Catholic Stuff You Should Know

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.

Only a few weeks from Advent, Fr. John and Fr. Sean offer an introduction to Fr. John’s latest book, “Illuminate: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation.” As they discuss how the work came to be, its structure and form, they offer practical tips for preparing for the coming liturgical season. For more on the journal, visit https://www.avemariapress.com/products/illuminate?srsltid=AfmBOooQ4QVlETqSrUNAR-azm7icXadlVb2QyvChwD372LhMFCiKQke7.

In this engaging discussion, firefighter and father of five, Dominic Polito, shares insights from his book, Fathering Sons. He explores the importance of authentic fatherhood and modern initiation rites for boys. Dominic emphasizes the need to be present in parenting, contrasting it with performance-based approaches. He shares heartwarming stories from his 10-year trip tradition with his sons that foster deep connections. Additionally, he discusses the psychological roles of mothers and fathers, the impact of trauma on mental health, and how intentional fathering can enhance spiritual formation.

Dive into the philosophical insights of St. John Paul II as the hosts explore self-determination and the power of choice. Discover how human actions can shape our moral character, contrasting instinct with rational thought. The importance of self-possession for authentic relationships is discussed, along with how grace can heal and guide us back to virtue. They highlight the dangers of alienation in today’s world and how true agency can be reclaimed through tradition and faith, all while emphasizing the mystery of individual personhood.