Podcasts about ocia

Why Aren’t You Christian? w/Tim Staples This episode explores the reasons behind the urgency of infant baptism, while also addressing diverse topics such as the journey of a convert from Islam seeking a Catholic marriage, the nature of free will, and the intriguing stories of incorrupt babies. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of these important questions. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:05 – Why do Catholics rush to baptize babies but take their time in OCIA? 19:20 – I'm a convert from Islam and was married in Islam. I want to be happily married as a Catholic. What would I have to do to do that? 24:54 – Why do we have free will? 34:55 – What are your thoughts on stories of incorrupt babies? 43:10 – Could you correct the false information the Swaggarts are pushing about purgatory?

“What Makes a Great Exorcist?” In this episode, we explore this intriguing question along with topics such as the validity of second marriages for divorced individuals, the reasons behind Michael the Archangel’s sainthood, and how to protect ourselves from spiritual forces in our daily lives. Tune in for a diverse range of insights on Catholic faith and practice. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:09 – Who is the greatest exorcist? 14:14 – Would a married and divorced person who gets remarried have a valid second marriage? 18:08 – Why did God choose to give Michael the Archangel sainthood? 20:10 – The bible says we make up for what’s lacking in Christ. How can there be anything lacking in Christ? 23:30 – What are the qualifications one needs to be a godparent? 29:05 – How do we protect ourselves from the principalities and powers in our daily lives? 33:48 – What book do you recommend on Christian History? 41:26 – How do a person know when they need an exorcism? 45:12 – Do all children born have a guardian angel, or only those who were baptized and are believers? 51:10 – I'm considering converting. I was baptized in Jesus’ name. Does it count? Why do Catholics rush to baptize babies but take their time in OCIA?

Patrick fields calls about everything from family burial choices and comfort after loss, to confusion with Church practices like lay ministers, marriage preparation, and even tattoos, always infusing clear Catholic insight and vivid storytelling. Technology glitches, tradition debates, and personal struggles tumble together in this hour as Patrick balances empathy, candor, and humor while offering practical, faith-based advice. Audio: “Cis” American liberal gets educated by transindigenous man of color. (00:34) Ron - Is all of this technology doing us any good. I am a disabled vet. I don't know what is going on anymore and I am tired of it. (05:44) Victor - I have been dreaming about my mother and brother who both passed away. Is this necromancy, wanting to see them again? (11:09) Maria - I hear that cremation is not a good idea for Catholics. (13:22) Amy (email) - What is the church’s position on donating one’s body to science? (23:12) Linda - I came from the Latin Mass recently to a newer mass. I have a problem with Eucharistic Ministers. Can you explain this? (26:43) Matt - I am in OCIA and so is my girlfriend. We are eager to get married. Does it have to happen in the Church or can we do it beforehand and then get it convalidated? (38:22) Catherine - Donating the body to science: You either get remains back cremated or body goes to mass grave. (44:21) Julie - My daughter is a very religious Catholic and thinking about getting a tattoo. (47:11)

Patrick takes on pressing questions about faith and real-world struggles sent in by listeners, moving from confessions about sterilization and options for penance to exploring conditional baptism and spiritual journeys into the Catholic Church. Deeply personal stories surface, parents worry about guiding their children through today’s divided culture, callers wrestle with conscience and challenging teachings. With candor and wit, Patrick addresses analogies for the Trinity, restitution, adoption, and what genuine compassion looks like in confession. Kathy (email) – Many years ago, I had my tubes tied after my 5th child and I was aware it was a sin. Now I understand it was sin and have been to confession, but I still feel bad about it. Is there anything else I can do? (00:54) Mike - I am in OCIA and am struggling with the issue of Baptism. What makes a Baptism valid? (09:44) Dylan - You were just talking about the consequences for self-sterilization. Could adoption be a suitable penance? (25:59) Mariette - My friends are dating each other. One of them is divorced and doesn't have an annulment. I feel they shouldn't be dating. What do you think? (32:16) Jarod - Is a good way to explain the Trinity to use the analogy of identical twins? (38:00) Cathleen - I am a product of the 60s and 70s and I was told to follow my conscience. I was never told that I needed a well-formed conscience. (41:51) Jeanie (email) – Catholic’s shouldn’t attend invalid weddings because it’s a sin of scandal. (45:24) Sarah - I have friends who are on both sides of politics. Which priests do we follow? Should they even be commenting on these issues? (46:47)

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this follow-up to episode #396 in the OCIA: The Bridge to Rome series, Greg takes listeners on a virtual tour of a Catholic church, revealing how its consecrated spaces—from the narthex's sacred pause to the sanctuary's holy altar—incarnate the Mass's eternal worship. Through personal stories, like his clash with a megachurch architect over a church-turned-brewpub, Greg contrasts Catholic sacred space with Protestant functionality, showing how every relic, candle, and font makes heaven tangible. Rooted in Scripture and tradition, this episode invites OCIA inquirers, curious non-Catholics, and Catholics to see the church as a portal to the divine. You might also enjoy: Noah's Ark to Peter's Boat: Typology in the Sistine Ceiling (#387) Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this episode of the "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" series, Greg explores the Catholic Mass as the central act of worship, explaining its purposes, structure, and profound biblical roots. He contrasts it with Protestant services, highlighting how the Mass engages the whole person—mind, heart, and body—while saturating participants with Scripture in ways that debunk common myths. Drawing from his own journey as a former Protestant pastor, Greg addresses objections like "re-sacrificing Christ" and shows how the Mass opens a portal to heaven's eternal liturgy. This overview serves as a preview for inquirers, a supplement for OCIA participants, and a refresher for Catholics seeking to share their faith. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

“What Similarities Are There Between Catholics and Lutherans?” In this episode, we explore key differences between Catholicism and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, discuss ways to encourage others to return to the faith through the Eucharist, and delve into the significance of focus during the Eucharistic liturgy. 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: 03:45 – I'm Lutheran in OCIA. What would you say are the main highlights between Catholics and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod? 14:14 – How should I help bring people back through the Eucharist? 28:45 – How does transubstantiation happen? 37:40 – During the Eucharistic liturgy where should our attention be, the altar or the tabernacle? 46:19 – I'm having trouble explaining the eucharist and the early church to my Protestant friends. What advice would you give me?

Fr. Ryan Thornton, OFM, Pastor at St. Mark's University Parish, discusses the massive increase in the number of college students at UC Santa Barbara who are in OCIA, and similar trends happening around the country.Watch a short video about St. John Seminary's Online in M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program: https://vimeo.com/79053099If you are interested in learning more about the online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for lay students at St. John's Seminary, email Dr. Stuart Squires at mapm@stjohnsem.edu

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome: Scripture, Tradition, and the Catholic Bible" explores how God's revelation flows through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, guarded by the Magisterium. Greg shares his journey from Protestant sola scriptura to embracing the Catholic Bible's 73-book canon, including the deuterocanonicals, rooted in the Septuagint and affirmed by early Church councils. He contrasts Catholic complementarity with evangelical Bible-only approaches, debunking myths about "added" books, and highlights Tradition's living role, drawing from Dei Verbum and St. Basil. This episode grounds OCIA participants and global listeners in the Church's full revelation. Visit consideringcatholicism.com for more, including episodes #133 and #220 on Catholic vs. Protestant Bibles. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

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!A shaky ad read and some friendly ribbing give way to a rare, candid conversion story: a Reformed pastor worn thin by 2020, family burdens, and Sunday dread begins asking God for an exit ramp he can't yet name. An old friend—now Catholic—offers a simple challenge: read the Catechism to learn the Church from the Church. So he does, pencil in hand. Circles for “yes,” rectangles for “I need more,” triangles for “no way.” Then daily Mass. Then Latin Mass. What surprises him first is the familiarity—the lectionary, the reverence, the shape of worship echoing his Lutheran childhood. What changes him next is Scripture: Hebrews 12 reframes worship as a present communion with the saints; Isaiah 22 and Matthew 16 connect the key and the office in a typology he already loves to preach.Meanwhile, life doesn't pause. His wife grieves, becomes a guardian overnight, and shoulders state paperwork while he strains to shepherd a congregation on an empty tank. One prayer breaks through the fog: Mary, be a mother to my wife while she's losing hers. Grace answers. The exit ramp appears on a Florida trip when his wife says, Maybe this is it. He resigns gently, stays through year‑end, and answers one summer's worth of honest questions—including a sermon on Mary's perpetual virginity built from the Reformers themselves. In January, they slip out of town to worship quietly. Friends notice and ask. There's no recruiting, just real answers. The Holy Spirit moves: four couples and their children, plus two reverts, begin OCIA and enter the Church. Seventeen souls. More ripples follow—his oldest starts OCIA in another city.We also talk about the temptations after conversion: platform, hot takes, “professional Catholic” life. He chooses stillness over speed, daily Mass over instant punditry, Our Lady and the saints over arguments for their own sake. He's drafting a practical guide to help Catholics “speak Protestant,” especially on typology and authority, but only with spiritual direction and doctrinal checks. If you've ever wondered how Scripture, suffering, and friendship might converge to redirect a life—and a community—this story will meet you there.If this moved you, share it with someone discerning, subscribe for more thoughtful conversations, and leave a review with the one moment that surprised you most.Support the showTake advantage of Recusant Cellar's "Christ the King" sale by heading over to https://recusantcellars.com/ and using code "BASED" for 20% off at checkout!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS 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 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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.

Recording from an OCIA class covering creation, the fall, and God the Father.

“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.

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

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

“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?