The bible is fairly complicated. It contains 73 books that were written over the course  of more than 1000 years. So how should we read it? Are there some preliminary ideas that are important for us to know so that we approach it in a responsible way? In today's episode we look at five thoughts for approaching the bible that Bishop Robert Barron presents in his introductory essay to the Word on Fire Bible. Check it out at the link below! We highly recommend it.

https://www.wordonfire.org/bible/

Last week we all enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Therefore, this week we thought it would be interesting to take a look at his life and see what we can learn from him. One of his historical works that exists today is known as his confessions. It isn't super long, but has some interesting things to teach us.  Have a read!

Here's a link-
http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/p01.html

This week we continue our conversation from last week. We now focus on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit following the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas. Are there 12? Are there 9? How do they relate to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? 

We received them at Confirmation, but what are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit? How do they differ from the fruit of the Holy Spirit? In short, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Next week we will look at the Fruit of the Holy Spirit and compare and contrast the two!

Do you want to be better at going to Confession? Do you need some ideas about examining your conscience? In today's episode we walk through the Rite of Reconciliation giving tips along the way and introducing some lesser known but awesome options. Enjoy, and confess better today! The Lord is with you. You can do it!

Today we have a witness episode where we chat with Kaye and Taylor about their faith journey as young Catholic women and about where God has been leading them in life. How did their faith develop in their youth? How was it in college? How has it changed post-college? Kaye and Taylor also talk about how they are striving to grow in authentic friendship with other Catholic women helping each other along the way. 

After examining the biblical roots of Anointing of the Sick, today we look at its development in history and theology. We also discuss the richness of the sacrament in both its healing aspect as well as its preparation for eternal life.  Finally, we look at some practical questions. When should you call the priest?

Today we segue into the Sacraments of Healing. We begin by looking at the biblical roots of Anointing of the Sick. How is this rooted in salvation history? How has God revealed Himself as a Healer, a Savior? We also discuss the significance of Jesus' ministry of healing.

How does one discern the priesthood? Father Jon Seda is the Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Today we talk about the process of priestly discernment as well as what qualities Father Seda looks for in a candidate for the priesthood. What if I feel unworthy? What if I am afraid of celibacy? Will I be lonely? We also discuss how parents might react to their child desiring to be a priest (or religious) as well as how to help parents think through and understand this. Might there be joy in the priesthood?

https://dbqarch.org/vocations

Seminary is the school where you go to become a priest. Therefore, what is life like in the seminary? Do you just pray all the time? Can you have any fun? In this episode we are happy to talk with Louis and Deacon Martin, two seminarians for the Archdiocese of Dubuque to discuss life in the seminary. 

Also check out this video on the Minor Seminary in Dubuque:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwJ53Rr3H50

Meet Our Dubuque Seminarians:
https://dbqarch.org/meet-the-seminarians