Catholic Stuff You Should Know

On the heels of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Fr. Jacob and Fr. John discuss the symbolism of the Baptismal and Easter Candle and how we pass on faith from one generation to the next as we receive the light of Christ. They further discuss the role of anointing before public ministry and how sin mars our baptismal garment and dampens our flame, yet God is always working to restore even a smoldering wick.

This week Fr. Sean and Fr. John hash through the difficult challenges that face parents in selecting a high school. Distilling down the four basic motives, they hope to offer a deeper engagement of the question, one that offers salient and helpful suggestions for the cultivation of faith and the impartation of a worldview.

As the new year begins, Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob reflect on why most resolutions fail and propose a more Christian approach: ordering our lives around love rather than self-improvement. They explore practical ways to love God more through attention and silence, to love the Church with fidelity rather than critique, and to love priests with prayer and charity.

Father Sean, Father John, and Father Jacob wish you all a Merry Christmas and share a few graces from the year. Merry Christmas and thanks for listening to CSYSK!

Fr. Sean and Fr. John explore the ancient O Antiphons, rich in biblical significance and longing for a Savior. They break down each antiphon, from 'O Wisdom' to 'O Emmanuel,' revealing deep connections to scripture and themes of hope. Lively anecdotes about Christmas Mass mishaps and confessions add humor, while insights into the imagery of light, kingship, and the messianic promise enrich the discussion. The profound anticipation resonates with the holiday spirit, inviting reflection on the true meaning of Christmas.

Using the film and literature adage of "Show, don't tell," Fr. Jacob leads Fr. Sean down a reflection of Catholic life using the analogies of light and perspective. How can priests and all the faithful show their faith rather than merely tell about it, and how can we all shift our perspective, or change the lighting, so that we can see our faith anew with wonder and awe?

As the second installation on Fr. John's new book "Illuminate," Fr. Jacob and Fr. John unpack some of the deeper contours of the opening verses of the Gospel of St. John. Focused on the themes of Word and Light, the podcast is meant to aid the reading of the book, as well as help anyone to discover the deeper mystery of Christ as we await his coming at Christmas. For more on the book, cf. www.avemariapress.com/pages/illuminate

Fittingly published on Thanksgiving Day, Fr. Sean and Fr. John delve into the modern culture of health and well-being. Starting from the perspective of the natural good, they then assess the secular and ideological character of the health and wellness culture, before offering ideas around the Christian vision of it. And don’t miss the spicy excursus on botox!

Wyatt O'Rourke, founder of Basilica Financial and author of The Bitcoinization of Finance, joins the hosts to explore the intersection of Bitcoin and Catholicism. They discuss the morality of money from a Catholic perspective, highlighting how fiat currency often violates Catholic teachings. Wyatt explains Bitcoin's potential to protect assets from inflation and censorship, emphasizing its qualities as a new monetary technology. He also outlines practical steps for churches to adopt Bitcoin, advocating for grassroots education to empower communities.

Father Jacob and Father John dive deep into the recent document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, exploring Mary's roles as Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix. They discuss the historical context and theological implications of these titles, emphasizing the importance of reading them charitably. The hosts differentiate between objective and subjective aspects of Mary's mediation, while also critiquing the document's tone. Ultimately, they reflect on how to approach Mary's role in the Church with clarity and grace.