Old St. Pat's Podcast

Have you ever stopped to think, what algorithm am I on? What’s being pushed to me on my phone and computer —crafted, curated, and targeted—to capture my click? And here’s the bigger question one must ask themselves: Is it for the good of me, my family, and my community? Does it bring me closer to others, or does it cause division?

We live in a world where clicks hold power, and in that race for attention, truth often gets stretched, twisted, or sacrificed entirely. But we’re called to a higher standard, to seek out the truth rather than take what is served to us. And our true north for truth is simple and profound: love your neighbor. If what’s being presented as truth demeans, excludes, or promotes violence—then it’s not truth. It’s false. When we stay silent in the face of these distortions, we contribute to the erosion of truth and the harm done to those who, just like us, are made in the image of God. So today, Fr. Foley explores what it means to live the truth, to recognize the distortions around us, and to recommit ourselves to a life that reflects God’s love because the truth matters, and together, we can uphold it.

As the days grow shorter, it’s easy to feel the weight of the season—gloomy skies, colder air, and summer memories fading into the past. For many of us, this time of year can bring that familiar feeling of seasonal blues, where we feel drained and life’s challenges seem a little bit bigger.

But here’s the thing: challenges, whether they’re seasonal or something deeper, don’t have to drag us down. We have a choice—a beautiful choice—to lean into faith, to embrace the love of those around us, and to allow that connection to lift us up.

Today, Father Hurley walks us through how his Grandmother is a great example to us all of how we can navigate tough times, how leaning into God’s love and the support of our communities can renew our spirits, and how we can find joy and hope, even on the cloudiest of days.

In the wake of the U.S. election, emotions may be running high—some people may feel uplifted and happy, while others feel sadness, anxiety, or uncertainty about what lies ahead. In today’s episode, Father Wall reminds us that in times like these, a core truth unites us all: we are one human family created with dignity, and each of us has a unique gift to share with the world.

There are many emotions in the air today—uncertainty, hope, perhaps even anxiety—but we can still find peace in the midst of it all. Why? Because we are rooted in something more profound: God’s unchanging love. And when we live with kindness, we become part of a force that makes our world better. Kindness is a powerful force that changes everything for the better. It shapes our families, our friendships, and our faith communities. It transforms our everyday encounters—whether at school, our neighborhoods, the grocery store, or even online. On this Election Day, as we exercise our civic duties, let’s also remember to exercise our faith. Today, Msgr. Ken Velo prays that all of us show kindness to one another and work to bring people together. May our faith and kindness be the change we wish to see in the world today and every day.

Did you know that each animal experiences the world in its own unique way? Dogs experience it through their noses, owls through their ears, and spiders through the vibrations in their webs. Each way is beautifully suited to that species yet limited in its scope—none of them can fully grasp the world's vast colors, sounds, and sensations. And in many ways, we humans live in our own bubbles, too, shaped by our perspectives and experiences.

But here’s the fantastic part: unlike other creatures, humans can rewire our brains, step outside of our bubbles, and see the world through someone else’s eyes. It requires risk and vulnerability, but when we step outside ourselves, we begin to think not just of our needs but of the common good.

Long before neuroscience, Jesus modeled this perfectly. He stepped out of divinity into humanity to understand and affirm others. Jesus calls us to do the same: to step beyond our comfort zones, beyond our social and political frameworks, and into the world of others. Father Ed Foley invites us today to embrace that challenge—to step out of our bubbles, foster empathy, and see with our hearts.