Series Archives

WM12 – Why Confirmation Matters pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

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Episode 12 Why Confirmation Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we continue the conversation about the action of the Holy Spirit and why the Sacrament of Confirmation matters?

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.¹²⁷

1310 To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act.¹²⁸

1316 Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.

1317 Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian’s soul; for this reason one can receive this sacrament only once in one’s life.

For more episodes in this series visit the

Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

For more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.org

RN-5 – Value # 4 – Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Love part 2 – Regnum Novum w/ Omar Gutierrez

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Episode 5 – Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Guiterrez – Value 4 Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Love part 2 “Justice”

From episode … 5. Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Love part 2 “Justice”

These are the four values of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church as they’re enumerated in the Compendium and as they were laid out by, again, St. Pope John XXIII in Mater et magistra and Pacem in terris. Without these values, the work of social justice becomes an albatross around our necks. It pulls us down, threatening to poison all the work we do, no matter how well intentioned.

Justice requires we know what is due to our neighbor. But even when justice is achieved, it can be cold and impersonal, as Pope John Paul II said. This is why the phrase “social justice” appears so rarely in the Church’s Social Teaching. Justice is the bare minimum, and we are not looking for the minimum.

(Truth, Freedom and Love are covered in other episodes)

True social justice requires that we drop these paradigms of opposition: management vs. labor; bourgeois vs. proletariat; state vs. individual. We own the great Catholic both/and. It applies to the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church more than ever.
Omar F. A. Guiterrez, M.A. , Special Assistant to Archbishop George Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha. He’s also the author of “The Urging of Christ’s Love: The Saints and The Social Teaching of the Catholic”

Also visit Omar’s “Discerning Hearts” page Catholic Social Teaching 101

RN-4 – Value # 4 – Truth and Freedom – Regnum Novum w/ Omar Gutierrez podcast

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Value 4 Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Love part 1 “Truth and Freedom”

From episode … 4. Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Love part 1 “Truth and Freedom”

These are the four values of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church as they’re enumerated in the Compendium and as they were laid out by, again, Blessed Pope John XXIII in Mater et Magistra and Pacem in Terris. Without these values, the work of social justice becomes an albatross around our necks. It pulls us down, threatening to poison all the work we do, no matter how well-intentioned.

When charity lacks truth, as Pope Benedict XVI states, it can be filled with every whim and agenda and becomes the opposite of itself. Truth is the truth of the fundamental dignity of the human person, a dignity we can only fully appreciate in the encounter with Christ.

A freedom that requires self-destruction is no freedom at all. Authentic freedom is the ability to do what is good, but this requires that we know the truth about the good.

(Justice and Love covered in proceeding episodes)

Deacon Omar F. A. Guiterrez, M.A., studied Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and at the Angelicum in Rome. He holds a Master’s of Arts degree in Theology from the University of Dallas. He has worked for the Church in various capacities including as a teacher and administrator. His expertise includes Catholic Social Teaching, and his writings on the subject have appeared in several national Catholic newspapers and periodicals. He’s also the author of “The Urging of Christ’s Love: The Saints and The Social Teaching of the Catholic”

Also visit Omar’s “Discerning Hearts” page Catholic Social Teaching 101

IJCY3 – Navigating Vocation Discernment – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Navigating Vocation Discernment – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing

Fr. Paul Hoesing and Kris McGregor discuss discerning a vocation to the Catholic priesthood, drawing lessons from the teachings of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors. They discuss the importance of encountering Christ personally, desiring what God desires, and ultimately, trusting in God’s plan. Trust, they explain, is foundational to the discernment process, encompassing elements of faith, love, and hope.

Trust in God requires dependence on Him, especially during life’s storms and uncertainties. Exploring the biblical story of Peter walking on water as an allegory for trust, highlighting how Peter’s fear arose when he took his eyes off Jesus and how it related to the need to keep focused on Christ amid life’s challenges, understanding that He is always present to guide and support.

Additionally, they address common fears and doubts that may arise during discernment, urging listeners to bring these concerns to God and trust in His provision. They encourage a mindset of gratitude and openness to God’s leading, acknowledging that the discernment journey is a process that unfolds gradually, with each step guided by God’s hand.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Encountering Christ Personally: How have you personally encountered Christ in your life, and how has this encounter influenced your understanding of your vocation journey?
Learning to Desire What God Desires: Reflect on your deepest desires. Do they align with what you believe God desires for you? How can you cultivate a greater alignment between your desires and God’s will?
Trusting in God’s Plan: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God’s plan? How can you deepen your trust in Him, especially during times of uncertainty or difficulty?
Dependence on God: Consider moments when you have felt most dependent on God. How did He provide for you during those times, and how did it impact your relationship with Him?
Keeping Focus on Christ: Reflect on instances when you’ve allowed fear or distractions to take your focus away from Christ. What steps can you take to keep your eyes fixed on Him, especially during challenging circumstances?
Gratitude and Openness: How can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your discernment journey, even amidst doubts or fears? How does gratitude help to foster openness to God’s will?
Trusting in God’s Timing: Are there areas in your life where you feel rushed or anxious about discerning God’s will? How can you surrender these concerns and trust in God’s timing?
Prayer and Surrender: Take time to pray and surrender your fears, doubts, and desires to God. How does this act of surrender deepen your trust in His guidance and provision?

Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.

Fr. Paul Hoesing serves at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as President Rector

IJCY2 – Trusting in God’s Goodness – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Trusting in God’s Goodness – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing

Fr. Paul Hoesing and Kris McGregor discuss the importance of prayer, sacraments, and living a virtuous life in discerning one’s vocation; going into the idea of desiring what God desires for us, highlighting the need to overcome fear and trust in God’s goodness.

Drawing from biblical examples like Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, they underscore the importance of openness to God’s will and the journey of faith. They also discuss the role of family dynamics in shaping one’s openness to God’s plan, cautioning against isolation and the value of healthy relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on trusting in God’s guidance and seeking His will with a sincere heart.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Trusting in God’s Goodness: Do you trust that God always wants what is best for you?
Overcoming Fear: Where do you begin to become afraid of giving God permission to lead you?
Surrendering to God’s Will: When do you begin to try to manipulate God or want what you think will make you happy?
Affirming God’s Leadership: How can you cultivate a mindset of continually saying to yourself, “Father, I give you permission to lead me”?
Developing Trust: How can you deepen your trust in God’s goodness and His plans for your life?
Family Influence: Reflect on the impact of your family dynamics on your openness to God’s will.
Building Healthy Relationships: In what ways can you nurture spiritually healthy relationships and discern which relationships lead you closer to God?
Seeking God’s Will: How can you actively seek God’s will with a sincere heart, ready to receive His guidance?

Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.

Fr. Paul Hoesing serves at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as President Rector

GWML#13 Bram Stoker and “Dracula” – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce podcast

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Episode 13 – Bram Stoker and “Dracula” on Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce

When solicitor’s clerk Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania on business to meet a mysterious Romanian count named Dracula, he little expects the horrors this strange meeting will unleash. Thus Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel of blood and passion begins, rapidly accelerating from Harker’s nightmarish experiences in Castle Dracula to a full-fledged vampiric assault on late-Victorian London itself. The story, narrated through a collection of documents-primarily journal entries and letters-chronicles the desperate efforts of a band of gentlemen to protect the virtue of their ladies and lay to rest the ancient threat once and for all.

Often vacillating wildly between the terrible and the comic, Dracula at the same time brings to life a host of compelling themes: tensions between antiquity and modernity; the powers and limitations of technology; the critical importance of feminine virtue; the difference between superstition and religion; the nature of evil; and, perhaps most compellingly, the complex relationship between ancient faith and scientific enlightenment. More vivid than any of its varied film adaptations, and over a century after its first publication, Dracula still retains its sharp bite.

Based on the Ignatius Critical Edition, this series examines, from the Judeo-Christian perspective, the life,the times, and influence of authors of great works in literature .

Joseph Pearce is currently the Writer-in-Residence and Visiting Fellow at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, New Hampshire. He is also Visiting Scholar at Mount Royal Academy in Sunapee, New Hampshire. He is also Visiting Scholar at Mount Royal Academy in Sunapee, New Hampshire. , as well as co-editor of the Saint Austin Review (or StAR), an international review of Christian culture, literature, and ideas published in England (Family Publications) and the United States (Sapientia Press). He is also the author of many books, including literary biographies of Solzhenitsyn, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, and Oscar Wilde.

To learn more about the authors and titles available in the Ignatius Critical Editions

BTP- L3 – Letter 158 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray w/Dr. Anthony Lilles podcast

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Dr. Lilles continues the spiritual explorations of the Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. In this episode, we discuss letter 158, with a special focus on the nature of mystical and contemplative prayer as described below:

[February 24, 1903]

Dijon Carmel, February
Amo Christum

J. M. + J. T.

Monsieur l’Abbé,

Before entering into the great silence of Lent, I want to answer your kind letter. And my soul needs to tell you that it is wholly in communion with yours, letting itself be caught, carried away, invaded by Him whose charity envelops us and who wishes to consummate us into “one” with Him. I thought of you when I read these words of Père Vallée on contemplation: “The contemplative is a being who lives in the radiance of the Face of Christ, who enters into the mystery of God, not in the light that flows from human thought, but in that created by the word of the Incarnate Word.”3 Don’t you have this passion to listen to Him?3a Sometimes it is so strong, this need to be silent, that one would like to know how to do nothing but remain like Magdalene, that beautiful model for the contemplative soul, at the feet of the Master, eager to hear everything, to penetrate ever deeper into this mystery of Charity that He came to reveal to us. Don’t you find that in action, when we are in Martha’s role,4 the soul can still remain wholly adoring, buried like Magdalene in her contemplation, staying by this source like someone who is starving; and this is how I understand the Carmelite’s apostolate as well as the priest’s. Then both can radiate God, give Him to souls, if they constantly stay close to this divine source. It seems to me that we should draw so close to the Master, in such communion with His soul, to identify ourselves with all its movements, and then go out as He did, according to the will of His Father. Then it does not matter what happens to the soul, since it has faith in the One it loves who dwells within it. During this Lent I would like, as Saint Paul says, “to be buried in God with Christ,”5 to be lost in this Trinity who will one day be our vision, and in this divine light penetrate into the depth of the Mystery. Would you pray that I may be wholly surrendered and that my Beloved Bridegroom may carry me away wherever He wishes. A Dieu, Monsieur l’Abbé, let us remain in His love;6 is He not that infinity for which our souls so thirst?

Sr. M. Elizabeth of the Trinity, r.c.i.

Our Reverend Mother asks me to express her gratitude for the canticle; how good she is and how she gives God (to others), don’t you agree? On Monday7 I will offer Holy Communion for you; don’t forget me either.

Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 95-96). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

Special thanks to Miriam Gutierrez for her readings of St. Elizabeth’s letters

For other episodes in the series visit
The Discerning Hearts “The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity” with Dr. Anthony Lilles’

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo as well as the academic advisor for Juan Diego House of Priestly Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For over twenty years he served the Church in Northern Colorado where he joined and eventually served as dean of the founding faculty of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Through the years, clergy, seminarians, religious and lay faithful have benefited from his lectures and retreat conferences on the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity.

IJCY1 – Hearing God’s Voice – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Hearing God’s Voice – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing

Fr. Paul Hoesing and Kris McGregor discuss the process of discernment, particularly in the context of vocational calling, with a focus on priesthood but applicable to all vocations, using the booklet “Is Jesus Calling You to Be a Catholic Priest?” authored by Father Tom Richter.

Discernment involves more than decision-making; it’s about listening attentively to God’s voice amidst the noise of the world, the devil, and our own egos. Encountering Christ personally, especially through prayer and the sacraments, is the foundation of discernment.

Fr. Hoesing shares anecdotes and insights, such as the distinction between the voices of God and those of the world, and the significance of feelings of blessing and gratitude as indicators of God’s presence.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Encounter with Christ: Where have you encountered Christ in your life, and what impact has that encounter had on you?
Gratitude and Blessings: Can you identify specific instances where you’ve felt blessed and grateful for God’s actions in your life?
Discerning God’s Voice: How do you distinguish between the voice of God and other competing voices, such as those of the world, the devil, and your own ego?
Personal Encounter with Christ: In what ways do you currently cultivate a personal encounter with Christ through prayer and the sacraments?
Embracing God’s Call: How do you respond to the call of God in your life, whether it be towards priesthood, religious life, marriage, or another vocation?
Seeking Guidance and Blessing: How can you seek guidance from God as you navigate your discernment journey

Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.

Fr. Paul Hoesing serves at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as President Rector

RN1 – Introduction and Value # 1 – Jesus Christ – Regnum Novum w/ Omar Gutierrez podcast

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Introduction and Value # 1 – Jesus Christ

Episode 1. Jesus Christ

You may not believe how many advocates of social justice are only too ready to chuck Jesus out the window in order to get you to buy their plan. One such program of which I’m familiar actually includes materials that deny the divinity of Christ, several times, and deny the salvific work of the cross. As Pope Paul VI and Pope Benedict XVI have said, the Social Doctrine is evangelization. If it is not rooted in the truth, then it can be manipulated to mean whatever one wants it to mean. The truth is quite simply, Jesus Christ who, as Gaudium et spes states, reveals man to himself. The Social Doctrine and the work of charity must stem from an intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ so that they might serve the whole person and point back to Christ.

Also visit Omar’s “Discerning Hearts” page Catholic Social Teaching 101

GWML#22 – C. S. Lewis “The Pilgrim’s Regress” – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce

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We discuss “The Pilgrim’s Regress:: An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason, and Romanticism” by C. S. Lewis.

The first book written by C. S. Lewis after his conversion, The Pilgrim’s Regress is, in a sense, the record of Lewis’s own search for meaning and spiritual satisfaction—a search that eventually led him to Christianity.

Here is the story of the pilgrim John and his odyssey to an enchanting island which has created in him an intense longing; a mysterious, sweet desire. John’s pursuit of this desire takes him through adventures with such people as Mr. Enlightenment, Media Halfways, Mr. Mammon, Mother Kirk, Mr. Sensible, and Mr. Humanist and through such cities as Thrill and Eschropolis as well as the Valley of Humiliation.

Though the dragons and giants here are different from those in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Lewis’s allegory performs the same function of enabling the author to say simply and through fantasy what would otherwise have demanded a full-length philosophy of religion.

Joseph Pearce is currently the Writer-in-Residence and Visiting Fellow at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, New Hampshire. He is also Visiting Scholar at Mount Royal Academy in Sunapee, New Hampshire. He is also Visiting Scholar at Mount Royal Academy in Sunapee, New Hampshire. He is co-editor of the Saint Austin Review (or StAR), an international review of Christian culture, literature, and ideas published in England (Family Publications) and the United States (Sapientia Press). He is also the author of many books, including literary biographies of Solzhenitsyn, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, and Oscar Wilde.

Episode 12 Why Confirmation Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

For more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.org

Navigating Vocation Discernment – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.

Trusting in God’s Goodness – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.

Special thanks to Miriam Gutierrez for her readings of St. Elizabeth’s letters

For other episodes in the series visit The Discerning Hearts “The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity” with Dr. Anthony Lilles’

Hearing God’s Voice – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.

For other episodes in the series visit
The Discerning Hearts “The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity” with Dr. Anthony Lilles’