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Whenever there is a significant change in the world, the Church responds.  It is one of the jobs of our leaders to guide us through uncharted waters.  Today we find ourselves in need of direction when it comes to artificial intelligence.  This tool has the potential to reshape every aspect of life at every level of society.  How do we proceed forward using this tool to better the world?  Joining us for this episode is Fr Ricky Manalo C.S.P., who has been on the cutting edge of this research, participating in the Vatican's effort to understand this world changing tool and its ethical applications.  Nicholas sits down with him to discuss how we, as Catholics, can approach artificial intelligence.

All of us are called to be active in our faith when it comes to dealing with the world.  This world we live it can often be hostile to our beliefs and we might find ourselves needing to explain our doctrine.  There are also those who might be curious about the Church and have a desire for a deeper understanding.  In order to better communicate the message of Christ, we must go beyond the surface, seeking to find those pearls that lead to inspiration.  Here we find the concept of apologetics, a philosophical method of grounding our faith in Truth so that we might evangelize more effectively.  Dr. Eric Hall of Carrol College joins Nicholas to discuss our call to engage in apologetics with the world at large, whatever comes our way.

When we have publicly dedicated ourselves to Christ, we become His ambassadors.  We are given a great opportunity to show the love and patience of Jesus as we go about our virtual lives.  However, there are dangers to this.  Social media can contain prejudice and hatred that we must deal with because of our faith.  Misinformation can lead us down false paths.  The constant bombardment of information can be overwhelming, and it can distract from what we strive for as Christians.  However, there are safeguards and guidelines for successful navigation of the treacherous waters of the web.  Sister Nancy Usselmann, of the Daughters of St. Paul, knows well how to keep our sanity and spirituality intact while still being positive representations of the Church.  Nicholas has the honor to sit down with Sister Nancy to discuss how to be Online Ambassadors.

Few things are as central to Catholic belief as the holy presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  Every day, at Masses held all over the world, the faithful come to honor the imperative given to us by our Savior: to take His real self into our own beings, allowing it to effuse us and change us for the better.  Eucharistic Congresses serve as events of awakening, to enlighten the minds of Catholics concerning this miracle we can witness daily.  These Congresses are massive undertakings, with many people working behind the scenes to ensure that the experience is as meaningful as possible.  To that end, Nicholas sits down with some of those whose tireless efforts make the Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Helena a reality.  Alex Kautzky joins us once again, as well as youth volunteer Cameron Donahue and MC Fr. Marc Lenneman.  Nathan Amas, a focus missionary who is discerning the priesthood, also gives us a glimpse of the rich fruits offered to us when we are walking in the Eucharist.

Everyone who can be called a Catholic has been confirmed in the eyes of the Church.  This is a sacred and joyful ritual in which the community celebrates those who are completing their process.  For converts, this happens at the culmination of the OCIA program.  Learning how to be a practicing Catholic can seem a little daunting at first, but these worries quickly melt away in the warmth of support and the light of the Spirit.  Kim is one of those wonderful individuals joining us this Easter, guided by and guiding her husband, Jason, who has followed her through this process and rediscovered his faith along the way.  Theirs is an inspiring story about how two people can learn to appreciate each other in a different way while building upon what is given by the Spirit.  Jason and Kim join Nicholas to talk about how this walk with God has influenced their lives and their relationship for the better. 

Our Lord Jesus preached peace, harmony, and love for our neighbor and all mankind.  We are to actively work towards a world that embodies those values.  However, our current reality makes this message complicated.  While we are still called to love our neighbor and work toward peace, we cannot ignore the danger posed by pure pacifism on the nationstate level.  How do we balance the seemingly competing needs of defense and brotherly love?  Fr. Hightower joins Nicholas to approach this subject with a sober mind and respect toward the various perspectives concerning this pertinent topic.

Catholicism, while absolutely grounded in being a universal Church, has many beautiful variations throughout the world.  In the United States, few have captured the imagination and heart of the nation like Irish Catholicism.  Steeped in ancient lore and rich in history, the story of Irish Catholicism is as fascinating as it is tragic and triumphant.  On this Sunday before our Church celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, Nicholas sits down for an extremely educational conversation with historian Allen Noonan to talk about Irish Catholicism.

There have been many councils in the history of the Church that have shaped our faith.  From doctrine to rites, they have covered a breadth of topics.  However, few councils have matched the importance of the Council of Trent and Vatican II.  Both made sweeping changes that took decades to fully implement and made an impact that is still being considered today.  What happened at these councils?  Why were they so important and what meaningful changes did they make?  Fr Hightower joins Nicholas to examine the Tale of Two Councils.

Grief is something that can feel insurmountable.  In the time following a loss, it often seems as though we are barely keeping our heads above water.  It can be hard to see the light.  But the waters will ebb and the light will shine again.  We will never forget those we lose, but we can learn to handle their loss in healthy ways.  This is often more easily done with a group of people who have gone through or are going through the process themselves, creating a space where understanding and support can help us back onto our feet.  Katy McKinnon is back on the show to talk with Nicholas about grief, recovery, and the ministry she hopes to set up allowing people to see a great light once again.

Before we enter the penitential season of Lent, we gather to celebrate Mardi Gras.  We know it primarily for colorful parades, extravagant celebrations, and delicious pastries.  But did you know that there is also a spiritual significance to this event?  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas as we find out the history and substance of Mardi Gras.