As the new year approaches, Father Dave welcomes Father Mark-Mary Ames to discuss a new resource to help you grow closer to Christ through the Blessed Mother in 2025. Father Mark-Mary is the Director of Communications and the Director of Priestly Studies of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and the host of the upcoming “The Rosary in a Year” podcast from Ascension.

The holiday season is often a time of joy, but it can also highlight grief in our lives. To help families who are facing loss, Father Dave welcomes back Anthony DeStefano to discuss his new children’s book, “Christmas in Heaven.”

Advent is a time to reflect on the incarnation, and Father Dave welcomes Catholic director D.J. Caruso to discuss his new Netflix film “Mary” all about the Blessed Mother. The film stars young Israeli actors as Mary and Joseph, as well as two-time Academy Award Winner Anthony Hopkins as King Herod.

A listener named Matt asks Father Dave about an upcoming Marian solemnity. He says, “Why is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception moved from December 8 to December 9 [this year]?”

There is a lot to celebrate during the holiday season, and Father Dave welcomes Steffani Aquila to help us better honor Catholic feasts in our homes all year. Steffani is founder of Liturgy Culture and Kitchen by His Girl Sunday, an online space inspiring Catholic culture and liturgical living in the home and parish. Her new book is called “Festive Faith: Catholic Celebrations Through the Year and Around the World.”

Since its Broadway debut 21 years ago, the musical “Wicked” has transported audiences to Oz for a nuanced story about good, evil, and human nature. As part one of the movie adaptation arrives in theaters, Father Dave welcomes acclaimed Hollywood director Jon M. Chu. In addition to “Wicked,” he is known for directing visually ambitious blockbuster event films, such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights.”

A listener named Kay asks Fr. Dave, “How does the Church want one to complete an advanced directive?”

As we look forward to Advent and Christmas, Father Dave welcomes Rebecca and Stephen Grabill to talk about how to live out these seasons in your home. They share ideas for liturgical living in their new book, “The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent & the Twelve Days of Christmas.”

An anonymous listener asks Father Dave, “What does the Bible say about reincarnation?

While discussing Father Dave’s duties as First Consultor for the Paulist Fathers, Father Dave, Brett, and Krista talk about handling the more mundane moments of one’s vocation.