In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld reflect on the surprise election of Pope Leo XIV and what his papacy could mean for the Church and the world. They explore his unique background, his thoughtful balance between tradition and innovation, and the qualities that make him a compelling spiritual leader. From social justice and church unity to the challenges of AI and global engagement, the hosts consider where this new pontificate might lead—drawing inspiration from the legacy of Pope Leo XIII and pondering the significance of an American pope in today’s shifting landscape.

01:20 Habemus Papem!

02:02 Guessing the Pope's Name

02:37 Significance of Pope Leo XIV

04:04 Historical Context and Predictions

06:46 Pope Leo XIII's Legacy

08:28 Leo XIV's Vision and Challenges

10:20 Augustinian Influence and Unity

17:05 Media and Communication Strategy

23:42 Speculations on the American Pope

27:03 Impressive Language Skills of the New Pope

27:20 The Unusual Experience of Having a Relatable Pope

28:39 The Significance of an American Pope

30:15 The Pope's Potential Influence on Global Politics

31:30 Critiques and Challenges Faced by the New Pope

35:59 The Pope's Role in Global Peace Efforts

41:36 Public and Personal Reactions to the New Pope

45:32 Speculations on the Pope's Future Impact

50:35 Concluding Thoughts and Hopes for the Future

In this episode of Thinking Faith, recorded just before the election of Pope Leo XIV, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld put on their Vatican-prognosticating hats to reflect on the passing of Pope Francis and wonder what might be on the minds of the Cardinals heading into the conclave. From thoughts on papal names (yes, they took a few stabs!) to the kind of leader the Church might need next, they provide a snapshot of their hopes, hunches, and theological musings — and you get the benefit of hindsight! Tune in for a mix of heart, history, and a little holy speculation.

Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LuwihWnl6WE

In this part two of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the vital role of mentorship and accompaniment in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Regina. The conversation sheds light on a variety of programs, including diocesan events like the MyGen Youth Rally, Variety Night, and Youth Leadership Camps, aimed at creating opportunities for youth to encounter Jesus and grow within their faith. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, simple yet impactful follow-up, and continuous support from parish communities. Practical insights and experiences from these initiatives show how robust youth mentorship can result in profound spiritual and personal transformation. 

Variety Night tickets: https://bit.ly/varnight25 

You Give Them Something To Eat: https://bit.ly/ymdo

Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d66hWcElAWA?si=kERHpz9xF-ikWkmC 

In this part two of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the vital role of mentorship and accompaniment in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Regina. The conversation sheds light on a variety of programs, including diocesan events like the MyGen Youth Rally, Variety Night, and Youth Leadership Camps, aimed at creating opportunities for youth to encounter Jesus and grow within their faith. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, simple yet impactful follow-up, and continuous support from parish communities. Practical insights and experiences from these initiatives show how robust youth mentorship can result in profound spiritual and personal transformation.

Variety Night tickets: https://bit.ly/varnight25

You Give Them Something To Eat: https://bit.ly/ymdoc

02:04 Youth and Young Adult Ministry

03:01 Creating Spaces for Encounter

03:33 Facilitating Opportunities for Encounter

05:39 Challenges and Realities of Youth Ministry

10:06 Annual Projects and Events

10:42 MyGen Youth Rally

13:39 The Role of Adults in Youth Ministry

16:01 Post-Event Follow-Up and Support

22:19 Variety Night

23:05 Fundraising and Community Building

24:15 Youth Ministry Approach

24:51 Integrated Spirituality and Indigenous Participation

27:29 The Importance of Community Life

29:51 Youth Leadership Camp

35:54 Mentorship and Community Engagement

41:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this part one of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the impact of Pope Francis' approach to youth ministry. Commemorating Pope Francis' passing, they explore his efforts to reach the most marginalized in the church, including young people, and highlight the significance of creating spaces for authentic spiritual engagement. The discussion underscores the evolving challenges and opportunities in youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of relational accompaniment and the continued relevance of church traditions in a rapidly changing world.

Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fQ2hsPucSVU

In this episode of Re-Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld dig back into the catalogue to revisit part two of their exploration of different theological perspectives on Jesus' suffering, redemption, and death on the cross. They discuss the historical views of Saint Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, examining the necessity of Jesus' death and the fittingness of the cross. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and the introduction of modern thinkers like René Girard and Bernard Lonergan, who provide contemporary frameworks for understanding salvation and scapegoating. The episode emphasizes the importance of continually seeking new metaphors and analogies to make the meaning of the cross accessible and relevant for each generation.

In this part one of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the impact of Pope Francis' approach to youth ministry. Commemorating Pope Francis' passing, they explore his efforts to reach the most marginalized in the church, including young people, and highlight the significance of creating spaces for authentic spiritual engagement. The discussion underscores the evolving challenges and opportunities in youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of relational accompaniment and the continued relevance of church traditions in a rapidly changing world.

01:02 Podcast Setup and Hosts Introduction

01:28 Reflecting on Recent Events

02:00 Youth and Young Adult Ministry

02:23 Pope Francis' Focus on Youth

03:26 The Synod on Youth and Vocations

05:37 Challenges in Youth Ministry

09:56 The Importance of Accompaniment

18:34 Avoiding the "Saviour Complex"

18:55 Transformative Relationships and Humility

19:19 Youth Faith and Spiritual Gifts

22:36 Pope Francis' Impact and Legacy

29:42 Young Adults and Church Traditions

33:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Ministry

37:26 Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore different theological perspectives on Jesus' suffering, redemption, and death on the cross. They discuss the historical views of Saint Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, examining the necessity of Jesus' death and the fittingness of the cross. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and the introduction of modern thinkers like René Girard and Bernard Lonergan, who provide contemporary frameworks for understanding salvation and scapegoating. The episode emphasizes the importance of continually seeking new metaphors and analogies to make the meaning of the cross accessible and relevant for each generation.

01:01 Exploring Jesus' Suffering and Death

01:41 Anselm's Medieval Perspective

04:26 Thomas Aquinas' Approach

04:56 Dinner Table Theology

06:45 The Fittingness of the Cross

12:21 Modern Thinkers on the Cross

16:59 Facing Mortality: Choices and Practices

17:29 Modern Metaphors of the Cross

17:59 Introduction to René Girard's Thought

18:57 Scapegoating and World Mythology

20:22 The Unique Perspective of the Bible

22:45 The Cross and Contemporary Culture

28:43 The Role of Preachers and Theologians

In this first episode of 'Re-Thinking Faith,' Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett revisit a classic episode series on the cross and suffering from 2020. In this part one of two episodes, they'll examine the unique claims of Christianity, surrounding the Cross and salvation, discussing a variety of theological perspectives and metaphors used in Christian thought throughout history. They also provide insights into questions raised by listeners, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating differences in religious beliefs in a pluralistic society.

In this episode of 'Thinking Faith,' hosts Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld converse with Amanda Achtman about her project 'Dying to Meet You,' centered around death, suffering, and cultural renewal. Amanda shares her journey from politics to her year-long blog on dying, exploring how suffering provides meaning in life. They discuss euthanasia's impact, the importance of facing death, and how personal stories can bring profound connections and healing. This week's discussion emphasizes the value of discussing death candidly, the theological underpinnings of suffering, and practical ways to restore humanity in these conversations.