Sons of Ars: Recent Episodes
St. John Vianney Theological Seminary
This is a lighthearted podcast where two seminarians sit down to discuss their life in seminary, topics and issues Christians face in the modern world, and the spiritual life. We hope to invite others into this journey that we are on and that countless other men are on across the world. We hope you enjoy! God bless!
Find out more about us at www.sjvdenver.edu and follow us on the Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary facebook page.
Michael Sparks takes a journey of reminiscing with two good friends Dominic and Nate as they also look forward to what the future entails. Also, we forgot to shout-out future priest Dcn. Aaron Alford, congrats! You can listen to his episode published March 21, 2022 https://sjvdenver.libsyn.com/he-who-is-called-by-god (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians for the sake of inspiring those discerning to take the next step and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.) Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Or for more updates visit our FB page https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries
Leviticus 8:1-17, 9:22-24; From a treatise on John by Saint Augustine (3:08); Mark 10:32-45 (6:40); Homily by Very Rev. Samuel Morehead V.F. (9:27)
Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
Galatians 1:1-12; From a homily by a spiritual writer of the fourth century (1:37); Luke 24:35-53 (4:35); Homily by Rev. James-Peter Trares, O.P. (6:55)
Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
Michael Sparks and James Joseph sit down with a long-time priest Fr. Bill Breslin who shares his life journey during and after Vatican II. Many priests in those tumultuous times were confronted with the crisis of the chaos and it took courage to withstand it by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Bill shares a glimps into that perspective.
(The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.)
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Deuteronomy 1:1, 6-18; (3:05) from a Letter to the Ephesians from St. Ignatius of Antioch; (5:34) Mark 16:1-20; (9:22) Homily by Fr. Tom Scherer.
Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
Isaiah 45:1-13; (2:52) from a Letter by Saint Leo the Great; (6:30) Luke 24:35-53; (9:10) Homily by Archbishop Samuel Aquila
Support our Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
In this episode, Michael Sparks and Michael Salemi bring in a good friend and soon to be priest to the studio. Deacon Kade Megaffin shares his journey of love and tells stories of promising relationships that ended in being called by Christ. (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.)
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Wisdom 1:1-15; (2:57) Letter to the Corinthians by St Clement I; (5:22) John 20:1-18; (8:44) Homily by Dcn Kade Megaffin
Support our Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
Michael Sparks and Anthony Olmes discuss a favorite topic of this podcast, but with a different perspective. The fraternity in light of family allows the true friendship to unfold even if distance seems to get in the way.
(The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.)
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
James and Dave catch up with the listeners and chat with their friend Tommy Myers about their summer assignments, the current fall semester, and what the future holds this academic year at St. John Vianney.
(The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.)
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Philippians 1:1-11; (2:00) from the letter to the Philippians by St. Polycarp; (4:30) Mark 16:1-20; (8:05) Homily by Dcn Jacob Chavez
Michael and James recap the summer and discuss a little of what it means to be on mission as a seminarian especially during the summer.
Michael referenced the interview he did on the Drew the Catholic show: https://youtu.be/8JbUDLwrxDI?si=mlpeHUb_JSa8yeQA
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/
Michael takes some fraternity time out side of his summer assignment to talk with Mark Rocco, a seminarian from Colorado Springs who studies at the Mount St. Mary's seminary in Maryland and happens to be assigned nearby. They discuss the similarities and diferences between seminaries and then dive into Mark's vocational calling right out of high school.
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/
https://www.assumptiondenver.com/s-projects-side-by-side
Five years after the release of Part 1, Fr. Micah Flores joins Michael Salemi and John Cooney to continue the discussion on the Church Fathers. From the Lord Jesus to St. John, from St. John to St. Polycarp, and from St. Polycarp to St. Irenaeus, the life of Faith has been passed down through discipleship to us today.
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/
Michael Sparks and James Joseph invite a guest to share his testimony of God working throughout his life to bring him to seminary. Jeff Pooley shares some stories about those who've inspired him and his life as an airplane pilot, but most especially how beuaty and human relationship all point to our desire for relationship with God.
Reference mentioned for those looking to go into religous life or priesthood, but have lots of debt. https://rescuevocations.org/
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Do you want monthly updates about life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
(0:00) Revelation 6:1-17; (3:21) First Apology of St. Justin Martyr 66-67; (6:08) Luke 24:1-12; (8:04) Homily by Cardinal Francis Stafford
Michael Salemi, James and Dave explore the meaning of leisure especially in the context of seminary life. They take a philosophical look at leisure and then examine the interior life of being rejuvenated especially as seminarians. They include a little discussion about Irish step dancing.
Book mentioned, "Leisure: The Basis of Culture" By Josef Pieper
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Do you want to get monthly updates about seminary life at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Also, check us out and see our events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjvseminaries/
(0:00) Hebrews 1:1-2:4; (2:30) St. Athanasius Epistle 14, 1-2; (5:42) John 8:1-11; (7:42) Homily by Dcn. Blaise Buches.
John, Michael, and Dave discuss their experiences at a conference hosted by Encounter School of Minsitry about the gift of prophecy.
Learn more about Encounter: https://encounterschool.org/
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Michael Sparks is joined by two new voices: Dave Napierkowski and James Joseph! The two make their Sons of Ars debut speaking with Michael about their experience traveling to the annual SEEK conference in St. Louis, MO.
The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.
Check out all the talks from SEEK24 here: https://seekreplay.com/
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
(0:00) Deuteronomy 18:1-22; (4:25) Sacrosanctum Concilium nn. 7-8, 106; (8:45) Luke 24:1-12; (10:55) Homily by Fr. John Ignatius from the Servants of Christ Jesus.
Michael and Michael are joined by Mario Enzler. Formerly a Swiss Guard for St. John Paul II, Mario learned first-hand what it means to live a life of holiness.
Michael and John are joined by Jose Delgado from the Archdiocese of Denver. Jose shares his story of how he was led to the seminary by his parents finding the charismatic renewal.
Support Saint John Vianney Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
Michael and John are joined by Riley Helgoe from the august diocese of Helena, Montana. Riley shares his story of coming back to Catholicism and finding his call to the priesthood.
Support Saint John Vianney Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
Timestamps: (0:00) Wisdom 1:1-15; (2:42) From a letter to the Corinthians by St Clement; (4:52) John 20:1-18; (8:56) Homily from Archbishop Samuel Aquila.
Timestamps: (0:00) Philippians 1:1-11, (1:35) A Letter to the Philippians by St Polycarp, (4:25) Mark 16:1-20, (8:09) Homily from Fr. Rocco Porter.
September 2023 Episode
Host, Michael Sparks, spontaneously invites brother seminarian Daniel Carlisi to help host this unprompted episode. They invited a brother of our brother to share his journey from worldliness to hearing God's plan for his life. While he attends a different great seminary, his story is inspiring and helps us understand the freedom of following God's plan and the peace that flows in that choice.
The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
All the hosts, John Cooney, Michael Salemi, and Michael Sparks, sit down to discuss their latest summer as seminarians. They discuss a variety of topics and lots of travel. A whirlwind of experiences thrown into one episode, so hold onto your hats.
The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
July 2023 Episode
Host and editor Michael Salemi in the midst of his summer asignment brings to listeners a summer episode with a special guest who is an Alumni of St. John Vianney and has been a priest for a few years. Fr. Kevin is a priest of the Diocese of Pheonix, he shares his journey out of seminary and what it's like to maintain joy in the priesthood. Even emidst sudden transition in his life, he gives great thanks to God and shares some lighthearted stories from his priesthood. His wisdom to stay rooted in Christ rings true to the Christian journey for all who desire relationship with God.
References:
Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Now at the end of the academic year, Michael and John look back on their time walking the streets of Denver and encountering the homeless with Christ in the City.
April 2023 Episode
Hosts John Cooney and Michael Sparks invite Deacon Gabe for his second time on the Sons of Ars. Since last time on the podcast he became a deacon and finally shares his story into the seminary with priestly ordination only a few months away. His wisdom to unvail one's heart is expressed through his experience of asking for graces from God and then being able to recognize the abundant ways God bestows grace at all times times.
References:
Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Last time Deacon Gabe was on the podcast was Season 1 Episode 4
Deacon Gabe mentions this incredable Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men, (well worth the read) Into the Breach - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix (dphx.org)
Fr Kevin Penkalski from the Diocese of Phoenix preaches on understanding the paschal joy of Easter.
Dcn Gabirel Sabado preaches on the love of the Father revealed through the Son and the necessity to remember the truth of His love.
Hosts Michael Salemi and Michael Sparks invite fellow classmate Brother Andrew Brebeuf from the Servants of Christ Jesus to share his love of Jesus. He shares his experience after his re-conversion of bringing Jesus to others which lead him to deeper trust in God and then to religious life. They discuss the life changing power of trusting in God.
References:
Email us with comments or questions at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at the updated website and where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Servants of Christ Jesus: http://www.scjesus.org/
John and Michael come together at the beginning of lent to talk about the literature club John started at the seminary. They discuss the ways that good literature can help form everyone, and how literature points towards the depth of humanity which ultimately relates to the spiritual life oriented to God.
You can email us at:
sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Fr. Luke Barder preaches on the importance of knowing God rather than to know about Him.
Michael and John spend time with Mary Machado, mother of former host Jacob Machado. Mary addresses the experience of being a mother of a seminarian.
Dcn Kyle Tannehill preaches on the virtue of hope and how we can use it to see the Lord more clearly.
Michael and John are joined by Connor Companik from the Diocese of Phoenix. After explaining his claim as the podcast's "Biggest Fan™", Connor explains his journey to seminary and how his devotion for sacred music has grown over the years.
The audio clip used in this podcast is from the Corpus Christi Sunday Mass (May 29, 2016) at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance antiphon is from the Graduale Romanum for the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Credit for this clip goes to the SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral schola.
Michael and John talk with Daniel Rivas from Denver about his discernment. Given a heavy cross early in life, Daniel recounts how his time of trial helped him grow closer to God and discern his vocation of priesthood.
Michael and John are joined by Brother Charbel from the Capuchin Friars. Brother Charbel talks about his conversion to Catholicism and his time of religious life. (Editor's note: while Michael and John were diligent in recording early in the month, the editor... not so much.)
His Emminence Cardinal Stafford preaches on the nature of a vigil and meeting Christ in an unexpected place.
This month, Michael and John chat with Connor Ryan from the Diocese of Pueblo. From the western slope of Colorado to the small mining towns of Arizona and Alaska, Connor tells the story of his physical and spiritual journeys that led him to seminary and a deeper life with Christ.
Fr. Brady's Homily from Vigil Praise for 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Readings: Ez 24: 15-27; St. Augustine on Pastors; Mt 28: 1-10, 16-20.
After finishing his first year of priesthood in Uganda, Fr Julius Lule comes back to visit the seminary. Michael and John take this opportunity to ask him about his first assignment and how his time in seminary helped him prepare.
They are all back from summer break! Michael Sparks, John Cooney and Michael Salemi sit down and discuss what adventures they had during the summer. Their discussion covers what it's like being a seminarian on break and then how to return with a balanced approach of recollecting with the help of Christ.
In Flagstaff Michael interviews one of the founders of The Sons of Ars. One year after his ordination Fr. Ian Wintering shares his first year as a priest and explains what it means to have joy in the priesthood through the gift of fatherhood and fraternity.
The conversation continues. Cardinal Stafford tells the story of the beginnings of Saint John Vianney Seminary and his inspirations from the works of Rouault.
Michael and John sit down with Cardinal Stafford, the former archbishop of Denver, and discuss the joy of the priesthood as a result of Trinitarian love.
Deacon Anthony Dang, soon to be Father shares his preperation for the priesthood and enlightens us about his story to seminary right out of high school. What does a transitionary deaon do? Michael and John dive in.
Before retiring from the seminary after over 10 years as a spiritual director and over 50 years of priesthood, Msgr Ken Leone shares his stories and imparts wisdom to Michael and John about the joy of the priesthood and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit.
Michael and John interview Aaron about his ministerial journey from Canada to California, then from conversion to candidate for priesthood.
John and Michael interupt the month long wait between episodes to share some spur of the moment Lenten reflections.
Michael and John discuss the ways Catholics can approach of one of the most influential and popular commentators of the bible today, Jordan Peterson. Then story time, John finally shares his story of how he converted to Catholicism and his journey to the seminary.
Jacob Machado comes back to share some wisdom and experience in going forward with the Sons of Ars and hands off his reigns. John Cooney is introduced as new co-host. Jacob, Michael and John contemplate amongst friends the ways we can most prudently record and listen to podcasts in a relational way.
Newly ordained Deacon Micah discusses some exciting events over the last year. He also interviews Michael about his joyful vocational journey from a career of construction to studying as a seminarian for the diocese of Pueblo. He also announces the future of the podcast.
Tony and Jacob interview Phoenix seminarian Nathan and discuss his vocation journey and his life with Tourette’s.
Tony and Jacob interview the new Fr. Christian James. They discuss contemplation, playfulness and rest.
Tony and Jacob interview Father Christopher Considine only days before his ordination. Christopher was ordained to the holy priesthood on May 16th. Fr. Christopher shares with us the history of his chalice as he prepares for his ordination.
Tony and Jacob, still in quarantine leading up to the ordination mass, talk about how SJV Seminary was able to self quarantine and complete the semester.
Kyle Tannehill joins us in the studio to share his vocational journey with Mary Magdalene and Eucharist Adoration.
Miguel joins us in the studio to share his story of how Our Lady of Guadalupe changed his life.
Tony and Jacob welcome yet another Ryan into the study to talk about seminary formation. They discuss how each seminarian is the main agent in their own formation but also discuss the danger of trying to make your formation your own personal perfection project over and apart from God's will.
Host of the Catholic Stuff You Should Know podcast, Fr. John Nepil, joins us in the studio to share his story of discernment into the priesthood and what he has learned along the way.
Julius joins us in the studio to talk about his childhood in Uganda, Africa and the importance Fatherhood plays in growing in one's identity as a Child of God.
Tony and Jacob invite Ryan onto the podcast to discuss his vocation in light of his family.
Back to the stories. Tony and Jacob talk with David Hall about his journey to seminary. They talk about family, community and music!
Sean Conroy shares his story of preparation in the Lord as he approaches Diaconate ordination.
Micah, after breaking his leg, shares his insights on suffering and its role in our salvation.
Tony and Jacob welcome Jimmy back to the show to talk about pop culture. This conversation was spurred by Kanye's new album, but we wanted to talk about the influence of culture, our influence on culture, and how we should pray and hope for the works of God in the world.
Tony and Jacob host Sam who shares his story of wandering from the faith and the grace that helped him return and follow God's invitation into the seminary.
Trevor Lontine joins us in the studio to tell his journey of Faith from a intellectually prideful homeschooler to a faithful christian.
Tony and Ian sit down with the legendary John Stang to tell a little bit of his life story and the importance he discovered in one's ability to completely surrender to the Lord.
Spurred by some recent feedback to the podcast, Jacob and Ian chat about their backgrounds in media and their love of story. They discuss, art, media creation and consumption, and the dialogue between creators and consumers.
Matt Christiaens, a seminarian from Helena Montana Joins us to talk about his experience working with children with disabilities and how he learned the importance of poverty of spirit.
Ian, Micah, Tony and Jacob all gathered together on the Nativity of Mary to record a podcast. They discuss Marian devotion and share some stories of how Mary has impacted their lives.
Join us for the pilot episode of our third season as Micah and Ian sit down to share their experiences of learning Spanish in Central America.
Tony shares more detail about his love of fishing and how our recreation can and should lead us into contemplation.
Denver seminarian Peter, shares with Tony and Jacob about the experience of seminary formation in Rome.
Tony finally gets a fuller life story from Jacob talking about his discernment journey and his active discernment in the seminary.
Tony and Jacob interview Paul, the director of finance at St. John Vianney Seminary. The three of them talk about life and friendship as well as the operations of the seminary from the business side.
Recently ordained Father Adam Bradshaw swings by to chat with Tony and Jacob about his ordination and the transition from seminary to the priesthood.
Tony and Jacob discuss being normal human beings in the world and how community and human formation in the seminary helps make us bridges to communicate the Gospel instead of obstacles.
Ian and Micah host the last podcast before turning it over to Jacob and Tony for the summer. We discuss the value of our summer assignments and how they help us in our discernment of the priesthood.
Father Brady Wagner our producer and a Spirituality Year formator at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary joins us on the show to talk about how the rosary helped transform his prayer life.
Music: "Sparks" by Chaël. https://soundcloud.com/chael_music Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/XloyEFrDRDo
Micah shares some of his story about how he came to greater knowledge and love of God through the natural world and through studies.
Music: "Sparks" by Chaël. https://soundcloud.com/chael_music Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/XloyEFrDRDo
Estevan Wetzel a 8th year seminarian for the diocese of Phoenix joins us on the podcast to discuss his story with Blessed Miguel Pro and his family.---------------------
Music: "Sparks" by Chaël. https://soundcloud.com/chael_music Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/XloyEFrDRDo
Seminarian Tyler Frohlich joins us in the studio to discuss what authentic masculinity is.
A discussion of the early Church through the lens of a letter written in the 3rd century.
A remarkable story of coming to Christ after years of involvement in gang and prison live.
Micah and Ian sit down, for the first time, to explain the mission and purpose of the Sons of Ars Podcast.
Music: "Sparks" by Chaël. https://soundcloud.com/chael_music Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/XloyEFrDRDo