Catholic Stuff You Should Know

Hosted by Fr. Mike and Fr. John, this episode—inspired by Matthew Walther’s article “What Is a Parish”—dives into the history of parish life, the rise of parish shopping, and where the future of parish communities may be headed.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob delve into the rich significance of the Chrism Mass. They explore the importance of the blessing of the holy oils—especially the Chrism, Oil of Catechumens, and Oil of the Sick—as essential tools for priests in their ministry throughout the liturgical year.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

With Fr. Sean preparing for a new assignment and the recent anniversary of the passing of Pope John Paul II on their minds, Fr. John and Fr. Sean dive into what it means to leave a legacy.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Fr. Mike and Fr. Jacob talk about forming one’s heart in Compassion like the prophets and Jesus. How do we weep with those who weep without losing hope? We can trust in the power of prayer and the help of the Communion of Saints.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Fr. John and Fr. Sean discuss the Catholic understanding of justification and the question of whether Christ had faith.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Join Fr. Jacob and Fr. Mike as they explore the power of the stories we tell—about others and ourselves. Inspired by Ignatius’ Annotation 22 and Fr. Jacob’s recent read, Viper’s Tongue, this thought-provoking discussion dives into how our perceptions shape relationships, influence motives, and impact the narratives others create about us and our narratives about others.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Fr. John and Fr. Sean explore this week’s topic through the lens of two thought-provoking writings: A Meditation on Givenness by St. John Paul II and The Thoughtful Home by Dia Boyle. Together, they reflect on the essence of home and its profound impact on a a family as well as a priest’s life in a rectory.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

Drawing upon the teachings of Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Father Mike and Father Jacob discuss the role of memory in the spiritual life, and also discuss some of the possible pitfalls of nostalgic escape.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

Fr. Sean and Fr. John dive into the significance of the Jubilee Year of Hope and touch on a few virtues that nourish and strengthen our hope.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Fr. Mike confesses to Fr. Jacob that he's discovered a new vice to add to his list of favorites...but then the Christian twist! In his weakness, Jesus will be proved stronger.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Join Fr. John and Fr. Sean for the final episode of their podcast series on Fr. John's new book, To Heights and Unto Depths: Letters from the Colorado Trail. In this episode, they delve into several chapters of the book, touching on manhood and Mary's fiat.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

In this week’s episode, "Yes Mother", Fr. Jacob is joined by Fr. Mike. Inspired by John Henry Newman’s A Grammar of Assent, they discuss the importance of assenting to truth while maintaining a thoughtful and open mind.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

In this episode, Fr. John and Fr. Sean revisit Fr. John's transformative experience along the Colorado Trail. Fr. John shares how his encounter with creation opened a deeper connection to God, allowing him to more fully participate in God's being.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Fr. Mike and Fr. Jacob talk about donkeys in the Bible. Awesome!

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

In this week's episode, Father Sean and Father John continue their discussion of Fr. John's new book, To Heights and Unto Depths, with Father Sean sharing more about his personal experience on the trail.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

To celebrate 15 years of "Catholic Stuff You Should Know," the four hosts reunite for a special episode answering questions submitted by you, the listeners! Join them as they dive into your burning questions about the faith.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

It’s episode #666 and instead of skipping over it, Fr. Jacob and Fr. Mike dive into the scriptural meaning of the number 666 and the mark of the beast exploring various interpretations: historical, scriptural and even some of Fr. Mike's personal theories.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

In this special episode, Fr. John and Fr. Sean dive into the inspiration and journey behind Fr. John’s newly published book, To Heights and Unto Depths. Join the hosts as Fr. John shares spiritual reflections, and experiences that sparked the writing of this book and his invitation for readers to explore the heights of faith and the depths of the human experience.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

Fr. Mike and Fr. Jacob sit at the feet of an ancient wise man, and ask whether meeting Jesus will flip his age-old ambitions.

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2025

The hosts want to wish listener land a very Merry Christmas. Be sure to celebrate! We’ll see you in the new year!

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

Fr. Sean is joined by former host, Fr. Michael O'Loughlin, for a special conversation about their upcoming pilgrimage to Rome, along with a discussion on the Incarnation.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Listen in as Fr. John and Fr. Jacob offer reflections on Advent, light, and darkness. May this episode illuminate your Advent season as you wait, hope, and prepare for the coming of Christ, the true light of the world.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

What makes for world peace? Join Fr. Mike and Fr. Sean as they explore the Kingdom of King Jesus and the failed attempts of other kings.

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2024

In this week's episode, Fr. John and Fr. Jacob dive into the insights of Ferdinand Ulrich's essay "Prayer as the Fundamental Act of the Creature." Together, they explore the idea that prayer is not just an activity, but the most essential and foundational aspect of our existence.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2024

Join Fr. Sean and Fr. Mike as they dive into the power of perseverance through adversity and the importance of building discipline in our everyday lives.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

Join Fr. John and Fr. Jacob as they explore some fascinating Catholic Stuff You Should Know history and discuss the powerful role of narrative in drawing people in.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

Join Fr. Mike and Fr. Sean for a quick dive into the history of Pompeii, St. Frances Cabrini, and Our Lady of the Rosary.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

Join Fr. John and Fr. Jacob, along with special guest Fr. David Hall, in this week’s episode as they discuss "Man and Woman He Created Them" more commonly known as Theology of the Body. They’ll focus on the spousal meaning of the body and the profound gift of self.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

Join Fr. Mike and Fr. Sean as they inspire us to adopt a different perspective from the world around us. Rather than striving for faster, higher, and stronger, they invite us to embrace a lifestyle that's slower, lower and weaker.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2024

Join Fr. Jacob and Fr. John as they welcome a special guest, Fr. David Hall, for a deep dive into the historical significance of the Battle of Lepanto and Our Lady of the Rosary. Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends history, faith, and devotion!

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2024

Join hosts Fr. Mike and Fr. Sean as they explore the spiritual significance of clouds, viewing them as a profound veil of the unknowing.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2024

Join Fr. Jacob and Fr. John in this episode as they dive into the themes of the article "Mother Church: Can Receptivity Be Squared With Resistance?" They explore the dangers of a resistance first mindset, but also wrestle to discover the proper methods of disagreement, while emphasizing the importance and respect for hierarchy and tradition within the Church.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2024

Join Fr. Sean and Fr. Mike in Episode 650 as they discuss Acts 2:42 and how the Four pillars of the early Church are still important for us today.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

In this week's episode, Fr. John and Fr. Jacob explore the depth of relationships with others and God, discussing privacy and intimacy inspired by Kenneth Schmitz's essay "The Geography of the Human Person."

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2024

Fr. Mike and Fr. Sean discuss the importance of knowing and loving God simultaneously.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

Join Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob as they discuss the differences between Last Rites and the Anointing of the Sick. Their discussion provides valuable insights and tips on how to ensure timely and appropriate pastoral care.

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2024

Join Fr. Mike and Fr. John this week as they explore C.S. Lewis' "The Weight of Glory" and the corporal works of mercy.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2024

Join Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob as they explore the seven key biblical covenants and how these promises shape our faith today.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2024

In this week's episode, Father Mike and Father John take up the concept of self-reliance, one that has made its way into the Catholic spiritual lexicon but not found in the tradition. To do so, they will bring the Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, who champions the term, into conversation with the Catholic novelist Sigrid Undset. As a male companion to "Kristin's Resentment" (episode #288, May 2017), their hope is to draw out the deeper meaning of self-reliance in Undset's Olav Audunssøn without spoiling the plot!

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2024

In this special episode, all four hosts come together from their summer conference in Lander, Wyoming. Tune in as they delve into different forms of literature and discuss why literature is so important.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2024

Fr. Sean and Fr. Jake record from the Companions Summer Conference in Lander Wyoming. Catching up for the first time since Fr. Jacob started his assignment in Glenwood Springs, they discuss their shared mission even despite the geographic distance. They then reflect on the Eucharist in light of the current Sunday Gospel readings of John, chapter 6.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

Join Fr. John and Fr. Mike in a thought-provoking discussion on wealth and riches, exploring the Gospel's teachings on material possessions and the responsibilities that come with them.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

Father Sean and Father Jacob discuss the parable of the prodigal son and how it illustrates human sin and recounts the narrative of salvation history.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

Fr. John and Fr. Mike continue the Camino theme by discussing pilgrimages and ways to incorporate small pilgrimages into your daily routine.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024

Join Fr. Sean and Fr. Jacob as they reflect on their experience, sharing encounters and lessons learned from the Camino.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2024

Fr. Mike and Fr. John are joined by Sofia Carozza, co-host of the Pilgrim Soul podcast. Tune in as Sofia shares her personal story and they engage in a thoughtful discussion on beauty.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

In this episode, Fr. John and Fr. Mike dive into a discussion on the wedding feast of the lamb and the book of Revelation.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2024

Fr. Jacob and Fr. Sean discuss the matter and form of each sacrament and their importance to the church.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

In this episode, Father Mike and Father John explore the deep theological significance of the fatherhood of God. In particular they take up the thought of Saint Gregory of Nyssa in its modern interpretation by the theologian Louis Bouyer.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2024