Recent Archives

IP#264 – Elizabeth Ficocelli – “Therese, Faustina, and Bernadette” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Therese, Faustina and Bernadette: Three Saints Who Challenged My Faith, Gave Me Hope, and Taught Me How to Love” ties beautifully together the theological virtues (faith, hope, and love) and shows us how they are particularly lived out in the lives of three of the most beloved saints of our modern era. Author Elizabeth Ficocelli shares her personal relationship with these beautiful saints and how they helped her to grow in her understanding and trust in Christ. More than just a biography of each saint, this work is a road map for the spiritual life based on the lives of women who are joyfully showing us the way.

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You can find the book here

“With openness and candor, Elizabeth Ficocelli reveals her personal experiences of living the challenges of her Catholic faith. Her peace and joy come in meeting these challenges by embracing the cross though the grace of prayer and the sacraments, as well as following the example of newfound friends, her favorite saints. This book will help anyone who also experiences challenges in life through the assistance of some wonderful friends!”–Mother Mary Assumpta Long, Prioress General, Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

“Tender, honest, introspective, and deeply personal, this book provides beautiful witness to the loveliness and wonder of the feminine genius! Elizabeth Ficocelli, writing from the insightful perspective of a convert to Catholicism who seeks to understand and unpack the mysteries of her own spiritual journey, reminds us in this gem of a book that we should all seek to acquire friendship with the saints and grow in the theological virtues. I highly recommend this book!”–Rev. Donald Calloway, M.I.C., Author of Under the Mantle

MIL#5 – “Covenant vs. Contract” – Marriage in the Lord w/ Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

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Catholic Spiritual Formation - Catholic Spiritual Direction

Episode 5 -Marriage in the Lord with Deacon James Keating –

In this episode, Deacon Keating continues to reflect on the Sacrament of Marriage and the liturgy of the Church in which it is celebrated. The area of the vows given one to the other is explored. The covenant relationship as opposed to the contract nature of marriage.

Deacon James Keating, PhD, explores the theological and spiritual meaning of the Sacrament of Marriage. Using the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a touchstone, Deacon Keating challenges listeners to go to the depths of what it means to be married in the Lord.

Deacon James Keating, PhD, the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University, in Omaha, is making available to ”Discerning Hearts” and all who listen, his series of programs entitled “Marriage in the Lord”

For other episodes in this series visit here IPF logo small WOM#1 Deacon James Keating – Way of Mystery episode 1 from Resting On the Heart of Christ

For more information on the “Institute of Priestly Formation” and for oth er material available by Deacon Keating, just click here

Don’t forget to pickup a copy of “Spousal Prayer: A Way to Marital Happiness“

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

USCCA19 – Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation – God is Rich in Mercy – U. S. Catholic Catechism for Adults w/ Arch. George Lucas

USCCA19 Chapter 18 – The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life

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Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 18

It is called the Sacrament of Conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin. It is called the Sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner’s personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction. It is called the Sacrament of Confession since the disclosure or confession of sins is an essential element of this Sacrament. In a profound sense, it is also a called “confession” —acknowledgment and praise—of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man. It is called the Sacrament of Forgiveness, since by the priest’s sacramental absolution, God grants the penitent “pardon and peace.” It is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). He who lives by God’s merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord’s call: “Go, first be reconciled to your brother.” (CCC, nos. 1423-1424, citing Mt 5:24)

The Most Reverend George J. Lucas leads the Archdiocese of Omaha.

For other episodes in the visit our Archbishop George Lucas page

This programs is based on:

More information can be found here.

We wish to thank the USCCB for the permissions granted for use of relevant material used in this series.
Also we wish to thank Bruce McGregor for his vocal talents in this episode.

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MIL#4 – “The Integrity of Marriage” – Marriage in the Lord w/ Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

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Episode 4 -Marriage in the Lord with Deacon James Keating –

In this episode, Deacon Keating continues to reflect on the Sacrament of Marriage and the liturgy of the Church in which it is celebrated. Where the wedding occurs says much about how the couple perceives the gravitas of the marriage commitment. He then discusses the questions that are asked of the couple at the beginnings of the liturgy. Can they answer the questions with integrity. He also addresses the question of cohabitation and sex outside of marriage.

For other episodes in this series visit here IPF logo small WOM#1 Deacon James Keating – Way of Mystery episode 1 from Resting On the Heart of Christ

For more information on the “Institute of Priestly Formation” and for oth er material available by Deacon Keating, just click here

Don’t forget to pickup a copy of “Spousal Prayer: A Way to Marital Happiness“

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

USCCA18 – Part 2 The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life – U. S. Catholic Catechism for Adults w/ Arch. George Lucas

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USCCA18 part 2 – Episode 18- The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life

Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 18:

The consecrated bread has become Christ’s Body. The consecrated wine has become Christ’s Blood. Jesus Christ is substantially present in a way that is entirely unique. This happens by the power of the Holy Spirit through the ministry of the priest’s or bishop’s acting in the person of Christ during the Eucharistic Prayer. At Mass, when we are offered the Host and hear the statement “The Body of Christ,” we answer, “Amen,” that is, “Yes, I believe.”

The Most Reverend George J. Lucas leads the Archdiocese of Omaha.

For other episodes in the visit our Archbishop George Lucas page

This programs is based on:

More information can be found here.

We wish to thank the USCCB for the permissions granted for use of relevant material used in this series.
Also we wish to thank Susan Adams for her vocal talents in this episode

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IP#286 Marcus Grodi – “Life from Our Land” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

What a phenomenal book! The “journey home” never looked more beautiful. I didn’t want to put down “Life from Our Land: The Search for a Simpler Life in a Complex World”. St. Benedict in the Holy Rule implores us to “listen with the ears of our hearts”. Marcus Grodi, founder of the Coming Home International ministry and EWTN show host, shows us how it can be done. So much more than just a spiritual memoir, Marcus offers us a road map we too could follow that leads from “the head to the heart.” His writing is engaging, funny, and steeped in a warm humility…what a delight. Rich spiritual fruit can be harvested from this book.

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You can find the book here

“If we ponder carefully the insights in this book, we can learn how to grow in detachment, simplicity, holiness, and humility.”
— Paul Thigpen, Author, Manual for Spiritual Warfare

“Read this book and you will receive the riches Mammon cannot provide and reap the harvest of hope and wisdom.”
— Joseph Pearce, Author, Catholic Literary Giants

“This book is a hymn of gratitude for the wonder that is creation, which manifests the deep purpose of things.”
— Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, President, Christendom College

MIL#3 – “The Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage” – Marriage in the Lord w/ Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

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Episode 3 -Marriage in the Lord with Deacon James Keating –

In this episode, Deacon Keating reflects on the Sacrament of Marriage and the liturgy of the Church in which it is celebrated. Where the wedding occurs says much about how the couple perceives the gravitas of the marriage commitment. He then discusses the questions that are asked of the couple at the beginnings of the liturgy. Can they answer the questions with integrity.

For other episodes in this series visit here IPF logo small WOM#1 Deacon James Keating – Way of Mystery episode 1 from Resting On the Heart of Christ

For more information on the “Institute of Priestly Formation” and for oth er material available by Deacon Keating, just click here

Don’t forget to pickup a copy of “Spousal Prayer: A Way to Marital Happiness“

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

USCCA17 – Part 1 The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life – U. S. Catholic Catechism for Adults w/ Arch. George Lucas

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USCCA17 part 1- Episode 17- The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life

Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 17:

The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the Church. In a variety of ways, she joyfully experiences the constant fulfillment of the promise, “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20), but in the Holy Eucharist, through the changing of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of the Lord, she rejoices in this presence with unique intensity. Ever since Pentecost, when the Church, the People of the New Covenant, began her pilgrim journey towards her heavenly homeland, the Divine Sacrament has continued to mark the passing of her days, filling them with confident hope

The Most Reverend George J. Lucas leads the Archdiocese of Omaha.

For other episodes in the visit our Archbishop George Lucas page

This programs is based on:

More information can be found here.

We wish to thank the USCCB for the permissions granted for use of relevant material used in this series.
Also we wish to thank Fr. Ryan Lewis and Bruce McGregor for their vocal talents in this episode.

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RN17 – Regnum Novum – Bl. Paul VI – Gaudium et Spes, Humane Vitae, and the Declaration on Religious Freedom

Episode 17- Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Gutierrez – Bl. Paul VI – Gaudium et Spes, Humane Vitae, and the Declaration on Religious Freedom

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We live at a very special time. The confluence of many things has brought forth the clear need to be able to articulate the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church in a way that is accessible and applicable. This is not to be an effort where high-minded theories are to be bandied about. Rather, this is a time of opportunity wherein we can apply the Social Doctrine to the concrete so as to bring about a New Kingdom, a Revolution. – Omar G.

Paul VI born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini (26 September 1897 – 6 August 1978), reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978. Succeeding Pope John XXIII, who had convened the Second Vatican Council, he decided to continue it. He fostered improved ecumenical relations with Orthodox and Protestants, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements.

In this episode we discuss Gaudium et Spes, Humane Vitae, and the Declaration on Religious Freedom, among other works

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

You can find Omar Gutierrez’s book here

In The Urging of Christ’s Love Omar Gutiérrez tells the stories of eleven people who lived their lives in pursuit of Christ Jesus. Each Saint, Blessed or Servant of God is considered in the context of Catholic Social Teaching. Then at the end of each chapter a prayer is offered and quotes from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church are provided in order to link the lessons we can learn from the saint’s life to Church teaching. By discovering some new saint friends, and rediscovering some old ones, The Urging of Christ’s Love presents Catholic Social Teaching in an accessible and important way.

USCCA16 – Confirmation: Consecrated for Mission – U. S. Catholic Catechism for Adults w/ Arch. George Lucas

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USCCA16- Episode 16- Confirmation: Consecrated for Mission

Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 16:

“When we are responsive to the grace of Confirmation and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, we begin to bear the fruits of the Spirit. The tradition of the Church names twelve fruit is of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity”

The Most Reverend George J. Lucas leads the Archdiocese of Omaha.

For other episodes in the visit our Archbishop George Lucas page

This programs is based on:

More information can be found here.

We wish to thank the USCCB for the permissions granted for use of relevant material used in this series.
Also we wish to thank Omar Gutierrez, Teresa Monaghen, and Bruce McGregor for their vocal talents in this episode.