RCSpirituality: Recent Episodes
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Every baptized Catholic is called and equipped to be a prophet. In this episode, Fr John Bartunek explores this frequently forgotten dimension of our Christian vocation.For the whole series Do I Need a Savior, visit www.RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
How does one prepare spiritually for Christmas? In this episode Fr John Bartunek will reflects on some common obstacles to living Advent well, and how to overcome them.For the whole series on The Christmas Apostle, visit www.RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Have you ever been told to offer it up? In this podcast Fr John Bartunek unpacks the meaning behind the traditional Catholic practice of “offering up” our sufferings.For the whole series on A Mother’s Tears- Our Lady of Sorrows, visit www.RCSpiriutality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
This mysterious and extraordinary expression of faithfulness can instruct and inspire us.In This episode Fr John Bartunek explores how great Christian art—so much of which has been inspired by the Blessed Virgin Mary—can feed our souls.For the whole series on Mary’s Assumption into Heaven visit www.RCSpirituality.orgPlease share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Is there another institution in the world that has succeeded above the impact the Catholic Church has had on humanity? In this episode, Fr John expounds on the contribution the Church has made in the world. Follow The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this informative session of Straight Talk, Fr. John explains that the common good is the most important principle of the Church's teaching about social justice. It is the goal and measuring rod of social justice, but it alone can't support social ethics' immense weight. It needs the other two pillars as well: subsidiarity and solidarity.Follow more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr. John shares three key ingredients for a healthy society: The common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity. How exactly do these relate to justice?Follow us on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
What makes a Saint? Why does the Catholic Church talk about saints? In this episode, Fr. John shares why we need heroes and role models and how the saints intercede on our behalf.Follow the Catholic Perspective on RCspirituality.org, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
What does Christ's Kingdom look like in our lives today? Listen to this episode as Fr. John Bartunek looks at the type of Kingdom Christ chose for himself.See more great content at RCSpirituality.org
Fr. Jorge Obregon, LC, talks about his new book, Suffering Changes Everything.See more great content at RCSpirituality.org.
What is the Meaning of Life? In this episode, Fr John explores the comedy Ground Hog Day to demonstrate that power, wealth, fame and pleasure can't satisfy the human heart or the spirit. For more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Why do I have to confess my sins to a priest? Why can't I just go directly to God? Fr John answers these questions and more in this episode of Straight Talk. For more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr John shares that an embryo, from the moment of conception, is a human individual, even if it doesn't look like it. He guides the listener to a deeper understanding of the inherent diginity even in the smallest of human life. Hear more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
This episode with Fr Bartunek discusses the truth about the origin of the Crusades, the context of the Crusades, and the conduct of the Crusades. For more episodes like this one, follow The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Fr John shares how great art awakens noble thoughts and desires. It lifts the soul out of the routine and the clutter of daily life and puts it in contact with transcendent values, reminding the human heart of its own vocation to transcendence. Follow othes episodes of Stright Talk on The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr Bartunel discusses the highly contested topic of artificial reproduction, and how it essentially, treats a human being as a product. Find more espisodes like this one on The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Whose job is it to share the Gospel? in this episode, Fr. John explores who has the responsibility to spread the Catholic Faith. For more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr John dives into the incredible scientific achievement of Galileo and his relationship with the Church during the times of hs discoveries. Follow other episodes of Stright Talk on The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Have you ever wondered how we came to celebrate Christmas? In this podcast, Fr John Bartunek shares the History of Christmas and helps us prepare our hearts for Christmas.For the whole series on www.RCSpirituality.org see You Matter Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and share us with your friends
In this podcast, Fr. John Bartunek explores what God is waiting for as we look at the four phases of Christian growth.To see more great content, visit www.RCSpirituality.orgPlease share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What does Adam and Eve's sin have to do with me? In this episode of Stright Talks, Fr John presents how the whole of man's history has been the story of our combat with the powers of evil from the very dawn of history until the last day. For more episodes like this one on The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
When was the last time you thought seriously about heaven? In this episode, Fr Bartunek shares the beauty that awaits those who love God through a life of prayer and in their neighbor. Hear more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Fr Bartunek shares how witchery, magic, and astrology are baby steps towards the dark path of Satanism and false religion. The spirit world is real and any kind of dabbling in the spirit world opens you up to it. Listen to other episodes of The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this episode of Stright Talk Fr John discusses the problem of evil, when suffering touches your day to day world showing its existential side, and logic seems to lose its ground. For more episodes like ths one, follow The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
How does one understand the Problem of evil? In this episode, Fr John demonstrates how evil and the suffering it causes entered the world through original sin. How man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart. For more episodes like ths one, follow The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Philosophy, the mind's quest to understand the ultimate truths about reality and the wisdom it affords are necessary ingredients for a healthy culture. In this episode, Fr John discusses how both as human beings and as disciples of Christ, we need to take seriously the search for wisdom, for that interior peace and joy that comes from laying hold of the truth about the world, ourselves and God. Hear more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this podcast, Fr John shares that before WW2, Courtship provided a safe haven where two hearts could gradually discover their capacity for love and intimacy and lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of spousal self-giving. Today, dating has replaced courtship and physical attraction, and intimacy scrambles the signals that young lovers receive, distracting them from truly understanding the person in front of them and building that foundation. Hear more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
What do you think is the single most common cause of marital strain among Catholic couples? Money. And no matter how abundant, money can not satisfy the human heart and love of money makes you forget this. In his episode, Fr John shares with the audience tips on how to keep money in its proper place. Follow more Straight Talks from The Catholic Perspective on RCSpirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
How is Christian prayer and meditation different than other forms of meditation? In this episode, Fr John shares that in Christian prayer, the focus is on an interpersonal friendship with God and offers a few tips on overcoming distraction and sloth. Follow us on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
How is Mass a "Wrinkle in Time"? What exactly is the Mass and why do we need to attend? Fr. John leads an engaging discussion on the truth about the Catholic Mass.Listen to other episodes of The Catholic Perspective on RCspirituality.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Christianity is about grace getting down and dirty. It's about God rolling up his sleeves and stepping into our shoes in order to show us how to live life to the full. In this session, Fr. John shares how Relics are a reminder of those who have passed through this life into the heavenly Kingdom.Follow us on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Does the idea of Purgatory make you shiver? All who die in God's friendship and grace are assured of their salvation, but what happens if our friendship is a bit tarnished when we die? What is an indulgence? Fr. John answers this question and more in this episode of Straight Talk. Follow The Catholic Perspective on RCSprituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this episode of Straight Talk on the Catholic Perspective, Fr. John discusses what Pope Pius the 12 did and did not do when faced with the Holocaust and the extreme action of the Nazi attacks on the Jewish people. Follow RCSpirituality on RCSpirituality.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
What can the Immaculate Heart of Mary teach us about spiritual growth? In this podcast, Fr John Bartunek shares four types of purity that can help us follow Mary’s example in our own journey to spiritual maturity.www. RCSpirituality.org has the full series on the Immaculate Heart of Mary.Be sure to share this podcast with friends and family and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Did you know the devil does all he can to keep your prayer life mediocre, at best, and nonexistent, at worst? In this episode of Straight Talk from RCSpirituality.org Fr Bartunek share insights into why praying is hard. Please share this podcast with friends and family.
The world Angel means messenger. In this podcast Fr John Bartunek explores five messengers that God uses to send us his words. For the whole series on Welcoming the Word, the Annunciation visit www.RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
n this podcast, Fr John Bartunek explores the first Beatitude and gets practical by showing how we can grow in the virtues required by poverty of spirit.The whole series Blessed are the Poor in Spirit is available on www.RCSpirituality.org Be sure to share this podcast with friends and family and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Examen prayer of St Ignatius is a tool to help Christians see God’s action in our lives, and respond with faith, with hope, and with love.Listen to the whole series For Greater Glory at www.RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What is Papal Infallibility? Does that mean the Pope is never wrong? In this podcast Fr John Bartunek shares what papal infallibility means, the Catholic magisterium, and the freedom they give us. Find the whole series Built to Last at www.RCSpirituality.org Be sure to share this podcast with friends and family and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
St John Paul ll said “So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth.”In this episode, Fr John Bartunek reflects on the theme of vocation—of life as a calling. Find the whole series on Be Not Afraid at www.rcspirituality.org.Be sure to share this podcast with friends and family and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr John Bartunek reviews God’s own not-so-secret formula for helping us keep our priorities straight: the Third Commandment.For the whole series The One Thing Needed, can be heard on www.RCSpirituality.org Be sure to share this podcast with friends and family and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode, we turn our attention to the Christian vision of how to organize human society for peace and prosperity—a vision linked to the Catholic way of celebrating New Year’s Day, which the Church recognizes as the World Day of Peace, as well as the liturgical memorial of Mary, the Mother of God. For the whole series visit RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
As the Magi, laid their treasures before the Christ child, we too can find new ways to place our own treasures at the feet of the Lord. For the whole series by Fr John Bartunek on The Three Wisemen visit RCSpirituality.org Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and share us with your friends
In this episode of Straight Talk, Fr. Bartunek looks at the Church's relationship to non-Christian religions as day by day, mankind is being drawn closer together, and the ties between different people are becoming stronger.Follow RCspirituality.org and The Catholic Perspective on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has fascinated viewers for centuries. In this episode, Fr John Bartunek reflects on the symbolism present in the image itself, symbolism that can help stir up the spirit of Christmas in our souls.For the whole series A woman Clothes with the Sun, visit RCSpirituality.org Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and share us with your friends
In this episode we will reflect on one of Advent’s key players: John the Baptist. He was the first person to announce the Gospel by bearing witness to Jesus. By taking a closer look at how he lived his mission, we will get some practical tips on how each of us can live our own mission.For the whole series on John Ch. 1 visit RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
On this episode Fr. Bartunek shows how the Beatitudes reveal what it means for us to be active, faithful citizens of Christ’s Kingdom.Get the retreat information on www.RCspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and share us with your friends.
In this podcast, Fr John Bartunek shares the Church’s teaching regarding non-Christian religions and how we should think about them.The whole series, A Virgin’s Courage, can be fond on www.RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
This podcast written by Fr John Pietropaoli and recorded by Fr John Bartunek, explores how St Therese of Lisieux lived the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.For the whole series Love One Another, visit www.RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
On this podcast, Fr. John Bartunek shares some practical guidelines that we can all use to discern our own vocation, or to help others discern theirs.Listen to the whole series Called and Chosen on www.rcspirituality.org.Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Is purgatory real or is it some man made superstition? Where did the idea of an indulgence come from? Fr John Bartunek shares the church’s teaching and offers testimonies from the lives of the saints to unpack the mystery of Purgatory. Find the whole series Fire and Mercy at www.RCSpirituality.orgShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook,Instagram, and YouTube.
Ever wondered how to help young people develop their full spiritual potential, even in a post-Christian world like ours?In this episode, Fr Bartunek explores this topic. The full series Faithful Unto Death can be found on RCSpirituality.org HereMake sure to share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Is Christ Really enough? Lection Divina, is a way to let Christ dwell within our hearts through this ancient prayer.In this podcast, Fr. Bartunek shares St Paul’s lessons from his letter to the Colossians to help us practice Lectio Divina.Check out the whole series on RCSpirituality.org Christ Alone is Enough.Make sure to share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
How do we accept God’s will? Does it mean I will suffer? Maybe I won’t like God’s will for me.Fr John Bartunek shares the insights of Fr John Pietropaoli’s reflections on St John of the Cross. Caverns of the Heart can be found on RCSpirituality.org Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Failing can create anxiety and a sense of worthlessness. In this podcast, Fr Bartunek shares how Jesus and St. Paul experienced worldly failure and rejection but were transformed by God’s providence. Check out the whole series on Miracles of Mercy HerePlease share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this podcast, Fr John Bartunek explores how we ourselves can become better and better living signs of God’s mercy, living miracles, as it were, by understanding and taming the emotion of anger. For the whole series visit www.RCSpirituality.org and see Miracles of Mercy.Please share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr John Bartunek explores celibacy, the priest’s free commitment to a life of chastity while remaining unmarried and how this sacrifice is for the sake of the Kingdom.Access this whole series Bridge to Eternity on RCSpirituality.org.Don’t forget to share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Listen to the inspiration behind Fr. Daniel Brandenburg's newest book, Lessons from the Workshop of St. Joseph.If you want to overcome fear – personal or societal – this is the book for you.In St. Joseph, fear does not have the last word. He experiences and lives the fullness of joy, with Jesus and Mary. Courage, audacity, heroism, and fortitude sparkle in each chapter of his life.
By creating the human family in his own image, Godcreated every one of us with a vocation to love. The better spouses communicate with each other the stronger their marriage will be. Fr Bartunek shares three challenges to communication among spouses and some practical advice on how to steadily improve spousal communication. For the whole episode on RCSpiritualityThree Hearts go to www.rcspirituality.org.Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow uson Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What does the culture today say about sickness? Reflect with Fr Bartunek on the cultural sickness behind the way we treat those whom society views as useless.To view the whole episode go to www.rcspirituality.orgShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The constant flow of images, ideas, opinions, advertisements, chats, noise, music, entertainment, news, and everything else can, if we let it, create such a quantity of traffic in our minds that we become unable to savor truth even if we see it. Join Fr Bartunek as he shares how to receive the Strength of Thousands. Visit ww.RCSpirituality.org for the full episodeShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Does Mass seem boring or a waste of time? Fr John Bartunek shares the Cosmic Characteristics of the Mass that guide the listener to a deeper appreciation and experience of the Eucharist.Visit www.RCSpirituality.org for the full Food for the Journey series.Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Although many Catholics still access this unique gift of God’s Mercy, others have forgotten it. Fr John Bartunek shares with the listeners ways to remove the obstacles we find to receiving the outpouring of grace that comesto the heart of the penitent in the sacrament of Confession.You can listen to the whole series from Sorrow to Joy on www.RCSpirituality.org.Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
How do we develop our Christian identity to the full? In this segment, Fr John Bartunek explores ways to mature our spiritual DNA and reminds us how to keep our identity in shape so we can flourish as a baptized Christian. The whole series Who you Are can be found at www.RCSpirituality.orgShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode Fr John Bender and Fr John Pietropaoli share best practices in reading the bible.They answer the question where can you find the best information before leaving earth?If I wanted to read the bible, Where do I start? The fathers share a lively discussion in answering these questions and give the listener different resources to help guide you in reading the bible. You can find this show at www.RCSpirituality.org on The Catholic Perspective.
In this episode, Fr John Bartunek ponders the question, why is it so hard to maintain peace in our souls?To access the whole series on Peace of Soul visit www.RCSpirituality.orgShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode Fr John Bender and Fr John Pietropaoli answer questions that surface when we try to pray. What if nothing happens when I pray? Does God hide from us? Is God happy with my prayer? The fathers answer these and other questions in the show.For more shows like this, go to www.RCSpritiality.org and look for The Catholic Perspective.
In this episode, Fr John Bender and Fr John Pietropaoli discuss Brideshead Revisited, a novel set in the time period prior to WWll.The fathers take you through the twists and turns of the plot teasing out the lessons of divine grace and redemption from the varied characters who make choices that bring pain and separation in their lives despite the fact they are Catholic.To find this show and many others check out the Catholic Perspective on www.RCSpirituality.org.
Fr John Bartunek unpacks the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and shares that at the veryheart of this devotion is the conversion of sinners. To listen to this whole seriesFire and Thornsvisit RCSpirituality.orgHereShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
In this episode Fr John Bender and Fr John Pietropaoli discussed the epic series from J.R.R. Tolkein The Lord of the Rings.They explore how the author integrated Catholic truths into the storyline staging an epic battle between good and evil. Both fathers share their personal insights along with unpacking the deeper meaning in several favorite scenes in the book.This show and many others can be found on www.RCSpirituality.org at The Catholic Perspective.
As baptized Christians, we have a mission. In this episode, Fr John Bartunek explores the call of each disciple of Christ to apostolate to be sent out to drive out demons and spread the messageof Jesus Christ. To hear the whole series, go to www.RCSpirituality.org and look forThe Complete ChristianShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this show, Fr John Bender and Fr John Pietropaoli discuss the lessons of sin and redemption found in the novel, Crime and Punishment whose story follows the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of its main character in Russia who rationalizes why its ok to commit murder but then can’t live with himself after he does. An unlikely friend is the instrument God uses to bring about contrition and eventual forgiveness. This show and many others are found from The Catholic Perspective on www.RCSpirituality.org
On this episode, Fr. John Bartunek helps prepare us for spiritual battle by reflecting deeply on some tactics of ourspiritual enemies and pondering the anatomy of sin. You can find the whole series The Anatomy of Temptation and the story of David and Goliath by visiting www.RCSpirituality.org.Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Fr John Bartunek leads the listeners in practical activities including the rosary that help cultivate devotion to the Blessed Mother. To access the whole series River of Wisdom, visit www.RCSpirituality.orgShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr John Bartunek brings clarity to the often ignored, exaggerated, or misunderstood reality of the fallen angels -the devil and his demons, and how they try totangle up human affairs. To view the whole series on St Michael and Angelic Forces, InvisibleAllies Visit www.RCSpirituality.org.Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode Fr John Bartunek explores Saint John Paul II’s teaching on the Trinitarian shape of prayer, helped by one of the greatest icons in Russian history. He draws out some practical applications for our own lives, as we seek to live in the light of this tremendous mystery of love in whose image we are created. The full series on The Mystery of Eternal Love written by Fr. John Pietropaoli and presented by Fr Bartunek can be foundon www.rcspirituality.org.Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Our spiritual growth is a journey that takes us through many stages, many seasons that the Lord uses to prepare us for our final destination: the Father’s house in heaven. In this episode Fr. John Bartunek explores those times of painful transition sometimes referred to as the dark night of the soul. The full series Seasons of Change: A Retreat Guide on Spiritual Growth can be found on www.RCSpirituality.org.Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What does the Transfiguration have to say to each of us? In this episode Fr John Bartunek explores how we can apply its meaning to our own lives through exercising the virtue of hopeand gather valuable wisdom from theOld Testament book of Joshua. The whole seriesAnchored in Lightcan be found on www.RCSPirituality.org. Share this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Being a Catholic in today’s culture seems harder than ever! In this episode, Fr John Bartunek takes us on a tour of church history showing how storms, in the light of God’s providence,actually seem to be the norm. To access the whole series go to www.rcspirituality.orgShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Fr. John Bartunek shares four ways that each one of us can actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit on a day-to-day basis.You can access the whole series UNLEASHING THE POWER OF PENTECOST HereShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeVisit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
In this episode, Fr. John Bartunek shares some practical tips for beating discouragement.You can find the whole reflection HereShare this podcast with friends and family. Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
In this podcast Fr John Bartunek discusses the “Four Last Things” — death, judgment, heaven, and hell — addressing the false ideas prevalent in secular culture that distort our vision of the afterlife and affect our vision of life here.You can find the whole series The Tomb and the Pearl HereShare this podcast with friends and family. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
On this episode Fr. John Hopkins discusses the crisis of manhood in our society today. Go to www.rcspirituality.org for more Catholic resources.Invite your friends and family to listen to this podcast. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Have you ever wondered what your Baptism has to do with Easter? In this podcast, Fr John Bartunek shares how baptism is our share in Christ’s Easter victory. Go to www.RCSpirituality.org to view the whole series, The Taste of Victory. Here Share this podcast with friends and family.Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Evil seems rampant and one might question is there a limit to evil? In this episode, Fr John Pietropaoli shares how Divine Mercy is more powerful than sin and evil. You can access the whole series on RCSpirituality.org. The Dawn of Mercy Here Share this podcast with friends and family.Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Mary Magdalene was sent by Jesus to proclaim his resurrection. In this podcast, Fr. John Bartunek shares how her example and her intercession can help us become more joyful and committed witnesses to the risen Christ in our own lives. You can find the whole series on the Apostle of the Apostles Here Share this podcast with friends and family Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
In this episode, Fr John Bartunek LC shares how Christ's humanity gives us the secret to carrying our own crosses faithfully.To access the whole series, The Colors of the Cross go to https://rcspirituality.org/retreat_guide/the-colors-of-the-cross-a-retreat-guide-for-lent/ Share this podcast with your friends and family.Website: www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Is God trustworthy? In this episode, Fr John Bartunek shares how through Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, God proves his trustworthiness. Enjoy the whole series Trouble with Trust by clicking https://rcspirituality.org/retreat_guide/trouble-with-trusta-retreat-guide-for-lent/Share this podcast with your friends and family.Visit us at our website: www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What does stewardship and detachment have to due with Christian maturity?Fr John Bartunek LC offers insight into why happiness isn't found in possessing more things. Enjoy the whole series The Widow's Might here. Share this podcast with your friends and family.Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode, Fr John Bartunek LC will help us look at some practical things we can all do to live the joy of God's mercy more deeply.Access the whole Father of Mercies series here . Share this podcast with your friends and family.Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
This is a recording of the stations of the cross. For additional lenten meditations, reflections and other resources go to www.rcspirituality.org.Share this podcast with friends and family. Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Dive into the spiritual discipline of silence. Fr John Bartunek LC shares St. Joseph’s example and why it is important in our own pursuit of deeper friendship with Christ.Access the whole Faithful Steward series here Share this podcast with your friends and family.Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In this episode Fr John Bartunek LC shares practical tips for how we can deepen our friendship with Christ through the words we use.Access the whole Teacher and Lord series here. Share this podcast with your friends and family.Visit us on our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What does it really mean to do God's will and why does Jesus put so much importance on it?On this episode Fr. John Bartunek, LC shares Christ's deepest desire.Access the whole Living Water series by clicking https://rcspirituality.org/retreat_guide/living-water-a-lenten-retreat-guide-on-christs-encounter-with-the-samaritan-woman/Share this podcast with your friends and family.Visit our website at www.rcspirituality.orgFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What do we really want? We live in a world of competing desires. Every day we’re bombarded by promises to make us truly happy. If you just buy this product, or read this book, or try out this dating app, or start this diet program, or exercise more, then you will be happy. If your relationship with your spouse or with your children or with your friends were better, then your heart would finally be full.
No matter how hard we try, nothing less than God will satisfy our hearts: As St. John of the Cross puts it, “They are as deep as the boundless goods of which they are capable since anything less than the infinite fails to fill them.”
Living immersed in a secular culture is hard on our faith. We have to be even more intentional now than in past ages, perhaps, about nourishing and protecting that faith, since the predominant worldview is constantly attacking it. This Retreat Guide, Navigating Stormy Seas, will help us do that
Florian Racine graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in engineering. As an undergrad he had a passion for the Eucharist. After a few years of working as an engineer in Houston, he moved back to France (his native country) and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon. After ordination, his passion for the Eucharist continued. He then founded a community named Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist. His bishop, Dominic Rey sent his community to the sanctuary of St Mary Magdalen in St Maximin la Ste Baume (southern France). He is the rector of the Basilica and welcomes groups of pilgrims who come from all over the world to meet, discover and pray St Mary Magdalen.
In this interview he shares the history of the tradition and relics in southern France as well as his own reflections on the relevance of Mary Magdalene in our faith journey.
Eliane Abdinnour grew up in the Holy Land. As a Palestinian Christian and having family in the pilgrimage business, the Holy Sites have been both a means of livelihood and places for her personal faith journey. In 2010 Fr Juan Solana asked her to assist him in the Magdala project initiative. Over the course of ten years she worked behind the scenes in development, promotion, marketing, and fundraising. More than an investment of time and talent, she put her heart at the service of the mission, assisting as well with the initial development and vision of the Magdalena Institute to promote the dignity of the human person. She also became an advocate for inviting local Christians to value the hometown of Mary Magdalene.
In this interview Eliane shares some of her family history, the value of the holy sites for her personally, a transforming experience in Magdala, her role in the burgeoning project of Magdala, and who Mary Magdalene has become for her.
Fr John shares with us his vision and understanding of Mary Magdalene, her relevance for us today, her appeal to those desiring deeper healing, and how Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Christ has informed his ministry as a priest and Vicar for Evangelization in his diocese.
With infection covering nearly 100% of her body, she was often stuck to sheets and pillowcases. After 30 months and 10 doctors, she found herself sitting at the back of a church that believed in Miracles! She was a practicing black-magic witch and suicidal-drug addict when God heard her prayer and eventually became an evangelical pastor, founding her own home churches. Sandra Cerda has overcome multiple sexual assaults as a child, teen and young adult, severe drug and alcohol addiction, murderous domestic violence, black magic witchcraft, major depression, suicide, mind control and more. She also survived a medical death sentence which gave her only months to live... 30 years ago! She is a former spokes/fashion and commercial print model, and a published author. Sandra Cerda's story has been broadcast over the years, through various television and radio shows. Her non-profit provides fiscal sponsorship for Film, Music, Publishing and the Arts. Sandra is actively seeking partners for her current work on the Mary Magdalene Film Project and for her own life's story. See, www.MaryMagdalene.Film See also, www.SandraCerda.com In this interview, Sandra shares her personal journey of drawing near to the Lord through a “Mary Magdalene” experience, her identification with this saint, and the beginnings of her up and coming project: a film on Mary Magdalene.
In this two-part interview, Fr Juan shares about the beginnings, vision, spirit and hope for Magdala. He also shares about his own discovery of Mary Magdalene, her relevance for his own ministry in Magdala and in our present times.
In this two-part interview, Fr Juan shares about the beginnings, vision, spirit and hope for Magdala. He also shares about his own discovery of Mary Magdalene, her relevance for his own ministry in Magdala and in our present times.
What is the real meaning behind devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for ourselves and for our world? That is what this Retreat Guide, The Fire and the Rose, will explore.
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Janet Lees as he shares a personal testimony reflecting on how we the Holy Spirit desires unity with us and with all people.
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC as he shares a personal testimony reflecting on the Gift of the Holy Spirit: Goodness.
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Jennifer Ristine, CRC as she reflects upon "The Domestic Church and the Holy Spirit".
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Cindi Carter as she shares a personal testimony reflecting on Experiencing the Living God in the Holy Spirit.
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Fr. Mark Haydu, LC as he shares a personal testimony reflecting on how we live following the inspirations of the Holy Spirit (Part I).
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Fr. Mark Haydu, LC as he shares a personal testimony reflecting on how we live following the inspirations of the Holy Spirit (Part II).
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Melissa Foley as she shares a personal testimony reflecting on "Praying with the Holy Spirit".
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Lauren Hawkesworth as he shares a personal testimony reflecting on growing in love with the Holy Spirit and his patience.
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Fr. Jason Brooks, LC as he reflects upon how we need to ask more from the Holy Spirit!
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Matt Williams as he shares a personal testimony reflecting on John 3:4-8 on how "The Spirit Blows Where He Wills".
A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join Lisa Small, CRC as he shares a personal testimony reflecting on how we can know the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Nikola shares more about his latest book, Maximizing the Mass: How to Live Liturgical Prayer with all your Heart and Mind.
Fr Bartunek reads Chapter 2 from his book, "Spring Meditations," weaving together reflections on the natural season, his own life, and the Gospel as he makes the connection between spring and courage. Find more information about the book here: https://www.liguori.org/spring-meditations.html.
Fr Bartunek reads the Chapter on "Hope" from his book "Spring Meditations", published by Liguori Press. He highlights how God has designed certain aspects of this natural season to reveal and strengthen in our hearts true Christian hope. The book is available in electronic and print formats here: https://www.liguori.org/spring-meditations.html.
This Retreat Guide takes you through the Annunciation of St. Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary and unfolds the many spiritual lessons contained in this central mystery of our faith.
The Sermon on the Mount is St. Matthew’s summary of Christ’s preaching, of the New Law Jesus gives us from this mountain of the New Testament, just as Moses gave his people the Old Law on Mt. Sinai.
This New Law begins with the Beatitudes, the summary of the summary of Christ’s teaching. The Beatitudes offer a portrait of Christian life. And the first characteristic of that portrait is this: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). What does being “poor in spirit” really mean?
On Christmas morning, and on weekdays throughout the Christmas season, the Church’s liturgy invites us to delve deeply into the first Chapter of the Gospel of John.
John the Evangelist was an eye-witness of the events he describes. And since he was at the same time both the youngest and also the longest-living of the Twelve Apostles, he had a whole lifetime to contemplate the significance of those events.
A meditative reading of his words, a lectio divina of John 1, therefore, can be a powerful way to live the season of Advent, which is designed to help us discover afresh the wonder and the meaning of the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And that’s exactly what we will do in this Advent Retreat Guide, What Are You Looking For?
Every Sunday when we pray the Creed at Mass we profess our faith in Jesus Christ, affirming that “he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end.”
This seems like an important point for Christ’s followers to keep in mind. And yet, how often do we actually think about it? How deeply have we considered it? What really comes into our minds when we read the Bible passages that speak to us about Christ’s Kingship and his Kingdom?
In Part 2 of Fr Brett Taira, LC's meditation on what it means to be a Regnum Christi Apostle, Fr Brett digs into the meaning behind #9 in the Rule of Life for Lay Members of Regnum Christi: "Lay members of Regnum Christi ardently seek to establish and extend the Kingdom of Christ among all people. They let themselves be permeated by Christ’s charity towards humanity and bring their apostolic zeal to life through intimate contact with him. They long for Christ to conquer their own souls and the souls of all those around them. Impelled by the Holy Spirit and in the style of St. Paul, they endeavor to be supernatural in their aspirations, magnanimous of heart, audacious in self-giving, tenacious in the face of difficulties, and practical and effective in action. They seek to transform the world in Christ. Their motto is, 'Christ our King. Thy Kingdom Come!'..."
Paul McCusker's Radio Theatre productions are some of the Augustine Institute's most exciting new products. In this podcast, he talks with Fr John Bartunek, LC, about the experience of putting together his first one, "Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi". As St Francis's feast day draws near, this podcast will help you prepare to live it deeply, and also give you some behind-the-scenes looks at one of the Catholic world's most creative new ways of helping us all pray, learn, grow, and go.
Fr Jason Brooks gives a moving homily during our Going Deeper pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In the beautiful Crusader church in the town of Emmaus, near Jerusalem, he reflects on how easily we can be distracted from what God is doing by focusing on all the things that don't seem to be getting done in our lives as Christian apostles. He helps us refocus on Jesus' perspective, just as Jesus himself did with the original disciples on the road to that same town of Emmaus.
Lucy Honner and Fr John Bartunek discuss the significance of Fr John's series of seasonal meditation books for our human and spiritual formation. Fr John then reads the introduction and Chapter 3 from "Autumn Meditations." This chapter links the biological phenomenon of autumnal leaves changing color to the importance of humility for our human flourishing.
In one of his "Straight Talks", Fr John Bartunek, LC presents the reasonability of believing in God. This podcast addresses both our intellectual formation and our apostolic formation. Thinking through how reasonable belief in God really is can help us understand our own faith better, and it can also help us be calmer and more confident in conversations with people who don't share our faith in God.
Fr Brett digs into the essence of what it means to be a Regnum Christi apostle by reminding us who is really in charge of building Christ's Kingdom, and what our role really consists of. With vivid examples and illustrations, Fr Brett's direct style can help cut through the complications and keep us grounded in what is most important as we keep trying to live out our vocation to the full.
Contemplating the Mystery of the Transfiguration, and discovering what it has to say to each one of us, will be the task of this Retreat Guide, Anchored in Light.
The Apostle of the Apostles: A Retreat Guide on St. Mary Magdalene by RCSpirituality.org
On the Third Sunday of Lent, we read of the mysterious encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. It takes place while Jesus is resting alone near Jacob’s Well and his disciples have gone into town to get some supplies before continuing their journey. That encounter is the subject of this Retreat Guide.
Christ Alone is Enough: A Retreat Guide on St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians by RCSpirituality.org
During Advent in the year 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a native Mexican, St. Juan Diego, and asked him a favor. She sent him to the bishop with a request to have a Catholic church built on the hill where she was appearing in present-day Mexico City. She left her image emblazoned on Juan Diego’s tunic, called a tilma. This miraculous image convinced the skeptical bishop and made an incalculable impact on the evangelization of the Americas, an impact that continues to resound and spread even today. These events, and that impact, are the subject of this Advent Retreat Guide: A Woman Clothed with the Sun.
The future of the Church, and of our society in general, depends to a large extent on the quality formation of the younger generation. And yet, in spite of that undeniable reality, our popular culture’s overriding attitude towards young people tends to be either condescending or pessimistic. But Jesus has a different point of view. If we want to contribute to a promising future in the Church and the world, we need to adopt that attitude and believe in our young people. This Retreat Guide will help us do so.
As Christians, we know that our life on earth is a purposeful journey guided by God’s providence. This journey takes us through many stages, many seasons of spiritual growth that the Lord uses to prepare us for our final destination: the Father’s house in heaven.
This Retreat Guide will show us how this pilgrimage truly works.
St. John Paul II observed that for people of faith there are no coincidences, only aspects of God’s providence that we have not yet fully understood. Another way of putting it is to say that there are no coincidences, only God-incidences.
Among these God-incidences, one of the most remarkable is the story of St. Ignatius Loyola. For the world would be very different indeed if a cannonball had not struck him at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521, shattering his leg and confining him to bed for the next 6 months.
During his convalescence, the young Spaniard had ample time to reflect about the meaning of his life, about time and eternity, and, above all, about God. And more than his leg was healed. By the time he recovered he had decided to live no longer for himself, but for God, and the echoes of his choice appear in the motto forever associated with his name: “For the Greater Glory of God.”
Called and Chosen: A Retreat Guide on Vocation and the Calling of St. Matthew by RCSpirituality.org
St. John the Evangelist, more than any other of the Eleven Apostles, was wonderfully fascinated by the amazing, marvelous event of God becoming man and living among us. His writings are filled to the brim with this fascination, which is one reason why they play such a central role in the liturgy throughout the Christmas season. St. John is so fascinated with the incarnation, in fact , that there are very good reasons to simply call him the Apostle whose favorite holiday was Christmas. And those reasons are what this Advent Retreat Guide, A Christmas Apostle, will explore.
Christ’s great commandment is that we love one another as he has loved us. Inasmuch as we live that out, we are Christians in name and in fact. But we encounter an obstacle: our own weakness and sinfulness. Luckily, God has given us the saints, friends who can guide us along the narrow path that leads to eternal life. St. Thérèse of Lisieux is such a friend. St. Thérèse offers us a Little Way of Love which we can follow no matter where we are in our spiritual journey. And in this Retreat Guide, Love One Another, we will explore that Little Way.
According to Pope Benedict XVI, as human beings we have imprinted upon our spiritual DNA a profound mark of the Trinity, of God as Love. For we are created in the image and likeness of God, and, as the First Letter of John puts it, “God is love.” But who is this God in whose image we’re created? What difference does it make to say God is a Trinity of Persons? What kind of relationship can we have with the Blessed Trinity? These questions are central to any Christian’s life.
Advent and Christmas are supposed to be joyful seasons, because the thought of a new beginning can fill us with hope. We all need fresh starts in life, because we all make mistakes. Our sins and selfishness does damage to ourselves and to those around us. Christ comes with his saving grace to redeem those failures and fill us with new life. That was the situation of God’s Chosen People during the time of the prophet Isaiah, whose prophecies are read every year throughout Advent and during all the Christmas Masses. He was sent by God to strengthen their hope and nourish their joy. In this Advent Retreat Guide, Do I Need a Savior?, we will let him do the same thing for us.
When was the last time you thought about what happens after we die? Certainly, you already know what happens—we all learned it in Catechism class: first comes death, unavoidable for all of us, then comes judgment, and depending on how that goes, either hell, purgatory, or heaven. We know that. God has revealed it to us, and the Church teaches it clearly and authoritatively. But when was the last time you really thought about it? After all, if God has revealed it, he must have a good reason. Thinking about these eternal truths must be able to have a positive influence on how we live our daily lives here on earth.
Why is St. Joseph such a popular patron, such an important figure for Catholics of all times and places? What do we really know about him? What does he have to teach us about what it means to follow Christ and experience the fulfillment that comes from spiritual maturity, the fulfillment we all long for? Those are some of the questions we will explore in The Faithful Steward: A Lenten Retreat Guide on St. Joseph.
When Karol Wojtyla, the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome after being chosen by the conclave of cardinals as Pope John Paul II, he made history.
That night, he hand-wrote his first papal homily, which set the tone for the next 26 years of his papacy. In it he said: Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power… Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ… So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. (Homily, 22 October 1978) “Be Not Afraid!” That is the title of this Retreat Guide, which will give us a chance to reflect on what made this Polish Pope so holy, inspiring, and spiritually fruitful.
Father of Mercies: A Lenten Retreat Guide on the Parable of the Prodigal Son by RCSpirituality.org
From Sorrow to Joy: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of Confession by RCSpirituality.org
God is Faithful: A Retreat Guide on Mary's Assumption into Heaven by RCSpirituality.org
Listen to a retreat by Fr. John Bartunek, LC, that covers the topics of St. Peter - our first pope - and the papacy of the Catholic Church.
"Bridge to Eternity: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of Holy Orders," will explore this mysterious reality.
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In the first meditation, we will prayerfully reflect on God’s vision for the Holy Orders of deacon, priest, and bishop.
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In the second meditation, we will look at how Jesus the Good Shepherd is the model of every priest.
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And in the conference, we will examine some of the reasons behind the discipline of priestly celibacy.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Bridge to Eternity - A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of Holy Orders" from www.RCSpirituality.org.
The appearances of Jesus after his Resurrection, as recorded in the New Testament, are, to be honest, kind of confusing. The people he appears to don’t recognize him right away, even though they knew him before.
Critics of Christianity attribute these appearances to the imagination of Christ’s followers. They say that the first Christians simply invented the Resurrection, and that’s why the Gospel accounts are so confusing.
Pope Benedict XVI attributes the unique character of these Gospel pages to one simple cause: Christ’s Resurrection itself was something entirely, radically new. He writes: “It was an utterly unique experience, which burst open the normal boundaries of experience and yet for the disciples was quite beyond doubt. This explains the unique character of the Resurrection accounts…”
In this Easter Retreat Guide, A Cure for Discouragement, we will dive into one of these accounts, our Lord’s appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
The first meditation will look at the cause of their discouragement.
The second meditation will contemplate our Lord’s cure for it.
And the conference will offer practical tips to help us do for others what Jesus did for them.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "A Cure for Discouragement - A Retreat Guide for Easter" from www.RCSpirituality.org.
Giving is better than getting, according to the Lord; generosity leads to greater happiness (“blessedness”) than cupidity. And yet, popular culture in our post-modern world bombards us every day with the exact opposite message, constantly trying to convince us that true happiness is to be found in possessing things: The right car, the right house, the right bank account, the right smartphone, the right clothes, the right friends, the right career, the right achievements… These, we are told over and over again, are the key ingredients to a truly meaningful life.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "The Widow's Might - A Retreat Guide for Lent" from www.RCSpirituality.org.
A deep crisis in our post-Christian culture is the loss of a sense of our identity, a kind of cultural and religious amnesia. To overcome that crisis, we need to rediscover the truth about who we are; we need to map our spiritual genome, so to speak.
This Retreat Guide, "Who You Are: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of Baptism", is a step in that direction, because in baptism we find the very DNA of our human and Christian identity.
In the first meditation, we will look at what Jesus teaches us about who we are in God’s eyes.
In the second meditation, we will delve into the symbols of the baptismal ceremony.
And in the conference, we will review some practical activities that can help us all develop our true Christian identity to the full.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Who You Are - A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of Baptism" from www.RCSpirituality.org.
Advent is a liturgical season meant to be lived with deep spiritual anticipation. It is a time of year in which the Church invites us to look forward to spiritual gifts with the same kind of eagerness and delight that children feel towards material gifts. But how do we do that?
The weeks leading up to Christmas and Epiphany are some of the busiest and most stressful of the year. How can we live them as God wants us to live them? How can we re-learn the childlike art of anticipation and apply it to our grown-up lives?
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "The Art of Waiting - A Retreat Guide for Advent" from www.RCSpirituality.org.
Sickness and death were not part of God’s original plan for the human family; they were consequences of original sin. And when the moment comes for us, or for those whom we love, we face a critical choice:
Will we allow illness and suffering to lead us to "anguish, self-absorption…despair, and revolt against God"? Or will we allow these moments to make us “more mature” so that we can “discern…what is not essential” and “turn toward that which is”? (CCC 1501)
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick" from RCSpirituality.org.
If you could protect your mother from terrible suffering, would you? I think I would; I think most of us would. Mothers suffer enough in this fallen world. If we could bring them some relief, we would do so gladly. And yet, Jesus didn’t. Somehow, his love for his mother included allowing her to suffer, and to suffer deeply, painfully, terribly. Why? That’s what this Retreat Guide, A Mother’s Tears: A Retreat Guide on Our Lady of Sorrows, will delve into.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "A Mother's Tears: A Retreat Guide on Our Lady of Sorrows" from RCSpirituality.org.
God’s plan for the human family was disrupted by eating. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they betrayed their friendship with God, losing the only source of lasting happiness, and put the whole world under the influence of evil.
Eating the forbidden fruit also introduced death into the human family, because original sin also cut us off from God’s gift of the Tree of Life. So there you have it: God’s plan for us was messed up by eating. But God drew up a plan to restore that lost friendship and renew the lost promise of eternal life. And, in a wonderful stroke of divine wisdom, this plan of restoration also involves eating.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Food for the Journey: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of the Eucharist" from RCSpirituality.org.
When we were baptized, each of us received a mission. And when we were confirmed, God poured his spirit into our souls to give us the strength we need to fulfill that mission.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Strength of Thousands: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of Confirmation" from RCSpirituality.org.
This Retreat Guide, “The Tomb and the Pearl,” is designed to help you “go forward towards the light” so that the glorious Easter Mystery can make a fresh impact on your life.
In the first meditation, you will participate in St. Mary Magdalene’s transforming experience of the empty tomb on that first Easter Sunday.
The second meditation shows you how to seek your own personal transformation through our Lord’s parable of the pearl of great price.
And in the conference, we will review the “Four Last Things” -- death, judgment, heaven, and hell -- addressing the false ideas prevalent in secular culture that distort our vision of the afterlife and affect our vision of life here.
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?" – Romans 8:38-39
All of us would like to believe this as deeply as St. Paul did, to trust God more firmly in the midst of life’s trials. Lent is a season to strengthen our trust, precisely by turning our attention to Christ’s Passion, and this Lenten Retreat Guide, Trouble with Trust, is designed to help.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Trouble with Trust: A Retreat Guide for Lent" from RCSpirituality.org.
In a globalized culture that has given up on God in general, not to mention the Judeo-Christian concept of God, one of the first casualties is marriage. And that’s our culture.
We would be naïve to think that our culture’s distorted ideas about marriage have no affect on us — they certainly do, even if only subconsciously. To defend God’s beautiful vision for marriage, both in our own lives and in our societies, we need to keep reminding ourselves and deepening our understanding of that vision.
This Retreat Guide, "Three Hearts", will help you do that.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Three Hearts: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of Marriage" from RCSpirituality.org.
We have evil enemies, especially the devil and the other fallen angels, and we are vulnerable to their spiritual attacks. This shouldn’t make us panic — after all, Our Lord is infinitely more powerful than the devil — but it should keep us on our toes.
In this Retreat Guide, "The Anatomy of Temptation: A Retreat Guide on David and Goliath", we are going to prepare ourselves for this spiritual battle by reflecting deeply on some tactics of our spiritual enemies.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "The Anatomy of Temptation: A Retreat Guide on David and Goliath" from RCSpirituality.org.
The journey of the Three Wise Men who followed a start to Bethlehem, a journey which the entire Church celebrates on the Solemnity of Epiphany as the culmination of the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas, is like a living parable.
The core of the parable is the Magi’s journey: The Magi undertook a journey to encounter God. And isn’t that what every Christian life is, in its essence, a journey to the definitive encounter with God?
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Starlight: A Retreat Guide for Advent on the Three Wise Men" from RCSpirituality.org.
Saints are not superheroes; they are not demi-gods; they are simply our older brothers and sisters in the Church, and we are all members of the same spiritual family. In other words, saints are regular, normal human beings, just like you and me, who have so generously cooperated with God's grace that they reached spiritual maturity in their lives here in earth, and so entered into heaven upon their death.
In this Retreat Guide, Sitting in the Side Pew, we are going to look at the shining example of North America's first native-born canonized saint, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "Sitting in the Side Pew: A Retreat Guide on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton" from RCSpirituality.org.
The Rosary can be a powerful instrument of grace. It is a powerful form of prayer, tried and true. To appreciate and benefit from the Rosary more fully, we have to locate it within Marian devotion in general. And that’s what this Retreat Guide, "River of Wisdom: A Retreat Guide on the Rosary", will try to do.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for the Introduction of "River of Wisdom: A Retreat Guide on the Rosary" from RCSpirituality.org.
If companies, religious orders, and bishops can leverage the power of a good motto, why can’t every Christian?
Why can’t each one of us have a motto to keep our spiritual efforts focused, to inspire us, to help bridge our deepest desires and our daily decisions? I think we can, and I think we should. And in this Retreat Guide, The Complete Christian: A Retreat Guide on the Calling of the Twelve Apostles, I would like to propose one.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "The Complete Christian: A Retreat Guide on the Calling of the Twelve Apostles" from RCSpirituality.org.
We can pursue so many things in life — approval, awards, comfort, fame, influence, money, pleasure, popularity, possessions, success... But which of these will truly bring us the fulfillment we yearn for? Among the vast array of all that the world offers us, what is the one thing that really matters?
In this Retreat Guide, "The One Thing Needed: A Retreat Guide on Martha and Mary", that’s what we will reflect on.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D. for "The One Thing Needed: A Retreat Guide on Martha and Mary" from RCSpirituality.org.
We have all seen pictures and sculptures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — not all of which are exactly artistic masterpieces. Some of us may have even consecrated ourselves or our families to the Sacred Heart. And yet, I think it’s safe to say that most of us, here in the twenty-first century, feel that we don’t fully understand either the beauty and the power of this devotion, or how to effectively plug into it in our daily lives. This Retreat Guide, Fire and Thorns, will try to fill that gap.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "Fire and Thorns: A Retreat Guide on the Sacred Heart of Jesus" from RCSpirituality.org.
The power that the Spirit gave to the first members of the Church, the power that has been transforming hearts and redeeming sinners for two thousand years, is at work in us. How can we tap in to that power? How can we allow this new, interior law to truly transform our lives and our circles of influence?
That’s what this Retreat Guide, Unleashing the Power of Pentecost, will reflect on.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "Unleashing the Power of Pentecost: A Retreat Guide on the Holy Spirit" from RCSpirituality.org.
The liturgical season of Advent lasts four weeks — almost six if you tack on the days from Christmas through Epiphany. The season of Lent lasts six weeks. And the liturgical season of Easter lasts... seven weeks: from Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday. Of all the special liturgical seasons, Easter is the longest.
What do you usually do for Advent and Christmas? Certainly you usually do something — after all, they are special liturgical seasons. What do you usually do for Lent? No doubt you think about that question every year as Ash Wednesday draws closer. But what about Easter?
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "The Taste of Victory: A Retreat Guide for Easter" from RCSpirituality.org.
"Welcoming the Word: A Retreat Guide on the Annunciation"
God is always speaking to us; he is always thinking of us. He is not a distant God, as some philosophers have tried to describe — like a watchmaker who designed the universe, wound it up, and then lets it wind down all on its own. No, our God wants to be involved in our lives. He is the God of the Incarnation; he came to earth to be with us, to be close to us, and to lead us by the hand all the way back to our true, everlasting home in heaven. How often do you see that face in your daily life? How often do you hear God’s voice speaking to your heart?
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "Welcoming the Word: A Retreat Guide on the Annunciation" from RCSpirituality.org.
"The Colors of the Cross: A Retreat Guide for Lent"
Why did God make the Cross so central to his Son’s life? Why did God make the Cross so central to our lives? And how can we carry our crosses as courageously and fruitfully as Jesus carried his?
Those are the questions that this Retreat Guide, "The Colors of the Cross", will invite you to reflect on, to meditate on, and to pray about.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for the introduction to "The Colors of the Cross" from RCSpirituality.org.
"Troubled Hearts: A Retreat Guide on Peace of Soul"
Jesus told his Apostles: “Do not let your hearts be troubled”. He knows that we live in a fallen world and are constantly struggling with confusion, disillusionment, rejection, sadness, and discouragement — all of are things that trouble our hearts. And yet, he still tells us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” If he says this, it must be possible: But how?
That’s what this Retreat Guide will explore.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "Troubled Hearts: A Retreat Guide on Peace of Soul" from RCSpirituality.org.
"You Matter: A Retreat Guide for Advent"
God has something to say to you today. He is with you right now. In fact, he never stops thinking about you: You really matter to him. This Retreat Guide will focus on getting to know God better, especially getting to know better his personal love for you, as proven so gloriously in the great mystery of Christmas.
Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "You Matter: A Retreat Guide for Advent" from RCSpirituality.org.