerate saints to a higher degree than her because they had the choice to be sinful and they didn’t, which seems like that makes them even better than her? Also, I also was told by a Catholic that God loves Mary more than any other human he created. Is this true? 24:15 – Do you think the miracle of the holy fire that the Orthodox claim at the holy sepulcher is real? 32:48 – My wife and I are Protestants, and I am in OCIA. She is not interested. Do we have to get marriage convalidated in order for me to be received into the Church? 35:03 – Would it be un-Catholic of me to be superstitious about attending an event where I was hospitalized after I’ve gone? This has happened multiple times. 44:20 – How did the name lucifer become a catchall name for the devil since it’s not in scripture? 50:40 – Does practicing craniosacral therapy go against Church teaching?
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“How Does the Vatican Approve Miracles?” This episode explores the significance of Mary in Catholic faith, addressing questions about her unique role and the nature of her sinlessness. Additionally, we delve into how the Vatican approves miracles, the reality of the holy fire at the holy sepulcher, and the implications of marriage convalidation for those entering the Church. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:29 – How Does the Vatican Approve Miracles? 14:30 – I have a lot of Protestant friends who ask me a lot about Mary. I am curious now, why do we venerate Mary at all? If she was born without original sin, how can she be good? She didn’t have the option to be sinful, because she was born without sin. So shouldn’t we venerate saints to a higher degree than her because they had the choice to be sinful and they didn’t, which seems like that makes them even better than her? Also, I also was told by a Catholic that God loves Mary more than any other human he created. Is this true? 24:15 – Do you think the miracle of the holy fire that the Orthodox claim at the holy sepulcher is real? 32:48 – My wife and I are Protestants, and I am in OCIA. She is not interested. Do we have to get marriage convalidated in order for me to be received into the Church? 35:03 – Would it be un-Catholic of me to be superstitious about attending an event where I was hospitalized after I’ve gone? This has happened multiple times. 44:20 – How did the name lucifer become a catchall name for the devil since it’s not in scripture? 50:40 – Does practicing craniosacral therapy go against Church teaching?
Patrick opens with encouragement for anxious listeners, especially a soon-to-be mother uncertain about her child’s future, drawing on simple wisdom from Saint Padre Pio: pray, hope, and don’t worry. He fields questions about Church teaching, the permanence of baptism, and faith’s place in public life, offering practical guidance, reflections on trust, and spiritual resources like the “Surrender Novena”. Throughout, Patrick reminds everyone that chaos in the Church or world cannot destroy Christ’s promise, personal holiness and trust in God remain the sure path through every storm. Madeline (email) - How can I feel more peace surrounding all this and trust that God will protect our child’s life and future? (00:34) Jared - Is the Church's teaching on homosexuality definitive? I hear rumblings that this teaching could be changed. (04:16) Carl - Are you familiar with the book, 'The Hell There is' by Msgr. Charles Pope? (19:25) Michael - I was baptized Catholic but wasn't raised Catholic. Can you have your Baptism rescinded? (23:19) James - For all those people worrying, the Surrender Novena is a great prayer to relieve people from anxiety. (29:45) Rhonda - My granddaughter felt bad people had to say “under God” in the National Anthem/Pledge of Allegiance, because not everyone believes in God. (32:36) Carla (email) - I have a follow up question to the call from the husband about his wife and her cousin’s same sex wedding. If the cousin is currently in OCIA, should the wife continue to be the sponsor? Should she inform the church that the cousin is not fit to continue the OCIA program? (39:41) John - What is the wilderness mentioned in Revelation 12:6-14? (43:24)
Miriam Marston is the Faith Formation Director at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Tigard. She is back on The Morning Blend to tell you about St. Matthew and his connection to OCIA.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" continues by describing the Gospel story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Greg unpacks the grand narrative of salvation history as the foundation of the Catholic faith. Explore how the Bible's story—from Genesis' perfect creation through the Fall, God's redemptive covenants, and Jesus' Paschal Mystery to Revelation's ultimate restoration—invites you personally into God's plan. Want to dig deeper? Check out episode #187: What is the Bible About? Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Catechetical Kickoff: OCIA Breakout by Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, SD
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
"OCIA The Bridge to Rome: Basic Catholic Prayers." Learn why set prayers and saint intercessions enrich heartfelt devotion, with Catechism quotes and saint insights, then explore essentials like Our Father and Hail Mary with origins and uses. Greg contrasts with evangelical spontaneous emphases, reflecting on unity. This episode equips your OCIA prayer life, bridging words to divine dialogue. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com Recommended Episodes: The Hail Mary Prayer (#34) Explaining the Rosary to a Protestant (#59) Teaching a Protestant to Pray the Rosary (#60)
Another installment of the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome." In this episode, Greg introduces the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Discover the CCC's history as John Paul II's "sure norm," its four-pillar structure (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, Prayer), unmatched value for authoritative answers, and versatile use in study or reference. Greg contrasts with Protestant fragmented sources, offering reflections on unified truth. This episode empowers your OCIA with the CCC as your ally against misinformation and myths about the Catholic faith. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Send us a textThis is a big one, a game changer.If you're involved in with setting your heart on fire or others as a catechist, small group leader, OCIA person, CHECK IT OUT!
The Considering Catholicism Podcast launches "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome," a series designed to illuminate the path into the Catholic Church. In this inaugural episode, discover how OCIA serves as the bridge across the Tiber River for those on their Road to Rome, offering a holistic journey of faith formation rather than a simple class. Greg breaks down key terms, the ancient origins of the process, and the stages from inquiry to full initiation, making it accessible for curious seekers, current participants, alumni, and mentors alike. Whether you're previewing the experience or supplementing your own, this episode provides a clear map to guide your steps. Visit consideringcatholicism.com for more resources on exploring the Catholic faith. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Aaron Graham, who we welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil this year, shares his story of faith with Fr. Liptak. From what led him to the Church, what questions people asked him along the way, to how the faith is impacting his daily life now, Aaron shares with us the joy of a life of faith, and why we should not be afraid to share our Catholic faith with those in our lives that are searching. Come, follow us: Parish Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify Music
In this second part of the baptism series, Greg Sshifts to adults and older children, explaining when infant rules end (around age seven per canon law) and how personal intention takes over. He outlines the OCIA process for unbaptized catechumens, adaptations for ages 7-18, and recognition of most Protestant baptisms if Trinitarian. Canon law is walked through step-by-step, with practical US insights and unusual cases like emergency baptisms or impediments for those in unrepented sin handled orthodoxly and charitably. He strengthens the discussion by emphasizing baptism's regenerative nature as being "born again," contrasting it with evangelical symbolic views, and highlighting Protestant diversity on the sacrament. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
As many head back to school and religious education, we welcome back friend of the show Joe Paprocki to help catechists teach God's word in the modern world. Joe serves as National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press and is the author of the newly updated book, “The Catechist's Toolbox 2.0: Building Today's Missionary Disciples.”
A lot of Catholics know at least a little about the process for those who who wish to be baptized Catholic or come into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. It is a process formerly known as RCIA, but is now OCIA. However, we can all do a little better job of evangelization by inviting people into the process, people we are in relationship with, our friends and family.
A lot of Catholics know at least a little about the process for those who wish to be baptized Catholic or come into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. It is a process formerly known as RCIA, but is now OCIA. However, we can all do a little better job of evangelization by inviting people into the process, people we are in relationship with, our friends and family.
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Isaac's counsel confronts the modern temptation toward self-promotion, verbal dominance, and the illusion of expertise. In a time when our culture prizes quick answers, visible influence, and a polished public persona, his words cut against the grain. He reminds us that the deepest authority is not rooted in rhetoric or clever disputation, but in the quiet radiance of a virtuous life. Humility, expressed in meek speech, modest bearing, restraint in judgment, and continual learning, guards the soul from the injury of familiarity and the snares of pride. For those in the spiritual life today, this means resisting the lure of proving ourselves in debates, curating our image for approval, or speaking beyond what we have truly lived. It is an invitation to clothe our knowledge in tears and fasting, to let the wisdom of the Church shape our vision, and to guard our minds from curiosities that puff up rather than purify. Such a way seems “small” in the eyes of the world, yet it opens the heart to the grace of God, the only true teacher. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:10:58 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 145. Paragraph 20 00:12:39 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 145, mid-page # 20 2nd paragraph on page 00:13:11 Zack Morgan: no 00:24:51 Anthony: This goes so much against the grain of the Classical Greek world: being a public person and a public corrector after the manner of Socrates 00:40:14 Anthony: I found the spirit of blasphemy is contagious from people who proclaim they are righteous but take delight in showing the faults of others. I wish I could shake it off. 00:40:25 Una: Any practical suggestions for those of us whose knees are shot and can't do prostrations anymore? 00:45:55 Ben: I think St. Seraphim of Sarov said something about continual prayer supplying for the inability to fast. Could one hope that the same could be said about an inability to perform other ascetical works, like prostrations? 00:54:02 Ren Witter: How does one discern when one's conscience differs from widely held beliefs in the Church because it is malformed, and when it differs but is in fact formed well? I am thinking of immediate, small things obviously, but also St. John Chrysostom, who experienced exile from the institutional Church, and who had such confidence in his own conscience that he could say “they have the churches, but we have the truth” ? 00:55:18 Anthony: Replying to "Any practical sugges..." There's something about prayer being the highest ascetical work. Maybe in Evergetinos. 00:59:28 Mary
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!When a firearms controversy provokes deep reflection on institutional integrity, we discover uncomfortable truths about how organizations respond to criticism. This episode examines the troubling story of the Sig Sauer P320 pistol—a weapon linked to unexpected discharges including the recent death of an Air Force airman—and the company's defensive, gaslighting response that prioritized corporate reputation over customer safety.But this isn't merely about firearms. The parallels to challenges within the Catholic Church are striking and profound. When confronted with legitimate concerns—whether about controversial liturgical practices or declining parish demographics—institutional defenders often employ identical tactics: dismissing critics as "grifters," labeling them "anti-Catholic," and refusing to acknowledge uncomfortable realities.These defensive postures ultimately undermine the very credibility they seek to protect. When potential converts are given sanitized versions of Church realities only to discover the full picture after commitment, the result is often disillusionment and departure. The statistics regarding those who leave within years of completing OCIA (formerly RCIA) suggest the high cost of such approaches.Christ identified Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life"—a profound reminder that truthfulness isn't optional for Christians, but essential to our identity. The Church, as Christ's spotless bride, doesn't require defenders who obscure reality. It needs witnesses confident enough in its divine foundations to acknowledge its human complexities."Present the church as it is," our host reminds us, "it's enough." This simple yet powerful statement captures the essence of authentic evangelization—one built on transparent truth rather than managed perception. The Church can withstand honest scrutiny precisely because its foundations are divine, even when its members are flawed. How might our witness change if we embraced this principle?Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In OCIA, the team accompanies those questioning and discerning the Catholic faith throughout the year. Fr. Liptak talks with our seminarian, Matthew Wasinski about his experience helping with OCIA this year and some of those questions that made him think along the way. Come, follow us: Parish Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify Music
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Can saints intercede for us?” This episode delves into the role of saints in prayer and tradition, addressing common concerns such as explaining intercession to Protestant family members and understanding why only the priest consumes from the chalice. We also explore the line between intercessory prayer and superstition, along with tips for inviting fallen-away Catholics back to the Church. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:26 – I come from a protestant family and am about to start OCIA. The obstacle I find is explaining the intercession of saints to my family. 19:56 – I struggle with not being able to consume from the chalice. Why does only the priest consume from the chalice? 24:36 – When does Intercessory prayer become a superstitious tradition? 39:48 – How do I approach my fallen away Catholic friend about returning to the Church?
In this powerful reflection, we hear the deeper meaning behind the parable of the Good Samaritan. What if Jesus is the Good Samaritan—and the inn is the Catholic Church? Fr. Hollowell shares how the Church is the place of healing and restoration for the wounded, and how you are called to help bring others to this place of mercy, especially those who are searching, broken, or longing for truth. Who in your life is waiting for someone to open the door?
OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Jimmy Akin and Cy discuss what someone in the annulment process must do before entering the Church through OCIA, and examine how Sola Scriptura and a priori syllogisms relate to Anglican apologetics. They explore how to discern messages from angels, and whether Spock's sacrifice in Star Trek reflects John 15:13. Other questions include whether Martin Luther sought self-justification, and how to respond to criticisms of Catholic parish events like gambling nights. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:15 – What must someone do regarding their current marriage if they are in the annulment process, remarried, and preparing to enter the Church through OCIA? 15:25 – How does Sola Scriptura relate to a priori syllogisms in the context of Anglican apologetics? 23:07 – What is the proper way to discern signs and messages from angels according to Catholic teaching? 35:10 – In Star Trek, Spock sacrifices his life for Captain Pike. Is this an example of John 15:13 in action? 40:38 – Was Martin Luther ultimately motivated by a desire for self-justification? 47:49 – How should Catholics respond to criticism about past parish events like gambling or casino nights being seen as hypocritical?
In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Tim Staples answers questions about Catholic teaching and practice. Topics include the Church's position on dividing ashes, relics, and organ donation, and the meaning of a line from the “Golden Arrow” prayer. A caller asks why some OCIA participants still struggle with Marian dogmas. We also explore whether Jesus had a middle or last name, what to do during Eucharistic adoration if the fire alarm goes off, and whether downloading copyrighted material is morally acceptable. Finally, he explains the Church's view of The Mystical City of God by Mary of Ágreda. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 3:29 – What is the Church's teaching on the dividing up and spreading of ashes as to the distribution of relics or organ donation? 19:44 – The “Golden Arrow” prayer has a line spoken from the Lord, which states, “Be careful to utilize this grace because I demand an account of it from you.” What is meant by this? 29:40 – My friend completed OCIA and still will not accept Marian dogmas. 40:35 – Did Jesus have a middle and last name? 43:44 – What to do during adoration if the fire alarm sounds? 45:29 – Is copyright morally binding. If I find a pdf / video / music online but cannot find it anywhere else, can I download it? 51:20 – Is the book Mystical City of God by Mary Jesus of Agreda Catholic?
In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Adrian Lawson from the YouTube channel Sips with Serra, joins CY to discuss the growing appeal of the Catholic Church among young people—has the Church changed, or has the culture shifted? A caller enrolled in OCIA asks why we receive the Eucharist by eating it, and how that connects us to Christ's sacrifice. They also address the Eucharistic Congress and recent protests surrounding it, offering a Catholic perspective on public witness and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 30:19 – What has changed to make the Catholic Church more appealing to young people? Has the church changed or American culture? 34:23 – I'm signed up for OCIA, and I am curious to why we eat the Eucharist as the mode of receiving and participating in Christ's sacrifice? 47:10 – What are your thoughts on the Eucharistic congress and the disruptive protesters following it?
In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Karlo Broussard tackles tough questions from converts and curious Protestants. Can Protestants receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit if they haven't received the sacrament of Confirmation? What does the Church teach about Mary as Queen of Heaven—and is it essential to salvation? Karlo also responds to the common claim that the intercession of saints was borrowed from Greco-Roman paganism. Finally, are indulgences still a part of Catholic practice today, or are they just a relic of the past? Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 15:40 – In my OCIA class they told me that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are received at Confirmation. If that is true, then it would follow that no Protestants receive gifts of the Holy Spirit. But that doesn't seem right. 34:00 – I'm a recent convert and I struggle with Mary being queen of heaven. It just doesn't seem relevant to my salvation. 37:12 – My Protestant friend says the idea of intercession of saints was influenced by Greco-roman pagan ideas. How can I answer him? 45:48 – Are indulgences still a Catholic practice?
If someone wants to become Catholic, why not just let them in? We explain the purpose of OCIA, its roots in Church tradition, and how it helps prepare hearts and minds for full communion with the Catholic Church. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions covered: 04:54 – Why do non-Catholics who want to join the Church need to go through OCIA instead of just joining immediately? 14:33 – How is the Catholic Church's apostolic succession compare to what other churches believe? 21:43 – How does the intercession of the saints work when the Bible says that men are appointed to die once, and then face judgement? 28:53 – I go to church every once in a while with my family and I take communion, but I heard that I'm not supposed to do that. What are the rules? 40:30 – Is Jesus' renaming of Simon the reason why the pope takes a different name? 44:09 – I have a hard time accepting the perpetual virginity of Mary. I don't think she'd want to refuse giving Joseph as many sons as possible, and John's Gospel clearly mentions brothers of Jesus.