Catholic media, events, & community
The Prodigal Life
Hosted by
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Nick De La Torre
Ellen Holmes Steeves-LeBlanc
Ep33. How to Understand the Trinity
How do we understand God as three persons in One Divine Nature? Today we discuss the doctrine of the Trinity through the teachings of the Church. We dive into what it means that God is three in one, how to understanding what God is and what He isn't, and how to avoid a heretical mindset. This great mystery is foundational to the Catholic faith.
Ep32. Miracles and Intercessory Prayer | The Power of the Catholic Church
Do miracles actually happen in real life? Today we dive into intercessory prayer and miraculous events that have occurred in our own lives. We discuss everything from what intercessory prayer is, Purgatory, the Saints, the Bible, witches, and the Eucharist!
Ep31. Faith and Family | Creating Authentic Catholics at Home
Family life has a MASSIVE impact on a person's faith journey. The example parents set for their children will either create strong, critical-thinking individuals or weak ill-equipped catholics who don't understand their own faith. Today we discuss the importance of Catholic family life when it comes to understanding Catholicism. Sharing our own childhood stories and how we approach faith as parents through family faith activities, and leading by example. It's time to take responsibility for teaching your children the truths of Catholicism!
Ep30. Church Authority and Infallibility | Why The Magisterium Exists
Should Catholics blindly follow the leadership of the magisterium? Today we dig deep into the authority and infallibility of the Church. With so much confusion in the culture, corruption, and differences of opinion how are we to trust the leadership of priests, bishops, and the pope? In this episode we discuss the role of authority, what infallibility means, and the historical foundation of the Magisterium.
Ep29. Pure and Simple Piety | A Catholic Guide to Authentic Prayer
What is true piety? Are your mind and heart fully present during Mass? In this episode we talk about piety, simplicity, and how authentic prayer comes from the heart. We discuss the questions on everybody's mind: Is Latin Mass more pious than the Novus Ordo? Should you only receive on the tongue? Why dress up for church? All to answer the question of what pure and simple piety looks like.
Ep28. Forgiveness
Should we forgive the people who really don't deserve it?...Sometimes we feel justified in our strong resentment towards others. Today we discuss what Scripture says about forgiveness, the process of healing, and learning that forgiving others often involves forgiving yourself. This is how we let go of our bitterness, hatred, and resentment and allowed God to heal the wounds that kept us from growing.
Ep27. Priests, Sex Scandals, and the Power of Leadership
If the Catholic Church is so good then why are there so many scandals? You guessed it, today we are talking about the influence of Catholic priests! We dive into our personal experiences with good and bad priests, the sex scandals, understanding their humanity as men in a sinful world, and the great power of leadership.
Ep26. The Virgin Mary, the Bible, and the Catholic Church
For many people there's nothing harder to accept in the Catholic Church than devotion to the Virgin Mary. Today we discuss what makes Mary so special, how having a devotion to her can help your spiritual life, and the fine line between veneration and idolatry. Additionally, we approach the concept of Mary as the "Ark of the New Covenant" bearing the incarnate Word of God to the world and the importance of Marian theology within Christian Tradition.
Ep25. Real Life Saints | Why We Have Our Favorites
The saints were real life people. So how does the Church determine who becomes a saint? Today we talk about our favorite saints delving into their incredible stories of courage, faith, and triumph over evil!
Ep24. Evangelization | Faith is More Than a List of Rules to Follow
This week we are discussing the proper approach to evangelization. It is so MUCH MORE than giving someone a list of rules to follow. In this episode we address WHAT evangelization is, WHO should be doing it, and HOW it should be done.
Ep23. Rock, Rap, and Gregorian Chant | The Music that Shapes Us
Music is art. It gives a voice to emotions that words cannot express. But what is music's ultimate purpose? Today we discuss our favorite bands (rock, metal, rap etc.), good vs bad music, and how what we listen to can shape our minds and hearts.
Ep22. Prayer, Life, and Your Guardian Angel
How does prayer affect your life? Are you aware of your guardian angel? In this episode we talk about the reasons why we pray, the different types of prayers and their purposes, the reality of angels and demons, and why you shouldn't name your angel. Personal stories get crazy in this one. You don't want to miss it!
Ep21. Catholic Culture and Traditions for Easter
What do you love about Easter? For Catholics, this season is rich with beauty and brimming with significance. Today we explore the vast beauty of Catholic culture and traditions during the Easter season.
Ep20. Trust and Obedience - Following God’s Will in Your Life
Do you TRUST in God's love for you enough to be OBEDIENT to Him? What is holding you back from following God's will in your life? Today we talk about obedience to Christ, how to listen to His voice, and combating the fear of letting God take the lead.
Ep19. How to Understand Private Revelation
Is Private Revelation for everyone or only super freakin holy people? Is it necessary to believe in certain Revelations to be saved? What is their purpose if we already have Sacred Tradition and Scripture to guide us? Today we dive into what Private Revelation actually is, how it could help you grow in your spiritual life, and how the Church discerns the validity of certain well known revelations.
Ep18. Why Do Catholics Go To Confession?
Why do Catholics have to go to Confession? Is there a Biblical and historical basis for this Sacrament? Today we talk about why confession should be with a priest, the difference between Venial and Mortal sin, why we need to do penance, and what makes Reconciliation so vital for your spiritual growth.
Ep17. My One Companion is Darkness - What CATHOLICS Believe About Pain and Suffering
Why do good people suffer? The Catholic Church as a lot to say about pain and suffering. In this episode we talk about hardships, our personal struggles, the tendency to avoid pain at all costs, and what value there is in accepting the suffering in your own life. What does it mean to join your suffering to the sufferings of Christ? Do you believe that discomfort and struggle can be used for redemption?
Ep16. Suicide, Rape, and God's Mercy: The journey toward healing and redemption
Does God's mercy and forgiveness extend to suicide or rape? Have you been affected by abuse, use, or loss of a loved one? Today we get vulnerable sharing our own stories of suicide, rape, abuse, and finding forgiveness through Christ. Discover how we learned to forgive ourselves and those who've wounded us in the past. Are you ready to allow God's mercy to enter into your heart?
Ep15. What Are the Beatitudes?
What are the Beatitudes and why do they matter? Do you acknowledge your weakness and need for God? In this episode we break down what the Beatitudes are and how to live them out in your daily life. Are you humble enough to let God work through you?
Ep14. Do Your Friends Have Your Back?
How have your friendships impacted your life? Do your friends really have your back? In this episode we discuss our personal experiences with friends that helped us and some that harmed us. How we lost friends and gained other friendships on the journey towards holiness.