Best RCIA Podcasts (2024)

1
Fatherly Advice: Focusing on the Eucharist During RCIA 18:17

5d ago18:17

18:17

A listener named Sara emails Father Dave a question of faith: “First of all, I have listened since 2006. I love you all. Now you may find this crazy but I have been thinking about becoming Catholic since then! I am concentrating on the Eucharist because I get completely overwhelmed by the rules. Is this a sin? I feel it keeps me from Jesus rather t…

1
The Preacher as Prophet, Proclaimer and Poet 15:56

9h ago15:56

15:56

Archbishop Mark Coleridge reflects on the role of the preacher as a prophet, proclaimer and poet. Each of these aspects are crucially important and interrelated in the liturgical act. Most Rev Mark Coleridge was ordained in Melbourne and served in parishes before studying Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. He taught Scripture i…

1
What to Do if Your Priest Can’t Make Mass 19:10

1h ago19:10

19:10

A listener named Charles emails Father Dave with a question of faith. “This weekend at our vigil Mass, the priest wasn't able to make it to Mass unexpectedly. What should we (the parishioners) have done? We have no deacon in our parish, and I was asked to lead a communion service. Was that proper?” Father Dave explains that in the Catholic Church t…

1
What Do You Seek? Dr. Edward Sri on Getting Deeper into the Gospel 18:00

21m ago18:00

18:00

Father Dave welcomes back theologian, Catholic speaker and author, and friend of the show Dr. Edward Sri to discuss his new book “What Do You Seek?: Encountering The Heart Of The Gospel.” Dr. Sri explains how the book emphasizes the good news of the Gospel and is designed to help us think about the mysteries of God’s love for us so that we can deep…

1
Singer-Songwriter Marie Miller on the 'Saintly' Inspiration Behind Her New EP 21:02

15d ago21:02

21:02

Marie Miller is a folk/pop singer-songwriter and multi-faceted artist and speaker who weaves together music, humor, and storytelling to convey God’s love for us. She stopped by the show to talk with Father Dave about her new EP, “The Way of Love.” Marie began making music as a teenager, and has enjoyed an almost-20-year career of radio, recording, …

1
How do we farewell the dead in the 21st Century? 14:49

7d ago14:49

14:49

Sam Wegner explores the uniqueness of the Christian funeral, especially in relation to the lesser-known Funeral Vigil. Ms Samantha Wegner is a sessional academic at the ACU School of Theology. In 2017 she was awarded the ACU Centre for Liturgy’s Postgraduate Scholarship. Her continuing research explores the aesthetic and ethical aspects of Catholic…

1
Is Booing the Other Team a Sin? 14:07

14d ago14:07

14:07

A listener named Julianne writes to Father Dave with a question of faith. “I’m a mom of two very active children who love playing and watching sports. Recently at a basketball game, my 11-year-old son turned to me and asked whether booing was a sin. I thought it was a really insightful question that recognized that the opposing team players (and re…

1
Father James Martin Talks Comedians at the Vatican, Meeting With Pope Francis, and More 26:09

17d ago26:09

26:09

Friend of the show, Jesuit priest, author, and editor-at-large of America Media Father James Martin stopped by Father Dave’s radio studio to discuss his recent meeting with Pope Francis, what it was like being at the Vatican with a number of famous comedians, and more. On Friday June 14, Pope Francis met with a number of comedians from multiple cou…

1
After the Fire: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris (in English) 11:07

21d ago11:07

11:07

Fr Gilles Drouin describes some of the liturgical issues associated with the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Rev Dr Gilles Drouin is the Director of Institut Supérieur de Liturgie, at the Institut Catholique de Paris and advised the Archbishop of Paris on the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. He is President of the Societas …

1
A la suite de l'Incendie: La rénovation de la cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris 9:08

21d ago9:08

9:08

Le Père Gilles Drouin nous décrit quelques considérations liturgiques, concernant la rénovation de la cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris Le Père Gilles Drouin est le directeur de l'Institut Supérieur de Liturgie à l'Institut Catholique de Paris. Il a prêté conseil à l'Archevêque de Paris concernant la rénovation de la cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris. Il…

1
John Stansifer on the Life, Military Service and Sacrifice of Father Emil Kapaun 19:17

19d ago19:17

19:17

Father Dave welcomes author John Stansifer to the show to talk about Father Emil Kapaun, the most decorated chaplain in U.S. military history. John has written over 20 screenplays, specializing in biopics and historical true stories. He spent six years in the Kansas Army National Guard as a mortar gunner and served alongside Vietnam War veterans, w…

1
Father Dave Answers Questions on Priesthood from ‘Maternity Leave Matt’ 17:12

26d ago17:12

17:12

While Busted Halo Show producer Krista LePard is out on maternity leave, our temporary producer, “Maternity Leave Matt” has some questions of faith for Father Dave: Matt asks, “When you became a priest, did you stop being Dave Dwyer and become [solely] Father Dave? Do your friends or family call you Father Dave or are you still Dave to some people?…

1
Siblings of Jesus? Unforgivable Sin? Father Dave Answers Questions From the Gospel of Mark 8:47

1M ago8:47

8:47

At the start of a recent homily, Father Dave addresses two things from the Gospel of St. Mark that Catholics and non-Catholics alike often have questions about. In the Gospel of St. Mark and in a few other places, we hear about Jesus’ brothers and sisters. Father Dave explains that those who translated Gospel texts from the original languages wante…

1
Liturgy and Inculturation: towards an enriched local expression 9:22

1M ago9:22

9:22

Fr Mark Francis, CSV discusses recent Church documents that encourage a more enriched understanding of liturgy and enculturation. Rev Dr Mark Francis, CSV is a former Superior General of the Viatorians and currently the Provincial of the US Province. He holds a doctorate in liturgy from the Liturgical Institute of Sant’Anselmo in Rome and was Presi…

1
‘Wildcat’ Producer on Flannery O’Connor’s Lasting Influence 14:33

1M ago14:33

14:33

Eric Groth, president of ODB Films and executive producer of “Wildcat” stops by the show to talk about the film about the late Catholic author Flannery O’Connor. ODB Films is an award-winning not-for-profit Catholic film company whose mission is to foster an encounter with Christ through artfully made, spiritually rich films. Their newest movie, “W…

1
Unleashing Your Artistic Gift With Clare McCallan 15:50

1M ago15:50

15:50

Father Dave welcomes Clare McCallan, founder and creative director of St. Joseph’s Home for Artisans, TV and podcast host, and spoken word poet, to the show to discuss her new book, “Courage to Create: Unleashing Your Artistic Gifts for Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.” In her book, Clare and her artist friends ask the question, “How do you own your id…

1
Sacred Conversations: Dr. Christopher Reed Shares Tips for More Meaningful Communication 16:50

1M ago16:50

16:50

Do you remember the last conversation you had that challenged your way of thinking or inspired you to act? A conversation that changed your mind, your heart, or maybe even your life? To help us have more meaningful conversations more often, Father Dave welcomes Dr. Christopher Reed to the show. Dr. Reed has a Ph.D.. in human communication and belie…

1
The RCIA and its ripple effect 11:56

2M ago11:56

11:56

Rita Ferrone outlines the significance of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, the RCIA, and how it has a ripple effect beyond the catechumens in the parish. She offers encouragement to communities to be actively involved and committed to this gradual process of Christian initiation. Ms Rita Ferrone is an internationally acclaimed writer an…

1
How Many Times Do We Bless Ourselves During Mass? 11:12

2M ago11:12

11:12

Anna-Lissa from Texas calls in to ask Father Dave a question of faith: “There are two specific times in the Mass that we bless ourselves, and that is at the beginning of Mass and then at the end. And so I have heard that those are the only two times we’re to bless ourselves; that we're not to bless ourselves any other time during the Mass. Is that …

1
On Intinction: What Are the Rules Around Dipping the Consecrated Host into the Precious Blood? 11:21

2M ago11:21

11:21

On Intinction: What Are the Rules Around Dipping the Consecrated Host into the Precious Blood? A listener named Alan asks Father Dave if he did something wrong at Mass the other day when he ‘dunked’ the host into the wine. He says, “I don't know why I can't do it. . . I thought when I was getting communion in the 70s and 80s they had these things (…

1
A Conversation on Choosing Confirmation Names With Meg Hunter-Kilmer 21:42

2M ago21:42

21:42

It’s confirmation season, and perhaps you or someone you know are struggling with coming up with a confirmation saint name! So, we asked friend of the show, Catholic speaker and author Meg Hunter- Kilmer to help us out. Meg was an itinerant missionary for 12 years, currently works in campus ministry at the University of Notre Dame and has written s…

1
Fatherly Advice: Keeping the Faith Through a Loved One's Illness 13:04

2M ago13:04

13:04

A listener named Mark asks Father Dave, “How do you keep your faith when a parent’s health gets worse and looks to be permanent?”

1
Beauty and Liturgy: Expressing Sacred Realities 10:25

3M ago10:25

10:25

Simone Brosig discusses the significance of beauty and aesthetics in the liturgy She explores the ways embodied prayerful responses express sacred realities. Dr. Simone Brosig is the Pastoral Leader for Community Life and Worship in the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Australia. She was the Liturgy Consultant in the Diocese of Calgary, Canada from 2009 - …

1
Co-Creator of ‘Blue’s Clues’ and ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ Offers Life Lessons for All Ages 20:30

3M ago20:30

20:30

Learning lasts beyond our days in school, and Father Dave welcomes Angela Santomero, creator of seven award-winning children’s educational shows, including “Blue’s Clues” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” They discuss her new book for adults is called “Life Clues: Unlocking the Lessons to an Exceptional Life.”…

1
Can an Adult With Intellectual Disabilities Receive the Eucharist? 13:11

2M ago13:11

13:11

A listener named Darby asks Father Dave if those with mental or intellectual disabilities are permitted to receive the Eucharist. She says, “I was told it's up to the priest to make that decision…I have also been told that [those with low cognitive ability could be denied] because of their non-understanding of the concept and importance.”…

1
Why Does The Eucharistic Prayer Say ‘Disciples’ Instead of ‘Apostles’ at the Last Supper? 13:48

3M ago13:48

13:48

A listener named Jim asks Father Dave about the Last Supper and the Eucharistic Prayer. Jim says, “In the Eucharistic prayer it says, ‘He took bread and gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples.’ Why doesn’t it say apostles? I always envisioned the last supper the way Leonardo da Vinci painted it. Were there more disciples there than the …

1
Attend as You Participate 23:14

3M ago23:14

23:14

Professor Clare Johnson asks ‘What does it mean to be fully present as we celebrate the liturgy?’ Professor Clare Johnson is the Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy and ACU Professor of Liturgical Studies & Sacramental Theology. She chairs the National Liturgical Music Council, advising the Australian Catholic Bishops Commission for Liturgy. …

1
Exploring Silence in Personal Prayer and the Mass With Fr. Boniface Hicks 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

As the world loudly clamors for our attention, Father Dave welcomes Father Boniface Hicks, OSB to discuss the role of silence in our faith. Father Boniface’s new book is called, “The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass: A Guide for Encountering Christ in the Liturgy.”

1
Navigating Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss With Abigail Jorgenson 27:56

3M ago27:56

27:56

Editorial note: The following podcast contains a discussion of pregnancy/infant loss. We cling to our faith in times of joy and sorrow, and Father Dave welcomes Dr. Abigail Jorgenson to discuss her new book “A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Compassionate Answers to Difficult Questions.” Abigail is an assistant professor…

1
If a Wedding Engagement Ends, What Do You Do With a Blessed Ring? 9:53

3M ago9:53

9:53

A listener named Christina asks Father Dave about a difficult situation regarding a blessed item. She asks, “What do you do with an engagement ring that's been blessed when the engagement ends?” Christina continues that her former fiance ended their relationship and will no longer speak to her. She says, “We had a priest bless us and the ring when …

1
Beauty in Brokenness: How a Severe Injury Played a Role in Sister Julia Walsh’s Vocation 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

There are many inspiring vocation stories, and Father Dave welcomes Sister Julia Walsh to discuss her unlikely path to becoming a nun as detailed in her new book, “For Love of the Broken Body: A Spiritual Memoir.” She is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and hosts the “Messy Jesus Business” podcast and blog.…

1
Ars celebrandi 6:54

4M ago6:54

6:54

Bishop Paul Bird, CSsR reflects on the art of celebration and how developing our knowledge and skills can enhance the way we celebrate the liturgy. Most Rev Paul Bird, CSsR is a member and former Provincial of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat (Victoria, Australia). He is a member of th…

1
Fatherly Advice: Can You Select a Godparent Who Is Divorced? 15:59

3M ago15:59

15:59

A listener named Laurie asks Father Dave a question of faith about baptism. She asks, “Can an individual who is a faithfully practicing Catholic be a godparent if they have recently become divorced due to their spouse cheating on them? This individual has not been in any other relationships and currently remains single since the divorce.” Laurie no…

1
Creative Ways To Celebrate 50 Days of Easter With Mari Pablo 22:59

4M ago22:59

22:59

Easter is more than just one day, and Father Dave welcomes back Catholic speaker Mari Pablo to share how she is celebrating all 50 days of Easter.

1
Easter: A Celebration of One Great Sunday 12:43

4M ago12:43

12:43

Sr Dr Veronica Rosier OP invites us to ponder the significance of the 50 days of Easter, a festival that overflows with Paschal joy. Sr Dr Veronica Rosier OP BTheol (SCD), MA(Music) Monash, MEd (RE) Boston College, PhD (CUA) has taught liturgy in Australia, including ACU, and is the author of numerous publications including Liturgical Catechesis of…

1
Saints for the School Year: Holy Men and Women to Accompany Teachers With Amy Cattapan 16:58

3M ago16:58

16:58

Many students and teachers are on spring break this time of year, and Father Dave welcomes middle school teacher and author Amy Cattapan to discuss her new book, “A Saint Squad for Teachers: 45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You through the School Year.”

1
Why Did the Latest Roman Missal Translation Change the Eucharistic Prayer From ‘All’ to ‘Many’? 14:19

4M ago14:19

14:19

The latest English translation of the Roman Missal was introduced in 2011, and one listener asks Father Dave about one particular change to the prayers at Mass. Derek takes issue with the latest translation and says, “What I dislike the most is the change of the words during the Consecration. In the old version, Jesus tells us ‘this is the blood of…

1
Music for Holy Week With Catholic Composer and Singer-Songwriter Francesca LaRosa 26:29

4M ago26:29

26:29

Father Dave welcomes back Catholic composer and singer-songwriter Francesca LaRosa to help prepare our hearts for Holy Week with a live music performance.

1
Why Does God Allow Suffering? Examining Faith and Hardship with Dr. Mark Giszczak 20:41

4M ago20:41

20:41

Lent is a fitting time to reflect on life’s struggles, and Father Dave welcomes Dr. Mark Giszczak to discuss his new book “Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know.” Dr. Giszczak is a professor of Sacred Scripture at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology.

1
Inside the Vatican: Former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon Reflects on Her Time With Three Popes 22:37

4M ago22:37

22:37

Father Dave welcomes former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon to discuss her new book, “In the Courts of Three Popes: An American Lawyer and Diplomat in the Last Absolute Monarchy of the West.”

1
The Continuum 12:57

5M ago12:57

12:57

Steve Warner looks back at his music ministry and creative works over his many years of service to the Church. He explores some key influences and the continuum of sacred music since the 60s. Mr Steve Warner is a well-published composer of liturgical music and renowned choir director. He is Founder and Director Emeritus of the internationally famou…

1
Bringing Mother Cabrini’s Story to the Big Screen With Screenwriter Rod Barr 18:36

4M ago18:36

18:36

Friday, March 8 is International Women’s Day, as well as the release date of a new movie all about the Italian-American saint, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini. The film “Cabrini” portrays the immigrant’s mission to secure housing and healthcare for New York City’s most vulnerable and stars Cristiana Dell'Anna, David Morse, and John Lithgow. Father Da…

1
Are the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ Always Considered Mortal Sins? 20:07

4M ago20:07

20:07

A listener named Barbara asks Father Dave for clarification regarding the “seven deadly sins.” She says, “I have a question about the seven deadly sins and how they relate to mortal versus venial sins. I usually consider pridefulness, for example, a venial sin, in that I confess it but don't abstain from receiving Communion for this sin – otherwise…

1
How Star Wars and Spirituality Meet With Eric Clayton 18:32

5M ago18:32

18:32

Father Dave welcomes back speaker and author Eric Clayton to discuss his new book “My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars.”

1
RCIA: Prayer

5M ago

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Father Hudgins' talk: PrayerBy Father James Hudgins

1
The significance of the Holy Oils and the Chrism Mass 12:10

5M ago12:10

12:10

Dr Paul Taylor explores the meaning and associated history of the oils that are blessed and consecrated during the Chrism Mass in Holy Week. Dr Paul Taylor is Assistant Director, ACU Centre for Liturgy and Director of Music, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, Australia. His is the former Executive Secretary of the Bishops Commission for Liturgy, Aust…

1
Strengthening Your Body and Faith With the Founders of SoulCore 15:46

5M ago15:46

15:46

Some people focus on physical fitness during Lent, and Father Dave welcomes back Colleen Scariano and Deanne Miller, the founders of SoulCore, to discuss integrating soul and body in our Catholic faith. Soulcore began in 2012 as a Catholic fitness apostolate that combines the prayers of the Rosary with core strengthening, stretching, and other func…