A lot of EWTN radio shows have been all over this story in their reporting, which is why we don’t revisit it very often. But let’s have another conversation about how you think the Church, the pope, the bishops and the victims’ groups have been handling all of this in recent months, especially following the summit at the Vatican a few weeks ago. Has your faith in our clergy taken a hit? Have you undertaken initiatives to show support for the huge majority of faithful priests? Do you think the Church is now taking all of this seriously enough? There are countless angles to this sad story. Share your take on Monday’s show.

There are times in life when we just aren’t sure what to do. We have to make decisions all the time, some more important, some less. Prayer and discernment are important components in decision making. And then there are those times when you just have a hunch, an intuition, or what some call a “gut instinct.” Has there been a time (or times) in your life when you followed such a nudge and it turned out to be the right decision? Or maybe the wrong decision? Let’s have a conversation about this on Friday’s show.

Let’s talk about this special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.  How did this devotion come to be?  What are the feast days associated with the twin hearts?  We do know that the saint most commonly linked with the Sacred Heart is Margaret Mary Alacoque.  This seventeenth century nun and mystic had many visions of Jesus, and was asked to spread this devotion.  Today, we see countless Sacred Heart images in homes and Catholic institutions.  The devotion to the Immaculate Heart can be traced back even further to the late 13th century.  There is so much to learn and appreciate about venerating the Twin Hearts.  Consecration to the Twin Hearts is especially powerful and can bring a wealth of spiritual graces.  Let’s talk about this unique devotion on Thursday’s Take 2…Call us and share your love for the Twin Hearts.  1-833-288-3986.

It’s great to be surrounded by people of like mind, especially those who share our Catholic Christian faith. Our walk with the Lord is strengthened by the faith of family members, friends, co-workers, fellow parishioners, etc. And it can make a big difference when the area where we live is overall more Catholic. Of course, a higher percentage of Catholics in an area doesn’t necessarily equate to a more fervent faith in that area. On Wednesday, let’s talk about where you live, how Catholic it is, how fervent it is, and how much difference that makes for you in your personal faith journey.

The prayer by Fr. Pedro Arrupe that many listeners have requested (it was mentioned by one of our callers today):

Have you ever participated in character assassination? If so, were you aware that the sin of detraction is a serious matter?  Intentionally exposing one’s real faults may seem like it is harmless because in fact it is true, but when that occurs a slow chipping away at one’s reputation transpires. The bible warns us against this scenario and yet the world treats this as a standard operating procedure.  This topic was suggested by one of our loyal listeners in light of the priest scandal. This is what she asked… When can we mention names when discussing priestly abuse?  What about credible accusations although not convicted?  These issues are getting close to home for many of us. The CCC 2477 when mentioning the sin of detraction includes,”without objectively valid reason”. What constitutes a valid objective reason? How does a person commit the sin of detraction and I’m speaking of a catholic that is faithfully trying to live out their faith and not one that frequently gossips? So, let’s address the sin of detraction and see if we can come away with a better understanding of what to avoid.  Call us, 1-833-288-3986

The Bible is very clear that discipline is required for each of us, including and especially when we are young and being trained in the ways of life. Without appropriate discipline, children become adults with a greatly diminished capacity for leading healthy lives. But discipline can cross a line and become abuse if it’s not administered in the right ways. And philosophies and methods of child discipline fluctuate greatly and are prone to change over time. What are some of the ways that you do and don’t like to discipline your kids? Do you ever use corporal discipline? Time outs? Making your children do extra chores? Do you ground them? Take away their privileges or tech gadgets? We always learn from you, so let’s have a vibrant discussion about this on Monday.

Debbie will be off on Friday, so call and talk with Jerry about something in your life you believe might be tough to let go of if you had to. This isn’t just a topic he came up with because it’s Lent. Rather, because life brings us to moments when we realize that something that’s been part of our routine has to go. Maybe it’s a friendship that is no longer healthy for you. Perhaps it’s a favorite activity that your body will no longer allow you to engage in. Or it could be a food or beverage item that your doctor tells you it’s time to let go of. This all gets at the heart of one of the most important aspects of the spiritual life – detachment. Let’s have a great conversation about this on Friday’s show!

The Bible warns us against sowing seeds of discord.  To instill anger, bitterness and division amongst believers is hated by God, stated in Proverbs 6:16-19.  To create conflict that does not exist is not of God and of the flesh.  In today’s world, we see many hoaxes and created stories that do just what God warned us against.  We live in a time when people are choosing sides rather than coming together in peace and harmony to support one another in true Christian spirit.  Why is this happening to us?  Let’s talk about this on Thursday’s show.  We will be on location together in Chandler, Arizona at The Forum.  If you are in the area, feel free to come on by and meet us.  This topic is very important so we need your wisdom on this, call in 1-833-288-3986.

What One-Time Lenten Practice Became a Regular Part of Your Life?  You were committed to doing something or giving something up for Lent.  Then, this practice became part of your daily life, probably because you realized it served a spiritual benefit.  Can you share with us exactly what that “something” was and now has become essential in your faith journey?  Call us so we can begin Lent together with some fresh ideas that can help us all grow in holiness. 1-833-288-3986.

It might just be human nature. Prior to entering into a season of penance and mortification, we like to “live it up” one last time. Of course, as Catholic Christians, we want to feast when the Church feasts, and fast when the Church fasts. Not that Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a day specifically set aside by the Church for “feasting” in any particular sense. On Tuesday, we want to talk about what you do – or don’t do – on the day before Ash Wednesday, perhaps to enjoy something you love one final time for at least forty days. Or, do you spend Fat Tuesday spiritually preparing to get your Lent started the next day? Should be in interesting and enlightening discussion.