St. Philip Institute Podcast: Recent Episodes
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In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo concludes this series on the spiritual life by discussing the third stage of the spiritual life, known as the unitive way. This highest, most advanced stage of the spiritual life is seen in a special way by the experience of the Apostles after Pentecost, and it is part of the path all Christians are called to follow.
Recommended Books:
Dr. Brant Pitre, Introduction to the Spiritual Life
Father Garrigou-Lagrange, The Three Conversions in the Spiritual Life
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the second stage of the spiritual life, known as the illuminative way. He shows how the New Testament gives us good examples of the “second conversion” that the Apostles and especially St. Peter experienced as they grew in their spiritual life and how we are all called to walk the same path.
Recommended Books:
Dr. Brant Pitre, Introduction to the Spiritual Life
Father Garrigou-Lagrange, The Three Conversions in the Spiritual Life
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the first stage of the spiritual life, known as the purgative way. He explains the types of prayer common in this stage, the experience of temptation, and the signs commonly seen during the beginnings of the spiritual life. All Christians are called to grow beyond this early stage, but many of us never even know how to start! Join Dr. Arredondo as he gives a Catholic introduction to this topic.
Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series focusing on the fundamentals of the spiritual life and the path to growing in holiness. This episode focuses on the idea that our prayer life, even while it involves our own effort, should be understood principally as a response to God’s call to us. In addition, he briefly introduces the three stages of the spiritual life: the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, by looking at his view of sacramental character. If we understand Aquinas’ teaching, it can help us see that Confirmation is a sacrament that prepares us to become disciples, so that we can be evangelists.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, focusing especially on Aquinas’ view that we are all called, through this sacrament in particular, to enter into a spiritual battle. But who will help teach us how to fight in this battle?
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he discusses the purpose of Confirmation by looking at the effects of this sacrament. In addition, he highlights the way the Catechism frames the preparation for Confirmation and who can receive this sacrament.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he focuses on the Eastern and Western approaches to this sacrament, and the signs and symbols used in the Rite of Confirmation itself.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series on the Sacrament of Confirmation, focusing on the opening paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s presentation of the sacrament. Confirmation is presented, in the Catechism, as something intimately linked with the sacraments of initiation, as being connected to our mission to evangelize, and as a perpetuation of Pentecost.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo is joined by Phillip Smith, for a discussion on the formation of the canon of the Bible, or the list of books which are considered Sacred Scripture.
In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the crossing of the Red Sea, its relationship to Baptism, and its link to the liturgy of Lent.
In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo examines the Passover liturgy in the Book of Exodus Ch. 12 and shows its connection to the Holy Thursday liturgy and the wider Christian view of the Eucharist.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the beginning of the book of Exodus, focusing on Moses’ birth and youth, as well as his calling to lead the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo starts a new series focusing on the Book of Exodus and its connection to the liturgical season of Lent. In particular, he discusses the way the Exodus story is present in the prayer of the Church during Lent and the reason why our preparation for the Paschal mystery can be deepened by a familiarity with the Book of Exodus.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo gives a brief exegesis of the reading from the Gospel of Luke used at the Midnight Mass on Christmas. Leaning on the teachings of Bishop Robert Barron and Venererable Fulton Sheen, Luke shows the deep significance of calling Jesus the Lord and how Christ’s birth in symbolic, but meaningful ways, foreshadows his Passion.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the Book of Isaiah, both with respect to the history of Israel and its function in the liturgy leading from Advent into Christmas.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo focuses on the Annunciation account in Luke’s Gospel and draws out some of the Old Testament connections in the text. In particular he focuses on Mary’s background, and the links between Luke Chapter 1 and 2 Samuel Chapter 7.
Launching our Advent series, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the relationship between St. John the Baptist and Jesus, through a reading of the Gospel of Luke.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues our discussion of the theology of baptism, focusing especially on the necessity of Baptism, the symbols used in the liturgical celebration of baptism, and the link between baptism and discipleship.
Following our discussion of the biblical dimensions of Baptism in the previous episodes in this series, we now turn to consider more properly the theology of baptism. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo higlights three particular ideas:
- What is a sacrament?
- How is Baptism related to the other sacraments of initiation?
- Finally, what are the various terms we might use to describe baptism, and what do each of them tell us about this sacrament?
In the Gospels, we see Jesus enter his public phase by receiving a baptism of water by John the Baptist, and at the end of his life he asks his disciples to baptize all the nations. We might say, then, that baptism forms the bookends of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the significance of baptism for Jesus and its connection to discipleship.
Show Notes:
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, see paragraphs 1217-1222.
In the Bible:
- The Ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 1-12; Mark 1: 1-4; Luke 3: 1-20)
- The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3: 13-17; Mark 1: 9-11; Luke 3: 21-22)
- The Necessity of Baptism (John 3: 3-5)
- Baptism of “Households” seen in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16: 27-34)
- Baptism as Death and Life (Romans 6: 1-14)
From St. Basil:
“The image of death is fulfilled in the water, and the Spirit gives us the pledge of life. Therefore it is clear why water is associated with the Spirit: because of baptism’s dual purpose. On the one hand, the body of sin is destroyed, that it may never bear fruit for death. On the other hand, we are made to live by the Spirit, and bear fruit in holiness. The water receives our body as a tomb, and so becomes the image of death, while the Spirit pours in life-giving power, renewing in souls which were dead in sin the life they first possessed. This is what it means to be born again of water and Spirit: the water accomplishes our death, while the Spirit raises us to life.”
Often, when Christians think about baptism, we immediately turn to the New Testament, or speak about sacramental theology. But an important grounding for the sacraments is the rich biblical imagery evoked in the celebration of the sacraments, and in developing a full theology of the sacraments. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the deep Old Testament roots of baptism by turning to the prayer of the baptismal font.
Show Notes
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, see paragraphs 1217-1222.
In the Bible:
Genesis 1: 1-2
Genesis 7-8
Exodus 14
Joshua 3
Throughout the Gospels, the Twelve Disciples get to spend extra time with Jesus, see him prayer, watch him perform miracles, etc. Yet they still struggle to understand precisely who Jesus is! Why is this and what does it show us about the spiritual life? Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he explores this topic.
Passages discussed in this episode:
Mark 4:10 ff: Jesus explains the parable of the sower;
Mark 6: 45-52, esp. 51-52: Jesus enters the boat after the feeding of the 5,000 and says “Take heart, it is I (ego emi)," but the disciples do not understand;
Mark 8: 17-21: Disciples do not understand (again!)
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus as a divine healer, a miracle worker par excellence, able to calm the storms and raise the dead. But we also read that, in some cases, he is “unable” to heal due to the unbelief of the crowds. Alternatively, Jesus sometimes tells someone: “Your faith has healed you.” What is the link between faith and healing? Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he discusses this aspect of Mark’s Gospel.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus performs a ministry of exorcism that helps to reveal his identity as the Lord, as the Messiah. This is seen especially in the story of the Geresane Demoniac. Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he explores Jesus’ exorcisms in Mark, and the way these stories help us to answer the key question of the Gospel: Who is Jesus?
The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels, at just 16 chapters, but it is action-packed. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo is joined by Elizabeth Slaten to discuss the urgency and uniqueness of the message of salvation found in Mark’s Gospel.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo examines the identity of Jesus as presented in three key scenes in the Gospel of Mark: Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2: 23-28), the calming of the sea (Mark 4:35-41, Mark 6: 45-51) and the Transfiguration (Mark 9: 2-9). While some contemporary scholars claim that Mark’s Gospel presents a Jesus who is merely human, these passages, especially when seen in light of their Jewish context, reveal Jesus as the LORD, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.
Recommended Reading:
The Case for Jesus, Brant Pitre:
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Jesus-Biblical-Historical-Evidence/dp/0770435483
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the nature of the Gospels as a literary genre. Many contemporary authors and pundits claim that the Gospels should be classified as folklore or myth, but there is considerable evidence, as well as Christian tradition, that sees the Gospels as a form of ancient biography.
Recommended Resources:
Richard Burridge, The Gospel for All Christians: Rethinking the Gospel Audiences
https://www.amazon.com/Gospels-All-Christians-Rethinking-Audiences/dp/0802844448
Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses
https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Eyewitnesses-Gospels-Eyewitness-Testimony/dp/0802874312/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1C2FQO8J9K4LC&keywords=richard+bauckham&qid=1686841238&s=books&sprefix=richaqrd+bau%2Cstripbooks%2C140&sr=1-2
Brant Pitre, The Case for Jesus
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Jesus-Biblical-Historical-Evidence/dp/0770435483/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1686841323&sr=1-1
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the second half of Dei Verbum, the Vatican II document on divine revelation, and especially focuses on the concept of the biblical renewal the council called for. He also offers some suggestions for resources to help Catholics put the Scripture at the heart of their prayer lives.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo examines the historical context and the first half of the Vatican II document on divine revelation, Dei Verbum.
The Second Vatican Council is perhaps best well known for its universal call to holiness. This idea is explained in Lumen Gentium, paragraphs #39-42. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores this foundational concept from Vatican II as well and addresses the remainder of Lumen Gentium.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the first two chapters of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium). He explains the overall vision of the document and focuses in particular on the possibility of salvation outside the Church, and what limits the Council places on this idea.
In this episode, Dr. Arredondo responds to a commenter on a previous episode, specifically addressing the difficulties that followed the Second Vatican Council. While our series will continue to examine each of the major documents, we wanted to acknowledge some of the challenges facing the church in the post-conciliar age.
In this episode, Dr. Arredondo walks through the various suggestions for the renovation and restoration of the liturgy that the Second Vatican Council called for in its Constitution on the Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the fundamentals of liturgy according to Sacrosanctum Concilium. In particular, he focuses on the idea of full and active participation, and what this term means.
In this episode, Dr. Arredondo explores the roots and key themes of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), in particular focusing on St. John XXIII’s motivations for calling the council and his opening address to the bishops of the world on October 11, 1962.
In this episode, we’re having a little bit of fun! Dr. Arredondo discusses Stranger Things Season 4 and the hit TV show’s surprising connection to the Divine Mercy message of St. Faustina. Enjoy!
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explains the Old Testament roots for calling Mary the Ark of the New Covenant, and the link between this concept and Mary’s Immaculate Conception.
This episode features a conversation between Bishop Joseph Strickland and author, Rod Bennet! Rod has recently authored a new book with Catholic Answers titled These Twelve: The Gospel through the Apostles’ Eyes, and today he talks about the role of the apostles in the Early Church.
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo offers a reflection on the theological virtue of charity or love. In particular, he discusses the different translations and definitions of love and how Pope Benedict XVI reconciles some of these debates in his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est.
In this episode Bishop Joseph Strickland interviews author and apologist Gary Michuta about Michuta's new book, Revolt Against Reality, which traces the historical development of many of the ideologies and controversies to which the Church is responding today.
In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo describes the nature of hope, what Pope Benedict XVI called a distinctively Christian virtue, one which has served the world well, and which needs to be brought out anew in our time.
In this episode we begin our series on the theological virtues with a discussion of the virtue of faith. In particular we discuss how faith is central to human life, even when it comes to matters other than religion!
This week there’s an exciting new video on the St. Philip Institute’s YouTube channel! Joel McMichael is a seminarian for the Diocese of Tyler here in East Texas, and he shares his conversion story from growing up Baptist to converting to the Catholic Faith and entering seminary! Head on over to the St. Philip Institute YouTube channel to watch the video: https://youtu.be/UJ93j_OjmAY
This episode is the first in a series that will focus specifically on the virtues! In this introductory episode with Mikki and Deanna, hosts of the Life Beyond the Chariot Podcast, we lay the foundation for what virtue is, the differences between the Cardinal and Theological Virtues, and why these are essential to the Christian life.
Why does the Catholic Church teach against In-Vitro Fertilization? If the Catholic Church is pro-life, why is IVF a problem? Join Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos as they sit down with Stephanie Gray Connors to discuss her new book, "Conceived by Science: Thinking Carefully and Compassionately about Infertility and IVF." Stephanie explains this emotional issue in a clear and charitable way, and also offers her perspective on how we can effectively share the Church’s teaching with others.
You can learn more about Stephanie’s new book here.
Today we have a special episode discussing an important issue at the intersection of morality and medical practice. Dr. Joe Eble joins Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos to discuss Brain Death and how we should approach this issue from a Catholic perspective. Dr. Eble has written several articles on this issue at the National Catholic Register:
"Brain Death: What Catholics Need to Know": https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/brain-death-and-organ-donation
"Dobbs Offers Lessons for the Brain Death Debate": https://www.ncregister.com/blog/dobbs-lessons-for-brain-death-debate
In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the importance of frequent reception of the Eucharist, the role of preparing for the Eucharist, and the fruits of the Eucharist.
St. Peter urged the early Christians to always "be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you". (1 Peter 3:15) And so it must be with us too! The hope which St. Peter speaks of is rooted ultimately in the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. As we begin the Easter Season, Dr. Luke Arredondo sits down to walk us through the facts surrounding the Resurrection and shows how we can defend the truth of the most significant event in human history.
Our journey through Lent is approaching its conclusion! We have now entered into Holy Week; Easter is on the horizon. Enjoy this throwback episode as Fr. Braun and Dr. Luke Arredondo discuss why Holy Week is, as Pope Emeritus Benedict put it, "the most important week of the year."
What does the Catechism teach about Christ’s presence in the Eucharist? In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the nature of the Eucharist as thanksgiving, sacrifice, and memorial. He then focuses closely on the way in which Christ is present in the Church, both in the Eucharist, and in other modes.
In the year 155, St. Justin Martyr offered a brief outline of the Mass celebrated in his day in his writings to the emperor. In this episode of our Eucharist series, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the parts of the Mass and shows the continuity between the early church’s liturgy and the Mass we celebrate today.
Dr. Arredondo continues the Catechism book study on the Eucharist! In this episode we learn the different names for the Eucharist, the significance of using bread and wine, and the moment of the Last Supper where Christ instituted the Eucharist.
Bishop Strickland announced 2022 as a Year of Mary and the Eucharist in the Diocese of Tyler. In this episode Dr. Luke Arredondo is beginning a study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church section on the Eucharist! Open up your Catechism and join along as we learn about the “source and summit” of the Catholic Faith.
CONTENT WARNING: Disturbing content is discussed in this podcast. We recommend that parents listen/watch first before sharing with their children.
Fr. Zachary Dominguez, a priest of the Diocese of Tyler, comes onto the podcast to discuss his experiences at the US-Mexico border this summer. He shares stories of some of the people he met and ministered to, as well as the terrible human rights violations that are taking place. Finally, Bishop Strickland shares some thoughts on how we, the people of God, can respond with faith in Christ to the evils that are taking place there.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit our website: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
Steve Weidenkopf joins Bishop Strickland on the St. Philip Institute podcast to talk about his new book from Catholic Answers Press! In it Steve addresses significant moments of darkness and scandal from Church history and how God went on to bring about great goods from them. There is much to learn from the history of the Church, and we hope you you find this discussion encouraging!
You can get a copy of Steve's new book here: https://shop.catholic.com/light-from-darkness-nine-times-the-church-was-in-turmoil-and-came-out-stronger-than-before/
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
It is an uncomfortable truth that loneliness is on the rise in the U.S. Many Catholic men have experienced this reality and are seeking community with like-minded men who are serious about the Faith. Joe Manganiello and Tod Upson join Dr. Trasancos on the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss the solution they engineered in response to this problem. They share their experience of starting a successful men's group in their parish and offer advice for other men on how to do the same!
Join us for a fun episode this week as we explore the theological significance of Superman! Luke has been a fan of the character ever since the first 1970's movie with Christopher Reeve, and in this episode he reveals the surprisingly Christian origins of the Man of Steel.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
As we approach NFP Awareness Week, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues his explanation of the historical backdrop to Paul VI's landmark encyclical, "Humanae Vitae", which reaffirmed the Church's timeless teaching that contraception of all kinds goes against the natural law.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
As we approach NFP Awareness Week, Dr. Luke Arredondo lays out the historical backdrop of Paul VI's landmark encyclical, "Humanae Vitae", which reaffirmed the Church's timeless teaching that contraception of all kinds goes against the natural law.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
Cy Kellett is the Radio Host at Catholic Answers and author of a new book on Jesus, "A Teacher of Strange Things". Recently he sat down with Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos to discuss his book and why it is so important to confront the reality of who Jesus really is, not simply whom we might wish him to be.
You can purchase Cy's book here: https://shop.catholic.com/a-teacher-of-strange-things-who-jesus-was-what-he-taught-and-why-people-still-follow-him/
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
Bishop Strickland and Dr. Stacy chat with Chris Reynolds of Gospa Missions, a Catholic organization out of Pennsylvania founded for the purpose of evangelization. Bishop Strickland has collaborated with Gospa to hold an evening of prayer every Wednesday at 8PM CST called "Our Lady's Power Hour" - listen in to learn more!
To learn more about Gospa Missions, visit: https://gospa.org/
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
Some people think that the revelations given to St. Maria Faustina regarding Divine Mercy make it harder to see why we should care about, let alone fear, Hell and eternal punishment. In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo helps to clear up this confusion surrounding St. Faustina and Divine Mercy by introducing us to St. Faustina's own harrowing vision of the reality and agony of Hell.
In this episode Dr. Arredondo talks about the new film "Kid 90," a documentary about the child celebrity Soleil Moon Frye (better known to the world as "Punky Brewster"). Dr. Arredondo points out the questions the documentary raises about the meaning of life and of human suffering, and reveals how the answers to these questions can be found in the pages of Fides et Ratio by Pope Saint John Paul II.
In this episode Bishop Strickland and Stacy Trasancos, PhD, talk with Dr. Alan Moy, research director for the John Paul II Medical Research Institute, about the Institute's effort to introduce a cell line entirely unconnected with abortion into the pharmaceutical market for the sake of the production of an ethically unambiguous vaccine against COVID-19.
This year is the Year of St. Joseph, not only in the Diocese of Tyler, but for the whole Church as well! Luke explains how you can obtain the Plenary Indulgences the Church is opening up in honor of this great saint. He also addresses the question of St. Joseph's age and why this is an important topic to discuss!
The 6 Plenary Indulgences Luke mentions in the episode are listed below:
- To those who will meditate for at least 30 minutes on the Lord’s Prayer
- Take part in a Spiritual Retreat of at least one day that includes a meditation on St. Joseph. -
- The indulgence can also be obtained by those who, following St. Joseph’s example, will perform a spiritual or corporal work of mercy. -
- The recitation of the Holy Rosary in families and among engaged couples is another way of obtaining indulgences, in order that “all Christian families may be stimulated to recreate the same atmosphere of intimate communion, love and prayer that was in the Holy Family.”
- Everyone who entrusts their daily activity to the protection of St. Joseph, and every faithful who invokes the intercession of St. Joseph so that those seeking work can find dignifying work can also obtain the plenary indulgence.
- The plenary indulgence is also granted to the faithful who will recite the Litany to St. Joseph (for the Latin tradition), or the Akathistos to St. Joseph (for the Byzantine tradition), or any other prayer to St. Joseph proper to the other liturgical traditions, for the persecuted Church ad intra and ad extra, and for the relief of all Christians suffering all forms of persecution.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit this link: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
In today's episode, we learn about why we practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent. Dr. Luke Arredondo reveals the biblical roots of these practices, beginning with the start of salvation history in the Garden of Eden, moving through the Old Testament, and concluding with the life and teachings of Jesus.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute of Catechesis & Evangelization, visit: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
In this week's podcast Dr. Luke Arredondo recounts the story of how he was first launched into reading the Bible when he was asked upfront: 'Have you read God's book?' Luke goes on to list the three criteria the Church gives us to interpret Scripture and how the entire story of Salvation History ultimately points to Christ!
To register for the St. Philip Institute's Lenten Bible program, visit the following page: https://mailchi.mp/stphilipinstitute/lent2021
As the new COVID-19 vaccine begins to be rolled out and Catholics continue to wrestle with the ethical issues surrounding its development, Abby Johnson comes onto the St. Philip Institute podcast to talk with Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos. They discuss what Catholics can do to combat the culture of death which has taken hold of western culture, particularly in the area of scientific and medical research.
To learn more about Abby Johnson and her work, visit her website: https://www.abbyjohnson.org/
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute of Catechesis & Evangelization, visit our website: https://stphilipinstitute.org/
The virtue of justice applies, not just to our interactions with ourselves and those around us, but first and foremost to our relationship with Almighty God. Justice requires that we give God what is his due: our worship. In this episode Dr. Scott Hahn returns to the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss this topic by way of his new book, co-authored with Brandon McGinley: It is Right and Just: Why the Future of Civilization Depends on True Religion. Listen in to his conversation with Bishop Strickland and Dr. Luke Arredondo.
You can learn more about Dr. Hahn's latest book here.
You can learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute here.
Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galations 5:22-23), and we often forget that God desires us to be joyful! Listen in on this short but punchy conversation as Dr. Luke Arredondo and Chris Stefanick discuss practical strategies for reclaiming the joy God intends for us. Chris Stefanick is founder and president of Real Life Catholic and a nationally known author and speaker who has recently published a new book: Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day.
Click here to learn more about Chris's new book.
Click here to learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute of Catechesis & Evangelization.
What are faithful Catholics to make of the current state of the Church amidst all the scandal and confusion? In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Ralph Martin and Bishop Strickland meet for the first time and discuss this question in depth. Dr. Ralph Martin is a well-known author and President of Renewal Ministries. Together with Deacon Fournier and Dr. Luke Arredondo, he and Bishop Strickland discuss his new book, A Church in Crisis, which lays out the causes of the current crisis and maps out a way forward.
To learn more about Ralph's new book, visit this link.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, visit this link.
Catholic author and speaker Brandon McGinley joins Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos on the latest episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast. They discuss the latest book he co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn - It Is Right and Just - which addresses a common falsehood we encounter in popular culture: that one's religious faith should be kept out of the public sphere. Listen as Brandon lays out why boldly living out the Catholic Faith in an outward-facing way is essential.
To learn more about Brandon's book, click here.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, click here.
One of the great blessings of being Catholic is the access we have to 2,000 years of wisdom and spiritual insight from the Saints and Doctors of the Church. On today's podcast Dr. Trasancos has a fascinating conversation with Dr. Jeff Thompson, an expert on Mystic and Doctor of the Church, St. John of the Cross. Dr. Thompson explains how St. John's insights about the spiritual life have profound implications for the field of human psychology.
To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, click here.
To learn more about the course Dr. Jeff Thompson is offering through the Avila Institute, click here.
Fr. Vincent Lampert is an exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and author of the new book, "Exorcism: The Battle Against Satan and his Demons". Today he comes onto the St. Philip Institute Podcast to talk with Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos about the realities of spiritual warfare and what the job of an exorcist involves.
To learn more about Fr. Lampert's new book, click here. To learn more about the teaching mission of the St. Philip Institute, click here.
October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. For Catholics this day is an opportunity to pray for the souls of all children who died before being baptized through causes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos sit down to discuss what the Church has to say on this issue.
For those who would like to learn more, please read "The Hope of Salvation for Infants who Die without being Baptized" by the International Theological Commission.
Today on the podcast Dr. Luke Arredondo is discussing one of his favorite topics - Fatima! Join him as he chats to Paul Senz, author of the new book, Fatima: 100 Questions and Answers on the Marian Apparition. They also share their thoughts on the new Fatima movie that is currently in theaters.
Dr. Stacy Trasancos discusses an exciting new development in the Institute's efforts to teach the Catholic Faith: Faith Formation Online - live classes that bring the Faith directly to you in the comfort of your home. Over 500 families have already signed up! To learn more, visit the St. Philip Institute website: https://www.stphilipinstitute.org
Christin Watkins, the author of several books including Of Men and Mary, a favorite of Bishop Strickland, comes onto the St. Philip Institute Podcast. Along with Dr. Trasancos and the bishop she discusses some of the real-life stories in the book and the powerful role that the Blessed Virgin Mary played in these conversions to Christ.
To learn more about the St. Philip Institute visit https://www.stphilipinstitute.org
To learn more about Christine's ministry visit https://queenofpeacemedia.com
In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arradondo and Deanna Johnston discuss the important role parents have when raising their children in the Catholic Faith. Many people rely so heavily on the Catechesis of their local parish or school, it can be easy to forget the duty every parent has in making the home a domestic church.
Deacon Keith Fournier shares his reversion story on the podcast and the central role that the sacrament of confession played in his return to Christ. He, Bishop Strickland and Dr. Stacy discuss the power of this sacrament to turn us away from sin and back to God.
https://stphilipinstitute.org/
Tyler Rowley, author of the brand new book, "Because of Our Fathers: Twenty-Three Catholics Tell How Their Fathers Led Them to Christ", comes onto the podcast. Along with Bishop Strickland and Dr. Stacy, he discusses the crucial role of the father as the spiritual leader of his family. www.stphilipinstitute.com
Jaymie Stuart Wolfe comes onto the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss the an exciting new publication from Ave Maria Press: a never before published work of Pope St. John Paul II. Along with Dr. Stacy Trasancos and Dr. Luke Arrendondo, she breaks down the significance of this new book and it's place in the life and work of John Paul II. The book is titled "Teachings in an Unbelieving World".
Dr. Janet Smith comes on the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss her latest article written for the National Catholic Register, "Black Lives Matter: What's a Parent to Do?" They discuss how parents can engage in dialogue with their teens on difficult social issues.
www.stphilipinstitute.org
Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos sit down with Brandon Vogt, Content Director at Word On Fire, to discuss his latest book, "What To Say and How To Say It". Catholics often know what they believe, but not why they believe it or how to talk about it. In this episode, Brandon shares some of the advice from his book on how to converse with others on the toughest issues of Catholic teaching.
www.StPhilipInstitute.com
Join Fr. Braun and Deanna Johnston as they discuss how parents can pass on the Faith to their families! They also discuss the brand new Faith Formation Online Program being launched by the St. Philip Institute and how it can help parents in this mission as the first and primary teachers of their children. You can enroll for the Online Faith Formation Program discussed in this episode by visiting stphilipinstitute.org.
In the wake of the release of the new General Directory for Catechesis, Dr. Petroc Willey joins Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos to discuss how the Church wants us to hand on the Faith. Dr. Willey is a world renowned expert on the subject of catechesis; in 2012 he was appointed as a consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization by Pope Benedict XVI. He is currently the Director of the Catechetical Institute based out of Steubenville, Ohio and a Professor of Catechetics at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Bishop Strickland recently coined the term, "cultural iconoclasm" to describe the phenomenon of tearing down statues that is taking place across the United States. In this fascinating discussion, Bishop Strickland and artist-in-residence Robert Puschautz are joined by sculptor Anthony Visco to discuss this subject in detail and what it reveals about us as a culture.
- You can find Sacred Art prints by Robert Puschautz and other Catholic resources at: stphilipinstitute.org
- You can find out more about Anthony Visco and his work at: anthonyvisco.org
July 13th is the day Our Lady of Fatima revealed the 'O My Jesus' prayer. As we approach this anniversary, Dr. Luke Arredondo delves into the meaning and significance of this prayer as well as the much discussed Secret of Fatima. This is one of Dr. Arredondo's favorite topics; he co-authored a book on the 'O My Jesus' prayer which is available for purchase on the St. Philip Institute website!
Jennifer Fulwiler is a mom of 6 as well as an author, podcaster, and stand-up comedian. She is also a convert to the Catholic Faith, a journey she chronicles in her award winning book, Something Other Than God. This week she joins Bishop Strickland and Institute staff members to discuss her latest book, Your Blue Flame, and the importance of pursuing the things that make you joyful.
For teenage girls, peer pressure has gone from local to global. Bishop Strickland and Dr. Stacy sit down to talk with Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor, Simone Key, from Stella Maris Christian counseling about how to begin to deal with overwhelming anxiety in our teen girls. This is a much needed conversation we plan to continue.
Dr. Scott Hahn is a Professor of Biblical Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio and a convert to the Catholic Faith who is widely known for his great love for the Sacred Scriptures. This week he joins Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos on the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss his latest book - Hope to Die - an analysis of the uniquely Christian belief in the Resurrection of the Body.
Ms. Debi Vinnedge returns to the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss some good news for the pro-life cause! Join Debi, Bishop Strickland, and Stacy as they discuss the significance of the latest news from Sanofi Pasteur - a pharmaceutical giant which has just discontinued the development of a vaccine made from aborted fetal tissue.
Deacon Chip Jones comes onto the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss the events of the past week in Minneapolis & throughout the country, and how we should view these events in the light of our Faith.
Bishop Strickland promulgated the Constitution on Teaching 3 years ago in May of 2017. Dr Stacy Trasancos, Executive Director of the St. Philip Institute, sits down with two other Institute staff members to discuss what makes this such a visionary teaching document for the New Evangelization.
Dan Burke, President of the Avila Institute and former President of EWTN News, is this week's special guest on the St. Philip Institute Podcast. He shares his experience of contracting and recovering from Coronavirus and how it had a profound spiritual impact on him. Dan, Bishop Strickland, and Stacy also discuss the impact governmental responses to the virus have had on our free autonomy to worship.
Ms Debi Vinnedge, pro-life & ethical vaccine campaigner, joins Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos on the St. Philip Institute Podcast. In the wake of Archbishop Viganò's public letter, "Appeal for the Church and the World", they discuss the use of aborted fetal tissue in the development of a new COVID-19 vaccine and what Catholics can do to stand against this moral evil.
Fr. Donald Calloway joins Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos on the St. Philip Institute Podcast to discuss his latest book, Consecration to St. Joseph! They discuss why devotion to St. Joseph is so relevant for our time and how he is a worthy role model for all Catholic men.
Bishop Joseph Strickland recently promulgated a pastoral letter "On the Ethical Development of COVID-19 Vaccine." He called for the vaccine for COVID-19 to be developed without the use of aborted children. Stacy Trasancos, Director of the St. Philip Institute, and Deacon Keith Fournier, Board Member, discuss the significance of this historic letter.
Last Sunday the Church celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday. As we move forward into this new liturgical year, we are called as Catholics to make God's mercy a concrete reality in our lives. The Church gives us a clear road map for how to do this in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Mikki and Deanna sit down for an hour to list and unpack each of these fourteen works of mercy.
SHOW NOTES:
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7 Corporal Works of Mercy: 1) Feed the hungry 2) Give drink to the thirsty 3) Clothe the naked 4) Shelter the homeless 5) Visit the sick 6) Visit the imprisoned 7) Bury the dead
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7 Spiritual Works of Mercy: 1) Counsel the doubtful 2) Instruct the ignorant 3) Admonish sinners 4) Comfort the sorrowful 5) Forgive offenses 6) Bear wrongs patiently 7) Pray for the living and the dead
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If you haven't already, listen to episode 22 on Divine Mercy!
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The Catholic Encyclopedia on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy
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Click here to visit the Official Divine Mercy Website
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Click here for a link to the excellent book: Divine Mercy for Moms
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“Christ has no body on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.”- St. Teresa of Avila
St. Peter urged the early Christians to always "be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you". (1 Peter 3:15) And so it must be with us too! The hope which St. Peter speaks of is rooted ultimately in the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. As we begin the Easter Season, Dr. Luke Arredondo sits down to walk us through the facts surrounding the Resurrection and shows how we can defend the truth of the most significant event in human history.
SHOW NOTES:
Empty tomb accounts:
Matthew 28: 1-10; Mark 16: 1-8; Luke 24: 1-12; John 20: 1-10.
Post-mortem appearances of Jesus:
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalen (John 20: 16)
Jesus appears to the women leaving the tomb (Matthew 28: 9)
Jesus appears to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-30)
Jesus appears to Peter (Luke 24: 34)
Jesus appears to the disciples without Thomas (Luke 24: 36 ff, John 20: 19 ff)
Jesus appears to the disciples including Thomas (John 20: 24-29)
Jesus forgives Peter (John 21)
Jesus appears to the 500 (1 Cor. 15: 6)
Jesus appears to James (1 Cor. 15: 7)
Jesus gives the great commission (Matthew 28: 16, Mark 16: 14)
Jesus appears before his ascension (Luke 24: 50-53)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Resurrection: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p122a5p2.htm
Other Reading recommendations:
Brant Pitre, The Case for Jesus
Michael Licona, The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus
William Lane Craig, https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/jesus-of-nazareth/the-resurrection-of-jesus/
On a February evening in 1931, Jesus appeared to a young nun, sister Faustina, and asked her to spread a devotion to His Divine Mercy. Mikki and Deanna sit down to discuss the Divine Mercy devotion, as well as what mercy means and the various places mercy is emphasized in the Gospels.
SHOW NOTES
Recommended Resources:
The Divine Mercy website
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul by St. Faustina Kowlaska
Divine Mercy for Moms by Michele Faehnle & Emily Jaminet
A Prayer for Divine Transformation from Within
O Most Holy Trinity! As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your mercy.
I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.
Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors’ souls and come to their rescue.
Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.
Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.
Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.
Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.
Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. Amen.
As we journey through a Lent like no other - unable to attend public Masses - it is more important than ever for us as Catholics to remain plugged into the Church's liturgical year. This week we have entered Passiontide; next week we begin Holy Week; Easter is on the horizon. Fr. Braun and Dr. Luke Arredondo discuss why Holy Week is, as Pope Emeritus Benedict put it, "the most important week of the year".
While we should be cautious in jumping to conclusions regarding why God has allowed the COVID-19 global pandemic to occur, we know as Catholics that God is always speaking to us through the events of our lives. How should we respond? Fr. Justin Braun sits down with Mikki and Luke to discuss how Catholics can respond with Faith in Christ to this global emergency.
Dr. Stacy Trasancos, Executive Director of Bishop Strickland's St. Philip Institute with homeschool and online learning experience, is here with advice and encouragement on best practices as families embark on being quarantined at home. She offers creative guidance on how to make this a successful time for parents and kids alike.
SHOW NOTES
Summary of Stacy's advice:
- Consider online learning resources. For example, Kolbe Academy.
- Maintain a schedule!
- Download Google Family Link.
- Avoid the tendency to be too controlling at this time. Give your children as much freedom as possible. For example, let them take responsibility for some of the cooking.
- Download the Greenlight App.
- Use this time to really get to know your children.
- Grow in your Faith as a family! Check out the St. Philip Institute's Way of Christ
Next week the Church will celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25th). This feast celebrates the moment in time when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, and she consented to be the mother of the Messiah. Prepare yourself to celebrate this feast by joining Mikki, Deanna, and Luke as they ponder over the lessons to be learned from this event in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mikki and Deanna sit down to discuss a beautiful Marian devotion that is traditionally prayed during Lent: the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Tune in to discover how meditating on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary can profoundly deepen your faith.
SHOW NOTES:
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The Seven Sorrows of Mary are:
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The Prophecy of Simeon
- The Flight into Egypt
- The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
- Meeting Jesus on the Way of the Cross
- Standing at the Cross for the crucifixion
- Watching Jesus' side be pierced
- Holding the body of Jesus
- The Devotion to the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- The Surrender Novena
The reality of original sin affects all aspects of human life, but it is perhaps in family relationships where we feel the effects of our fallen nature most acutely. Every family is wounded or broken in some way and falls short of what it is truly meant to be: a reflection of God's divine life. Join Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos for an open, honest discussion of the challenges of family life and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can bring hope and meaning to each and every family circumstance.
Faith within the Family was chosen by Bishop Strickland as the theme of the 2020 Bishop's Annual Appeal in the Diocese of Tyler.
There is a saying among Catholics: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi. (as we worship, so we believe, so we live) In other words, worship is intimately connected to what we believe and how we live. All Catholics are called to enter into the liturgical year with its feasts, seasons, and cycles in order to be catechized and evangelized by it. As the season of Lent begins, Fr. Braun and Doug sit down to discuss what sets the Lenten liturgy apart from the rest of the liturgical year and how knowing this can deepen our experience of this penitential season.
Lent is only a week away! Do you have a plan? As Lent draws closer we can often feel anxious or overwhelmed, and this feeling can be even stronger for parents. What should I do? How do I talk about Lent to my children? How can I avoid the failures of last year's Lent? God doesn't want your experience of Lent to be one of stress and anxiety but rather a time for you and your family to turn back to Him with all your heart. In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Mikki and Luke discuss practical ideas parents can use to successfully draw their children into the spirit of the Lenten season. Have a listen and get some inspiration for how to have a successful family Lent this year!
Faithfully following Jesus Christ requires that we first have mastery over ourselves. In a word, it requires discipline. As the liturgical season of Lent draws closer, Doug and Fr. Braun sit down to discuss how the spiritual practices associated with Lent - prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - help us grow in self-mastery in order to follow Our Lord.
Episode 14.
God has a profound design for the Sacrament of Marriage. Through it He provides the grace for every couple to continually draw closer to each other, to co-operate with Him in the creation and education of children, and to be a visible sign of His love to the world. Due to Original Sin, however, this design is so often marred by confusion and selfishness. As a culture we have lost sight of what marriage is meant to be. This is why, in his Constitution on Teaching, Bishop Strickland described ongoing marriage formation in the Diocese of Tyler as "perhaps the most important project we undertake". (18) Join Deanna and Mikki as they sit down with Jodi Todd, Marriage Formation Coordinator at the Cathedral in Tyler, to discuss, in practical terms, what it takes for the Church to form healthy, thriving Catholic marriages.
Episode 13.
SHOW NOTES:
Full Text of the Exhortation Before Marriage
For centuries the Church has evangelized and catechized through beauty. We see this in the art of Michelangelo, the beautiful architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Mass arrangements of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart... Robert Puschautz, artist in residence with the St. Philip Institute, joins Fr. Braun and Doug Barry as they discuss why it is so important for the Church to place a renewed emphasis on beauty in today's catechetical and evangelical efforts.
Episode 12.
What if there was a tried and true way for effectively teaching the Catholic Faith? Elizabeth Slaten comes onto the St. Philip Institute Podcast to share her conviction that understanding the Kerygma is invaluable for fruitfully teaching, not just facts, but the person of Jesus Christ. She is joined by co-hosts Mikki Sciba and Deanna Johnston. Episode 11.
SHOW NOTES:
A.
7 Steps of the Kerygma:
1) God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life
2) Sin will destroy you and ruin God's plan for your life
3) Jesus died for you - He died for your sins
4) He wants you to respond (Repent)
5) Be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit
6) Abide in Christ and His Body, the Church
7) Go make disciples
B.
Further resources to learn about the Kerygma: https://fireside.fm/s/MmHqNHcr+JuiY9t2p
For Catholics conversion is not simply a one-time event: we are called to a life of ongoing conversion. Fr. Braun and Doug sit down to discuss the importance of the Sacrament of Confession and how Christ has, through His Church, provided us with this opportunity of continually turning away from sin and embracing a life of union with Him.
Episode 10.
When was the first time you encountered Christ in a real, life-changing way? Mikki Sciba and Deanna Johnston of the St. Philip Institute sit down to discuss why knowing and sharing your personal story is essential for catechists, parents, and anyone passing on the Faith.
Episode 9.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states clearly that "Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children." (CCC 2223) This applies in a particularly vital way to their education in the Catholic Faith. Mikki and Deanna discuss how parents can effectively pass on the Faith to their children, through the lens of our common Baptismal calling to be Priests, Prophets, and Kings. Parents, you don't want to miss this one!
Episode 8.
As Christmas arrives and the Church joyfully celebrates the birth of Christ, Bishop Strickland offers his reflections on the great mystery of the Incarnation: the Word made flesh, God become man. He is joined by Dr. Stacy Trasancos, Executive Director of the St. Philip Institute, and Luke Arredondo, Director of Faith Formation at the Institute.
From all of us here at the St. Philip Institute, a very merry and joyful Christmas!
Episode 7.
Deep down, all men desire to be someone great. But there are many traps out there - materialism, pornography, fear - that lead men astray and prevent them from being the priests, husbands, and fathers that those around them need. In the latest episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Fr. Braun and Doug sit down to discuss the challenges we face that prevent us from being men of God, and what we can do to fight back.
Episode 6.
"Lord, teach us to pray." This was the plea of the disciples to Jesus (see Luke 11:1), and it resonates with us just as strongly today. How do we pray? How do we find time for it? How are we to deal with distractions? In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Mikki and Deanna sit down to discuss this all-important topic.
Episode 5.
Bishop Strickland, founder of the St. Philip Institute, announced a Year of the Eucharist would begin in the Diocese of Tyler on December 1st, 2019. In this latest episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Fr. Justin Braun and Doug Barry discuss Christ's true presence in the Eucharist and the importance of reverence.
Episode 4.
The first Sunday of Advent is just around the corner! Mikki Sciba and Deanna Johnston of the St. Philip Institute sit down to discuss what the liturgical season of Advent is all about, and how the Church gives us this opportunity to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Episode 3.
What is the role of a woman? Is it different from that of a man? And can women be priests? Join Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos of the St. Philip Institute as they sit down with eminent Catholic theologian, Dr. Janet Smith, to bring clarity to these emotive issues.
Episode 2
What is the Deposit of Faith? Why does the Church speak of "guarding" it? As Catholics we often hear these terms used, but what do they mean? Join Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos as they discuss this topic in the inaugural episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast.
Episode 1