And they're back!

In this episode, Deacon Hopper and Jacob Martini discuss what life has been like since Dcn. Nathan's diaconate ordination. Dcn. Nathan shares some of the graces of ordination.

"For by your ministry the spiritual sacrifice of the faithful will be perfect, being united to the sacrifice of Christ, which will be offered through your hands in an unbloody way on the altar, in union with the faithful, in the celebration of the sacraments. Understand, therefore, what you do and imitate what you celebrate." -Rite of Ordination of One Priest

Have you ever wondered what goes through mind of a man beginning his time in seminary or what leads a man to the point that they are ready to begin seminary?

John Assaf, one of our newest seminarians, is here to answer those questions.

John and Ben Schoonmaker talk about the gift of a vocation, the simplicity of discernment, the importance of holy friendships and his excitement to start at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in the fall.

In this episode, Jacob Martini and Jacob Hopper sit down with Dr. John Love, a professor of systematic theology at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, and his wife, Alexis to continue the conversation from last episode on the sacrament of Matrimony.

When did Christ institute marriage as a sacrament?

In this episode, Pat Wille and Jacob Martini talk about the theology and development of the Sacrament of Marriage. They start by looking at the biblical foundations of the sacrament and then discuss different papal documents on the sacrament. Pray for holy marriages!

"Marriage is to help married people sanctify themselves and others. for this reason they receive a special grace in the sacrament which Jesus Christ instituted. Those who are called to the married state will, with the grace of God, find within their state everything they need to be holy." -St. Josemaria Escriva

When should I call the priest for the Anointing of the Sick?

In this episode, Jacob Hopper and Jacob Martini are joined by Fr. Hepner to talk about the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. They talk about what happens in the sacrament and when a person should be anointed. Fr. Hepner shares his experience administering the sacrament and how it is helpful for those in danger.

"For all who are sick, do not lose hope, especially when your suffering is at its worst. Christ is near you." -Pope Francis

Have you ever been afraid to go to Confession?

In this episode, Jacob Hopper and Jacob Martini are joined by Msgr. Heintz to talk about the Sacraments of Healing in general and Confession. They talk about the nature of sin and our need for the Divine Physician. Then they hear from Msgr. Heintz about why we should not be afraid of going to Confession but should go frequently! He includes tips on how to make a good confession and how he discerns what Penance to give.

"God never tires of forgiving us, but we sometimes tire of asking Him to forgive us. Let us never tire of asking God's forgiveness. He is the loving Father who always forgives, who has that heart of mercy for all of us" -Pope Francis

What happens in Confirmation?

In this episode, Jacob Hopper, Jonathan Puckett (Class of 2027), and Jacob Martini talk about the second Sacrament of Initiation: Confirmation. They talk about some of the Scriptural foundations for the Sacrament and their confirmation saints. Jonathan also shares part of his vocation story and conversion in this episode.

"Remember, then, that you received a spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear. Keep safe what you received. God the Father sealed you, Christ the Lord strengthened you and sent the Spirit into your hearts as the pledge of what is to come." -St. Ambrose

What is Baptism?

In this episode, Jacob Martini and Jacob Hopper talk about the Sacrament of Baptism: the theology and history. Then they talk about how we can better dispose ourselves to all that the Lord wants to give us through our Baptism. And finally some practical help for this Lent to grow deeper in our love of the Father by recognizing how much He wants to give us.

NOTE: This was Jacob Hopper's first time editing the podcast; please accept the poor quality of editing and the length!

How do we live the our baptismal priesthood and how is it different than the ministerial priesthood?

In this episode, John Paul Stedwill, Andrew Bilgri, Jacob Hopper, and Jacob Martini talk about the forms of priesthood in the Old Testament. Then they talk about Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood. They also talk about the importance of the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and "re-presented" in Mass as the mission of Christ.

NOTE: Sunday Readings are from Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

"For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever." -Hebrews 7:26-28

Do you know where we get the structure for Mass?

In this episode, John Paul Stedwill and Jacob Martini talk about the general structure of the Mass. They draw on the connections between the Jewish feast of Passover and the Mass as well as the differences.

"There was much proclaimed by the prophets about the mystery of the Passover: that mystery is the Christ and to Him be glory forever and ever." -Melito of Sardis