For any sin to be forgiven, there has to be authentic contrition, or sorrow, for having committed that sin. Thankfully, as the Catholic Church teaches, our sorrow can be “imperfect” and we’re still forgiven. Naturally, the goal is to strive for “perfect” contrition. The latter is sorrow driven by the motive of love for God and having offended Him, and nothing else. The former may include an element of that, but might also be motivated by something like a fear of going to hell. In any event, sorrow must be present or sins are not forgiven. Have you ever confessed your sins, then wondered, “Was I really sorry?” After all, so many of us have that “besetting sin,” the one that keeps coming up over and over in confession. Do you fear your sorrow may not be adequate because of the very real possibility that you will commit the same sins again? On Friday, join Jerry and Debbie as we have a conversation about this important subject. Share your take on how you cultivate sorrow for your sins, and whether or not you might at times struggle to accept that your contrition is sincere.

Here is a link to a good article on confession on EWTN’s website.

Here’s a link to a great examination of conscience by Fr. John Trigilio.

We all know the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” That’s typically uttered by those who are going through a string of hardships. It’s something we’ve all experienced. But on Thursday, Jerry and Debbie are going to turn that phrase around and look at it from a positive perspective. We’ll invite your takes on how God has “showered” you with an abundance of blessings. This will be a helpful exercise, as we may all realize that we’ve received many more blessings from above than we were aware of. Plus, it will be a great opportunity to show our gratitude for all that Our Heavenly Father does for us.

Have You Ever Made a Mistake You Can’t Fix?  That’s our topic on the next Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie.  There are some situations in life that simply cannot be rectified.  Moving forward with life knowing that the past won’t be corrected shows how well we are able to accept the things we cannot change.  We all face this in life whether it is big or small.  This discussion, with your participation, can help many souls cope with this reality.  Please call in and share your experience. 1-833-288-3986.

On Tuesday, Jerry and Debbie invite your takes on what may be a delicate matter: Wishing your husband or wife were different in some way. Oh, not that you don’t love them. You may be madly in love with them and still wish that he or she dressed differently, shaved or didn’t shave, wouldn’t watch a particular TV show, didn’t snore at night. You get the idea. This show is not at all about complaining about one’s beloved spouse. Just a real-life conversation to prove that nobody’s perfect, and we can love deeply those whom we wish were slightly different in some area of their lives. We look forward to your take on this!

It may be the most sought-after – and misunderstood – commodity among the entire human race: Peace. True peace. Not the absence of war. Not lack of strife or division. No. We’re talking about peace in the human heart, mind and soul. Maybe the key reason why there is so little peace in the world is because there is so little peace in individual human beings. Do you have true peace in your soul? Do you even know what it means? Have you experienced it, only to lose it over the worries and concerns of life? What robs us of peace? How can we restore it? On Monday, join Jerry and Debbie for another poignant conversation about the stuff of real life. Share you take on what true peace means to you – and if you have it in your life.

The world is filled with bigotry, discrimination, hatred, violence, etc. So much of it is a result of people not liking others with a different skin color. Is that shallow thinking, or what? But, let’s face it. The media make it seem like racism is lurking on every street corner. Is that the case? On Friday, Jerry and Debbie would like to hear from people who would be considered “minorities.” What is your real-life experience of prejudice? Do you feel the sting everyday? Sometimes? Not as much as we’re led to believe? Your takes are what we’re looking for. Call 833-288-EWTN.

It’s become so popular that Jerry and Debbie are now offering to take your prayer intentions on the first day of each month. That means that Thursday is your next opportunity to get the world praying for what’s important to you. Be sure to call early so you get on the show. Dial 833-288-EWTN. Talk to you then!

Life is filled with hopes, dreams and aspirations. What are some of yours? In fact, what is the one thing you’d “give anything” to see, do, achieve, experience or accomplish while on this earth? That’s what we’ll talk about on Wednesday’s show. We’re certain we’ll hear a wide variety of things from our always-insightful listeners. Join us and call Jerry and Debbie with your take!

Breakthroughs are when the shackles come off and one is freed from what is keeping them stunted.  Tremendous growth happens as a result of a breakthrough in life.  When that “aha moment” occurs and the realization of something important becomes evident, life can take an amazing turn for the good.  But sometimes getting to a breakthrough requires endurance and maybe even some suffering.  Have you ever experienced a breakthrough in life?  Maybe you have had many breakthroughs.  Please share with us so we can learn what to expect and also be inspired by your journey. 1-833-288-EWTN.

AUDIO ARCHIVE:: 

While we usually don’t have an absolute certainty about the eternal fate of our loves ones (with the exception of those beatified and canonized by the Church), we should still hold out great hope for their salvation. For some, this is more difficult than others, often depending on the way their deceased loved one lived here on earth. Our God is a Father of mercy, of compassion, of doing all that He can to woo us toward Himself. How are you with this notion? Do you have a certain confidence that your loved ones are with the Lord (even if a little time in Purgatory occurs along the way)? Or, do you find yourself constantly worrying about their soul? It can be difficult losing someone we love dearly. But “letting go” and trusting that they are in the merciful arms of God can help to bring us peace of mind and heart. Share your take on this with Jerry and Debbie on Monday.