Manage Account

Delete Account

Manage Subscription

Opening Credits

Preface

Of Clerical Garb and Institutional Apostasy

Backstory

A Tree Grows in South Bend

Epiphany

Rude Awakening

The Noisy Years

Ghost Partner

Enemy at the Gates

Dark Debts

The Wilderness Years

The Wilderness Years (2008–2013)

The Pachamama Years

Blindsided

Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen

Paul on...

Paul on

Truth Himself Speaks Truly

Recent Work on the Patterning of Open-Syllable Vowel-Shifts in Pre-Masoretic Hebrew

The Priest as Evangelical Witness

One Flesh

Betrayal

The Truth about the Crisis in the Catholic Church

Parody

Baffled in Basingstoke

My Favorite Things

Final Words - Why Stay Catholic?

Final Words

Acknowledgments

About the Author

End Credits

Closing Credits

Karen Hall, a television writer and producer, shares her unlikely friendship with Fr. Paul Mankowski, SJ, a conservative Jesuit biblical scholar silenced by his order for exposing internal issues and upholding Church teachings. This memoir reveals Fr. Mankowski's wit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the faith, offering an inspiring account of standing firm in truth amidst adversity.

The Sound of Silence

Even when we're actively trying to trust God in all things, there's a constant temptation to take back control. To just do it ourselves. To bail out of surrendering to Him, and keep things from Him to try and "make sure they get done." We forget, over and over, that God takes initiative, does things, takes care of us. We overlook the ways He's doing that right now. What's opposite that temptation? God's constant invitation to let go, to trust, to forget about ourselves, to get over ourselves. To find that balance of letting God do everything while our fiat also provokes us to action. SO. If you want to live differently; if you crave renewal, restoration, conversion in your life; it's possible. It's real! Most of all: it's a work of God. This episode kicks off a new series moving through a collection of images and essays of the CFR community called A Work of God by Vianney Vocations, now available for pre-order.

The Authentic Renewal You Crave is Possible

Do you like mowing the lawn? Jeff Cavins does! In this episode, Jeff Cavins not only describes the joy he finds in mowing his lawn, but also offers some great ideas of things to think about while mowing the lawn or doing any other “humdrum” household task. Jeff claims that even the most regular tasks can be an opportunity for prayer and meditation.

Snippet from the Show 
“Lead me to pastures, Lord, and graze there with me. Do not let my heart lean either to the right or to the left, but let your good Spirit guide me along the straight path.” (Liturgy of the Hours, Vol. IV, p. 1214)

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
<li>Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show" rel="nofollow">https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&amp;page=2&amp;category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&amp;category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show</a> for full shownotes!</li>
</ul><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Thoughts While Mowing the Lawn

Resources: <ul> <li><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-devil-in-the-castle"> Devil in the Castle</a> - Dan Burke</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> </ul>

Devil in the Castle: Chapter Four

We have reached the In Brief section, or nugget day, on the seventh commandment. Father Mike reiterates that the right to private property comes from our dignity as humans, and the Church has a duty to weigh in on economic or social matters where that dignity is threatened. He challenges us to ask ourselves, do we see Jesus in “the distressing disguise of the poor” and just walk by him, or do we respond to him? Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2450-2463.

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 319: Summary of the Seventh Commandment

Who doesn’t want to have more constructive conversations in their close relationships? In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how achieving this may be simpler than you think. So many times, we just don’t give the people we love the attention they deserve. Fr. Mike shows us how to fix that and master our love relationships.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Mastering Love and Relationships

In this episode, we conclude our six-part Lenten series on the book "This Present Paradise" by Claire Dwyer. Claire joins us as we discuss the hidden way St. Elizabeth of the Trinity chooses us and draws us closer to God. We chat about St. Elizabeth's delayed canonization and her prophetic messages: the call to love and be loved, the universal call to holiness, and God's desire for deep intimacy that moves us to union and receptivity to the Holy Spirit. Thank you for joining us on the journey this Lent! Claire's one thing - <a href= "https://amzn.to/3uUpzGt">A Personal Guide for Receiving the Father's Love - Father Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks </a> Heather's one thing - <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6u4NUBzxralG1ZKwAZroWE?si=ab52bd539e9642fe"> Heather's Easter Playlist: Hallelujah Is Our Song</a> Michelle's one thing - <a href= "https://amzn.to/3sOBBiH">A place to belong - Letters from Catholic Women - Corynne Staresinic</a> or <a href= "https://paulinestore.com/a-place-to-belong--letters-from-catholic-women-qs1005232-197544.html"> buy directly from Pauline Press and receive a free tote!</a> Sister Miriam's one thing - Ginger Tea: Boiled water, fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. Other add-ins: Honey, Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, (and black pepper too if you wish!) Other books discussed in this episode - <a href= "https://bookstore.franciscan.edu/ePOS?form=shared3/gm/merch.html&item_number=2800940535130&cat=144&store=421&design=mbl"> Let the Fire Fall - Father Michel Scanlan </a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2MKLMp6">Two Sisters in the Spirit: Therese of Lisieux and Elizabeth of the Trinity - Hans Von Balthasar </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 have you experienced St. Elizabeth drawing you into a more intimate union with God this Lent? How can we continue to live our lives as a "praise of glory" as we move into the Easter season?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How do we become more of ourselves when we leave this life and this earth?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What has been the greatest fruit of allowing yourself to be loved by God?</li> </ol> Journal Questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How is God calling you to 'take your seat' at the table with the communion of Saints? What is your place at the table? What is your unique call to be a part of the Church?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When have you struggled with false humility? How do you understand God's call to sanctity and greatness?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How is God inviting you to be a part of the spiritual renewal of the Church?</li> </ol> Quote to Ponder: "Let yourself be loved" - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Scripture for Lectio Divina: "We who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:12 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at <a href= "http://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise"> www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.</a> This episode is sponsored by SpiritualDirection.com. SpiritualDirection.com is the largest website dedicated to authentic Catholic spirituality in the world. An Apostolate of the Avila Foundation, SpiritualDirection.com is a source of all things good, true and beautiful the Church today: webinars with best-selling authors, powerful reflections, teachings, videos and podcasts on scripture, the saints, spiritual warfare, and discernment of spirits, as well as news about upcoming courses in spiritual theology—including some on your favorite Carmelite saints! Right now, for a limited time, if you go to spiritualdirection.com/Elizabeth, you can get a free download of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's most beautiful quotes. Print them, frame them, share them—and be reminded of God's immense and unfailing love.

S09 E13: This Present Paradise Part 6: An Interview with Claire Dwyer

Toward the end of the Lord’s Prayer, we implore God to protect us from temptation and from the evil one. Fr. Mike clarifies what we mean when we ask God not to “lead us into temptation” and emphasizes the importance of discerning between trials and temptations. Lastly, we review the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, known as the final doxology. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2846-2856.

Unlock the full experience of The Catechism in a Year (with Father Mike Schmitz) with the <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/pages/ascension-app?_branch_match_id=1248288113491054729&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=marketing&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLLE5OzSvOzM%2FTTSwo0EvOz9X3CKtwCktMDfB1SQIAklUiuCoAAAA%3D" rel="nofollow">Ascension App</a>! Get access to an interactive reading plan, the complete text of the Catechism, episode transcripts, summaries, and more.

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 364: Deliver Us from Evil

For many people, the Catholic Church’s teaching on in vitro fertilization and contraception is a hard one, but it is in concordance with the nature of things. The nature of a thing, as Fr. MIke puts it, is its “what-it’s-for-ness”. Sex is for procreation and the unity of the couple. Equally important is the fact that sex, not in vitro fertilization, is the natural way to bring forth a new life. Contraception and in vitro fertilization violate the nature of not only sex, but also the nature of the person and life itself.

If you feel that this teaching prohibits you from being truly happy, Fr. Mike offers encouragement. It may not seem fair to us at first, but the deep abiding peace we acquire from living by God’s plan is better than anything we could acquire by doing things our way.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Catholic Teaching on IVF and Contraception Explained

Congratulations, you have reached Day 365! We conclude our journey through the Catechism with the final “nugget day” as we review the seven petitions of the Lord’s prayer. In closing, Fr. Mike reminds us of the purpose of our time with the Catechism: recognizing that every part of our human experience matters to God simply because he loves us. It matters to God that we know him, worship him, live in his love, and draw near to him in prayer. We respond to God’s astounding love for each of us with our final “Amen- so be it.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2857-2865.

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 365: So Be It (2024)

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

Why Non-Catholics Can’t Receive Communion

Homily from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. We will continue walking through this world in which people are better than us. How can we become invincible to comparison?<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from November 10, 2019:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Psalms 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5</dt> Luke 20:27-38 <a href="https://bulldogcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/comparisin-incomparable.pdf">Download the Homily Study</a>

11/10/19 CompariSIN: Incomparable

Resources: <ul> <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.apostoliviae.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Apostoli Viae</a> - website</li> <li><a href="https://www.sophiainstitute.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Sophia Institute</a> – website</li> <li><a href= "https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/Home+Page/BOOKS/Contemporary+Issues/INTO+THE+DEEP.axd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Into the Deep</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Deliverance-Prayers-Fr-Chad-Ripperger/dp/154105671X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544109361&sr=8-1&keywords=deliverance+prayers+for+use+by+the+laity+-+fr.+chad+ripperger" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity</a>  - <a class="a-link-normal" href= "https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1?ie=UTF8&text=Fr.+Chad+A+Ripperger+PhD&search-alias=books&field-author=Fr.+Chad+A+Ripperger+PhD&sort=relevancerank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fr. Chad A Ripperger PhD</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/Home+Page/BOOKS/Prayer/THE+DISCERNMENT+OF+SPIRITS.axd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Discernment of Spirits</a> - Fr. Timothy Gallager</li> <li>Questions? Send an e-mail to <a href= "mailto:Questions@myavila.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Questions@myavila.com</a> or call 833-772-8452. Please leave your name, location, and question(s).</li> </ul>

Devil in the Castle Preview

Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore the nature of man’s first sin or our “freedom put to the test.” Fr. Mike unpacks the importance of us understanding that freedom is not the power to “do what we want,” but rather, the power to “do what I ought.” Though the story of the first sin is that of our first parents, Fr. Mike emphasizes that we still repeat the grave error of the first sin in our own lives by preferring our own perceived “goods” over the “goods” of our Creator and Father in heaven. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 396-401. 

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 56: Man’s First Sin (2025)

Join Dr. Peter and our audience members to experience a guided meditation on your parts’ needs for integrated formation. Guided by John Paul II’s four dimensions of personal formation (human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral) you have an opportunity to see what a part of you needs. Several audience members debrief from the exercise and we all discuss with some Q&amp;A.

140 Your Personal Formation: Experiential Exercises and Q&A

When we encounter excellence, what prompts us to critique rather than admire? 

Fr. Mike suggests that this tendency often stems from jealousy and insecurity. He says humans are made to admire all that is praiseworthy. When we witness remarkable talent in athletics, academics, or the arts, we should take the opportunity to commend the hard work and discipline that leads to greatness. 

God made us to appreciate excellence and work to cultivate it in our own lives.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Criticism vs Admiration

Jeff shares his personal formula for creating a successful movement within your parish. You might be surprised when you hear his approach to ministry.

He also shares the incredible story of Stephanie and how one sudden moment led her to forgiveness, love, and deepened faith.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Creating a Movement Within Your Parish

Episode 84 - Hope for a Hard Life (Advent 2021) First Week of Advent The lived experience of most people is: life is hard. We're still in this valley of tears. We live it, but might not be relating it in a way that's helpful… we just drag it around. Enter: Advent. A season of hope and of promises fulfilled. Expectant hope, with confidence that the Lord is good and is at work for our good in our lives—the ultimate hope of heaven and of tears being wiped away. Whatever you're experiencing—God's coming. God's response to our struggle is the gift of himself. He doesn't promise to solve any problem now and make everything okay, but he promises to give us himself. He wants us to experience peace here and now, not only in the future. We're going through Advent with Finding Your Place in the Advent Story from Ascension Press for the next few episodes. Check it out here: https://ascensionpress.com/collections/rejoice-finding-your-place-in-the-advent-story The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of generous donors like you. Monthly donations are particularly helpful for our future planning. You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Hope for a Hard Life (Advent 2021)

What do we need to do as Catholic Christians to convey that the message of our religion is one of pure love? So often we misrepresent what it means to be Christian, causing many people to just see judgment when they see us upholding our principles. In this episode, Fr. Mike emphasizes how important it is to live what we believe, and that means loving people so much that even when they harm us, we continue to love them.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Is it OK to Hate Someone?

This gentle and profound guide will help you trust God when He seems distant or silent, reminding you that His love never sleeps. Drawing on the wisdom of the saints, it reveals why Christ allows silence in your life to refine your soul, deepen your love, and draw you closer to Him. You’ll learn how to find peace amid life’s storms, grow through hidden trials, and discover that even in silence, Jesus is nearer to you than ever, holding you safely in His Heart.

When God is Silent | eBook

Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore the moral conscience. Fr. Mike emphasizes that even though our intellect has been weakened by sin, we still have some sense, our conscience, that tells us that there is a right and wrong. He also emphasizes the difference between our conscience and our passions. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1776-1782.

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 238: Our Moral Conscience (2024)

The Catechism teaches about the effectiveness of prayer and how to persevere in prayer. Fr. Mike explains that although God already knows what we need before we ask, he wants us to pray, and he extends us dignity by allowing us to pray and ask for what we need. In the process of prayer, we are able to learn the heart of the Father, grow closer to him, and become more like him. The Catechism goes on to state that when it comes to prayer, it is always possible, a vital necessity, and inseparable from the Christian life. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2738-2745.

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 350: Persevering in Prayer (2024)

Episode 102 - Intimacy with the Bridegroom The world is a crazy place. There's always the temptation to hide, run away or to fear Love. There are distractions and lies—the lie that we cannot do it, that we may lose ourselves, that our love won't be reciprocated. But we are made to be in love. First and foremost with the Lord, Jesus the bridegroom, who comes to save, to love, and to die for us, His bride. And from this love we are called to lay down our lives and give ourselves fully for a bride or bridegroom. This Lent, we continue to work through Born of Fire by Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR. Order now (including digital copies) at bornoffirebook.com/ 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!