Off The Shelf

We haven't dived into our Thanksgiving feasts yet but this week we are going to talk about Advent. I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to get their hands on the excellent Advent journal from Fr Mark Toups Rejoice: Advent Meditations with Mary. Fr Mark and I take a look at why it is important to include Mary in our Advent journey to Christmas, why Christmas day is an event rather than a single 24 hour occurrence, and how we can effectively dive into scripture to build a lifelong rewarding habit of journaling. 

This week's guest requires no introduction. After four decades, fifty-plus albums, and thirty-plus books John Michael Talbot is one of the most beloved artists in Christian music today. Join as we discuss some of the life lessons he has learned along the way and that he shares in his latest book Lessons from a Troubadour: A Lifetime of Parables, Prose, and Stories. 

This week it's all about the first native-born American saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Author Catherine O'Doneell has penned one of the most comprehensive biographies on this great saint in recent memory. Join us a s we discuss the hardships and ultimate triumphs realized by Elizabeth Seton. 

Journaling seems to be all the craze these days and my dear friend Allison Gingras has brought her own spin to the options available with her new Stay Connected Journals. The series, currently at three, includes her own book The Gift of Invitation: 7 Ways That Jesus Invites You to a Life of Grace. Join us as we take a look at each of those seven invitations, as well as discussing Allison’s favorite places to journal and the impact journaling has had on her faith journey. By the end of the show you will want to grab these books, your favorite pen, and find a comfy chair to dive into the faith with!

New Age thought and the New Age Movement is  a very dangerous playground to dabble in. The entire focus of New Agers is to bring the attention towards oneself making YOU the God of your life. Moira Noonan understands this because she was heavily involved in the New Age Movement for years until the Blessed Mother rescued her. Listen in as Moira and I discuss her journey which she details in her book Ransomed from Darkness: The New Age, Christian Faith and the Battle for Souls.

In the current climate of the Church today many may be feeling a mix of emotions. Hurt, confusion, sorrow, and maybe even anger. In his recently re-released book The Angry Christian: A Bible-based Strategy to Care and Discipline a Valuable Emotion, Bert Ghezzi offers some solid advice on how to rein in this emotion and make it useful. Join us as Bert and I discuss anger and how we can effectively apply it to the current crisis in the Church and in our everyday lives as well.

Papa's got a brand new bag....or Bible in this case. Over the years I have had the opportunity to check out and review many Bibles. Recently I got the chance to get my hands on the new The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press. What I am about to say i don't say lightly. This has become my Bible of choice. Why? Listen in as Jeff Cavins and I discuss what makes this Bible so unique.

This week Father Augustine Wetta and I take a look at the often neglected virtue of humility. In his book Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem Father Wetta breaks down Saint Benedict's method into twelve pithy steps for finding inner peace in a way that can be applied to anyone's life. In today's society humility is a rarity. Join us and learn how to make it a part of your virtue toolbox.

On the episode of Off the Shelf we take a look at God incidents. What are they? These are the little occurrences that God sends our way that. These are the things in life that happen to us that when we sit and think about them we have no other explanation for them then that they were the doing of Him. Join author Tom Lukes and I as we discuss his book God Incidents | True Stories of God Working in the Lives of Catholics.