Kris McGregor Archives

IP#256 Dr. Scott Hahn – Evangelizing Catholics on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

What a delight to once again speak with Dr. Scott Hahn, especially about his exceptionally important book Evangelizing Catholics: A Mission Manual for the New Evangelization”. Who should have this book? Everyone! Just the right mix for the adult Catholic to digest: part history book, part theology book, steeped in Scared Scripture, a sacramental feast, anointed by the Holy Spirit…this work is just what the Church needs at this time. If I had my way, every Catholic community would be passing out this book after mass even more eagerly than it does it’s parish bulletin! HIGHLY ENCOURAGED READING!

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You can’t keep the faith unless you give it away. That’s a fact. To be a Christian is to be an evangelizer. When the Catholic Church calls us to a “New Evangelization,” that’s simply a reminder to us of what has always been true. The good news is: you can do it – you can evangelize – and Scott Hahn shows you how. In this this very practical “mission manual” Dr. Hahn equips you with: A guide to understanding what the New Evangelization is, and who it’s really for A roadmap that leads you to where it all happens (hint: it’s closer than you think) A simple, beautiful message to share – in words and actions You don’t need esoteric knowledge. You don’t need to master a new set of skills. Evangelization, for Catholics, is simply friendship raised up to the highest level. Enter a deeper friendship with Christ, and you’ll want to share his companionship more and more with a wider circle of friends.

IP#253 Fr. Robert Cormier – Better Than We Believed on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

It was rich blessing to have the opportunity to talk Fr. Robert Cormier about his book “Better Than We Believed: How to Apply the Vision That Is Faith to the Struggle That Is Life”. With an incredible witness in ministry Fr. Bob, as he prefers to be called, has served a parish priest for many years, as well as prison chaplain and a rehab counselor. For the last eighteen years he has been president of Project Live—a leading institution for the care of the mentally ill. He also spent summers in mission work in Guatemala and other areas of Central America. This varied background serves him well as he addresses many of the the areas which challenge many people when it comes to “faith”. What is faith? And how do I live it out? Especially when afraid or challenged, how can I draw on faith for strength to live the life that we were meant for? This books is an excellent resource and wonderful source of inspiration.

(Special note:; On May 13, Fr. Bob died in a climbing accident on Mount Hood in Oregon, after reaching the summit. He was 57 years old. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of Fr. Bob, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.)

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You can find the book here

Here is a link to Faith Kit, the website Fr. Bob mentions during our conversation www.faithkit.org

From the book description:

Presuming nothing that both traditional believers and critical-thinking searchers will not find in their hearts, Better Than We Believed presents a strikingly clear concept of faith that answers the unhappiness of people you will recognize:

MARK, who struggles with anger

IRENE, who battles stress

HENRY, who is consumed by hatred

GLORIA, who has been betrayed

BRIAN, who suffers depression

MARY, who feels trapped by her duty to a loved one

JOY, who can’t get over a loved one’s death, and

JAMES, who knows that he is dying

As we witness this faith applied to these and other serious struggles, we will see how it can transform our own experience, and offer us peace, purpose, and joy.

IP#252 Dr. Joseph Capizzi – A Catechism for Business on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

A delight to discuss Catholic Social Teaching with Dr. Joseph Capizzi, Associate Professor of Moral Theology at the Catholic University of America. He is co-editor of a phenomenal new resource entitled “A Catechism for Business: Tough Ethical Questions and Insights from Catholic Teaching”. A rare work which makes the complex issues of ethics, found in our society, simple and accessible for lay faithful reflection and deeper study. Truly, a must have, not only for thebusiness office, but for every Catholic home and parish.

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This is a brilliantly conceived and executed handbook. I imagine that it will be translated into many languages around the world. A Catechism for Business is the most practical handbook of Christian social teaching in relation to the vocation of persons in business ever produced.
Michael Novak, 1994 Templeton Laureate

The Church’s social teachings are a “best-kept secret” because they are often presented as answers without questions. Dr. Capizzi and Dean Abela have provided the questions, from the heart of the business enterprise, along with accurate but succinct responses from Catholic social doctrine. In their expert hands, the teaching has a chance to be heard.
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago

Work is not only a necessary activity but a beautiful expression of our creative nature, and this book is a vital resource for anyone who wishes to align work–and the workplace–according to God’s love and vision of the human person. Authors Abela and Capizzi do a great service to Christians in providing the most relevant Catholic teachings on the matters of labor, business, employment, wages, economic systems, and a myriad of related issues so relevant and so contentious in today’s world.
Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus, and author, A Civilization of Love: What Every Catholic Can Do to Transform the World

IP#225 Al Kresta – Dangers to the Faith on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor part 1

With a pastor’s heart and eagle-eye accuracy, the gifted Al Kresta addresses “Dangers to the Faith: Recognizing Catholicism’s 21st Century Opponents” in his newest book published by Our Sunday Visitor. The secular world has presented many twisted versions of the “Truth” over the years: from New Age thought to Isalm, Scientism to Consumerism, Oprah and Shirley to Bart Erhman and Carl Sagan. Al Kresta challenges the “opponents” of faith with Christ-like love and wisdom. In the process, he teaches us all how to evangelize as a true disciple of Christ. A must have work for all those who may have a seeking heart and a desire to grow in their faith and to share it with family, friends and all they may encounter. One of the best books offered in this Year of Faith….a modern classic that should be in every Catholic home!

Here is part 1 of our discussion.

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Be sure to listen to “Kresta in the Afternoon” on the Ave Maria Radio Network

From the description:

Dangers to the Faith: Recognizing Catholicism’s 21st Century Opponents is the perfect springboard for discussing the new world in which the Catholic Church exists today. Learn how to better carry out the missionary mandate of the Church. The question isn’t whether you will be a witness to Christ, but whether you will be a faithful witness.

IP#53 Sir Gilbert Levine – The Pope’s Maestro on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

A very special “Inside the Pages” with Sir Gilbert Levine, who shares from his heart, this compelling tale of faith, friendship, and the healing power of music to bring people together. “The Pope’s Maestro” is an extraordinary and inspirational story of the unlikely friendship of Sir Gilbert Levine and Pope John Paul II, who collaborated on symbolic acts of reconciliation: a series of internationally broadcast concerts designed to bring together people from all religious backgrounds under the auspices of the Vatican. Sir Gilbert invites us all in to share in the special relationship bonded in music, prayer, and…love.

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You can find more about this wonderful book here

IP#250 Dr. Christopher Kaczor – 7 Big Myths about Marriage on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In”The Seven Big Myths about Marriage: What Science, Faith and Philosophy Teach Us about Love and Happiness”, Dr. Christopher Kaczor, along with his wife Jennifer, shines an important light of truth on one of the most important issues of our day. Beginning with basic foundational principals and understandings, Dr. Kaczor rationally examines key issues in the marriage debate and carefully, and quite thoroughly, debunks the leading “myths” about marriage. An excellent resource and HIGHLY recommended for all who care about and engage in the discussions on marriage.

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If I were a pastor, I would make this book required reading for engaged couples in all my marriage classes. —Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., Author, Jacob s Ladder: Ten Steps to Truth

The media portrayals of the public debates over marriage and its meaning often generate more heat than light. In this carefully crafted and accessible book, Professor Kaczor provides just the sort of illumination that is absent from those portrayals. I cannot think of a better book that offers such a clear and winsome account of marriage and its meaning, and what that tells us about human dignity and happiness. —Francis J. Beckwith, Professor of Philosophy, Baylor University

‘Don’t miss:

IP#182 Dr. Christopher Kaczor – The Seven Big Myths About the Catholic Church on Inside the Pages

IP#249 Simcha Fisher – The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

What a delight to talk with Simcha Fisher! She is one of the most intriguing, engaging, and truly authentic Catholic writers out there today. Her blogging for the National Catholic Register is a stand out for their online features, and her Patheos blog “I Have to Sit Down” is one of my all-time favorites (I highly encourage bookmarking it). It’s a joy to be able to heartily recommend “The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning“! Far from being just a critical examination of the topic, this book reads more like a conversation with a good friend at a coffee house. All issues on are the table and thoughtfully discussed. Wherever you find yourself on the subject, respect and encouragement is the order of the day. Challenges are acknowledged and addressed by Simcha, who delivers time tested wisdom that is only garnered from a lived faith and years of experience. Everyone should be reading this book, not just young married couples, but also priest, deacons, religious, and couples engaged in the conversations that shape our culture today.

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Simcha speaks … with honesty along with the wit and wisdom that always make her teachings so memorable and helpful. She summons all of us to trust, mutual patience and kindness, and to a joyful honesty about NFP. —Msgr. Charles Pope, Pastor of Holy Comforter – St. Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC

Before The Sinner s Guide to NFP, the only way you could get this kind of candor on the subject of Natural Family Planning was in private conversations with your best friend. Simcha has taken all the things we think about NFP but feel like we can t say, brought them into the light, and addressed them with insight and razor-sharp wit. You ll laugh, you ll nod your head in recognition, and you ll ultimately walk away inspired by the kind of encouragement that only someone else in the trenches can offer. —Jennifer Fulwiler of Conversion Diary

IP#247 Devin Rose – The Protestant’s Dilemma on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In “The Protestant’s Dilemma: How the Reformation’s Shocking Consequences Point to the Truth of Catholicism”, author/apologist Devin Rose carefully reflects on various Protestant claims and carries them to their logical conclusion. By incorporating, at times, his own intellectual journey from Protestantism to Catholicism, he simply presents a strong case for the authority of Catholic Church teaching. The format of the book is excellent for apologetic study. Addressing the basics of the faith, as well as the particulars of Catholic Social Teaching, he gently, but meticulously offers a sound manual of instruction that should be in the library of every one of us called to the “New Evangelization”.

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From the book description:

What if Protestantism were true? What if the Reformers really were heroes, the Bible the sole rule of faith, and Christ s Church just an invisible collection of loosely united believers? As an Evangelical, Devin Rose used to believe all of it. Then one day the nagging questions began. He noticed things about Protestant belief and practice that didn t add up. He began following the logic of Protestant claims to places he never expected it to go -leading to conclusions no Christians would ever admit to holding. In The Protestant s Dilemma, Rose examines over thirty of those conclusions, showing with solid evidence, compelling reason, and gentle humor how the major tenets of Protestantism – if honestly pursued to their furthest extent – wind up in dead ends. The only escape? Catholic truth. Rose patiently unpacks each instance, and shows how Catholicism solves the Protestant s dilemma through the witness of Scripture, Christian history, and the authority with which Christ himself undeniably vested his Church. The Protestant s Dilemma is the perfect book for non-Catholics trying to work through their own nagging doubts, or for Catholics looking for a fresh way to deepen their understanding of the Faith

IP#36 Neil Lozano – Resisting the Devil on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

It’s all about conversion…continually turning towards the Lord and allowing Him to heal us. Deliverance ministry really acknowledges the power of Jesus Christ to make all things new and to heal the damage done to us by sin and those spirits which get into our brokeness and wounds to drive us away from God. Neil Lozano has done extraordinary work with the “Unbound Ministries” ; it truly allow us to let the Father “deliver us from evil”. This is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject. Absolutely a must for everyone on the spiritual journey!!! “Be not afraid”, and really “all you need is love”.

find Neil’s work at www.heartofthefather.com

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From the book description:

Do you feel chained to a particular sin pattern that you cannot break?

Do you still feel guilty, ashamed, and doomed to repeat a besetting sin even after receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation?

Then you may find a way to spiritual freedom through deliverance prayer.
In Resisting the Devil, author Neal Lozano shows that sometimes evil spirits tell us lies that lock us into sins and personal problems. He explains the practice of deliverance, a way of dealing with such demonic influences that is supported by the teaching and traditionof the Catholic Church.
–Learn how to recognize the activity of evil spirits
–See how deliverance from spiritual bondage can be gentle, safe, and effective –Understand how deliverance differs from exorcism and how deliverance and Reconciliation can work together–Read the testimonies of women and men who have been freed through deliverance ministry.

IP#218 Dick Lyles – Answer Your Call on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

I cannot recommend a book more highly than this, “Answer Your Call: Reclaim God’s Purpose For Faith, Family, and Work” is OUTSTANDING! The combined gifts of Dick and Martha Lyles have brought us must a gem which serves as a practical everyday guide for prayer and discernment. The book description below and the interview I have with Dick can provide just some of the reasons why this work is so important, but neither really goes far enough. I have heard from so many men and women looking for spiritual directors, guides, mentors, anyone or anything that could help them to respond to that “still, small voice” deep inside themselves; here is the book I’ll now tell them to start with. While this isn’t the answer to all questions and quests, this is work offers a great start and foundation. Great for individual study, as well as for groups. For pastors, deacons, pastoral ministers, parents, but most importantly, for the every day man or woman trying to “answer God’s call”!

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From the book description:

Answer Your Call helps Christians discern their purpose from a Catholic perspective—think of it as a Catholic response to The Purpose Driven Life. Building on the premise that every person has a unique set of natural gifts meant to be used in concert with God’s supernatural graces, readers will find practical insights on what prevents someone from hearing and responding to God’s call, as well as how to reclaim and live their calling in the home, workplace, and community. Answer Your Call goes beyond mere theory, using key questions, short quizzes, and practical exercises to help the reader implement the material. You’ll learn:

What causes us to lose sight of God’s presence

How we lose touch with our natural gifts

The three dimensions of our divine call

Understanding discernment in relation to purpose and call

How you can plan to implement your call

Interspersed with Scripture and Catechism quotes, as well as wisdom from popes and saints, Answer Your Call will guide you to carry out God’s purpose in every dimension of your life.