In this season finale, we discuss why Christian marriage is a lifetime vocation of mutual sacrifice, order, and holiness. We also trace marriage from Genesis to Revelation and examine its form and ministers—hints: the couple, not the priest. We discuss Ephesians 5, the concept of the "domestic church," typical obstacles and annulments, and how love counters the self-centeredness of our culture.

Additionally, we recommend the fantastic book "Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?"

You can purchase the book at https://a.co/d/gB0IRJE.

In this special episode, Bishop David Haines, Missionary Bishop of the Anglican Province of America, shares his journey from England to South Africa and the U.S., as well as his call to ministry. Learn about the vital work of indigenous clergy in Ecuador, Haiti, India, and the Philippines, and how the APA’s Lenten Appeal supports schools, churches, and cemeteries. Hear firsthand about the cultural challenges, mission partnerships, and the global spread of the Gospel.

For more information and to find out how you can get involved, please visit https://bit.ly/APA-Global-Missions.

In this special episode, we're once again excited to have our Bishop Chandler Holder Jones join Mining the Mysteries to explain the four orders of the church: episcopate, presbyterate, diaconate, and laity. The discussion covers the biblical basis for this structure, the importance of order, the difference between ontology and functionality in ministry, and addresses concerns about clericalism and accountability within the church.

What are Holy Orders, and why does the Church ordain clergy through the laying on of hands? In this episode, we dig deeper into the scriptural foundation and tradition behind the roles of bishops, priests, and deacons. We discuss apostolic authority, the qualifications for those called to pastoral ministry, and the comfort found in the ordered structure of the Church. This episode is especially helpful for those from non-Catholic or evangelical backgrounds seeking to understand this often-misunderstood practice.

In this episode, we discuss Confirmation – what it is and how it follows Baptism. We talk about how it's this key moment where the Holy Spirit gives us strengthening grace, helping prepare us for a life of witness. We also explore the origins of the term "Ordination of the Laity," tracing it back to scripture, and examine why it is so vital for transforming believers into active "doers of the word," not just hearers.

This is the second part of last week's discussion on the Holy Eucharist.

This episode of our catechesis series focuses on the Holy Eucharist. We explore the connection between the Eucharist and Passover, explaining how Christ fulfills the Passover tradition as the Paschal Lamb. We discuss the fourfold action of the Eucharist and how John's Gospel provides teaching on this sacrament, particularly in the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus' discourse on being "the bread of life."

In this special episode, we welcome back Bishop Chad Jones to explore the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787 AD). Bishop Chad explains this council's historical context, theological significance, and its definitive stance on the use of sacred images in Christian worship. We discuss how the council addressed iconoclasm (the rejection of religious images) and affirmed that images are not merely optional but necessary for Christian worship because of the incarnation. We also cover practical applications of sacred imagery both in churches and homes, the theological distinction between adoration (latria) and veneration (dulia), and how Anglican Catholics understand this council as binding for the faithful. Bishop Chad concludes by addressing common Protestant objections to iconography and explaining why proper veneration of images doesn't violate the Second Commandment.

In this special episode on baptism, we explain how the sacrament is ultimatley God's work rather than just a personal decision. Our conversation also examines baptism as spiritual rebirth, our identity in Christ, and why the Church baptizes infants. We clarify that while baptism does indeed regenerate and transform us, it's not "pixie dust" that works without ongoing commitment. Parents have a crucial role in raising their baptized children in faith—we discuss the real consequences when a generation grows up disconnected from the Church. We wrap up by showing how baptism connects us in two directions: to God above and to our Church family around us, bringing God's order into our lives and communities.

Join us for a special episode with Father Sean McDermott, Rector of All Saints Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. Drawing from his experience as a priest, educator, and father of five, Father Sean offers practical wisdom on raising children in the faith.

We discuss how to meaningfully involve kids in church life, create an atmosphere of faith at home, and connect with young people despite our own insecurities. Father Sean unpacks the theological foundations for welcoming children as full members of the church community and explores the importance of living sacramentally.

We also hear about the impact of initiatives like St. Bede's Summer Camp and gather Father Sean's insights on nurturing the next generation of faithful Anglicans.

Check the show notes below for links to Father Sean's recommended readings and excellent candles for your church!

Earth & Altar: Catholic Ressourcement for Anglicans

• https://bit.ly/earth-altar

The Littlest Acolyte Presents The Liturgy Trilogy

• https://bit.ly/LittlestAcolyte

The Church's Year: Walking with the Saints Through the Liturgical Calendar

• https://bit.ly/TheChurchYear

My Book of the Church's Year by Enid Chadwick

• https://bit.ly/MyBookoftheChurchYear

Guide to the Mass from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer: For Anglican Youth and Newcomers

• https://bit.ly/GuideToTheMass

Anglican Prayers for Children

• https://bit.ly/AnglicanPrayersforChildren

Blue Ridge Beeswax

• https://bit.ly/BlueRidgeBeeswax