We have a new priest at St Francis Xavier!  Father Mark Hoelsken, who spent thirty years working up in Alaska, has an infectious laugh and a deep well of knowledge to draw from.  In addition to exploring the path that led him here to Missoula, we also delve into the history of the Church when it comes to our interaction and ministry to the indigenous tribes of America.  Join us as we get to know our newest addition to the SFX family.

The editing for this week's normal episode has been delayed by hazardous air conditions.  But never fear!  Nicholas comes to you from his home studio to talk a little about the shows we have coming up as well as our plan for Advent this year.  Tune in to listen to Nicholas and Cassius the Cat as we explore some of the exciting content we have in store for you!

On September 7th, 2025, we will be canonizing the first two saints under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV:  Carlo Acutis, known as the first millennial saint, and Pier Giorgio Frassati.  Who were these two young men?  What were their contributions to the Church and the people of God?  Lydia Schmidt, our associate producer, joins us to look at the lives of these two holy men.

2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, the first of what came to be known as ecumenical councils.  Nicea, and the many subsequent councils held by the titans of the church, has helped to codify our beliefs and teachings and promote greater understanding of the precepts of our faith.  The Catholic Church we know today was built on the foundations of the unity these councils established.  Fr Cochran joins Nicholas to explore the teachings of the various ecumenical councils and the impact they had on today's Church.

Padre Pio is coming to St. Francis Xavier in Missoula, Montana!  On August 25th and 26th, people will have the wonderful opportunity to venerate this marvelous saint of healing.  This is known as a devotion, which is a practice of faith which may involve prayer or other activities but is not part of official liturgy and doctrine.  It is meant to deepen our love and reverence for God and those who have done his work in the world.  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas to discuss this tradition of devotions and the life and works of Padre Pio.

For more information on veneration and Mass times, feel free to visit sfxmissoula.org

The word 'miracle' is often used to describe a variety of positive occurrences: a good day, a gorgeous sunrise, or the birth of a child.  These may be wonderful things, but a miracle as defined by the Catholic Church is a highly specific concept.  There is a process for determining whether or not a phenomenon qualifies, involving exhaustive testing and evaluation by the Vatican, scientists, and other experts.  At its core, a miracle is a way by which God is seen to interact directly with the world.  Fr Hightower joins us to examine how the Church views the Science of Miracles.

Religious liberty is not just a concept enshrined by secular governments.  It is also taught as a critical piece of Catholic social teaching.  The Second Vatican Council's Declaration on Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae, promulgated on December 7th, 1965, by Pope Paul VI, gives Catholics an essential framework for understanding our duties when interacting with the secular world and with peoples of a different faith.  Fr Pat Conroy joins us as we explore the ideas and imperatives contained in the Dignitatis Humanae.

In scripture, the Lord often calls us to charity.  We are charged, as God's people, to take care of one another unconditionally.  From charitable works to serving as honor guard, the Knights of Columbus serve as a solid foundation and a beacon of hope in their communities.  Join us as Bob Lawrence delves into the history and purpose of the Knights of Columbus.

When we are in mourning, we hardly feel blessed.  Grief can shatter us in mind and spirit, it can take a heavy toll on the body, and it can devastate our faith.  In these moments of weakness it is often difficult to see the light.  The love of God is always there, but sometimes we can render ourselves numb to His compassion.  But God can use our grief to help others and to build a bridge between us that was stronger than before, if only we let him into that space of hurt.  Katy is back on the show to discuss moments of profound grief with Nicholas, and both of them have a message of faith and God's love from their own experiences.

It is hard to imagine Christianity without the prophets of old.  They correct us when we've gone astray and speak to God on our behalf.  Most importantly, they point to the coming of our Savior.  Their words ring true throughout the ages, touching our hearts and guiding us even today.  Many women also had the role of a prophet, though their contributions of often tragically overlooked.  Fr Victor Cancino joins Nicholas to delve into these topics and more as we discuss the place of the prophets in our lives and the story of salvation.