Podcasts

A listener named Margaret shares that she is angry with the Church because her oldest child was abused by a priest, and her grandson with special needs had to be removed from a Catholic school due to a lack of resources to assist him. She asks Father Dave how she can heal from the resentment she has toward the Church. Father Dave points out that she has valid reasons to be upset, and suggests being honest with God in prayer and finding a support group. Original Air 6-12-18

A listener named Todd shares that he has recently returned to the Church after being away for 20 years. He asks, “What is the correct way to pray?” Todd explains that because there are so many different kinds of prayers, he often gets confused. Father Dave encourages him to try conversational prayer, but to also use prayerful resources of the Church, such as the Liturgy of the Hours. Original Air 6-06-18

A caller named Steve asks, “Why do you need to be in a state of grace to receive Communion?” If someone is not in a state of grace, wouldn’t the Eucharist help them become closer to Christ? Father Dave explains that if we are not in a state of grace, it means that we are in state of mortal sin, which severs our relationship with God. He also highlights a passage from 1 Corinthians, in which St. Paul says that if we receive Communion unworthily we eat and drink judgement on ourselves. Original Air 6-06-18

A caller named Dan wonders if the language at Mass is becoming less community-focused. He cites the language shift from “we believe” to “I believe” in the Creed as an example. Father Dave explains that the new translation is a more literal translation of the Mass, and therefore more accurate. He also points out that the Latin word “credo” in the Creed, translates to “I believe” which is why we have corrected it in English. Original Air 6-04-18

Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville joins us to discuss his new documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” a film that tells the story of children’s television host Fred Rogers and the impact he had on the world. Morgan discusses Mr. Rogers’ religious background, his goal for the show, as well as how he subtly tackled social issues. Original Air 6-07-18

A caller named Eric asks why Catholics believe in Mary’s perpetual virginity if the Bible states that Jesus had brother and sisters, and that Mary and Joseph did not consummate their marriage until after the wedding? Father Dave points out that the Catholic Church does not rely on Scripture alone, we also follow Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium of the Church. Father Dave also explains the Greek translations, and notes that “brother” was used to mean both blood brothers and cousins. Original Air 6-04-18

Friend of the show Rabbi Brad Hirschfield stops by to talk about the recent controversy surrounding Roseanne Barr, the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, and the Jewish view of the Holy Spirit. He also discusses the recent move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and the potential consequences. Original Air 5-31-18

Father Stephen Gadberry, a priest in the diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, joins us to chat about this appearance on the NBC show “American Ninja Warrior.” He reveals how he got the chance to compete, and shares his hopes for evangelization through the experience. Original Air 5-29-18

Jamie emails the show and asks about the Bible’s distinction between Jesus and the Jews. Father Dave explains that we see this particularly in the Gospel of John. John almost always places the phrase “the Jews” in quotes. Father Dave explains that this is not in reference to all Jewish people, but rather the Jewish people in power that were after Jesus, such as the Pharisees. Original Air 4-04-17

A listener named Jim asks, “How do I follow along at Mass in a different language?” Jim is currently living in St. Croix and helping with hurricane relief, and Mass is celebrated in Spanish. He has a hard time following along, and it bothers him that he doesn’t leave church with a message. Father Dave suggests going over the readings before Mass so that he can be more familiar with what is being discussed, and listening to homilies from English-speaking priests online. He also points out that while the language barrier can be tough, the real reason we are there is for the Eucharist. Original Air 4-25-18