Lighthouse Catholic Talks

Women are called to be incredible models of the faith even when it can be difficult to see that quality within themselves. Join Rachel Bulman as she dives into the deep to guide women through their faith while exploring the life of St. Mary Magdalene.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Death by suicide is sadly at pandemic proportions, killing more people every year than war and homicide combined. While many people know that the Church condemns suicide as a grave sin, few people know that the Church does not teach that a person who commits suicide is automatically condemned to hell. As Fr. Chris Alar, MIC shares in this insightful talk (based upon his book, After Suicide, given an imprimatur), while suicide remains grave and tragic, we must never despair of God's mercy, and we must know that our prayers can powerfully help those who have taken their own lives, and those who have been left behind.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

When you hear the word “addiction”, what typically comes to mind? Needles? Alcohol? Pills? As Jim Owens, MA, LPC explains, addiction is much simpler, including everything from substances to technology, screen time, work, shopping, and even sugar. Addictions and distractions are used to manage pain—but in the process, end up damaging our brains, our relationships, and our ability to find lasting happiness. Jim gives scientific evidence and practical advice for overcoming wounds, to help hurt people become healed people.At the conclusion of this talk, you will also be able to hear a bonus sample of the CD: Know Your Story: The Love God in the Narrative of Your Life by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reveals the urgency to live and share the powerful message of Divine Mercy. He explains the basics of the Divine Mercy feast, image, novena, chaplet, and hour of mercy, and how to incorporate them into your spiritual life.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

As a third generation Jehovah’s Witness, Mary Kochan was fully immersed in their activities until adulthood. She offers an insider’s view about what life is like for Jehovah’s Witnesses and what is most likely to help them come to the fullness of truth about Jesus Christ.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

People love stories. But when we lose sight of where the story of our life is going, the “narrative” and meaning of our lives becomes confusing to us, and we can lose hope. In this dynamic talk, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, renews our sense of hope and wonder (and humor), revealing that the reason we love stories is that we are part of a good story; one that answers the deepest desires and longings of our hearts. Whatever chapter our lives are in, God can transform our story, so that we can know and experience the beauty, adventure, and love for which we were created.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Being a professional athlete isn’t easy. And sometimes, having and keeping the faith can be just as difficult. Taylor Kemp, a retired professional soccer player for the DC United and US Men’s National teams, shares his story with us about how he came to learn and love God and how he navigated his faith in one of the toughest environments: sports. Taylor shares some of the lessons that he learned throughout his journey in hopes that it might help someone else’s spiritual life as well.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Femininity today can be confusing. What is it? What is it not? Are the stereotypes true? With humor, personal stories, and profound insights from the life of Mary and the writings of St. John Paul II, speaker Noelle Garcia shares how by growing in relationship with Mary, we can heal our understanding and relationships as women—daughters, mothers, friends, and wives—and discover the beauty, joy, and gift of true, God-given femininity.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Masculinity. In recent years, the use of this word has become controversial, and discussion about it unwelcome or silenced. Is all masculinity “toxic”? Dr. Tim Gray strongly asserts that while fallen masculinity does exist, authentic, God-given masculinity is a great virtue that is desperately needed in our world. Drawing on personal and cultural examples, Tim challenges men to face their fears about failing or "striking out," and encourages them to become the men they desire to be—loyal, dependable, and beloved friends, spouses, and fathers—in the image of Jesus Christ, the Perfect Man.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceYou can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Fr. Robert Spitzer, a Jesuit priest and philosopher, tackles the profound question of why an all-loving God allows suffering. He argues that unsatisfactory answers to this dilemma often lead to atheism. Blending spirituality with scientific insights, he discusses how enduring suffering can prepare us for eternal love. Spitzer also emphasizes the transformative power of spontaneous prayer, the necessity of virtues in personal growth, and the limits of science in grasping divine existence, encouraging listeners to approach challenges with hope and love.