Podcasts about year of faith

**Use the code NINDADS at checkout to receive 20% plus free shipping at Manscaped.com** On this week's episode of the Nintendo Dads Podcast: News ● Pokémon Presents 2.27.2024 ● X/Y 3DS Music "Thing" https://youtu.be/-kf6VK3gfBM ● Nintendo is suing the creators of Yuzu ● More Layoffs ● Theatrhythm Final Bar Line was unplayable today due to a leap day glitch ● Game Releases/Updates Let's Discuss ● What is your favorite game about leaping? Rumors ● More outlets are confirming the rumor of a March 2025 release date for the Switch Successor Games we've been playing ● Picross S+ ● Piczle Cross: Story of Season ● Balatro ● Marvel's Spider-Man 2 ● Pepper Grinder Demo ● Unicorn Overlord Demo ● New Star GP ● Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC Community Spotlight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of my favorite quotes is "Leap and the net will appear" and while I consider myself a strong woman of faith I've made the difficult discovery that I rarely take a leap of faith.  On this episode I'm spilling all the T on how 3 C's (clarity, confidence and courage) can make you an "A" student in the school of life.  Only if you want to leap into your best year yet, I suggest you grab a cup and pull on up and meet me in the T-Room for an overflow of sips and tips!

It's February, the month of love, and this year it has 29 days, making it a leap year. In this episode, Drew discusses silent letters, steak doneness (yes, “doneness” is a word!) and taking leaps of faith.

As we usher in the year 2024, I've embraced "trust" as my guiding beacon. Each year, selecting a word to steer my path has opened up new avenues of growth, and this time around, it's all about deepening our trust in God's perfect will. On today's episode of Demo with Mo, we're setting sail into a year of living fully anchored in faith. I'll take you through my own experiences of witnessing answered prayers, and together, we'll explore the power of truly surrendering to trust, even when the waters of life are uncharted. We'll look at ways to find your own center, whether it's through prayer, meditation, or journaling, and how this can shape a year lived with purposeful intention.We're not just talking the talk; we're walking the walk of faith and trust. This episode is all about bringing our daily deeds into alignment with the trust we vocalize, a concept underscored by the faith heroes of Hebrews chapter 11.  I'll share stories that reveal the moments of struggle when our beliefs are put to the test, and the raw honesty needed as we navigate through personal and financial challenges. It's all about embodying the confidence and assurance in promises unseen, allowing this trust to guide us through the twists and turns of the coming year. So, join me as we commit to a 2024 where every step we take is a testament to our faith, and every challenge we face is an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in the divine plan.Support the showConnect with MoBecome a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribeMerchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/ Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/Facebook Relationship Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/548524369897098/?ref=share TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/

In this episode, I'm opening up about a challenging year in my life. It's been tough, but I want to share how faith in God and the practice of gratitude have been my guiding lights.  We live in a world where negativity often overshadows positivity. It can be hard to stay thankful, which is why I want to talk about the power of gratitude. For me, faith and gratitude are intertwined, helping me face difficulties. Gratitude, in my view, goes beyond saying "thank you."I won't pretend that being thankful is always easy, especially in challenging times. It's a choice. We can either blame and complain or seek wisdom and growth. The choice is ours. And, there's scientific evidence that supports the positive impact of gratitude on the brain.   I'll be sharing some practical tips for incorporating gratitude into your daily life  Listen in as we talk about: - Introduction (00:17) - The Power of Gratitude (00:49) - What is Gratitude? (01:39) - Biblical Perspective (02:03) - Choosing Gratitude (03:01) - Counting Blessings (04:06) - Scientific Evidence of Gratitude (04:50) - Practical Tips for Practicing Gratitude (06:27) - Challenges for Practicing Gratitude (08:20) - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action (10:13)   Notes from Natalie: Sign Up for Natalie's Newsletter  Seeking Health: www.natalietysdal.com/favorites  Before you go on Camera: https://www.natalietysdal.com/mediatraining Podcast Launch Guide: https://www.natalietysdal.com/mediatrainin Anti Burnout Worksheet: https://marvelous-designer-6863.ck.page/b6d4b2c9d2   Connect with Natalie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntysdal/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ntysdal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieTysdal/  Website: https://www.natalietysdal.com 

Culture editor Jillan Cheney and film critic Joseph Holmes discuss this year's huge crop of faith-based films and what they say about the state of religion in the country and the state of the faith-based film industry. 

20230113 - 2023 Is The Year Of Faith by Kevin McCullough Radio

Welcome to 2023, The Year of Faith --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kingdom-life4/support

Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, delivered a talk entitled “The Year of Faith and the Apostolate of the Laity” to the students and faculty at Christendom College on February 4, 2013.Cardinal Arinze was ordained a priest in 1958 and was consecrated bishop in 1965. In 1979 his brother bishops elected him president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, a position he held until 1984, when Pope John Paul II asked him to serve as president for the Secretariat for Non-Christians (now the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue). One year later, he was appointed Cardinal by Pope John Paul and, in 1999, he received a gold medallion from the International Council of Christians and Jews for his “outstanding achievements in inter-faith relations”.From 2002-2008, he served as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Cardinal Arinze remains active as a highly-sought speaker and catechizer, being featured in programs and events that cover Pope John Paul II's encyclicals and apostolic letters, Vatican II, and many other topics. He is also the author of several books and has been a frequent guest on Christendom's campus.

Each year we choose a new theme for our church. This year's theme is: The Year of Faith. It is a time for non-Christians to find faith, new believers to develop faith, mature believers to grow in faith and people who have fallen away to renew their faith. There's something for everyone at every stage of the Christian walk. We talk about what faith is (really) and how to walk in it. Join us this episode as we workshop the Bible passage for this theme, Hebrews 11:1, 6.

As we start the New Year, let's do so on the right foot! Many of us have dragged our problems with us into the new year, and it can weigh heavily on us when we see other's seemingly without problems. (They are not problem free btw) But the bottom line is will we walk by faith despite the conflict of life? Listen to this week's message as Pastor Kamron points to the life of Daniel. He chose to embrace his faith in God in the face of great peril. Let's follow in his footsteps and trust in Jesus in 2022. Let's declare this year, a year of FAITH!

www.catholiticking.com

一年前我们发布了第一篇属灵外卖：“坚定不移的信心“。那时我们大家都呆在自己家里，望着窗外，祈求神的保护并为那些努力工作要阻止病毒传播的人加油。 2020年2月7日开始发布属灵外卖开始发布，它的使命是在这不安的时刻为朋友们传递属灵食粮。我们当时并不知道我们将要在接下来的一年内每天持续打包并快递属灵外卖！

One year ago Spiritual Waimai published our first article: “Determined Faith in Coronavirus”. At that moment in time, we were all in our homes, looking out our windows, praying for God's protection and cheering for those who were working so hard to stop the spread of the coronavirus. On February 7, 2020 Spiritual Waimai was launched as a mission to deliver spiritual food to our friends in this uncertain time. Little did we know that we would continue to package up the waimai and daily deliver the spiritual food for one year! 

Melva along with her husband Skip continues the teaching series on overcoming fear to live a life of faith. Fear can be like a rapist that takes against your will. Learn practical tools for having a successful year.

We encourage you to enjoy our services (including worship) at https://www.livestream.pathwayshorewood.com

First Baptist Church Broad Virtual Bible Study "The Year Of Faith - Ways of Building Faith In God" Dr. Keith Norman - Senior Pastor Tuesday, January 5th 2021 Connect with us Online! Our Website https://fbcbroad.org/ Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistbroad Twitter https://twitter.com/fbcbroadavenue Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstbaptistbroadavenue/ Prayer requests? Contact Congregational Care via email at Congregationalcare@fbcbroad.org & also via phone at 901-323-2429 ext 315 or 901-791-0203 Ways of Giving Cashapp : https://www.cashapp/$FirstBaptistBroad Paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FirstBaptistBroad By Mail 2835 Broad Avenue, Memphis Tennessee 38112

The 4th sermon in our Christian New Year series.

www.catholiticking.com

www.catholiticking.com

Pastor Trevor Loya  For more information about Terrace Foursquare Church click here. 

In this episode I talk about lessons learnt from 2018 and how I plan to approach the unknown for 2019.

It's been a great first year here at Land the Plane Podcast! It has been a year of growth and excitement! A year full of fun and laughs! We thank you so much for being a part of it! Join Dustin and Jonathan as they look back over the last year and what has happened with the Podcast and what God has done in their lives. They share some stories from listeners and even a quick Bible story that will challenge you to ponder about what surprises may exist in the next year of your life and whether or not you are prepared. Be sure to listen in! About the Podcast We are a couple of dads taking on the challenge of parenting, marriage and living the Christian life. Answering questions like "Why is life so hard? Does anyone care? Why am I in this mess?" are all topics we discuss. Bible stories that just don't seem to make sense or are super challenging are covered as well. Hey, raising kids, being married, dealing with co-workers, going to church, and following JESUS is tough - let's do it together! Listen, laugh, learn and be a part of great community as we try to Land the Plane! Subscribe to the Podcast iTunes / Apple Podcasts| Google Play Land the Plane Store Land the Plane on TeePublic Connect with Us Follow us on FacebookGet Some Instagram InspirationKeep us with us on TwitterSend us an Email

Ze spowiedzią jest jak z oddychaniem. Nikt za nas tego nie zrobi i nikomu tego nie możemy delegować mówiąc: pooddychaj za mnie. Dokąd oddychamy, dotąd żyjemy. Choć wiele na temat oddychania wiemy, to i tak każdy robi to po swojemu.

Ze spowiedzią jest jak z oddychaniem. Nikt za nas tego nie zrobi i nikomu tego nie możemy delegować mówiąc: pooddychaj za mnie. Dokąd oddychamy, dotąd żyjemy. Choć wiele na temat oddychania wiemy, to i tak każdy robi to po swojemu.

Ze spowiedzią jest jak z oddychaniem. Nikt za nas tego nie zrobi i nikomu tego nie możemy delegować mówiąc: pooddychaj za mnie. Dokąd oddychamy, dotąd żyjemy. Choć wiele na temat oddychania wiemy, to i tak każdy robi to po swojemu.

A talk to the Faith Movement

A talk to the Faith Movement

Learn about new evangelisation and its impact on the Catholic Church Visit: http://www.evangeliseaustralia.com/ for more information

This week's episode of Hebrew Voice, Proclaiming a Leap Year of Faith, was recorded live on the Aviv Search in 2016. We take you to the very place of the proclamation in the barley fields of Israel. Walk with us through the … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #24 – Proclaiming a Leap Year of Faith appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

     In today's program, Claire Candy Hough and her angelic family The Posse of Angels will share insights on how 2016 will be the physical manifestation of just how much faith and belief that we have in ourselves and in our dreams. Claire Candy Hough is a Reiki Master/Teacher, Angel Practitioner, international radio host on Angel Healing House Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/angel-healing-house,  Author of "Angels of Faith" http://www.angelhealinghouse.com/angels-of-faith-book/   and “One True Home – Behind the Veil of Forgetfulness” http://www.angelhealinghouse.com/books/ and a Writer. She communicates directly with her angelic family, 'The Posse of Angels'.   Through her international business Angel Healing House http://www.angelhealinghouse.com/  Claire Candy provides healing, empowerment and direction in a loving, honest and no-nonsense manner. Her clients receive very practical advice to positively and proactively transform their lives to peace, joy and self-love. Be Prepared to be Inspired, Enlightened and Uplifted!!!  

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

Summary of today's show: For the Year of Faith called by Pope Benedict, the Archdiocese of Boston is offering Catholic Faith Essentials, an innovative new course for adults which is provided primarily through live webcasting to parishes and homes through the archdiocese and anywhere in the world. Scot Landry talks with Bishop Arthur Kennedy and Michael Lavigne about the Year of Faith, Catholic Faith Essentials, and the topics and speakers over 30 sessions for next one year plus. Listen to the show: Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry Today's guest(s): Bishop Arthur Kennedy, Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelization, and Michael Lavigne Links from today's show: Today's topics: Catholic Faith Essentials Show notes: Catholic Faith Essentials uses new technology to help people connect with their faith through a series of reflections and topics related to faith. They will have pre- and post-reading that will help attendees reflect on what they will hear. Participants can participate individually and in groups as they can and if they cannot participate live on Mondays, they will be able to watch the recordings of the speakers later on the Year of Faith, Boston website or at BostonCatholicLive.com. They will also be able to submit questions before and during the talks and some will be answered live or others after the event. It's a unique offering that is innovative and unlike any offering from other dioceses. Bishop Kennedy said we can take our faith for granted, which leaves us not seeing that action of God in our lives that is a gift. Faith is a response to the inner desire which exists in our heart by virtue of having been created been God. We can sometimes become inattentive to that desire in our hearts. There are two aspects to faith: The content of the faith itself and the act of wanting a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The Year of Faith is about an intimate relationship with Christ himself. For it to be a true relationship, there has to be a selfless giving of each person to the other. The act of faith is to surrender self completely to God. Faith is trust too. And when we are away from those we genuinely love and trust, we miss them. When we are not with God, we have something missing in our lives, which is the purpose and meaning that only God can give to us.

Summary of today's show: Our usual Thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, and Fr. Roger Landry consider the news headlines of the week, including Pope Benedict joining Twitter as @Pontifex; the Holy Father's new instructions for Catholic charities to remain authentically Catholic; a new smartphone app dedicated to the Pope's words and appearances; CatholicTV moving to basic cable; a parish producing radio ads for the Year of Faith; and a new book that highlights how six saints helped one woman in the most difficult moments of her life. Listen to the show: Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today's guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today's show: Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. Today's topics: Catholic identity for Catholic charities; Pope on Twitter; Parish radio ads for Year of Faith; New book: My Sisters the Saints 1st segment: Scot welcomed everyone to the show and asked Susan Abbott how things were going for her. She said she was on retreat earlier this week at the 2nd annual Collaborators in the New Evangelization retreat. It brings together people from Boston, Providence, Washington, New Jersey, Maine. She said Monday's topic was communications and speakers included our own Domenico Bettinelli and Bonnie Rodgers of CatholicTV. On Wednesday, she had an enrichment day with catechetical leaders of the Archdiocese. Bishop Arthur Kennedy spoke to the group and hit it out of the park. Michael Lavigne also spoke to the group about resources available for the Year of Faith. Scot said one of the big stories that broke this past Saturday was a motu proprio from Pope Benedict on the Catholic identity of Catholic social service agencies. He said this document came out of the blue. Gregory Tracy said the Holy Father's letter set up new rules for Catholic charitable organizations and how they must conform to the faith. It's part of a larger effort to re-instill Catholic identity to Catholic institutions. As Catholic institutions have grown they have sometimes lost their unique identity, making them indistinguishable from secular organizations. Scot said he didn't find anything surprising in the document except that the Holy Father felt he needed to say it. Fr. Roger explained what a motu proprio is. He said they can be confusing because the words literally means “by the Pope's own action.” It can be something like this that gives new legislation. It's more than an executive order, but more like new legislation from one ruler. The Pope noted that in canon law that there's a lot in canon law for the bishop's role as governor of Catholic institutions, but not for governing charitable organizations that call themselves Catholic. This document lays out the bishop's role in ensuring the Catholicity of those groups. He wrote that the Church's charity is not just social work; we're supposed to be doing explicit work of Christian love. We hope the recipients will see that love and investigate the source of love further. The Pope also noted that parishes also are supposed to be involved in charitable work. He said St. Vincent de Paul Societies isn't the same thing. The Holy Father is calling for something with a greater dependence on the actual leadership of the parish. Many St. Vincent de Paul conferences defer to the pastor, but technically they don't have to. He said the largest point is that Pope Benedict wants to ensure that any Catholic institution is serving others, that they're doing so in Christ's name, and the bishop is making sure everyone involved in the work is respecting Catholic teaching. Fr. Roger said there's two ways the Pope could have done this, the motu proprio or apostolic constitution, which sets down new law. The latter is much more formal and would involve a lot more consultation. An example was Ordinatio Sacerdotalis from 1994 when Pope John Paul wanted to remove doubt about the Church ordaining only men to the priesthood. Susan said she sees it as good news/bad news. It's sad that things that seem so perfectly obvious and sensible need to be put down in writing. She also noted the number of times the Pope referred to the faithful. These works of charity weren't referred to as the “Church's” responsibility in the abstract, but as the responsibility of the faithful. Scot asked Greg how strongly the Church should be defining the line for Catholic practice. Greg said Americans seem to be obsessed with the ability to self-define themselves and to define what it means to be Catholic. He thinks it's important for the Church to give clear instructions. Greg said there are some people who seem to want the Church to be like the Salvation Army, whose Christian identity can be obscured for those who see their work. He said many people want to do good to be nice, but Catholics do this work to be Christ to others, to project Christ into the world. Fr. Roger said the story wasn't picked up by the mainstream media because the way it was written the significance would be lost on many and because the news of the document wasn't leaked ahead of time. Fr. Roger said the definition of the organizations addressed here go beyond Catholic Charities, but includes hospitals and schools and others. 2nd segment: Scot said earlier this week, the Holy Father announced that he was launching eight new Twitter handles, the English one being @Pontifex. This was announced on December 3. Already this week, without the benefit of one Tweet, he has 525,000 followers. He will begin tweeting on December 12. His Spanish account has another 100,000. By next Wednesday, he will have more than 1 million followers. Greg said it's a great testimony of the hunger in the world to hear what the Pope has to say. He added that this is not going to be an interactive account in general, although it's been promised the Holy Father will answer a few questions. Scot said it seems the Pope is trying to embrace this mechanism to evangelize and share our faith. By his presence he's authenticating the Twitterverse as a place for Catholic to share and embrace their faith among others. Fr. Roger said the Pope has emphasized in his recent World Day of Communications message that the Internet is a the new Aeropagus, where we share our faith. The vast majority of people who have signed up in great numbers to follow may never have listened to the Holy Father closely in the past. When the Pope launches next Wednesday, he will respond to a few questions that have been submitted via the hashtag #AskPontifex and this will be a regular opportunity. Scot wondered if @pontifex will be on t-shirts at the next World Youth Day. Susan said it will be a teachable moment as people learn that the word means “bridge-builder”. Scot said he's not a big fan of the use of Latin when the Church could use English because he wants the Church to seem more accessible. On the other hand, in this case, it could cause people to go and find out what it means. Greg said one of the considerations in choosing the handle was that a lot of the handles were taken. He said that by choosing Latin, the Pope didn't show favor to any particular language group because Latin is the common denominator of our faith. Fr. Roger said Pontifex is the technical title of the Holy Father. He is the Bridgebuilder between God and Man. To call the Pope Pontifex Maximus means we walk all over him to get to Jesus. Greg pointed out that the Holy Father said he would personally review everything that goes out and this is why the tweets will not be as frequent. Scot said Cardinal Sean is @CardinalSean, Scot Landry is @scotlandry, the Good Catholic Life is @GoodCathLife, and the Pilot is @BostonPilot. Scot said the Vatican is also releasing a new smartphone app that will include the Pope's speeches and a webcam of his public appearances. It will be available on iPhones and iPads on December 10 and later on Android. It's called The Pope App. Greg said he was particularly interested in this story, especially because of the live video feeds. He thinks virtually every public address of the Pope is recorded by someone, but not all of them can be viewed by everyone. But there are certain moments when you want to patch in. This app will even give you a reminder when a preferred event is starting. Everything will be archived as well. Scot said he's become a big fan of web streams, including those from CatholicTV. Susan said she was able to watch the press conference of Bishop-elect Deeley on her iPhone that day. Susan noted that the company behind the app is also publishing an ebook for the Year of Faith, pulling information from dioceses around the world. Fr. Roger said it seems the Vatican is partnering with private companies. He noted that the Vatican's aphorism is “We'll use yesterday's technology tomorrow.” He said people are often champing at the bit to use their technical gifts at the service of the Church. For a lot of these companies you can't get a better promo than getting the Pope to tweet. Twitter has received an incredible amount of free publicity from the Pope. At every level, this is a win-win for the Church in the world. Scot also noted the good news that Comcast has moved CatholicTV to their basic package from the premium package it was on previously. They hope the other TV providers would also make CatholicTV part of their basic packages so more people can see their programming. The folks at CatholicTV have been pushing this several years. Greg said in his own home they finally have CatholicTV available on their TVs that have analog-to-digital converters. He noted that the digital TV conversion had pushed the channel to a place that many people couldn't get it. Greg said that by adding it to the basic service, Comcast has made CatholicTV available to every customer in New England. Scot said it shows the importance of going to to sign a petition for other cable providers to follow suit. Scot said that a parish in the Diocese of Fall River has decided to air 12 30-second radio commercials on stations on Cape Cod for the Year of Faith. It's a version of the Catholics Come Home campaign but it was done just by the parish. It's the brainchild of the pastor, Fr. George Harrison. Fr. Roger said Corpus Christi has a track record of using advertising to promote coming back to the practice of the faith in their parish. Fr. Harrison wanted to expand beyond the narrow message of Christmas to the whole year of faith. He also likes the method of getting 12 parishioners of all kinds in a studio and asking them questions without scripts about why they love their faith. The Cape lends itself to this type of radio evangelization. He hopes that other Catholic parishes will follow suit. To listen to the ads, go to the website above and click on the Year of Faith logo. Also in the Anchor, Fr. Roger's column gives a testimonial/book review of a new book by Colleen Carroll Campbell. Fr. Roger said he'd read the book the same afternoon he'd read Pope Benedict's book. Ten minutes in he came to the conclusion that Campbell's book, “My Sisters, the Saints” was the better of the two books. She profiles four different crises in her life and how six different saints helped her through those difficulties.

Summary of today's show: Our usual thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, Gregory Tracy, and Fr. Roger Landry discussed the headlines of the week, including the launch of the Year of Faith both in Rome and in Boston and Fall River; Pope Benedict's homily for the opening Mass; indulgences for the Year of Faith; the Synod for the New Evangelization; Cardinal Seán starting to Tweet daily; religious leaders discussing physician-assisted suicide; and Cardinal Seán's reflection on the assisted-suicide slippery slope. Listen to the show: Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today's guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today's show: Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. Today's topics: Year of Faith, Tweeting Cardinal Sean, Physician-Assisted Suicide 1st segment: Scot Landry welcomed everyone to the show and to the Year of Faith. Cardinal Seán celebrated a Year of Faith opening Mass that was simulcast on WQOM and on BostonCatholicLive.com. Susan and Scot discussed the celebration of the Mass in Rome with the Holy Father and the very crowded Mass in the Pastoral Center with Cardinal Seán. Scot asked Gregory Tracy about his impressions. He said the homily was very engaging as always. He engages first with humors and anecdotes and then gets to the heart of the matter. After the Mass, they gathered in a conference room where Cardinal Seán sent out his first tweet for the Year of Faith in front of a group of journalists. Scot noted that the Cardinal had a tough time typing because his own personal computers are set up with Spanish-language keyboards. Fr. Roger talked about his own preparations and launch of the Year of Faith in his parish. He outlined his plans for his parish over the year. Scot said Cardinal Seán's homily and the entire Mass are available online at . Moving to Pope Benedict's homily at the Mass opening the Year of Faith this morning, Scot quoted: If today the Church proposes a new Year of Faith and a new evangelization, it is not to honour an anniversary, but because there is more need of it, even more than there was fifty years ago! And the reply to be given to this need is the one desired by the Popes, by the Council Fathers and contained in its documents. Even the initiative to create a Pontifical Council for the promotion of the new evangelization, which I thank for its special effort for the Year of Faith, is to be understood in this context. Recent decades have seen the advance of a spiritual “desertification”. In the Council's time it was already possible from a few tragic pages of history to know what a life or a world without God looked like, but now we see it every day around us. This void has spread. But it is in starting from the experience of this desert, from this void, that we can again discover the joy of believing, its vital importance for us, men and women. In the desert we rediscover the value of what is essential for living; thus in today's world there are innumerable signs, often expressed implicitly or negatively, of the thirst for God, for the ultimate meaning of life. And in the desert people of faith are needed who, with their own lives, point out the way to the Promised Land and keep hope alive. Living faith opens the heart to the grace of God which frees us from pessimism. Today, more than ever, evangelizing means witnessing to the new life, transformed by God, and thus showing the path. The first reading spoke to us of the wisdom of the wayfarer (cf. Sir 34:9-13): the journey is a metaphor for life, and the wise wayfarer is one who has learned the art of living, and can share it with his brethren – as happens to pilgrims along the Way of Saint James or similar routes which, not by chance, have again become popular in recent years. How come so many people today feel the need to make these journeys? Is it not because they find there, or at least intuit, the meaning of our existence in the world? This, then, is how we can picture the Year of Faith: a pilgrimage in the deserts of today's world, taking with us only what is necessary: neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, nor two tunics – as the Lord said to those he was sending out on mission (cf. Lk 9:3), but the Gospel and the faith of the Church, of which the Council documents are a luminous expression, as is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published twenty years ago. Scot said the homily is stark about saying that many of the people we meet each day are in the desert, but it is from the starkness of the desert that we can rediscover the faith. Greg said already at the Second Vatican Council, society was making this transition to the secular desert and now 50 years on we are deep into the desert. Susan was reminded of Pope John Paul's teaching that Christ leads us to the Father through the Holy Father. She also noted he quoted Pope John XXIII: ““What above all concerns the Ecumenical Council is this: that the sacred deposit of Christian doctrine be safeguarded and taught more effectively […] Therefore, the principal purpose of this Council is not the discussion of this or that doctrinal theme.” She said we observe the signs of the times and determine how we authentically and faithfully present the faith. She also noted that he talks about going back to the documents and she always encourages people to read the texts. Fr. Roger said in this homily the Holy Father is bringing us back to the themes of his pontificate. He says the whole mission of the Church is to lead people out of the desert into friendship with Christ. He said many people haven't read the documents of the Second Vatican Council and this is an opportunity to go back and re-read them. Fr. Roger noted that this isn't a year of catechesis, but a year of living by faith. Scot noted that at the same time as the opening of the Year of Faith is a synod of bishops on the New Evangelization. Cardinal Donald Wuerl says that it's like a tsunami of secularism has swept across Europe and beyond. He also talked about the cost of poor catechesis. The cardinal said a “tsunami of secularism” has washed across the world, leaving in its wake a tendency to deny God's existence, or to deny that God's existence is relevant to human thinking and action. Yet, without God “the very understanding of what it means to be human is altered,” he said. A key task of the new evangelization is to help people see that human dignity and human rights flow from the fact that human beings are created in God's image, he said. Susan said she couldn't agree more with the Cardinal that the Catechism has immensely improved catechesis. Susan would add the improvement in understanding of hiw we learn through the social sciences. Scot also noted that the plenary indulgences for the Year of Faith have been given. An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. Fr. Roger explained that Purgatory repairs the damage to relationships caused by sin. Indulgences take away that temporal punishment for sin by the merits of Christ. they can be applied to the living or the dead. The indulgences are gained in this circumstance through some specific steps, including making pilgrimages to a local site designated by the bishop, attending parish missions or lectures on Vatican II or the catechism, attending a Mass or Liturgy of the Hours on days designated by the local bishop or renewing baptismal vows where we were baptized; or attending a Mass celebrated by a bishop on the Year of Faith's last day. The other usual conditions for indulgences apply as well. Scot noted the last day of the Year of Christ will be the Feast of Christ the King on which we have the Cheverus Awards at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and that could be one of the biggest Masses ever at the cathedral. 2nd segment: Scot said it was announced today that Cardinal Seán will be tweeting at least daily until November 6 and encouraging everyone to follow him on Twitter. He's hoping that people will retweet his messages on the Year of Faith and physician-assisted suicide. The cardinal says the biggest challenge of Question 2 is that not enough people know about it yet. Scot noted that yesterday his follower count was about 5,090 and today it's up a few hundred more already. Greg explained what twitter is and how it works. He said Twitter is very ephemeral and it's easy to miss one tweet so if the Cardinal writes consistently it will be more easily found. Scot said we don't have to be confrontational in talking to people about this issue. There are plenty of low-impact ways of spreading the message. Fr. Roger said the cost of a failure to act is that someone might die and the benefit of acting might be to help people get the help they need instead of poison from their doctor. He noted some anecdotes from people in his parish who have talked to others about it, describing their own experiences with suicide or terminal illness. Another story in the Pilot this week was an invitation to Cardinal Sean from Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Methodius to gather with representatives from different religious groups—from Salvation Army to Islam— to talk about physician-assisted suicide. Greg was there and said there was a sense that this can't be described as just a Catholic issue. One of the issues on their minds was how to make it clear to their congregations and others that this isn't just a Catholic issue, even though the Catholic Church is on the forefront. Scot said in the Pilot is Cardinal Seán's third reflection on assisted suicide: Slippery slope arguments involve small decisions that lead to undesirable outcomes that never would have been supported at the outset. Often, it is impossible to prove that one small step will have significant negative effects, but common sense allows reasonable people to judge the likelihood that a sequence of events that have happened in one place are likely to happen in another place in a similar way He then points out 7 potential problems downstream: It could lead to increased elder abuse; It could lead to adoption of “quality of life” standards; It could lead to lower quality of care; It could undermine doctor/patient relationship; It could lead to a general devaluing of human life; It could lead to an increase of suicide generally; and It could lead, eventually to euthanasia—like it has in the Netherlands. Scot said people say you can't prove a slippery slope argument empirically. Susan said arguing the slippery slope can make you seem like an extremist. She noted that in the Netherlands they have mobile euthanasia units now. She also said both the American Medical Association and Massachusetts Medical Society oppose this ballot question. Scot said there are also good op-ed columns in the Pilot on this topic as well. Winding up the show, Scot noted the death of Fr. Lawrence Wetterholm at 88 and the appointment of Fr. Bill Schmidt to pastor of both St. Marym, Wrentham, and St. Martha, Plainville from St. Patrick in Stoneham, one of the biggest parishes in the Archdiocese.

Summary of today's show: Our usual Thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, Gregory Tracy, and Fr. Roger Landry look at the news headlines of the week, including last night's town hall forum on physician-assisted suicide with Cardinal Seán; the remarks by Congressman Chris Smith at the recent Red Mass luncheon; Cardinal Seán's column in the Pilot this week on the flaws in Question 2; the appointment of John Straub as chancellor of the archdiocese; and preparing for the launch of the Year of Faith next week. Listen to the show: Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today's guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today's show: Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. Today's topics: Physician-assisted suicide; new Chancellor; Year of Faith 1st segment: Scot welcomed everyone to the show and he talked with Susan Abbott about last night's town hall forum on physician-assisted suicide. Scot said to Gregory Tracy that this week's Pilot is the thickest edition he's ever seen and Greg said it's one of the thickest in recent memory. He said there is a special section called the Open House for Catholic schools. Scot said the town hall meeting will air 16 times on CatholicTV between now and November 6. The audio will air on Monday's show of The Good Catholic Life. Also joining us from Alabama this week is Fr. Roger Landry, where he was leading a retreat for priests in the Diocese of Birmingham. He was at a Benedictine retreat house. They were preparing prayerfully for the Year of Faith which begins a week from today. Fr. Roger related his experience with a tornado detector in the house where he was staying. He also talked about seeing the effects of tornadoes in the region from the past couple of years. Scot said he knows Birmingham as the place where EWTN is located. Fr. Roger said it's also the location of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, built by Mother Angelica. He also said there was a place called Ave Maria Grotto, which has exact miniatures of all of the major pilgrimage shrines throughout the world. Fr. Roger said he watched last night's presidential debate with the priests of Birmingham. One of the major stories in the Pilot this week is the coverage of the Red Mass last week. It concentrates on the words of Rep. Chris Smith, who gave the keynote. Smith is a noted leader in Congress for the pro-life movement. Susan said some of the statistics Smith cited were disturbing as well as the whole issue of gender selection abortions. Scot clarified that most of the time when there is sex selection abortions, it's the girls who are aborted, not boys. He also talked about his work on human rights in China. He said: “Today, there is a beguiling tendency in our society, especially in the political arena, to accept the euphemism - choice, death with dignity- over a difficult truth.” he said. … He called abortion a “serious, lethal violation of fundamental human rights” that requires immediate attention. “Abortion methods rip, tear and dismember, or chemically poison the fragile bodies of unborn children. There is nothing benign, compassionate or just about an act that utterly destroys the life of a baby and often physically, psychology or emotionally harms the woman,” he said. Greg said truth is the great disinfectant and using euphemisms help us to rationalize abortion and beat down our consciences. Scot said Smith's point is accurate, but when you think about abortion or assisted suicide, we realize we've learned the lessons that we have to be clear and avoid the euphemisms. Fr. Roger said we have to tell the truth, without intentionally trying to offend people. Whether it be redefinition of marriage, the massacre of the unborn, or killing those at the end of life. Jesus talked about politically correct terminology in the eighth commandment when he told us not to life. These euphemisms are hiding a lie. When we recognize the realities, we act instinctively. Fr. Roger recalled meeting Chris Smith when he was working in Washington, DC, and then later welcomed him to Rome and had dinner with him there. He called Smith a prophet working in Congress. Scot said Cardinal Seán is doing what he can to educate form everyone on the consequences of this ballot question to legalize assisted suicide. He has another op-ed in the Pilot this week that calls Question 2 a flawed law and a false choice. Among the flaws are the ability for a spouse to get a suicide prescription without having to nothing their husband or wife. He talks about what doctors have said, including the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. The American Medical Association (AMA) has stated that “physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician's role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks. Instead of participating in assisted suicide, physicians must aggressively respond to the needs of patients at the end of life. Patients should not be abandoned once it is determined that cure is impossible. Multidisciplinary interventions should be sought including specialty consultation, hospice care, pastoral support, family counseling, and other modalities. Patients near the end of life must continue to receive emotional support, comfort care, adequate pain control, respect for patient autonomy, and good communication.” Locally, the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) voted overwhelmingly against assisted suicide and have said that “assisted suicide is not necessary to improve the quality of life at the end of life. Current law gives every patient the right to refuse lifesaving treatment, and to have adequate pain relief, including hospice and palliative sedation.” In describing their specific opposition to Question 2, the MMS stated further that “The proposed safeguards against abuse are insufficient. Enforcement provisions, investigation authority, oversight, or data verification are not included in the act. A witness to the patient's signed request could also be an heir.” The Cardinal is saying that the Catholic faith has a strong opposition to assisted suicide, but doctors are opposed just as much on ethical grounds and medical principles. Greg said physicians deal with these issues every day. They will be on the front lines. They will be the ones writing these prescriptions. Doctors get into the profession in order to help people and these law turns that relationship inside out. Scot said Cardinal Seán asked last night for each person to talk to 10 people about this issue because so many don't even know about the ballot question. Scot suggested picking up materials at your parish and just handing them to others. Susan said she's surprised that so few have heard about this. Scot said there's been almost no ads on the first two ballot questions. 2nd segment: Scot said yesterday the Archdiocese of Boston announced the appointment of a new chancellor, John Straub, who has been the interim chancellor since May and then worked in the Pastoral Center for about a year prior to that. Scot said John has been doing a good job. Scot said Straub worked in the George W. Bush administration at a senior level. Susan said she's worked with John on a few occasions and has always had a good experience. She said John has his priorities set for continuing to move the Archdiocese forward. Greg said in the interview John said his hobbies are his children, he doesn't have any other hobbies anymore. Greg and Scot discussed that the understanding when John was appointed interim chancellor, the understanding was that they expected he would become chancellor and start a five-year term, given that both some consultative bodies and Straub found it to be a good fit. Scot said the Diocese of Fall River also had a senior appointment. James Campbell has been named Development Director. He has a lot of experience in fundraising in various places. “I strongly believe in the mission of the Church and consider my principal responsibility to enthusiastically promote the many ways in which the Church teaches, heals, comforts and cares for everyone, both temporally and spiritually,” he said. Fr. Roger said it's important for the diocese to build up endowments and to raise funds to sustain churches in inner cities and sustain schools. This is the next stage in long-term financial planning for the diocese. Scot said the next story is about the obituary of Fr. Richard Butler, at 76. He was ordained on the same day as this twin brother and Scot joked with Fr. Roger that this could have replicated in their lives. He served in many, many parishes as well as several diocesan, national, and international offices and in a couple of colleges. The Knight of Columbus in Massachusetts elected new state leaders. Installed as state officers were Stare: Deputy Peter Healy of Fitchburg, State Secretary Russell Steinbach of Dorchester, State Treasurer Paul O'Sullivan of Foxboro, Stare Advocate Robert Morrison of Milford, and State Warden Paul Flanagan of Stoughton. There was discussion of how the leaders are chosen and all the good work the Knights do. Susan said this weekend is Columbus Day Weekend, in which they will have their Tootsie Roll drive. Turning to the Year of Faith, Scot said Fr. Roger proposed a theme for the Year of Faith: “Lord, increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5). Fr. Roger said this year is an opportunity to grow in faith. In trusting Christ, we trust what He has taught us about the faith, about who we are, and the truth about what will really make us happy. He said it's key for us to respond in these next 13 months to the grace God gives us to become more faithful. Scot said when we make that prayer about increasing our faith, we should prepare to have our faith tested. Susan said God provides grace and challenging opportunities to grow in virtue. Susan said this is such an opportunity this year and we shouldn't let this pass. This should go beyond those of us in the choir to those in the pew and to those outside the doors of the church. Fr. Roger's column also looked at what happened at the last Year of Faith in 1967. In 1967 the Pope called the Year of Faith and the Lord responded with those tests and trials and in many places, but many Catholic institutions failed. 1968 was a year of conflict, riots, war, and the sexual revolution. Four years later, Pope Paul VI said the smoke of Satan had entered the Church and doubt entered consciences through windows that should have been open to the light. So what will happen this time? We have to be ready for the tests that are coming and the Year of Faith will help us be ready. Scot said The Pilot is helping people prepare for the Year of Faith. Greg said this week the Pilot has an article marking the beginning of the Year of Faith as the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. The article explains what all the different ecumenical councils of the Church were and gives the historical details. Susan said in her own parish, she's leading the discussion of the Catholicism series by Fr. Robert Barron. Fr. Roger said he's looking forward to the opportunity to focus on the great figures of faith. In Porta Fidei, Pope Benedict talks about the great heroes from Mary through the apostles to the saints to the martyrs to the countless people in our own histories who have passed on the faith to us. He is asking parishioners to submit written testimonies about those who passed on the faith to them. Scot said he's looking forward to sharing more about the virtue of joy.

Summary of today's show: The Year of Faith will begin on October 11 and in declaring that time for a special consideration of the New Evangelization, Pope Benedict issued a special explanatory letter called “Porta Fidei” (The Door of Faith). Scot Landry, Fr. Chris O'Connor, and Michael Lavigne consider the Pope's letter and examine just what he means by the New Evangelization, what Catholics are called to do for the Year of Faith, and how faith leads us to abandon ourselves to a love grows constantly because it has its origins in God. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Michael Lavigne Links from today's show: Today's topics: Pope Benedict's Letter for the Year of Faith “Porta Fidei” 1st segment: Scot welcomed everyone to the show in which we'll discuss the upcoming Year of Faith. He said Fr. Chris O'Connor had a busy couple of days, including a concert on Saturday and on Sunday the official installation of Msgr. James Moroney as rector of St. John Seminary. There were many distinguished guests including several bishops and the families of seminarians. They also talked about the annual golf tournament for the seminary that was held recently. It was held at Woodlawn golf course and many of the golfers were pleased to be able to play there. Fr. Chris said the tournament directly impacts the live of seminarians. It funds a discretionary fund for seminarians who might otherwise not have the means to be in seminary. He noted that Fr. Chris Hickey of St. Mary's in Hanover conducted the live auction and told participants that the fund allows seminarians to give their full-time attention to their studies and formation. Seminarians don't get paid and don't have time to have part-time jobs so the fund is their financial assistance throughout the year. Fr. Chris said he has recently spoken before the Women in God's Spirit group at St. Mary, Holliston, about the Year of Faith. He said they are a group of 40-50 women who bring in speakers to learn more about their faith and the Church. 2nd segment: Scot suggested the listeners can now watch The Good Catholic Life live during the show at BostonCatholicLive.com. He welcomed Michael Lavigne to the show. Michael said the Year of Faith is Pope Benedict XVI asking to stop and consider the gift of our faith. We can have a tendency to think about our faith in terms of ourselves, rather than as a gift. We should spotlight on the basics of who we are as Catholics. Scot said the Year of Faith is 13 months beginning on October 11. That day marks the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Chris said both are instrumental in our life. When the Holy Father put out his letter on the new evangelization, he highlighted the Catechism of the Catholic Church as one of the main instruments for teaching and growing in our faith. It is essential that we come to know Jesus Christ and through the Catechism we come to know that. The two great mysteries of life are the incarnation of Christ and the passion of Christ. Scot said in simple terms there is the turning of the heart toward Jesus, a decision to respond to His love, and then there's what we know about our faith. The more you want to love Jesus, the more you want to know about the essentials of the faith he gave us. Michael said he grew up in the 80s and 90s and there was an absence of knowledge of our faith in his religious education. However, there were a lot of good programs to help him encounter Christ. But when he went to college, he hit a wall that challenged his faith and he didn't have the knowledge of his faith to stand on. He turned his heart to Christ at about 19 years old when he read Pope John Paul's “Crossing the Threshold of Hope.” Fr. Chris said the greatest of the virtues above faith and hope is love. When you love, you want to know more about the object of your love. The more we love Christ, the more we want to know more about him. Scot said we have to respond generously to Christ's invitation to us. Scot said the Year of Faith is not a Year of the Church or a Year of Catechesis, although we need to know about the Church and we need catechesis. Scot said secularism is trying to de-evangelize us and and crowding out our faith from our life. Pope Benedict wants us to focus on the big questions in our lives. Michael said we are so distracted or afraid that we don't want to answer them. We run to other temporary solutions. He said we need to stop and be aware of what is around us. We need more silence in our lives to reflect on God in our lives. Scot said the Year would not be successful if we didn't first focus on our personal growth. Fr. Chris said faith isn't a country club, where we sign up and we're done. It requires very hard work. It's what Pope Benedict means when he says we grow in our faith. We should take a few moments each day to consider what God wants for our lives. We need to chip away at everything in our lives that aren't Christ. Scot quoted from the document: The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. It begins with baptism (cf. Rom 6:4), through which we can address God as Father, and it ends with the passage through death to eternal life, fruit of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, whose will it was, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, to draw those who believe in him into his own glory (cf. Jn 17:22). To profess faith in the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is to believe in one God who is Love (cf. 1 Jn 4:8): the Father, who in the fullness of time sent his Son for our salvation; Jesus Christ, who in the mystery of his death and resurrection redeemed the world; the Holy Spirit, who leads the Church across the centuries as we await the Lord's glorious return. Scot said right off the bat the pope talks about faith in the trinity. He said one of the best activities we can engage in to make the sign of the cross with even more devotion. We can pray with awareness that God is present in our lives. Michael said too often we turn our back on that door of faith and walk in the other direction. He gave the context of the Scripture from which Pope Benedict took the term the “door of faith” in which the Holy Spirit opened the door of faith the Gentiles. The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. It begins with baptism (cf. Rom 6:4), through which we can address God as Father, and it ends with the passage through death to eternal life, fruit of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, whose will it was, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, to draw those who believe in him into his own glory (cf. Jn 17:22). To profess faith in the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is to believe in one God who is Love (cf. 1 Jn 4:8): the Father, who in the fullness of time sent his Son for our salvation; Jesus Christ, who in the mystery of his death and resurrection redeemed the world; the Holy Spirit, who leads the Church across the centuries as we await the Lord's glorious return. Scot said membership in the Church by baptism can't be taken for granted anymore. We can't take the cultural context for granted either. Fr. Chris said we're all called to share and acknowledge that Christ is Lord and Savior. This crisis of faith has been a primary subject of Pope Benedict's ministry. Michael notes how easy to read Pope Benedict is. He says we have lost our way as human beings. Catholics used to be marinated in their faith, surrounded by everything Catholic, and that is no longer the case. We cannot accept that salt should become tasteless or the light be kept hidden (cf. Mt 5:13-16). The people of today can still experience the need to go to the well, like the Samaritan woman, in order to hear Jesus, who invites us to believe in him and to draw upon the source of living water welling up within him (cf. Jn 4:14). We must rediscover a taste for feeding ourselves on the word of God, faithfully handed down by the Church, and on the bread of life, offered as sustenance for his disciples (cf. Jn 6:51). Indeed, the teaching of Jesus still resounds in our day with the same power: “Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life” (Jn 6:27). The question posed by his listeners is the same that we ask today: “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” (Jn 6:28). We know Jesus' reply: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (Jn 6:29). Belief in Jesus Christ, then, is the way to arrive definitively at salvation. Scot said this goes to our purpose in life. In contrast to being marinated in our faith, we have lost our flavor. Poe Benedict is calling us as Catholic Christians to be flavorful people, not bland. Fr. Chris said if we know Christ, even in our darkest moments we will have the spiritual gift of joy. He said Christians should go to bed exhausted every night from a life spent in service to their neighbor. Scot said if you feel like you're not living your faith with enough joy, pray to ask for the Lord to increase your faith and your joy. Michael talked about the story of a Catholic couple in Arizona who showed joy even in spite of the wife's diagnosis of Stage IV cancer. Fr. Chris said joy and thanksgiving go hand in hand. We need to count the ways God is blessing us in our children, in our spouse, in the beauty of the day. The word Eucharist means thanksgiving and so we come to Mass every week to give thanks to God for the ways God blesses us. Scot considered the question posed by Pope Benedict: “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” He answers that the work of God is that we believe in Jesus who has been sent. This is an active belief, not passive. We make a public profession of faith. We need to believe publicly in order to help others come to know Christ. Michael said later Pope Benedict says growing in knowledge means we grow in love and charity. We stand up for truth with love, joy, and charity and patience. We need to be careful about moralism because we need to be patient with those who don't know Christ. Fr. Chris said an essential element is that object of faith is not a something, but a someone: Jesus Christ. We believe that there is a God capable of speech and human beings are able to receive what God has to say, which is Revelation. It comes to us through faith and revelation. Who better to tell us about God than God himself. We learn about God's love for us and that he has a plan, Scot said we believe because we trust the messenger. Fr. Chris said God is either the author of truth or the author of deceit and if he is a deceiver he is no longer God. Prayer is us communicating to God but when we open Scriptures it is God speaking to us. 3rd segment: Scot said the next section is his favorite: “Caritas Christi urget nos” (2 Cor 5:14): it is the love of Christ that fills our hearts and impels us to evangelize. Today as in the past, he sends us through the highways of the world to proclaim his Gospel to all the peoples of the earth (cf. Mt 28:19). Through his love, Jesus Christ attracts to himself the people of every generation: in every age he convokes the Church, entrusting her with the proclamation of the Gospel by a mandate that is ever new. Today too, there is a need for stronger ecclesial commitment to new evangelization in order to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith. In rediscovering his love day by day, the missionary commitment of believers attains force and vigour that can never fade away. Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy. It makes us fruitful, because it expands our hearts in hope and enables us to bear life-giving witness: indeed, it opens the hearts and minds of those who listen to respond to the Lord's invitation to adhere to his word and become his disciples. Believers, so Saint Augustine tells us, “strengthen themselves by believing”.[12] The saintly Bishop of Hippo had good reason to express himself in this way. As we know, his life was a continual search for the beauty of the faith until such time as his heart would find rest in God.[13] His extensive writings, in which he explains the importance of believing and the truth of the faith, continue even now to form a heritage of incomparable riches, and they still help many people in search of God to find the right path towards the “door of faith”. Only through believing, then, does faith grow and become stronger; there is no other possibility for possessing certitude with regard to one's life apart from self-abandonment, in a continuous crescendo, into the hands of a love that seems to grow constantly because it has its origin in God. Scot said the language chosen here is powerful and beautiful. Michael said it is inspiring to read as a reminder of who we need to be based on the gift has given us. Fr. Chris said he loves the line that believers strengthen themselves by believing. He said many people see faith as a personal injury insurance and when something bad happens they lose their faith. Faith is an anchor or rock that we cling to in times of need, that we know Christ is with us in the midst of our suffering. Scot loves the image of the crescendo. What is the meaning of my life? there is another possibility for certitude unless we abandon ourselves in God. If we want to grow in love of God and others, we want to abandon ourselves to him who will grow love in us. Michael said a married couple's love will grow if they daily abandon themselves and sacrifice themselves for the other. It's that lifelong journey in which love grows. As they have more kids, their love grows exponentially, it isn't divided. A lot of the Church's work toward the New Evangelization isn't about techniques. It's about changing our hearts. Fr. Chris said Evangelization is about Good News. It's inherent in us that we desire to spread good news with other people. We desire to share God's infinite love because we know it, trust it, and believe it.

Summary of today's show: The Year of Faith is coming up quick and a group of lay volunteers, led by Chuck Alfano, in the Diocese of Springfield have organized a conference to help prepare. Scot Landry talks with Chuck and emcee Matt Weber about the genesis of the conference and the star-studded lineup of speakers, including Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Jeff Cavins, and Patrick Madrid. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry Today's guest(s): Chuck Alfano and Matt Weber Links from today's show: by Matt Weber Today's topics: Year of Faith Conference in Springfield 1st segment: Scot Landry welcomed listeners to the show. He mentioned that today is World Suicide Prevention Day, but in Massachusetts we're facing a ballot initiative on November 6 that would legalize physician-assisted suicide. He asked people to pray for a defeat of Question 2. Scot said he's a big supporter of big Catholic conferences and in Springfield, Mass., which is about an hour and a half from Boston, they will have a big conference for Preparing for the Year of Faith and The New Evangelization. Chuck Alfano is the event coordinator. Scot asked him how the idea for the conference came about. Chuck said he had the idea for the conference overnight but it's taken nine months of planning. He's studying for a Master's degree in theology and ministry and complained to a professor of a lack of Bible study programs and the professor told him to stop whining and get working. Once he had the idea for the conference, he started calling around to venues and calling potential speakers. Scot said it's an A-list of Catholic speakers, including Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Patrick Madrid, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Sr. Jane Morrissey, and Matt Weber. The conference is on September 22. Matt Weber said he will be emceeing the evening, as well as talking about his new book “Fearing the Stigmata”. Scot said looking at the list of speakers, it appears everything went right for him which would be a sign of the Holy Spirit's favor. Why are they coming to Springfield? Chuck said many of them don't get to New England very often and saw this as an opportunity to come up this way. The Year of Faith begins October 11. Why did Chuck want to pick a date before the start of the event. Chuck said he went through every diocesan calendar to make sure there were no conflicts, but he also wanted to give people time to prepare for the Year of Faith. There will be events throughout the Year so this is an opportunity to get a jumpstart. This conference was created by lay volunteers. Scot asked Chuck why he picked Symphony Hall. He said it's centrally located in downtown Springfield with comfortable seating. Speaking of singing, Vinny Flynn from MercySong will sing the Divine Mercy chaplet a cappella in the morning. Scot asked Matt what he hopes young adults will get from the Year of Faith. Matt said he grew up in Springfield and feels a connection to Western Massachusetts. He's excited to welcome people to Springfield and showcase the charism, graces, and joys of the diocese. It's an opportunity come together as a community of Catholics throughout Massachusetts. Who doesn't want to celebrate a year of something so important to us. Matt said he's been living in Cambridge for the last five or six years as he's been in school and working there. Scot and Matt talked about how long it takes to get from Cambridge to Springfield, noting that it already takes a half hour just to get in the city of Boston so an hour and a half is nothing. He noted that Springfield has a lot to recommend it, including the Basketball Hall of Fame. Chuck said he wanted this to be a regional conference, not just a diocesan conference, because as he said these speakers don't get out this way very often. They've sent packets to 1,100 parishes throughout New England and are sending people out this weekend to many parishes throughout the region to sell tickets. 2nd segment: Scot said the first speaker is Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, the host of EWTN Live. Chuck said Fr. Mitch was supposed to attend a men's conference in Springfield in April but had to cancel at the last minute so he was very open to coming again.They talked about Fr. Pacwa's background. He's a founder of Ignatius Productions and holds a doctorate. He will be available for a book signing and will be celebrating the Mass. Chuck said the next speaker is Patrick Madrid, who is a great apologist and is great at explaining the Church's teachings. Matt said one of Madrid's books is a Catholic Challenge to Modern Atheism. Jeff Cavins, the third speaker, is president of Ascension Press and is an author of the Great Adventure: A Journey through the Bible. It takes the reader through the Bible in a chronological manner. Chuck said one of the reasons for the conference is to raise money for those Bible study programs he complained about to his professor. Matt said Jeff was the producer of Life On the Rock on EWTN, a show for young adults, and he was once the understudy for Mother Angelica. Marcellino D'Ambrosio is a native of Rhode Island and lives in Fort Worth, Texas, now. chuck said he did his doctoral dissertation under Avery Cardinal Dulles. Chuck said D'Ambrosio is founder of the , which provides new resources for adult faith formation. Matt said he's created a series of segments for CatholicTV on the Year of Faith that will begin airing soon. He said whatever our skills, we need to chip in and get the word out. 3rd segment: Chuck said Sr. Jane Morrissey is a local Springfield Sister of St. Joseph who has worked in education and started a program called the for kids who need help with homework and don't have the resources at home. She's also worked in programs that benefit poor Latino families. Matt said his aunt is also a Sister of St. Joseph. He said Homework House is where his mother volunteered for many years and brought back many inspiring stories. Her topic is “Joy and Hope: the Gospel for the Modern World”. Sr. Jane just lost her sister to cancer a few weeks ago and they worked together on the talk together. Gaudium et Spes, one of the four major documents of Vatican II, will be a primary part of her talk. Scot asked Matt Weber about his story. About three years ago he started producing short “Andrew Rooney style” messages about a man in his 20s living out his Catholic faith. It's not easy to live your life as a young person today and so he's going to talk to about how to live out the same story he has. The health of the Church in the next generation of Catholics is still strong. Scot said one of the main reasons Pope Benedict called for a Year of Faith is because there is a crisis of faith. It's not that there are more atheists or agnostics than before, but that we're diluting the way we live our faith that way we're called. This isn't unique to Catholicism. Scot said for young people, it's cool to be spiritual, but not a member of a religious organization. Matt said looking at the media, you can see a lot of negative coverage of the Church. He was on WBZ's Nightside with Dan Rea and asked why the good things aren't covered by the media. Dan said it's because the media covers plane crashes, not planes landing well. So it's a steady diet of bad news about the Church and nobody at 17 wants to be a part of something not cool. It's cool to say that maybe there's a God, but not to commit to anything. Matt said he wants to tell them that it is cool to go to Mass and connect with Jesus Christ in the sacraments. chuck said the Year of Faith is for us to renew our faith, especially those of us going to Mass now, but we also need to know how to talk about our faith to those who have left. Matt talked about having gone to Catholic school for 20 years and then going to Harvard and getting challenged by classmates for being religious. Being challenged made him re-examine his faith and learn how to defend his faith. It was like going through a new confirmation preparation. Then Chuck talked about getting of high school and going into the military and how he stopped going to church. Twenty years later his sister told him their father's dying wish was for them to return to the Church. They found a priest on a Sunday morning to hear their confession and they went to Mass. Two hours later, their faith died in Chuck's arms. Chuck said there were group tickets available as well as individual tickets. Matt volunteered that during lunch he will pay the Mass Pike tolls for the first 10 people who ask him. Chuck said during the afternoon there will be an open panel for the spacers. Scot said he would give $50 to anyone who can a question about the Catholic faith that will stump the panel.

Summary of today's show: The Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI is rapidly approaching and Archbishop Rino Fisichella, head of the Vatican's efforts centered on the New Evangelization, recently gave a landmark address on the topic to an Australian national conference on the topic. Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O'Connell are joined by Michael Lavigne to discuss the address and to talk about what the New Evangelization and the Year of Faith will mean for us in Boston. Listen to the show: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O'Connell Today's guest(s): Michael Lavigne of the Office of the Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelization Links from today's show: Today's topics: Archbishop Rino Fisichella on the Year of Faith and the New EVangelization 1st segment: Scot Landry welcomed Fr. Mark O'Connell to the show. Fr. Mark said at the end of each summer, the SMA Fathers, an African missionary order based in Dedham, welcomes people from all over the archdiocese, including Cardinal Seán and many archdiocesan priests. There was a Mass celebrated by the cardinal and a dinner with traditional African foods. Scot said today we will be discussing an address given by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for New Evangelization, to the the Church in Australia. He discussed the upcoming Year of Faith that has been proclaimed by Pope Benedict, including just what it is and what we're expected to do. 2nd segment: Scot and Fr. Mark welcome Michael Lavigne from the Office of the Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelization. Michael said plans for the upcoming Year of Faith are well underway and they hope to make announcements after Labor Day. Scot said Cardinal Seán has allocated a lot of resources in the archdiocese to the Year of Faith. Michael explained what the New Evangelization is. He said it's focus is on those who are already baptized, especially those who are Catholic, including those who have fallen away from the faith or even those who sit next to us in the pews who don't know the faith or don't know friendship with Christ. Scot said growing up here, after he went through CCD in eight grade, confirmation prep was not formal catechetical classes and then there was nothing after that. Beyond eighth grade, for most people it was a self-study. This New Evangelization is tied to adult faith formation. Michael said he grew up very involved in his church, but realized at age 19 that he didn't really know about about the faith. Now today we have the Internet and all kinds of resources and we need to do a better job at pointing people to those resources. Scot asked Michael about the difference between knowing about Christ and knowing him in a personal way. Michael said the idea of truly embracing the faith and being called to holiness wasn't present in his childhood. His knowledge of the faith was more about himself than about Christ and others. Scot said for those listening who feel the same way Michael did, they shouldn't feel like they have done something wrong. The Year of Faith is a recognition that many Catholics are in this same boat. Fr. Mark said it's the responsibility of the community to be evangelizers to the community and not to be alone in their own faith. Scot said Archbishop Fisichella, as the leader of the Vatican efforts in the Year of Faith, was invited to address an Australia-wide evangelization conference. It's the first time he's given such a significant address in English and it applies to the whole English-speaking world. The address is entitled “The timeliness of the proclamation” and begins: In the very first line of his Motu Proprio, Ubicumque et Semper, which officially established the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, Pope Benedict XVI draws the attention of all to the person of Jesus Christ. “It is the duty of the Church to proclaim always and everywhere the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He, the first and supreme evangelizer, commanded the Apostles on the day of his Ascension to the Father: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you'” (Mt 28:19). Such a beginning emphasizes both the necessity of placing Jesus Christ at the center of the new evangelization and the importance of recognizing that the faith received from the Apostles and that which is to be preached is namely the person of Jesus Christ. Scot said when you think of all the Church teaching and all the books written about the faith, Archbishop Fisichella is saying that's all great but let's boil it down to the Good News of Jesus Christ and the person of Jesus. Fr. Mark said there is a unique approach here by the Pope and the archbishop: We need to have a personal relationship with Jesus, beyond being in church on Sundays. Michael said being Christian is first and foremost about Jesus Christ and the essential truths about Him. Scot said there's so much we do as Catholics, like our social ministries, but even before we begin those good acts, we need to slow down and reflect on the revelation, love, and person of Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and taught us so much, and then offered himself as a sacrifice for us only to rise again. We have to take time to reflect on that, especially if we're too busy doing all the other things we have to do as Christians. Michael said we should awake every morning and re-center ourselves in Christ, to reflect on this beautiful gift of life. From both Scripture and Tradition, we can see that the path of the new evangelization has been marked out: we are called to renew the proclamation of Jesus Christ, of the mystery of his death and resurrection to stimulate people once more to have faith in him by means of conversion of life. If our eyes were still capable of seeing into the depths of the events which mark the lives of our contemporaries, it would be easy to show how much this message still holds a place of special importance. Therefore, we need to direct our reflection towards the meaning of life and death, and of life beyond death; to face such questions, those affecting people's existence and determining their personal identity, Jesus Christ cannot be an outsider. If the proclamation of the new evangelization does not find its power in the element of mystery which surrounds life and which relates us to the infinite mystery of the God of Jesus Christ, it will not be capable of the effectiveness required to elicit the response of faith. Scot said he says we just need to tie this mystery of Jesus Christ to the biggest questions: What is the meaning of life? What is the meaning of death? What happens after death? Michael said every human being is wired to ask those questions and we know the answer starts first and foremost with Jesus Christ. Fr. Mark said the key is to make it relevant to the people in the pew. They can't just start from scratch: “You need to love Jesus more.” We need to show them why it's important to give this priority. Scot said the archbishop is saying to compete with everything else in life first with the big questions. The ideologies that de-evangelize people don't have answers to these questions. Michael said when his brother's firstborn was born, he told him about the excitement and how when he first held his daughter, it made him think about God and how God made him and why God made him. We need to engage people in the every day moments to evangelize them in that way. Christ, who is the new Adam, revealing the mystery of the Father and of his love, reveals man fully to himself and manifests to him his most exalted vocation… Through the Incarnation, the Son of God united himself in a certain sense to every human being. He worked with human hands, thought with human intelligence, acted with a human will and loved with a human heart. Being born of the Virgin Mary, he made himself truly one of us, like us in all things but sin. The innocent lamb, freely shedding his blood, he earned for us eternal life; in him God has reconciled us to himself and with one another and he has torn us away from slavery to the devil and to sin, such that each one of us can say, along with the apostle: the Son of God ‘has loved me and sacrificed himself for me' (Gal 2:20). By suffering for us, he has not only given us an example that we might follow in his steps, but he has also opened up for us the way we are to go; if we follow it, life and death will be sanctified and will be given new meaning” (Quoting from Gaudium et Spes, the 2nd Vatican Council document) Fr. Mark said Jesus loves us as we are. We don't have to get our lives in order first. Jesus walks with us and gives meaning to us in this life. Yet, before proceeding to a further discussion on the Year of Faith, it is necessary to examine, from a unique perspective, the present crisis in which society finds itself; that with respect to its connection to the question of God. The new evangelization cannot think that this question lies beyond its field. In contrast to the past, today we do not encounter great systems of atheism, if they were ever great; hence, the question of God needs to be addressed in a different way. Today God is not denied, but is unknown. In some respects, it could be said that, paradoxically, interest in God and in religion has grown. Nevertheless, what I note is the strong emotive connotation and declining religion in the plural; there is no interest in a religion and much less for the theme of the ‘true religion'; what seems to count are, rather, religious experiences. People are looking for different modalities of religion, selected by everyone taking up that which they find pleasing in the sense of ensuring for them that religious experience which they find more satisfying on the basis of their interests or needs at the moment. To this must be added that, especially for the younger generations, their horizon of understanding is characterized by a mentality strongly influenced by scientific research and by technology. These achievements, unfortunately, already hold the upper hand, even with respect to the basic elements of grammar and to culture in general. Thus, the new evangelization requires the capacity to know how to give an explanation of our own faith, showing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the sole savior of humanity. To the extent that we are capable of this, we will be able to offer our contemporaries the response they are awaiting. Scot said the challenge if the New Evangelization today is not competing with atheism, but the bad practice of religion, a watered-down form of religious practice. People say they are spiritual, but not religious. Michael recalled how in his youth, the church youth group was not appreciably different from the Boy Scouts or other organizations and so people feel okay going anywhere. Scot said it's a consumeristic view in seeking experiences that make me feel good, but not seeking the truth or anything that makes us uncomfortable in a good way. Fr. Mark likes the line: “we will be able to offer our contemporaries the response they are awaiting.” The only way to do that is to be more involved in our own faith, to know our own faith, to be part of our parish in a meaningful way. The new evangelization begins once more from this point, from the conviction that grace acts upon us and transforms us to the point of bringing about a conversion of heart, and of the credibility of our witness. … Hiding away in our churches might bring us some consolation, but it would render Pentecost vain. It is time to throw open wide the doors and to return to announcing the resurrection of Christ, whose witnesses we are. As the holy bishop Ignatius wrote, “It is not enough to be called Christians; we must be Christians in fact.” If someone today wants to recognize Christians, he must be able to do so not on the basis of their intentions, but on the basis of their commitment in the faith. If we want to be effective in the New Evangelization, we need to first ask for a conversion in ourselves. And then through ourselves, witness through our actions. Fr. Mark related a story he heard from a comedian who gives himself credit for having charitable thoughts, but never follows through. Michael said we need to have an integrity. Thus, the Year of Faith is a path, an opportunity, that the Christian community offers to the many people who possess a longing for God and a profound desire to meet him again in their lives. It is essential, therefore, that believers recognize the responsibility to provide an authentic companionship of faith, to become a neighbor to those who seek the reasons for and explanations of our Catholic beliefs. These opportunities, provided by the Year of Faith to form authentic friendships in faith, bring to the fore the very question of community. Scot said Christianity is a team sport, meant to be experienced as a group where we all work together to help each other. Fr. Mark reflected on what makes a good neighbor, someone who's willing to help out, who is concerned with your well-being. Michael said the Archdiocese's efforts will be focusing on the creed and the Catechism and the meaning of the Second Vatican Council. The second part will be to focus on prayer and all the different ways we all pray as Catholics. The third part will be becoming active witnesses to those around us, discerning the ways the Holy Spirit is giving us the opportunity to act and to share our faith with others. Scot said there will be a lot of opportunities to come together in person, including for those who haven't been to church in a long time. Michael said this will be at both the parish level and archdiocesan level. Fr. Mark said some people are afraid of studying, that there is a fear that the faith is out of touch. He said the Church is pointing out in particular the documents of the Vatican II and they are rich and have the answers and are relevant. Scot said the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a tremendous document, but it may be difficult to read for beginners, so he recommends the YouCat, which is very accessible given in question and answer format. Scot wanted to end with two quotes from Archbishop Fisichella. The first was from Cardinal Ratzinger made about a week before he was made Pope: “What we need at this time of history are people, who, through a faith which is enlightened and lived out in practice, make God credible in this world … We need people who keep their gaze fixed upon God, learning from there what true humanity is. We need people whose intellect is enlightened by the light of God and whose hearts God may open up in such a way that their intellect may speak to the intellect of others and that their hearts may open the hearts of others. Only through people who are touched by God can God return to humanity.” Hence, the new evangelization starts from here: from the credibility of our living as believers and from the conviction that grace acts and transforms to the point of converting the heart. It is a journey which still finds Christians committed to it after two thousand years of history. Scot's favorite part is that we need people who keep their gaze fixed on God, learning from there was true humanity is. Michael said the key to what we do is that it's all about Who, Jesus Christ. God uses as instruments of grace for those around us. It's about God first and foremost so I let go of me and let God work through me. Fr. Mark said we often hear people say they wish they listened years ago, but the Year of Faith is an opportunity for us to jump in now. Archbishop Fishichella concluded with this story from the Middle Ages: A poet passed by some work being conducted and saw three workers busy at their work; they were stone cutters. He turned to the first and said: ‘What are you doing, my friend?' This man, quite indifferently, replied: ‘I am cutting a stone'. He went a little further, saw the second and posed to him the same question, and this man replied, surprised: ‘I am involved in the building of a column'. A bit further ahead, the pilgrim saw the third and to this man also he put the same question; the response, full of enthusiasm, was: ‘I am building a cathedral'. The old meaning is not changed by the new work we are called to construct. There are various workers called into the vineyard of the Lord to bring about the new evangelization; all of them will have some reason to offer to explain their commitment. What I wish for and what I would like to hear is that, in response to the question: ‘What are you doing, my friend?', each one would be able to reply: ‘I am building a cathedral'. Every believer who, faithful to his baptism, commits himself or herself with effort and with enthusiasm every day to give witness to their own faith offers their original and unique contribution to the construction of their great cathedral in the world of today. It is the Church of our Lord, Jesus, his body and his spouse, the people constantly on the way without ever becoming weary, which proclaims to all that Jesus is risen, has come back to life, and that all who believe in him will share in his own mystery of love, the dawn of a day which is always new and which will never fade. Fr. Mark said he knows that God has created each one of us for a reason and while we could spend our lives running away from that meaning, we should spend our lives understanding and fulfilling what God has called us to do. 3rd segment: Now as we do every week at this time, we will consider the Mass readings for this Sunday, specifically the Gospel reading. Jesus said to the crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever." Scot said the readings hits both the original hearers of the time and us today. He said we are called to “gnaw” on the flesh of Jesus and drink his blood, as it literally says in the original Greek. For Jews to even touch blood was to become unclean, so this was incredibly shocking. To follow him as a disciple we need to understand the great gift of the Eucharist for us. Michael said this is the source and summit of the Christian life and who we are as Catholics. One of those things he wrestled with as a 19-year-old was this mystery and so he took Christ at his word and believed without having understanding. It's critical to those of us called to witness to receive the Eucharist regularly because it will empower us in all we will face. Scot said the kernel of the Good News is right here. Fr. Mark said the Old Testament fed people with literal food for the journey and Jesus gives us his body and blood as true food for the journey, whatever journey we take. If we live the Christian life the right way, we will be uncomfortable at times, but Jesus gives us what we need to accept whatever challenge we receive. Scot said this reading tells us not to take the Eucharist for granted. This food nourishes us for eternity. Michael said St. Thomas Aquinas points out that Christians live life abundantly, but that with the Eucharist we live out life super-abundantly, ultimately with God in heaven. It gives us a taste of heaven. Scot said we can take the greatest things in our life for granted, even our spouses and children. We have to approach the Eucharist without taking it for granted. Fr. Mark said if we truly understood and didn't take it for granted truly, we would approach the altar on our knees and in awe. Michael said the Eucharist is the source of the Christian life because all grace that enables us comes from us. It's the summit because it's the place where we gather as a community, as brothers and sisters in faith.

Dr. Chris and Father Andrew discuss a new Vatican document with recommendations for the Year of Faith The post https://www.sfcatholic.org/prc-episode-84-preparing-for-the-year-of-faith/ (PRC Episode #84: Preparing for the Year of Faith) appeared first on https://www.sfcatholic.org (Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls).