We know that the Catholic Church is universal. That means that the Church is one and that the faith is the same wherever we go. But within that unity there is a lot of room for legitimate diversity. Nationalities, cultures, languages and means of practicing and expressing the faith can vary from country to country. If you’ve traveled to any parts of the world, what has been your experience of joining in the celebration of our faith with people from those regions?

St. Teresa of Avila once said, “There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.” What in the world could she have meant by that? Exactly what she said. God has a perfect will for our lives. Do our prayers change His will? That’s a good question. But we often pray for what we think is in our best interests, when God has something else completely in mind for us. As a loving Father, he will at times give us what we ask for. On occasion, we live to regret making those requests. Has this ever happened to you?

How many times in life do we think we’re going through something that no one else can relate to? We may know intellectually that countless people have walked the road we’re currently traveling. But that may not make it easier to deal with our own situation. Yet, many times the Lord will bring someone into our lives – or us into their lives – precisely to aid them in making sense of something difficult. Has there been an occasion when you were able to turn your personal life experience into help for someone who was going through exactly what you did? Or were you the beneficiary of someone else’s painful ordeal? This is one of the most beautiful ways that we’re all interconnected in life. Share your take on this on Thursday with Jerry and Debbie.

The Bible exhorts us to let our “yes” mean “yes,” and our “no” mean “no.” In other words, we are called to live with conviction about things that touch upon faith, morals and everyday life. How important is it that others know what you stand for? For one thing, people are searching. They’re searching for truth and an anchor that will prevent them from drifting too far in any particular direction. They want stability in their lives. This doesn’t mean there can’t be legitimate differences of opinion of non-essential issues. It’s just vital that we be known as people of deep conviction when it comes to what is essentially true. How do people perceive you in this regard? What are some ways that you make it known to people what you stand for while honoring and respecting their right and freedom to believe differently? Share you take on this important topic on Wednesday with Jerry and Debbie.

Do you take time for your kids?  That is the question we will be asking on Tuesday’s show.  Our families are the domestic church and given that, quality time is needed to nurture, support and educate our children in the Faith and for this world.  In this day and age, everything is moving at lightning speed.  Because of this reality, families are spending less and less intentional time with one another.  What can we do as Christian parents to stop this tragedy?  How can we not give into short-cut parenting?  Let’s hear your take on this.  Call 1-800-585-9396.

The Archdiocese of New York has forever been a true melting pot. Of course, that’s where immigrants have officially entered the United States to begin their new lives, many of them remaining in and around the Big Apple. On Monday, Jerry and Debbie will be joined by Brad Miner, co-author of Sons of St. Patrick, a book recently published by Ignatius Press. Sons of Saint Patrick is an objective but colorful portrait of ten extraordinary men—men who were saints and sinners, politicians and pastors, and movers and shakers who as much as any other citizens have made New York one of the greatest cities in the world. All ten archbishops have been Irish, either by birth or heritage, but given New York’s changing ethnic profile, Cardinal Timothy Dolan may be the last son of Saint Patrick to serve as its archbishop. Tune in for this lively and informative discussion on Memorial Day at Noon ET!

https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/Home+Page/BOOKS/Saints+Religious/SONS+OF+ST+PATRICK.axd

As children, we all are developing our character, our habits, our likes and dislikes, etc. Most of us carry a great many of them into adulthood. But we also often “outgrow” some of the ways we were when we were young. Were you shy as a child, only to be outgoing as an adult? Or vice-versa? Were you the “life of the party” at family gatherings when you were young, only to become more reserved as an adult? Share your take on this Wednesday with Jerry and Debbie.

A couple weeks ago Jerry and Debbie asked you for your take on giving your kids an allowance. Some of you tied it into your children completing their chores around the house. Others of you, no doubt, simply expect your kids to help with the upkeep and harmonious functioning of the household by doing their share of the work to make that happen. So many lessons can – and should – be learned by youngsters when they are required to participate in keeping the home in good order. How does that work in your house? Obviously, not every member of the family will have an equal responsibility when it comes to chores. That’s because the older kids will be asked to perform heavier duties. But that doesn’t mean that all of the kids shouldn’t help out. Join Jerry and Debbie for another lively conversation on Friday.

It’s a growing phenomenon – or problem – that we are taking more of our meals in a hurry. What was once celebrated as “family time” at meals has become mom eating this, dad grabbing that, kids hauling their food to practices and/or games. Jesus taught the value of turning meals into communion and fellowship. Yet, so many of us throw something together in the microwave and eat standing at the kitchen counter. And we have to-go containers labeled for each family member in the fridge. Is this your experience? How can we return to the time when one of the most significant periods of rest, refreshment and family unity was conducted around the dining room table?

For a long time there have been efforts to accommodate those with disabilities. There are special parking spaces, ramps leading into virtually every building, hotel rooms with extra space and more. At the same time our culture heads down a path of utilitarianism, in which those who are no longer able to make“meaningful contributions” are marginalized. If you are disabled in some way, what is your take on how you are treated? Do you feel respected as a beloved son or daughter of God? Or do you sense that you are a second-class citizen because you may have physical or other limitations? Share your take on this important topic with Jerry and Debbie on Wednesday.