Father Justin Waltz recounts his pilgrimage to Rome and a powerful Wednesday audience with Pope Leo XIV, reflecting on the pope's energetic presence, unexpected American identity, and echoes of John Paul II. He connects this experience to a wider spiritual awakening—seen in youth devotion, Eucharistic renewal, and new media outreach—and urges listeners to hold fast with hope.

In this three-part interview, Lance Goetz shares his journey from a life-altering crash through years of pain, addiction, and isolation to a transformative surrender to Christ. Through struggles with PTSD, recovery, and finding purpose in teaching, Lance discovers healing in service, community, and faith. He recounts meeting his wife, the power of surrender, and the unexpected blessings of family and gratitude—offering hope to anyone suffering alone.

Episode 2 of Father Justin Waltz’s interview with Lance Goetz: a raw account of surviving a catastrophic train accident, enduring countless surgeries, and struggling with pain, addiction, and despair. Through near-death experiences, vivid reflections on the crucifix, and moments of surrender, Lance finds renewed faith and purpose—offering his suffering for others and slowly rebuilding his life.

Back in 1998, just days before high school graduation, Lance Goetz’s life changed forever when a train accident nearly claimed his life. What followed were years of repeated surgeries, chronic pain, depression, and PTSD. Yet in the midst of despair, Lance discovered the healing power of faith in Jesus Christ. His story echoes the trials of Job — from suffering and loss to hope and redemption. Today, Lance is a husband, father, and educator whose life continues to bear witness to God’s grace and the strength found in prayer. Episode 1

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of Theology on Tap, where we delve into the complex yet crucial topic of ecumenism related to the creed. This discussion navigates the historical roots of Christian division and highlights the essential call for unity among various denominations. We examine the significance of shared beliefs and the importance of respectful dialogue, advocating for an understanding that transcends centuries-old disputes.Join us as we explore how a common foundation in faith, especially one as profound as the Nicene Creed, can pave the way for meaningful conversations and mutual respect among Christians. With insights drawn from real-life examples, this episode is a call to embrace a deeper connection and cooperation among all followers of Christ, recognizing the shared mission of spreading love and salvation in a divided world.

In this episode, after a refreshing Alaskan retreat with his brother, Father Josh, our host dives back into the podcasting world to share profound insights from a recent conversation with a fellow priest. The discussion unravels the deeper messages of Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, focusing on the true essence of sacrificial love—loving inconveniently and listening genuinely in a world full of distractions. Reflecting on modern-day societal struggles, the podcast sheds light on pressing issues such as addiction, mental health crises, and the lack of genuine communication and connection. Filled with real-life anecdotes, heartfelt appeals, and a prayerful conclusion, the episode calls listeners to engage in active compassion and become instruments of healing in their communities.

"The Friday Flame" Trust in the Lord's love for you which is very real. Even if you have had a challenging week and feel like garbage and a failure he does not feel that way about you and never will. Jesus will never give up on you and he will never leave you so don't give up on yourself! You have the power of God supporting you in the life. May God bless you all and don't forget to go to mass this weekend :) Its where you will find happiness amidst the worlds problems.

Join Fr. Justin Waltz in this enlightening episode of Holy Fire as he delves into the distinction between mortal and venial sins, their impact on our relationship with God, and the essential role of the sacrament of reconciliation. Discover the profound insights from the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the Ten Commandments and the nuanced understanding of sin's gravity. Learn how divine mercy reaches us even to our last breath, offering hope and a path to redemption through the sacramentals and Holy Communion. This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of faith that inspires a deeper connection with the divine.

An Inspirational Friday Flame to Launch you into the weekend. God Bless you everyone and pray for your priests! 

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Father Brian Gross, the Director of Pastoral Formation at St. Paul's Seminary. Father Gross shares his journey from being a parish priest to becoming a key figure in the seminary, guiding the next generation of priests. He offers a deep dive into seminary formation, elaborating on the four dimensions: pastoral, spiritual, intellectual, and human formation. Discover how seminary training goes beyond academics to shape well-rounded priests ready for the challenges of modern priesthood.

Join Fr. Justin Waltz on this enlightening episode of the Holy Fire Podcast as he delves into the remarkable journey of Pope Leo XIV and his profound impact on the Church's evangelical mission. Discover the inspiring life of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, whose devotion to spreading awareness about the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist continues to light a path for the faithful. Explore how the Blessed Sacrament serves as the core of Christian faith and is central to personal relationships with Christ. Learn about the motivating story of a mystic priest's experience with a Eucharistic miracle in Africa, reaffirming the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. This episode invites you to embrace the simplicity of faith and the power of a personal encounter with Christ in the Eucharist. Be inspired to ignite the fire of faith in your own life and explore the profound peace and happiness found in a deep relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Tune in to witness the beginning of a new spiritual renaissance in the Catholic Church.

Welcome back to Holy Fire as we kick off the weekend with The Friday Flame, The Firebomb, an empowering segment for believers to inspire you as we head into the weekend.  Embrace your role as a believer, priest, prophet, and king, as we reaffirm our promise to never falter and to support fellow Christians in their spiritual journey. Rally into the weekend and uphold the legacy of faith with unwavering determination. God bless you all!

On October 13, 1884 Pope Leo XIII, just after celebrating Mass, turned pale and collapsed as though dead. He was not dead but recounted having a vision of Satan approaching the throne of God, boasting that he could destroy the Church.

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