Catholic Stuff You Should Know

A Day after St. John Paul II's feast day, Fr. Jacob and Fr. John riff on JPII's philosophical ideas of the human person as they try to come to a greater understanding of healthy self-determination tied to proper self-governance in light of truth. They discuss how man is in a way a "maker of himself" through his agency, and how man can make himself good or evil through his own will. But it is not all doom and gloom, through the perspective of gift and participation the ideas of JPII can help us retrieve proper agency toward virtuous living.

Fr. Sean and Fr. John delve into the Five Solas of the Reformation, discussing their significance and Catholic perspectives. They explore how Scripture intertwines with tradition, the importance of Christ as mediator, and the necessity of faith coupled with works. The conversation highlights God's glory and critiques the modern notion of a personal relationship with Christ, advocating for Eucharistic communion instead. The hosts also reflect on the enriching gifts of mystical theology as a Catholic response to the Reformation.

Fr. Jacob shares insights from his pilgrimage to Fatima and the Azores, sparking a discussion on the difference between true pilgrimage and mere tourism. They explore the significance of beauty in architecture, questioning whether modern society creates lasting cultural structures. The hosts delve into urban design's role in enhancing community life, alongside ideas for nurturing youth spaces within parishes. They emphasize the importance of meaningful contributions to worship spaces, urging listeners to envision a beautiful future for the Church.

Fr. John and Fr. Jacob dive into the impact of artificial intelligence on modern education. They discuss the importance of education as a holistic process aimed at truth and virtue, rather than just job training. The hosts critique how technocracy prioritizes technological literacy, riskily sidelining critical thinking. They warn about AI amplifying biases and affecting original thought, urging a balanced approach to tech use among children. The conversation emphasizes the need for moral formation in education, aiming for deep literacy over mere tool use.

Fr. Sean and Fr. John explore the true nature of Confirmation, debunking the myth that it’s a graduation. They discuss its role as a continuation of baptism, emphasizing the importance of the sacraments in the Christian journey. The hosts detail the essential elements like the laying on of hands and the bishop's pivotal role in the process. They highlight the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the lasting impact of Confirmation, including the call to evangelize and the responsibilities of sponsors in supporting their confirmands.

Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob dive into revitalizing struggling parishes, exploring demographics and neighborhood shifts. They share insights on fostering a welcoming environment, emphasizing hospitality, reverent liturgy, and engaging families. The hosts present the parish as a journey, comparing it to a river that thrives through shared resources and community involvement. With a mix of listener interactions and personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of patience in the journey toward renewal and vitality.

Fr. Jacob and Fr. John were able to get together in person for a quick episode to celebrate CSYSK’s 700th episode and they are even interrupted with a surprise interjection from the one and only Fr. Mike. Fr. Jacob leads Fr. John in a discussion considering the fruits of a creative life and co-creating with God the Creator.

Fr. Sean and Fr. John sit down with Bo Brustkern, Executive Director of Creatio, for a conversation on the beauty of creation and its essential place in our life of faith. Together, they explore Creatio’s mission and how encountering creation can draw us deeper into God’s presence.

Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob dive into the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—and explore how they impact the way we interpret and pray with the biblical text.

The first of Father John’s fall series on A.I., Father Jacob and he take up the question from the perspective of the uncontrollability of the world. Unpacking the thought of Harmut Rosa and bringing Von Balthasar to bear, they seek to understand the contours of “resonance,” in place of the illusion of an engineered reality.