The Gaudium et Spes Podcast

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack shares an in-depth look at the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that formed him as a priest. He explains the difference between diocesan and religious order priests, details the congregation's founding by Blessed Basil Moreau in France after the French Revolution, and highlights its missionary focus on education and serving people thr...

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo continue their conversation on Catholic Social Teachings with a deep dive into Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which addresses the social and economic challenges of the Industrial Revolution. The encyclical argues for the sanctity of private property and the responsibility of the wealthy to treat their employees with respect. It also...

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Jacob Hyman about his inspiring journey from being raised Jewish to becoming a Catholic convert while studying engineering at Florida State University. He also talks about becoming involved with New Polity and the Strong Towns movement, viewing his work through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, and his inspiration from Blessed Alberto Marvelli...

Bishop Wack reflects on the papal transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo XIV. He shares the experience of watching Pope Leo XIV's introduction with the Pastoral Center staff, how he hoped for a pope who would continue Pope Francis's pastoral approach of mercy and love, and highlights Pope Leo XIV's first words of "Peace be with you" as a powerful moment.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Dr. Christopher Gawel and Michele Kenaga about their respective roles as Director of Liturgy and Sacramental Practice and Director of Faith Formation, their faith journeys, the importance of family catechesis and the shift from traditional classroom-based faith formation to more organic, family-centered approaches.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack continues his discussion on the Council of Nicaea. He breaks down each line of the Nicene Creed, emphasizing the Creed's theological depth, its historical context, and its continued relevance in contemporary Christian practice.

Host Chez Filippini welcomes Dr. Luke Arredondo back to continue their conversation on Catholic Social Teachings. They discuss the concept of the "City of God" by Augustine, the Roman Empire's conversion to Christendom, the role of the Church in society and the upcoming focus on Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum."

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack talks about the historical significance of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which established the Nicene Creed and repudiated Arianism, affirming Jesus' divinity and consubstantiality with God.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Julie Baltz about her faith journey, her involvement in natural family planning (NFP) and her work with Fertility Education and Medical Management (FEMM). Julie emphasizes the importance of understanding the body's natural cycles and the holistic benefits of NFP. Learn more about Natural Family Planning: https://ptdiocese.org/nfp Learn more a...

Host Chez Filippini and special guest host Dr. Tom Neal chat with Bishop Wack about his second pastoral letter, Reborn, Anointed, Nourished: Faith and Formation for Life. Bishop Wack talks about his inspiration for writing the letter, why the diocese is moving to the Restored Order of the Sacraments of the Initiation and his vision for a renewal of sacramental life. A digital version of the pastor...

Host Chez Filippini welcomes Dr. Luke Arredondo as they begin a ten episode series on Catholic social teachings. They discuss their initial reactions to the introduction of Pope Leo XIV, the development of Catholic social teachings, their relevance to contemporary issues, the importance of the book of Genesis and the teachings of Jesus as told in Matthew 25.

It's our 100th episode! Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini welcome Bishop Wack and Sharmane Adams to reminisce about Sharmane's vision for the podcast, some of their favorite moments, memorable road trips and future plans for the podcast. Kayley Robinson, the show's original producer, also joins the show to share her experiences setting up the studio and humorous moments durin...

Host Chez Filippini talks with Deacon Andy and Kate Grosmaire about how they met, Dcn. Andy's conversion to the Catholic faith, the heartbreaking story of their daughter Ann's death and how their faith led them to forgive her killer. 

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack continues the discussion of the Spiritual Works of Mercy by explaining why it's important to pray for the living and the dead. 

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Anthony Pinto about his faith journey, how his wife's passing led to his involvement with the GriefShare program, and ways to comfort the sorrowful. Learn more about GriefShare: https://www.griefshare.org

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack is joined by Fr. Kevin McQuone to discuss "counseling the doubtful." They dispel some of the myths of counseling the doubtful, discuss a few names from scripture who inspire them, list some telltale signs of doubt, and how dealing with moments of doubt are both an intellectual and a spiritual journey.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Dr. Alice Hughes about her upbringing in Pensacola, why she loves working in a parish, and multiple ways to "instruct the ignorant." 

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack begins a multi-episode series on the Spiritual Works of Mercy by discussing their origins and the importance of "Admonishing the Sinner".

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Ken and Maria Schaefer about their respective faith journeys, what led them to get more involved in marriage ministry, the impact that its had on other couples and plans to expand their work in 2025. Learn more about Ken and Maria's marriage ministry: https://www.livethelife.org/

In this special episode, Bishop Wack talks about the history of the jubilee and how the 2025 Jubilee will be celebrated in both the universal and local church.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Sr. Susan Francis Graham, ASCJ about her faith journey, how studying abroad led her to her vocation, her missionary work in west Africa and working with the students of the University of West Florida.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack concludes his three part series on the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. The Apostles featured in this episode are: James the Less, Simon the Zealot, Bartholomew, Jude/Thaddeus, Matthias and Paul 

Host Chez Filippini talks with Fr. Doug and Amanda Martin about their respective faith journeys, converting to Catholicism and their early struggles following their conversion. They also talk about their passion for youth ministry and the process of how Fr. Doug became a priest.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack continues his three part series on the Twelve Apostles, the primary disciples of Jesus Christ. The four Apostles discussed in this episode are: Judas Iscariot, Philip, Matthew, and Thomas

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with David and Erin Kimbell about their respective faith journeys, their time together in the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, why they chose to live in Pensacola, Erin's transition from teacher to a full-time mother, David's time as the Parish Manager of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and his current role as Chief Financial...