Some people pray that their parish priest will be better at homilies. Others that he will be more compassionate in the confessional. These are good reasons to pray for them. But the most important reason we should pray for them is because they are in the cross hairs of the devil and his demons. They are under major attack. They have special graces from God to endure in their vocation. But our prayers help them remain strong and faithful. Like in the Old Testament when the people held up Moses’ arms and the Israelites were winning the battle. When they grew weary and didn’t hold up his arms, they were losing the battle.  Share why you pray for priests and why others should as well.  1-800-585-9396

Hands of the priest prayer – https://www.ewtn.com/library/PRIESTS/POEMPRIE.TXT

Sometimes the social media feel like a battleground. Many use it for unhealthy purposes, including to lead people away from God and the faith. Others take advantage of its robust ability to reach the multitudes to spread a positive message that all can benefit from. What’s really cool is seeing our clergy and religious using social media to proclaim the gospel. One such priest is Fr. Joshua Wagner of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. His website – http://www.fatherwagner.com – is loaded with good stuff. And he makes full use of social media as well. On Wednesday, Jerry and Debbie will welcome Fr. Joshua to the show and will get his personal take on how he spreads the faith in a global manner. We look forward to hearing how you do likewise, and if your parish priest has a social media presence!

Many Catholic Church teachings are misunderstood. Not only by non-Catholics, but even by those who are practicing Catholics. Relics are sacramentals. Purgatory is not a “second chance” at salvation.” Women cannot be ordained as priests. The Vatican is recognized as an independent “state” that has diplomatic relations with almost all other nations of the world. The “devil’s advocate” is a real position within the Church. There are more than 1 billion Catholics in the world. What is a “little known fact” that you have recently learned about the Church? Should be a lively show if you call in at 1-800-585-9396.

RESOURCES::
Sacrament of Penance: Examination of Conscience

Steps for completing a canonical transfer of rites (and these are a mix of practical and canonical steps):

1. Be active in an Eastern Catholic parish for at least 3-5 years. This will provide enough time to immerse yourself in the liturgical cycle of the Church, get to know the pastor, the customs, and the prayer life of the parish. This is probably the most important step. It’s one thing to be attracted to the Divine Liturgy, it’s quite another to live the daily life of a particular tradition.
2. After much prayer and the approval of the pastor, what is required is to draft a letter to the local Eparch (bishop) of the particular Church you would like to transfer to. The letter should include the reasons for the request and a brief explanation of your experience in the Eastern Church. The reasons given should be genuine and legitimate. A request of transfer so a man can marry and apply for the seminary to avoid celibacy would be rejected. A transfer of rites is a serious step and one that can only be taken once, so discern, pray, and discern.
3. The Eparch will review your letter, potentially talk to your pastor and if he judges positively, he will get in touch with the Latin rite bishop and request that you be transferred to his jurisdiction. If the Latin rite bishop has no objection, then you would be all set. You would be informed by the Eparch or your pastor of the acceptance.

A person must have an encounter with Jesus before he or she is going to be open to catechesis, i.e. the teachings, the practices, the beliefs of the Church. There are many times when we try it the other way around, and it never really takes root in the lives of those we’re trying to bring to faith.  We are asking the question, which should come first, evangelization or catechesis? Keep in mind, that an encounter with Jesus simply can be the first time a person meets a Christian.  We are all called to be Christ in this world. Here is another question to ponder, is there too much instruction and not enough action when it comes to Christianity?  Lots to unpack on this Easter Monday and with your help this will be a fruitful discussion.  Call in to 1-800-585-9396 and help guide the show with your wisdom.

Jesus suffered in many ways. All of his life was spent knowing that He was ultimately headed to the Cross. That must have been a burden that He carried throughout His life. He also suffered in many ways once His passion began. This included looking out over Jerusalem, seeing Mary, the agony in the garden, His betrayal by Judas, the abandonment by His disciples, being arrested, spending a night alone before His trial, the trial itself, the scourging, crowning with thorns, carrying His cross, the crucifixion, etc. Which part of Jesus’ suffering do you think was the most difficult? Which do you most resonate or identify with? Which would you console Him in if you had the chance? Call Jerry and Debbie with your take on Holy Thursday.

Jesus said in the gospel that temptations are sure to come. He added, “Woe to the one through whom they come.” In other words, life cannot be lived without temptation. When we think about it, giving in to temptation leads us away from God. Resisting temptation helps us build our spiritual muscles and grow in virtue. Thus, temptations, while no one loves or welcomes them, can be our “friends.” Do you view them this way? Or do you feel helpless in the face of temptations? Do you feel if you’ve experienced temptation that you’ve sinned? There is a distinction between the two. Share your take on Wednesday with Jerry and Debbie.

It seems from human experience that God allows certain temptations and sin patterns to be especially difficult for people to overcome. For one person, it might be lying. For another, gossiping. Another person might struggle mightily to avoid pornography or other forms of sexual impurity. Someone else might display their anger, even though they know it’s not healthy and they want more than anything to move beyond it. Are there times when you cry out to God and ask, “Why won’t you remove this thorn from my flesh?” We have St. Paul as an example that there are instances where God says no, He won’t take away our particular weakness, but instead calls us to rely on His grace, which Scripture assures us is “sufficient” for dealing with it.

Let’s talk about this and more by calling, 1-800-585-9396.  Jerry is traveling on Tuesday so call in to keep Debbie company. 😉

In all human relationships, we want to share what’s on our heart with others. Unfortunately, our own fears, uncertainties, etc., sometimes keep us from speaking our minds. Not necessarily to be mean to others. It can be at the bedside of a dying parent, with whom you want dearly to make peace about a certain situation. Or perhaps when a boss wants us to go in a direction we’d rather not go. Life is full of moments when we bite our tongues, only to later wish we had said what we were thinking at the time. Share if this has been your experience, by calling 1-800-585-9396.

James 3:9 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.” One of the most difficult human disciplines is holding back words when we’re inclined to say something. When have you exercised this patience and caution, and quickly realized that what you didn’t say could have injured someone else or your relationship with that individual? Share your take on this with Jerry and Debbie on Friday’s show.

In 1 Peter 4:8, our first pope writes that “love covers a multitude of sins.” He’s referring to how our love for others is pleasing to God and can help to atone for our sins. The Ten Commandments also “cover” a multitude of sins, but in the sense that there are countless sins that fall within the parameters of each of the commandments. This is so important to know, so that we can be aware of how serious certain actions are, and can work to eliminate them from our lives. Join Jerry and Debbie – and their guest, Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P. – for a discussion about this on Thursday.