Searching for More: Recent Episodes
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Hosted by the Diocese of Arlington, “Searching For More” features interviews and discussions about topics ranging from culture, morality, sexuality, Church history, stories of those who have overcome adversity, the moral implications of public policy, and more. In addition to interviews, some podcasts will emanate from talks, speeches, homilies, and lectures given throughout the Diocese.
Have an idea for a topic or guest for the podcast? Please email your idea to info@arlingtondiocese.org.
We are God's children through baptism. No matter what we go through on the day-to-day, God gives us the grace necessary to do what is pleasing to him. We need only rely on him and ask for the grace to call him Father!
Reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 301)
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes a saint as "someone who practiced heroic virtue and lives in fidelity to God’s grace." (828) And in the simple words of Mother Teresa, saints are “only sinners who keep trying.” They just knew how much God loved them.
Can that not be us as well?
Do you know the depths of how much God loves you?
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Should Catholics have a sense of humor? Why is it important and even necessary for us to find things funny and how does that relate to humility?
It's no coincidence that humor and humility share a common route. When we are truly humble, we see the world in its proper proportion. So, when things become out of proportion or incongrous, we can laugh! If we take ourselves lightly, we will begin to notice that that suffering and pains of this life will weigh us down less often.
Growing in virtue is predicated on the knowledge that we are nothing and God is everything. When we undoubtedly fall, our sense of humor allows us to laugh, shake the dust off, and begin anew.
A Christian needs a sense of humor. It provides the very levity required for God to lift us into the heights of heaven.
Reference: Luke 14, Matthew 5
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Has a saint ever found you?
A saint is somebody who finished the race - who fought the good fight - who persevered until the end. Those souls, now fully alive in heaven, are given to us by God as models. St. Scholastica's relationship with her brother Benedict models for us the beauty of communion with one another as we await our eternal destiny.
Think of ways you can establish better communion with those you love. Listen to them as they speak. Do acts of service for them without being asked. Never neglect the fact that they are made in the image of God himself.
Reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church 2030
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Imagine if every person in the world obeyed the Ten Commandments.
No lying. No stealing. No murder, cheating, or hate.
Imagine the peace and joy that we would experience! God made us to be in union with him. How does the way that God asks us to live lead us closer to that love?
How can we reframe from our default disposition—how can I get what I want?—to asking a different question: what does God want? God's commands never impinge upon our freedom, but rather they are a blessing, a protection from a loving Father. Ask God for the grace to understand and delight in all that he commands.
References: Psalm 119: 13-16, 33-35 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2057
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Your home is where Jesus lives. Your home is a place where Jesus lives because you live there and he resides in you.
But when we’re home, how often are we reminded that he is with us? Think of ways you can make space for him.
Can you mark the rooms in your home with sacramentals? Get your house blessed by a priest? Explore the Epiphany house blessing?
Reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1670
Is love, or the virtue of charity, really just a feeling? Can we just think nice thoughts about somebody and truly say that we love them?
Scripture and tradition say otherwise. Love is active, not passive. Being charitable means doing things for those you love even when it costs you something. The greatest example of that is the Cross - when Christ gave his life for us.
Struggling with loving those around you? Think of love as a verb rather than a noun.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1827
John 15:13
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How does hope keep us afloat even when things get tough?
Or when it feels like we are enslaved to chronic sin?
Hope sustains us because it is found in Jesus Christ. He became man to save us from our sin so that we might spend eternity with him. His grace is available to us especially in the Sacrament of Confession, when we come to him with a contrite heart, and the Eucharist, where his ultimate sacrifice is recreated time and time again for us to receive him in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
According to the Catechism, this virtue of hope "responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man." (CCC 1818)
So it is accessible not to just a few, but to us all!
So if you're searching for freedom from feeling discouraged, ashamed or abandoned, look no further than Jesus. Know that there is rest for you—rest in the hope found in God alone.
See also: Genesis 15 and Genesis 22
Especially in a season like Advent, it is good to sit with Mary.
The Mother of God models our waiting for Jesus after her waiting. Think how often throughout those nine months she had to put faith in so many: the angel Gabriel. God the Father. Her husband Joseph.
How can you put faith in God this day?
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church 149
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The entire Christian life bears the mark of the spousal love of Christ and the Church. What does this mean?
This spousal love is in fact Jesus' longing to give himself to us through his Church. This love of Christ is reflected not only in the Church but also in our bodies as male and female.
We are made for relationship, made to be given as a gift to another in love.
As a groom waits for his bride, so Christ waits for us.
Will we take another step toward him today?
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1616 Book of the Song of Songs
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"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)
As brought to light in Scripture, truth and freedom are not mutually exclusive. Truth is in fact the birthplace of freedom. When we direct our free will towards the service of the truth, it is then that we more free.
The Catechism defines freedom as a power "rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility." Freedom itself is a gift that should be exercised and ever directed towards God. For freedom doesn't simply serve itself, but should always extend beyond our own benefit.
Additional reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1731
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Searching for More Podcast
God knows the desires of our hearts.
Whether we are interceding on behalf of a friend or praying for our vocation, we know that God always hears our prayers. He desires that we trust he will see it to fulfillment as he wills and in his time.
So have faith! God knows what we long for and hears us when we call to him.
Reference Catechism of the Catholic Church 2737
Catholics are known for their pro-life beliefs. Have you ever considered how giving somebody your undivided attention supports our belief in the dignity of every human person?
We have countless engagements with fellow souls every day. How often are we tuning them out for the sake of something more trivial? Ask yourself, "Am I truly engaged and interested in what this person has to say?"
When we start to show people that they have our attention, we begin to radiate the belief that we think every human being has unique value. Take the time to give the next person you talk to your full and undivided attention.
See also: Catechism of the Catholic Church 356
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"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
Bishop Burbidge explains how this verse came to be his priestly, and later his episcopal motto; what "walking humbly" means for him and how it has made a difference in his own life.
Living in humility unlocks the ability to slow down and walk with God the Father. This virtue makes way for grace, rather than our own strength, to carry us through the day. For "only in humility are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2559)
This day, raise your heart to God and beg him for the grace to walk. We can do nothing on our own, but with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
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Are we making Sundays what they can and should be? Are we experiencing Sunday the way that God wants and calls us to live?
In this episode of Searching For More, we reflect on the kinds of rest we should embrace as Christians, and in a particular way on Sunday—the Lord's Day—instituted from the beginning of time.
How can we rest with God on Sunday as an exercise of what we're called to for all eternity?
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2184)
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What makes something alive? How has God created humans different than other living things?
In this episode of Searching For More, we consider the specific characteristics of humans that set us apart from the rest of creation. God made human beings unique and unrepeatable from the rest of creation through the great gift of free will and intellect so that we can contemplate him and grow in relationship with him for all eternity.
How can we reflect on these gifts given by God, and give him greater glory this day?
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 364)
God put us in the world to know, to love, and to serve him, and so to come to paradise. We are here on this Earth for these reasons, so that one day we might get to spend eternity with Him.
What is distracting you from the goal of heaven?
How can we focus our attention on the things that are above?
What are some ways in which we can recenter our hearts and minds on Jesus?
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1721)
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Who we think we want to be, who the world wants us to be, and who God wants us to be may not be one in the same. We were created for so much more than what we "do" — we were made to be fully ourselves.
We were made for mission. So if we desire to lead a deeply fulfilling life, the Lord invites us to enter into the places where he nourishes, brings healing, and where he gives us life. These places of transformation are the exact places the Lord wants to work through us for the good of his Kingdom.
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 739)
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Can artificial intelligence truly "know"? Can AI replace human knowledge? Do computers have memory like humans do? What does it take to truly know someone?
Innovations in technology lead us to ask questions such as these, which bring us face-to-face with our Creator. And as Christians, it leads us to ask a deeper question: Do we know about God, or do we know him personally?
God knows us better than we know ourselves, and he desires that we know him in return. He came into the world so he could come to be known by us and we could come to be known by him—the kind of knowledge that no computer could ever replace.
"And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:3
Additional reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church 2293
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Saying yes to God is at the heart of every Christian prayer: to be wholly his, because he is wholly ours. To answer the call to motherhood is one of the most beautiful and courageous ways of saying yes to God in this way.
The heart of Mary, our Blessed Mother, was full of grace. It was this grace that supplied her with the courage to say yes in spite of the confusion and other emotions she must have experienced.
May we pray for all expectant mothers, that despite their circumstances, they will have the courage to say yes like Our Lady did—like Rachel did.
Our Lady of Hope, pray for us!
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2617)
To learn more about Mary's Shelter, visit: https://marysshelterva.org/.
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Grace is a free gift, given by the Father out of love for us. And when we pray to Mary, we pray to the model recipient of God's grace. God made her full of grace and free from any stain of sin so that she could be fully united and present to Him in this life and the next.
Pray for her intercession for whatever may be on your heart this day: Our Lady of Grace, pray for us!
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 375) Search for More Episodes: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/searchingformore #SearchingForMore #SFM #Relationship #jesus
"But I have called you friends..." - Jesus Christ
What is true friendship? How to we unlock the treasure therein? Christianity and many philosophers have taught us over time the key to true friendship — a mutual sharing of our hearts and minds.
A friendship with the Lord, first and foremost, is possible, but requires our participation and desire. Time invested in prayer is a perfect exercise of friendship and is most pleasing to God!
References: John 15:15
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“If you really want to love Jesus, first learn to suffer, because suffering teaches you to love.” - St. Gemma Galgani How do we make sense of our suffering? Despite the pain and hurt we experience in our humanity, Jesus has great plans of healing for us. We make sense of our suffering by reflecting on these very truths: That Jesus himself brought about our salvation through the very act of suffering. That our savior is with us always. And that our consolation comes from knowing we are never alone in our suffering. Reference: CCC 505-506 #SearchingForMore
"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." - Saint Pope John Paul II
How does sin chain us and take away the freedom that God freely gives us and wants for us to live in?
Ask yourself: what are the ways I feel held back first and foremost from my relationship with God and, subsequently, with others?
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1849) Search for More Episodes: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/searchingformore
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How does God give us the opportunity to find and choose our spouse? By his grace, God accounts for our free will. But we must always cooperate with that grace in prayerfully discerning our spouse — the one we freely choose to become one with through marriage. References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1627) Matthew 19:5-6
We’ve been created for much more than we realize. As we enter the season of Lent, it is good to ask ourselves: Where am I attaching to or finding contentment that is not a share in God’s own happiness? When are we settling? Ask God to reveal those times and places and pray for his grace to search for what we were made for — God himself.
Who is the most important person in your life? For Mary, it's Jesus — but it wasn't always.
In this pilot episode of Searching for More, hear her story of how she came to love the Lord and why she continues to put him first before all other relationships.
Come along, in this new adventure as we search for more. www.arlingtondiocese.org/searchingformore
In this trailer episode, you will hear the vision behind this revamped series. Catholics need to know their faith. This podcast is an attempt to address that need. Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes!
Have an idea for a topic to be discussed on the podcast? Please email your idea to info@arlingtondiocese.org.
Join us to hear from Mr. Robert McConnell, Co-founder of the U.S. Ukraine Foundation. In 1991, amid warnings that if Ukraine tried to break from the Soviet Union there would be civil war and bloodshed, Ukraine’s independence was peaceful and supported by 92% of the people of Ukraine. Now, thirty years later, Putin is forcing Ukraine’s War of Independence. Our guest was there in 1991 and has been active in Ukraine ever since. Hear him talk about what Russian rule would mean for people of faith in the region. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer for the Diocese of Arlington.
You’re listening to "Searching for More,” a podcast of the Diocese of Arlington. Hear Father Dufresne talk about, maybe the most important issue we could discuss – love, what “real” love is in light of Church teaching and how to let it flourish. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Hear Jeanne Mancini preview this year’s March for Life, themed “Equality Begins in the Womb,” and talk about the importance of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Hear Tony Brandt and Chris Stewart, co-founders of Casting Nets Ministries, talk about how the pandemic has opened our hearts to truth and the call we each have to spread the Gospel of Christ. Today’s host is Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Hear Father Will Nyce, parochial vicar at St. Philip Catholic Church in Falls Church, paint a picture of the Holy Land and offer clues present day Bethlehem holds for what Mary and Joseph’s experience must have been like. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Are you longing for peace this Advent? Stay with us to hear Father Bjorn Lundberg, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, talk about what Adoration is and why to go as he offers us a simple how to “do” Adoration. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
November is National Adoption Month. Keep listening as we talk with Meaghan Lane, Program Director for Pregnancy and Adoption Support services at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, about how best to pursue adoption and what “ethical adoption” is and looks like. Today’s host is Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Do you think parental authority is under attack in our culture? How is this impacting the role of the family in society? Join us to hear from Soren and Ever Johnson, Founders of Trinity House Community, as they discuss parental authority and the family under fire. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
With the November election only days away, join us to hear from Jeff Caruso, Executive Director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, on the responsibility we have to vote and how to prepare to do so. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
You’re listening to "Searching for More,” a podcast of the Diocese of Arlington. Today we sit down Stephen Carattini, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington and Hekmatullah Latifi, Senior Employment Specialist and Cultural Liaison for Catholic Charities as they talk about the incredible work Catholic Charities is doing to help resettle Afghans locally. Hear Hekmatullah talk about his personal experience as an SIV and how that inspired him to serve newcomers. Today's host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
Today we sit down with Dr. Michael Horne, Director of Clinical Services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, as he talks about invisible losses from the pandemic. Hear Dr. Horne talk about the importance of processing these losses if we want to move forward and heal. Today’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Today we’re talking about transgenderism and gender identity with Mary Hasson, Kate O’Beirne Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Hear Mary explain the risks and truth related to gender identity with host Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Today we sit down with Nicole Caruso, stylist and author, as she candidly addresses the questions Catholic women ask as they attempt to find a healthy, balanced approach to personal style. Hear Nicole talk about how you present yourself to the world as a tool of your vocation with today’s host Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Let’s jump right in!
Today we’re talking about conversion and discovering God’s will for our lives with Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations for the Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode, Father John O’Connor, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Triangle, Va., talks about what it means to be Franciscan and his experience working with some of New York’s real estate elite to build a 63 story skyscraper in Manhattan. Hear Father O’Connor talk about perseverance and hope through high-stakes ups and downs. This episode’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
You’re listening to "Searching for More,” a podcast of the Diocese of Arlington. On this episode, during National Volunteer Month, hear Debra Beard, Director of Volunteers for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, highlight the incredible work of Catholic Charities’ more than 2,500 active volunteers during the past year amidst the pandemic. Hear Debra talk about what motivates Catholic Charities and its volunteers to selflessly serve as she offers inspiring stories from the last year.
On this episode, Patrick Thompson, a parishioner at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington, Va., talks about his draw to the Catholic faith and his experience leading up to being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass four years ago. Hear Patrick talk about his daughter preparing for First Holy Communion and the impact it had in drawing him to the Faith, as well as his deepening involvement in the Church over the past few years.
On this episode, Father Keith O’Hare, Pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, talks about his experience in the Dominican Republic and its message to us about Easter. Hear Father O’Hare talk about the meaning of Easter for each of us and invite everyone to experience the beauty of the Mass at this special time of year. This episodes’ host is Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode, Father Donald Fest, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria, Va, shares his devotion to St. Joseph and offers us lessons on humbly trusting God. During this Year of St. Joseph, hear Father Fest lay out practical things we can learn from St. Joseph and ways to invoke his character as we go through our day.
On this episode of Searching For More, Sister Emily Marsh and Sister Carly Paula Arcella of the Daughters of St. Paul discuss women religious life in the modern era and how to incorporate and utilize media in a positive way. Hear the Sisters talk about the role of women in the Church and their work with women around the world!
On this episode, Father Bjorn Lundberg, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, Va. talks about the meaning of Lent and how we turn back to Our Lord, particularly through the Sacrament of Confession. Hear Father Lundberg talk about God’s overwhelming love and mercy as he helps us plan for a fruitful, healing Lent. This episode’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode of Searching for More, Father Paul Scalia, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, Pastor of St. James Catholic Church and member and former Chairman of the Board of Courage International discusses issues of sexuality and gender identity in light of the truth revealed in Church teaching. Hear Father Scalia point to Church teaching on the human person and the dignity of the human body and offer insight into how this guides our understanding of gender identity. This episode’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
For more information visit the USCCB's website at
https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/promotion-and-defense-of-marriage/upload/Gender-Ideology-Select-Teaching-Resources.pdf
Courage International:
https://couragerc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Papal-and-Curial-Docs-on-Gender-Theory-updated-Apr2015.pdf
On this episode a diocesan priest shares his side hobby with us…By day Father Hathaway is the Pastor at the Basilica of Saint Mary but by night he hosts a cooking series on YouTube! Father shares his passion for cooking and some of his favorite recipes to make during Christmastime. But beyond just the meal, he talks about the nourishment to the soul that sharing a meal with others can bring. Hear how this multi-talented priest connects food with faith! This episode’s host is Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode, Cindy Walls, a coach at Bishop O’Connell High School, discusses the connection between physical activity and cognitive function, particularly as we spend more time inside through the winter months. Cindy holds a Masters’ Degree in counseling and has years of experience working on mental health issues. Hear her discuss the importance of physical activity in our holistic health and offer immediate steps we can take to improve our outlook. This episode’s host is Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode, Father Kevin Dansereau, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Cathedral in Arlington, offers some practical advice on how to truly enter into a spirit of thanksgiving in times of trial. Hear Fr. Dansereau talk about the redemptive value of suffering and ways in which we can experience the hope and joy for which we long at this special time of year. This episode’s host is Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode, Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony and Melissa Rihl, members of Bishop Burbidge’s Advisory Council on Racism, discuss racism in America and how we should respond as Catholics. Hear Deacon Anthony and Melissa share their personal experiences and how we can bring about real change in our communities as we seek to live in peace together as children of God. This episode’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode of Searching for More, Andie Pearson, a post-abortive woman who is now married with two living children, talks about her personal story of finding hope and forgiveness after abortion. Hear Andie talk about her compelling journey -- from growing up in a Catholic home, to multiple abortions, and ultimately alcohol and drug abuse, back to God's transformational mercy. This episode's host is Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode, Dr. John Cuddeback, Professor of Philosophy at Christendom College, discusses the role of a man in the household in an age of “toxic masculinity.” Hear Dr. Cuddeback offer greater insight into how a man and woman can best thrive and serve in family life in the household. This episode’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode of Searching for More, Father Ubald, a Roman Catholic priest in the Cyangugu Diocese of southeastern Rwanda for 25 years, talks about reconciliation and forgiveness as the path to peace. Hear Fr. Ubald talk about his extensive loss of family and parishioners during the genocide and the lessons his experience and true forgiveness offer each of us. This episode’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
You’re listening to "Searching for More,” a podcast of the Diocese of Arlington. On this episode, Art Bennett, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, discusses the Church’s role in responding to and helping communities navigate emergencies, particularly during the response to COVID-19. Hear Art Bennett shed light on the many ways the local Church helps those in need during these uncertain times. This episode’s host is Billy Atwell, Chief Communications Officer, Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
On this episode, Sister Mary Sheila, Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School in the diocese, discusses what parents and students face as Catholic schools reopen safely with a variety of different options under the new normal. Hear Sister Mary Sheila offer On this episode, Sister Mary Sheila, Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School in the diocese, discusses what parents and students face as Catholic schools reopen safely with a variety of different options under the new normal. Hear Sister Mary Sheila offer peace in this time of uncertainly. in this time of uncertainly.
On this episode, Dr. Michael Horne, Director of Clinical Services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, discusses basic principles to help us maintain good mental health as we reintegrate into public life following “stay-at-home” orders associated with slowing the spread of COVID-19.
On this episode, Father Paul Scalia, Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese and pastor at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, discusses his Irish heritage and sheds light on the legacy of St. Patrick.
On this episode, Fr. Jamie Workman, the new vicar general for the Diocese of Arlington, shares his personal faith journey and conversion story. Hear Fr. Workman talk about what drew him to the Catholic faith and, ultimately, the priesthood.
Earlier this year, Harrison Butker achieved the dream of every NFL player - to win a Super Bowl. But you may not know that the Kansas City Chiefs' star kicker has a deep spiritual life. On the weekends he trades his uniform and cleats for altar server vestments and serves at Latin Mass at his local parish in Kansas City. Hear all about this pro athlete's faith story.
On this episode, Dr. Onalee McGraw, author of multiple books about classic cinema, talks about what modern film has lost from the Golden Age, and how we can rediscover truth through the storytelling found in classic film.
On this episode, Kathleen Wilson, Executive Director and Founder of Mary’s Shelter, a maternity home in Fredericksburg, VA, talks about the reality that women don’t want to choose abortion but often feel trapped. Hear Kathleen talk about how Mary’s Shelter provides hope and shelter to expectant moms who feel they have nowhere to go.
On this episode, Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life, talks about this year’s March on Jan. 24, themed “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman,” in honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Hear Jeanne talk about the impact of the March for Life and why and how to get involved.
On this episode, Laraine Bennett, co-author of "The Temperament God Gave You," offers practical advice on how to get along with that person who you just can't seem to see eye-to-eye with. Hear how awareness of the temperaments of those around us, and our own, can help us better understand and work with one another.
On this episode of "Searching for More," Tony Brandt and Chris Stewart, co-founders of Casting Nets Ministries, talk about how to get down and dirty and really engage people in evangelism. Hear Tony and Chris lay out a roadmap for genuine and effective one-on-one invitations to the people around us.
On this episode of “Searching for More,” Bridget Wilson, Program Director for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s Multicultural Ministries, talks about her family’s experience with adoption. Bridget comes from a family of 14, with 12 kids ranging from 10 – 34 years old. Nine of the 12 children are adopted.
Vice Admiral Andrew L. Lewis, a three-star general in the U.S. Navy who also serves as Commander of the U.S. Second Fleet and Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk, joins the podcast to talk about how faith helped him through his 35 years of military service.
On this episode, Lieutenant Colonel Rory Quinn, US Marine Corps Marine Representative in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, talks about the parallels between military service and living your faith and how his faith has sustained him through over 23 years of service in the Marines. Hear Lt. Col. Quinn’s compelling story of faith and service.
On this episode, Gina Lynch shares her compelling story about volunteering with the Gabriel Project, a diocesan effort that helps expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. Hear Gina’s story of walking alongside this mother, providing assistance, developing a friendship, and what she learned from the experience.
Bob and Bev Ward got married 55 years ago - and are still happy! In this episode of Searching for More, they discuss the secret to a long marriage and tell their story of how a young Kansas girl who had dreams of becoming a cloistered nun fell in love with a young Army hot shot.
Belayneh Loppisso helped uncover government corruption in his home country of Ethiopia. When the government threatened his safety, he had to forge a new life for himself and his family in the U.S. Fifteen years later, Loppisso is the program director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington’s Migration and Refugee Services. Now, every day he helps refugees and asylees to adjust to a new life in this country – and hears stories of struggle sometimes even more difficult or harrowing than his own. Listen to his story on Searching for More podcast.
Bonnie Engstrom, Catholic blogger and mom of 8, shares how becoming a pivotal player in Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s cause for canonization charged her seemingly ordinary life with an amazing story. Hear more about the incredible miracle that brought her son back to life and about her firsthand experience of the process for submitting a miracle to the Vatican. This episode’s host is Bridget O’Boyle, Digital and Social Media Coordinator for the Diocese.
As Catholics, we strive to live our faith in our homes, parishes and communities. But how do we live our faith in the public and political arena? Hear how the Virginia Catholic Conference advocates for the principles of Catholic social teaching in Richmond -- and Washington -- on behalf of the Virginia bishops.This episode’s host is Diana Sims Snider, Deputy Director of Communications for the Diocese.
Why would three young, talented men give up everything to become priests? Deacon Will Nyce, Deacon Sean Koehr, and Deacon Nicholas Blank share with us their individual calls to the priesthood, and why they are excited to serve our Diocese as new priests very soon. But even though they were called by God to the priesthood, the decision to go through with it, at first was not easy. Hear about their struggles, and eventual transformation.
Mary Lenaburg talks about losing her 22 year-old daughter, Courtney, to a horrific disease that developed at 5 weeks old, and was characterized by seizures and resulted in many permanent, physical limitations. Two years after Courtney’s death, Mary has a ministry in which she encourages people to embrace the story God is writing with their lives and to trust wherever the path leads.
You might know her as Mrs. Virginia 2019, but what you might not know about Lisa Stover is how she lost her mother and suffered a miscarriage just before the pageant. This, plus her powerful story of conversion to Catholicism, and how she became a leader in the pro-life movement.
In the movie, Unplanned, actress Ashley Bratcher plays the role of a Abby Johnson, a Planned Parenthood facility director. But when she assisted with an ultrasound-guided abortion, Johnson turns into a staunch pro-life advocate. In this podcast episode, Ashley explains how this movie has the power to change the course of the pro-life movement and abortion in the nation.
Many of us take pleasure touring a museum filled with beautiful works of art. For the artist, it is a means of expressing themselves – and in some cases communicating a raw emotion that they would not have been able to express verbally. See how one mental health expert is using art therapy to assist women and children who have experienced traumatic events and even abuse.
Internationally acclaimed author and speaker, Chris Stefanick, has devoted his life to inspiring people to live a full Catholic faith. In this episode, listen in as Stefanick addresses more than 8,000 people at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, reminding us that true joy and strength come only from God.
Many of us don’t need a car to get us to where we’re going, but if you’re a parent with more than two kids, having a car is a necessity! Hear how one car ministry is giving away cars to families... and how you can donate your own car – even if it doesn’t work – to benefit families in need.
If you believe people deserve a chance at redemption, then you’ll want to hear what one counselor is doing to help ex-offenders find their way back into society. For starters, they don’t go home right after jail. Instead, they move into a home for recovering addicts, then dive head first into a rigorous program. Bev Tauke shares: "And what they realize is that I’m not this big clump of damaged goods; I’m not this loser. I’m someone that went through something that was very traumatic. I didn’t have the tools needed as an adult to fix it as I should have, but now I have that opportunity."
Eighty-eight-year-old John Buckreis, who was an orphan, grew up calling the Holy Family his family and has been spreading the true meaning of Christmas sitting in Santa Claus’ chair for more than 60 years in Northern Virginia.
For some women, the idea of handing over their baby to an adoptive family is unimaginable, but one mother we spoke to decided to put her baby's needs first.
It's a fact there is no shortage of food in the United States, and yet there are millions of people one pay check away from hunger. Hear how one ministry is providing more than a million pounds of food to people right here in Northern Virginia in this interview with Vince Cannava, Director of the St. Lucy Project of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington.
In 2017, Catholic Charities opened a free medical clinic with just a handful of volunteer doctors. A year later, it has more than 180! Hear about the variety of medical services this clinic offers, and how it plans to expand in the near future.
After a natural disaster, mobile response units deliver basic necessities to victims. But when that same mobile response unit arrives in a rural Virginia town during the week, the need seems just as great. "We don’t start distributing the items until 11, and we already have a line of people waiting for us at 10 o’clock," says Cathy Hassinger, Director of Community Services for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington. "And I’m astonished that anyone would wait that long to walk away with nothing more than some dish soap, and a paper towel. They need these items." Learn how Catholic Charities utilizes a disaster response vehicle to help the poor.
During a marriage retreat, Father Paul Scalia says obedience is important in a marriage, but not in the way you might think. It’s not a slavish obedience to your spouse…or the crushing of free will, but free will with a destination.
On Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity parish, in Gainesville, Fr. Paul Scalia, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, hosted a Retreat Day for Married Couples.
220 couples attended the enriching and reflective day, which included talks, Adoration, confession, spiritual time spent with the spouse, and concluded with Mass.
Fr. Scalia gave talks on poverty, chastity and obedience (the three evangelical counsels of the consecrated life), and how they exist analogously in marriage. These vows are, of course, typically made by religious in community, though they are present in an analogous way in marriage.
Obedience: Just as a religious takes a vow of obedience to his provincial, so do husband and wife make a vow to submit to each other (always in their distinctly masculine or feminine way), for the sake of their one flesh union. For husbands, this means being intimately involved, withstanding the temptation to be distant. For wives, this means respecting the headship of the man, foregoing the temptation to be too much in control.
Have you ever tried to help someone, but end up carrying the load for them? Psychologist Dr. Michael Horne shows us how to help someone help themselves.
Imagine losing your job and getting an eviction notice – all in the same week. It’s a story Sherri Longhill hears far too often. She runs the emergency assistance program for Catholic Charities. Coming up, Sherri talks about how the organization provides assistance to folks facing a crisis – and it’s more than just paying their rent.
During a marriage retreat, Father Paul Scalia speaks of chastity as the fulfillment of human sexuality. Hear why he says that, although chastity may seem out of place in the world, the chaste love of husband and wife is a sign of eternal hope for all of us.
On Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity parish, in Gainesville, Fr. Paul Scalia, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, hosted a Retreat Day for Married Couples.
220 couples attended the enriching and reflective day, which included talks, Adoration, confession, spiritual time spent with the spouse, and concluded with Mass.
Fr. Scalia gave talks on poverty, chastity and obedience (the three evangelical counsels of the consecrated life), and how they exist analogously in marriage. These vows are, of course, typically made by religious in community, though they are present in an analogous way in marriage.
Chastity: For a religious brother or sister, chastity means total abstinence. For the married couple, chastity means a purity of heart and action: married love is total and free, which means that it must be exclusive. Even within this relationship, the deep union between husband and wife must be generous and never self-seeking.
Visiting a friend or relative in the hospital can be a worrisome experience, especially if that friend or relative is dying. But the hospital also reminds us how deep our faith is – or isn’t. Fr. Stefan Starzynski, a hospital chaplain, explains.
On Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity parish, in Gainesville, Fr. Paul Scalia, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, hosted a Retreat Day for Married Couples.
220 couples attended the enriching and reflective day, which included talks, Adoration, confession, spiritual time spent with the spouse, and concluded with Mass.
Fr. Scalia gave talks on poverty, chastity and obedience (the three evangelical counsels of the consecrated life), and how they exist analogously in marriage. These vows are, of course, typically made by religious in community, though they are present in an analogous way in marriage.
Poverty: When one marries, one does not just give up a certain pursuit of material things; rather, in marriage, one’s very life is opened up, shared with, and indeed given to the other. A spirit of poverty in marriage takes the form of giving up one’s own desires for the sake of the common good.
They risk persecution in their own country because they help our military overseas. Now, these refugees are here in the states. Find out what Catholic Charities is doing to resettle them.
Gregory McKinney is the Associate Director of Community Engagement for Migration and Refugees Services of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.
Get involved on Catholic Charities' website at ccda.net.
Father James Searby is the Chaplain at George Mason University, where Catholic Campus Ministry is the largest student organization on campus! Learn how Fr. Searby is able to reach so many students.
Find Fr. Searby's podcast, "Holiness for the Working Day," on his website at fathersearby.com.
Gender identity…it’s the ideological perspective that gender is fluid and not biologically linked. Find out why this is not true – and find out what parents can do when they're faced with a child experiencing gender confusion.
Marcus and Dianne share their beautiful love story, from Marcus' powerful conversion from a life of promiscuity, to how the couple shared their "first kiss" at the altar on their wedding day. Hear how Pope Paul VI's encyclical on married love, Humanae Vitae, plays an integral role in their daily lives.
Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pUndfaJ5Ouo
At a time of great social and moral confusion, Humanae Vitae confirms the beauty of the Church’s teaching on married love and the transmission of life. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Professor Chad Pecknold, Ph.D., will host a Twitter discussion entitled “HV50: Ask the Question." The discussion will occur from July 1 to 24, culminating in a Twitter symposium on July 25.
Follow us on Twitter (@arlingtonchurch), Facebook (@arlingtondiocese) and Instagram (@arlingtonchurch) and join the conversation using the #HV50 and #AskTheQuestion hashtags.
This event is sponsored by the Office for Marriage, Family and Respect Life of the Diocese of Arlington.
A Catholic married couple talks about how Pope Paul VI's encyclical on married love, Humanae Vitae, has enriched their lives.
Watch this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLw7MjIjghc&list=PLwz9H-zVK86TLdFoIpdrUIfB9xjj87Qkx
At a time of great social and moral confusion, Humanae Vitae confirms the beauty of the Church’s teaching on married love and the transmission of life. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Professor Chad Pecknold, Ph.D., will host a Twitter discussion entitled “HV50: Ask the Question." The discussion will occur from July 1 to 24, culminating in a Twitter symposium on July 25.
Follow us on Twitter (@arlingtonchurch), Facebook (@arlingtondiocese) and Instagram (@arlingtonchurch) and join the conversation using the #HV50 and #AskTheQuestion hashtags.
This event is sponsored by the Office for Marriage, Family and Respect Life of the Diocese of Arlington.
Sister of Life Grace Dominic reminds us that a woman who is loved by Jesus can do anything.
Billy Atwell was a healthy 16-year-old football player diagnosed with testicular cancer, with a softball-sized tumor behind his kidney, and told he would never have children. Today, he has three biological children and a powerful story of suffering and healing, faith and doubt.
This Religious Freedom Week, from June 22-29, we recognize that religious freedom is a cherished right, and yet it is constantly challenged. Today, hear from the executive director of a Washington D.C. non-profit law firm whose only focus is protecting religious freedom – from the Little Sisters of the Poor to the Hobby Lobby case. What she says you can do to defend your religious freedom.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen was an influential figure in the Catholic Church in the 50s and 60s, using television shows and the radio to spread God’s message. Now, he is a candidate for sainthood. Hear about how one public relations professional was inspired to write a book about him.
We used to protect our kids from sexual predators getting into our homes. But now, sexual predators are getting into their phones. Studies average that a child's first exposure to pornography is six years old. What's the solution? Hint: It doesn't involve getting rid of your kid's cell phone.
If you could be anywhere right now - where would it be? Most likely your answer is somewhere else, and doing something else. In this podcast, Father Mike Schmitz explains why there is something “off” with this perspective, and how acknowledging every moment as a gift will bring you closer to God. He also breaks down the marks of a Catholic man.
Did you know the average American will spend 5 years of his or her life using social media? Sure, it's fun, but also dangerous. Tonight: the top three don'ts of technology – and how one of them can increase aggression in your kids.
Today’s podcast was recorded at the annual Women’s Conference and made possible by the work of the Office of Marriage, Family and Respect Life of the Diocese or Arlington, which is funded by the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. We thank all who support this critical appeal and ministries it funds.
Her son made national news when he was brutally and publicly murdered by ISIS. Diane Foley’s faith in God - put to the test…in the cruelest way: “I staggered under the weight of this loss...I really didn’t know if I could go on.” Where was God during her son’s capture? After his death? And where it’s lead her today.
He spent 8 years living among some of the poorest people in the world — without knowing their language. How Father Patrick Posey, traveling by mule, was able to vaccinate hundreds of villagers and share the Gospel in the Dominican Republic.
He’s appeared in hundreds of films, but actor James Faulkner says playing the lead role in the movie, Paul, Apostle of Christ, changed his life: "Billy, it was extraordinary and transformative." Why the actor says he didn’t play Paul. Paul…played him.
He’s interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment, Catholic culture and the Church – from Mother Teresa and Pope Benedict XVI to the late comedian Jerry Lewis and actors Robert Duvall and Jim Caviezel. Raymond Arroyo, news anchor of the World Over on EWTN, talks about his more than 25 years as a journalist...his commitment to the truth, and why Catholicism flows through him and his work every day. Watch this interview on YouTube: http://bit.ly/SFMPodcastVid