On this episode of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, explains the Sacrament of Baptism in four parts. First, James explains what it meant when Jesus declared himself “the living water.” “Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38). Second, the necessity of Baptism, how Baptism was used in the early church, and what the Sacrament of Baptism does for the individual.

Jesus’ body is the true temple of God and was foreshadowed by the prophet Ezekiel. “I saw water flowing out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east. The water flowed out toward the right side of the temple to the south of the altar. (Ezekiel 47:1) James relays more biblical examples that identify Jesus as the life-giving water to eternal life.

In his crucifixion on the cross, Jesus gives his bride the Holy Spirit—the “living” water that flows from his pierced side. This living water is the marital bath that cleanses Jesus’ bride from sin so she can be wedded to Christ through the sacrament of Baptism. James also describes additional “water” symbolism that explains how we are reborn by Baptism. Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5). James also highlights the necessity of Baptism and how this sacrament forgives sins, demonstrates obedience to what Jesus commands for entrance into Christ’s church, and other examples of what God’s mercy and Baptism do for souls.

This is the 8th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing biblical and religious topics. His classes are approved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for certification credits for religion teachers. Each week, Jim is heard on the Radio Maria network. He can also be heard each morning on Catholic Community Radio as he gives the daily Gospel reflection. His essays have been published in This Rock, the Clarion-Herald, and he contributed to a catechetical series published by Ave Maria University Press. His most recent book is The Fullness of Truth: A Handbook for Understanding and Explaining the Catholic Faith Biblically.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org.

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Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit    https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post The Sacrament of Baptism appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Testimony of Fr. Kyle Gorenski

Fr. Kyle Gorenski was raised in a Catholic home in Rhode Island. His mother was devout, and she was involved in many ministries in the Church, his father was a Sunday Catholic. He was the 2nd sibling of four brothers. High School was a struggle for Kyle as he had several learning disabilities. He contemplated becoming a priest but found out that it required much more schooling, so he put the thought aside. Kyle chose not to go to college and enlisted in the Army. He had three tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. His self-image improved and he learned not to give up. After two tours, he came home and got a job as a State Highway Patrolman. He enjoyed the job but felt something was missing.  Kyle entered the Seminary in Rhode Island, but his grade point was low, and was asked to leave. He pursued his quest to become a priest and applied to many dioceses in New England. The Diocese of Albany, NY, accepted Kyle and he was able to complete his studies despite his low academic prowess, thanks to a parish priest who believed in his calling to the priesthood.

This testimony was given to the Vancouver Magnificat Chapter in June, 2022.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at: www.magnificat-ministry.org

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Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit :

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On this episode of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, explains how grace heals us, how Martin Luther was in error in explaining grace, how Jesus established His church as the instrument in which his grace comes to us, the importance of good works and how the sacraments lead to have grace and live the Christian life.

Sin and death came to the world through Adam and led to condemnation for all men; one man’s act of righteousness — Jesus’ life, passion, death, and resurrection led to the acquittal of sin, grace, and life.

Christians have always believed in the redemptive power of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. In the 16th century, however, Martin Luther promoted a flawed understanding of what God’s grace does for us and how we must respond. Luther confused the tendency to sin (temptation) with actual sin. Luther taught human nature was essentially corrupt even after receiving the grace of redemption; thus, good works that please God were impossible. This distortion makes Adam’s sin more potent than the merits of Jesus Christ. Luther also taught salvation by faith alone and that the Bible is the only authority—not the church. James discusses how this belief is not historical or biblical and how the flaws and problems that developed with the perpetuation of this false belief caused a severe fracture between Christians. James also details the role and importance of good works, how we receive grace through good works, and how they constitute the Christian life.

This is the 7th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing biblical and religious topics. His classes are approved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for certification credits for religion teachers. Each week, Jim is heard on the Radio Maria network. He can also be heard each morning on Catholic Community Radio as he gives the daily Gospel reflection. His essays have been published in This Rock, the Clarion-Herald, and he contributed to a catechetical series published by Ave Maria University Press. His most recent book is The Fullness of Truth: A Handbook for Understanding and Explaining the Catholic Faith Biblically.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org.

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit  https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post God’s Grace appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Mildred Moy was born in Hong Kong. She was the youngest of four girls. She was a very shy child. She was born and raised Catholic and received a Catholic education through High School. Her mother fostered in her a close relationship with the Virgin Mary. Her mother told her that the Blessed Mother never fails to console her when she is sad, and Jesus loves us, and we can trust him in everything. Mildred moved to Vancouver, Canada when she was 17 and attended college. She graduated with a degree in Computer Science and Business Administration. Mildred wanted to prove to the world that a female could succeed in business and technology. She did very well in the business world and received a special achievement award from a Fortune 500 company with stock options. She had everything the secular could dream of; the sports car, brand named clothes, the affluent social life, a great career and lucrative salary. but her spiritual life languished only attending Mass out of duty. Mildred was faced with challenging decisions to live her life for Christ or in the secular world. She lived in deep darkness.

Mildred’s life changed when she went on a street ministry retreat. She began to desire a deeper walk with Christ, and she also attended a Life in the Spirit Seminar. She wanted to do full-time ministry work. She went to China to check out volunteer opportunities in an orphanage and she returned to Vancouver to quit her job and began her work in street ministry eventually opening Mary’s Street Ministry catering to the emotional, homeless, drug addicted and prayerful needs of women. She has seen many miracles of the Holy Spirit moving powerfully in the lives of the street people. Mildred discovered that only when we are living and giving to others are we truly alive.

This testimony was given to the Vancouver Magnificat Chapter in October, 2022.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at: www.magnificat-ministry.org

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Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit :

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Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

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The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘God saves,’ and ‘Christ’ means the ‘Messiah’ or ‘Anointed Savior’ who fulfills all the prophecies of the Old Testament. In this episode, James explains how, in each Gospel, Jesus is introduced as the Divine Word became flesh to bring about a new creation so humans could become children of God, highlighting moments in Jesus’ life that demonstrate his mission and message from the Sermon on the Mount to Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.

Jesus’ mission begins with a call to repentance — turning away from sin and embracing self-sacrificing love. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, speaking with Divine authority, teaches how to think and value correctly and do the will of God. James takes us step-by-step through highlights in Jesus’ teachings.

Before Jesus begins his passion, he tells the apostles, “I give you a new commandment,” says the Lord. “Love one another as I have loved you. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35). With his death, Jesus also gives the gift of his mother (John 19:26-27), and his identity is revealed to the world, “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). Jesus’ love, passion, and resurrection conquer sin, allowing us the opportunity and a pathway to eternal life.

This is the 6th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing biblical and religious topics. His classes are approved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for certification credits for religion teachers. Each week, Jim is heard on the Radio Maria network. He can also be heard each morning on Catholic Community Radio as he gives the daily Gospel reflection. His essays have been published in This Rock, the Clarion-Herald, and he contributed to a catechetical series published by Ave Maria University Press. His most recent book is The Fullness of Truth: A Handbook for Understanding and Explaining the Catholic Faith Biblically.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org.

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit    https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post Jesus Comes to Save Us appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Fr. Tom Sparacino reads from the Gospel of Matthew 11:28 ‘Come to me all you who labor and are burdened. And I will give you rest, take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

The Lord calls us. He has called us from the moment of our baptism. He’s called us into these new waters to come to come and be with us. Come and be filled.   Come and be strengthened. Come and have hope and how powerful a thought, all we need to simply do is to go, he says. Come and we go. The question is, do we go? Do we realize that our lives are not an option? That it’s a demand really of the Lord when he says, “Come, follow me.” It is a matter of life and death, heaven and hell, salvation, and damnation. When we feel that we are burdened, we need to come after him and he will make us disciples. He will strengthen us to live in his presence. We must try to form a habit, of always walking in his presence. We must live, eat, eat, literally Jesus. Love him with all your being. Then, and only then, will you be able to come and follow him.

Fr. Tom has been a priest of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Pittsburgh since 1998. He has served as high school chaplain, and co-vocation director and is currently the Rector of St. Paul Seminary and the Director of Pre-ordination Formation. Fr. Tom has been the spiritual advisor to the Magnificat Pittsburgh Chapter since 2010. The Holy Spirit has poured His joy into Fr. Tom, and he gladly pours it out on all of us. His infectious laughter and lightheartedness and like a bright light in a dark world. We know you will be inspired as you listen to this joyful servant of the Lord.

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s teaching was given to the Pittsburgh Magnificat Chapter in August 2021.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us www.magnificat-ministry.org

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Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post Come Follow Me appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

On this episode of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, discusses God’s founding of the Kingdom from the days of King Saul and King David to the destruction of the Temple in 586 to the Babylonian captivity. James also gives examples of God’s boundless love, mercy, and forgiveness. James explains the many natural gifts bestowed on King Saul to make him a great ruler. However, Saul’s poor moral choices undermine his rule and faithfulness to God. King David, from the tribe of Judah, is chosen as Saul’s successor.

Capturing Jerusalem after a hard-won battle, King David made the city the capital of his Kingdom. He desires to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant, temporarily housed in a portable tabernacle. However, through the prophet Nathan (1 Kings 8:17-18), God tells David, “In wishing to build a house for my name, you did well. But it is not you who will build the house, but your son, who comes from your loins; he shall build the house for my name.”

David, through adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent placement of her husband, Uriah, to be slain in battle, eventually repents and is forgiven. However, he pays a hefty price— for the rest of his life, conflict, and war plagued his family and Kingdom.

David’s son Solomon, who also begins his reign faithful to the Lord, Under Solomon’s reign Israel reached her greatest point as a nation—honor, wealth, power, and respect, but at the end of Solomon’s reign, Israel became temporally and spiritually bankrupt.

God had a special love for David: “I will be to him as a father, and he will be to me as a son.” (2 Samuel 7:13–16). James delves into how this relationship lays the foundation for the future coming of Christ.

This is the 5th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing biblical and religious topics. His classes are approved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for certification credits for religion teachers. Each week, Jim is heard on the Radio Maria network. He can also be heard each morning on Catholic Community Radio as he gives the daily Gospel reflection. His essays have been published in This Rock, the Clarion-Herald, and he contributed to a catechetical series published by Ave Maria University Press. His most recent book is The Fullness of Truth: A Handbook for Understanding and Explaining the Catholic Faith Biblically.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit    https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post God Establishes His Kingdom appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Evelyn Garcia is a message of hope to all who know her. She is a fourth-generation native of Orange County, CA. Evelyn is a cradle Catholic and has a large extended family. She got married at the age of 19, and she knew it was a poor decision, so the marriage ended soon after. She was able to get an annulment. The experience challenged and riveted her faith, and she has been a daily communicant ever since. She has had a diverse career, first as a middle school teacher in public schools, and presently, she is the travel coordinator for Dynamic Catholic, which evolved from a long-time friendship with Matthew Kelly. She runs the west coast office at Christ Cathedral in Orange County, CA. Evelyn shares many unbelievable stories of how God showed up and how miracles happened as she traveled on pilgrimages around the globe. Evelyn has deep trust in the Lord and Blessed Mother and is not afraid to ask for what may seem impossible because she knows that all things are possible with God. She can’t wait to meet the Holy Family in heaven.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs (ex., Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends, and YOU, we invite you to visit https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post Testimony of Evelyn Garcia appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Episode 4 – The 10 Commandments

On this episode of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, discusses the 10 Commandments and how God gave us the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai as the divine remedy to the slave of sin. Individuals who look upon the commandments as restrictions to their freedom have bought into the devil’s lie, like Adam and Eve. James explains that the commandments are a gift from God that teaches humanity the fundamental steps to grow in love and holiness. Observing the commandments and leading us closer to God promises a happier life. This fact is clearly stated in Deuteronomy (30:9): “…and the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

In an age when humankind has drifted toward self-love, doing what feels right, and justifying living by their own rules, obedience to a higher authority is often frowned upon. James walks listeners through each commandment and explains how God’s laws translate in today’s society. The first three commandments focus on loving God, with commandments four through ten concentrating on loving others and helping one another get to heaven.

This is the 4th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing biblical and religious topics. His classes are approved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for certification credits for religion teachers. Each week, Jim is heard on the Radio Maria network. He can also be heard each morning on Catholic Community Radio as he gives the daily Gospel reflection. His essays have been published in This Rock, the Clarion-Herald, and he contributed to a catechetical series published by Ave Maria University Press. His most recent book is The Fullness of Truth: A Handbook for Understanding and Explaining the Catholic Faith Biblically.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit    https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post The 10 Commandments appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

In 1994, during a time of questioning whether to remain in the Catholic Church, the Lord heard Denise’s cry for truth, she experienced a dramatic encounter of God’s love during Mass that forever changed her life.

Denise’s understanding of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist awakened her spirit as she read the scripture in John Ch. 6.She attended a Life in the Spirit Seminar and learned about the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit and was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Her prayer life deepened after she received the gift of tongues. She went back to Confession after many years of not receiving the sacrament.

Denise began praying the Rosary and attended daily Mass. She prayed that her family would also return to Mass and the sacraments. Denise has been married to Roy for 48 years. They have 4 grown children and 11 grandchildren.

Denise currently serves as a member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) Core Team for Women’s Retreats and Days of Refreshment as well as on the Steering Committee for the Southern Regional Conference. She has co-hosted Catholic Community Radio’s “Wake Up” show with Jeff Blackwell and Gaby Smith.

Denise has spoken at Days of Renewal, Retreats, Conferences and Magnificat Breakfasts, and Life in the Spirit Seminars throughout southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. It is her hope and desire to make the living Presence of Jesus and the fullness of life in the Holy Spirit known to all by proclaiming the Word of God and the richness of our Catholic Faith.

“We have peace with God, through Jesus Christ…because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Rom. 5:1,5

This testimony was given in August of 2018 to the Baton Rouge Magnificat Chapter.

 To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us ‘ www.magnificat-ministry.org

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

Thank you for being a part of our network of listeners; we appreciate you!

The post Testimony of Denise Beyer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.