On the Way with DJ: Recent Episodes
Deacon Jim Minor
On the Way with DJ (Deacon Jim Minor) is a podcast to help you find your way to Jesus. We believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and through our Catholic faith and traditions, we can all deepen our relationship with Him. Join us for a weekly podcast where we talk about matters relating to our faith journey including evangelization, faith formation, spirituality, prayer, and ministry to people of all ages. This podcast is true to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and seeks to give the listener a way to apply their belief in God and their faith to their personal life in a practical way. We believe strongly that all people are on a journey of faith which takes each of us on different paths. We look forward to sharing with you. Deacon Jim is a married father and grandfather and ministers in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
In this final episode of the series on sacraments I talk about the three ranks of Holy Orders and how they are very different, each with their own sacramental call.
In this podcast, I continue discussing the seven sacraments. I talk about some theological aspects of marriage, some canonical points, and declarations of nullity.
The sacrament of anointing of the sick does not have misconceptions, per se, but it does need some clarification of some points. In this episode, I attempt to give a little history of the sacrament and hope to address some of those points. Enjoy!
Instead of misconceptions on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I talk about some common questions we get asked when teaching about the sacrament.
In this episode I talk about some misconceptions when it comes to the "source and summit" of our faith- the Eucharist. I also speak about some practical misconceptions that people have. Hopefully, by engaging in this topic people can develop a greater devotion and love for the Eucharist.
I've had some down time to reflect on process some thoughts and meditations on the state of the Church, especially in regards to media- all media but also social media. In this offering, I speak about some of those reflections and how we all need to be better!
In this episode, (the second of the series) I talk about the Sacrament of Confirmation. It has often been said this is a sacrament without a theology. However, it is rich in theology, I believe and very Scriptural. The question that lies over this sacrament is really, "when should it be conferred?" Understanding the history, might help us understand why the sacrament is conferred at different times. Enjoy!
Many misconceptions about sacraments exist in the Catholic Church. Understanding the theology behind a sacrament helps to dispel some of those misconceptions. Using a question and answer format (from questions I have received over the years), I hope to bring a better understanding to the listener.
In this episode, I give a brief introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours, speak about why it is so valuable to the Church's prayer, and talk about how it can be a great vehicle to begin a rich prayer life or even to re-invigorate prayer for some people.
In this episode I talk about taking young children and toddlers to Mass. I offer some tips for parents (and grandparents) on how to make the experience of Eucharist powerful for children. I also talk about how parishes need to welcome young people into their midst.
In this final episode of the series I talk about some accomplishments since ordination, but most importantly talk about how I struggle at times with managing ministry and family time. Since a major health scare some years ago, I am intentional about keeping priorities in line and making sure I always work on balance. I also talk about some of the current endeavors in my life. Enjoy!
In this episode of the four part series I talk about my early ministerial life up to my ordination as a permanent deacon. Enjoy!
In this episode I share my own spiritual journey and turning points from high school into my adult life. I also share how God guided me to where I am today.
In this episode I talk about some of the spiritual milestones of my life. This series will be in three parts. Today's episode talks about my early years up until college. Enjoy!
In this episode I talk about how making a spiritual resolution for the new year should include thinking about the need for meeting with a spiritual director.
In this episode I talk about some of my own spiritual practices. I talk about being the the right frame of mind to attend Mass, the rosary, the Divine Office, Lectio Divina, and the Examen.
Look for future episodes on other spiritual practices as well as a closer look at the ones mentioned here.
In this episode I share some childhood Christmas memories and then also share some memories from adulthood as a father and grandfather.
I talk at the end about how as we get older having a strong relationship with Christ reminds us that He is the reason for the season.
In this episode I talk about managing grief during the holidays and how each person who is grieving has certain rights that must be honored and respected. I also give some practical tips for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
In this episode of the podcast, I talk about the theology behind the season of preparation called Advent. I also talk about how the commercialization of Christmas preparation doesn't have to be an enemy of the spiritual preparation we all should do.
In this episode, I answer the question that many parishioners and others ask: How do you prepare your homilies?
I also offer a set of do's and don'ts for homily preparation.
Enjoy and remember, my style might be different than someone else's.
In this episode I talk about how the three days are connected. I also offer how I came to discover my four favorite saints and a couple of influential people in my life that are part of the communion of saints.
I've decided to re-launch On the Way with DJ. Here is a trailer for upcoming episodes along with a Mea Culpa for why I've been away for so long. Look for new episodes starting November 1, 2022.
For many people the word, Evangelization can be a scary word. But that is what Jesus commands us to do- to go and make disciples. But first, before you can make someone else a disciple, you have to have a relationship with Jesus yourself. And... that relationship has to be one that exudes joy. In this episode I talk about how we can all become evangelizers and how On the Way can help. This includes, coaching, in-services for staff, parishioners, and committees. Come check out this episode and contact me with any comments or to discuss this further. Go in Peace, Glorifying the Lord by YOUR life!
In this episode I talk about the various and wide-range of retreat offerings that I have available. Retreats have been developed for individuals and groups and range in age from middle-school all the way through adulthood. Retreats can also be custom-designed for you or your group.
Retreats are a way to get away from the norm and to connect or re-connect with God.
Pastoral Care is about meeting people where they are on their journey with Jesus. It means sitting with a person, hearing their story, and then helping them discover the presence of Christ in their lives- even in moments where He might seem far away. Come listen and learn about this vital piece to any parish ministry.
In this episode I talk about the need to have more resources of the parish devoted to adult faith formation. But, it is important that whatever model is used meets adults where they are on their faith journey. First and foremost is a relationship with Jesus. Then the catechesis can happen when the heart is open.
In this episode I talk about parish Missions and how as a deacon, husband, father and grandfather, I can offer an experience for a parish that might be different than what they are used to. The Missions that I currently offer are presented, as well as some alternatives for time of year and duration. Parish Missions can always be tailored to the needs of the parish.
For more about On the Way check out our website at www.deacdzadzi.com
Spiritual Direction is a little known treasure of the Catholic faith. In this episode I describe what spiritual direction is and how you as a believer can benefit from having a good spiritual director. I also talk about how I accompany people in their faith journey through being their spiritual director.
Check out more on our website: www.deacdzadzi.com
In over fifteen years of youth ministry, I have developed many strategies on ministry to youth from middle-school all the way through high school and beyond. The key with ministry to youth as will be talked about in this episode is relationship and knowing where they are on their faith journey.
Check out various retreats and other sample article and and meeting ideas at our website:
www.deacdzadzi.com
This introductory episode gives the listener an opportunity to see what On the Way is all about. I talk about how I have reached this point in my faith journey as well as some of the areas of ministry I have been involved with over the years.
You can always reach us on our website at www.deacdzadzi.com