Good Distinctions

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Summary of the Episode:

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Thomas Quackenbush of Floriani about Sacred Music. They discuss the search for ancient Hebrew music, the expansiveness of Sacred Music, the blending of Eastern and Western sacred music, and the challenges of integrating liturgical music. They also explore the importance of rediscovering Roman sacred music, the influence of publishing houses on sacred music, and the church's careful reasoning on the subject. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the distinction between liturgical and devotional music and the delight of God in sacred music. This conversation explores the importance of chant in the liturgy and the role of music in the Mass. It emphasizes the primacy of words in chant and the elevation and prolongation of the word through singing. 

The conversation also delves into the challenge of helping people understand the concept of time and place in the liturgy and the different expressions of chant in different parishes. It highlights the need to present integrated and beautiful liturgical experiences to help people appreciate the beauty of sacred music. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the fruits of good sacred music and the importance of active participation in the Mass. The conversation explores the importance of continuity in liturgical experience and the role of sacred music in drawing people into the liturgical mysteries. Floriani's mission is to assist in singing the Mass and to glorify God and sanctify the people through sacred music. Listeners are encouraged to support Floriani's work through donations and to participate in upcoming events and releases. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of Floriani's music on liturgical celebrations, emphasizing the beauty and power of the treasury of sacred music of the Church.

Takeaways

* Sacred music spans a wide range of styles and traditions, from ancient Hebrew chants to contemporary hymns.

* Appreciating Eastern and Western sacred music without an inauthentic blending can be a challenge, but it can also lead to a deeper appreciation of the richness of the liturgy.

* The church has provided clear guidelines and teachings on sacred music, emphasizing its importance in the liturgy and its ability to glorify God and sanctify the faithful.

* There is a growing movement towards rediscovering and promoting authentic Roman sacred music, rooted in tradition and faithful to the teachings of the church.

* The distinction between liturgical and devotional music is important, with liturgical music being the expression of the words given by the church for the liturgy, while devotional music is an expression of personal prayer and worship.

Chapters

* 00:29: Thomas Quackenbush's Background

* 03:10: The Search for Ancient Hebrew Music

* 07:21: The Expansiveness of Sacred Music

* 08:39: Defining Sacred Music

* 10:19: The Development of Sacred Music

* 12:59: Blending Eastern and Western Sacred Music

* 14:59: The Challenges of Blending Liturgical Music

* 18:39: Rediscovering Roman Sacred Music

* 21:16: The Importance of Integrated Sacred Arts

* 23:56: Personal Experience with Sacred Music

* 27:20: The Influence of Publishing Houses on Sacred Music

* 32:19: The Church's Careful Reasoning on Sacred Music

* 35:12: The Shift Towards Authentic Sacred Music

* 39:17: The Distinction Between Liturgical and Devotional Music

* 41:33: The Delight of God in Sacred Music

* 42:28: Understanding the Primacy of Words in Chant

* 43:15: The Elevation and Prolongation of the Word

* 44:13: Helping People Understand the Importance of Time and Place

* 45:32: Different Expressions of Chant in Different Parishes

* 48:54: Presenting Integrated and Beautiful Liturgical Experiences

* 53:59: The Fruits of Good Sacred Music

* 57:19: Defining Active Participation

* 01:00:04: The Middle Ground of the Mass

* 01:01:01: The Mass as the Whole Paschal Mystery

* 01:04:00: The Development of Sacred Music

* 01:06:04: Making Gradual Changes in Music Selection

* 01:09:18: The Permissibility of the Organ and the Piano

* 01:15:22: The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Rhythmic Instruments

* 01:18:27: The Role of the Local Ordinary in Determining Liturgical Standards

* 01:20:14: The Supportive Role of the Organ in Singing

* 01:21:56: The Importance of Continuity in Liturgical Experience

* 01:23:09: Floriani's Mission to Assist in Singing the Mass

* 01:24:08: Supporting Floriani's Work

* 01:24:33: Upcoming Events and Releases

* 01:26:31: The Impact of Floriani's Music on Liturgy

🔗 Floriani: Revitalizing Sacred Music in America:

* Floriani’s Website

* Floriani’s YouTube Page

* Floriani Instagram

🔗 Links for Good Distinctions:

* YouTube

* Facebook

* Instagram

* LinkedIn

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Summary

In this conversation, Samantha Stephenson discusses her interest in bioethics and how she became involved in the field. She explains the appeal of dystopian fiction and its connection to bioethical issues. Samantha also delves into the problems with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the impact on women's health and the dignity of the child. She highlights the alternative option of NaPro Technology for addressing infertility. Lastly, she explores the concept of artificial wombs and the ethical considerations surrounding their use.

In this conversation, Samantha Stephenson and Will Wright discuss the ethical implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and related technologies. They explore the dilemma of frozen embryos and the lack of resolution for their fate. They also delve into the impact of IVF on the unity within marriage and the potential for reproductive infidelity. Additionally, they discuss the astonishing realities of genetic editing and cloning, including the creation of mini brains with developed eyes and the splicing of human DNA into animals.

Takeaways

* Bioethics explores the intersection of reason, faith, and moral issues.

* Dystopian fiction provides a platform to discuss bioethical topics and imagine the consequences of certain practices.

* In vitro fertilization (IVF) undermines women's health and the dignity of the child.

* NaPro Technology offers an alternative solution for infertility that respects the dignity of both women and children.

* The development of artificial wombs raises ethical questions about the role of maternal touch and the potential for commodification of human life. The issue of frozen embryos presents an unresolvable problem, as there is currently no clear solution for their fate.

* IVF can disrupt the unity within marriage, particularly when one spouse reproduces without the other, leading to feelings of reproductive infidelity.

* The advancements in genetic editing and cloning raise ethical concerns, such as the potential exploitation of clones as organ donors and the lack of community and relationships for cloned individuals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Interest in Bioethics

03:41 Exploring Bioethical Issues

08:50 Dystopia and Bioethics

09:34 The Appeal of Dystopian Fiction

12:01 IVF and Women's Health

17:12 The Dignity of the Child

20:17 Napro Technology

28:22 The Problems with IVF

33:23 Embryo Adoption

39:03 Artificial Wombs

43:51 The Dilemma of Frozen Embryos

50:36 IVF and the Unity Within Marriage

01:02:23 The Astonishing Realities of Genetic Editing and Cloning

Resources:

Follow Samantha here!

* www.faithandbioethics.com

* www.youtube.com/@realsamanthastephenson

There is an episode of Samantha’s with Dr. Monique Ruberu mentioned in today’s Good Distinctions episode, that can be found here:

More resources (audio on YouTube):

I Have 3 Kids Via IVF but I Don't Recommend ItCan Catholics Adopt EMBRYOS??How IVF and Surrogacy DAMAGE Children

IVF: Why NOT with Dr. Monique Ruberu

They're all on this playlist!

Documents:

* Donum Vitae, 

* Dignitas Personae, and

* Samantha’s book Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad  (chs 9-11 cover these issues in more detail).

Good Distinctions is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the work of Good Distinctions, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Join Father Robert Nixon, OSB, as he delves into the profound teachings of Cardinal Richelieu's book, 'A Treatise on Perfection.' Discover the historical context behind Cardinal Richelieu's life and his timeless advice on salvation and virtuous living. Explore chapters covering the brevity of life, the reality of hell, the joy of salvation, and fulfilling one's duties. Father Nixon emphasizes the integration of spirituality into daily life and the importance of obedience and proper priorities. Tune in for invaluable insights and spiritual guidance for Catholics today!

New from TAN BOOKS:

A Treatise on Perfection: Saintly Counsel on Obtaining Salvation

Written by the 17th Century Cardinal Richelieu and recently translated by Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB from the original Latin!

Chapters of this episode:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:03 - Cardinal Richelieu's Writings

10:20 - Chapter 1: Christians Ought to Give Diligent Care to Their Eternal Salvation

11:48 - Chapter 2: The Brevity and Anxiety of the Present Life and the Eternity and Felicity of the Life to Come

12:36 - Chapter 3: The Inferno and the Grievous Sufferings and Afflictions Which Abound Therein

13:31 - Chapter 4: The Easiness and Joy of Obtaining Eternal Salvation Compared with the Difficulty and Sorrow of Incurring Damnation

23:30 - Chapter 20: Spiritual Councils

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Martha Richardson, a flight nurse from Houston, TX who is the cousin of the well-known priest Fr. David Michael Moses. He has a fantastic Instagram account where he posts reels and posts on catechetical topics in entertaining and engaging ways. I am a fan! Martha and I had a great conversation about her role in supporting her cousin’s online efforts and more. Enjoy!

Fr. David Michael Moses’ Instagram Account

His YouTube Account

Martha’s Bio:

My name is Martha Richardson, I’m a 31 yr old devout Catholic, who loves spending time with family and friends. I’ve been a nurse for 8 yrs and recently started my journey as a flight nurse! It’s been a dream come true. I love to travel and am currently working on hiking all of the National Parks. I just got back from Big Bend, and it’s extremely underrated. Glacier and Yosemite have been my favorites so far. I’ve loved the past, enjoying the present, and looking forward to what God has for me in the future!

Summary

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Martha Richardson about her cousin, Father David Michael Moses, and his use of social media for evangelization. They discuss the purpose and mission behind Father David Michael's content creation, the balance between social media and in-person community, and the importance of speaking truth in charity. They also explore the challenges of navigating social media and dealing with negative feedback. Martha shares insights from her experience as a flight nurse and how it has shaped her approach to communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for genuine and humble interactions when sharing the gospel.

Takeaways

* Father David Michael Moses uses social media to bring people to the Catholic Church and inspire them to live out their faith.

* Balancing social media and in-person community is important to create an inclusive and invitational environment.

* Speaking truth in charity requires discernment and consideration of the source and intention of feedback.

* Navigating social media requires accountability and discernment in responding to comments and engaging with others.

* Sharing the gospel effectively involves being genuine, cultivating humility, and focusing on the goal of leading others to an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Background

08:06: Father David Michael's Purpose and Mission

11:09: Social Media vs. In-Person Community

17:46: Speaking Truth in Charity

25:09: Cultivating Humility and Effective Communication

31:43: Navigating Social Media and Accountability

35:09: Sharing the Gospel and Being Genuine

Dr. Chapp is one of my favorite theologians. I was so honored to have a conversation with him. It was a lot of fun! I sincerely hope you enjoy and appreciate the convo. Please consider sharing this post and help Good Distinctions grow!

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Summary of Today’s Episode

* Dr. Larry Chapp, author of the book 'Confession of a Catholic Worker,' discusses his journey from academia to living on a Catholic Worker farm. He shares his inspiration for starting a blog and writing a book, emphasizing the need for radical Catholicism in a culture of beige Catholicism. Dr. Chap explores the importance of prayer and the role of liturgy as the highest act of culture. He also discusses the connection between cult, culture, and cultivation, as well as the significance of localism and subsidiarity. The conversation concludes with a focus on the universal call to holiness.

* In this conversation, Larry Chapp and Will Wright discuss various themes related to evangelization and the Catholic faith. They explore the importance of welcoming others into the Church on Christ's terms, rather than compromising on doctrine. They also discuss the need for a balanced approach to evangelization, avoiding both a superficial apologetic mode and a self-righteous approach. They emphasize the importance of understanding the question behind the question and empathizing with the struggles of others. They also discuss the need for deep prayer and contemplation in order to effectively evangelize. Finally, they explore the controversy surrounding the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar.

* In this conversation, Larry Chapp and Will Wright discuss the theological work of Hans Urs von Balthazar. They explore Balthazar's dialogue with German idealism, the evolution of ideas and Bible critique, the desire for truth and its service to the church, Balthazar's primary vocation and importance to the church, the impact of theology on catechesis, and recommended readings for understanding Balthazar.

Takeaways

* Embrace radical Catholicism in a culture of beige Catholicism.

* Prioritize prayer and make it a central part of daily life.

* Recognize the importance of liturgy as the highest act of culture.

* Cultivate a connection between faith, culture, and the land.

* Embrace the principles of localism and subsidiarity.

* Answer the universal call to holiness in your own life. Welcoming others into the Church should be done on Christ's terms, not compromising on doctrine.

* Effective evangelization requires understanding the question behind the question and empathizing with the struggles of others.

* Deep prayer and contemplation are essential for effective evangelization.

* The theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar, while controversial, offers insights into the suffering and solidarity of Christ. Hans Urs von Balthazar engaged in a dialogue with German idealism in his theological work.

* The evolution of ideas and Bible critique can be traced back further than the Enlightenment.

* The desire for truth and continual examination of the mystery of Christ is important as long as it serves the church.

* Balthazar's theology is of profound importance to the church and has influenced theologians like John Paul II and Ratzinger.

* Theology has a direct impact on how catechesis is conducted.

* To understand Balthazar, it is recommended to start with his work 'Theologic' and volume five of 'Theological Aesthetics' where he engages with Aquinas.

Chapters

* 00:00 - Introduction and Background

* 01:00 - Dr. Larry Chapp's Journey

* 03:28 - Transition to Catholic Worker Farm

* 05:01 - Starting a Blog and Writing a Book

* 07:14 - Inspiration for Good Distinctions

* 09:03 - Critique of Beige Catholicism

* 14:31 - The Choice and Radical Catholicism

* 19:21 - Individual vs. Collective

* 21:38 - The Importance of Prayer

* 26:21 - Liturgy as the Highest Act of Culture

* 31:38 - Cult, Culture, and Cultivation

* 35:11 - Localism and Subsidiarity

* 39:05 - The Universal Call to Holiness

* 41:46 - The Church's Terms

* 42:25 - Compassion and Mercy

* 43:13 - Ultra Progressive vs. Ultra Orthodox

* 44:09 - Cultivating Soil for Evangelization

* 45:05 - Understanding the Question Behind the Question

* 46:08 - Stepping into Their Shoes

* 47:24 - Moving Beyond Argument Mode

* 48:20 - Reformulating the Question

* 49:31 - Taking Questions Seriously

* 50:31 - The Need for Deeper Teaching

* 51:28 - Translating Big Ideas into Common Words

* 52:41 - The Importance of Prayer and Contemplation

* 53:34 - God Speaking to Us

* 54:23 - The Thin Veil Between Worlds

* 57:13 - The Influence of Protestant Views of Atonement

* 58:15 - The Doctrine of the Mass of Damn Not

* 59:43 - A Positive Vision of Salvation

* 01:01:59 - Motivation to Evangelize

* 01:04:11 - Living for Christ

* 01:06:31 - The Controversial Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar

* 01:09:20 - The Loneliness of Jesus

* 01:21:36 - Balthazar's Dialogue with German Idealism

* 01:22:10 - The Evolution of Ideas and Bible Critique

* 01:23:07 - The Desire for Truth and the Service of the Church

* 01:23:42 - Balthazar's Primary Vocation and Importance to the Church

* 01:24:17 - The Impact of Theology on Catechesis

* 01:25:02 - Recommended Readings for Understanding Balthazar

* 01:25:41 - Conclusion and Farewell

🔗 Dr. Chapp’s Book and Blog:

Dr. Chapp’s Blog - Gaudium et Spes 22 - gaudiumetspes22.com

“Confessions of a Catholic Worker” from Ignatius Press - https://ignatius.com/confession-of-a-catholic-worker-ccwp/

NC Register Author Page: https://www.ncregister.com/author/larry-chapp 

🔗 Links for Good Distinctions:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@gooddistinctions

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gooddistinctions/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gooddistinctions/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwrightphx/ 

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I’m very open to your suggestions, members (paid subscribers) and associates (free subscribers) of Good Distinctions!

Summary of Episode 26:

In this conversation, Jen Arnold discusses her upcoming Lenten series on the spiritual life according to St. Francis of Assisi, as written by St. Bonaventure. The conversation covers various themes, including the virtues of austerity, detachment, humility, obedience, and poverty. Jen shares insights into St. Francis' intense approach to martyrdom, his humility and obedience, and his radical detachment from worldly comforts. The importance of spiritual direction and the challenges of scrupulosity and pride are also discussed. The conversation highlights the counter-cultural nature of these virtues and their relevance in today's society. In this conversation, Jen Arnold and Will Wright discuss the virtues of St. Francis of Assisi and how they can be applied in today's world. They explore the virtues of begging and humility, piety and reverence for creation, charity and love for God and neighbor, and the culmination of these virtues in prayer. They emphasize the importance of starting where you are on the path to holiness and taking small steps towards virtue.

📖 Chapters:

* 00:00: Introduction and Background

* 01:30: The Book: Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure

* 03:00: St. Francis' Intensity and Approach to Martyrdom

* 04:40: Visiting Assisi and Contrasting St. Francis' Life

* 07:12: The Incarnational Principle and Nativity Scenes

* 08:41: The Virtues: Austerity and Detachment

* 11:05: Choosing the Virtues for the Lenten Series

* 12:31: Defining Austerity and Its Purpose

* 15:07: Cultivating Detachment and Filling the Void

* 19:14: The Role of Technology and Detachment

* 21:20: Humility and Obedience

* 23:44: The Importance of Spiritual Direction

* 27:26: The Challenges of Scrupulosity and Pride

* 28:15: Finding a Spiritual Director

* 32:06: Humility: Recognizing Our Littleness Before God

* 33:18: Obedience: Contrary to the World's Notions of Success

* 38:43: The Counter-Cultural Nature of Obedience

* 44:33: Poverty: Detachment and Motivation

* 46:56: Virtue of Begging and Humility

* 52:49: Piety and Reverence for Creation

* 58:50: Charity and Love for God and Neighbor

* 01:04:22: Prayer as the Culmination of Virtues

Takeaways:

* St. Francis of Assisi's approach to martyrdom and his intense commitment to his faith serve as an inspiration for living a more radical and authentic spiritual life.

* The virtues of austerity, detachment, humility, obedience, and poverty are central to St. Francis' spiritual journey and offer valuable lessons for modern believers.

* Cultivating detachment from worldly comforts and embracing intentional discomfort can help individuals focus more on God and develop a deeper spiritual life.

* Finding a spiritual director is crucial for discerning God's will and avoiding the pitfalls of scrupulosity and pride.

* The virtues of humility and obedience challenge the prevailing cultural values of success, power, and self-assertion, offering a counter-cultural approach to living a truly Christian life. Begging can be seen as virtuous because it requires humility and recognition of our dependence on others and God for our survival.

* Piety extends beyond reverence for God to include reverence for all of creation, as everything created by God is worthy of respect and love.

* Charity should begin with love for God above all things, and from that love, extend to our neighbors. True charity involves introducing others to Jesus Christ and sharing the love of God.

* Prayer is the culmination of all virtues and is essential for deepening our relationship with God and living a virtuous life.

Thank you for reading Good Distinctions. This post is public so feel free to share it.

🤝 Engage with Us:

Connect with Jen Arnold through her website and social media. Join the conversation, and explore the themes exemplified by St. Francis of Assisi this Lent!

🔗 Catholic Heart Ablaze and Jen Arnold:

* Catholic Heart Ablaze - https://catholicheartablaze.com/

* LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-arnold-m-a-theology-and-catechetics-688143b5/

🔗 Links for Good Distinctions:

* Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gooddistinctions/ 

* Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gooddistinctions/ 

* LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwrightphx/ 

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Become a Member of Good Distinctions

If you have enjoyed the content at Good Distinctions and are excited about the upcoming interviews, please become a member of Good Distinctions. For as little $5/month or $50/year, you can help Good Distinctions continue and grow. The cost and time commitment of Good Distinctions is significant. For it to be feasible, I need your financial support to continue producing the written, audio, and visual content here!

I work full-time as a History and Religion teacher for a Catholic High School. I am an adjunct faculty member with the Institute of Catholic Theology. Most importantly, I have a wife and two boys. In order to continue Good Distinctions, I need financial backing from you!

Be part of the mission of Good Distinctions - to reignite good conversation, seek out the best distinctions, and inspire others to do the same!

I am so grateful for all of you, dear subscribers - paid and unpaid. The average open-rate for emails is around 21.5%. You all consistently are at a 41% open rate, which shows me that you care about the content being shared! So, please take a moment to share it with your friends and family.

I am also humbled and grateful to the Lord for how this channel is resonating throughout the world. We currently have email subscribers from 40 US states and 34 countries.

This Friday (February 9) is the Feast Day of St. Maron! One of the great Eastern saints, from Lebanon, St. Maron founded the Maronite Church which has been in unbroken union with Rome since the 4th Century!

I had a fantastic time talking with Sr. Therese Maria of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light. I pray that this video will be a blessing to you. Please consider sharing this episode!

Become a Member of Good Distinctions

If you have enjoyed the content at Good Distinctions and are excited about the upcoming interviews, please become a member of Good Distinctions. For as little $10/month or $100/year, you can help Good Distinctions continue and grow. The cost and time commitment of Good Distinctions is significant. For it to be feasible, I need your financial support to continue producing the written, audio, and visual content here!

I work full-time as a History and Religion teacher for a Catholic High School. I am an adjunct faculty member with the Institute of Catholic Theology. Most importantly, I have a wife and two boys. In order to continue Good Distinctions, I need financial backing from you!

Be part of the mission of Good Distinctions - to reignite good conversation, seek out the best distinctions, and inspire others to do the same!

I am so grateful for all of you, dear subscribers - paid and unpaid. The average open-rate for emails is around 21.5%. You all consistently are at a 40-41% open rate, which shows me that you care about the content being shared!

I am also humbled and grateful to the Lord for how this channel is resonating throughout the world. We currently have email subscribers from 40 US states and 34 countries - including Australia, the U.K., Ireland, India, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Nigeria, Iran, Vietnam, and much of continental Europe.

🌟 Summary of today’s episode:

Explore the rich tapestry of Maronite spirituality with Sister Therese Maria from the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light. In this enlightening conversation, she delves into the Maronite Rite, asceticism, mysticism, and the unique spirituality of the Maronite Church. Sister Therese Maria candidly shares her personal vocation journey and sheds light on her community's mission to be spiritual mothers within parishes.

📖 Chapters:

* 00:00 - Introduction and Background: A warm welcome to an insightful conversation.

* 01:00 - The Maronite Rite and St. Maron: Unveiling the roots of Maronite tradition.

* 03:29 - Asceticism and Mysticism: Understanding the sacrificial focus on loving God and being open to divine communication.

* 05:37 - Living Out Asceticism and Mysticism: Practical insights into incorporating asceticism and mysticism into daily life.

* 09:23 - The Goal of Christian Living: Exploring the ultimate purpose of a Christian life.

* 11:25 - Living in Community: Embracing growth, love, and support in communal living.

* 14:12 - Marian Devotions in the Maronite Church: A profound discussion on the significance of Marian devotions.

* 18:21 - The Use of Aramaic in Liturgy: Delving into the linguistic and liturgical aspects of the Maronite Church.

* 22:12 - Epiphany and the Liturgical Calendar: Exploring key moments in the liturgical calendar.

* 25:23 - Maronite Spirituality and Worldview: Understanding the unique lens through which Maronites view spirituality.

* 30:13 - Sr. Therese Maria's Vocation Journey: An intimate account of Sister Therese Maria's personal calling.

* 38:27 - The Role of Sisters in the Parish: Examining the significant role of sisters in the broader community.

* 40:20 - Engaging with the Maronite Servants: Invitation for listeners to connect with the Maronite Servants through their website and social media channels.

Takeaways:

* The Maronite Church is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic churches in communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

* Asceticism and mysticism are keys to uniting oneself with God and being open to divine communication.

* Living in community requires constant growth, love, and support, along with virtues like patience and charity.

* The Maronite Church has a unique liturgical spirituality focusing on the Trinity, mercy, and discovering God's fingerprints in creation.

* Prayer is central to the Maronite Servants' daily life, helping them stay connected to God.

* Discerning a vocation involves prayer, reflection, and seeking guidance from spiritual mentors.

🤝 Engage with Us:

Connect with the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light through their website and social media channels. Join the conversation, and explore more about the fascinating world of Maronite spirituality!

🔗 Links for the Maronite Sisters:

* Maronite Servants' Website - https://www.maroniteservants.org/

* Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/maroniteservants/ 

🔗 Links for Good Distinctions:

* Good Distinctions: https://gooddistinctions.com/

* Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gooddistinctions/ 

* Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gooddistinctions/ 

* LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwrightphx/ 

✨ Subscribe, like, and share to spread the wisdom of Maronite spirituality!

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Ep. 24 - New and Catholicism

In today’s conversation, Rae-Mi LeRoy shares her journey from the New Age movement to Catholicism. She discusses the dangers of self-emptying and the crisis of losing one's identity. Rae-Mi explains how a dream of Jesus led her to explore Christianity and ultimately embrace Catholicism. She highlights the importance of grounding oneself in God and finding true self in relationship with Him. Rae-Mi also discusses the challenges and rewards of working in a parish and offers insights on how to help others on their spiritual journey. In this conversation, Rae-Mi LeRoy and Will Wright discuss the importance of planting seeds of faith and sharing the wonder and love of the Catholic faith. They also explore the line between stretching and yoga, highlighting the specific poses and their backgrounds. The conversation delves into the objective quality of actions and the potential link between yoga and demons. They discuss the dissonance of seeking and emptiness, emphasizing the need for meaning and purpose. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the call to sacrifice and humility and the beauty and opportunities in Sedona.

Takeaways

* The New Age movement can be enticing with its focus on self-emptying and non-attachment, but it can lead to a loss of identity and a dangerous emptiness.

* Dreams and mystical experiences can be powerful catalysts for spiritual transformation and can lead individuals to explore different faith traditions.

* Catholicism offers a rich treasure trove of saints, scripture, and sacraments that can help individuals find grounding, peace, and a sense of self.

* Working in a parish can be challenging, but it also provides opportunities to serve others and deepen one's own faith.

* When engaging with individuals interested in New Age spirituality, it is important to meet them where they are and share the beauty and wisdom of the Catholic faith in a way that resonates with their experiences and questions.

Learn more about the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZ by clicking here.

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This past Friday was the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. And today is National Sanctity of Human Life Day! I am thrilled to share with you my fantastic conversation with Sammie Carel of Life Choices Women’s Clinic.

To learn more about Life Choices Women’s Clinic in Phoenix, AZ, please visit: https://lcwcaz.org/

To read an article from the archives on the date that Roe v. Wade was overturned, please click below:

And to learn more about Catholic Social Teaching, in general, please click here:

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Will Wright is joined by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers who discusses his book 'Building a Civilization of Love' and addresses the topics of prejudice, racism, language, and identity in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of love and seeing the image of God in others as the solution to racial division. Deacon Harold also explores the distinction between prejudice and racism, and the need for self-reflection and empathy to overcome prejudice. He discusses the role of the Catholic Church in addressing racial issues and the importance of an eschatological perspective.

Additionally, he examines critical race theory, liberation theology, and the Black Lives Matter movement in relation to the Catholic faith. In this conversation, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers discusses the agenda of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and its impact on the nuclear family. He also highlights the high abortion rate among black women and the eugenicist history of Planned Parenthood.

Deacon Harold challenges communities of color to address internal issues and embrace their faith to bring healing and reconciliation. He advocates for using inclusive terms like 'people of color' instead of 'African American' and suggests practical steps for transcending race, such as appreciating cultural diversity and promoting conversation. Deacon Harold emphasizes the importance of incorporating saints of color in Catholic education and worship, and he praises the Catholic Church for its focus on Jesus Christ and the gospel in addressing racial issues.

Good Distinctions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Click the image below to buy Dcn. Harold’s book! Or click here:

And to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and Legacy of Dr. King, please visit last week’s post on Martin Luther King Jr. day from Good Distinctions:

Who is Deacon Harold?

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers – known around the world as the “Dynamic Deacon” – is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today. He is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher, whose no-nonsense approach to living and proclaiming the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire those who hear him.

He travels across the United States and around the world speaking at conferences, workshops, retreats, parish missions, high schools, and young adult events – in short, to everyone who desires to know Jesus intimately and enjoy a deeper personal relationship with Him. His areas of expertise include marriage and family life, discerning the will of God, the sacraments, male spirituality, evangelization, prayer, and many others.

Deacon Harold holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Theological Studies Degree from the University of Dallas. He co-hosts the national weekly broadcast “Living Stones” on Mater Dei Radio. Deacon Harold has appeared in the major feature film Power in My Hands and is the creator of Walk by Faith Wednesday Webinars, a weekly hour of Catholic catechesis and teaching.

In addition, he is the host or co-host of several popular series on EWTN television and is featured on the renown Chosen faith formation program by Ascension Press. Deacon Harold is an award-winning author who has written six books, including Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality, Father Augustus Tolton: The Slave Who Became the First African-American Priest, and the acclaimed new book Building a Civilization of Love: A Catholic Response to Racism.

Retaining a deep love of Benedictine spirituality which he gained during his time discerning a call to that religious community, Deacon Harold is a Benedictine Oblate of Mount Angel Abbey. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars and the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy.

Good Distinctions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.