Catholic media, events, & community
The Prodigal Life
Hosted by
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Nick De La Torre
Ellen Holmes Steeves-LeBlanc
Ep53. How to Be A Catholic | The Five Foundational Rules
In this episode we discuss the five tenants of the Catholic faith. We establish what the five foundational rules are for being a practicing Catholic, why these requirements exist, and we break down what exactly each rule means and how it helps you live the authentically Catholic life.
The Five Tenants of the Catholic Faith:
- Attend Mass on Sundays
- Go to Confession at least once a year
- Receive Christ in the Eucharist at least once during the Easter Season.
- Observe the days of fasting and abstinence.
- Help to provide for the needs of the Church.
Ep52. Vatican II and the Controversial Results
In this episode we talk about the Second Vatican Council and the results that created huge changes within the Church. Beginning with the origins of the councils themselves, we discuss the unfortunate outcomes of Vatican II, the importance of liturgical diversity, why the Extraordinary Form is still vital, and much more. Join us as we dive into the Vatican II controversies.
Ep51. Freemasonry Pt. 2: Dark History and Dangerous Secrets w/ David L. Gray
In this episode David L. Gray returns as our guest to talk about the dangerous secrets of Freemasonry. David lays out how the order became what it is today viewing itself as the ultimate moral authority above all religions. Through our conversation we delve into the history of the Freemasons from the 1700s to now, why Catholics shouldn’t join, and some key secrets they don’t want you to know.
Ep50. Freemasonry, The Religion of Blackness, and Catholic Freedom w/ David L. Gray
Today we interview author, historian, and theologian David L. Gray. David shares how he “fell into” becoming a Freemason, viewing Christianity as the “White man’s religion”, and his journey to the Catholic Church. From attempting suicide to literally hearing the voice of God, David’s story will enthrall you as he discusses finding his core identity as a child of God.
Ep49. Origins of the Bible: Jewish Roots, Translation, Tradition, and How it All Came Together
It’s good to read the Bible but is it necessary for salvation? Today we dig deep into the roots of Scripture, how it was compiled, who translated it, and why it was originally only intended for liturgy. Through it all we discuss:
- How to approach reading Scripture
- Why Catholics have more books than Protestants
- Understanding the historical and cultural significance of certain passages
- The importance of reading Scripture for spiritual development
Ep48. Your Questions Answered : Saints, Faith and Reason, Unbaptized Children, and More
Today we take a moment to answer your questions! From Catholics to Atheists and everything in between we accept your comments and questions. Some of the topics we cover are:
How does the Catholic Church decide who is a saint?
The extensive process of canonization.
Can Faith and Reason go together?
The Eucharist and adoration
Reparations for sin
What are the Seven Sorrows of Mary?
Do unbaptized children go to Hell?
Ep47. Water 4 Mercy: A Permanent Solution for Hunger in Africa w/ Nermine Rubin
Today we speak with Nermine Rubin about her mission in Africa called “Water 4 Mercy”. Nermine shares what brought her to Tanzania, how she saw a need and decided to do something about it, and the difference between giving a hand-up vs a hand-out. She shares how Water 4 Mercy lifts people out of a vicious cycle of poverty and offers a permanent solution to hunger through technology, education, and innovation.
Ep46. The Church is Called to Charity
The heart of charity is love and every single Christian has an obligation to love their neighbor. Today we discuss how the Church is called to the virtue of charity and what that looks like in some practical ways.
Ep45. How The Virgin Mary Made Me a Better Catholic w/ Nermine Rubin
In this episode we interview the founder of Water 4 Mercy, Nermine Rubin, about her journey of faith. Nermine shares how she came to a place of true and authentic faith through Marian consecration and how that experience has impacted the rest of her Catholic life.
Ep44. Righteous Anger vs Hateful Anger
People often use the example of Jesus chasing out the money changers from the temple to defend their own anger. But what actually is “Righteous Anger”? How do we differentiate between righteous and immoral or hateful anger? Today we discuss what Scripture says about anger and how to be angry without sinning.
Ep43. Marian Apparitions | Why Do They Matter?
Today we discuss Marian Apparitions where Mary has appeared to different people throughout the world across time. Why are they important? Do we all have to believe them? Explore approved Apparitions and others. Dive into the messages, how they are approved, and which apparitions we have felt special love for.
Ep42. Roe v Wade and the Fight Forward w/ Fr. Frank Pavone & Janet Morana
What do we do now that Roe v Wade got overturned? Today we continue our discussion with Fr. Pavone and Janet Morana about the issue of Life. We talk about the history of Roe and how it became synonymous with women’s rights despite the lack of evidence that abortion supports women’s health. The court ruling sent the issue back to the states and now is the time to fight more than ever to help turn the culture back toward an understanding and respect for every human life.
Ep41. Discovering The Priests For Life w/ Fr. Frank Pavone
Today we interview Fr. Frank Pavone and Janet Morana about how they joined the Priests for Life. Fr. Pavone discusses what drew him to the issue of abortion and the importance of walking along side of people in their faith journey. We cannot be afraid to discuss the difficult issue of abortion but always remember that we must also accompany people on their journey to faith, healing, and holiness.
Ep40. Pro-Life Issues and How the Church Is Here for You
Have you been affected by abortion? We are here to tell you there is healing and hope in Christ. This episode discusses what it means to be pro-life vs pro-choice, our own lived experiences, and how it is much more than just standing against something. It all begins with seeing your own value.
Ep39. What Keeps You from Loving God?
What things keep you from loving God? We all have obstacles, difficulties, and sins that can keep us from trusting God’s goodness. Today we discuss the various issues that keep people from living in communion with our Creator and how knowing who you are in light of Him makes all the difference. Don’t let yourself fall down a slippery slope of sin and shame.
Ep38. The Best Books for Spiritual Growth
A good book can be hard to find. But today we are making it easy for you with a comprehensive list of our favorite spiritual books, their authors, and how they help to encourage spiritual growth.
Ep37. The Seven Deadly Sins - Pt. 2 | Greed, Sloth, Anger, and Envy
Today we continue our discussion on the Seven Deadly Sins. We address Greed: the obsession with money and owning things. Sloth: willful neglect, laziness, and disinterest in spiritual matters. Anger: rage, wrath, and the difference between righteous and unjust anger. Envy: sadness over a desire for the possessions or talents of another person and wishing they did not have the good things you want.
Ep35. Sacred Tradition, Scripture, and The Catholic Church
In the Catholic Church the “Deposit of faith” refers to Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture. But what is Sacred Tradition? In today’s episode we discuss the difference between Sacred Tradition and non-dogmatic tradition, where this fits with Scripture, and how the Church came to define these foundations of the faith.
Ep34. Fasting and Mortification | The Way to Spiritual Maturity
If the body is good then what is the point of fasting and self-mortification? What does mortification even mean? Today we are talking about why Catholics deny themselves through fasting and self-mortification, and how a proper approach to these practices can actually help you experience spiritual growth. It's time to take serious steps to overcome sin in our lives!