Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing All good things must come to an end. After 187 episodes spanning more than three years, we're signing off with our final Question of Faith podcast. But don't worry—this isn't a somber farewell, but rather a reflection on life's transitions and what truly matters. We open with a profound realization that's hit each of us at different points in ministry: while we take our work seriously, the Church continues regardless of our individual c...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Could Orthodox and Catholic Christians finally reunite after centuries of separation? As both traditions celebrated Easter on the same day this year, we explore the fascinating possibility of reconciliation between these ancient branches of Christianity. The calendrical quirk that aligned Orthodox and Catholic Easter dates this year isn't just a mathematical curiosity – it's a powerful symbol of potential unity. While Orthodox Christian...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Pope Leo XIV emerges as a potential unifier for a polarized Church, with Catholics across the spectrum expressing excitement about his election. His deliberate use of different papal symbols and outreach to diverse groups demonstrates his commitment to continuity with tradition while moving the Church forward. • Both traditional and progressive Catholics showing enthusiasm for Pope Leo • The Pope's background as both a mathematician a...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, becomes the first American pope in Church history, bringing a unique blend of Augustinian spirituality, canon law expertise, and pastoral experience from his years serving the poor in Peru. • White smoke appeared lunchtime (EST) on Thursday, signaling a relatively quick conclave. • Pope Leo chose his name after Leo XIII, known for social justice teaching. • His first words as pope we...

Send us a text The papal conclave beginning May 7th faces various threats including political influences and spiritual challenges, requiring worldwide prayer for the 124 cardinal electors during this sacred process. • Catholics can "adopt" a cardinal to pray for through adoptacardinal.org • Vatican preparations include three white cassocks in different sizes for the new Pope. • The Cardinals and any staff took an oath of secrecy for the conclave proceedings. • A previous participant describe...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Cleveland Vocations Director Father Eric Garris shares his unexpected experience of being in on vacation in Rome and ending up at Pope Francis' funeral and his last public appearence on Easter Sunday. What began as a trip to celebrate Easter with Cleveland priests studying abroad transformed into a historic moment as Father Garris found himself witnessing history firsthand and becoming a media expert of sorts for various American m...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Pope Francis died on Easter Monday after celebrating Easter one last time on this side of the veil before going home to the Father. We reflect on his legacy and discuss what happens next for the Catholic Church during this time of transition. Both hosts received the news early in the morning and took time to pray and process. (UPDATE: Funeral is now Saturday 4/26 Check out Sarah Hart's new song celebrating Pope Francis'...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Holy Week stands as more than a commemoration—it's an invitation to personal transformation through entering deeply into Christ's Paschal mystery, experiencing both suffering and resurrection in our own lives. • Entering fully into the liturgies of the Triduum rather than taking a minimalist approach • The importance of seeing Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil as one continuous liturgy • Traditional practices like our Holy Ni...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Guests: Women's Religious Archives Collaborative Sr. Susan Durkin, OSU, Executive Director Sarah Lubelski, Lead Archivist Catholic Sisters have shaped American society through education, healthcare, and social services since 1727, yet their stories remain largely untold outside their communities. The Women's Religious Archives Collaborative aims to change that by creating a state-of-the-art heritage center in Cleveland's historic C...

Send us a text How did the practice of Eucharistic Adoration begin? This question launches us into a fascinating journey through Church history, tracing the development of this profound devotional practice from its earliest roots to modern expressions. The story begins in the early Church, where consecrated hosts were first "reposed" for the sick around the third century. While formal adoration as we know it wouldn't emerge until much later, these early practices revealed a growing understan...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Guests: Logan Feldkamp, Youth Minister at St. Christopher and Emily Ahlin, Diocesan Archivist. Carlo Acutis represents something revolutionary in Catholic sainthood as a relatable millennial teen known for his extraordinary love of Jesus despite his ordinary appearance in jeans and sneakers. Born in London and raised in Italy, he became a catalyst for his family's return to active faith while creating an extensive website documenti...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Father Damian and Deacon Mike explore the paradoxical blessing that illness and suffering can bring to our spiritual lives through personal stories of vulnerability and transformation. • Deacon Mike shares his recent experience with influenza A and how forced rest allowed him to reevaluate his priorities • The physical dependency that comes with illness reminds us of our ultimate reliance on God • Flannery O'Connor's story illustr...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Racism remains a destructive and persistent evil infecting our nation despite many promising strides toward equality and justice. It is still a sin that divides many. What does church teaching tells us about racism and how does faith offer solutions to this complex issue. Some highlights: • Racism arises when a person holds their race as superior and judges others as inferior, leading to exclusion or discrimination • The bishops...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing This episode highlights the intersection of Lent and personal transformation. We discuss how understanding the true meaning of Lent can enrich our spiritual journey beyond traditional fasting. - Importance of relationship during Lent - Historical context of Shrove Tuesday - Our motivations for giving things up - Engaging in community service throughout Lent - The power of mindfulness in daily practices ...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Exploring the complex reasons behind the decline of church attendance among Gen Z women, this episode sheds light on their unique experiences and perspectives. The guests, Kate and Natialie, students at Walsh Jesuit High School, both articulate and reflective, provide meaningful insights into faith, community, and identity. • Examination of why Gen Z women leave church • Differences in religious experiences between genders • The influ...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing The episode addresses the health concerns surrounding Pope Francis and emphasizes the importance of prayer for him during this challenging time. We delve into topics such as the nature of his illness, memories of previous popes, the significance of the conclave, and the implications of loving one's enemies within the Gospel context. • Discussion on Pope Francis's respiratory tract infection. • Importance of praying for the Holy F...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Navigating a world dominated by smartphones poses challenges to spiritual integrity and mental health. The episode addresses the risks associated with gambling and pornography, encouraging accountability and healthy habits in the digital age. • Overview of the impact of smartphones on faith • Discussion on gambling culture during events like the Super Bowl • Mental health trends related to smartphone usage • Examining ...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing The episode explores the Catholic principle of Ordo Amoris, discussing the balance between love for family and love for strangers, especially in context to immigration and Vice-President Vance's recent comments. We reflect on Augustine and Aquinas' teachings, the Vice President's comments, and real-life implications for our communities and the responsibilities they entail. • Discussion on the Vice President's remarks regarding imm...

Send us a textSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingThe episode explores the distinctiveness of the Ignite Conference for young adults, highlighting its focus on identity, community, and mission. Through the experiences of the hosts and guests, listeners are encouraged to invite others to join and participate in this transformative journey.Ignite ConferenceFebruary 22, 2005 at St. Ignatius High SchoolDoors open at 8AMEucharistic Procession and Mass at St. Patrick's on Bridge Ave. at 4:30PMS...

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Exodus 90 and Magnify 90 offer spiritual programs focused on deepening one’s relationship with God through prayer, self-denial, and community. • Exploring the essential pillars of Exodus 90 • The role of prayer and sacraments in spiritual growth • Understanding self-denial and asceticism as necessary practices • The significance of community support during the journey • Potential critiques and challenges associated with these prog...