Sons of Ars

All the hosts, John Cooney, Michael Salemi, and Michael Sparks, sit down to discuss their latest summer as seminarians. They discuss a variety of topics and lots of travel. A whirlwind of experiences thrown into one episode, so hold onto your hats.

The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.

Email with any questions or comments: [email protected]

Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/

July 2023 Episode

Host and editor Michael Salemi in the midst of his summer asignment brings to listeners a summer episode with a special guest who is an Alumni of St. John Vianney and has been a priest for a few years. Fr. Kevin is a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, he shares his journey out of seminary and what it's like to maintain joy in the priesthood. Even emidst sudden transition in his life, he gives great thanks to God and shares some lighthearted stories from his priesthood. His wisdom to stay rooted in Christ rings true to the Christian journey for all who desire relationship with God.

References:

Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: [email protected]

Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/

Now at the end of the academic year, Michael and John look back on their time walking the streets of Denver and encountering the homeless with Christ in the City.

April 2023 Episode

Hosts John Cooney and Michael Sparks invite Deacon Gabe for his second time on the Sons of Ars. Since last time on the podcast he became a deacon and finally shares his story into the seminary with priestly ordination only a few months away. His wisdom to unvail one's heart is expressed through his experience of asking for graces from God and then being able to recognize the abundant ways God bestows grace at all times times.

References:

Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: [email protected]

Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/

Last time Deacon Gabe was on the podcast was Season 1 Episode 4

Deacon Gabe mentions this incredable Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men, (well worth the read) Into the Breach - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix (dphx.org)

Fr Kevin Penkalski from the Diocese of Phoenix preaches on understanding the paschal joy of Easter.

Dcn Gabirel Sabado preaches on the love of the Father revealed through the Son and the necessity to remember the truth of His love.

Hosts Michael Salemi and Michael Sparks invite fellow classmate Brother Andrew Brebeuf from the Servants of Christ Jesus to share his love of Jesus. He shares his experience after his re-conversion of bringing Jesus to others which lead him to deeper trust in God and then to religious life. They discuss the life changing power of trusting in God.

References:

Email us with comments or questions at: [email protected]

Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at the updated website and where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/

Servants of Christ Jesus: http://www.scjesus.org/

John and Michael come together at the beginning of lent to talk about the literature club John started at the seminary. They discuss the ways that good literature can help form everyone, and how literature points towards the depth of humanity which ultimately relates to the spiritual life oriented to God.

You can email us at:

[email protected]

Fr. Luke Barder preaches on the importance of knowing God rather than to know about Him.

Michael and John spend time with Mary Machado, mother of former host Jacob Machado. Mary addresses the experience of being a mother of a seminarian.