The Real + True Podcast

In this episode of the Real+True podcast, hosts Emily Mentock and Edmund Mitchell explore prayer's wellsprings in the Holy Spirit and the Church. They discuss the use of Church documents, the Catechism, Scripture, and formal prayers in evangelization and catechesis. They also talk about the importance of the liturgy in evangelization and catechesis, and practical steps for making prayer a more profound and personal experience for others. The episode also covers the role of aspiration prayers, the liturgical calendar, and the significance of recognizing God's presence in everyday life.

00:00 - Emily and Edmund discuss learning to pray personally and with the Church, highlighting the Catechism’s four wellsprings of prayer: Scripture, liturgy, the virtues, and Christian living. They share practical tips for encountering Jesus through Scripture and emphasize prayer as a relationship that deepens through the liturgy.

08:47 - The conversation dives deeper into practical ways to help others pray with scripture and liturgy, emphasizing the call-and-response dynamic and the Liturgy of the Hours. These practices can help us even outside of Mass and train our hearts to engage deeply with prayer, Scripture, and the rhythms of the Church’s liturgical life.

17:06 - Emily and Edmund explore aspiration prayers—short, scriptural prayers like “Come, Holy Spirit”—as a way to “pray without ceasing” and integrate prayer into daily life. They discuss teaching these prayers, connecting them to liturgy, and unlocking deeper meaning behind structured prayers to enrich catechesis and evangelization.

27:50 - Emily and Edmund discuss encountering God today through prayer, inspired by Brother Lawrence’s Practice of Presence and the Catechism’s call to embrace the present moment (CCC 2659). They highlight prayer as a journey of the heart, guided by the theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—as the foundation of our relationship with God.

33:52 - The episode ends with a recap of the importance of teaching others to “fish” by leading them to the Church’s wellsprings where Jesus waits. They encourage catechists to revisit these wellsprings, including Church documents, for inspiration and to deepen their own encounter with Christ.

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Summary: In this episode of The Real+True Podcast, co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock explore part four of the Catechism, focusing on Christian prayer and its roots in the Old Testament. They discuss prayer and Scripture and how the gradual revelation of God in the Old Testament can deepen our prayer life. Key figures such as Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets are highlighted, showcasing each one’s example that contributes to God’s revelation of prayer and our relationship with God. The episode also covers the role of the Psalms as a 'school of prayer' and delves into the dynamics of praying within the Holy Trinity. The episode concludes with practical insights and advice for using Scripture effectively in catechesis and evangelization. 

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction and Mission
Emily and Edmund introduce the podcast, sharing their excitement about exploring the Catechism, particularly focusing on the section on Christian prayer. They aim to equip listeners with insights for using the Catechism for evangelization and catechesis on prayer, specifically using Scripture. Edmund outlines that the current unit emphasizes prayer in both the Old and New Testaments, pointing to God’s invitation to a covenant relationship through prayer. 

01:23 Personal Stories of Prayer
Edmund and Emily share personal stories of how prayer and Scripture have impacted their spiritual lives. Emily recounts a profound experience in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that opened her eyes to the enduring mercy of God, while Edmund shares a touching moment where he sensed God's affirming voice during a difficult time.

06:29 Understanding God's Voice
Emily elaborates on how people often struggle to recognize God’s voice in their lives, stressing the importance of engaging with Scripture as a way to become familiar with it. They discuss the significance of hearing and reading Scripture, both personally and communally, for understanding and maintaining a relationship with God.

09:27 Catechism Insights on Prayer
Edmund and Emily discuss the catechism’s breakdown of prayer through various figures in the Old Testament. Starting with Creation and Adam and Eve, moving through Abraham’s faith, Moses’ intercession, David’s prayer in the presence of God, and the prophets' calls for conversion, they emphasize the gradual revelation of God’s relationship with His people.

19:09 The Depth and Beauty of the Psalms
The hosts express their admiration for the Psalms, highlighting Pope Benedict’s description of them as a school of prayer. They discuss how the Psalms encompass all five expressions of prayer and serve as a foundational model for both personal and communal prayer practices.

21:10 Jesus: The Fulfillment of Prayer
Emily and Edmund describe Jesus as the culmination and fulfillment of all Old Testament examples of prayer, providing the perfect model of prayer and relationship with God. They emphasize the importance of praying through Jesus to the Father in the Holy Spirit, explaining how the Holy Spirit aids and perfects our prayer.

26:48 Practical Tips for Incorporating Scripture and Prayer
They offer practical advice on teaching and integrating Scripture and prayer, suggesting the use of the Catechism’s structure for understanding the story of salvation. They stress the importance of embodying and speaking God's word naturally in catechesis and evangelization.

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Episode Description: 
In this first episode of Season 4 of The Real + True Podcast, co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock dive into the fourth pillar of the Catechism: Christian Prayer. They explore how prayer is the heart of the Christian life and not just something we do, but a personal relationship with God Himself. Throughout this episode, Edmund and Emily share personal stories about their evolving understanding of prayer and how it transformed their relationship with God from mere intellectual pursuit or cultural practice into a fulfilling life of prayer. They also discuss practical insights for ministry based on the catechism’s teaching about prayer, discovering how it fosters a relationship with God that touches every other aspect of the faith. Whether you’re new to prayer or have been praying for years, this episode will challenge and inspire you to view prayer in a new light and help you walk with others closer to Jesus through prayer. 

Show Notes

00:00 – Edmund and Emily dive into the fourth pillar of the Catechism: prayer. They share how their understanding of prayer evolved from routine recitations to a transformative, personal relationship with God. The conversation emphasizes that prayer is not just something we do, but the personal relationship with God itself.

10:59 – In this section, Edmund and Emily discuss how prayer is not just a dry routine, but a personal relationship with God. They emphasize that the Catechism teaches prayer as a gift. Prayer is unique to each person, shaped by how we naturally engage with God. They explain that true prayer comes from the heart, not just the mind, and how the Catechism emphasizes the heart as a place of encounter with God. Cultivating this heart-to-heart connection is key to deepening one’s relationship with God.

21:36 – The conversation turns to how spiritual awareness, particularly recognizing movements of the heart, can deepen prayer. Edmund and Emily highlight St. Ignatius of Loyola’s discernment of spirits and how prayer goes beyond emotion to a personal encounter with God. Edmund shares a personal story of how a seemingly ordinary moment became an answer to prayer, showing God’s care and involvement. The hosts emphasize that prayer is relational, and God desires to connect with us personally in our everyday lives, making even simple moments spiritually significant.

30:24 – In part of the podcast, Edmund and Emily discuss how true prayer comes from the heart, as seen in both spontaneous and recited prayers, which help deepen our connection with God. They encourage listeners to reflect on moments when prayer felt personal and to cultivate an awareness of their heart in prayer. This practice makes prayer more meaningful, transforming it into a genuine, heart-to-heart relationship with God.

40:16 – Wrapping up the podcast, Emily and Edmund emphasize the importance of sharing personal experiences of prayer to inspire others, whether as catechists or individuals living out their faith. They highlight the various expressions of prayer and encourage exploring different types to deepen one’s relationship with God. 

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In this episode, Edmund welcomes special guest Ryan O’Hara to dive into the Eighth Commandment. With over 25 years of ministry experience, Ryan shares his insights on the deeper implications of “bearing false witness” and how it extends beyond simply "not lying." They explore practical advice for catechists and parish ministers, discuss the importance of right speech, and offer tips for repairing broken trust. Whether you're in ministry or simply interested in learning more about living a life of integrity, tune in to discover how truth and trust shape our relationships with God and one another.

 Show Notes:

(00:00) In the opening of the episode, co-host Edmund Mitchell and guest Ryan O’Hara explore the deeper meaning of the 8th Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness.” Ryan reflects on his ministry experience and emphasizes the transformative power of speech, truthfulness, and formation in living a life rooted in integrity.

(09:02) In this portion of the podcast, Edmund and Ryan explore the 8th Commandment's connection to trust, truth, and relationships. They emphasize the power of words to build or destroy trust, referencing both Christian teachings and real-world examples. The discussion highlights the importance of integrity and how speech can unite or divide communities.

(21:18)  In this segment, Edmund and Ryan explore the distinction between conviction and condemnation in ministry, emphasizing the need to guide people toward repentance with compassion. They discuss repairing relationships through honest apologies and forgiveness, as well as the importance of ministers modeling trust and truthfulness while offering support to those hurt by the Church or others.

 (31:16) In the conclusion of the podcast, Edmund and Ryan discuss practical tips for ministers on presenting the 8th Commandment to others. They reflect on the balance between truth and love, addressing the struggle of people-pleasing and the sin of omission. Ryan also highlights the importance of honesty in relationships and points listeners to his podcast “Better Preach” for more resources on preaching and teaching.

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In this episode Edmund Mitchell welcomes special guest Nick Sawicki, the Associate Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and a member of CAPP USA, the American branch of a Vatican foundation that promotes Catholic social teaching. Nick brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, including his work with America's Catholic social teaching initiatives and his legal background from Fordham University.

Show Notes:

(00:00) The episode begins with Nick’s background and his deep connection with Catholic social teaching, rooted in his experiences at his home parish, which was led by the inspiring figure: Venerable Nelson Baker. Nick recounts how Father Baker's life and work in the "City of Charity" in Buffalo left a profound impact on him, shaping his understanding of faith in action. Nick discusses how Father Baker's dedication to serving the poor and needy during the Great Depression exemplifies the true spirit of Catholic social teaching.

(10:18)  In this section of the podcast, Nick and Edmund discuss the multifaceted nature of poverty, emphasizing that beyond material poverty, the Church also recognizes moral and spiritual poverty. They explore the significance of Catholic social teaching, particularly how the Seventh Commandment ("Thou shall not steal") extends beyond just avoiding theft. Nick highlights the Church’s teachings on the universal destination of goods, the tension between private property rights, and the common good. The discussion also touches on the complexities of economic systems and the moral foundations necessary for true human dignity and justice.

(15:58)  In this segment, Edmund and Nick discuss the importance of understanding the Church's teachings on private property and its deeper spiritual significance. Edmund shares a personal story about his children and their attachment to belongings, which sparks a conversation about the dignity and fulfillment that come from owning property. Nick explains that while private property is important, it must be balanced with the Church’s teachings on the universal destination of goods, ensuring that possessions serve the common good. The discussion also highlights the role of Catholic social teaching in guiding how we relate to and use our material possessions.

(25:24)  In this closing segment, Edmund and Nick discuss how Pope Francis emphasizes Catholic social teaching through his actions and decisions, sparking conversations about living a life aligned with the Gospel. Nick shares practical ways to cultivate a healthier relationship with material goods, like using the Jesuit practice of the Examen to reflect on motivations behind purchases. They also discuss the dangers of consumerism, which can distract from spiritual growth. Nick encourages listeners to explore Catholic social teaching further by visiting cappusa.com, which offers valuable resources for understanding and applying these principles in daily life.

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In this episode, Edmund is joined by Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and the author of the best-selling book Be Healed: Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life. They delve into topics around sexual sin and the 6th and 9th Commandments, exploring issues of adultery, chastity, and healing within a ministry context. Dr. Schuchts shares his personal and professional experience and insights around presenting God’s plan for sexuality and addressing the reality of people’s experience of sexual sin in their families and marriages.

00:00 Edmund introduces Dr. Bob Schuchts, a therapist and founder of the John Paul II Healing Center, who has spent over 30 years working in ministry and family therapy. They discuss the 6th and 9th Commandments, focusing on the complexities of adultery and covetousness and the broader implications of sexual sin. Dr. Schuchts emphasizes the profound impact of sexual sins and violations on individuals and relationships, advocating for a deeper understanding of these issues through his work and the Catechism.

09:08 This part of the episode focuses on the unintended consequences of “vows” made in response to personal trauma, like adultery witnessed in one's family growing up. Dr. Bob explains that vows made out of fear or judgment can have a negative impact on our lives. He highlights the importance of approaching vows and commandments not from a place of fear but through a positive perspective of living one's values in the Holy Spirit's power and freedom. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of such vows for healing and living authentically in accordance with God's design.

17:03 In this segment, the discussion centers on overcoming the denials associated with adultery. Dr. Bob and Edmund discuss the four specific denials: denial of the act itself, denial of wrongness, denial of consequences, and the denial of hope. Dr. Bob emphasizes the role of shame and isolation in perpetuating sexual sin and highlights the importance of confronting these feelings to foster healing and communion. They discuss strategies for encouraging openness and healing in ministry settings, suggesting practical exercises for acknowledging and confronting one’s past within a supportive community.

25:21 In the closing of the episode, the conversation focuses on understanding and practicing chastity within and outside marriage. Dr. Bob emphasizes that chastity is about seeing sexuality through God's perspective and highlights the importance of understanding divine intentions for sexuality, as illustrated in the Theology of the Body. Practical advice for growing in chastity includes recognizing personal violations of chastity and pursuing healing through the Sacrament of Confession and the Eucharist. For married couples, discussing feelings of use within the relationship and fostering mutual respect and dignity is advised. Dr. Bob and Edmund also discuss the broad implications of sexual teachings in understanding human relationships and personal growth in love.

This episode is sponsored by UNLEASHING THE POWER OF THE EARLY CHURCH:
Study "Acts of the Apostles" with Dr. Mary Healy online at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Visit shms.edu/online

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In this conversation, guest Brya Hanan joins to discuss the Fifth Commandment, trauma, healing, and the challenges of parent-child relationships. Brya shares her journey into the field of Catholic marriage and family therapy and explores the concept of trauma-informed therapy and how trauma impacts our bodies, minds, relationships, and spirituality. The discussion also focuses on the intersection of trauma and attachment theory. Finally, practical advice is given for catechists and parents on how to differentiate between normal family challenges and more serious issues that may require therapy, especially in light of presenting the Fifth Commandment.

Show Notes:
00:00 Brya Hanan explains her journey into therapy, highlighting her passion for helping marginalized individuals and exploring the integration of psychology and faith. She emphasizes the importance of holistic healing and discusses the evolution of trauma awareness in therapy, shedding light on trauma-informed approaches. Edmund introduces the complexities of parent-child relationships, setting the stage for a nuanced exploration of presenting the Fifth Commandment in evangelization and catechesis while navigating family dynamics.

07:27 The discussion shifts to the trend of young adults estranging themselves from parents due to trauma and the challenges within parent-child relationships. Brya explains how trauma affects attachment bonds, emphasizing the significance of emotional safety. She delves into the stressors parents face and their impact on relationships, advocating for healthy boundaries and tough conversations. Practical advice includes therapy, prayer, and discernment guided by the Holy Spirit.

14:33 Brya discusses the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and discerning how to respond when someone is sharing difficult family dynamics. She advises pointing individuals toward healing resources like therapy and spiritual direction. Edmund explores differentiating between common family challenges and more serious issues.

20:52  Brya suggests approaching discussions around family challenges with curiosity and empathy, drawing from personal experiences to gently guide individuals towards resources like therapy and spiritual direction. She emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and attunement in parent-child relationships, fostering trust and authentic faith. Resources include books on attachment theory and articles exploring the link between health

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities USA.  Help Catholic Charities serve your neighbors in need. Join us at www.WeAreThere.US. 

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In this episode of the Real+True podcast, host Edmund Mitchell talks with Father Joseph J. Krupp about the practical application of the first three commandments in catechesis and evangelization, emphasizing love of God. Father Joe shares insights from his broad pastoral experience, including his roles in parishes, schools, and other ministries. They dive into how the commandments guide believers in recognizing their place in the universe, and how this understanding fosters a deeper relationship with God. The discussion covers topics like the distinction between “cultural” and “apostolic” Christianity, the importance of the Sacrament of Confession, and practical tips for living out the commandments in daily life. Father Joe encourages a relationship-based approach to morality rather than seeing them as mere rules, highlighting the need for a love-filled response of obedience to God.

00:00 Edmund introduces the podcast episode featuring Father Joe Krupp and the discussion on the first three commandments. Father Joe shares his personal journey of faith and his pastoral experience in evangelization and catechesis, highlighting the importance of personal testimony and joyful presentation of the Gospel.

08:42  Father Joe delves into the meaning of the First Commandment, emphasizing the recognition of God's place in our lives and the importance of genuine worship and obedience. He provides practical examples to illustrate living out this commandment.

16:23  The discussion shifts to the Second Commandment regarding honoring the Lord's day. Father Joe explains the significance of setting aside time for rest and worship, challenging the notion of reducing the faith to a set of rules rather than a relationship with God.

21:25  Father Joe explores the meaning of the Third Commandment related to using God's name in vain. He emphasizes the reverence we should have for God's name and cautions against using it as an excuse for wrongdoing or trivial matters, like claiming God is okay with sinful actions. 

25:20  The conversation concludes with further reflection on approaching the commandments as guidelines for a loving relationship with God rather than rigid rules. Father Joe highlights the importance of understanding God's love as the foundation for obedience. Edmund wraps up the episode by thanking Father Joe for his insights and sharing where listeners can find more of Father Joe's ministry. 

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In this episode, Edmund and Emily discuss the Beatitudes, which the catechism reminds us is central to Jesus’ preaching. They discuss how the Beatitudes are often easy to overlook in ministry, causing us to miss the key to the third pillar of the catechism, Life in Christ. The third pillar of the catechism deals primarily with the Ten Commandments. However, the key to understanding God’s vision for our life in Christ is our vocation to beatitude as presented, in a very detailed way, in the Beatitudes. 

Show Notes: 

(00:00) In the opening of the podcast, hosts Edmund and Emily explore the significance of the Beatitudes in their faith journeys. They will discuss applying the Beatitudes in catechesis and evangelization, sharing personal reflections on their impact. They acknowledge previously overlooking the Beatitudes' relevance for their lives. They distinguish the Beatitudes from the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their divine nature and counterintuitive teachings. 

(08:49) In this segment, Emily discusses the approach to creatively presenting the Beatitudes in the videos of this unit for Real + True. The discussion highlights how the Beatitudes provide God's vision for our lives and created goods. Emphasizing a shift from passive understanding to active pursuit, they explore the Beatitudes in detail. They reflect on the transformative power of living out the Beatitudes daily and the challenge of internalizing them. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace proactive engagement with the Beatitudes in their own lives.

(16:20) Here the hosts share personal experiences of how the Beatitudes influenced their reactions in challenging situations, such as showing mercy and mourning for others. The hosts emphasize a shift from passive understanding to active pursuit, highlighting the paradoxical nature of the Beatitudes and the need for trust in God's grace. They encourage listeners to engage with the Beatitudes more intentionally through reflection, discussion, and practical actions, such as displaying them prominently for daily reminders. Ultimately, they underscore the profound significance of the Beatitudes in deepening one's faith and relationship with God.

 (24:31) In this portion of the episode, the hosts discuss strategies for understanding and applying the Beatitudes in evangelization and catechesis, such as using the lives of saints as examples of the Beatitudes lived out. Emphasizing the Beatitudes' elevation of moral discernment beyond mere adherence to the Ten Commandments, they highlight the need to align with God's perspective in navigating life's challenges. The hosts conclude by urging listeners to prayerfully engage with the Beatitudes as the standard for discernment and spiritual growth.

 (29:53) Emily and Edmund wrap up the podcast by encouraging listeners to send in their experiences with the Beatitudes, both in catechesis, evangelization, and in their own lives. 

This episode is sponsored by NCEA Rise at www.ncearise.org. 

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