Podcasts
Why Does God Allow Suffering? Examining Faith and Hardship with Dr. Mark Giszczak
Lent is a fitting time to reflect on life’s struggles, and Father Dave welcomes Dr. Mark Giszczak to discuss his new book “Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know.” Dr. Giszczak is a professor of Sacred Scripture at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology.
Inside the Vatican: Former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon Reflects on Her Time With Three Popes
Father Dave welcomes former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon to discuss her new book, “In the Courts of Three Popes: An American Lawyer and Diplomat in the Last Absolute Monarchy of the West.”
Why Would the Holy Spirit Lead Jesus to Be Tempted in the Desert?
A listener named Dan asks, “Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus to be tempted in the desert?” Father Dave explains that while Jesus is fully divine, He is also fully human, and experienced everything that we experience, including temptation So, it could be part of the divine plan that Jesus experienced all that is humanity. Original Air 3-09-17
Bringing Mother Cabrini’s Story to the Big Screen With Screenwriter Rod Barr
Friday, March 8 is International Women’s Day, as well as the release date of a new movie all about the Italian-American saint, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini. The film “Cabrini” portrays the immigrant’s mission to secure housing and healthcare for New York City’s most vulnerable and stars Cristiana Dell’Anna, David Morse, and John Lithgow. Father Dave welcomes producer and screenwriter Rod Barr to discuss bringing Mother Cabrini’s life’s story to movie theaters nationwide.
Are the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ Always Considered Mortal Sins?
A listener named Barbara asks Father Dave for clarification regarding the “seven deadly sins.” She says, “I have a question about the seven deadly sins and how they relate to mortal versus venial sins. I usually consider pridefulness, for example, a venial sin, in that I confess it but don’t abstain from receiving Communion for this sin – otherwise, I guess I would never receive Communion! But when does pridefulness become mortal or deadly? Is it only when pridefulness causes me to commit another mortal sin?”
Strengthening Your Body and Faith With the Founders of SoulCore
Some people focus on physical fitness during Lent, and Father Dave welcomes back Colleen Scariano and Deanne Miller, the founders of SoulCore, to discuss integrating soul and body in our Catholic faith. Soulcore began in 2012 as a Catholic fitness apostolate that combines the prayers of the Rosary with core strengthening, stretching, and other functional movements.
Curious About Adoration? How a Holy Hour Can Boost Your Faith With Fr. Tim Anastos
If part of your Lenten promise is to spend more time with Jesus, you’ll enjoy Father Dave discussing Eucharistic Adoration with Father Tim Anastos! Father Tim is the assistant chaplain at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois–Chicago and author of “Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive: 30 Holy Hour Reflections.”
Do Sundays Count During Lent?
It’s the Lenten question Father Dave receives most often! “Do Sundays count during Lent?” A caller named Michelle shares that growing up, her mom told her Sundays were not included in her Lenten sacrifice. Father Dave explains that Sundays do, in fact, count. When we celebrate Sunday Mass during Lent, the Church still calls them Sundays in Lent. He also explains the Catholic definition of fasting, and that our Lenten sacrifices generally do not count as fasting. Original Air 2-07-18
Guilt and Grief: Dealing With Feelings of Blame After a Loved One’s Death
A listener named Phillip asks Father Dave a question about guilt while grieving the death of a loved one. He says, “My grandpa Oscar passed away a couple months ago. I administered chest compressions, and it did not help. I feel guilty. He was 92, but I really tried to save his life. My question is, if it’s God’s will, why do I feel guilty?”
Do I Still Need to Fast When Ash Wednesday Falls on Valentine’s Day?
As Lent approaches, a listener named James asks, “Ash Wednesday falls on the same day as Valentine’s Day this year. How do I observe the fast while still celebrating the holiday? I’m not just talking about dinner out with my spouse, I’m a big fan of chocolate too. Can I just start my Lent a day later?”