Best Ascension Sisters Podcasts (2024)

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

1h 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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Day 180: The Source and Summit (2024) 11:06

2h 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 179: Summary of Confirmation (2024) 16:39

1d 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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Be Who God is Calling You to Be: Aurelio Cadena’s Faith Journey - 362 41:59

1d ago41:59

41:59

Judy Comeaux sits down with Aurelio Cadena, who is in his fifth and final year of diaconate formation. Aurelio shares his journey from a scientific, analytical background to a deep, unwavering faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of community, the impact of mentors, and the transformative power of God's love and mercy. This episode is filled …

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Transform Your Home: Enthronement to the Sacred Heart! with Emily Jaminet - 361 42:00

1d ago42:00

42:00

Pam Marvin welcomes Emily Jaminet of Welcome His Heart to discuss the powerful devotion of Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Emily shares her personal journey with the Sacred Heart, recounting inspiring stories from her childhood, her family's conversion, and the transformative impact of enthronement on her life and others. This episode of…

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How Victory Sports is Instilling Virtue & Transforming Families with Robyn Romansky - 360 42:00

1d ago42:00

42:00

Join Maria Sotolongo on this episode of RED-C Roundup as she interviews Robyn Romansky, the dynamic director behind Victory Sports. Explore how faith and athletics intertwine to build virtue-based youth programs. Discover the origins of Victory Sports, its mission, and how it's impacting families and parishes. This episode is filled with inspiring …

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DISCOVER Catholic Treasures with the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Hezekias - 359 42:00

1d ago42:00

42:00

Deacon Mike Beauvais hosts an inspiring conversation with Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo on this episode of RED-C Roundup. Fr. Hezekias, an esteemed priest and founder of the Institute of Catholic Culture, shares his journey from being baptized at ten, through his reversion to the faith, to founding a global educational institute. Discover how his upbringin…

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A Heart TRANSFORMED by Faith: RED-C Visits the Sisters of Mary Morning Star! - 358 42:00

1d ago42:00

42:00

In this inspiring episode of "RED-C Roundup," host Darren Sinkule shares his miraculous story of survival and faith. Eleven years ago, on May 13th, Darren nearly died but experienced a profound miracle through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, receiving a new heart after praying the Rosary. This powerful testimony sets the stage for a deep di…

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ProLifeWaco Speaks on the HORRORS of Chemical Abortion - 357 42:02

1d ago42:02

42:02

Host Judy Comeaux leads an engaging conversation with John Pisciotta from Pro-Life Waco. This episode dives deep into the challenges and victories within the pro-life movement, exploring the critical shift from surgical to chemical abortions and the continuous fight to safeguard life. Join us for this informative and heartfelt episode as we delve i…

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Day 178: Who Receives Confirmation (2024) 15:37

2d ago15:37

15:37

We continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically both who should receive Confirmation and who can act as the minister of the sacrament. Fr. Mike reiterates that every baptized person, not yet confirmed, should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Without Confirmation, Christian initiation remains incomplete. He also emph…

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Day 177: The Celebration of Confirmation (2024) 19:47

3d ago19:47

19:47

We continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically the celebration and effects of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike explores the different elements of the rite of Confirmation and the ways in which Confirmation increases and deepens our baptismal graces. He emphasizes, in particular, the special strength of the Holy Sp…

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Day 176: Traditions and Signs of Confirmation (2024) 17:26

4d ago17:26

17:26

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically the two Traditions and different signs of Confirmation. Fr. Mike unpacks the differences in the two Traditions, East and West, in the celebration of Confirmation. He also explores the different signs that oil and anointing in the sacrament of Confirm…

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Day 175: Introduction to Confirmation (2024) 12:25

5d ago12:25

12:25

We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles r…

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Day 174: Summary of the Sacrament of Baptism (2024) 12:46

6d ago12:46

12:46

In this summary of the Church’s teachings on Baptism, the Catechism relays the heart of the sacrament. If you needed to quickly explain Baptism to someone on the street—Fr. Mike says—this would be your guide. Fr. Mike hones in on the fact that Baptism is “a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit.” Today’s readings are para…

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Day 173: Brothers and Sisters in Baptism (2024) 15:41

7d ago15:41

15:41

The Catechism shows us how Baptism unites the Church as a “People of God of the New Covenant” and goes so far as to say that “Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians.” We all belong to Jesus, together. Fr. Mike highlights the fact that with the gift of unity in Baptism comes real responsibility. Today’s readings are Cat…

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Day 172: What Does Baptism Do? (2024) 14:57

8d ago14:57

14:57

Baptism has profound effects upon the baptized: “purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.” The Catechism shows us that the graces of Baptism are so deep that—for the newly baptized—“nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God.” Fr. Mike relates to us the hard teaching that we are born mere beloved creatures…

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Day 171: The Necessity of Baptism (2024) 20:09

9d ago20:09

20:09

“Baptism is the sacrament of faith.” The Catechism explains to us who can baptize as well as why we need Baptism for eternal life. It also explains to us what happens when people die without the opportunity for Baptism. Fr. Mike addresses our “what about” questions concerning Baptism. Most especially, Fr. Mike addresses the destination of those who…

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Day 170: Who Can Be Baptized? (2024) 13:34

10d ago13:34

13:34

Put simply, “[e]very person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.” The Catechism explains to us the purpose of Baptism for both adults and infants. Fr. Mike doubles down and makes sure we understand that Baptism is for everyone. God wills Baptism for all people. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1246-1252. This epi…

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Day 169: The Mystagogy of Baptism (2024) 14:18

11d ago14:18

14:18

Together with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism, specifically the mystagogy of the rite of Baptism. The Catechism explains each and every element of the Baptismal rite, from the Sign of the Cross to the baptismal water. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on Baptism as the beginning of our sacramental journey and ho…

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Day 168: The Celebration of Baptism (2024) 14:17

12d ago14:17

14:17

We continue our examination of the Sacrament of Baptism, specifically how we celebrate the sacrament and the different elements that must always be present in Baptism. Fr. Mike emphasizes that while infant Baptism has become the “form in which this sacrament is usually celebrated,” post-baptismal formation and instruction is necessary in order for …

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Day 167: The Baptism of Christ (2024) 12:35

13d ago12:35

12:35

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism. Fr. Mike emphasizes that each and every one of the Old Covenant prefigurations are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He also unpacks Christ’s own Baptism in the Jordan, explaining that when Christ is baptized by John the Baptist, he brings the “mess of humanity” into the Jor…

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Day 166: Introduction to Baptism (2024) 18:43

14d ago18:43

18:43

Together, we begin the chapter on the sacraments of initiation, specifically the section on the sacrament of Baptism. Fr. Mike unpacks the different names that the Church employs when discussing Baptism, such as the “washing of regeneration and renewal” and “enlightenment.” He concludes with a reflection on the prefigurations of Baptism in the Old …

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Day 165: Summary of Liturgical Diversity (2024) 13:38

15d ago13:38

13:38

Together, with Fr. Mike, we arrive at the conclusion and “nugget day” for the section on liturgy and culture. Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of the fact that the Church does not abolish culture, but redeems and fulfills it. He also emphasizes that even though the Church welcomes liturgical diversity, there are still some things that are incompa…

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Day 164: Liturgical Diversity and Unity (2024) 10:49

17d ago10:49

10:49

Did you know there is more than one liturgical rite in the Catholic Church? Fr. Mike reviews the different liturgical Traditions that are part of the Catholic Church. All of the different rites are rooted in the same mission of Christ, reminding us that the diversity of liturgical Traditions does not take away from the unity of the Faith. Today’s r…

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Day 163: Summary of the Liturgy (2024) 11:25

19d ago11:25

11:25

In today’s “nugget day”, we review the main takeaways from our readings on the liturgy. Fr. Mike invites us to remember that every time we participate in the liturgy, we are participating in the heavenly worship of the Father. We also learn that in times of discouragement, we can unite ourselves to Christ our high priest by praying the Liturgy of t…

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Day 162: Where the Liturgy Is Celebrated (2024) 13:46

20d ago13:46

13:46

Where is the liturgy celebrated? The Catechism offers us overarching principles as well as specific details about the spaces in which the liturgy is celebrated. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of endowing dignity and respect to these physical spaces because they are sacred places of encounter with our Lord. Today’s readings are Catechism paragra…

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Day 161: The Liturgy of the Hours (2024) 18:31

21d ago18:31

18:31

The Liturgy of the Hours is known as the “public prayer of the Church.” Fr. Mike explains how praying the Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies time and gives God the opportunity to speak to us throughout our day. Fr. Mike encourages us to see the Liturgy of the Hours as a great gift from the Church that can powerfully transform our prayer lives when it …

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Day 160: The Liturgical Year (2024) 10:16

22d ago10:16

10:16

Fr. Mike reviews the major solemnities and feast days that make up the liturgical year and explains why they are important to celebrate. We learn that the liturgical year highlights key moments of the Paschal Mystery and commemorates the life of our Blessed Mother and the lives of the saints and martyrs. The feasts and solemnities of the liturgical…

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Day 159: When the Liturgy Is Celebrated (2024) 14:54

23d ago14:54

14:54

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the question of when the liturgy is celebrated. The Catechism states that there is a word that marks Christian prayer, and that word is “today.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that our liturgy and worship happens “today,” not in the past and not in the future, but right now in this present moment. Today’s readings are Catec…

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Day 158: Holy Images in the Liturgy (2024) 12:07

24d ago12:07

12:07

We continue our examination of the different elements of the liturgy, specifically holy images in the liturgy. Fr. Mike highlights that because the Word was made visible in the flesh, Christians now can use images of Christ to pray. Liturgical art is a symbol that points to a greater reality than itself. It is meant to lift our hearts and minds to …

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Day 157: God’s Word and Sacred Music (2024) 16:09

25d ago16:09

16:09

Fr. Mike examines the words, actions, music, and singing involved in how we celebrate the Liturgy. He discusses how, at many Masses, there are signs that accompany the Word of God to emphasize the importance of the Word being proclaimed. He further explains that sacred music is a combination of music and words drawn chiefly from Sacred Scripture. W…

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Day 156: How the Liturgy Is Celebrated (2024) 17:13

26d ago17:13

17:13

We continue to examine the celebration of the liturgy and sacraments. In the context of how the liturgy is celebrated, Fr. Mike explains that we are both body and spirit, and so signs and symbols are the way in which we communicate with and understand the world around us. God communicates spiritual realities in the same way. The signs and symbols w…

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Day 155: Who Celebrates the Liturgy (2024) 18:13

27d ago18:13

18:13

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine “who celebrates the liturgy.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that when we celebrate the sacraments, the whole Christ, not just the body on Earth, but also the body in Heaven, celebrates with us. The Church enables us to participate in the eternal liturgy through the sacraments, and our baptismal priesthood allows us to have…

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Day 154: Sacraments of Eternal Life (2024) 13:09

28d ago13:09

13:09

We’ve seen how the sacraments re-present what Christ worked for us in his Passion and death, but the Catechism also explains to us how the sacraments prefigure our eternal inheritance in heaven. Fr. Mike uses this “nugget day” as an opportunity to ensure we understand what the sacraments are and what they’re for. Today’s readings are Catechism para…

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Day 153: Sacraments Save (2024) 14:11

29d ago14:11

14:11

Jesus uses his sacraments to save his people. The Catechism proclaims that the sacraments are “efficacious”, the sacraments are “wrought…by the power of God” alone, and the sacraments are “necessary for salvation”. Fr. Mike doubles down on the reality that sacraments cause what they signify. They are not merely signs pointing to an already present …

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Day 152: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi (2024) 16:42

30d ago16:42

16:42

The Catechism makes clear to us that evangelization and the sacraments go hand in hand. An ancient saying is highlighted, linking the two: lex orandi, lex credendi—or, the law of prayer is the law of faith. Fr. Mike illustrates this connection by showing us that, when you change the sign that points to an invisible reality, you risk changing where …

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Day 151: The Seven Sacraments (2024) 14:37

1M ago14:37

14:37

The Catechism introduces the seven sacraments that Christ offers the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Catechism highlights the fact that the sacraments are “by the Church” because the Church is “Christ’s action at work”, and they are “for the Church” because they “manif…

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Day 150: The Epiclesis (2024) 12:58

1M ago12:58

12:58

At the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the epiclesis, when the priest begs the Holy Spirit to come and transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. The Catechism explains this mysterious reality, and Fr. Mike reiterates that the Mass is not a repetition of Christ’s once-and-for-all sacrifice, but a re-…

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Day 149: The Holy Spirit Recalls Christ’s Mystery (2024) 14:09

1M ago14:09

14:09

Fr. Mike examines how the Holy Spirit recalls the mystery of Christ. We explore how the Holy Spirit both inspires the Word of God and recalls the Word of God. Fr. Mike emphasizes that it is the Holy Spirit that helps us hear and understand God’s Word. It is the Holy Spirit that helps elicit a response of consent and commitment within us. Today’s re…

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Day 148: The Holy Spirit’s Work in the Liturgy (2024) 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacramental economy, specifically the Holy Spirit’s work in the liturgy. Fr. Mike emphasizes that what Jesus makes possible, the Holy Spirit makes actual. We are made to live in the life of the risen Christ and that is what the Spirit brings about in us. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflectio…

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Day 147: Christ’s Work in the Liturgy (2024) 17:24

1M ago17:24

17:24

We continue our examination of Christ’s acts through the sacraments that he instituted. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding that the sacraments are sacred signs that “make present efficaciously the grace they signify.” The sacraments specifically signify the Paschal mystery, Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. We also explore ho…

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Day 146: The Father’s Work in the Liturgy (2024) 16:33

1M ago16:33

16:33

Together, we begin Section One on the sacramental economy. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the sacramental economy is both what God has done for us and how we should participate in it. He also emphasizes the blessings we receive from the sacraments through the Father. We conclude with an examination on the dual dimension of the sacramental liturgy, that w…

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Day 145: Introduction to the Liturgy (2024) 16:41

1M ago16:41

16:41

Together, with Fr. Mike, we begin the section of the Catechism examining the liturgy. We start with an exploration of the questions of “why” the liturgy and “what” the liturgy is. Fr. Mike explains that it is through the liturgy that we are able to encounter the grace that Jesus Christ has won for us. He emphasizes that it is the liturgy that gives…

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Day 144: How We Worship (Part 2 Introduction with Bishop Andrew Cozzens) (2024) 46:12

1M ago46:12

46:12

Part 2 of the Catechism—the Second Pillar—is about “how we worship” through the Liturgy and the sacraments. Fr. Mike sits down with Bishop Andrew Cozzens to discuss the significance of the way we worship God and how Jesus meets us in the sacraments. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism…

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Day 143: Amen (2024) 16:08

1M ago16:08

16:08

Congratulations, we have come to the conclusion of Part One of the Catechism! Fr. Mike reviews the last “nugget” section on death and judgment, inviting us to regularly ponder the moment of our own death and judgment before our Lord. We conclude today with an explanation of the meaning of the word “amen” and the significance it has for our belief i…

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Day 142: The New Heaven and the New Earth (2024) 15:58

1M ago15:58

15:58

What will happen to humanity and the entire universe at the end of time? Fr. Mike shares with us the joyous hope of the new heaven and the new earth that awaits us after the Last Judgment. We learn that “at the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness,” and all of creation will be redeemed and renewed. There will be no more weeping…

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Day 141: The Last Judgment (2024) 16:39

1M ago16:39

16:39

We delve into the cosmic event that will take place at the end of time known as the Last Judgment. Fr. Mike explains the difference between the Last Judgment and our particular judgment at the time of our death. We learn that the Last Judgment will reveal the consequences of all our actions and how God’s justice triumphs over all the injustices we’…

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Day 140: Purgatory and Hell (2024) 21:15

1M ago21:15

21:15

Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely c…

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Day 139: I Believe in Life Everlasting (2024) 18:12

1M ago18:12

18:12

Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore what happens to us at and after the moment of our death. We examine the importance of understanding that the Christian, who unites his death with Christ Jesus, takes a step towards Christ in everlasting life. Fr. Mike emphasizes that we have an active choice in our journey to our Father in heaven. We should not s…

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Day 138: Summary of the Resurrection of the Body (2024) 14:48

1M ago14:48

14:48

Together, with Fr. Mike, we arrive at the “nugget day” or summary for the Catechism paragraphs on the Resurrection and the Christian vision of death. Fr. Mike emphasizes that in the face of death, we must not grieve as though we have no hope. He also points out the importance of preparing for the hour of our death. Today’s readings are Catechism pa…

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