Best Ascension Catholic Faith Formation Podcasts (2024)

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Day 190: Receiving Holy Communion (2024) 19:37

43m ago19:37

19:37

The Catechism goes over the prerequisites to receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, as well as how often the faithful can and should receive him. Fr. Mike ensures that we understand the gravity of our obligation to go to the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion. As St. Paul said, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of…

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Day 190: Judah Is Overrun (2024) 16:56

1h ago16:56

16:56

As we near the end of 2 Kings, Fr. Mike takes us through Babylon's conquest of Judah, under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar. He touches on the importance of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs, and revisits the sons of Josiah in order to explain why the people of Israel are so lost. Today's readings are 2 Kings 24, 2 Chronicles 35, and Proverbs 8:…

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Day 189: Follow the Lord (2024) 22:40

1h ago22:40

22:40

Fr. Mike explains why it's important to focus on our own journey with the Lord over those around us while highlighting the leadership of king Josiah. He also reminds us how the mistakes of past kings had led Israel down a dark path. Today's readings are 2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 34, and Proverbs 8:1-21. For the complete reading plan, visit ascension…

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Day 189: Worship of the Eucharist (2024) 18:16

1h ago18:16

18:16

We continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist, specifically how we worship the Eucharist. Fr. Mike examines how we, as Catholics, worship Christ's true and real presence in the Eucharist. He emphasizes how incredibly important the worship of Christ in the Eucharist is, specifically in Adoration. Today’s readings are Catechism paragr…

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Day 188: The Book of the Law (2024) 18:07

8m ago18:07

18:07

Fr. Mike introduces us to the Book of Proverbs, while reflecting on the lack of devotion Israel has shown towards God and the Book of the Law. Much like God gave the Book of the Law to Israel, he's given the Bible to us to continue following him faithfully. Today's readings are 2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 33, and Proverbs 7. For the complete reading p…

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Day 188: Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist (2024) 18:59

1h ago18:59

18:59

Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore the reality of Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist. Fr. Mike unpacks what actually happens during the celebration of the sacrifice of the Eucharist, specifically, transubstantiation. He explains that during the Consecration, the whole substance of bread and wine becomes the whole substance of the Body and Blo…

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Forgive and Forgiven: Dealing with Standoffs 25:32

2h ago25:32

25:32

Is it challenging for you to ask for forgiveness? Perhaps, it is even more difficult to offer forgiveness. Wherever you may find yourself, both are essential when it comes to healthy and loving relationships. Jeff Cavins recounts a time in his life where he struggled to admit his need for forgiveness. He shares what he learned from that experience …

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Day 187: Praying for Time (2024) 19:57

2h ago19:57

19:57

Fr. Mike recalls Hezekiah's prayer for more time and reveals how Hezekiah did not use that time wisely. We all are only given a specific amount of time on this earth, and it's up to us to use that time to become more like Christ, so we can spend eternity with him in heaven. Today's readings are 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 32, and Psalm 145. For the co…

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Day 187: The Church’s Sacrificial Unity (2024) 18:18

1h ago18:18

18:18

Together, we continue our exploration of the sacrificial memorial of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike reiterates that the whole Church, both visible and invisible, is united in the Sacrifice of the Eucharist. He also further unpacks the importance of a quote from St. Ignatius of Antioch, which states that the offering of the sacrifice of th…

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Is the Eucharist Really Jesus? 6:48

26m ago6:48

6:48

Why must we believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? -Teresa Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answ…

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Day 186: Struggles with Self-Interest (2024) 15:10

12m ago15:10

15:10

Fr. Mike highlights the goodness of Hezekiah as king of Judah but also points out his failure to protect the future of his people. While Hezekiah let his self-interest cloud his judgment, we are reminded to pray for those who will come after us, doing our best to preserve what will be theirs one day. Today's readings are 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 31…

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Day 186: The Sacrificial Memorial (2024) 17:48

12m ago17:48

17:48

We continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike emphasizes that every element of Christ’s passion, the whole thing, is one, single sacrifice, and when we celebrate the Mass, we are participating in that same sacrifice. He also reiterates that the Eucharist is both a noun and a verb. It “re-presents” the sacrifice of the Cros…

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What Scripture Tells Us About Mary 37:41

17h ago37:41

37:41

Mary does not say much in Scripture. There is a lot of her life that remains unknown. However, there are nods to Mary from the very beginning of the Bible all the way to the end. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle share and explain some of the typology of Mary that can be found throughout the Bible. Snippet from the Show Mary is the Ark of the Cove…

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Day 185: Hezekiah's Prayer (2024) 20:05

1d ago20:05

20:05

Fr. Mike continues to emphasize Hezekiah's faithfulness as he turns to God in prayer in the midst of battle, and reinstitutes the Passover feast. Today we read 2 Kings 19, 2 Chronicles 30, and Psalm 143. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for ch…

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Day 185: Thanksgiving, Memorial, Presence (2024) 14:13

23h ago14:13

14:13

Together with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike takes us back to the Book of Genesis, the sacrifices of Cain and Abel, and the Book of Exodus, the story of Moses and Pharaoh. He emphasizes that the point of freedom in life is to be led to the freedom to worship God and that it matters to God that we f…

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Day 184: Hezekiah Reigns (2024) 23:20

2d ago23:20

23:20

Fr. Mike reflects on Hezekiah's righteousness as king of Judah, and his pivotal work of restoring true worship and removing false idols. By undoing all of the corrupt things his father king Ahaz did, Hezekiah shows us that our ancestors do not define our destiny. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The…

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Introduction to the Exile (with Jeff Cavins) (2024) 26:49

2d ago26:49

26:49

"Welcome to the Exile period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the eighth biblical period, which covers the fall of the Southern Kingdom, Judah, and its exile into Babylon. They explain how the physical exile of Judah was representative of their spiritual realities, and ultimately oriented towards the healing and restoration of their unfaith…

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Day 184: The Movement of the Mass (2024) 17:22

2d ago17:22

17:22

There is great depth to the movement of the celebration of the Mass. Fr. Mike highlights the role of Christ as the head and high priest and the role of the laity as the body of Christ at Mass. Fr. Mike also emphasizes the importance of the altar at Mass, reminding us that the heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice. Last…

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The Importance of Rest and How to Attain It (with the Sisters of Life) 16:33

2d ago16:33

16:33

Do you find time to truly rest? Is it challenging to allow yourself moments of leisure? The lives of most people are very busy and full of noise. However, it is essential in our relationship with God to find moments of rest. Dr. Edward Sri is joined by Sr. Marie Veritas and Sr. Ann Immaculée of the Sisters of Life to discuss the importance of rest …

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Day 183: Israel Falls to Assyria (2024) 28:03

3d ago28:03

28:03

Today we read about the critical moment when Assyria destroys the Northern Kingdom, and the ten northern tribes are exiled and assimilated among the nations. Fr. Mike explains how this moment and the foreign possession of Samaria is key in order to understand Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4. We also read about how the prophet Mi…

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Day 183: The Mass of All Ages (2024) 15:10

8d ago15:10

15:10

Celebrating the sacrament of the Eucharist has been part of the Tradition of the Catholic Church for 2,000 years. Fr. Mike unpacks the citation from St. Justin Martyr's First Apology, which beautifully describes the structure of the Mass in AD 155 and captures how the Early Church had the same understanding of the Eucharist as we do today. Today's …

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Day 182: The Signs of Bread and Wine (2024) 19:44

4d ago19:44

19:44

Fr. Mike breaks down the various ways the Eucharist fulfills the sacrifices of bread and wine of the Old Covenant and explains why the Eucharist is central to God’s plan of salvation. We learn that the Eucharist is a pledge of God’s love for each one of us and a tangible reminder that Jesus is always with us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragrap…

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Day 182: The Inescapable God (2024) 25:33

4d ago25:33

25:33

Congratulations, you've made it about halfway through the Bible in a Year journey! Today, we read again about king Ahaz's unfaithfulness in 2 Kings. We are also introduced to the prophet Micah, who is all about judgement and hope, and we read one of Fr. Mike's favorite psalms. Today's readings are 2 Kings 16, Micah 1-4, and Psalm 139. For the compl…

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Day 181: Jonah and the Whale (2024) 26:28

5d ago26:28

26:28

Today, we hear the story of the prophet Jonah, who, unlike Amos, does not want the people to repent. The readings are 2 Kings 15, Jonah 1-4, and Psalm 138. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. Support…

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Day 181: The Sacrament of the Eucharist (2024) 13:37

5d ago13:37

13:37

The sacrament of the Eucharist has many different names, and "each name evokes certain aspects of it." Fr. Mike explains the meaning behind this sacrament's various titles, including; thanksgiving to God, the Lord's Supper, Breaking of Bread, the Holy Sacrifice, Holy Mass, and others. All the names of this sacrament ultimately remind us that the Eu…

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Lourdes: An Invitation to Healing 26:36

5d ago26:36

26:36

What do you know about Our Lady of Lourdes or St. Bernadette Soubirous? Jeff Cavins shares about the apparition and the visionary while on pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. He shares his own experience at the holy site and the beautiful things he has witnessed. Jeff also shares about the faith of those who seek healing from Jesus and those that encour…

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Day 180: The Source and Summit (2024) 11:06

6d ago11:06

11:06

The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” Today, we begin our journey into the mystery of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Eucharist is particularly unique in relation to the other sacraments because it unites us to the heavenly liturgy and draws us into communion with God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs …

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Day 180: Giving Time to God (2024) 22:48

6d ago22:48

22:48

As we conclude the book of Amos, we hear Amos rebuke the people for grudgingly giving their time to God, as in prayer or on the sabbath, and counting the minutes until they could do whatever they wanted. Fr. Mike points out that if we don't give our hearts and minds to God, we won't be able to stand heaven, where prayer and praise are everlasting. …

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Why Is God Referred to as a "He"? 7:46

7d ago7:46

7:46

Hi Father Josh! I was introduced to your podcast a few months ago and I love everything that you do! Your spontaneous singing makes me laugh out loud and your straightforward, digestible answers to Catholic questions have helped me grow very much in my faith. I apologize if this question has been asked before since I’ve only heard a few episodes, b…

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Summer with the Saints: St Francis of Assisi 27:26

7d ago27:26

27:26

Bridgett is joined by Travis Rogers, Ascension's Youth Minister, for a conversation about St Francis of Assisi and their connections to this popular saint, including the Secular Franciscan Order. Resources: Video Recommendations St. Francis of Assisi: The World’s Most Beloved Saint St. Francis of Assisi: Sign of Contradiction Organization The Secul…

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Day 179: Blinded by Comfort (2024) 26:52

7d ago26:52

26:52

Fr. Mike points out how Amos' warning against being overly preoccupied with comfort and thus blinded to the needs of others can be especially relevant to us today. The readings are 2 Kings 11-12, Amos 4-6, and Psalm 122. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not b…

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Day 179: Summary of Confirmation (2024) 16:39

7d ago16:39

16:39

Together, with Fr. Mike, we have arrived at the conclusion and nugget day for the section on the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike reiterates the idea that, “What God has done in me cannot stop with me.” We receive God’s gifts at Confirmation, and it is now up to us to use these gifts. He also emphasizes the importance of having the desire for th…

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