Episode 146 - Catholic Q&A is back by popular demand! In this episode Fr Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea answer new questions about the faith submitted by our listeners.

Do you have question you'd like answered about Catholicism or an idea for a show topic? Leave us a note in the questions area on Spotify.

Episode 145 - Special guest April Lam joins Father Sean Danda to discuss the importance of promoting vocational discernment for women, particularly in the context of religious life as nuns and religious sisters. They explore the differences between nuns and religious sisters, the decline of nuns in the U.S., and the significance of identity and spiritual motherhood. The conversation emphasizes practical steps to encourage young women to consider religious vocations, including exposure to nuns, community service, and resources for discernment. They also address common fears and stigmas surrounding the vocation and share future initiatives to further promote this important calling.

Takeaways:

• Vocational discernment for women is crucial in today's society.
• Understanding the difference between nuns and religious sisters is important.
• The decline of nuns in the U.S.

• Practical exposure to nuns can inspire young women.
• Community service with nuns provides valuable experiences.
• Parents should support their children's exploration of religious vocations.
• Resources like books can help young girls envision a religious life.
• Overcoming societal stigmas about religious vocations is necessary.
• Future initiatives will focus on engaging young women in discernment activities.

Referenced book: Brides Of Christ by Ellen R Toner https://sophiainstitute.com/product/brides-of-christ/

Episode 143 - Our series on vocational discernment continues as Fr Sean Danda chats with seminarian, Casey Deal, focusing on the path to priesthood and the experience of attending seminary. Casey shares his personal story, including his background, the gradual development of his faith, and the pivotal moments that led him to consider the priesthood. They explore the importance of prayer, community support, and the sacramental life in discerning one's vocation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of not making this journey alone and the role of spiritual direction in understanding God's call. Casey Deal is currently a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Takeaways

• The discernment process involves recognizing subtle signs from God.
• Community support and spiritual direction are crucial in discernment.
• It's important to reflect on moments of peace and joy during discernment.
• Both priesthood and fatherhood involve a commitment to serving others.
• Incremental steps in faith can lead to significant spiritual growth.
• Mary plays a vital role in guiding individuals towards Jesus.

Episode 143 - Fr Danda welcomes special guest, Anthony Bosso on this episode. This conversation explores the vocation of the permanent diaconate, discussing its significance, the discernment process, and the responsibilities of deacons within the Catholic Church. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of service, the role of family support, and the need for prayerful consideration in discerning one's vocation.

Key Takeaways:

• The permanent diaconate is a significant vocation within the Catholic Church.
• Service is at the heart of diaconal ministry, reflecting Christ's love.
• Discernment involves listening to God's call and the suggestions of others.
• Family support is crucial in pursuing a vocation like the diaconate.
• The role of a deacon includes preaching, service, and ministering to the community.
• Deacons often work in various ministries outside the parish, reaching marginalized groups.
• The formation process for deacons includes academic, spiritual, and pastoral components.
• Prayer is essential in discerning one's vocation and understanding God's will.
• The timing of pursuing a vocation can be as important as the desire to serve.
• Being a deacon requires balancing family commitments with ministry responsibilities.

Episode 142 - In this conversation, Father Sean Danda discusses vocational discernment, particularly focusing on the vocation of marriage with guests Jenny and Joe Zeunik. They explore the significance of marriage as a vocation, share personal stories of their journey to finding love, and address the fears and challenges that come with the commitment of marriage. The role of faith in their relationship is emphasized, along with advice for parents on guiding their children in vocational discernment.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Vocation discernment is crucial for understanding God's will.

• Personal experiences shape our views on marriage and family.
• Fears about marriage often stem from childhood experiences.
• Faith plays a vital role in sustaining a marriage.

• Parents should discuss vocations openly with their children.
• Marriage is a journey towards holiness and commitment.
• Love should be the foundation of any relationship.
• Encouraging children to seek partners who share their values is essential.

Episode 141 - In this concluding episode on the ways of God, Fr Sean Danda & Nathanael Rea reflect on the perfections of God as discussed in medieval history, particularly through the lens of Aquinas. The conversation delves into the nature of God's goodness, the problem of evil, the significance of free will, and the benevolence of God. Milner emphasizes the importance of modeling our lives after God and the necessity of reflection and prayer in understanding our relationship with Him. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their choices and recognize the divine invitation in every moment of their lives.

Takeaways from this episode:

• God has done all things well, and nothing could be better.
• We should trust in God's goodness, even amidst suffering.
• Free will is essential for true love and goodness.
• God's benevolence allows for human choice, including the choice of hell.
• Every action should be viewed as a masterpiece of our lives.
• The state of our soul at death determines our eternal destiny.
• Purgatory is a necessary process for purification before heaven.
• God is the ultimate gift and union with Him is heaven.
• The more we know God, the more we love Him.
• Reflection and prayer are vital for deepening our relationship with God.

Find a copy of the book here for free: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit#heading=h.l4kmvtgym11z

Episode 140 - In this episode, Fr Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea explore the profound themes of God's nature, emphasizing that He is no respecter of persons, demonstrating care for all creatures, and embodying perfect serenity. The discussion delves into the concept of disinterestedness, highlighting the importance of selfless love and the need for inner peace amidst life's challenges. Through the lens of Aquinas's teachings, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with God and the virtues of humility, charity, and genuine care for others.

Want to follow along in the book? Find it here for free: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit#heading=h.l4kmvtgym11z

Episode 139 - God is perfect in many ways. This is the topic of today's discussion on chapters 9 - 13 of our book study on The Ways Of God, a work ascribed to St Thomas Aquinas.

Read along with us: ⁠https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit#heading=h.l4kmvtgym11z