The Passing Currents Podcast

This week, Brian and Eric sit down to discuss the question posed to us by Brian's friend Andrew: when is the Catholic Church finally going to let priests get married? The boys give their answer, discussing what total gift of self looks like in the context of the vocations of both the priesthood and marriage. They also lay out the key differences between what a priest is and what a lay person, or even a non-Catholic minister, is.

This week, Brian sits down for an interview with his old friend from high school, Andrew. Andrew was raised Catholic with Brian and is now studying to be a Lutheran pastor. The interview is, unfortunately, a little brief, as Brian has to duck out midway through, but not before we’re able to hear some good stuff from Andrew. Plus, due to the truncated nature of the interview, Eric and Brian fill out the episode with some immediate response to the interview (though treatment of his outstanding question on celibacy is saved for next week’s episode). Enjoy!

Recommended Reads: 40 Reasons I Am a Catholic, Peter Kreeft; Three Treatises, Martin Luther; True Reformers, Christopher Blum; The Risk of Education, Luigi Guissani.

WE’RE BACK. This week, in their triumphant return, the boys talk about how they’re weak and imperfect and very big sinners.

Seriously.

That’s what we talk about.

And it’s important. Give it a listen.

The Article Mentioned in the Episode: https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/theology-on-tap-shares-the-power-of-a-pint/article_c2d3384a-2964-11e9-bd31-ef5cda3ce453.html

For this, our final Theology on Tap presentation, we had to pull an audible: due to inclement weather, our planned speaker, Dr. Susan Windley-Daoust, was unable to make it. However, this gave us a chance to make up the Grill the Priest session that we lost due to weather two weeks ago. Father The Hoang of Pax Christ Catholic Church in Rochester was willing to sit down with us and field questions from the audience (you may remember Father The from when he was on the podcast last spring as then-Deacon The). Enjoy!

This week, we present to you the fifth talk of our Theology on Tap series (alas, ToT IV was cancelled due to weather). It features an OUTSTANDING talk by Theresa Martin on living out the truths of our sexuality. She focuses in particular on the letters and lessons of a certain Polish priest named Karol Wojtyła…whom some of you may know better as Pope John Paul II. Enjoy!

In this week’s Theology on Tap presentation, Fr. Jason Kern (vocations director for the Diocese of WInona) speaks on the sex abuse scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church. He gives his insights on the many facets of the scandals, and—most importantly—addresses how we as Christians can continue to keep our focus on Christ in this time. It is, perhaps more than any other episode we have presented to you before, an important talk. We hope you find it as valuable as we did, and we hope you will share it with your friends and family so that we all may continue to have this conversation that must be had.

In this week’s Theology on Tap presentation, our very own Brian Kusek speaks on beauty and why it matters.

Recommended Reads: Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae; Dennis McNamara, Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy; Duncan Stroik, The Church Building as a Sacred Place: Beauty, Transcendence, and the Eternal; Jacques Maritain, Art and Poetry; C.S. Lewis, An Experiment in Criticism; C.S. Lewis, Til We Have Faces; Pope St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists

In this, the first talk of our Winter Theology on Tap series, Tim Streiff speaks on the mechanics of humor and what it has to do with our spirituality and quest for holiness.

In our final episode of 2018, the boys give you some tips on what to add to your reading list in 2019. Responding to questions and categories given to them by listeners, the dudes hereby present you with SIX reading recommendations by EACH host (and one movie recommendation). The categories are listed below; listen to the episode to find out our recommended reads (and views). Enjoy!

Recommendation Categories:

What is a good Catholic fiction novel you’d recommend?

What book would you recommend to someone looking to improve their prayer life/spiritual direction?

What book would you recommend to someone who is struggling with the Mass?

What book would you recommend to someone looking to learn more about Catholicism?

What would you recommend to someone discerning marriage?

What book would you recommend that helps present and explain a particular Catholic teaching which is especially controversial in today’s world?

BONUS: What’s one high-quality movie you’d recommend?

This week, the boys sit down to discuss last week's interview with their friend Brett. Topics range from apathy to emotion to conversion to Advent. Plus, a BONUS: Eric reveals a big announcement that (for once) doesn't involve him being injured or getting surgery.

Recommended Reads: The Spiritual Combat, Dom Lorenzo Scupoli; Life is Worth Living, Ven. Arch. Fulton J. Sheen; Peace of Soul, Ven. Arch. Fulton J. Sheen; Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, Papa Benny.