This week, we talk to Kaya Oakes, a contributing writer for America and a teacher at the University of California, Berkeley. Kaya is the author of The Nones Are Alright: A New Generation of Believers, Seekers, and Those in Between on the religiously unaffiliated or religious “nones.” Most recently, she wrote an article on spiritual direction and why so many non-Christians are seeking the practice. We talk to Kaya about Ignatian spiritual direction, her training to become a spiritual director and more. In Signs of the Times, we discuss the appointment of Cardinal Luis Tagle, a.k.a. “Chito,” as the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples; Nancy Pelosi’s viral “As a Catholic” moment; the Nativity scene depicting Mary, Jesus and Joseph in cages; new research on how the gap between church attendance among the poorest and richest in America has grown since the 1970s; and how Blue Christmas services can help people struggling during the holidays. Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You can help other listeners find the show by leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! If you’re not doing so already, please consider supporting us on Patreon, where we have started a newsletter exclusively for Patrons! Thank you to those already supporting us. We would not be able to do this without you. Links for the showPope Francis appoints Cardinal Tagle to head Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples Why Nancy Pelosi doesn’t hate President Trump and prays for him instead A church nativity scene depicts Jesus, Mary and Joseph as refugees separated in cages Jesus Came to Proclaim Good News to the Poor. But Now They’re Leaving Church. ‘Blue Christmas’ services help Christians in down times in holiday season What’s on tap? Chamomile Tea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices