So…what did you give up for Lent? We have always loved asking and answering this question every Ash Wednesday. The problem is that, for many people, the idea of “giving something up” has lost it’s meaning and has even fallen by the wayside as a childish or obsolete custom. Join Deacon Jeff in the Luxurious Corner Booth as he, Tom and Doug discuss the meaning, purpose and extreme value of our Lenten practices as we prepare for the glories of Easter.
Living The Mystery
Many people – Catholics and non-Catholics alike – are asking themselves, “Is this all there is?” Life can be tough, filled with many challenges, and many of us are wondering how to live a joy-filled life. Join Deacon Jeff and Doug as they welcome their guest, Fr. Emerich Vogt, OP, to the Luxurious Corner Booth to discuss the keys to not only recognize potential issues in themselves and their families and friends, but how to mend and heal relationships through the love of Christ, the Church and the Eucharist.
Authority Today
Many people struggle with authority in their lives…political, workplace, familial and even religious authority. In a culture that promotes the total empowerment of self, it’s getting harder and harder to recognize the authority of the Church as a natural extension of Christ’s authority. Join Deacon Jeff and Doug Grokulsky as they discuss the challenging and timely topic of authority today.
Mass And A Busy Life
What happens when you work so long and so hard that you find it difficult to get to Mass? And, when you do go, you get nothing out of it because you’re so tired. This is a dilemma many people in our current economy are facing. Join Deacon Jeff and Tom in the Luxurious Corner Booth as they try and assist a listener in her process of navigating this tough situation.
You Can Learn Your Faith
Once again, Deacon Jeff, Tom and Doug open up the mail bag in the Luxurious Corner Booth of The Catholic Cafe! Join them as they help a listener who wants to know what the Catholic Church can offer those who are only nominal Catholics, but have an intense desire to know more about what the Church teaches…and thereby grow in their faith.
Testimony About Confession
Has it been a while since your last sacramental Confession? How about 40 years? Join Deacon Jeff and Tom in the Luxurious Corner Booth as they read and discuss a listener’s email to The Catholic Cafe recounting their personal journey and (a 40-year experience) back to the confessional!
Being Child-like
What did Jesus REALLY mean when he told us that unless we turn and become like children we could not enter the kingdom of heaven? Didn’t St. Paul tell us to “put away childish things?” Even the world would have our children grow up sooner and sooner. Join Deacon Jeff, Tom and Doug as they ponder the words of Jesus and explore ways in which we can all re-capture our child-like qualities.
Advent
Sometimes, I wonder if the season of Advent is one of the best kept secrets of the Church’s liturgical year. Our commercial culture has taught us to skip right from Halloween (All Hallows Eve) to Christmas. And yet, the Church asks us to pause and spend a significant time (in fact, a season) to reflect on the coming – the advent – of the Lord. Join Deacon Jeff, Tom and Doug as they ponder the meaning of this very important opportunity to “prepare the way.”
Adventus
What are we “celebrating” in the season of Advent? Many people, even Catholics, tend to gloss over Advent and skip right to Christmas. But, is that right? Join Deacon Jeff and Tom as they discuss taking time during the season of Advent to anticipate the coming of the Christ…especially by contemplating the reasons for the Incarnation.
Lone Catholic
Meet Annemarie from the Netherlands. She is 24 years old and a “lone” Catholic in her family, amongst her friends and even in her parish. Annemarie is not the only one who feels this way. Join Deacon Jeff and Tom in the Luxurious Corner Booth as they discuss her email from Holland and try and offer some advice, guidance and comfort in her situation.