In preparation for Christmas, which should always be on our hearts even if it isn't in our minds, here is a short fun discussion about Advent.

Host Joshua Lesan (Pre-Theology II; Diocese of Stockton) joins guests Aidan Cameron-Smith(Theology I; Diocese of Oakland) and Jimmy Velasco(Theology I; Archdiocese of San Francisco)share their favorite memories of Advent and Christmastime, as well as how even doing dishes and eating treats can draw us closer to the Incarnation of Christ!

We appreciate you listener, especially because have persevered in reading this far! Please share, subscribe, and pray for young men in your lives who may be discerning their vocation (to priesthood, marriage, consecrated single life).

Is philosophy compatible with faith? Do such abstract ideas have any practical uses? How does philosophy prepare a man for the study of theology and for his future priesthood?

Host Patrick Germann (Pre-Theology II; Diocese of Stockton) discusses these questions and more about the subject of philosophy in the seminary with Francis E. Feingold, PhD Associate Professor of Philosophy/Chair of the Pre-Theology Program and Associate Professor of Philosophy John Macias, PhD.

We appreciate you listener, especially because you have persevered in reading this far! Please share, subscribe, and pray for young men in your lives who may be discerning their vocation (to priesthood, marriage, consecrated single life).

What happened at the apparitions at Medjugorje? What effect can a pilgrimage have on our life of faith? How does an encounter with the Virgin Mary lead us closer to Jesus? What role does Marian devotion play in the life of a seminarian?

Host Patrick Germann (Pre-Theology II; Diocese of Stockton) is joined by fellow seminarian Scott Borba (Theology I; Diocese of Fresno) and Dr. Nina Heereman, Associate Professor of Sacred Scriptures/Chair of Sacred Scriptures at St. Patrick's Seminary to discuss these questions and more on this episode of St. Pat's Chat.

Sources/Media recommended in this episode:

My Heart Will Triumph by Mirijana Soldo

Medjugorje: The Message by Wayne Weible

Official website of Medjugorje: medjugorje.org

Do you pray all day at the seminary? How do you balance a prayerful life with all the other demands of life? Brother Scott Whittaker of the Benedictines of Hawaii (Pre-Theology I; Diocese of Honolulu) and Executive Producer Patrick Germann (Pre-Theology I; Diocese of Stockton) discuss these questions and more about prayer on this episode of St. Pat's Chat.

We would like to thank Eric Patrick (Theology III; Diocese of Sacramento) for editing this episode of St. Pat's Chat, and as always thank you to our listeners!

When can a man enter the seminary to discern the priesthood? Cameron Sellers (Pre- Theology I; Archdiocese of San Francisco) did it after spending 34 years in the armed forces! St. Pat's Chat Executive Producer Patrick Germann (Pre-Theology II; Diocese of Stockton) talks with Cameron about his service, experiences with studies and prayer, Catholic masculine identity, and much more in this extended interview.

We would like to thank Eric Patrick (Theology III; Diocese of Sacramento) for his assistance in editing this episode of the podcast, and for all of our patient listeners. We will be producing more episodes very soon!

Joshua Lesan (Pre-Theology I; Diocese of Stockton), Chi-Nhan Vo (Theology II; Diocese of Portland), and Benjamin Condon (Theology I; Diocese of Sacramento) share their experiences in becoming seminarians so far in their spiritual journeys, in particular the surprising connection between proclaiming the Gospel and what seminarians wear. They share stories about the history and power of the color black, the idea of the Christian as a "diamond", and how even thigh-high St. Therese of Lisieux socks and camo green ties can be a part of living as a Christian.

After the break, the guys talk about Ash Wednesday and Lent. They share their experiences with/attempts at Exodus 90, how once chocolate milk almost derailed a young Chi-Nhan's Lenten fast, when you wipe your forehead after receiving ashes, the value of silence, the prophets as "wild men" and much more.

We appreciate you listener, especially because have persevered in reading this far! Please share, subscribe, and pray for young men in your lives who may be discerning their vocation (to priesthood, marriage, consecrated single life).

Chi-Nhan Vo (Theology II; Diocese of Portland), Nicolas Castoldi (Theology II; Diocese of Spokane), and Patrick Germann (Pre-Theology I: Diocese of Stockton) share their experiences in seminary and its role in forming men to be priests. They then share what they love about Advent; how to stay hopeful and joyful during the season; and how to fully experience the season while waiting for Christmas.

Show Notes

-Prayer

-What IS a seminary?

-Purpose of a seminary is formation

-Formation means spiritual growth and development

-Growth and development for each man "according to his need"

-Sacrifice is necessary, but seminary isn't prison or a monastery

-How do we grow in our daily life?

-How schedules and reflection lead to growth

...

Advent

...

-What is Advent?

-Advent is a time of preparation

-What do we do to prepare?

-Catholics have this season to prepare

-We live the life of Jesus through the liturgical year

In this episode, Pastoral Studies Department Chair Fr. Pius Pietrzyk, OP, and St. Pat's Chat Executive Producer Patrick Germann introduce themselves, the origins of this project, their hopes and goals for the podcast. Then after a brief intermission, they continue their discussion with hosts Joshua Lesan and Nicolas Castoldi.