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 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.

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.

In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Rob and Fr. George discuss 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.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed some of their thoughts about homilies at Mass and how we are to respond to them. They first offer advice to priests and deacons. When writing a homily, a priest or deacon should keep in mind what they want to say. What is the big take away the congregation should have? The next advice for preachers is to be oneself. Authenticity helps the life of Christ shine through the preacher.

They then offer advice for the congregation. There’s a temptation to call anything good or bad. There lacks the nuance in those situations. Fr. Rob and Fr. George suggest that if we struggle to understand what the priest says in the homily, we should go to the priest and ask him to clarify. We must approach all these situations with charity and assume the most positive intent.

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 some of their thoughts about homilies at Mass and how we are to respond to them. They first offer advice to priests and deacons. When writing a homily, a priest or deacon should keep in mind what they want to say. What is the big take away the congregation should have? The next advice for preachers is to be oneself. Authenticity helps the life of Christ shine through the preacher.

They then offer advice for the congregation. There's a temptation to call anything good or bad. There lacks the nuance in those situations. Fr. Rob and Fr. George suggest that if we struggle to understand what the priest says in the homily, we should go to the priest and ask him to clarify. We must approach all these situations with charity and assume the most positive intent.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed short visits to the Eucharist in our routine. Some people may struggle to do a Holy Hour. This sometimes feels daunting and unattainable. However, Fr. Rob and Fr. George encourage us to make short and simple visits to the Blessed Sacrament on a regular basis. These visits can be five minutes or less and include simple memorized prayers and a spiritual communion. Incorporating this into our routines will increase our Eucharistic devotion and love for our Lord.

We could pass a Church on our way to our work regularly. What if we went inside and said an Our Father and continued on our way? This simple gesture done regularly will have immense positive impacts on our spiritual life and draw us closer to Christ in the Eucharist. Then, if we have the time, we can go to Eucharistic Adoration.

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 short visits to the Eucharist in our routine. Some people may struggle to do a Holy Hour. This sometimes feels daunting and unattainable. However, Fr. Rob and Fr. George encourage us to make short and simple visits to the Blessed Sacrament on a regular basis. These visits can be five minutes or less and include simple memorized prayers and a spiritual communion. Incorporating this into our routines will increase our Eucharistic devotion and love for our Lord.

We could pass a Church on our way to our work regularly. What if we went inside and said an Our Father and continued on our way? This simple gesture done regularly will have immense positive impacts on our spiritual life and draw us closer to Christ in the Eucharist. Then, if we have the time, we can go to Eucharistic Adoration.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed the use of veils in Church. Many are familiar with the veils that some women wear during Mass. Fr. Rob points out that it is more popular in his parish recently. He, then, infers that it is a more common trend in the Church as a whole. Fr. Rob and Fr. George discuss veils and why some may choose to wear them or not.

St. Paul wrote that women should veil themselves during Mass. Since the Second Vatican Council, veils have lost popularity and only recently regained popularity. There are some who advocate that veils should become a requirement and others who do not want to see them. Fr. Rob and Fr. George take the middle ground. They offer the advice that should a veil aid a woman in prayer and to assist at Mass, then they could wear one. However, if a veil becomes a distraction to prayer, then maybe it is not the best choice.

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 use of veils in Church. Many are familiar with the veils that some women wear during Mass. Fr. Rob points out that it is more popular in his parish recently. He, then, infers that it is a more common trend in the Church as a whole. Fr. Rob and Fr. George discuss veils and why some may choose to wear them or not.

St. Paul wrote that women should veil themselves during Mass. Since the Second Vatican Council, veils have lost popularity and only recently regained popularity. There are some who advocate that veils should become a requirement and others who do not want to see them. Fr. Rob and Fr. George take the middle ground. They offer the advice that should a veil aid a woman in prayer and to assist at Mass, then they could wear one. However, if a veil becomes a distraction to prayer, then maybe it is not the best choice.

Listen to the previous episode where. Fr. Rob, Fr. George, discussed Mary’s proper role in the Catholic Faith and our faith lives. It seems like the median between two extremes comes up again here. In order for us to come to Christ through Mary’s intercession, we must properly understand her role and the role of the persons of the Trinity. Fr. Rob shares two opposing extremes of how people view Mary and how we are to understand properly.

On the one hand, one misunderstanding: Mary does not have a significant role. On the other hand, Mary’s role is everything. We must understand that Mary is significant, but her role in the Faith is not our end, but to bring us to God, the true end. We should see Mary as a mother who prays for us and we confide in. Understanding this rightly, helps our devotion to Mary and she prays for our growth in holiness. Through her prayers and the movements of the Holy Spirit, we know Jesus more and grow in holiness.

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.