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In this groundbreaking episode, Dr. Peter explains how to conceptualize narcissistic "personalities" and narcissistic reactions through the lens of Internal Family Systems.  Looking at narcissism through the lens of subsystems and parts is an entirely new paradigm that makes it easier to accept the reality the unmet attachment and integrity needs that fuel narcissistic positions and behaviors.  Through four case vignettes, Dr. Peter illustrates how both covert and overt narcissism look and function from a parts and systems perspective.

120 Understanding Narcissism More Deeply with IFS

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.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

Day 170: Who Can Be Baptized?

Episode 192 - End of Year Identity Check What was Jesus like for you this year? As we end the year, let's do a poverty and identity check and put Jesus in the center as we look back to this past year and look forward to the coming year For this episode, a proposal to reflect on where Jesus has been, how He has been with you, how He loved you, and how He is loving you into this year. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at pocomerch.com!

End of Year Identity Check

Father Mike Schmitz explains why God focuses on justice in the Old Testament and then shows his mercy in the New Testament. To some readers of the Bible it may seem like God changed, but the truth of the matter is much more profound.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Did God Change?

Jewish Roots

In this week's episode, we reflect on suffering and love. We all have deep and tender places in our hearts where we suffer. Sometimes we feel alone in these sorrows and because of this, turn inwards into our pain. But the reality is, we are never alone in our suffering; God is always with us. We also reflect on fear in suffering, suffering in isolation vs suffering in communion, and how to allow God's light to shine into these sorrowful places. Heather's One Thing - The <a href= "https://www.wordonfire.org/pray/?gc_id=16637531718&h_ga_id=137795943307&h_ad_id=589230362849&h_keyword_id=kwd-18720300&h_keyword=liturgy%20of%20the%20hours&h_placement=&gbraid=0AAAAADRlcdqD3oNH1mkcEtLTAN-TiPpP5&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3vO3BhCqARIsAEWblcBgUAQBejKymz7Z4OCzqM4uEd745A7OH2NR4qKHR_x2rUp9Ys4Ylz4aApGuEALw_wcB"> Liturgy of the Hours</a> subscription and <a href= "https://providential.co/">Providential Co</a>. (especially this <a href= "https://providential.co/products/candle-sacred-heart-of-jesus">Sacred Heart</a> candle) Sister Miriam's One Thing - <a href= "https://us.magnificat.net/">Magnificat</a> (particularly a recent excerpt from <a href= "https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html"> Spe Salvi</a> paragraphs 37-40) Michelle's One Thing - "<a href="https://blessedisshe.net/products/home-blessed-conversations-study-on-the-virtues-of-mary/?ref=MICHELLEBENZINGER">Home: A Blessed Conversations Study on the Virtues of Mary</a>" from Blessed is She and all the women in her small group (use link or code MICHELLE10 for 10% off) Announcement: Friends, we are excited to announce our 2024 Advent Study will be the book <a href= "https://aveadvent.com/">Encountering Emmanuel</a> by Heather Khym! Journal Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What suffering am I running from?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Take some time to identify your current fears. How can you let these fears bring you into an encounter with Love Himself?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Do I have a friend I can invite into my suffering? How can I be present to her suffering as well?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How has Jesus transformed injury into compassion in my life?</li> </ul> Discussion Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Are you suffering in communion or in isolation?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How can you suffer more like Jesus in this season?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What habits in your spiritual toolbox protect your heart in moments of suffering and desolation?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How can you love well when your heart is broken?</li> </ul> Scripture for Lectio: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Sponsor - Laura-Anne: Laura-Anne is a Catholic wedding photographer and marriage mentor who will help you thrive during your engagement, capture heirloom-quality photos of your wedding, and prepare for a joy-filled marriage that reflects God's design. Because it's possible to plan a beautiful, thoughtful wedding reflective of both you and your fiance and, ultimately, surrender your desires for the day to the Lord…all while preparing your heart for the Sacrament of Marriage. Laura-Anne's resources, like <a href= "https://laura-anne.ca/catholic-wedding-kit">The Catholic Wedding Kit</a>, will help you do just that. The Catholic Wedding Kit is a collection of digital tools to guide you through every decision you need to make about your wedding and the why behind each one, helping you communicate, pray, and discern as a couple. Learn more about The Catholic Wedding Kit and the rest of Laura-Anne's resources and photography services at <a href= "http://laura-anne.ca/">laura-anne.ca</a> or on Instagram <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/lauraannesmid/">@lauraannesmid</a> Use code ABIDE for 15% off any digital resources. Timestamps: 00:00 - Laura-Anne 01:28 - Intro 02:20 - Welcome 06:57 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 09:02 - Fear in Suffering 12:13 - Suffering in Communion 19:28 - Choosing to Love 27:41 - Transformation in Freedom 29:23 - Prayer 34:20 - Advent Study Announcement 36:13 - One Things

S15 E3 - Suffering & Love

Episode 77 - Trust That Mercy Is Greater, Week 3 of a series on A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust, by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., available here: https://stpaulcenter.com/trust10/ There are some sins that we just can't seem to shake—habitual sins that keep us coming back to the confessional over and over (and over) again. But no matter how consistent this sin seems, there's one who is more consistent: the Lord. His mercy and grace are greater than our sins and failings. Maybe you're discouraged. Frustrated. Worn down. That experience is real, but it's not who you are; it's not your identity. The truest, most real thing about your experience is his mercy. So don't settle for your sin. Don't believe that well, this is the way it's going to be. No! Return to the confessional, where the grace that's poured out is restorative to that specific wound, and begin again. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of generous donors like you. You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Trust That Mercy Is Greater

<ol><li>Through dramatic reenactments, experiential exercises and the best of available resources, Dr. Peter brings you critical information to help you better love those near you who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and impulses.  Learn how to be a much better first responder in these situations and to be a bridge to additional resources for your loved ones who are considering suicide.   </li><li>Lead-in:  Imagine a young man, a teenager you care about, one you really love, a family member or friend, or the son of a friend, comes to you, in distress, and he shares this with you -- listen closely as he tells you what's on his heart. [insert script].  <ol><li>So now you have this upset, desperate man in front of you, who wants to be dead.  <ol><li>What do you do?  How do you handle this situation?  </li><li>But before we go there, let's start with you.  We created a scenario to evoke what might come up in real life when your encounter a loved one who is suicidal.  </li><li>What do you notice going on inside you right now? <ol><li>What is happening in your body?</li><li>Emotions?</li><li>Assumptions or beliefs about yourself?</li><li>Memories, desires, impulses.  </li><li>Replay the last clip</li><li>What are parts of you saying to you about you right now?</li><li>Really pay attention to those messages</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>I will make a bold claim here -- the number one thing you struggle with in being a first responder to a loved one with suicidal levels distress is [drum roll]  your own internal experience.   </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>The problem you have is not so much inside the distressed loved one.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>The problem you have is inside of you, deep within you.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>You get wrapped up in our own fear, shame, guilt, anger, or your own sense of inadequacy.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Did you feel any of that that in this example, confronted with this teenager in such distress, who feels so strongly the desire to die?  <ol><li>Did you feel uncomfortable, on edge, uncertain?  Anxious?  Ineffective, inadequate?  Responsible, but not knowing what to do?  Did you experience any self-criticism?  Any of those experiences?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>If so, you’ve come to the right place.  I can help with that.  [Insert Intro]</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Intro:  <ol><li>Welcome to the podcast Interior Integration for Catholics, I like being together with you in this whole adventure, as we learn about suicide and what to do about it, all grounded in a Catholic worldview. I am Dr. Peter Malinoski,, passionate Catholic first and clinical psychologist as well, and you are listening to the Interior Integration for Catholics podcast.  Thank you for being here with me.  Interior Integration for Catholics is part of our broader outreach Souls and Hearts bringing the best of psychology grounded in a Catholic worldview to you and the rest of the world through our website soulsandhearts.com</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>This is the fifth in our series on Suicide.  <ol><li>In episode 76, we got into what the secular experts have to say about suicide.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>In episode 77, we reviewed the suicides in Sacred Scripture, in the Bible.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>In episode 78, we sought to really understand the phenomenological worlds of those who kill themselves -- what happens inside?  How can we understand suicidal behaviors more clearly, dispelling myths and gripping on to the sense of desperation and the need for relief that drives so much suicidal behavior.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And in the last episode, number 79, we took a deep dive into the devastating impact of suicide on the parents, spouses, children, siblings, and friends who were left behind.</li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Today's episode, number 80 is entitled "How to Help a Loved One Who is Suicidal." </li><li>We are getting into the nitty-gritty of what do you do when someone you are close to is suicidal? </li><li>In short, how do you love someone who is so distressed, so desperate, that they are seriously considering killing themselves?</li><li>First a brief caveat -- I can't, in a single podcast episode, train you to be a crisis intervention specialist.  That takes dedicated training.  But you know what?  Most people with these suicidal levels of distress don't seek out crisis intervention specialists or therapists or counselors first.  They go to the people they know.  They go to the people whom they hope and believe will love them.  They go to you.  What you'll learn today is for your own information, to help you understand what's going on and how best to act as a first responder and a bridge to long-lasting help that can heal.  </li></ol></li><li>Love your neighbor as yourself.  Diliges proximum tuum tamquam teipsum. Inflection of dīligō (second-person singular future active indicative)  The second great commandment.  Love your neighbor as yourself. Diliges proximum  tuum.  Love is a verb, an action.  So what if our neighbor is the teenager from our lead in today?  How do we love a suicidal person?  How do we love her?  <ol><li>Definition of Love -- Charity -- caritas.   <ol><li>Benevolence -- bonae voluntatis in Latin, good will.  </li><li>Capacity  <ol><li>Understanding the other  <ol><li>Operating in the mode of the receiver</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Dependent on us understanding ourselves</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Mistaking what is coming from who</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Unconsciousx</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Capacity to choose the good -- Freedom.  <ol><li>Well-governed self  <ol><li>Regulated</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Organized</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Calm. Compassionate</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Good human formation</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Possessing virtues</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Possessing the knowledge and expertise in a situation.  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Constancy.  <ol><li>Need peace and interior integration'</li><li>Being vs. doing.</li></ol></li><li>CCC 1829 The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy.  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Loving all their parts  <ol><li>Definition of parts  <ol><li>Suicidal distress makes so much more sense if we understand each person not as a uniform, monolithic, homogenous, single personality, but rather as a dynamic system including a core self and parts.  That helps to explain so much, including shifts over time.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Definition of Parts:  Separate, independently operating personalities within us, each with own unique prominent needs, roles in our lives, emotions, body sensations, guiding beliefs and assumptions, typical thoughts, intentions, desires, attitudes, impulses, interpersonal style, and world view.  Each part also has an image of God and also its own approach to sexuality.  Robert Falconer calls them insiders.  You can also think of them as separate modes of operating if that is helpful.  <ol><li>Not just transient mood states, but whole constellations of all these aspects.</li></ol></li><li>Unintegrated parts are not focused on loving others</li><li>Unintegrated parts can be exiled</li><li>Parts often have very different attitudes toward suicide.  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Blending  <ol><li>What is the key word here?  Blending.  </li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>

80 How to Help a Loved One Who is Suicidal

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the second commandment. Fr. Mike emphasizes that an oath engages the Lord’s name, and the Lord is the Lord of truth. We, therefore, have a duty as Christians to respect God’s name in matters of truth. He also emphasizes that everything we say is either in conformity to truth or in opposition to truth. Today’s readings are paragraphs 2150-2155.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 279: False Oaths (2025)

In this episode, we continue a mini-series on four women in scripture with the story of Deborah. We discuss the story of the prophetess Deborah who takes a posture of receptivity as she collaborates and mothers the people of Israel. We consider Deborah's magnificat and the ways we can give God praise for what he has done in our own lives. We chat about the importance of being attuned and attentive to God's voice and where he may be inviting us to call others on to who they were meant to be. We pray that you would hear God's invitation to rise up this week and allow the Holy Spirit full access that God may bring about his kingdom through you. Sister Miriam's one thing - <a href= "https://amzn.to/39pT7BU">Beholding Beauty: Mary and the Song of Songs - Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV </a> Heather's one thing - My daughter Maria and the blessings of spiritual fathers like Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR at Franciscan where she is going off to University. Michelle's one thing - <a href= "https://blessedisshe.net/product/set-a-fire-for-kids-lent-journal/?wpam_id=128"> Set a Fire for Kids Lent Journal - Blessed is She</a> Discussion questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What struck you from this week's episode?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How does God want to use us to be a voice to call others into their fullness, into their becoming, and to the glory God intends for each of us? </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What do you need to repent of in order to bring God's kingdom here and now? Who is God inviting you to link arms with, in peace, to help bring about His Kingdom here and now? </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What would it mean in your life for you to arise? Where specifically is God calling you to arise in your own motherhood to mother yourself and other people after that? </li> </ol> Journal Questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have seen God move in your life, bring about breakthroughs, heal, restore, or make a way where there was no way. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Read Judges 5 as an inspiration then write down a personal Magnificat: a song or poem of praise to God for what He has done in your life.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What are the places in your life where you seek out your own glory instead of God's glory? In these moments, who are your most honest relationships with that remind you this is not the glory that you were made for?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What are your idols that God is asking you to leave, repent, and turn back to him? What is the captivity that your idols keep you trapped in? </li> </ol> Quotes to Ponder: "Women of the entire universe, whether Christian or non-believing, you to whom life is entrusted at this grave moment in history, it is for you to save the peace of the world." - Saint Paul VI Scripture for Lectio Divina - "Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel." - Judges 5:7 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement The Abiding Together Podcast will be reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions and where to buy your book at <a href= "http://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise">www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.</a>

S09 E04: HerStory Part 2 - Deborah

There’s an ancient symbol that uses a ship or boat to represent the Catholic Church. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz takes that analogy a step further, using it to explain how everything Christians love about their church, whichever one it may be, originally came from the flagship or mothership of Christianity.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Aren't All Churches the Same?

Fr. Damian Ference is a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland where he serves as Vicar for Evangelization, Secretary for Parish Life and Special Ministries, and as Professor of Philosophy at Borromeo Seminary. He holds a licentiate in philosophy from The Catholic University of America and a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He writes regularly on the intersection of faith and culture for a variety of outlets and is the author of the award-winning book, The Strangeness of Truth (Pauline Books &amp; Media, 2019) and Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist (Word on Fire, 2023). Fr. Ference is the founder and director of {TOLLE LEGE} Summer Institute and is a life-time member of the Flannery O'Connor Society. Support the Show: <a href="https://mattfradd.locals.com">https://mattfradd.locals.com</a> Show Sponsors: Hallow: <a href="https://hallow.com/matt">https://hallow.com/matt</a> Strive21: <a href="https://strive21.com/mattfradd">https://strive21.com/mattfradd</a> Exodus90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/matt">https://exodus90.com/matt</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Everything Flannery O'Connor (Fr. Damian Ference) | Ep. 470

Episode 210 - Loved and Celebrated, Series on "The Father" by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Part 5) What does it mean to be loved and celebrated? We are favored sons and daughters worthy of celebration—of being served. We are worthy and loved by God and this episode talks about a step in the right direction on what it means to be loved and celebrated. This is a gentle call to conversion and repentance, an invitation to allow ourselves to be loved sacrificially and give God and others permission to love and celebrate us. Here's the link to the graph that we referenced in the video: https://bit.ly/pocofreedomgraph The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at pocomerch.com! You can get your copy of The Father (by Fr Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) at https://ascensionpress.com/thefather

Loved and Celebrated

First Communion in Tents?!

Episode 76 - Trust God With Your Past, Week 2 of a series on A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust, by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., available here: https://stpaulcenter.com/trust10/ Grace is in the present; there is no grace in the past or in the future. The challenge, though, is that we're all professional escape artists. We can get antsy and we don't know how to be present, which means we don't know how to receive God's grace. We've got to give up the hope of a better past—it has happened and there's nothing we can do about it. We also have to stop living in a fantasy future that doesn't exist—there's no grace there, either. Jesus is Lord of our lives; the past, the present, the future. Trust him, and allow yourself to embrace today and all the grace he is waiting to give you here. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of generous donors like you. You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Trust God With Your Past

In wake of the recent death of Fr. Mike's grandmother, Fr. Mike and Fr. Sean discuss grieving the passing of our loved ones.

Death, Where Is Your Sting?

Day 279: False Oaths (2024)

In this week’s episode, Father John &amp; Jacob discuss the paradox of living a life hidden in Christ while living in the world as a Christian.

The Hidden Life

Now with video! WATCH the podcast on Spirit Juice's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4Hg26S_bDo Episode 57 - Discipleship Is a Team Sport Discipleship is a team sport. Family—both through our natural families, and our supernatural family through baptism—and communion with others is an essential ingredient to the Christian life. Not that it will be easy… it won't be. It is simple, but not easy. An encounter with family lived well is redeeming not because it's perfect, but because there's love and sacrifice in the midst of the mess. That's where healing is, especially if your experience of family has been painful in some way. And truly, if the mention of "family" is painful for you, know this: God wants to break through and redeem that. The bond through baptism is real and deep—this family is not second best; not a consolation prize. Blood is thicker than water, but grace is thicker than blood. "Lord, help me to see today how you're going to reveal yourself in my family." Get your copy of Habits for Holiness (by Fr Mark-Mary Ames, CFR!) at <a href= "https://ascensionpress.com/habits">https://ascensionpress.com/habits</a> The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of generous donors like you. You can give at <a href= "https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco">https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco</a>. Thank you!

Discipleship Is a Team Sport

Addicted to Mediocrity

In this week's episode we wanted you to hear the final talk from our Royal Women's retreat. Mary Bielski talks about our inheritance as children of God, who is the King of Kings. She passionately shares about what it means to operate in authority, how to become more aware and strengthened by the cloud of witnesses, and how to live out our calling and purpose and receive provision from God. Here is the video Mary shows during the talk: <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEiSF8HpyDg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEiSF8HpyDg</a> Discussion Questions: <ol> <li>You have a royal inheritance as a child of God, the King of Kings. What does this mean to you?</li> <li>We have authority as daughters of the King. How can you begin to walk in this authority in the way you act and pray?</li> <li>The orphan spirit can keep us from experiencing the inheritance that God has for us because we aren't ready for it. In what areas does God desire you to grow in maturity so that you can receive His inheritance?</li> </ol> Journal Questions: <ol> <li>How can you pray with more authority?</li> <li>How do you need to grow in self care so that you are filled up and can offer more to those God has entrusted to you?</li> <li>Where do you need to give God your fiat?</li> </ol> Quote to Ponder: "The message of the gospel isn't about just getting into heaven, its about heaven getting into us" - Mary Bielski

S03 Episode 17: Inheritance

<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Dealing with Stress

Speculation about the Antichrist abounds — but what does the Church actually teach? Drawing on Scripture, the early Fathers, and saints like Augustine and Aquinas, this timely book explains the prophecies, signs, and deceptions surrounding the Antichrist’s rise and reign. You’ll learn how to recognize his tactics, avoid spiritual seduction, and stay rooted in the truth. Discover Our Lady’s role, the danger of sacrilege and false prophets, and why staying faithful now is more vital than ever.

The Antichrist | eBook

Join newly ordained, Fr. Jacob, and Fr. Sean in this week’s episode as they delve into priestly ordinations and the significance of the first mass celebrated by newly ordained priests. They also discuss Pentecost and a few other holy feasts celebrated within the Church.

New Priests and Pentecost

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 1322-1327. 
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

Day 180: The Source and Summit

Fr. Raoul Plus offers practical guidance on maintaining a prayerful spirit amid daily distractions. Drawing from the experiences of saints, he provides techniques to foster interior silence, align one's will with God, and integrate prayer into everyday life. This book serves as a manual for those seeking to live in constant communion with God, even during the busiest moments. ​

How To Pray Always | eBook

The sacrament of Holy Communion unites the faithful together in a most profound, visible way. It also makes disunity in the Church all the more painful and apparent. The Catechism reveals the Church’s teachings regarding the Eucharist and Christian churches who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike addresses a most common and difficult question: “If a non-Catholic believes that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, why can they not receive him in the sacrament?” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1396-1401.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

Day 192: Unity in the Eucharist

The Saint of the Day Podcast

<ol><li>Summary:  In this episode, I invite you to explore and understand with me neuropsychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel's Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and what IPNB can show us about psychological health.  We review the triangle of well-being, the nature of secure attachments, and the basis for mental health from an IPNB perspective.  We examine the characteristics of a healthy mind and how it functions, and the two signs that reliable indicate all psychological symptoms and mental dysfunction.  We discuss the nine domains of integration, mindsight, and the healthy mind platter, and I share my exchange with Dr. Siegel about whether and how IPNB can be integrated with Catholicism.  </li><li>Lead in:  Today I want to share with you an approach to understanding ourselves and guiding ourselves toward health that I am really excited about, that I think has great potential to help us in our human formation as Catholics.  <ol><li>We are together in this great adventure, this podcast, Interior Integration for Catholics, we are journeying together, and I am honored to be able to spend this time with you.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>I am Dr. Peter Malinoski, clinical psychologist and passionate Catholic and together, we are taking on the tough topics that matter to you.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>We bring the best of psychology and human formation and harmonize it with the perennial truths of the Catholic Faith.   </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Interior Integration for Catholics is part of our broader outreach, Souls and Hearts bringing the best of psychology and human formation grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person to you and the rest of the world through our website soulsandhearts.com</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>We are continuing our series on how the best of secular psychological approaches define mental health, psychological well-being.  We started with Episode 89 on Polyvagal Theory and covered Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems in Episode 90.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Today's episode, number 92 is entitled "Understanding and Healing your Mind through IPNB"  and it's released on April 4, 2022.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>We are going to unpack what IPNB is, what is says about our human condition and I will share with you an exchange I recently had with neuropsychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel, who brought this whole integrative framework into being, about whether IPNB can be reconciled with Catholicism.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Stay with me for a really interesting deep dive into this fascinating way of understanding ourselves and others.  </li></ol></li><li>Interpersonal Neurobiology or IPNB  <ol><li>Let's start by understanding what IPNB is.  Interpersonal neurobiology.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Breaking down the name interpersonal neurobiology  <ol><li>Inter = between us, among us -- implies relationship.  Relational model.  <ol><li>Not just between you and me, but also between you and you -- inner relationships within you, inner relationships within me.  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Personal -- very relational.  <ol><li>Inter-personal and intrapersonal</li><li>IPNB is all about the way my deep inner experiences connect with your inner experiences </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Neurobiology -- not just the field of neurobiology, but all the branches of scientifically studying how human development takes place and how we can promote well-being in our lives.  <ol><li>Neurobiology brings in all the embodied, physical dimension of our existence.  Our bodies, our brains, our whole nervous system and all of our embodied biology being, that what the neurobiology part refers to </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Interpersonal neuro-biology or IPNB -- works to be a wholistic approach to the human person.  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>IPNB was developed in the 1990s by neuropsychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel who brought together more than 40 professionals, more than 40 experts from a wide range of scientific disciplines to discuss and demonstrate how the mind, brain, and relationships integrate to influence and change each other.  </li><li>Questions that IPNB asks and addresses these questions, five questions standing out to me:  <ol><li>What is the human mind?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>How does the mind develop?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>What does the human mind look like when it's doing really, really well, when it's functioning optimally?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>How can we encourage, nurture and cultivate a healthy, strong mind?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>How can we take what we've learned about the mind and find practical applications that make a real difference in our daily lives? <ol><li>Guidance for how to live our lives</li><li>Pointers for what may need to change in our thinking and behavior to help us live more fully.  </li><li>Very practical -- not just academic ivory-tower, pie-in-the-sky speculation -- Daniel Siegel really wants IPNB to bring healing, growth and well-being to people.  I like that.  I'm into that. </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> </li><li>What IPNB is Not  <ol><li>Not a therapy.  <ol><li>Not a way of doing therapy.  Rather, a way of understanding that can inform different schools of therapy. </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>IPNB is not a discipline.  It's not a specific branch of knowledge. </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Rather, IPNB is a framework that draws on all the different disciplines with a rigorous and structured approach to studying things – not just science – They all have a place in the framework.  <ol><li>It's a consilient framework:  <ol><li>Consilience:  E. O. Wilson  Assessing the universal findings discovered and recognized as real or true across fields and disciplines</li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>The fields contributing to IPNB  <ol><li>Anthropology</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Art</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Biology (developmental, evolution, genetics, zoology)</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Chemistry</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Cognitive Science</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Computer Science</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Contemplative Traditions</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Developmental Psychopathology</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Liberal Arts</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Linguistics</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Neuroscience  <ol><li>Affective</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Cognitive</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Developmental</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>social</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Mathematics</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Medicine</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Mental Health</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Music</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Physics</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Poetry</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Psychiatry</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Psychology  <ol><li>Cognitive</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>developmental</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Volutionary</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Experimental</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>of religion</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Social</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>attachment theory</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>memory</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Sociology</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Systems Theory (chaos and complexity theory)</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>All of these disciplines, all of these fields of inquiriy contribute to IPNB findings</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>IPNB also seeks a common language for these disciplines to be able to share and discuss about these big topics:&lt;...</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>

92 Understanding and Healing your Mind through IPNB

In this episode we talk about how breakdown can lead to breakthrough if we allow God to enter into our pain. Join us as we discuss how to grow in deeper intimacy with God and experience healing and restoration. One Thing We Love This Week: <ul> <li>Heather's one thing - <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k">"No Longer Slaves"</a></li> <li>Michelle's one thing - fall weather and green and white pumpkins</li> <li>Sr. Miriam's One Thing - St. Hildegard poem</li> </ul> Holy Life-Giver Doctor of the desperate. Healer of everyone broken past hope, Medicine for all wounds, Fire of love, Joy of Hearts, fragrant Strength sparking Fountain, Protector, Penetrator, in You we contemplate how God goes looking for those who are lost and reconciles those who are at odds with Him Break our chains! You bring people together. You curl clouds, whirl winds, send rain on rocks, sing in creeks, and turn the lush earth green. You teach those who listen, breathing joy and wisdom into them. We praise You for these gifts, Light-giver, Sound of joy, Wonder of being alive, Hope of every person, and our strongest Good. Group Questions <ol> <li>What does freedom look like?</li> <li>What comes to mind when you read this scripture, "Let the weak say, "I am a warrior!"</li> <li>Have you ever approached God as if He was more like as if He was more like a fairy godmother than a loving Father?</li> </ol> Journal Questions <ol> <li>Where might God "putting His finger" into a wound in your life so that he can bring breakthrough?</li> <li>What is one practical way I can begin the journey from breakdown to breakthrough?</li> </ol> Quote to Ponder "In my deepest wound I saw Your glory, and it dazzled me" - St. Augustine

S02 Episode 06: Breakthrough vs Breakdown

Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob dive into the intertwined realities of entitlement and giftedness.

Entitlement and Giftedness

Below is the entire text from Aquinas I wrote, but before that... Thank God for good bishops like Bishop Rick Stika (@BishopStika) and Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler). Go follow them and thank them for being faithful sons of the Church. Whether the Church should excommunicate anyone? Objection 1. It would seem that the Church ought not to excommunicate anyone, because excommunication is a kind of curse, and we are forbidden to curse (Romans 12:14). Therefore the Church should not excommunicate. Objection 2. Further, the Church Militant should imitate the Church Triumphant. Now we read in the epistle of Jude (verse 9) that "when Michael the Archangel disputing with the devil contended about the body of Moses, he durst not bring against him the judgment of railing speech, but said: The Lord command thee." Therefore the Church Militant ought not to judge any man by cursing or excommunicating him. Objection 3. Further, no man should be given into the hands of his enemies, unless there be no hope for him. Now by excommunication a man is given into the hands of Satan, as is clear from 1 Corinthians 5:5. Since then we should never give up hope about anyone in this life, the Church should not excommunicate anyone. On the contrary, The Apostle (1 Corinthians 5:5) ordered a man to be excommunicated. Further, it is written (Matthew 18:17) about the man who refuses to hear the Church: "Let him be to thee as the heathen or publican." But heathens are outside the Church. Therefore they also who refuse to hear the Church, should be banished from the Church by excommunication. I answer that, The judgment of the Church should be conformed to the judgment of God. Now God punishes the sinner in many ways, in order to draw him to good, either by chastising him with stripes, or by leaving him to himself so that being deprived of those helps whereby he was kept out of evil, he may acknowledge his weakness, and humbly return to God Whom he had abandoned in his pride. In both these respects the Church by passing sentence of excommunication imitates the judgment of God. For by severing a man from the communion of the faithful that he may blush with shame, she imitates the judgment whereby God chastises man with stripes; and by depriving him of prayers and other spiritual things, she imitates the judgment of God in leaving man to himself, in order that by humility he may learn to know himself and return to God. Reply to Objection 1. A curse may be pronounced in two ways: first, so that the intention of the one who curses is fixed on the evil which he invokes or pronounces, and cursing in this sense is altogether forbidden. Secondly, so that the evil which a man invokes in cursing is intended for the good of the one who is cursed, and thus cursing is sometimes lawful and salutary: thus a physician makes a sick man undergo pain, by cutting him, for instance, in order to deliver him from his sickness. Reply to Objection 2. The devil cannot be brought to repentance, wherefore the pain of excommunication cannot do him any good. Reply to Objection 3. From the very fact that a man is deprived of the prayers of the Church, he incurs a triple loss, corresponding to the three things which a man acquires through the Church's prayers. For they bring an increase of grace to those who have it, or merit grace for those who have it not; and in this respect the Master of the Sentences says (Sent. iv, D, 18): "The grace of God is taken away by excommunication." They also prove a safeguard of virtue; and in this respect he says that "protection is taken away," not that the excommunicated person is withdrawn altogether from God's providence, but that he is excluded from that protection with which He watches over the children of the Church in a more special way. Moreover, they are useful as a defense against the enemy, and in this respect he says that "the devil receives greater power of assaulting the excommunicated person, both spiritually and corporally." Hence in the early Church, when men had to be enticed to the faith by means of outward signs (thus the gift of the Holy Ghost was shown openly by a visible sign), so too excommunication was evidenced by a person being troubled in his body by the devil. Nor is it unreasonable that one, for whom there is still hope, be given over to the enemy, for he is surrendered, not unto damnation, but unto correction, since the Church has the power to rescue him from the hands of the enemy, whenever he is willing. SPONSORS EL Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/">https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/</a> Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> GIVING Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd">https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd</a> FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9">https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4</a> The Porn Myth: <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx">https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx</a> CONTACT Book me to speak: <a href="https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform">https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform</a> Learn more about your ad choices. 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142: Excommunicating Andrew Cuomo

Episode 186 - Guidance for the Prophet Have you encountered prophets in your life? Prophets are people who have a profound conviction and clarity about a particular component of the faith and those who practice it. Being a prophet is not about opinions, it is an experience or power that you have, given by God to be a prophetic witness in the world. It's about communicating something about who God is through ourselves. In this episode, we will talk more about what a prophet is. We're gonna dive into how we can take this gift from God—this prophetic call and use it to build up the Kingdom as opposed to something that is a source of division, judgment, and conflict. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at pocomerch.com!

Guidance For The Prophet

In the spiritual life, it’s difficult to know whether striving to do God’s will or just abiding in him is better. But why can’t we do both?

Fr. Mike tells the story of a perpetually active student athlete. His inability to disengage in doing things and just abide in God was a problem, and he knew it. 

Fr. Mike advised him, it’s not that abiding is right and striving is wrong. It’s important to do, but it’s important to also know what not to do in order to acquire the goal your living for.

There are many reasons why we choose to commit to activities, whether it’s for fear of missing out, liking being needed, needing to be liked. The list goes on. But if I find myself unable to rest, do I have a clear vision of what I really want out of life?

Being slightly engaged and not knowing what you’re striving for can be more exhausting than being fully engaged while knowing what you’re striving for. 

It’s important to know when, where, and how I need rest, to know when to just abide in God, like Mary and not Martha (see Luke 10:38-42).

In any given hour, you can be called to strive like Martha in one moment and abide like Mary in the next; to do something one moment and just be in the next. The best thing is when you know you’re doing the right thing and you get to abide in God as well because you know you’re doing his will. <a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Striving vs. Abiding

Episode 35 Being Both Big and Small        September 28, 2020. Intro: Welcome to the podcast Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem!, where by God’s grace, you and I rise up and embrace the possibilities and opportunities for spiritual and psychological growth in this time of crisis, all grounded in a Catholic worldview.   We are going beyond mere resilience, to rising up to the challenges of this pandemic and becoming even healthier in the natural and the spiritual realms than we were before.  I’m clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski and I am here with you to be your host and guide.  This podcast is part of our Souls and Hearts, our online outreach at soulsandhearts.com, which is all about shoring up our natural foundation for the spiritual life, all about overcoming psychological obstacles to being love and to loving.   Thank you for being here with me.  This is episode 35, released on September 28, 2020 and it is titled: Being Both Big and Small.   Ok, so it’s time for questions from our listeners from the last couple of sessions.  But only I got only one question from the last session in the Resilient Catholics Carpe Diem! community, and she essentially answered it so well herself in our RCCD discussion boards that I don’t have a lot to add.  So I am going to make up a question – from an imaginary listener who wants to remain anonymous, so I am going to call him Johnny Hind:    The good thing for a host about making up questions is that you can have them be exactly what you want them to be, and that’s what’s happening now.   From Johnny Hind:  Dr. Peter, what about responsibility?  What about being grown up?  I’m confused about how, the challenges of this world, I’m supposed to be mature, wise, virtuous and so on.  That doesn’t sound like being a baby or a toddler.  I can’t just curl up in a corner suck my thumb and wait  for God and Mary to rock me to sleep all the time.  I have responsibilities!  How do I be both small, childlike, trusting and but also grow to the fullness of manhood or womanhood?   Those are our questions for today.    So for the last five episodes, numbers 30 to 34 we have been discussing being small, being like little children, going beyond just accepting our absolute dependency on God – but embracing it.   following the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:   Matthew 18 1-4  At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19 13-15  Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people;  but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. John 15:4-5   Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 1 Peter 2: 2-3 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— Now we are going to look at the other side of the coin.  Maturity, Responsibility St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. Ephesians 4:15  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ Sirach 15 Do not say: “It was God’s doing that I fell away,” for what he hates he does not do.  Do not say: “He himself has led me astray,” God in the beginning created human beings and made them subject to their own free choice. If you choose, you can keep the commandments; loyalty is doing the will of God. Set before you are fire and water; to whatever you choose, stretch out your hand.  Before everyone are life and death, whichever they choose will be given them. CCC 1730-1738  Freedom and Responsibility.  So here we have the two demands.  To be childlike and to be mature.  To be small and to be big.  These demands, to be small and big can become extremes.  And in the spiritual life, there are two heresies that reflect these two extremes:  Quietism and Pietism.   Two extremes:  Quietism  The Spanish theologian Miguel de Molinos developed Quietism.  From his writings, especially from his "Dux spiritualis" (Rome, 1675), sixty-eight propositions were extracted and condemned by Innocent XI in 1687 Catholic Encyclopedia.  Quietism in the broadest sense is the doctrine which declares that man's highest perfection consists in a sort of psychological and spiritual self-annihilation.  and a consequent absorption of the soul into the Divine Essence even during the present life. In the state of "quietude" the mind is wholly inactive; it no longer thinks or wills on its own account, but remains passive while God acts within it. Quietism is thus generally speaking a sort of false or exaggerated mysticism.   Passivity in therapy.  Psychopathology-ectomy.  Want a general anesthetic, and for me to remove all the dysfunction and problems while they rest.  With my psychotherapy scalpel.  You’re the doctor, you’re supposed to be able to do this.   Pietism is a movement within the ranks of Protestantism, originating in the reaction against the highly intellectualize and reified Protestant theology of the seventeenth century, and aiming at the revival of devotion and practical Christianity. Its appearance in the German Lutheran Church, about 1670, is connected with the name of Philipp Jakob Spener – German Lutheran Theologian, Father of pietism.  His sermons, in which he emphasized the necessity of a lively <a href="https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05752c.htm">faith</a> and the sanctification of daily lifeIt is primarily one’s own individual achievements, the way a man as an individual lives up to his religious duties and moral commandments, the way a woman imitates the "virtues" of Christ, that ensure them justification. Spiritual growth is an individual self-improvement project that minimizes the role of the Church, mystical body of Christ and all believers.  In therapy, pietists have to do it all by themselves.  Unwilling to receive help. Suspicious of it.  Might reduce the magnitude of their own achievements,  They have to be captains of their own ships, bootstrappers.  The quietist says, “Do nothing for yourself.”  God does it all.  I’m totally passive.  God takes all the action.  The pietist says, “Do every...

35 Being Both Big and Small -- September 28, 2020

Through vivid storytelling and beautiful illustrations, this moving book invites children to encounter the divine power of Jesus as He heals the sick, calms the storms, and restores life. With simple yet profound language, it draws young hearts to see that the same Jesus who spoke with authority long ago is truly present today in the Holy Eucharist. By weaving together the miracles of Christ and the Church’s centuries of faithfulness, it inspires wonder, deepens love for the Blessed Sacrament, and nurtures trust in God’s unfailing power.

When Jesus Speaks | eBook

In this episode, Father Sean and Jacob discuss that a pilgrimage isn't so much about the destination, rather about the transformation along the way.

Pilgrims on a Journey

Protecting the Human Ecosystem: Prolegomena

Goebel, 4% Neanderthal

Developing a Clear Vision in Life

On this special episode of Saints Alive, we sat down to answer questions from you, our listeners! Listen in as we talk about everything from how we create these episodes to the process of becoming a saint!Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a <a href='http://hallow.com/saintsalive'>30-day free trial!</a> Please rate, review and share with friends and family! Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: <a href='https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/'>https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/</a>

Q&A With The Creators

Episode 187 - Living Life Not Checking Boxes What is driving your life? What's the reason you do what you do? Life can sometimes become a series of boxes to check-we can tend to do things because we should or we have to as opposed to actually living life and doing things because our hearts want to. What we are proposing in this episode is for us to be more present in the moment and to particularly live from the Trinity dwelling within our hearts. Today, we're gonna talk about how much are we supposed to live from "the outside-in" vs. "the inside-out". The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at pocomerch.com!

Living Life Not Checking Boxes

Fill In the Blank

Fathers Mike and Sean chat about some faces of Grace in the Bible and on the throne.

Graceful Like God

Episode 169 - Prayer and Repentance, Series on Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M. (Part 2 of 8) Growth in spiritual life is never easy. In the beginning, it's gonna take a LOT of effort. But as it goes on, you'll notice that it becomes more and more the Lord's work and less and less contingent on our human work. This is the second episode of our series on the Fire Within that talks about how St. Theresa sees the "giftness" of advanced prayer and the relationship between prayer and the profound growth in the spiritual life. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at pocomerch.com!

Prayer and Repentance

In this episode Fr. Mike and Dcn. Jacob discuss scriptural commentaries and the prophetic character of Jesus and the Church in the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. The conversation was inspired by the biblical scholar Luke Timothy Johnson and one of his books, “Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church.”

The Spirit Within

The Church urges us to pray and work for peace to avoid the evils and injustices of war. Because we live in a broken world, the Church also offers guidance on approaching war. Fr. Mike breaks down just war theory and the criteria of legitimate defense by military force under principles of moral law. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2307-2317.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 302: War

&quot;The patient and humble endurance of the cross – whatever nature it may be – is the highest work we have to do.&quot;Come listen to the incredible story of Saint Katharine Drexel with Paul and Mia! Today’s episode is a special public release of the story of Saint Katharine Drexel that was part of our 2025 Kids Lenten Challenge on Hallow called The Little Way. We can&apos;t wait for you to hear an all new season of Saints Alive starting this September! Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a <a href='http://hallow.com/saintsalive'>30-day free trial!</a> Please rate, review and share with friends and family! Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: <a href='https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/'>https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/</a>

Saint Katharine Drexel Part I

This Live Interview is with Jacob Imam, who was born into a Muslim home, and converted to Catholicism under the guidance of his godfather, Walter Hooper (C. S. Lewis's personal secretary). He graduated from the University of Oxford as a Marshall scholar with his masters and doctorate, writing his dissertation on theology and economics. Visit St. Joseph the Worker College at https://www.collegeofstjoseph.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Is The University System Dead? (Jacob Imam)

&quot;Why must we suffer? Because here below pure Love cannot exist without suffering. O Jesus, Jesus, I no longer feel my cross when I think of yours.&quot;  - St. BernadetteCome listen to the incredible conclusion of Saint Bernadette’s story! The inexplicable healing of Catherine Latapie’s hand was only the beginning of the miracles that would pour forth from Lourdes. But Bernadette would have to endure much more before the truth was accepted: threats from the chief inspector, skepticism from hundreds and the disappointment of Abbe Peyramale. Through it all, Bernadette persevered in carrying out Our Lady’s message for the town of Lourdes and the whole world. Check out this episode&apos;s sponsor: <a href='https://www.holyplayingcards.com/home'>Holy Playing Cards</a>Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a <a href='http://hallow.com/saintsalive'>30-day free trial!</a> Please rate, review and share with friends and family! Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: <a href='https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/'>https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/</a>

Saint Bernadette Part II

For this first week of Easter, Fr. Mike wants us to know how important we are to Jesus. When Jesus rose from the dead, the first people he encountered were Mary Magdalene and his disciples—the ones who believed in him. This Easter, because we believe in him, he comes to us first as well, and he tells us to go spread the Good News to the rest of the world.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Fr. Mike's Easter Special

In this episode, we discuss freedom in Christ. We all have places in our lives where the enemy has whispered a lie. A lie that tells us we will never escape the bondage of our sins. That we will always be slaves to something. But these whispers are just that - a lie. We are not made to be filled with weakness! We are made to live in freedom. Christ came to earth to break the chains of sin and death. He has created a pathway for us to live in freedom. Friends, what if the place of your greatest pain could become the place of your greatest holiness? Join us as we discuss how we are made for freedom. Heather's One Thing- <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/album/2aGiv73UJKLLSjqE4Tvejd?si=KQ_stZ02TiGL_rRTWsunKw"> Live in the Prayer Room</a> by Jeremy Riddle Michelle's One Thing - <a href= "https://amzn.to/3WbPB5l">Soul of Shame</a>, Dr. Curt Thompson Sister Miriam's One Thing - <a href= "https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HPcSkoSIjKDNC1SUnZwR0pU522T0hGrdFBN8aUqh4Rg/edit?usp=sharing"> Double Chocolate Walnut Biscotti Recipe</a> Discussion Questions: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What would it look like for me to be free?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Is it more comfortable to live in my chains or pursue freedom?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When have I experienced the fruit of inner healing in the past?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What is a place of bondage in my life that the Lord is inviting me into greater freedom?</li> </ul> Journal Questions: <ul> <li>Where would I experience more freedom in my heart and in my life if I truly believed the power of the Resurrection lived in me?</li> <li>How has the Lord called me out of bondage and into freedom in the past?</li> <li>What are the places of self hatred in my heart? How can I receive and accept the Lord's tenderness there?</li> </ul> Quotes to Ponder: "If you want to hold people in chains, one must first convince them that they are meant to be bound." // from the movie "Woman King" "As long as this attachment remains, it is impossible to make progress in perfection, even though the imperfection be very small. It makes little difference whether a bird is tied by a thin thread or by a cord. Even if it is tied by a thread, the bird will be held bound… it will be impeded from flying as long as it does not break the thread." // St John of the Cross, Ascent of Mt. Carmel, Book One, 11.4. Scripture for Lectio: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) Sponsor - House of Joppa: This week's episode is sponsored by House of Joppa. If you are looking for beautifully curated Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries, and other gifts, look no further than House of Joppa. Each product is designed to draw you deeper into your faith and help you to fall more in love with Christ and His Church. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, you will love House of Joppa. Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15. Visit them online at <a href= "https://www.houseofjoppa.com/">https://www.houseofjoppa.com</a> or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

S12 E3 - Made for Freedom

When we are discerning God’s will in our lives, we often get overwhelmed by the anxiety of making the right choice and don’t permit ourselves to consider what we actually want. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to weigh all the choices that are open to us, good for us, wise, and desired by us. The last of the four is often overlooked, so Fr. Mike explains why it is just as important to pay attention to our heart’s desires as it is to consider the other three factors when we are discerning a decision.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

4 Helpful Rules for Discernment

What does Max Scheler have to do with me?

Don't Resent the New Host

Opening Credits

Publisher's Note

Grace and the Gifts

The Gift of Understanding

The Gift of Knowledge

The Gift of Wisdom

The Gift of Counsel

The Gift of Piety

The Gift of Fear

The Gift of Fortitude

The Gifts for Glory

End Credits

The Holy Spirit’s quiet promptings guide you to peace and strength in a troubled world. Learn how His seven gifts build virtue, conquer fear, and help you live courageously for God’s glory each day.

The Seven Steps to Sanctification

In this episode Dcn. Jacob and Fr. Mike discuss the likeness and difference between the self-help movement and the Christian practice of asceticism. Do we still need God, or can we help ourselves?

Cathartic Heresies

Resources: <ul> <li><a href= "https://www.catholicexorcism.org/deliverance-prayers-for-the-laity"> The St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal</a> - website </li> <li><a href="http://SpiritualDirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li><a href="http://onelink.to/92tyk4">The Contemplative Rosary App</a> (phones and tablets only)</li> <li><a href="http://SpiritualDirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> <li><a href="https://www.sophiainstitute.com">Sophia Institute Press</a> - online</li> <li><a href="https://www.apostoliviae.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Apostoli Viae</a> - website</li> </ul>

How Does the Devil Deceive Us?

Sometimes the things that we own end up owning us. Detachment prevents this from happening.

You may have heard of the minimalist movement that focuses on only having the things you need, and letting go of the things you don’t. Most people practice this by decluttering their house or storage, like you would if you were cleaning out a closet. But it’s not so much having a lot of stuff that’s the problem: it’s being attached to those things, and letting them have a sense of control over your life. 

This can happen with anything we own, from entertainment resources like books or video games, to things like photos, letters from family and friends, or even notes from your favorite theology course. For some reason, our hearts hold on to certain things, even if we haven’t looked at them in years, just in case we need them someday. Maybe it’s because of sentimental value, or because we find joy in them, but most of the time, we keep these things for a sense of security.

There’s nothing wrong with having things, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with finding joy in the things we do have. But if there are things sitting on our shelves, collecting dust because we’re keeping them “just in case,” maybe the question we need to ask ourselves is, “what does God want me to do with this?” Does he want us to keep it and use it, or give it away to someone who needs it, or just throw it away? But the important thing to remember is that everything we have should be looked at with the idea that we can do something good with it, and intend to use it for the glory of God. 

If you still have use for it, then keep it. If it’s done all it can for you, and has more goodness for someone else, then give it away. And if all its goodness is used up, then toss it. But whatever we have, we need to give it to God, acknowledging that he gave it to us in the first place. Letting him decide what we do with the things we own is the perfect way to not only detach ourselves from our possessions, but to gain more freedom in our lives to bless others.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>