| S03 E07 | In anticipation of his keynote address at the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) Convention in Regina on Thursday, October 23, Sebastian Gomes, Executive Editor of Audio and Video at America Magazine and former producer at Salt + Light Media, joins Deacon Eric Gurash on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience reporting on the Catholic Church, Sebastian reflects on Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal Church, the roots of synodality in Vatican II, and what this means for parishes and Catholic health care ministries here in Saskatchewan.

Find out more about Mr. Gomes' two public speaking engagements in Saskatchewan at the following links:

https://chassk.ca/

https://archregina.sk.ca/event/a-place-for-everyone-how-pope-francis-ignited-the-churchs-mission-to-serve-people-over-ideas/

https://archregina.sk.ca/event/implementing-the-synod-on-synodality-reflections-and-challenges-with-sebastian-gomes/

| S03 | E06 | In Part 2 of this two-part series of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their exploration of the rise in Catholic conversions across North America and Western Europe. Building on last week’s conversation, they dig deeper into the personal, cultural, and spiritual factors inspiring people to enter the Catholic Church today.

| S03 | E05 | Across North America and Western Europe, Catholic conversions are on the rise. In this episode of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore what’s driving this trend — from the global pandemic and declining trust in institutions to the influence of online voices and the Church’s unique appeal to young men.

Discover the factors behind this growing movement and what it means for the future of the Catholic Church.

TF | S03 E04 | In this follow-up episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their conversation on suicide, mental health, and the Catholic Church’s teaching, turning to the complex issues of suicide prevention and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. Together, they explore the moral and theological dimensions of euthanasia, mental illness, mortal sin, and purgatory, while grounding the discussion in the Church’s call to mercy, compassion, and accompaniment. Personal stories and pastoral experiences offer insight into how families and communities can engage these sensitive realities with faith and hope.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, please know you are not alone. In Canada, you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. If you are outside Canada, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services for immediate assistance.

#CatholicPodcast #SuicidePrevention #MAiD #MentalHealth #CatholicFaith #ThinkingFaith #Call988 #YouAreNotAlone

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:53 Discussing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)

01:18 Personal Experiences and Church Teachings

02:31 The Complexity of Church Teachings on Mortal Sin

06:23 Legal and Moral Implications of Assisted Suicide

11:46 Critiquing Civil Documentation and Human Freedom

13:51 Euthanasia Laws and Suicide Prevention

14:53 The Complexity of Suffering and Autonomy

15:35 Societal Implications and Suicide Hotlines

15:49 Robin Williams and the Narrative of Freedom

17:29 Praying for Those Who Have Taken Their Lives

17:53 Resources for Coping with Suicide

18:40 The Doctrine of Purgatory and God's Mercy

20:29 The Healing Experience of Purgatory

23:11 Personal Reflections on Conversion and Purgatory

25:25 The Intersection of Justice and Mercy

26:06 Final Thoughts and Suicide Prevention Month

TF | S03E03 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the Catholic Church’s compassionate teaching on suicide and mental health. They address common misconceptions—such as the idea that suicide automatically leads to damnation—while highlighting the Church’s nuanced understanding of personal culpability, suffering, and God’s mercy. This conversation also offers practical resources like Canada’s 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline and reflects on how the Church is evolving in pastoral care for individuals and families affected by suicide.

Whether you are seeking clarity on Catholic teaching, walking with someone in crisis, or looking for hope in the midst of grief, this episode provides insight, encouragement, and reassurance of God’s healing love.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, please know you are not alone. In Canada, you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. If you are outside Canada, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services for immediate assistance.

#CatholicPodcast #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #CatholicFaith #ThinkingFaith #Call988 #YoureNotAlone

Show Notes:

01:00 Introduction to Thinking Faith podcast

02:23 Introduction to the topic of Suicide Prevention Month

08:28 Catholic Church's teaching on suicide

23:27 How to have conversations about suicide

34:32 Closing remarks

| S03 E02 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the connection between spiritual freedom, discernment, and healthy decision-making. Drawing on the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, they discuss how surrendering control to God leads to greater peace, joy, and clarity in life.

Discover practical tools for:

- Cultivating healthy detachment

- Avoiding occasions of sin

- Nurturing desires that align with God’s will

- Supporting both mental and spiritual well-being

Whether you’re discerning a major vocation, navigating daily choices, or simply seeking to deepen your faith life, this episode offers insights to help you grow in trust, freedom, and love of God.

Share with a friend who could use encouragement in their discernment journey!

#CatholicPodcast #IgnatianSpirituality #Discernment #FaithAndFreedom #SpiritualGrowth #ThinkingFaith

00:00 Introduction and Study on Decision Making

02:02 The Paradox of Spiritual Freedom

03:14 Discernment and Spiritual Guidance

05:32 Ignatius' Approach to Decision Making

08:20 Navigating Life's Choices

15:00 Living with Minimal Sin

20:18 The Temptation to Escape Sin

20:32 The Desert Fathers' Wisdom

21:04 Avoiding Occasions of Sin

22:10 Understanding the Trap of Pornography

23:58 The Limits of Willpower

25:20 The Importance of Accountability

27:12 Cultivating Healthy Relationships

30:07 Staying Busy with Good Things

36:08 Practical Tips for Avoiding Sin

38:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

| S03 E01|

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle some of the most common questions young people face about prayer and faith:

How do I handle distractions when I pray?

How do I know if I’m really following God’s will?

Drawing on personal stories and practical wisdom, they share simple strategies for staying focused in prayer, including repetitive prayers, creating sacred spaces, and welcoming everyday thoughts into conversations with God.

They also explore the deeper challenge of discernment—how to recognize whether a decision aligns with Christ’s will. You’ll learn why peace and joy are key fruits of the Holy Spirit, how to seek guidance from trusted friends, and how everyday spiritual conversations can strengthen your walk with God.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or anyone seeking to deepen your prayer life, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools for strengthening your relationship with Christ.

Don’t forget to subscribe and share with friends who might also be wrestling with prayer or discernment!

#CatholicPodcast #PrayerLife #Discernment #Faith #CatholicFaith #SpiritualGrowth #ThinkingFaith

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

01:24 Season Transition and Listener Questions

02:31 Questions on Prayer and Holy Living

05:04 Dealing with Distractions in Prayer

08:56 Practical Tips for Focused Prayer

12:08 Using Repetition and Rituals in Prayer

16:52 Understanding Vengeance and God's Role

17:17 The Power of Unloading Emotions to God

20:17 Creating a Dedicated Space for Prayer

22:59 Discerning God's Will in Decision Making

29:29 The Role of Trustworthy People in Discernment

32:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Dr. Daniel Kuebler for a thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of faith and science. Together, they explore how evolutionary theory can be understood in light of Catholic teaching, drawing on insights from Pope Benedict XVI’s In the Beginning and St. John Paul II’s reflections on evolution. They also discuss how DNA evidence and the fossil record support evolutionary theory, while addressing the common misunderstandings students often bring to the conversation. More than a science lesson, this episode highlights how intellectual engagement can be a vital form of pastoral care—helping young believers grow in both faith and reason.

Discover Dr. Kuebler's newest book, Darwin and Doctrine: The Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism at Word On Fire: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/darwin-and-doctrine 

Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RQ8hALckvs8 

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Dr. Daniel Kuebler for a thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of faith and science. Together, they explore how evolutionary theory can be understood in light of Catholic teaching, drawing on insights from Pope Benedict XVI’s In the Beginning and St. John Paul II’s reflections on evolution. They also discuss how DNA evidence and the fossil record support evolutionary theory, while addressing the common misunderstandings students often bring to the conversation. More than a science lesson, this episode highlights how intellectual engagement can be a vital form of pastoral care—helping young believers grow in both faith and reason.

Discover Dr. Kuebler's newest book, Darwin and Doctrine: The Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism at Word On Fire: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/darwin-and-doctrine

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:03 Examples of Church Teachings

01:43 Biblical Interpretation and Evolution

07:12 Debate and Seeking Truth

10:39 Scientific Insights on Evolution

19:45 Human Evolution and Fossil Discoveries

21:06 Complex Evolution in Africa

21:51 DNA Sequencing and Human Evolution

23:26 Hybridization and Rapid Evolution

25:22 Fossil Evidence vs. DNA Evidence

28:50 Debating Evolution in the Church

29:53 Pastoral Need for Evolution Education

34:09 Integrating Faith and Evolution

36:26 Resources and Further Reading

39:43 Seasonal Podcast Format Announcement

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld are joined by Dr. Daniel Kuebler, a biologist from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Together, they explore the complex but fruitful dialogue between faith and science, focusing on Dr. Kuebler’s work on evolutionary theory and its place within Catholic thought. The conversation also considers the limits and possibilities of academic debate—when it helps, when it hinders, and how we might approach difficult topics with both clarity and charity. Whether you're passionate about theology, science, or both, this episode offers a compelling invitation to reflect on how we engage with one another in the search for truth.

Discover Dr. Kuebler's newest book, Darwin and Doctrine: The Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism at Word On Fire: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/darwin-and-doctrine

Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WqDygghQd8E