Bridge Builder Podcast

What does it mean to advocate for laws and policies that uphold "the common good"? Because we live in a world where society seems to struggle to agree on the real meaning of words, we decided to spend some time digging into this question.

Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau lends us his expertise. He is an assistant professor of moral theology and the current prior of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC. He completed his doctoral dissertation on St. Thomas Aquinas’ doctrine of the common good.

In our mailbag segment, we discuss whether as Catholics we can align ourselves with a particular political party taking into consideration that party platforms often enshrine beliefs that go against Church teaching.

In our bricklayer segment, we discuss ways to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King and how this Church feast relates to our duty to stand up for religious freedom.

For more resources on Christ the King visit http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/christ-the-king/index.cfm

In this week's episode, we're discussing Catholic Social Thought and how we can overcome the divisiveness of the rhetoric in today's public discourse. We speak with Kim Daniels of The Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University.

In the mailbag, we answer a question regarding a recent decrease in the number of refugees that will be allowed into the United States.

In the bricklayer segment we discuss election day and getting to the polls.

Today we are discussing anti-poverty initiatives and ways that advocates are working on to make a difference for the poor including legislation regarding payday lending. Pat Kaiser, of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Twin Cities lends us his insights and expertise on the great work being done by this Catholic group right here in Minnesota.

In our mailbag segment, we discuss the role of the state versus the Church or other private charitable organizations.

In our bricklayer segment, we discuss the importance of preparing for the election and how to find out more details about what is on your ballot.

Dr. Bronwen McShea, an Associate Research Scholar with Princeton University’s James Madison Program and the author of “Apostles of Empire: The Jesuits and New France," shares with us the role of the North American Martyrs/Jesuit missionaries in both colonizing parts of North America for France as well as their role in the spreading of the Gospel.

In our mailbag segment, we answer questions regarding statements that bishops make with regard to specific legislation and policy issues.

In our bricklayer segment, we discuss an easy way that you can learn the ins and outs of what is happening at our State Capitol from the convenience of your own home.

The first Monday of October marks the start of the U.S. Supreme Court’s session. Among the cases being heard this session is Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue. This case examines the question of whether it violates the religion clauses or the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution to invalidate a generally available and religiously neutral student-aid program simply because the program affords students the choice of attending religious schools.

To discuss this case we speak with senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, Michael Bindas. He litigates in courts nationwide to protect freedom of speech, economic liberty, educational choice, and other individual liberties.

In our mailbag segment, we discuss what the word "dignity" actually means. And, we round out the show with the bricklayer segment in which we discuss the concept of "no bill before its time".

Why do some communities thrive while others collapse? Charles Marohn, the founder and president of Strong Towns, helps examine that question bringing his insights into how the built environment plays a role in building strong communities. Charles has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute.

In our mailbag segment, we answer several questions regarding how the MN Catholic Conference decides which policy issues to take positions on at a given time. Then, in our bricklayer segment, we discuss how you can connect with your elected officials this fall by introducing them to your own parish.

In this week's episode we're discussing the importance of interfaith advocacy. We speak with Anne Krisnik, the executive director of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition about how Catholic Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Protestant Christians work together on a number of social justice issues at the Minnesota Capitol.

In our mailbag segment, we answer questions surrounding a possible special session in the Minnesota Legislature. And, in our bricklayer segment, we look at the long-held Catholic tradition of processions and how they factor into bringing our faith into the public square.

Often times in politics we hear about the need to be realistic in regards to what can be accomplished. That there is only a limited horizon of possibilities, and we have to use prudence and recognize that it is a fallen world in which we can only hope for so much. In this episode, Brandon McGinley, a writer for multiple Catholic outlets and an editor for EWTN Publishing, breaks apart those ideas. His recent article, “How grace, not ‘going it alone” will save the world,” looks at these questions of grace and realism and the need for relying on grace in all aspects of life even in political life.

In the mailbag this week we’re tackling questions surrounding the issue of payday lending. Often times you’ll see various payday lending shops in poor neighborhoods. The argument is often made that these lenders are providing people who are in immediate need with the cash they need to help fill in the gap until their next paycheck.

Why then is there a need to regulate this practice? If you take away this option for people aren’t we just harming those who are in need? How is payday lending harmful to the common good and why is the Church taking a stand on the issue?

We round out the episode with our bricklayer segment - practical tips on how you can begin to build bridges to connect faith and politics, This week we look at one way to get a singular message out by rallying large numbers of people.

In this week's episode of the Bridge Builder we speak with Dr. Stephen Krason, a professor of political science and legal studies and Associate Director of the Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Dr. Krason discusses his recent article, "Time for a non-feminist reappraisal of the role of women," which appeared in his column “Neither Left nor Right, but Catholic”. His columns are published monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) in Crisis Magazine.

In our mailbag segment, we look at how you can be most effective in contacting your legislators when advocating for or against any particular issue.

And, we round out the show with our Bricklayer segment. In this segment, we delve into Pope Francis' message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees. We also provide you with some great ideas on how to mark this day that is celebrated throughout the global Church on September 29th.

In this episode of the Bridge Builder, we're talking about Catholicism and nationalism. Are these two things at odds, or can one be a good Catholic and hold a strong patriotism for one's country. We speak with Dr. William Cavanaugh a professor of Catholic Studies at DePaul University and director of the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology.

In this week's mailbag segment we are addressing the issue of legalizing recreational marijuana use, why the Minnesota bishops have come out in opposition to legalization, and what it could also mean to decriminalize the recreational use of marijuana.

We round out this episode with the bricklayer segment. This week we have an opportunity for you to make your presence speak out against assisted suicide and promote real care throughout life's journey.