In this episode of "The Church Says: Weekly with Fr. Rob," we dive deep into the sensitive and often stigmatized topic of suicide. Father Rob shares personal stories from his own life, highlighting the profound impact of mental health struggles and the importance of reaching out for help. He emphasizes that suicide doesn't only affect the individual but ripples through families and communities, urging listeners to find strength in vulnerability and connection. With compassion and empathy, Father Rob reminds us that, even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and support available.

Key Highlights:

Understanding Suicide

• Father Rob introduces the episode with a candid acknowledgment of the stigma surrounding suicide and encourages listeners to find hope amid despair.

The Church's Stance

• A discussion on how the Catholic Church views death and suicide, acknowledging its complexities and the potential for support despite existing biases.

Personal Reflection on Pain

• Father Rob shares his personal journey with addiction and violence, illustrating how feelings of loneliness and emptiness can lead individuals to dark places.

Reaching Out for Help

• Emphasizing the importance of reaching out to others in times of struggle, Father Rob encourages listeners to see vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.

Finding Hope in Darkness

• The episode concludes with a message of hope, reminding listeners that even in moments of desperation, memories of love and support can reignite the desire to seek happiness and healing.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

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Father Rob Galea focuses on addressing sensitive but significant topics, particularly about masturbation and its moral implications in this episode. He discusses how the Church views masturbation, lust, and pornography, and the spiritual consequences of these behaviors. He emphasizes that despite the struggles, God has provided us with the power to control our actions and the grace to overcome sinful habits. The episode also touches on the difference between love and lust, and how God's design for our sexuality is inherently good but can be distorted when used for selfish pleasure.

Key Highlights:

Understanding Shame Around Pornography and Masturbation

• Father Rob explores why people often feel shame when discussing or engaging in activities related to pornography and masturbation, and why these topics, though uncomfortable, need to be addressed openly.

The Church's Stance on Masturbation as a Sin

• Father Rob explains the Church's position on masturbation, clarifying that it is considered grave matter and can lead to mortal sin, especially if it's habitual or addictive.

The Distinction Between Love and Lust

• Love is self-giving, while lust is self-serving. Father Rob underscores the importance of understanding this distinction, emphasizing that lust is the opposite of true love.

The Power of Self-Control

• Despite natural sexual desires, Father Rob encourages listeners to recognize their power to say no, emphasizing the role of willpower and grace in overcoming sinful habits.

Practical Steps to Overcome Addiction

• Father Rob provides actionable steps to maintain purity of heart, such as monitoring what we feed our minds and being mindful of the media we consume.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

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ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

In this episode, Father Rob Galea explores the intersection of gaming and faith, delving into the spiritual lessons embedded in gaming experiences. He discusses how gaming reflects real-life challenges, community, and identity, while also highlighting the importance of balance, purpose, and discernment in our gaming habits. Through gaming, individuals can find ways to connect spiritually, but he cautions about spending too much time in virtual spaces and encourages boundaries and intentionality.

Key Highlights:

Gaming as a Spiritual Journey

• Gaming mirrors real-life struggles and triumphs, offering players mentors, much like God, who guide them through challenges and help them grow in resilience and faith.

Community in Virtual Worlds

• Gaming fosters a sense of community, connecting people globally during isolation, similar to how faith brings people together. However, it’s vital to be mindful of the conversations and the community we engage with.

Identity and Role-Playing

• Games offer an opportunity for self-expression and discovery through avatars, allowing players to embody different roles. This can be a good outlet for exploring one's identity, but it also requires balance to avoid disconnecting from reality.

The Search for Purpose

• Many games revolve around quests that give players a sense of purpose, echoing the innate human desire for meaning in life. This mirrors our deeper need for a purpose rooted in faith.

Beauty and Gaming

• The stunning visuals in some games tap into our longing for beauty and transcendence, reflecting God’s own beauty and creativity, which resonates with our spiritual desires.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

In this episode, Fr. Rob takes on the complex and sensitive topic of transgenderism, offering a faith-based perspective on the struggles surrounding gender identity. He explores how society’s growing acceptance of non-binary gender expressions contrasts with the Church’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s truth in understanding our identities. Fr. Rob touches on themes of love, compassion, and truth, while also addressing the confusion many experience regarding gender dysphoria. He reminds listeners of the Church’s role in offering love and guidance without compromising the teachings of Christ.

Key Highlights:

Introducing Transgenderism and Gender Dysphoria

• Fr. Rob opens the conversation by explaining the rise of transgender identity and gender dysphoria in today’s society and how it relates to personal and social constructs.

Separating Sexuality from Purpose

• A key issue identified is the separation of sexuality from its original purpose in God’s design, emphasizing how this confusion fuels societal debates around identity.

Medical Industry's Role in Gender Transitioning

• Fr. Rob discusses the role of the medical industry and its potential profit-driven motivations in promoting gender transitions, leading to lifelong patients.

Government Influence on Identity and Family

• The episode covers how governments may influence individuals’ identities by encouraging separation from family values and reliance on institutional support.

The Role of the Church in Upholding Truth with Compassion

• Fr. Rob underscores the Church’s responsibility to speak the truth in love, welcoming and walking with transgender individuals without compromising Biblical teachings.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

In this episode of The Church Says, Father Rob Galea opens up about his personal struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol, offering hope and practical advice to those facing similar battles. With honesty and vulnerability, Father Rob shares how he transformed his life through faith, prayer, and accountability, replacing destructive habits with life-giving ones. The episode provides guidance on how to overcome addiction by seeking help from Jesus, supportive individuals, and avoiding harmful environments.

Key Highlights:

Father Rob's Personal Battle with Addiction

• Father Rob shares his experience with drug and alcohol addiction as a teenager and how it led him to a dark place.

The Importance of Prayer in Overcoming Addiction

• Prayer is the first step to healing, as Father Rob explains the power of turning to Jesus when feeling helpless.

Accountability: Seeking Help from Others

• Father Rob emphasizes the need for accountability, encouraging listeners to reach out to a priest, counselor, or trusted person for support.

Changing Your Environment to Break Free

• The episode highlights the importance of staying away from environments and people that trigger addiction.

Finding Hope and Freedom in Christ

• Father Rob reminds viewers that God calls everyone to freedom and that with His help, overcoming addiction is possible.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

In this episode, we delve into the Church’s perspective on contraception, exploring its theological and practical implications. Fr. Rob Galea guides us through the reasons behind the Church’s stance, emphasizing the belief that contraception interferes with the natural gifts of unity and procreation in marriage. We also discuss the Church's endorsement of natural family planning as a morally acceptable alternative and address common questions about how to navigate difficult situations where contraception might seem like the only option.

Key Highlights:

Understanding the Church’s View on Contraception

• Fr. Rob discusses why the Church opposes contraception, focusing on its belief that it blocks the gift of life and unity within marriage.

The Gift of Sexual Union and Procreation

• A deep dive into the dual purposes of sexual intimacy in marriage: unity and procreation, and how contraception can impact these gifts.

Natural Family Planning vs. Contraception

• Fr. Rob explains natural family planning as an alternative to contraception, highlighting how it respects the natural cycle and maintains openness to life.

Addressing Health Concerns and Moral Dilemmas

• The discussion covers how to handle situations where contraception might be used for health reasons, balancing moral considerations with practical needs.

Exploring Moral Choices and Generosity

• Fr. Rob addresses the concept of “my body, my choice” and emphasizes the importance of generosity and trust in God within the marital act.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

In this episode, Fr. Rob delves into the topic of racism, exploring its roots, impact, and the Christian response to combating it. The discussion highlights the biblical teachings on love and respect, practical steps for addressing racism, and the importance of seeing Jesus in all people. Fr. Rob emphasizes that racism is both a social and spiritual issue that requires active engagement, prayer, and a commitment to equality and understanding.

Key Highlights:

Biblical Teachings on Respect

• A discussion on how the Bible teaches us to treat others with love and respect, and how this can address issues of racism.

The Spiritual Nature of Racism

• Fr. Rob emphasizes that racism is a sin and a spiritual issue that destroys communities and divides people.

Practical Steps to Combat Racism

• Fr. Rob outlines three actionable steps for Christians: speaking out against racism, recognizing Jesus in all people, and praying for unity and justice.

Institutional Racism and Historical Context

• An examination of racism within church institutions and the concept of generational sin, with a focus on breaking the cycle of injustice through prayer and proactive measures.

Handling Racial Stereotypes

• A discussion on distinguishing between humorous and offensive racial stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity and respect.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

In this episode, Father Rob Galea delves into the Catholic perspective on the refugee crisis, exploring the tension between the biblical call to welcome the stranger and the practical challenges faced by individuals and governments. He reflects on the moral obligations of the faithful to extend compassion while balancing the need for security. Through scripture, personal insights, and real-world examples, Father Rob encourages listeners to examine their own responses to this pressing issue and challenges them to embrace discomfort in the service of helping others.

Key Highlights:

Biblical Teachings on Welcoming Strangers

• A discussion of key biblical passages that highlight the call to welcome and care for refugees, grounding the conversation in scripture.

Balancing Compassion with Practicality

• Father Rob addresses the challenges of implementing these teachings in today's complex world, acknowledging the tension between compassion and the need for security.

Personal Reflections and Real-World Examples

•  Insights from Father Rob's experiences and contemporary examples illustrate the difficulties and importance of living out the Church’s call to support refugees.

Embracing Discomfort for the Sake of Others

• Father Rob challenges listeners to reflect on their own willingness to step out of their comfort zones and make sacrifices to aid those in need, encouraging a faith-driven response to the refugee crisis.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the occult in this week's episode of "Church Says WKLY with Fr. Rob." We delve into what the occult truly entails and why it can lead us away from God's path. Father Rob Galea guides us through understanding how seemingly innocent practices can have deeper spiritual implications.

Key Highlights:

Defining the Occult

• Father Rob defines the occult, explaining its supernatural aspects and spiritual consequences.

Spiritual Dangers

• Discussion on the spiritual dangers of engaging in occult practices and how they can lead one away from God.

Why Avoid the Occult?

• Father Rob explores God's call to avoid the occult, emphasizing its contradiction to God's plan for us.

Personal Testimony

• Father Rob shares a personal encounter involving occult objects and spiritual disturbances in a parishioner's home.

Practical Steps

• Practical advice on recognizing and stepping away from occult influences, trusting in God's protection.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/

Welcome to Episode 3 of "Church Says WKLY with Fr. Rob," where we dive deep into the complexities of contemporary issues through the lens of Church teachings. In this episode, Father Rob Galea explores the nuanced topics of chastity, celibacy, and the role of sexuality in today's society.

Key Highlights:

Exploring Chastity

• Father Rob discusses the relevance of chastity and abstinence in modern society, challenging outdated perceptions.

Physical and Spiritual Health

• Emphasizing the importance of exercise in managing temptations and maintaining overall well-being.

The Theology of the Body

• Drawing from Pope John Paul II's teachings, Father Rob discusses the goodness of human sexuality.

Practical Guidance

• Father Rob provides practical advice on prayer, self-awareness, communication in relationships, and accountability.

Marriage and Chastity

• Exploring the sacramental aspect of marriage and how chastity within it fosters emotional and spiritual unity.

Freedom in Chastity

• Father Rob discusses true freedom in choosing love over lust and the dignity of human sexuality.

Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest and a passionate advocate for faith-based discussions on contemporary issues. Through “Church Says: WKLY with Fr. Rob”, he aims to provide clarity and understanding of Church teachings while fostering an inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

ICON Ministry: https://www.iconministry.com/

Fr. Rob Galea: https://www.frrobgalea.com/