In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George to discuss some traditions one can incorporate this Advent to help prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas. Fr. Rob says we first need an Advent Wreath and we must secondly light it. Advent symbolizes the darkness of the world before Jesus' coming. In the northern hemisphere, this time of year is also the darkest. By lighting our Advent wreath, we are expressing our hope for the coming of Christ who dispels all darkness. As Christmas approaches we light more candles. Next, Fr. Rob and Fr. George emphasize a Marian devotion because Mary embodies perfectly the anticipation of Christ and a complete giving of herself. They suggest honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast day, December 12th with a bouquet of flowers.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed The Three Comings of Christ to reflect on during Advent. The three comings of Christ are: 1) Christ’s birth at Christmas, 2) Christ’s coming into our hearts and souls every day, and 3) Christ’s coming at our death and at the end of time. Advents preparation for Christmas plainly understood.

Even Christ’s coming at our death and at the end of time is easily understood in context of the readings and practices. Christ who comes into our hearts and souls on a daily basis need to be understood better. This requires a true spirit of repentance that our faith and the Advent season calls us to. What separates us from allowing Christ to enter our hearts is our own sin. Fr. Rob and Fr. George encourage all their listeners to take up penitential practices this lent to allow Christ to enter our hearts more fully.

Order your copy of Why Christians Can Wear Pants here, Fr. Conrad’s book about the Papacy, inspired by Habemus Papam podcast.

Listen to the Habemus Papam Podcast here.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George to discuss The Three Comings of Christ to reflect on during Advent. The three comings of Christ are: 1) Christ's birth at Christmas, 2) Christ's coming into our hearts and souls every day, and 3) Christ's coming at our death and at the end of time. Advent as a preparation for Christmas is plainly understood.

Even Christ's coming at our death and at the end of time is easily understood in context of the readings and practices. Christ who comes into our hearts and souls on a daily basis need to be understood better. This requires a true spirit of repentance that our faith and the Advent season calls us to. What separates us from allowing Christ to enter our hearts is our own sin. Fr. Rob and Fr. George encourage all their listeners to take up penitential practices this lent to allow Christ to enter our hearts more fully.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed some tips and things to be aware of when having conversations about sensitive issues. Prudence is a key virtue in this regard. Firstly, it’s important to discern if the topic in question is a topic we are qualified to address. If we chime in just so our voices are heard, we should do some deeper reflection into our motives. We want to be authoritative on the subject.

Secondly, using prudence to determine our timing. There are certain issues that may always be difficult to broach, but having the correct timing helps mitigate negative responses and helps form a charitable conversation built upon our eternal salvation. Then, finally, not allowing our anger take hold. Sometimes we can grow angry with a conversation and being aware of that can inform how to best move forward. Fr. Rob and Fr. George offer more concrete advise and tips. Through all these steps, one needs prudence.

Order your copy of Why Christians Can Wear Pants here, Fr. Conrad’s book about the Papacy, inspired by Habemus Papam podcast.

Listen to the Habemus Papam Podcast here.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast, Fr. Rob and Fr. George Elliot discuss how the season of Advent is a preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ. One means of preparation for the Solemnity could be to practice fasting. Fr. Rob makes the distinction between the East's and West's view of fasting. St. Basil gave advice for those who are fasting and someone prepares a meal for them. He advises that the person should eat what is in from of them, but not eat to their fill.

In the western churches, fasting is viewed as a penance for our sins or a kind of sorrow to make up for what faults we've done. In the East, the emphasis is more so on that fasting is a preparation to partake in the Heavenly mysteries. Fasting should also be accompanied with prayer and almsgiving. What small thing can we add to our spiritual daily routine to help our relationship with Christ during Advent to help us prepare for his birth?

Listen to the previous episode where Fr. Rob and Fr. George Elliot discussed some tips and things to be aware of when having conversations about sensitive issues. Prudence is a key virtue in this regard. Firstly, it’s important to discern if the topic in question is a topic we are qualified to address. If we chime in just so our voices are heard, we should do some deeper reflection into our motives. We want to be authoritative on the subject. Secondly, using prudence to determine our timing. There are certain issues that may always be difficult to broach, but having the correct timing helps mitigate negative responses and helps form a charitable conversation built upon our eternal salvation. Then, finally, not allowing our anger take hold. Sometimes we can grow angry with a conversation and being aware of that can inform how to best move forward. Fr. Rob and Fr. George offer more concrete advise and tips. Through all these steps, one needs prudence.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George to discuss some tips and things to be aware of when having conversations about sensitive issues. Prudence is a key virtue in this regard. Firstly, it's important to discern if the topic in question is a topic we are qualified to address. If we chime in just so our voices are heard, we should do some deeper reflection into our motives. We want to be authoritative on the subject. Secondly, using prudence to determine our timing. There are certain issues that may always be difficult to broach, but having the correct timing helps mitigate negative responses and helps form a charitable conversation built upon our eternal salvation. Then, finally, not allowing our anger take hold. Sometimes we can grow angry with a conversation and being aware of that can inform how to best move forward. Fr. Rob and Fr. George offer more concrete advise and tips. Through all these steps, one needs prudence.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed the connection between our mental health and spirituality. Once again we have the tension to hold two seemingly conflicting things. As Catholics, we understand that the human person is a union of body and soul. We must have mental health to take care of body and spirituality to take care of our soul. These two are also connected. If we create habits that deteriorate our cognitive abilities, then our soul has a diminished intellect to operate with. We should approach mental health issues holistically, taking into account the whole person. This means that we factor in both bodily irregularities and spiritual factors. If someone’s brain is in excess or defect of a key chemical, then seeing a medical professional for help may be helpful. Dismissing the body for only the spiritual remedies is not a prudent way to approach it. Fr. Rob and Fr. George offer key insights into a right relationship between mental health and spirituality.

Order your copy of Why Christians Can Wear Pants here, Fr. Conrad's book about the Papacy, inspired by Habemus Papam podcast.

Listen to the Habemus Papam Podcast here.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

The Catholic Institute of Technology sponsors this episode. The Catholic Institute of Technology is an American university located in the scenic Alban Hills of Castel Gandolfo, CatholicTech is a leading institution for scientific research and technical education. As a community of saints, scholars, and scientists, we are uniquely positioned to serve the Church and society.

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George to discuss the connection between our mental health and spirituality. Once again we have the tension to hold two seemingly conflicting things. As Catholics, we understand that the human person is a union of body and soul. We must have mental health to take care of body and spirituality to take care of our soul. These two are also connected. If we create habits that deteriorate our cognitive abilities, then our soul has a diminished intellect to operate with. We should approach mental health issues holistically, taking into account the whole person. This means that we factor in both bodily irregularities and spiritual factors. If someone's brain is in excess or defect of a key chemical, then seeing a medical professional for help may be helpful. Dismissing the body for only the spiritual remedies is not a prudent way to approach it. Fr. Rob and Fr. George offer key insights into a right relationship between mental health and spirituality.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed his new book Why Catholics Can Wear Pants: Spiritual Lessons from Strange Stories in Papal History. This new book is the product of Fr. Murphy’s podcast project. Over the course of six years, Fr. Murphy created short podcast biographies for each pope in chronological order. This book compiles some of the best stories he learned and how we grow closer to Christ in light of these stories. These stories include a pope’s statement on whether Christians can wear pants.

Order your copy of Why Christians Can Wear Pants here.

Listen to the Habemus Papam Podcast here.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

The Catholic Institute of Technology sponsors this episode. The Catholic Institute of Technology is an American university located in the scenic Alban Hills of Castel Gandolfo, CatholicTech is a leading institution for scientific research and technical education. As a community of saints, scholars, and scientists, we are uniquely positioned to serve the Church and society.

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Conrad Murphy, host of the Habemus Papam podcast, joins Fr. Rob and Fr. George to discuss his new book Why Christians Can Wear Pants: Spiritual Lessons from Strange Stories in Papal History. This new book is the product of Fr. Murphy's podcast project. Over the course of six years, Fr. Murphy created short podcast biographies for each pope in chronological order. This book compiles some of the best stories he learned and how we grow closer to Christ in light of these stories. These stories include a pope's statement on whether Christians can wear pants.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed a Christians relationship to modern day celebrations of Halloween. Halloween originally, and still is, a day of observation of All Saints Day, originally known as All Hallow’s Eve. In modern observations of Halloween, debates of the morality of the celebration arose. Fr. Rob and Fr. George address some best practices for Christians as they observe Halloween. With all things in the Catholic Church, Fr. Rob emphasizes holding the two extremes in tension. There are aspects of Halloween that are good and others that can mislead someone into sinful behaviors. For the Christian, it is our responsibility to discern the aspects that bring us closer to God and those that do not.

Order your copy of Why Christians Can Wear Pants here.

Listen to the Habemus Papam Podcast here.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

The Catholic Institute of Technology sponsors this episode. The Catholic Institute of Technology is an American university located in the scenic Alban Hills of Castel Gandolfo, CatholicTech is a leading institution for scientific research and technical education. As a community of saints, scholars, and scientists, we are uniquely positioned to serve the Church and society.

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George discuss a Christians relationship to modern day celebrations of Halloween. Halloween originally, and still is, a day of observation of All Saints Day, originally known as All Hallow's Eve. In modern observations of Halloween, debates of the morality of the celebration arose. Fr. Rob and Fr. George address some best practices for Christians as they observe Halloween. With all things in the Catholic Church, Fr. Rob emphasizes holding the two extremes in tension. There are aspects of Halloween that are good and others that can mislead someone into sinful behaviors. For the Christian, it is our responsibility to discern the aspects that bring us closer to God and those that do not.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed the Synod on Synodality and how we ought be governed. Right now, the Church engages in the second phase of the Synod on Synodality. There are three works of the Church in our world: sanctification, governance, and teaching. The Church holds these three works in tension to successfully fulfill Christ’s mission. As the Church operates, it implicitly teaches about how God the Father’s relationship is with us.

Part of the Church’s role shepherds the people to the greener pastures. The Synod shows us that the laity share in governance and can approach their pastors to provide input into decisions and direction of the parish. Laity, in turn, called to follow their pastor’s decision and trust them as representatives of Christ.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

The Catholic Institute of Technology sponsors this episode. The Catholic Institute of Technology is an American university located in the scenic Alban Hills of Castel Gandolfo, CatholicTech is a leading institution for scientific research and technical education. As a community of saints, scholars, and scientists, we are uniquely positioned to serve the Church and society.

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George discuss the Synod on Synodality and how we ought to be governed. Right now, the Church engages in the second phase of the Synod on Synodality. There are three works of the Church in our world: sanctification, governance, and teaching. The Church holds these three works in tension to successfully fulfill Christ's mission. As the Church operates, it implicitly teaches about how God the Father's relationship is with us.

Part of the Church's role shepherds the people to the greener pastures. The Synod shows us that the laity share in governance and can approach their pastors to provide input into decisions and direction of the parish. Laity, in turn, are called to follow their pastor's decision and trust them as representatives of Christ.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed what idle talk is and how it can harm us and our relationship with God. As Catholics, we believe words have power: e.g. the Word became flesh, God’s word, etc. Today’s discussion reflects on James 1:26 that states, “If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.” Gossip and idle talk are distinct. Gossip involves harming the reputation of another. Idle talk does not have an aim and can harm the speaker. It’s easy to let our tongue go free and do harm.

Fr. Rob offers three questions to bring into one’s evening examen that focuses on our speech:

The next time we go to speak, let’s reflect on the content and the motives of our speak. We can turn our attention away from ourselves and more on the other and on higher goods.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

The Catholic Institute of Technology sponsors this episode. The Catholic Institute of Technology is an American university located in the scenic Alban Hills of Castel Gandolfo, CatholicTech is a leading institution for scientific research and technical education. As a community of saints, scholars, and scientists, we are uniquely positioned to serve the Church and society.

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George discuss what idle talk is and how it can harm us and our relationship with God. As Catholics, we believe words have power: e.g. the Word became flesh, God's word, etc. Today's discussion reflects on James 1:26 that states, "If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless." Gossip and idle talk are distinct. Gossip involves harming the reputation of another. Idle talk does not have an aim and can harm the speaker. Speech is generally one of the least controlled parts of our lives. It's easy to let our tongue go free and do harm.

Fr. Rob offers three questions to bring into one's evening examen that focuses on our speech:

The next time we go to speak, let's reflect on the content and the motives of our speak. We can turn our attention away from ourselves and more on the other and on higher goods.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed the importance of creating a sacred space for prayer and contemplation. We know that each space has a certain vibe. The decorations in the space generate the vibe and put us in a specific mindset. The same is true for our prayer. To have a space dedicated to prayer that has sacred images puts us in the proper mindset. These images and spaces remind us of who we are and what we want to be: namely, saints. Fr. Rob and Fr. George assemble a list of possible things to include in your sacred space: 1) a crucifix, 2) blessed candles, 3) an image of Mary, and 4) some form of incense. These elements will create a space to help us pray and contemplate more fully.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

The Catholic Institute of Technology sponsors this episode. The Catholic Institute of Technology is an American university located in the scenic Alban Hills of Castel Gandolfo, CatholicTech is a leading institution for scientific research and technical education. As a community of saints, scholars, and scientists, we are uniquely positioned to serve the Church and society.

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George discuss the importance of creating a sacred space for prayer and contemplation. We know that each space has a certain vibe. The decorations in the space generate the vibe and put us in a specific mindset. The same is true for our prayer. To have a space dedicated to prayer that has sacred images puts us in the proper mindset. These images and spaces remind us of who we are and what we want to be: namely, saints. Fr. Rob and Fr. George assemble a list of possible things to include in your sacred space: 1) a crucifix, 2) blessed candles, 3) an image of Mary, and 4) some form of incense. These elements will create a space to help us pray and contemplate more fully.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed the recent comment of Pope Francis that says that all religions are pathways to God. Some people were upset at this comment, but fail to recognize the tradition of the Catholic Church in this area. Fr. George appeals to the Early Church Fathers where they encountered non-Christian cultures and had to evangelize to them from a blank slate. He references St. Justin Martyr who studied philosophy and later converted to Catholicism. St. Justin said that Catholicism is the true philosophy and that other philosophies and religion have seeds of Catholicism in them. Those seeds of truth when nurtured grow and allow an individual to encounter the full truth in Catholicism.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father unless through Jesus. So whenever someone raises their heart to God in prayer they come to the Father through Jesus, consciously or unconsciously. Regardless of where someone is in their faith journey, it is Jesus who is leading them to himself. This is not to say all religions are equal. All religions have some rays of truth, but the fullest experience of truth is in the Catholic Church.

To listen to more Catholic Link podcasts, click here.

View the Catholic Link YouTube page here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholiclink…

The Catholic Institute of Technology sponsors this episode. The Catholic Institute of Technology is an American university located in the scenic Alban Hills of Castel Gandolfo, CatholicTech is a leading institution for scientific research and technical education. As a community of saints, scholars, and scientists, we are uniquely positioned to serve the Church and society.