Best Peter T. Francis Podcasts (2024)

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Why did Jesus call Peter ‘Satan’?: Questioning the mysteries of Mark’s Gospel 37:46

3d ago37:46

37:46

Why does Jesus rebuke Peter, admonishing him to “Get behind me, Satan”? What is behind Jesus’ stern warning to his disciples to “tell no one” about his miraculous deeds, the so-called “messianic secret”? As the church's Sunday lectionary cycle takes us deeper into the Gospel of Mark, this week on “Preach” we confront some of this Gospel's most perp…

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Timothy Radcliffe: Don't preach like a know-it-all. Be ‘a searcher, a doubter, a questioner.’ 41:16

10d ago41:16

41:16

“Preach” is back! We're thrilled to launch our second season with Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., a renowned Dominican from the English Province, as our guest for the premiere episode. Timothy brings extensive experience as the former worldwide leader of his order, as well as a distinguished preacher, spiritual author, guide and sought-after retreat leade…

1
David Plaksin: Local H - High Fiving MF / Handsome - Ride Down / Shoes - Tomorrow Night 1:14:18

1M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

Dave Plaksin drove up to The Sonic Temple to discuss one of his favorite songs from one of the best 2-man bands on the planet. Fair Warning: This episode does have some naughty no-no words...so if that doesn't bother you, then jump on in with us. Join this High Fiving MF and his friends as we Ride Down these tunes that will have you moving, groovin…

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Top preaching takeaways from the National Eucharistic Congress 35:55

2M ago35:55

35:55

At the start of every “Preach” episode, we state the mission of the show: “We take you into the minds and hearts of some of the finest preachers in the Catholic Church; we listen to their homilies, learn what makes them great and draw inspiration to keep preaching the Good News.” This mission informed our decision to send host Ricardo da Silva, S.J…

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Writing a homily after the Trump assassination attempt 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

“There were people who came up to me and said, ‘thank you for saying what you said about the rhetoric. I hope that the Biden people get this message.’ And then other people would stop and say, ‘thank you for what you said. This is [what] Trump people really need to hear.’” Greg Kandra shared, “so I think somehow by the grace of God, I walked to tha…

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Meet a ‘perpetual pilgrim’ on her way to the National Eucharistic Congress 22:45

2M ago22:45

22:45

“We’re like the apostles,” says Shayla Elm. “We’re getting to walk with Jesus, like the apostles did; getting to learn from him, getting to see the ways that He brings people to Him that maybe you didn't think twice about, the people on the fringes.” On this episode of “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., talks with Shayla Elm, one of 24 young ad…

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Rob Nieminen: U2 - Acrobat / Roxy Music - Re-Make/Re-Model / Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer 1:28:48

2M ago1:28:48

1:28:48

Rob Nieminen enters The Sonic Temple and we dive into some spectacular songs. Rob is a drummer in the South Florida area that has played in the bands eL and Double Stack Scoobie just to name a few. Witness the Acrobat that had to Re-Make/Re-Model his career after that "Sledgehammer to the knees" incident. Join us and listen in as two drummers reall…

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How the Eucharistic Revival can help us love God more deeply 25:37

2M ago25:37

25:37

“The Eucharist is the food that makes us hungry,” says Joe Laramie, S.J., so when he preaches, he hopes to stir his congregation “to deeper hunger for the Lord, to grow in deeper devotion to him.” Joe, the National Director of the Pope’s Prayer Network and a preacher for the National Eucharistic Revival, preaches for the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordina…

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Matthew Swig: The Clash - Rudie Can’t Fail / Hanoi Rocks - Malibu Beach Nightmare / Ramones - California Sun 1:37:15

3M ago1:37:15

1:37:15

Matt Swig stopped by The Sonic Temple for what was one helluva monster of an episode. Matt was a guitarist for The Groovenics, one of South Florida's biggest local bands of the late 90's-early 00's. He is currently a master mixologist that can be found creating some of his mad concoctions and libations at The Butcher & The Bar in Boynton Beach, FL.…

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Try writing your next homily in a coffee shop 37:56

4M ago37:56

37:56

A homily is a public speech, so it only makes sense to write it in public, says Scott VanDerveer, who mostly writes his homilies sitting at a long shared table in a coffee shop. “I love looking up at whoever’s in line at the cash register at that moment and thinking, ‘Would this guy, or would this woman care about what I’m saying at all; would this…

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Never start a homily with these 4 words 37:32

4M ago37:32

37:32

A surefire way to lose your congregation’s attention is to start a homily with “In today’s Gospel reading,” says Thomas Groome. “The purpose of good preaching,” he says, “is to bring our lives to God and God to our lives.” A preacher’s job, then, is to facilitate a meaningful conversation between the two. This week on “Preach,” Tom, a professor of …

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Preachers: Tell a story that will stay with your listeners long after the homily is over. 34:55

4M ago34:55

34:55

Though Jesus preached in parables that still captivate us, not every story told in a homily has a similarly lasting impact. The Rev. Christopher Clohessy shares how preachers can craft stories that linger long after Mass is over. This week on “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., is joined by another South African priest. Chris is a priest of the …

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Ron Hansen on bringing fiction-writing techniques to homily writing 23:42

4M ago23:42

23:42

Ron Hansen has written award-winning novels that have been turned into Hollywood hits. As an ordained deacon, he crafts equally compelling homilies. This week on “Preach,” Deacon Ron Hansen, a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Washington and a prolific author, preaches for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B. His homily reflects…

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Jimmy Mascolo: Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name / Steve Earle - Ellis Unit One / Ozzy Osbourne - Holy for Tonight 1:06:18

5M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Jimmy Mascolo (Famous Faces & Funnies 2) joined us for our return to The Sonic Temple. Fun and laughter ensue as we discuss music, skateboarding, the complexities of capital punishment and its various methods of execution, and shopping at The Gap. Hallowed Be Thy Name to the one that looks down at that one dude in Ellis Unit One, who will only be H…

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What young adults most need to hear in a homily 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

While most parishes struggle to attract young members, Saint Clement Parish in Chicago stands out with a mostly young adult congregation. This week on “Preach,” the Rev. Peter Wojcik, the pastor of Saint Clement Parish in Chicago, Ill., preaches for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B. In his homily, he reflects on the depth of Jesus’ committed love…

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A preacher should offer the congregation a challenge—not cheap grace 36:13

5M ago36:13

36:13

Gemma Simmonds, C.J., a theologian and sister at the Cambridge Theological Federation in Cambridge, England, preaches for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, Year B: In her homily, she reflects on her experience of poverty in Brazil, giving significance to Christ’s words: “Make your home in me as I make mine in you.” Then, in the conversation with host Ric…

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Bishop Stowe preaches on the climate crisis for Good Shepherd Sunday 27:08

5M ago27:08

27:08

“I think there's a major concern for living more in harmony with creation, which is a result of conversion,” says Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., “But I think Pope Francis is also, as our good shepherd, calling us to greater urgency to act because time is slipping away and we haven't done much.” Bishop John Stowe is a Conventual Franciscan, the third…

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To be a good preacher, pray more and read widely 24:51

5M ago24:51

24:51

Good preaching requires mastery of rhetoric, in particular the tools of repetition and organization. “Otherwise, they’re not gonna remember,” says John Baldovin, S.J. “This is a no-brainer, but beginning, middle and end, and not trying to make too many points” are key to a compelling homily. He also adds with hyperbolic emphasis, “If you want to be…

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Striking a chord: The debate on singing in the homily 34:15

6M ago34:15

34:15

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” This is how Kim Harris starts her homily for the Second Sunday of Easter—in joyous song. “When Thomas first the tidings heard / How they had seen the risen Lord / He doubted the disciples’ word. Alleluia!...” Such daring from the ambo has long struck a controversial chord with preachers and liturgists alike, promptin…

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When preparing to preach, treat your homily like music 35:54

6M ago35:54

35:54

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God often makes Godself known through sound: be it a voice from a burning bush, a resounding clap of thunder or the blast of a trumpet. “God is revealed through sound,” affirms Ed Foley, O.F.M. Cap. “I think of a homily as sound theology,” he adds, “it’s acoustic engagement.” When preparing to preach, Ed, the Duns …

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Ukraine military chaplain: Preaching hope to a world at war on Good Friday 32:12

6M ago32:12

32:12

When reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of the Lord while living in a state of military invasion and active war, Andriy Zelinskyy, S.J., says that “everything becomes more authentic.” For this Jesuit priest, who serves as the chief military chaplain of the Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church, the task of preaching to those suffering in Ukra…

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A Preacher’s Guide to Holy Week: These are long liturgies. Be brief! 42:53

6M ago42:53

42:53

The liturgies of Holy Week need to be seen as a unity. With two weeks remaining before the start of this summit of the Christian year, the “Preach” team sought the expertise of two esteemed liturgical scholars and practitioners to give preachers a whistle-stop tour of the readings and liturgies for this sacred week. In conversation with “Preach” ho…

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Father Rob Galea’s preaching strategies for reaching disengaged youth 33:23

6M ago33:23

33:23

“Explain the resurrection to me in two minutes without using any church language.” This is the challenge that Father Rob Galea sets for his staff to ensure they can easily relate to the young people they serve. “That takes practice, and that takes hanging out with the kids and understanding the way they speak, the way they reason.” Rob, originally …

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How a deacon’s past as a taxi driver fuels his preaching 43:43

7M ago43:43

43:43

The best formation Deacon Steve Kramer has ever received were the four summers he spent as a taxi and limo driver. “It really prepared me for pastoral counseling,” he says of his year’s shuttling people back and forth. “They sit, they open their heart, and pretty much they figure out that they’ll never see you again. So they open up in a different …

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Meet a woman who teaches priests to preach 35:14

7M ago35:14

35:14

“Effective preaching is like good butter sinking into warm toast,” says Karla Bellinger. “You’ve gotta give the Holy Spirit a little bit of time to do some work.” As the founding executive director of the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas and president of the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics, Karla is filled with bi…

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Try something new this Lent: Map out your homilies like an org chart 42:55

7M ago42:55

42:55

Russell Pollitt, S.J., approaches his homilies in a manner unlike any other preacher the “Preach” team has yet seen. While some rely on verbatim manuscripts, detailed linear plans, or simply loose notes, when this South African Jesuit priest sits down to write his homily after praying on the Scriptures, the first thing he does is produce an org cha…

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The Vatican’s chief liturgist on why preachers need to take their homilies more seriously 46:09

7M ago46:09

46:09

Cardinal Roche opens the Lenten season on “Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast” with a heartfelt message taken from the Scripture readings for Ash Wednesday: “Come back to me with all your heart.” When asked by host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., why he chose the theme of “Welcome Home” and not to preach “in a heavier way,” to emphasize the penitential …

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An update from the Preach team 38:35

8M ago38:35

38:35

You may have seen that we haven’t had any episodes for the last two weeks. We are taking a break after the bumper set of episodes we put together for you during the Advent and Christmas seasons. We are reviewing the results of our survey—which you can still respond to here— and planning our offering for Lent. In the meantime, in this great week whe…

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The star first leads the wise men to Jerusalem—where Old and New Testament meet—not Bethlehem 34:07

9M ago34:07

34:07

Preaching on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, David Neuhaus, S.J., explores a curiosity in the story of the Wise Men’s journey from the East to the Bethlehem manger. “Why didn’t the star take them straight to Bethlehem? Why did it take them to Jerusalem?,” he asks. "I think it took them to Jerusalem, as we are always taken to Jerusalem, b…

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A Syriac Catholic priest and father in Bethlehem preaches on the Feast of the Holy Family 34:48

9M ago34:48

34:48

Yunan Frédéric, a Syriac Catholic priest living in Bethlehem with his Latina-American wife and their three children, preaches on the Feast of the Holy Family, even though the Syriac Church does not observe this feast in its liturgical calendar. For the past two years, he has served as the pastor of the Syriac Catholic community in Bethlehem; a smal…

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Keeping Christmas joy alive in our preaching—even amid war, violence and poverty 35:17

9M ago35:17

35:17

The anticipated joy of Christmas unfolds against a backdrop of pain and violence this year. “I think one of the most important things in these extremely troubled times is that we do have the lights, both metaphorically and physically,” says Barbara Reid, O.P. “Our most important gift and our most important approach, not only to the advent and Chris…

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Preaching about joy starts with paying attention to life’s difficulties 31:19

9M ago31:19

31:19

This week on 'Preach,' the script is flipped: Ricardo da Silva, S.J., the regular host, becomes the guest preacher, and Maggi Van Dorn, a usual producer, takes the mic as the host. Maggi and Ricardo, who work together extensively on “Preach,” “Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols” and “Inside the Vatican,” compare how preachers an…

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Our Lady & The Urgent Need For The Canonization Of Fulton J. Sheen, w/Dr. Peter Howard 1:20:26

9M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

"MAMA SAID CANONIZE HIM NOW!" Full Description Coming Soon. For now, listen to Archbishop Fulton Sheen expert Dr. Peter Howard passionately and compellingly explain why the world needs The Church to officially recognize Sheen as a Saint now!!! URGENT... Be sure to save your "seat" NOW to Dr. Howard's 12/9/2023 roundtable discussion on "The Reconque…

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Preaching in Native American communities responding to generational trauma 36:24

9M ago36:24

36:24

Despite his advanced studies in Scripture, it wasn’t until Victor Cancino, S.J., became the resident pastor at St. Ignatius Mission on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana that he properly grasped the Bible’s deep connections with Native American spirituality and practices. “The Bible is from a tribal world with a spirituality that is…

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Loving A Filthy Mess Of A Church w/Hope: “That’s What I’m Talking About!!!” With “Uncle” Matt Laracy 1:36:41

10M ago1:36:41

1:36:41

“To love Christ, you must love His Church.” “But how? The Church is a holy (and unholy) mess!” Never before has Fr. Paul been left speechless with his jaw down/mouth open until “Uncle” Matt Laracy shared the secret to why he is immune to all of the scandals in the Church. It’s probably the most powerful thing ever shared on A Holy Mess podcast. Mat…

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A preacher's guide to Advent 47:57

10M ago47:57

47:57

“How do we really enter into a season like Advent when the world around us is already celebrating Christmas?” This is the question host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., sets before his guests, Scripture scholars Barbara Reid, O.P., and Victor Cancino, S.J., at the start of this episode, which breaks the usual mold of the podcast. Instead of the usual show w…

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Thanksgiving: An Attitude Of Gratitude 24:41

10M ago24:41

24:41

Taking time to be grateful can change your entire mood; in fact, it can change your life. In this short episode, His HoliMess, Fr. Paul challenges us to take concrete time daily to be grateful. He explains and witnesses how to do a “Gratitude List,” a tool that produces peace and joy. If you want more peace and joy in your life, become great friend…

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A reminder for preachers: ‘Words can hurt; words can also heal’ 31:57

10M ago31:57

31:57

The Scripture readings for the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, invite us to interpret the Scriptures through a lens that is perhaps less common for this celebration. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, S.J, tries to imagine ways in which the readings for the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar, “can be perceived less as a hierarc…

1
At funerals, preach for the living, not the dead 27:37

10M ago27:37

27:37

This November, as we remember our beloved dead and our liturgy begins to contemplate the end times, the stark reality of war is even more pronounced. In times, like these, “sometimes, the best thing you can do,” says Bruce Botha, S.J., “is acknowledge someone else’s pain and say, ‘I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.’” Father Botha, a priest of the …

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Transgender Baptisms, Bishop Strickland, & Pope Francis w/Michael Lofton. 1:16:58

10M ago1:16:58

1:16:58

You want the truth? “You can’t handle the truth!!!” Actually, you can, but it takes humility and courage. You can know the truth, understand the truth, and adhere to the truth. Are you willing? Right now, many are angry, confused, and disillusioned by The Pope and The Church, but should they be? There’s a lot of hype and negativity going around abo…

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St. Therese of Lisieux: Miracle Worker, Doctor, & Missionary w/Mary Beth Bracy 1:17:29

10M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Do you ever think Catholicism/Christianity is just too complicated, overwhelming, or massive? Do you want the entire thing simplified for you? Meet St. Therese of Lisieux and get to know her “Little Way.” She’s the youngest saint and only one of three women in the history of Christianity to be named Doctor of the Church. She promised to spend her t…

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Preachers: The elders also need homilies that speak to them 37:24

11M ago37:24

37:24

Preachers face a delicate balancing act: while crafting homilies to draw young people to the pews, they must also engage the elders, who make up the majority of the congregation. The also deserve homilies that resonate with the particular joys and challenges of their lives. “I try to read the scriptures through their eyes,” says Jack Rathschmidt, a…

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Hope Not Nope w/Dr. Dillon Caswell 1:31:39

11M ago1:31:39

1:31:39

Are you plagued by “Nope” or thriving on “Hope?” Dr. Dillon Caswell, DPT, PT, SCS, and author of the groundbreaking new book, “Hope Not Nope,” joins His HoliMess to offer a mind-blowing new perspective on what hope is all about. He also challenges perceptions of what pain is. Whether you think of yourself as an athlete or not, this episode is for y…

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The power of vulnerability when preaching in a retreat or parish setting 35:54

11M ago35:54

35:54

As an undergrad at Boston College, Sarah Hansman was a self-described “retreat addict.” Today, she is a retreat leader in Boston College’s Kairos program and is often invited to preach in various settings. “When it comes to preaching, and when it comes to sharing my voice, one of my goals is to be a role model for those who either don’t feel like t…

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Grilling His HoliMess w/Tony & Cheryl Porta 1:37:14

11M ago1:37:14

1:37:14

“Fr. Paul, is it a sin to attend a family member’s wedding if they aren’t getting married ‘in The Church?” “If the Pope changes the rules on celibacy for priests, would you get married?” “How can I belong to a Church whose priests have abused children and whose leadership has covered it up?” “As a Catholic, do we have to vote pro-life, even when ot…

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Pope Francis calls Catholics to support the global church. Our preaching should reflect that. 32:40

11M ago32:40

32:40

Until the early 20th century, the Catholic Church in the United States was “still young, growing and vulnerable,” and “the recipient of help from the church in other lands,” recalls Anthony Andreassi, C.O., in his homily for World Mission Sunday. “Now it is our turn to reach out to support others so that this important work of evangelization can co…

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Dr. Christopher West on “Eating The Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy and Our Hunger For Beauty.” 1:33:29

11M ago1:33:29

1:33:29

If you are attracted to Beauty, then this episode is for you. If you strongly desire Beauty, this episode is for you. If you have a hungry heart, then this episode is for you. Also, we guarantee you that most of you have never heard the Mass and/or the Church’s Liturgy explained in the way you will hear in this episode and/or in Dr. West’s new book…

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Center the experiences of marginalized people when preaching 31:16

11M ago31:16

31:16

Before the Rev. James Martin, S.J., set off for the Synod on Synodality currently underway at the Vatican, he shared some of his hopes for preaching the message of the Synod. “This idea of Jesus calling people from the outside in is very much something that the synod is doing,” he said. “I think it’s reminding people that these groups, whoever it i…

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The Holy Land Episode. 1:31:34

11M ago1:31:34

1:31:34

Fr. Paul just returned from the most incredible pilgrimage and trip in his entire life, and in this episode, he talks all about it. That's all you need to know. Watch/Listen now, or forever hold your peace! Holla!!! Special Announcement. Email questions for the upcoming special 1 Year Anniversary Episode of A Holy Mess w/His HoliMess podcast entitl…

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How synodal listening transformed this preacher's homilies and faith community 31:17

12M ago31:17

31:17

Brett Williams tries to connect his homilies from week to week. “Our discipleship isn’t limited to Sunday to Sunday,” he says; it needs to be seen “within the context of our ongoing journey.” He cautions that this path may include moments when “it seems dark, and there doesn’t seem to be any progress,” as well as times when it’s “fantastic, easy, w…

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Peter T. Francis Podcasts

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