Creative Catholicism

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the Feast of the Ascension and its deeper meaning of human transcendence. He contrasts society’s pursuit of fame, recognition, and control—even through destructive means like pornography—with the Catholic vision of transcendence rooted in generosity, humility, and service. True fulfilment, he argues, is found not in being remembe...

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the meaning of the resurrected life through stories from Brighton Cemetery, where his walks with his dog reveal tales of sacrifice, shame, dignity, and remembrance. He recounts the remarkable story of Maurice Buckley, a World War I soldier who overcame disgrace to earn the Victoria Cross, and observes the quiet resilience of grie...

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the true meaning of love in light of Jesus’ words, “love one another as I have loved you.” While often used sentimentally in weddings or speeches, Father Grant explains that Christ’s love is not about emotion or group bonding, but about sacrifice, obedience, and surrendering our own will to God’s. Drawing on the context of the Ga...

In this episode of the Modern Martyrs, Father James Grant tells the story of Blessed Bernard Lichtenberg, parish priest of St. Hedwig’s in Berlin. Known for his quiet but firm resistance to the Nazis, he opposed their sterilisation laws, protested abuses, and publicly prayed for Jews after Kristallnacht. Arrested in 1941 for his prayers, he refused to compromise his faith and died in Nazi custody...

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the contrasts of modern life, where security and surveillance are rising yet crime continues to flourish, often through deception and scams. He shares personal stories and observations to highlight how trust, honesty, and authenticity have become increasingly blurred in society. Drawing on the words of Jesus, he reminds listeners...

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the meaning of “real hope” by contrasting the resilience of past generations with the challenges of today. Drawing on personal memories of his grandmother’s strength, the struggles of early Christians, and the story of a woman facing cancer with faith, he argues that true Christian hope is not mere optimism or human stubbornness,...

This is the first in a news series by Father James Grant. In this episode of Modern Martyrs, Father James Grant reflects on the life of St. Max Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan priest who gave his life at Auschwitz. Beyond his famous act of sacrifice, Kolbe’s daily devotion, service to the poor, and deep love of Mary reveal a model of faith lived out in both quiet suffering and extraordinary courage.

Father James Grant unpacks the heart of Catholicism — God becoming one of us, living out our calling, embracing forgiveness, and finding prayer in everyday life — with honesty, warmth, and a dash of humour.

In episode 20 of Making Catholicism Work, titled "Change and Unchangeable Foundations", Father James Grant explores the tension between modern calls for institutional reform and the enduring truths of the Catholic faith. Drawing from his experience in industrial chaplaincy, Father Grant challenges the assumption that churches must adapt to survive, arguing instead that clarity, not conformity, is...

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on his time living and working in communist East Germany and Hungary during the 1980s. He explores the illusion of state-provided security and the spiritual toll it took on society—highlighting how fear and dependency replaced freedom and personal responsibility. Drawing a striking parallel to modern Australia, particularly among di...

Pilgrimage, or a journey to emulate someone’s life, is a powerful antidote to a lifeless faith. It involves detaching from self-centeredness and embracing a deeper connection with God and others. Through pilgrimage, we learn gratitude, compassion, and the importance of community, ultimately transforming our lives and relationships.

Father James Grant questions the true nature of freedom in modern society, contrasting it with the sacrifices made by Anzac soldiers. He argues that while Australians enjoy unprecedented freedom of choice, many lack freedom from fear and insecurity. Grant emphasises the Catholic perspective on freedom, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, as a freedom from fear and a call to live a life that exemp...

Catholics value tradition as a preservation of truth, not just as an example. Modern Australians often criticise the church for needing change, yet are captivated by grand ceremonial events. Father James Grant argues that true love and commitment, like the Catholic faith, transcend personal needs and feelings, challenging the transactional nature of modern culture.

The Catholic Church has largely stopped speaking about or calling people to a sense of vocation, which is the fundamental question of what task God is calling us to. This lack of discussion about vocation is the fundamental reason for the loss of energy and vitality in faith communities and the dismal connections to the wider community. The removal of Mary from parishes has had a crippling effect...

Father James Grant discusses his directive approach to counselling, contrasting it with a more hands-off method. He applies this to religious beliefs, comparing the Catholic understanding of God as a communicating, self-giving Trinity to the more distant, aloof God of Judaism, Islam, and secularism. The Catholic belief in the Trinity, as a statement of God’s closeness and communication, is seen as...

Father James Grant discusses Alexander Solzhenitsyn, a Russian author and dissident, criticised Western naivety towards communism, particularly American support for the Soviet Union. He argued this support strengthened communism and enabled the suppression of freedom movements. Solzhenitsyn also analysed the Catholic Church’s compromises with communist regimes, highlighting the need for a realisti...

Father James Grant discusses how Catholicism could never have existed without the resurrection of Jesus.

Visit creativecatholicism.com to listen to past episodes or contact Father James Grant.

Father James Grant discusses the self help / self improvement industry and Australia's infatuation with self help. Visit creativecatholicism.com to listen to past episodes or contact Father James Grant.

Father James Grant discusses stoicism, a philosophy focused on self-improvement and duty, significantly influenced ancient Rome for 500 years. Despite its admirable principles, its practical application was often lacking, as illustrated by figures like Cicero and Marcus Aurelius. In contrast, Catholicism provides a more holistic approach to human improvement, extending beyond personal development...

Father James Grant recounts a conversation with a friend who rejected his suggestion to become Catholic, viewing it as controlling. He reflects on the perception of the Gospel as offensive to those who believe they are okay, and argues that the Church should proclaim the truth about self-indulgence and lack of love in Australian society. Despite potential backlash, he believes honesty is crucial,...

Catholic art, rooted in the incarnation of Christ, elevates humanity and connects it to the spiritual realm. This is evident in architecture, such as Gothic cathedrals, and in sculptures like Michelangelo’s Pieta, which transform human suffering into inspiration. In contrast, modern Australian art, often elitist and government-subsidised, struggles to transcend demoralising trends and fails to res...

Father James Grant discusses the rise of various beliefs and practices in modern Australia, contrasting them with Catholicism. He argues that Catholicism, as a revealed religion, differs from these beliefs by asserting a specific understanding of God through the person of Jesus Christ. Father Grant emphasizes the uniqueness of Catholicism in its belief in Jesus as the full revelation of God, contr...

Father James Grant reflects on the contrast between his grandmother’s strong faith and the lack of religious practice in his own family. He recounts his grandmother’s hardships, including the loss of two husbands to war injuries, and how her faith sustained her through suffering. Father Grant contrasts this with a recent observation of a grandmother and her granddaughters, suggesting a disconnect...

Father James Grant discusses the perception of God’s absence, highlighting how people often overlook God’s presence in their lives. He contrasts this with Jesus’ inclusivity and Mary’s continued work in the world, emphasising the importance of the rosary as a means of connecting with God and others. Father Grant shares his personal experience of finding closeness to his deceased wife through the r...