How well do you know how the earliest Christians celebrated Christmas? Did it look anything like how we commemorate our Lord’s birth in 2015? When did the Church start marking a four-week period of preparation before Christmas? How was it decided that Jesus’ birth would be celebrated on December 25? What about the introduction of things like trees, gifts and nativity scenes? Patrick Madrid will join Jerry and Debbie on Friday to bring this all to light for us. And we hope to hear from you with your takes on how we as Christians can keep alive the reality that it’s only “Christ”mas if we keep Jesus front and center. Noon ET, with a replay at Midnight ET.

With age comes experience, knowledge and wisdom.  Our culture somehow has overlooked this great gift of our elders.  The aging population is often dismissed in society as just a burden and not a treasure.  Other cultures around the world have upheld the dignity and value of our elders.  People are living longer these days, so this topic is pertinent to us all and we can hopefully learn a new perspective by discussing it.  So please join the conversation by  calling in at 1-800-585-9396.  Be fast though, as phone lines fill up quickly.  See you soon!

I have learned so much from my Dad.  He was brilliant beyond measure.  I never truly appreciated his wise advice until long after he had departed from this earth.  He had lived 83 years, married for over 50 years, raised 6 kids, was a strong provider for his family, served in the Navy, and was loved by all his friends and clients.  In fact, my Dad was godfather to countless numbers of his client’s children.  Everyone who knew him said that my Dad always gave great advice.  I now completely understand what they meant by that statement.  Our elders are precious and they can teach us things if we give them the opportunity.

People are broken. We all have baggage. We’re on a journey toward healing and redemption. Along the way, we can cause or be the recipient of a lot of what’s commonly called “drama.” We’re talking about the not-so-good kind that can bring you down. The question is, how do we deflect the drama while at the same time maintaining charity and respect for those who bring it into our lives? This will be Jerry and Debbie’s topic on Wednesday. If you have a take on this, be sure to call 800-585-9396 beginning at Noon ET. If you don’t have a take on this, we really want to hear from you. Because that means you’ve got it all figured out 🙂

Is this a common understanding in your home?  Do your children feel that their parents are united or divided on different topics and situations?  We will be discussing this idea of “team parenting.”  We would love to hear from you and what your experience has been as the parent or the child.  Call in early as phone lines fill up fast.  1-800-585-9396

OK, let’s be honest. When it comes to Christmas gift-giving, we all have choices to make. Spouses, kids and close friends are pretty obvious. But where do you draw the line? And how many gifts should you give to the ones you love? Do you have gift-giving self control? Or do you fall into “Christmas opulence?” That’s our topic on Monday when Jerry and Debbie will allow you to share your takes with the world. Call in at Noon ET (with a re-airing at Midnight ET)!

Faith is a gift. If we don’t “feed” it, it could shrivel up and die. That’s the last thing we should want to happen. So, how do you nourish your faith so that it continues to grow strong? Have you attended a great conference, retreat, parish mission or some other form of faith event? Share your take with Jerry and Debbie – and the world – on Friday’s show. We’ll be joined during the broadcast by Matt Maher, who was just nominated for three more Grammy awards!

Jerry and Debbie will present a very important topic for discussion on Thursday. With your takes, they’ll cover the subject of “interior freedom.” What does that mean, you ask? We want to know if you are “free” inside, so that no matter what happens to you or around you, your peace and joy are not shaken. Or, are you carrying around burdens, guilt, shame or other things that weigh you down? Are you able to surrender peacefully to all things that happen, or do certain things upset your balance? Tune in and call with your takes at Noon ET!

More and more young Catholics are rediscovering the beauty of the Church’s teaching regarding marriage and family life. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they’re marrying and raising young families in the midst of a culture that not only gives them little support in doing so faithfully, but throws all sorts of challenges in their paths. If you’re recently married and trying to live your Catholic faith in a way that will make a difference in the world around you, Jerry and Debbie want to hear from you on Wednesday. Call with your takes at Noon ET (with a reply at Midnight ET)!

Mary is many things to many people. How well do you know Our Lady? Who was she? Why did she say yes to God?  Join Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie and our special guest Tim Staples!
We want and need to hear from you on your thoughts and question on Our Blessed Mother. 1-800-585-9396 is the number to call, while on hold, you can listen to the show, so you won’t miss a thing.  See you soon!

Audio Archive:

Short Take – Katherine:

The Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis starts on Tuesday, December 8 – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. On Monday, Jerry and Debbie will look for your takes on what you hope for during this special year. A healing? A restored marriage or other relationship? The ability to receive God’s forgiveness for something you feel can’t be forgiven? The list goes on and on. Your calls, as always, will drive this insightful show. Be sure to call early, as lines fill up fast!