Segment 1: Paul speaks to the Gentiles (2 segments)

In the Second Reading this Sunday, St. Paul addresses the Gentiles about how those who have disobeyed God have now received Mercy. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine.

Segment 2: Fulton Sheen speaks on the Demonic (2 segments)

In 1974, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen stated that he intended to write a book about the demonic. But such a book never came to fruition. Now, some fifty years later, Sheen’s intended book has finally been compiled, all in his own words.’ Fr. Dave Tomaszycki joins us.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: Maximilian Kolbe’s example of holiness

Today is the Feast of St Maximilian Kolbe. He’s known for his extraordinary act of heroism and sacrifice in Auschwitz, but the courage to make such a sacrifice begins with little acts of everyday holiness. Marcus has more.

Segment 2: The Sacramental Mission of Catholic Education (3 segments)

Forming souls and building culture together form the sacramental mission of Catholic education. These profoundly related goals are laid out by the Church for education, following the general sacramental principle that permeates the whole of Catholic life. We talk more about this approach with Jared Staudt.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: Pope Leo: There is no replacement for Sunday Mass (2 segments)

In his General Audience yesterday, Pope Leo urged Catholics to prioritize attending Sunday Mass, warning that active participation in the Eucharist cannot be replaced by virtual gatherings. We talk more about this and other Church news with Matthew Bunson.

Segment 2: Blessed Michael McGivney still cares for his flock (2 segments)

Today we celebrate the Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. His feast is today because it falls directly between the anniversaries of his birth and death. We talk more about his life and canonization cause with Brian Caulfield.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: “Become the couple other couples want to become.” (2 segments)

Matt Brooks is the founder of The Marriage Group, a growing ministry that now reaches hundreds of couples around the world and helps them to “Become the couple other couples want to become.” He joins us to talk more about his work.

Segment 2: When kids “cut off” their parents (2 segments)

There’s been a growing trend over the last several years of young adults severing contact with their adult parents, often on the advice of a therapist. A recent study by a Cornell sociologist found that 27% of American adults had cut off contact with a family member, and a 2024 Harris Poll reported that 35% of US adults are estranged from a parent or sibling. How can we honor the Fourth Commandment while also maintaining healthy boundaries. What can parents do when kids tell them they are “toxic?” Dr. Ray Guarendi joins us.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: Texas’s plan to include religious texts in public education

On June 26, the Texas State Board of Education approved a required reading list for the state’s 5.4 million public school students. Alongside classic literature, students will encounter selections from Scripture: Jonah and David and Goliath in the early grades, building later to Job and the Sermon on the Mount. We talk about it with Andrea Picciotti-Bayer.

Segment 2: If a brother sins against you

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us what to do when someone does us wrong. When someone is living apart from God, it is our duty as Christians to call them to repentance. And the Gospel today forces us to ask a difficult question:

Whom have I allowed to remain cut off from covenant life because it’s easier to not confront evil? Whom have I validated in their sin, simply because I am so afraid of losing the relationship?

Marcus reflects on today’s Gospel.

Segment 3: Reading Saint Paul in a Time of Synodality (2 segments)

For the last several years, the Church has been focusing on “synodality.” But many Catholics are still unsure of what the term even means, as many Church documents on the topic tend to be bogged down by bureaucratic jargon. Carl Olson turns to the clear writings of St Paul to help cut through the mess.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: What is a Word? (2 segments)

In a post-truth, relativistic era, we can barely agree on what words mean anymore. Furthermore, we can barely agree what a word even is. We explore the nature of language and truth with Steven Rummelsburg.

Segment 2: Florida Lawsuit reignites school choice debate (2 segments)

The state of Florida is threatening to pull over a billion dollars of school choice funds from Catholic schools because those schools refuse to admit unvaccinated children in obedience to the policy of the Florida Catholic Conference. Dan Guernsey walks us through the case.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: Don’t “over-pathologize” your kids

There is a tendency in modern parenting to “over-pathologize” our kids. When issues arise, parents quickly try to resolve the problem with diagnoses and medications. But many times, this is not the best course of treatment. Dr Greg Popcak has more.

Segment 2: Robin Williams: The Tears of a Clown

Today is the anniversary of the death of Robin Williams, who died by suicide in 2014. Starring in films like Aladdin, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Good Morning Vietnam, his voice was woven into the cultural memory for millions. Tragically, the man who brought laughter to so many could not overcome his own tears. Marcus has more.

Segment 3: Let’s Restore a Biblical View of Justice (2 segments)

The American philosopher John Rawls once observed that “Justice is the first virtue of social institutions.” How the world undertakes justice is how it will shape politics. But what is Justice? How can we retrieve a Biblical understanding of it? Dan Philpott joins us.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: The Greatest in Heaven’s Kingdom

In today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, the disciples ask Jesus who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus’ response is key for all of us who want to follow Him. Marcus has more.

Segment 2: Protest Planned Parenthood on Thursday

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners will vote this Thursday, August 13th to give $1.5 million in funding to Planned Parenthood. Monica Miller is planning a protest for that day, and she joins us with the details.

Segment 3: The Sober Wisdom of the American Founding (2 segments)

It’s no surprise that there are daunting moral and cultural ills that plague American democracy in our republic today. But a return to the hope and sober wisdom of our founding can help save us from creeping nihilism. Dr Dan Mahoney has more.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: Confronting the Opioid Crisis (2 segments)

Deaths from opioid overdoses hit record highs in 2021 and 2022, and are now on the decline. But there is still much work to be done. Mike Vasquez has devoted his life to confronting the opioid crisis on a mental, physical, and spiritual front and he joins us with more.

Segment 2: “Stand Firm, Be Strong” – Answering the Call of Catholic Manhood (2 segments)

Fr. Wade Menezes has launched a new podcast called Stand Firm, Be Strong, inspired by his book of the same name. He invites men to answer the call to put on the armor of God for the daily struggles and trials of life. Fr Wade joins us with more.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Segment 1: The Gift of the Diaconate

Today’s feast of St Lawrence is a great opportunity to remember this amazing martyr, and to reflect on the role deacons play in the Church. Marcus has more.

Segment 2: Are Data Centers worth the cost? (2 segments)

As artificial intelligence drives a rapid expansion of energy-hungry data centers across the United States, Catholic environmental advocates are urging lawmakers, technology companies, and consumers to evaluate the industry’s growth through the lens of Catholic social teaching. We look at the issue with Tom Doran.

Segment 3: St. Dominic shows how ideas have consequences

A few days ago we celebrated the great feast of St. Dominic. He was born at a time when Europe had magnificent cathedrals and expanding universities, but was also enduring one of the greatest spiritual crises of the Christian history. And every century is going to discover that ideas have consequences. Marcus has more.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com