The Catholic Cafe

Deacon Jeff talks with Head Chef at The Catholic Cafe, Fr Ben Bradshaw, about the gift...and challenges...of sexual chastity in the world today. Also discussed are the differences between chastity, celibacy and continence.

Deacon Jeff talks with Head Chef at The Catholic Cafe, Fr. Ben Bradshaw, about the Catechism of the Catholic Church: it's origins, it's purpose, and its practical and prayerful use for the faithful.

Deacon Jeff talks with Monsignor John McArthur about the importance of staying "in the boat," in the Catholic Church, especially when times are rough.

Deacon Jeff talks with Deacon James Clarke, a transitional deacon and seminarian for the Diocese of Memphis about the differences between a transitional deacon and a permanent deacon, as well as his personal calling by God to serve in His Church.

Deacon Jeff talks with Msgr Victor Ciarramitaro about the changes in the third edition of the Roman Missal and how they will affect Mass attendees.

Deacon Jeff and Tom Dorian talk with Bob Nicholas about the importance of "eating" a healthy spiritual diet...including the Eucharist!

Deacon Jeff and Tom Dorian talk about the different meanings attributed to the phrases "born again" and "saved" between Catholics and Protestants.

Deacon Jeff and Tom Dorian talk about reverence in the Catholic Faith, with a special emphasis on kneeling and genuflection and its proper place in Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament.

Deacon Jeff speaks with Paulist Fr. Dave Dwyer, the host of The Busted Halo show heard weeknights on XM and Sirius Satellite radio. They talk about The Busted Halo ministry and answer a few of Deacon Jeff's emails. Fun stuff.

Deacon Jeff talks with Fr. Frank Pavone, Director of the International pro life organization Priests For Life about the Church's beautiful teaching on the sanctity and dignity of all human life, especially those most vulnerable, importance of acting to be sure that teaching is lived out.

Deacon Jeff talks with Fr. Earl Fernandez of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati about the role that our conscience plays in making moral decisions, and the vital importance of having a properly formed conscience so that our judgments are not erroneous.

Deacon Jeff talks with well-known authority on the Permanent Diaconate Deacon Bill Ditewig about the centuries old tradition behind the connection between angels and the deacons of the Church.

Deacon Jeff talks with Derek Rotty about living the Catholic Virtues versus living the world's values.

Deacon Jeff talks with Father Anthony Brausch, a priest for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and instructor at the Mount Saint Mary's Seminary of the West, about faith in terms of being a "habit" and the requirement of developing, nurturing and caring for that faith so as to develop the means to make a positive ascent to the Teachings of the Church.

Deacon Jeff talks with Deacon Greg Kandra about evangelizing in the digital age. Deacon Greg produces a DAILY Catholic TV show called "Currents" and is host and moderator of a blog on BeliefNet called "The Deacon's Bench."

Deacon Jeff talks with Brother Joel McGraw about his experiences with the Christian Brothers, particularly about their ministry in the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee.

Deacon Jeff talks with Barbara Goldsmith, a woman who had the opportunity to visit Lourdes with the assistance of the Order of Malta. Her story of the intense experience from the heart of the Church is truly inspirational.

Deacon Jeff talks with Mexican recording artist Azeneth Gonzales (and her friend, Fr. Agostino Torres, CFR of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal) about her wonderful story of conversion. After winning La Academia, the Mexican version of "American Idol," she canceled a lucrative CD recording contract so that she could travel the world as a missionary and sing only for the glory of God.

Deacon Jeff talks with Fr. Agostino Torres, CFR of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal about the problem of bad things happening to good people. Should I abandon the Church? Does God MAKE evil things happen? How can God be all good and allow bad things to happen? How can suffering be redemptive? These and many other questions are discussed.

Deacon Jeff talks with Fr. Anthony Baetzold, CFR of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal about the Catholic teaching regarding Celibacy, especially for priests.

Deacon Jeff talks with Anthony Maranise about the different types of friendships, the ultimate of which includes Christ. Additionally, challenges to a Christ-centered friendship are discussed.

Deacon Jeff talks with J. Terry Steib, SVD, Bishop of Memphis in Tennessee about his latest Pastoral Letter, "Who Do You Say That I Am?"

Deacon Jeff talks with TV personality Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers about the ministry of the Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church and his journey to becoming a deacon.

Deacon Jeff talks with Alicia Van Hecke, noted homeschooling author, speaker and enthusiast about the ways in which all families can help keep a strong and vibrant Catholic identity in the home.

Deacon Jeff talks with Father Jim Blount, SOLT about the effect of a weak earthly (familial or spiritual) father: it leads most assuredly to a lack of a relationship with the Divine and Eternal Father. More specifically, it leads one open to spiritual warfare and soul-threatening attacks from the devil and those that serve him.