Mountains Made Low

Many people spend their lives trying to prove their worth through success, relationships, ministry, productivity, or the approval of others. Yet beneath the surface often lies a lingering question: Am I enough?  In this episode of Mountains Made Low, Dennis and Christine explore the Catholic understanding of self-worth and why our identity can never be rooted in what we do, what we have, or what others think of us.  If you've ever struggled with feelings of inadequacy, shame, comparison, or the need to constantly prove yourself, this conversation offers a hopeful reminder: your worth is not something you earn. It is a gift you receive from the God who loved you into being.

Christine and Dennis explore what the Catholic Church teaches about the death penalty. Drawing on the Catechism, Scripture, and Church teaching, they consider the relationship between justice, human dignity, and the possibility of redemption—even for those who have committed terrible crimes. How can we uphold justice while remaining faithful to the Gospel’s call to respect the dignity of every human life?

Over the years, Christine has kept a small book with her and written down little bits of wisdom from various homilies, lectures, and even some unexpected places. In this week‘s episode, your hosts discuss the words that have proved challenging and encouraging, offering simple, yet profound truths that can shape how we live with others and love God more fully.

Join Dennis and Christine as they explore the powerful and yet often overlooked devotion and prayer dedicated to the seven sorrows experienced by our Blessed Mother and how they can be a source of comfort ad strength in our own suffering in life. For those interested in learning how to prayer the Servite Rosary that focuses on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, a long and short version, along with some additional background info can be found on the Hallow website: https://hallow.com/blog/7-sorrows/.

What does it mean to say that God is divinely simple? And what does the mystery of the Trinity have to do with the way we live and love?

In this episode of Mountains Made Low, we explore the beautiful truth that God is not divided or composed of parts. He is perfectly one—one God, one divine nature—yet eternally three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Within the very life of God is a perfect communion of love, self-gift, and relationship.

What if the Trinity isn't simply a mystery we are asked to believe, but also a model for how we are called to live?

Archbishop Sheen was a gifted preacher, teacher, and author who brought the Gospel into millions of homes through radio and television. Beneath his remarkable public ministry was something even more important: a deep love for Jesus Christ, a profound devotion to the Eucharist, a life of prayer, and a desire to lead others to holiness. 

This week, Dennis and Christine are joined by Jenny O'Neill, the Associate Director for the Office for Ministry with Youth in the Archdiocese of Phila. 

For more information on the inititative and programs from the Office for Ministry with Youth, visit phillyomy.org

In this Coffee Talk episode, Christine and Dennis discuss the idea of denominations in relation to the Catholic Church, questions on praying the Rosary, why the Catholic Church requires godparents to be a male and a female and whether Catholic should wear Christian jewelry.  

Parish life has it quirks and sometimes those moments test us. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone gave you an instruction manual?? Well, this week, Dennis and Christine are your lifeline!