Are you prepared for the coming of the Lord?

In this episode, Jacob Hopper and Jacob Martini talk about preparing for the coming of Christ, especially at Christmas. They talk about different images they like to reflect on in order to prepare their hearts for Christmas. The photo is the photo discussed in the episode.

""The tiny Child I carry Himself carries me,” said Mary; “He lowered His wings, took me and placed me between His pinions; He soared on high. Satan, who, wanting to destroy Moses, slew the newborn of the Hebrews, now kills the children, hoping that the Living One will die. To Egypt will I flee, for Satan has come to Judea, trying to hunt down his own Hunter.”

In her virginity, Eve put on leaves of shame, but Your Mother has put on, in her virginity, a garment of glory that encompasses all, while to Him who covers all she gave a body as a tiny garment. Blessed is she, in whose heart and mind You are: she is a royal palace, because of You, O Royal Son; she is the Holy of Holies for you, the High Priest. " -St. Ephrem

What are you willing to give up in order to follow the Lord?

In this episode, Nathan Hopper and Jacob Martini are joined by Ignacio Cardenas-Moran (Class of 2023) to hear about his process of discernment to the priesthood. Ignacio shares about his time in seminary in Mexico and how he felt called by the Lord to minister to the people in the Diocese of Peoria.

"Do not forget that when the Lord calls, He also provides the necessary strength and grace to answer His call." -St. John Paul II

How do you foster a culture of vocations in your family/parish/diocese?

In this episode, Jacob Hopper and Jacob Martini are joined by Francis Strong, JohnPaul Stedwill, and Andrew Bilgri discuss National Vocation Awareness Week. As part of their discussion, they talk about how they are discerning God's will in their lives and give concrete ways to discern through their own personal experience. Pray for us and pray for holy vocations!

"The holy spouses Louis and Marie-Zelie Guerin practiced Christian service in the family creating day by day an environment of faith and love which nurtured the vocations of their daughters, among whom was St. Therese of the Child Jesus." -Pope Francis

"Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit." -Pope Francis

Do you know how the readings at Mass are chosen?

In this episode, Jacob Hopper and Jacob Martini discuss the readings at Mass as a way to go deeper in our encounter at Mass. In the Liturgy of the Word, we encounter the Living Word, and in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we receive the Living Word. This episode discusses the Lectionary and how to read Scriptures.

"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." -St. Jerome

When was the last time you reflected on what the words "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church" mean when we say them?

In this episode, Nathan Hopper and Jacob Martini reflect on the meaning of "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church" in the Creed. They also look into and discuss the Old Testament founding of a Church and what St. Paul means by Mystical Body of Christ.

"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -John 17:20-23

What parts of your life still need to be united to the offering at Mass?

In this episode, Jacob Martini and Jacob Hopper discuss what they have been doing at seminary and how creation is redeemed by Christ in the Mass. Just as the bread and the wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, we too are brought into the Mystical Body of Christ and are conformed to Christ. This is done through the uniting of our sacrifice to Christ's, and in this way we are actively participating in Mass. Who do you pray for at Mass?

"The Mass realizes, as perfectly as possible before the time of the new heaven and the new earth, the redemption of material creation, that liberation from the slavery of sin and corruption of which St. Paul speaks." -Fr. Cipriano Vagaggini

What is your favorite title of St. Joseph?

In this episode, Jacob Martini and Jacob Hopper are joined by Fr. Chase and Andrew Bilgri (Class of 2027)to discuss their relationship with the foster father of Jesus. They talk about their favorite titles of St. Joseph and why we should be friends with this great saint in the Church.

“Truly, I doubt not that the angels, wondering and adoring, came thronging in countless multitudes to that poor workshop to admire the humility of him who guarded that dear and divine child, and labored at his carpenter’s trade to support the son and the mother who were committed to his care.” -St. Francis de Sales

Does your trust in God have limits?

In this episode, Jacob Martini, Jacob Hopper, and Blake Miller discuss trusting in God based on the Litany of Trust from the Sisters of Life. They give an insight into their own difficulties and growths in trusting in the Lord along with talking about some of the fruits of those who trust in the Lord. The litany of trust can be found online.

"My past, O Lord, to Your mercy; my present, to Your love; my future to Your providence." -St Padre Pio

How do you try to be "more than conquerors"?

In this episode, Jacob is joined by Ben Schoonmaker (Class of 2025) to discuss the men's retreat Emmaus Days and this year's theme: "More than Conquerors." At this retreat, guys have the space to listen to the voice of God and given the tools to find what God is calling them to.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." -Romans 8:37

What are some of your favorite devotionals to return to?

In Dcn. Wilson's last episode on the podcast, he presents on beginning again as normal part of the spiritual life with Nathan, Nick, and Jacob. They talk about some of their devotions from the start of their journey that they went back to later on.

"It is right that you should begin again every day. There is no better way to complete the spiritual life than to be ever beginning it over again." -St. Francis de Sales