Best Ascension Catholic Faith Formation Podcasts (2025)

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Day 224: The Grace of the Sacrament of Marriage (2025) 21:19

3h ago21:19

21:19

The grace of the Sacrament of Marriage provides husbands and wives the strength to love one another with supernatural, tender, and fruitful love. Fr. Mike covers the characteristics of the marriage bond and the different roles of husbands and wives. He explains what it means to “be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We also learn …

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Day 224: The Weeping Prophet (2025) 20:15

4h ago20:15

20:15

Fr. Mike introduces us to the prophet Jeremiah, who is also known as the Prophet of Doom and the Weeping Prophet. He explains what makes Jeremiah different than the other prophets, and encourages us to cling closely to him as we hear about his difficult call. Today's readings are Jeremiah 1, Ezekiel 27, and Proverbs 14:5-8. For the complete reading…

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The Religion of Our Secular World 24:53

4h ago24:53

24:53

Did you know that even secular individuals hold religious-like beliefs? Dr. Sri examines the secular world’s values, promises of salvation, and utopian ideals, and contrasts these with the core tenets of the Gospel. He revisits the five key aspects of the Kerygma—relationship, rebellion, reconciliation, recreation, and response—and explains how the…

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Day 223: Responding Well (2025) 19:29

9h ago19:29

19:29

Fr. Mike takes us through the last chapter of Isaiah by explaining how our emotions can sometimes get in the way of us responding well to those around us. This means mourning with those who mourn, and rejoicing with those who rejoice, as Isaiah teaches us in preparation for the coming of Christ. Today's readings are Isaiah 66, Ezekiel 25-26, and Pr…

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Day 223: Differences in Religion in Marriage (2025) 17:35

1d ago17:35

17:35

Can a Catholic marry a baptized non-Catholic or a non-baptized person? Fr. Mike breaks down the Church’s teaching on mixed marriages and disparity of cult. The Catechism teaches us that while a difference in religion “does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage,” it can often be a source of tension in marriage and present significan…

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Are You a Faithful Servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast 29:09

1d ago29:09

29:09

Are You a Faithful Servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on God’s promise of an eternal home, drawing from the story of Abraham as an example of trusting and following God’s word. The “promised land” given to Abraham foreshadows the true kingdom that Christ came to reveal — not an earthly territory,…

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Day 222: Idolatry and Adultery (2025) 28:29

2d ago28:29

28:29

Fr. Mike explains the relationship between idolatry and adultery, and how one can easily lead to another, especially in our relationship with God. He also talks about the difference between discipline and abuse, as we cover some tough topics today. Today's readings are Isaiah 65, Ezekiel 23-24, and Proverbs 13:21-25. For the complete reading plan, …

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Day 222: Matrimonial Consent (2025) 22:45

12h ago22:45

22:45

Matrimonial consent is an indispensable element of the Sacrament of Marriage. Fr. Mike explains why it is essential for those entering marriage to express their consent freely and why in the Church’s eyes, “if consent is lacking, there is no marriage.” Fr. Mike also guides us through the Church’s teaching on annulment and clarifies why it can be co…

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Day 221: Walking with Wise Men (2025) 26:18

1d ago26:18

26:18

Fr. Mike expands on the passage we read in Proverbs, and emphasizes how important it is to surround ourselves with people who are striving towards holiness. He also reflects on the book of Isaiah, and how these last couple of stories show that God's justice is always aligned with his infinite mercy. Today's readings are Isaiah 63-64, Ezekiel 21-22,…

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Day 221: The Celebration of Marriage (2025) 16:08

21h ago16:08

16:08

What does a Catholic wedding look like? Today, we dive into the liturgical celebration of marriage and learn that the celebration must be valid, worthy, and fruitful. Additionally, we briefly cover virginity for the sake of the Kingdom and how this particular call highlights the beauty and goodness of marriage. Fr. Mike emphasizes that those called…

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Day 220: Prophecy Fulfilled (2025) 24:35

4d ago24:35

24:35

Fr. Mike points out that the prophecy from Isaiah 61 is fulfilled by Jesus (as described in Luke 4). In Ezekiel, Fr. Mike draws our attention to the importance of the Sabbath as the sign of the covenant with God. The readings are Isaiah 61-62, Ezekiel 20, and Proverbs 13:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. P…

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Day 220: Marriage in the New Covenant (2025) 22:07

2d ago22:07

22:07

How is the meaning of marriage different in the New Covenant? The Catechism teaches us today that Christ elevates the gift of marriage to a sacrament and restores the original order of this powerful union between man and woman. Fr. Mike explains why marriage looked different in the Old Covenant and how God was preparing his chosen people throughout…

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Confession: Cleaning the Soul Within 26:26

3d ago26:26

26:26

Confession clears out the burdens of past sins and moves us toward a path of freedom and healing. Jeff emphasizes the importance of bringing lingering sin to Jesus in this sacrament and provides practical steps for making a good confession. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to s…

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Day 219: Separation from God (2025) 20:50

5d ago20:50

20:50

Fr. Mike points out that separation from God is not due to a lack of power or love on God's part, but is a consequence of our willful refusal to follow Him. He also highlights that despite our unfaithfulness, God always has a plan for reconciliation. The readings are Isaiah 59-60, Ezekiel 19, and Proverbs 13:9-12. For the complete reading plan, vis…

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Day 219: Marriage in God’s Plan (2025) 20:50

3d ago20:50

20:50

Together, with Fr. Mike, we begin the section on the sacrament of holy Matrimony. We unpack two elements of the sacrament, namely marriage in the order of creation and marriage under the regime of sin. Fr. Mike emphasizes that marriage is a partnership between man and woman that is oriented towards the good of the spouses and the procreation and ed…

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Pope Leo's Meditation on the Parable of the Vineyard 41:23

6d ago41:23

41:23

Mike 'Gomer' Gormley and Dave 'The Perfect Weather' VanVickle dive deep into Pope Leo's reflection on the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. They highlight the importance of responding to God's call without delay, generosity, and the profound question of finding meaning in life. Snippet from the Show We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb…

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When Was Your Transfiguration? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast 30:38

6d ago30:38

30:38

When Was Your Transfiguration? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the mystery of the Transfiguration and its deep personal meaning for every Christian. Just as Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor in preparation for the suffering of Calvary, each Christian also experiences moments of radiant grace tha…

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Day 218: Each Will Be Judged (2025) 28:09

2d ago28:09

28:09

Fr. Mike reflects on some of the ways that people turn away from God, including: worshipping idols, fasting for selfish reasons, and not honoring the sabbath. He also highlights the passage from Ezekiel 18 that tells us that each person will be judged by their own actions, and not by those of their parents or children. The readings are Isaiah 57-58…

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Day 218: Summary of Holy Orders (2025) 15:08

6d ago15:08

15:08

Together, with Fr. Mike, we reach the conclusion and “nugget day” for the section on the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike reiterates that all three degrees of the sacrament are a longed for element of the “priestly people.” They are those called to go before God and before his people as a mediator. Fr. Mike also explains that for those who are no…

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Day 217: The Effects of Holy Orders (2025) 18:27

7d ago18:27

18:27

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the effects of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that once a man is ordained a priest, he is always a priest because he receives an indelible spiritual mark. He also emphasizes that Holy Orders is a sacrament of service. The effects of the sacrament configure him in such a way that he is best able…

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Day 217: The Everlasting Covenant (2025) 25:56

7d ago25:56

25:56

Fr. Mike highlights the rich text in Isaiah 55 and 56 which reveals that the house of the Lord will not only be for the chosen people, but for all people. We also hear the story of how God mercifully restores Israel who is like an unfaithful bride. Today’s readings are Isaiah 55-56, Ezekiel 16, and Proverbs 13:1-4. For the complete reading plan, vi…

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The Church Is One 22:25

7d ago22:25

22:25

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Christian denominations out there? Dr. Sri explores the deep roots of the Catholic Church's unity, tracing it back to Scripture and the practices of the early Christians. Dr. Sri also encourages us to pray for greater unity in the wider Christian community. Snippet from the Show At the Last Su…

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Day 216: The Suffering Servant (2025) 20:57

4d ago20:57

20:57

Fr. Mike marvels at the beauty of Isaiah 53, which reveals that Jesus is the Lord's suffering servant and also zeroes in on Ezekiel 15, which reminds us that without God we are like a useless vine that bears no fruit. Today we read Isaiah 53-54, Ezekiel 14-15, and Proverbs 12:25-28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinaye…

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Day 216: Who Receives Holy Orders (2025) 24:49

8d ago24:49

24:49

We continue our examination of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Specifically, we explore exactly who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that only a baptized man can receive the “sacred ordination”. He then unpacks exactly why the ordination of women is not possible. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1577-1580. This e…

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Day 215: False Prophets (2025) 25:02

9d ago25:02

25:02

Fr. Mike focuses on Ezekiel's warnings about false prophets misleading the people of Israel, and challenges us to reflect whether we choose to listen to prophets who tell us what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear. Today's readings are Isaiah 51-52, Ezekiel 12-13, and Proverbs 12:21-24. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpres…

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Day 215: Deacons and the Diaconate (2025) 13:31

9d ago13:31

13:31

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the ordination of deacons and the diaconate. Fr. Mike unpacks each of the essential elements of the rite of the ordination of deacons as well as each of the tasks of the deacon. He emphasizes that only a validly ordained bishop can validly confer the sacrament of Holy Orders. Today’s readings are Catechism paragr…

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Day 214: The Hidden Glory of God (2025) 23:25

10d ago23:25

23:25

Fr. Mike reflects on how Isaiah's prophecies in chapters 49-50 point to the immediate reality of God's promise of redemption for Israel, as well as to the distant reality of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. In our reading of Ezekiel, we also learn how the glory of God departed from the temple, and how God's presence is often hidden from us as well. Tod…

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Day 214: Priests and the Presbyterate (2025) 18:45

10d ago18:45

18:45

The Catechism moves on from bishops—the episcopacy—to priests in the presbyterate, who share in the bishop’s ministry “in a subordinate degree”, to be “co-workers”. Fr. Mike dives deep into the service-leadership that priests are called to. “[A priest’s] whole life must be configured and must be conformed to Jesus Christ the high priest.” Today’s r…

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SFTH-7 – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 41:17

11d ago41:17

41:17

Episode Seven – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Stories from the Heart, Msgr. John Esseff joins Kris McGregor to reflect on his seminary years beginning in 1945 during the final months of World War II. He recalls the rigorous training in Latin and Greek and his deep love for philosophy, which…

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Why Wear a Crucifix? 32:24

11d ago32:24

32:24

Why do Catholics wear crucifixes? Jeff explains the difference between a cross and a crucifix and emphasizes how a crucifix reminds us of true love, suffering, and being alive in Christ. Snippet from the Show Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownote…

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Day 213: The Redeemer (2025) 19:22

11d ago19:22

19:22

Fr. Mike touches upon the prophecy of judgment against Babylon and Israel, and how God still promises to be Israel's redeemer despite their disobedience. We also read about Ezekiel's vision of the temple and how the markings on the foreheads of the Israelites symbolizes the mourning of true worship, and also foreshadows Jesus' death on the Cross. T…

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BONUS: If You Feel Like Giving Up (with Jeff Cavins) - 2025 15:18

11d ago15:18

15:18

As we continue through this year-long journey, Fr. Mike and Jeff Cavins offer some words of encouragement for those who might be struggling. No matter if you're listening consistently or if you're "behind", the Lord will meet you where you are at in Scripture. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bi…

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