Podcasts about ocia

“Why do we need the apostles?” This episode explores the vital role of the apostles in our faith, along with questions about the necessity of praying to Mary and the saints, and how to address concerns about the relationship between Catholics and Jesus. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these important topics and more. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:25 – My co-worker asked: Why do we even need the apostles? 15:41 – I'm in OCIA but I'm having trouble with Mary and the saints. To be Catholic do we need to pray to Mary and the saints? 20:30 – How do I respond to the claim that Catholics focus on religion and don't have a relationship with Jesus? 43:15 – I just returned to the Faith and my son isn't Catholic. How do I explain F.r James Martin giving the sacraments to two gay men? 52:00 – I'm coming into the Church. What does ‘confessing your sins to one another' mean? My non-Catholic uncle raised the objection?

Patrick answers questions about OCIA fees, simony, and sacramental theology. Calls spark deep exchanges on the meaning of Mass, forgiveness, and biblical interpretation, while personal stories about divorce and Church scandal bring raw honesty to the conversation. Throughout, he fields questions on funeral customs, prayers for the dead, and the mysteries of angels, never shying away from thorny subjects. Mark (email) – Where can I find your big list of books (www.relevantradio.com/patrick - and then click “Links”) (00:57) Dylon (email) – Paying a fee to receive the Holy Gift of Healing (02:51) Miro - I heard the Letter of Hebrews says there is no need for sacrificing. Why do we need the sacrifice of Mass? (08:58) Mary - I think that the book “Primal Loss” has made a difference in my life. (20:31) Linda - What is a good resource that could help me address the sexual abuse crisis in the Church? My friend left the Church over this 45 years ago. (23:26) Jodi - What is an appropriate donation for a funeral mass to give to the priest? If the burial doesn't follow the Mass on the same day, do I give another donation on the 2nd day? (29:03) Saul (email) – How can you possibly know so much about angels and how they are created? (38:19)

OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Patrick opens the hour reckoning with the Vatican’s Marian document, mixing his personal devotion and firm theological stance as he sorts out why its language stirs confusion and heated opinions. Calls ricochet from vocational discernment and science-versus-faith debates, including dinosaurs and human origins, to urgent family worries about conversion and the Catholic core, and Patrick responds fast, sometimes with book recommendations, sometimes pointed scriptural references, always nudging for clarity. Paul (email) - There was no reason for this document about our Mother Mary to be produced and sent out. As you mention, it has only caused more confusion, division, and dis-unity among the faithful (00:41) Connie - I am 30 and in OCIA. Is discerning religious life something converts should do and when should they do it? Am I too old? (10:57) Maria - Did the dinosaurs really exist on earth. How long has it been since the first humans were here on earth? (19:20) Lee - Will we celebrate the anniversary Mortalium Animos? (26:19) John - Why do some Christians wear a cross without Jesus? (36:23) Shannon - Should I read Catholicism Against Itself? How can I respond to someone who is reading this book? (42:42)

Hour 1 for 11/13/25 Drew and journalist Edward Pentin cover the news that more Brits are becoming Catholic (16:51). Then, JP de Gance covers if Catholicism is ascendant in the US (31:49). Calls: I'm in OCIA (35:59), I am an OCIA instructor; I see more an more students every year (42:45), and I think there's still a spiritual hunger (47:19). Links: communio.org https://www.ncregister.com/

Recording from an OCIA class covering the four last things.

“Was the Papacy Supposed to Be Ongoing?” This episode explores the evidence supporting Peter’s position as the Church’s leader and its continuation after his death. Additionally, we address how to explain purgatory to someone in OCIA, the belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity, and the Vatican’s clarification on Mary’s role as co-redemptrix. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:10 – Catholics believe that Jesus made Peter the leader of the Church. And some Protestants might even concede this. But what evidence do have to show that Jesus intended this leadership role to continue after Peter died? 13:59 – What’s the best way to explain purgatory to my wife who is in OCIA? 22:26 – Why do Catholics believe Mary was a perpetual virgin? What resources do you recommend on the Early Church? 30:32 – Why did the Vatican need to put out a letter saying Mary wasn't a co-redemptrix? 38:25 – Why do Catholics call the Mass a sacrifice 52:20 – Why is it ok to only take the host at mass?

OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Why do Catholics make such a big deal about Mary? For many Protestants exploring Catholicism, the Blessed Virgin is the last hill to climb. In this episode, Greg dives into the four Marian dogmas—Mother of God, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, and Assumption—through the lens of Mary as the New Eve. Discover how her role unlocks a deeper understanding of Scripture and the Gospel, pointing us to Jesus in a way that's both ancient and illuminating. Perfect for OCIA candidates or anyone curious about the Catholic view of Mary. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this episode of OCIA: The Bridge to Rome, we unpack the communion of saints—the living, eternal family that unites the Church on earth with the triumphant saints in heaven. Drawing from the Apostles' Creed and Scripture (Hebrews 12:1, Revelation 5:8, Luke 16:19-31), we show how the “dead” are truly alive in Christ, aware and interceding for us. Former Protestants will find clear answers to the objection that saints can't hear us, with biblical evidence from the Transfiguration, the “cloud of witnesses,” and Christ's promise of everlasting life. We explore veneration vs. worship, canonization, and practical ways to invite saints into your prayer life. Join us to discover how this 2,000-year communion strengthens your OCIA journey and draws you closer to Rome. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

 OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for All Souls Day.

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  

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!

OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.”