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Inspired by a topic suggestion sent in by a listener, Dcn. Jacob and Fr. Mike touch on how contemplation can be found in all vocations. They remind us that no matter what our vocation is, we all have the same opportunity for holiness.

The Universal Call to Contemplation?

Episode 250 - Jesus's Favorite Things: Faith, Series on Jesus's Favorite Things (Part 5) Why is Faith so important to Jesus? Faith is the proof of our belief in God's goodness. It's seeing that God is all-seeing, all-powerful, and all-good. Ultimately, faith shows that we have complete trust and confidence in Him and that He matters more to us than anything else. These are some of the reasons why Faith means so much to Jesus. In this episode, we'll dive deep into the definition of Faith, learn what it truly means, and why it's one of Jesus's favorite things. 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 https://www.pocomerch.com/ 🛒 Check out some rosaries we made in collaboration with Chews Life https://bit.ly/chewslife-poco

Jesus's Favorite Things: Faith

Fr. Mike continues to explore the joint mission of the Word and Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. Together, we unpack how the Holy Spirit has been moving the prophets, particularly the prophet Isaiah. We learn how the characteristics of the Messiah are revealed, above all, in the “Servant Songs.” We also examine the Holy Spirit’s role in John the Baptist recognizing Christ as Messiah, even from within the womb. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 711-720.

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 101: Expecting the Messiah (2024)

In this episode, we welcome Jill Simons as our guest to talk about Charisms. A charism is a grace from God we are called to use to build up His Kingdom here on earth. We acknowledge a deep lie that many people believe they don't have anything special to offer our communities or the Church, but the truth is that charisms are given to every person by God. Jill offers practical tools to help discern your charisms, the theology behind charisms, and how charisms work within our vocations. Heather's One Thing - The song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW7uFCtxz94">Most Beautiful</a> by Upperroom and the unity that is increasing among denominations Sister Miriam's One Thing - The <a href="http://hallow.com/abidingtogether">St. Joseph Consecration</a> on Hallow beginning May 1st (read by Sr. Miriam) Michelle's One Thing - <a href= "https://amzn.to/3AahRvS">A Home in Bloom: Four Enchanted Seasons with Flowers</a> by Christie Purifoy and <a href= "https://blessedisshe.net/products/blessed-is-she-bible/?ref=MICHELLEBENZINGER"> The Blessed is She Journaling Bible</a> Jill's One Thing - <a href= "https://encounterschool.org/">Encounter School of Ministry</a> Resources Mentioned in this Episode: <a href="https://manypartsministries.com/">Many Parts Ministries</a> <a href="https://pinksaltriot.com/">Pink Salt Riot</a> <a href= "https://instagram.com/manypartsministries">Many Parts</a> on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/pinksaltriot">Pink Salt Riot</a> on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/jill_simons_">Jill Simon's</a> Instagram Discussion Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What gifts and charisms has God entrusted to you?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Who in your life lives out their charisms in freedom, boldness and generosity? What have you learned from them?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How do you experience Christ's love and intimacy through your charisms and prayer?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How have you silenced or hidden the gifts you've been given or the call on your heart?</li> </ul> Journal Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How do I relate to my own gifts and charisms? Do I operate out of a performance mindset?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How do my charisms play a role with my vocation and the people around me?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What is the story of the Kingdom of God that the Lord is telling through my life and my charisms?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How is Jesus encountering me through my charisms and gifts?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What have I learned about my identity as the beloved through my charisms?</li> </ul> Quote to Ponder: Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which He looks Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, Yours are the eyes, you are His body. Christ has no body now but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. — St. Teresa of Ávila (attributed) Scripture for Lectio: For <a href= "https://biblehub.com/greek/2316.htm">God's</a> gifts <a href= "https://biblehub.com/greek/2532.htm">and</a> <a href= "https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm">His</a> <a href= "https://biblehub.com/greek/2821.htm">call</a> <a href= "https://biblehub.com/greek/278.htm">are irrevocable.</a> - Romans 11:29 Sponsor - Mary's Meals: Mary's Meals sets up community-run school feeding projects in some of the world's poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. The idea is a simple one that works. Mary's Meals provides one daily meal in a place of learning to attract chronically poor children into the classroom, where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty. Today, Mary's Meals is providing more than 2.4 million children with a daily school meal across five continents. But the need is great! The appalling reality is that there are still 73 million children living in extreme poverty in need of school feeding. Please help to reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary's Meals. To get involved or learn more visit <a href= "https://www.marysmeals.ca" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">marysmeals.ca</a> in Canada or <a href= "https://www.marysmealsusa.org" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">marysmealsusa.org</a> in the USA.

S12 E17 - Charisms with Special Guest Jill Simons

We thought we would have a little fun this week with a light hearted conversation about some of our favorite things from movies to saints and everything in between. We have learned that in order to have thriving relationships, its so important to never stop learning about the other. Laughing and chatting about things we love, bonds people. We hope you'll take an opportunity to discuss your favorite things with a few friends over a coffee or glass of wine.

S03 Episode 13: Favorite Things

Join Fr. Jacob and Fr. Sean as they record this episode live from the Camino de Santiago, sharing their experiences and insights along the way.

Food for the Journey

I'll be chatting all things healing w/ Margaret Vasquez. I know all of us have had trauma, both big and small, we NEED HEALING and JESUS! Feel free to put questions or topics you want us to address below. Margaret Vasquez holds a bachelor's degree in Theology and a master's degree in counseling, both from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Trauma Therapist and is founder and director of Sacred Heart Healing Ministries. For the past 16 years she has treated clients of all ages from around the world in a method of trauma therapy she developed. She now does healing/wellness/and relationship coaching online and provides healing retreats and parish healing seminars based on a Theology of relationships the Lord showed her through her time as a clinical counselor. Her website: <a href= "http://www.SacredHearthealingministries.com">www.SacredHearthealingministries.com</a> Her Books (both on Amazon): More Than Words: The Freedom to Thrive After Trauma Fearless: Abundant Life Through Infinite Love WOMAN MADE NEW book is available for presale now on <a href= "http://www.EWTNRC.com">www.EWTNRC.com</a> | <a href= "https://bit.ly/3QoJis0">https://bit.ly/3QoJis0</a> Coupon code "Newbooks" will give a 10% discount to preorders. Margaret's Podcast: Wholeness & Holiness ____________________________ Don't forget that we have made <a href= "https://www.cameronfradd.com/">https://www.cameronfradd.com/</a> the place where you can find all the things Among The Lilies! Check out our new shop with ATL merchandise, and we will be adding more items soon! Thank you all for your support. I am so grateful, and I love and am praying for y'all! Thank you for being here! If you are interested in supporting Among the Lilies (you will get access to a BUNCH of things including bonus content), please consider supporting us at <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies">https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies</a> By supporting us, you will get access to a BUNCH of things, including bonus content. Please join the Among the Lilies community on Instagram and Facebook! ➡️ <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheLiliess/">https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheLiliess/</a> ➡️ <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/among_the_lilies">https://www.instagram.com/among_the_lilies</a>

231. Ask a Trauma Therapist

I chat with my mate, Gomer, about what St. Thomas (and the Catholic Church teaches) about grace. --- Learn more about my guest Gomer - <a href="http://www.layevangelist.com/">http://www.layevangelist.com/</a> And his podcast Catching Foxes here - <a href="http://www.layevangelist.com/catchingfoxes/">http://www.layevangelist.com/catchingfoxes/</a> --- 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. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

44: What is grace? Why is it important? With Michael Gormley

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

Can a Catholic Marry a Non-Catholic?

Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of <a href='https://www.goodcatholic.com/'>Good Catholic</a> and <a href='http://thecatholiccompany.com/'>The Catholic Company</a>. Today&apos;s featured saint is St. Gregory. If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!🔔Subscribe to Our Channel: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNrdEJMWl9MMHluX2FYOVExYktxa0xGdGp1d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSmFkN2pqNWFkQkI3NVFFeGZYTno0cmp6b1hJVVI3cW5IbmZ4aWN1Y0FLRUJsWUItZGRJSTRPUW13YWtnQVJLbzBUS041TzlveF9Ec3lwSDd4RWgwaFg3VTJQc2Eyc3lXTkF1WWoyM0MyenV2MTdzbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3sX4exh&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3sX4exh</a>✅ Visit Good Catholic for more great content: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RyRnFzSEt0VWptYWlSNTJDR0ZPRDNqZnJiQXxBQ3Jtc0trSG1IR2dtaEduSHB2RGVtQVQ4VFJvNnpPY3NVZ19fcURMa21SdzRHSWlnMWljb3pBNmdSNkV0UDNGblJ3ZmY3WFBoNHh5Z2drSkg1V2puaHhJTkVKcjc5WEN6cHhOTllHOTdCdmlMV2dfcWxwdkxJZw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3rMqLKI&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3rMqLKI</a>

9/3 - St. Gregory

Homily from the Baptism of the Lord. You've been claimed at the lowest point. The Baptism of the Lord is a mystery. The mystery of how Christ comes into contact with the water...and it does not change Him; He changes it. This is the pattern from this moment on: Christ comes into contact with us, claims us, and changes us.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from January 12, 2025:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Psalms 29:1-4, 9-10</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">Acts 10:34-38</dt> Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

01/12/25 Claimed

This lecture was given on October 11th, 2023, at Harvard University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Stephen Meredith is a professor at the University of Chicago’s Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Neurology. He is also an associate faculty member in the University of Chicago Divinity School. He has published more than 100 journal articles, focusing on the biophysics of protein structure. Much of his work has been the application of solution and solid-state NMR to the study of amyloid proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. He has also published articles on literature and philosophy in diverse aspects of medical humanities and bioethics. His teaching includes courses to graduate students in biochemistry and biophysics, medical students, and undergraduates and graduate students in the humanities, including courses on James Joyce’s Ulysses, St. Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Dostoevsky (focusing on Brothers Karamazov), Thomas Mann and David Foster Wallace. He is currently working on a book examining disease and the theological problem of evil. Other current writing projects include a study of James Joyce and the problem of evil.

Is Smerdyakov a Human Being? | Prof. Stephen Meredith

Sometimes they&#39;re things we don&#39;t want to do... but we have to do them anyway. Sometimes you make it through saying, &quot;I&#39;ll learn to like it.&quot; But what about if you never do?

Today, Fr. Mike gives us a word of encouragement to find joy even in the midst of suffering and to avoid falling into despair or resentment as we walk toward eternity. <a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

How Long Can You Be Miserable?

Join Dan Burke as he talks with Barry Dean about being a Catholic athletes and how to bring Christ into sports! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://accanda.org/">Association of Catholic Coaches & Athletes</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Being a Catholic Athlete

Episode 218 - For Those Not Accepted to Seminary or Religious Life Have you ever felt rejected by God or the church, as you try to get into religious life? This can be an utterly heartbreaking experience. When faced with "No" as a response to the desire to get into religious life, one might feel that they are being rejected by God or the church, that they're undesirable, or too broken for religious life. But in reality, that is not the case. This decision is actually a culmination of careful assessment of one's discernment, capacity, and the call they felt into religious life. This episode speaks more about that in hopes of explaining the reasons behind those decisions and encountering the hurt and vulnerable in these situations. 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!

For Those Not Accepted to Seminary or Religious Life

Fr. Mike Schmitz shines light on the blind spots in our spiritual life and points out that sometimes we are unaware of spiritual battles waging within our souls. He encourages us to be attentive and patient with ourselves and with others, while asking God to reveal to us the hidden areas of our life where we can grow in holiness.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Spiritual Blind Spots

We explore the truth that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man; he is one person with two natures, both Divine and human. Fr. Mike explains that we call Mary the Mother of God because, from the very moment of his conception, Jesus was fully God and fully human. Fr. Mike also goes over heresies in the history of the Church that have denied the humanity of Christ, rejected the divinity of Christ, or confused the fact that Jesus is the Son of God by nature. The Church has always responded by affirming that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God who became a man and our brother without ceasing to be God and Lord. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 464-469.

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 66: True God and True Man (2024)

Today we're joined around the bar table by <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/gerry-ken-crete-duluth-ga/165715">Dr. Gerry Crete</a> to discuss mindfulness, self-care, and dealing with stress. Please support Pints With Aquinas (Thank you!): <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/donate/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/donate/</a> 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. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

151: Mindfulness, Self-Care, & Dealing W/ Stress, with Dr. Gerry Crete

Episode 235 - How to Go to Spiritual Direction What is spiritual direction really about and how do we do it? Nowadays it seems that there is an increasing trend of people who are seeking spiritual direction however there aren't a lot of spiritual directors to help us with that. In today's episode, we're gonna try and explain what spiritual direction is, who needs it, and what would be the best way to do it, to try and bridge that gap. 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!

How To Go To Spiritual Direction

Charity dictates who we reveal the truth to. We learn today that the “right to the communication of truth is not unconditional.” Fr. Mike explains that this means we ought to examine what facts we reveal to others prudently. Fr. Mike highlights the role of mass media in disseminating the truth and the importance of guarding ourselves against gossip. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2488-2499. 

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 322: Respect for Truth (2024)

IIC 67:  Catholic and UnCatholic Sex in Catholic MarriagesSaturday, May 8, 202110:27 AM<ol><li>The Windup – our common ground, a quick summary of where we are today  <ol><li>Let's get down to it.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Most of us Catholic married folk have deep desires within us for authentic, loving, joyful, intimate sexual sharing with our spouses</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>We want to be loving our spouses, we want to make love to our spouses in ways that are healthy, ordered, and holy.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>We want to know our spouses and be known, to accept our spouses and be accepted, to be loved and to love.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And at least intellectually, we know that God  wants that for us too.  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>The Hurdle:  The shared problem  <ol><li>Or at least, we all had those desires in the past.  Maybe we've given up on them.  Maybe we're discouraged, disheartened. So many Catholic spouses are.  It's common and it's tragic.  But it makes sense to me.  Why?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Because Sexuality is usually the trickiest and most difficult part of the marriage relationship. Let me say that again.  </li><li>We want  deep, loving, joyful, intimate sexual sharing with our spouses</li><li>But often there's pressure, shame, guilt, anger, conflict, tension, frustration, disagreement, disharmony, sullenness, withdrawal, disconnection, feelings of helplessness, avoidance, resignation and dozens of other painful experiences.  </li><li>We are wounded in a lot of different ways, and those attachment wound, those integrity wounds impact how Catholic spouses related to each other sexually.  </li><li>Sex is the most sensitive barometer</li><li>God wants Catholic couples not to just have sex -- animals can and do copulate  <ol><li>but ordered, healthy sexual intimacy.  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Stakes are high.  Our Lady of Fatima on Sexual Sins  Jacinta later revealed that according to Our Lady, “The sins which cause most souls to go to hell are the sins of the flesh,” or sins against chastity.</li><li>For many Catholic spouses, the sexual situation can seem impossible  <ol><li>28% of Catholic marriages end in divorce, and it's probably safe to say that the sexual intimacy isn't great in those relationships</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Many, many others suffer from significant problems and issues in the sexual relationship.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>There is no other area of Catholic life so fraught with complexity, nuance, so sensitive to disorder and dysfunction in the married life.  Why?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Because sex is so often wrenched out of context  <ol><li>Procreation</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Union, the bond of the spouses</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Catholic spouses often look to their sexual relationship to solve problems that do not originate there.  <ol><li>Misuse of sexuality in the service of trying to get deeper needs met -- attachment needs and integrity needs.  Episode 62</li></ol></li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li>But you know what?  There are solutions.  There are ways out, even for spouses who are really jaded, really disheartened and discouraged.  And we are going to talk about those ways out, the promise of solutions.  We're going to talk about the Good News of Catholic sexual married life today.  <ol><li>All things, all things work together for good for those who love the Lord.  Romans 8:28.  All things.  No exceptions.  All things, St. Paul tells us, there is no asterisk or footnote that excludes your particular sexual situation.  All things.  <ol><li>The caveat -- for those who love the Lord.  That means childlike trust, great confidence.  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>So many Catholic couples could have such a better life of sexual intimacy.  That is so possible, even though it may not seem believable, because of a history of disappointment, false starts, and discouragement.  <ol><li>If you feel like you're Charlie Brown and I'm Lucy, holding a football for you, about to yank it away when you try one more time… I get that.  Stay with me, listen a while longer, and see if you find some new ideas, new ways of looking at things.  I know it may be that you've been married 20, 30 years or more -- but some and see what I have to say.  </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>I am clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski, your host and guide  <ol><li>This is episode 67 of the weekly podcast Interior Integration for Catholics</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And it is titled: Catholic and UnCatholic Sex in Catholic Marriages</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Thank you for being here with me</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Interior Integration for Catholics is part of our online outreach Souls and Hearts at soulsandhearts.com  <ol><li>Which is all about your human formation, all about shoring up your natural foundation for a solid Catholic spiritual life</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>We are doing a whole series of episodes on Sexuality in Catholic Marriages</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>We are using the image of a Catholic canopied marriage bed.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And today, we are focusing on the the Fitted Sheet, the top sheet and the blankets  <ol><li>Fitted Sheet -- Eros, the sexual attraction, the intensity of sexual passion, the actual physical, sexual contact</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Top Sheet -- Communication between the Catholic spouses</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Blankets -- Heartfelt warmth and affection, the emotional connection.  </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li>The Vision  -- The inspiring option, the way over the problem  <ol><li>Four Major point -- Four central concepts.  <ol><li>The human and spiritual formation of the spouse influence the quality of their sexual experience. </li><li>Sex always happens in a relational context</li><li>The relational context influences the quality of the sexual experience between the spouses</li><li>Sexual intimacy is a great good, but there are time when it may not be best.  </li><li>Repeat the four points.  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>The human and spiritual formation of the spouse influence the quality of their sexual experience.  <ol><li>Human formation of the husband and wife are two of the four legs of the bed.  </li><li>Focusing in here again on interior integration -- how integrated are we in the sexual sphere  <ol><li>That sexual integration is going to depend on our human formation -- and on all the aspect represented in the Catholic canopied marriage bed check out Episode 58.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Another leg of the bed is understanding ourselves and our spouse from an Internal Family Systems perspective, which I think is so helpful.  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>As living human being, we have a unity -- each human person is one  <ol><li>But also each human person has parts.</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>within each person are separate collections thoughts, emotions, attitudes, impulses, desires, abilities, interests, relational styles, body sensations, and worldviews that are not just transient emotional states, but rather constitute discrete “parts,” subpersonalities or distinct modes of operating within the person’s larger internal system -- they seem like selves within us. </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Each part within us can phenomenologically seem like its own little person, with its own particular range of emotion, style of e...</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>