What does it mean to be human? If we’re made in His image and likeness, what does God look like? What does God sound like? Join us for this BONUS episode of Catholicism 101 as we discover how our human wants and needs reflect certain truths about God and his love for us! “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49) “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” –St. Catherine of Siena Resources: · &...

Why does the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows fall the day after we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? How is the birth of Jesus and his Presentation at the Temple connected with his mother being present at the foot of his cross? Join us for the newest episode of Catholicism 101 as we reflect on the Mystery of Mary as the New Eve and what’s really happening at the foot of the cross. Resources: A Question of Faith: When Was the Church Born? | The Catholic Telegraph From Mothe...

What do we mean by the phrase “Christians must live in the world without being of the world?” How can we lead people to an encounter with the Heart of Christ in an age of impersonal social media and screens? Join us for this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 as we reflect on a lesser-known letter from Pope Francis on the importance of literature in encountering the human heart, as “nothing that is human is indifferent to us.” (Letter of the Holy Father on the Role of Literature in Form...

How can we promote our identity in the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June as the culture celebrates Pride Month? Is there a way to evangelize hearts wounded in this way without compromising the truth of human sexuality? Join us for this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 as we reorient our approach to June as a month of encountering the Love of Christ amidst the tension of culture wars. Resources: Homosexual Marriage & Catholic Response Presentation | Emily Gipson Transgenderism & The C...

What is the difference between the practices of our personal prayer and those of community worship? Why does maintaining unity of posture during Mass matter? Join us for this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 as we dig into why our Bishops call for outward unity in liturgical celebrations and what issues are actually caused by disregarding their guidelines for public worship. Resources: Cardinal Cupich’s statement in Chicago Archdiocese Newspaper (Chicago Catholic) 12/11/2024Deacon Ken Benne...

Why does the Church condemn IVF as immoral? What really happens as a result of IVF? So many people struggle with infertility and loss—why can't the Church just be happy that people want to have children? Tune into this month's episode to understand and encounter the love of the Father for all of his children as we dig into why the Church holds firm and fast to the immorality of IVF. “When the marital act of sexual intercourse is not able to attain its procreative purpose, assistance that does...

Do healing miracles still happen today? Who can receive the authority to heal? What if I’m in need of healing? Tune into this month’s episode of Catholicism 101, where Mike Nolan from Shadow on the Water joins us for a conversation about the power of the Holy Spirit and healing. Be sure to check out Shadow on the Water for more of Mike's wisdom about the charisms of the Holy Spirit, pilgrimages to Medjugorje, and more! Have a question about the Faith you’d like to have answered on the Podcas...

What’s special about a Jubilee Year and why do I keep hearing about an indulgence? In this episode, we’ll learn what an indulgence actually is - hint: it’s not what you learned in school! We’ll also talk about the difference between plenary and partial indulgences as well as why the plenary indulgence is offered during a Jubilee Year. Tune in to learn all these things and more in this month's episode of Catholicism 101! Bible Passages Quoted: -Luke 4:18-19 -Colossians 1:24 -Galatians 5:1 -Jo...

Many of us have grown up being told to 'offer it up' when we encounter some sort of suffering or are complaining, but what does this really mean? How can we find comfort, Hope, and Peace in the midst of pain and trials? Tune into this month's episode of Catholicism 101 and learn how to better suffer and choose the gift of Hope when all seems hopeless. Bible Passages Quoted: -Matthew 27:46 -Psalm 22 -Psalm 77 -Romans 8:28 -Romans 8:18 -1 Corinthians 2:9 -John 14: 1-4 -Daniel 3:1-23 -Matthew ...

What are the biggest themes of Advent and how can we best prepare for the coming of Christ? Why are the readings at Mass talking about the ‘end times’ as we anticipate the celebration of Christmas? When does the Christmas season actually end, and why? Tune in to this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 to not only learn more about the seasons of Advent & Christmas themselves, but also how to celebrate accordingly! Resources: The Meaning of the Four Advent Candles | Dynamic Catholic Advent...

"What are you looking for?" | "Come, and you will see." We're so excited to be introducing a series of BONUS EPISODES on The Theology of the Body! The Theology of the Body is the first major teaching of Pope St. John Paul II’s papacy given over a series of 129 Wednesday audiences at the Vatican. Contrary to what you may or may not have heard, it is not reducible to “Catholic Sex Ed,” it is this (in a sense) but it is also SO MUCH MORE! This teaching from John Paul the Great is an in-depth b...

We've all given or received the advice of "forgive and forget," but what does the Catholic Church think about this notion? In fact, is it even truly possible? Join us for this month's episode of Catholicism 101 where we'll talk about what forgiveness actually is, what it isn't, and how to foster sincere forgiveness in our own hearts and lives—even if the other person doesn't deserve it. “it is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy...

Ouji Boards, Horoscopes, Crystals, Tarot Cards, Psychics, and Palm Reading: What does all of this have to do with Spiritual Warfare? Join Emily Gipson and Johnny Sherfick, Director of Youth Ministry, for a discussion about what the Catholic Church teaches about occult practices and why. All this and more in this month’s episode of Catholicism 101! Resources: Christian Faith and Demonology | Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Religious Demonology | Adam Blai, Peritus on Religious Demo...

Join Emily Gipson and Fr. Larry Hostetter, President of Brescia University, for a discussion about what really constitutes the heart of Catholic Morality. Is God a law-giving tyrant out to suppress our freedom and happiness, or is He a loving Father who wants what’s best for us? All this and more in this month’s episode of Catholicism 101! Have a question about the Faith you’d like to have answered on the Podcast? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/zorQwuUGtSdukzjc6

What is the historical background for the Protestant Reformation? Was Martin Luther actually right about some things, and if so, how much? How did the Catholic Church respond to these problems? What is the Catholic Reformation, and what does the Council of Trent have to do with all of this? All this and more in this month’s episode of Catholicism 101! Resources: Did the Church Ever Sell Indulgences? | Fr. Mike Schmitz Why the Reformation Was Necessary—But Protestantism Was Not | Cathol...

For Episodes 2-10 we'll be diving into the 9 key differences between Catholicism and Protestantism in a series called Catholic or Protestant: What's the Difference? In today's episode we'll be talking about how Jesus Christ is really present - body, blood, soul, and divinity - in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. I'll explain the term 'transubstantiation,' as well as the principles of accident vs. substance. We'll explore what we really mean when we say "you are what you eat," as wel...

For Episodes 2-10 we'll be diving into the 9 key differences between Catholicism and Protestantism in a series called Catholic or Protestant: What's the Difference? In today's episode we'll be talking about the Pope and why we have one! We'll explore the Biblical roots of the Papacy as well as gain an authentic understanding of Papal Infallibility and the various levels of magisterial teaching. Lastly, we'll learn how to pray for our Holy Father. Bible Passages Quoted: -Matthew 16:18-19 -Ma...

For Episodes 2-10 we'll be diving into the 9 key differences between Catholicism and Protestantism in a series called Catholic or Protestant: What's the Difference? In today's episode we'll be talking about the necessity of Purgatory, the effects of sin and "moral twisting" from sin as well as Scriptural evidence for Purgatory, what is the nature of Purgatory, and how we can help our brothers and sisters in the Church Suffering. Bible Passages Quoted: -Revelation 21:27 -2 Corinthians 4:17 -...

For Episodes 2-10 we'll be diving into the 9 key differences between Catholicism and Protestantism in a series called Catholic or Protestant: What's the Difference? In today’s episode we’ll be talking about the Blessed Virgin Mary—the difference between veneration and worship, why the Church has Marian dogmas, what those various dogmas and doctrines are, and the purpose of Marian devotion. Bible Passages Quoted: -Leviticus 19:30 -Luke 1:35 -Philippians 2:6-7 -John 19:26-27 -Luke 1:46-49 -Psal...

For Episodes 2-10 we'll be diving into the 9 key differences between Catholicism and Protestantism in a series called Catholic or Protestant: What's the Difference? In today's episode we'll be talking about the Saints: intercessory prayers, veneration/honor due to them, patron Saints, and a bit about the Canonization process. Resources: Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints? | Catholic Answers Video Answering Objections to the Intercession of the Saints | Trent Horn; Catholic Answers How can Mary...