In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Kim and JJ welcome Father Paul Coleman and Dr. Kathy Cummings. They discuss their new course on global Catholicism developed through the Institute for Advanced Studies Teaching Lab Fellows program. The course covers a variety of perspectives on Catholicism, including historical and cultural influences, student responses, and the challenges and rewards of collaborative teaching. The conversation delves into the importance of examining Catholicism through different lenses, the impact of immigration on faith practices in the U.S., and the dynamics of synodality in the Catholic Church. They also touch on the significance of Pope Francis's teachings, particularly his autobiography, and how global and local traditions shape the Catholic experience.

00:00 Introduction to Rhythms of Faith

00:25 Course Development and Initial Experiences

01:15 Exploring Global Catholicism

01:45 Field Trip to Chicago's Ethnic Parishes

03:40 Teaching Challenges and Student Engagement

07:03 Importance of Teaching Global Catholicism

10:07 Cultural Integration in Catholicism

17:02 Exploring the Synod Experience

18:34 Historical Context and Church Hierarchy

19:56 Pope Francis and the Synod's Impact

25:13 Liturgical Gifts and Cultural Differences

28:48 Fun and Reflective Closing

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In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Jerry Blackstone, currently the conducting professor at the University of Notre Dame, shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Kansas to an accomplished career in conducting. Dr. Blackstone discusses his role at Notre Dame, working with graduate students in choral conducting, and reflects on his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of imagination and communication in music. He also touches upon the role of technology in music education, the joys and challenges of conducting, and the spiritual dimensions of making music both in concert halls and churches. The episode delves into how his faith shapes his musical endeavors, his experiences with iconic pieces like Brahms' Requiem, and the deep bonds formed through communal music-making.

00:00 Introduction to Rhythms of Faith

00:26 Dr. Jerry Blackstone's Role at Notre Dame

01:11 Adjusting to Notre Dame

02:06 Early Life and Musical Beginnings

04:49 Pursuing Conducting

06:56 Teaching Conducting at Notre Dame

07:28 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching Conducting

09:03 The Importance of Imagination in Conducting

12:52 Technological Shifts in Music Education

14:49 Active Listening and Guided Listening

18:04 The Communal Experience of Music

20:27 A Heartwarming Story from Texas

21:28 The Essence of Making Music in Different Venues

23:47 Teaching Sacred vs. Secular Music

25:51 The Spiritual Connection in Music

28:14 Reflecting on Musical Pieces and Performances

32:23 Memorable Conducting Experiences

36:37 A Fun and Personal Finale

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In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, the hosts and guests dive deep into the personal experiences and formative influences of liturgical musicians. The episode covers their favorite liturgical songs, significant mentors in their faith journeys, and the integration of sacred and secular music. The hosts reflect on how music shapes their spirituality and the importance of new liturgical compositions for contemporary worship. The conversation also explores the role of prayer, the connection between creativity and divine inspiration, and the holistic nature of communal and individual prayer practices. The episode concludes with personal insights on spiritual growth and the importance of deep listening and presence in one's spiritual life.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:43 Exploring Liturgical Music

03:31 Influential Figures in Faith and Music

07:01 Sacred vs. Secular Music

10:44 The Essence of Liturgical Music

12:14 The Intersection of Music and Visual Arts

14:25 The Importance of New Liturgical Music

17:15 Creative Process and Prayer

26:20 Final Thoughts and Spiritual Advice

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In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Vanessa Chan, an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Notre Dame, shares her journey of faith and academic pursuits. Dr. Chan discusses her initial interest in neuroscience at McGill University and her eventual shift to human psychology and music at the University of Toronto. She delves into the complexities of how the brain processes music and sound, the emotional and social aspects of music, and the unique experiences within choral singing and liturgical music. The conversation also explores how music and neuroscience intersect to address aspects of human behavior and social bonding, and what people of faith can gain from engaging with these disciplines. Dr. Chan concludes by discussing her current research on mixed emotions in music and offering book recommendations.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Vanessa's Journey in Faith and Psychology

02:39 Musical Beginnings and Choral Singing

04:05 The Neuroscience of Music

05:47 Music, Emotions, and Mixed Feelings

21:40 Cultural Perceptions of Music

25:07 Expectations and Rewards in Music

29:51 Liturgical Music and Social Bonding

31:32 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

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In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, hosts J.J. Wright and Kim Belcher welcome Fr. Kevin Grove, CSC, Professor of Theology and Director of the Master of Divinity Program at the University of Notre Dame. A priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Fr. Kevin reflects on the ways memory, desire, and tradition shape the Christian life.

The conversation ranges from the scriptural meaning of anamnesis to Augustine’s insights on memory and community, weaving in liturgical music, daily practice, and the vulnerability of sharing faith with others. Along the way, Fr. Kevin shares stories from life on campus, his Montana roots, and even his favorite “liturgical banger.”

00:00 | Welcome & Introduction — Fr. Kevin’s background, ministry, and life on campus.

02:00 | Memory and Desire — What Christian memory (anamnesis) really means, and how desire shapes our relationships.

08:00 | Augustine as Guide — How Augustine’s reflections on memory, desire, and community continue to resonate today.

12:00 | Music, Time, and Tradition — Why music uniquely binds memory and faith, and how liturgical songs carry tradition across generations.

20:00 | Living Tradition — Fr. Basil Moreau, Holy Cross, and the challenge of displacing “songs of the countryside” with life-giving faith.

27:00 | Community and Vulnerability — Practical wisdom on overcoming isolation and finding communion with God and neighbor.

31:00 | Liturgical Favorites — Why O God Beyond All Praising is a Holy Cross classic (and a true liturgical “banger”).

36:00 | Beyond the Liturgy — From Gustav Mahler to country music, Fr. Kevin on the songs that move him.

37:00 | Closing Reflection — Elk, Montana skies, and finding home in memory and community.

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In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Reverend Dr. Hugh Page Jr., the Vice President for Institutional Transformation and advisor to the President at the University of Notre Dame, discusses his multifaceted career. With a tenure at Notre Dame since 1992, Dr. Page details his role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, highlighting the importance of building relationships and fostering networks. Additionally, Dr. Page shares how his vocations as a Hebrew Bible scholar, an Episcopal priest, and a blues musician interconnect, focusing on themes of love, human connectedness, and the mysteries of the universe. He also explores how music, particularly the blues, acts as an outlet for emotional expression and transformation. The conversation also reflects on the integration of personal and professional life, the importance of patience and long-term growth, and how music can energize the fight for justice.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:29 Hugh Page Jr.'s Role at Notre Dame

02:45 The Intersection of Vocation and Passion

05:36 The Power of Love in Work and Life

09:19 Music as a Spiritual and Emotional Outlet

11:20 Journey into Blues Music

16:53 Scholarship and the Black Experience

26:59 The Transformative Power of Music

31:56 Advice for Long-Term Growth and Justice

37:38 Musical Performance and Closing Thoughts

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In this engaging episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Blake Leyerle, a professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame, dives into the social and cultural history of early Christianity. Dr. Leyerle shares her unique approach, focusing not on the renowned figures of the time but on the everyday lives of ordinary people. The conversation covers everything from Dr. Leyerle's detective-like historical research process, the creative interpretation of scant ancient data, to the importance of emotion in ethical formation as seen through the sermons and personality of John Chrysostom, an influential early church figure. She also touches on the role of music, the intersections of home and liturgical spaces, and the parallels between ancient and modern-day Christian practices. Finally, Dr. Leyerle reflects on the misconceptions about early Christianity and discusses her recent work, 'Christians at Home’, which explores the integration of religious practices into domestic spaces.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Exploring Early Christianity

02:15 The Creative Process of Historical Research

03:50 Collaboration and Material Culture

06:14 John Chrysostom: Life and Works

14:53 Chrysostom's Approach to Emotions and Ethics

21:23 Music in Early Christianity

23:18 The Role of Psalms in Christian Practice

23:56 Christianizing Daily Life Through Song

24:49 Domestic Religion: Creating Sacred Spaces at Home

27:16 The Three Sacred Objects in Christian Homes

29:25 The Bed: A Place of Prayer and Reflection

30:53 The Chest: Almsgiving and Moral Formation

32:28 The Table: Hospitality and Scriptural Discussion

33:02 Writing During the Pandemic: Inspiration and Challenges

33:50 Empowering Lay Christians: Overcoming Inertia

37:41 Debunking Myths About Early Christianity

39:49 Fun Question: If You Were an Animal...

41:49 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, we welcome Sarah Kathleen Johnson, a professor at Saint Paul University, to discuss her journey into liturgy and her recent book, Occasion Religious Practice: Valuing a Very Ordinary Religious Practice. Johnson shares insights from her research on occasional religious practices, particularly in the Anglican tradition in Toronto. She explains how focusing on religious practices rather than beliefs can reveal the diversity present during religious events. The conversation also delves into Johnson's ongoing work on young people's experiences in Christian worship, examining the affective and embodied dimensions of these experiences. Johnson emphasizes the importance of diversity and open dialogue in worship, regardless of one's religious identity or level of belief. The episode concludes with a discussion on the nuances of terms like 'liturgy' and 'worship' and Johnson's reflections on her favorite piece of liturgical music and choosing a tree as her spirit entity for its rootedness and connection to the natural world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:25 Sarah's Journey into Liturgy

01:59 The Concept of Occasional Religious Practice

04:17 Research Methods and Findings

05:04 Insights from Interviews

10:15 Classroom Applications and Student Experiences

14:19 Observations on Liturgical Practices

18:54 Current Research on Young People in Worship

19:56 Exploring Ordinary Worship Experiences

20:29 Materiality and Emotion in Worship

22:21 Liturgical Music and Tradition

24:35 Ecumenical Dimensions and Theological Sharing

27:28 Liturgy vs. Worship: Understanding the Terminology

31:20 Leadership Formation and Worship Experiences

34:54 Personal Reflections on Liturgical Music

36:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, the hosts welcome Dr. Meghan Sullivan, founding Director of the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good and the Ethics Initiative at Notre Dame. Meghan shares her unexpected journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate philosopher and educator. Discussing her course 'God and the Good Life,' and her reflections on the parable of the Good Samaritan, Meghan delves into the significance of ethics, faith, and personal fulfillment. The conversation covers her personal faith journey, the challenges in the philosophy discipline, and her collaborative efforts to reshape philosophical and ethical education at Notre Dame.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Discovering Philosophy

02:42 Career Realizations

06:11 Journey to Faith

11:15 Teaching and Mentorship

18:11 Creating 'God and the Good Life'

25:11 The Importance of Singing and Creativity

25:23 Exploring the Good Samaritan Parable

26:28 Ethical Frameworks and Love Commandment

28:08 Philosophical Questions on Love and Ethics

28:56 Modern Ethical Challenges and the Good Samaritan

30:53 The Injured Man's Perspective

32:38 Accepting Help and Ethical Challenges

33:31 Ezekiel Emanuel's Provocative Article

36:02 Creating the Institute for Ethics in the Common Good

37:11 Challenges and Rewards of Leadership Projects

41:54 Teaching Theology and Student Experiences

48:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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On this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Kim and JJ sit down with Dr. Rebecca Maloy, Director of the Sacred Music Program at the University of Notre Dame. A renowned musicologist specializing in liturgical chant, Dr. Maloy shares how she first became fascinated by the mysterious world of “Old Hispanic” (also known as Mozarabic or Hispano-Mozarabic) chant. Drawing on her decades of scholarship, she explains how this ancient tradition—independent from Roman chant—wove together texts, melodies, and theology to foster Nicene Christianity on the Iberian Peninsula.

Listeners will hear why, despite its elusive notation and origins, Old Hispanic chant provides a window into the power of liturgical music to shape both memory and belief. Dr. Maloy also reflects on Gregorian chant, the Carolingians’ project of “correctio,” and the creative tension between oral tradition and fixed musical forms. Finally, she offers insight into how her historical research directly informs her leadership of today’s Sacred Music Program—where new generations of conductors, composers, and performers carry forward the Church’s living musical heritage.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Rebecca Malloy's Background and Interest in Chant

00:53 Exploring Old Hispanic Chant

02:58 The Role of Chant in Liturgy

04:58 Gregorian Chant and Its Origins

08:21 Old Hispanic Chant and Word Painting

16:18 The Intersection of Orality and Writing in Chant

22:57 Contemporary Relevance and Teaching of Chant

31:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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