A New York Catholic Conversation Podcast

IS GEN Z DISCOVERING THE CATHOLIC FAITH? After years of secularization and indifference to God and religion, there are real signs that Gen Z is discovering the beauty of Catholicism as a better way of living. Let's invite and welcome young people today to join us on this "noble path to happiness." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

SILENCING HABITS THAT SEPARATE US FROM GOD. We know that "God speaks in silence," so there is a need for us to quiet those internal disturbances within us that prevent intimacy with God. The scholars and saints tell us we must cultivate a "holy silence" that penetrates all the faculties of our bodies and souls, and thus hasten our return to God.   Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gma...

WHAT THE PROPHETS TELL US. The great Jewish prophets of the Old Testament were understood to be messengers from God, intermediaries between God and the community. They exhorted and encouraged people to change their ways, to live better lives, and to prepare for the light that was coming into the world. Even today, the prophets provide a roadmap to follow the one who said, "I am the way, the truth,...

SACRAMENTALS. Holy Water, Rosary Beads, the Angelus, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy; these are the objects and prayer-rituals that the Church provides to elevate our minds and direct our thoughts to God. They express the beauty of our faith and "dispose us to holiness." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SOUL LEAVES THE BODY? At the moment we stand before God, all of the decisions and choices we have made during our lives are made clear to us. Yes, He is the God of Divine Mercy, but we must turn to Him, now, before it is too late.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

INGRATITUDE. Jesus said, “Ten were cleansed, were there not?  Where are the other nine?” If we do not stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist and in prayer, we can fall prey to ego, pride, and a lack of humility. As St. Thérèse of Lisieux said, "Jesus does not demand great action from us, but simply surrender, and gratitude." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, AND JOHN. These four Evangelists all had the same goal — to proclaim that Jesus Christ was the Son of God who came into the world, suffered, died, and rose from the dead, so that all mankind would be saved from sin. But they each came to the story from a different point of view and wrote to different audiences. Knowing more about these subtle differences helps increase our und...

DIVINE MERCY.  His Merciful Forgiveness extends to all who are in need, and ask for it.  If this is true, and we believe it, why not say the prayer as often as possible – "Jesus, I Trust In You" ? Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

THE LORD'S PRAYER. Jesus said to His disciples, "This is how you are to pray; 'Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name.'"  This prayer is said when we are baptized, and when we are buried, and at every Mass, every day, in every church throughout the world.  It is said to be the perfect prayer, because Our Lord Himself connects us to God Our Father in an intimate way, every time we say it.  Joi...

HOW IS IT GOING THIS LENT? We start on Ash Wednesday with good intentions, but as the days wear on, we may start falling short.  It's a good time to readjust and strengthen an abstinence you may have taken on.  And remember to check the ego for envy or jealousy, so that you will remain free to love with a joyful and forgiving heart. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

GROWING DURING LENT. We’re in motion during Lent. With a desire to return and draw closer to God, we avoid things that keep us from Him. Through prayer and self-denial, we begin again to align ourselves with the suffering Christ, who we can now more eagerly follow to the Cross, and beyond.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

STOP WORRYING!  When we worry, we are focusing outside of the present moment. We are overthinking the past, and harboring anxiety about the future. But Jesus insists that we place our trust completely in our heavenly Father, and He challenges our lack of faith; "Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan?" Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

JUBILEE YEAR.  The Church celebrates a Jubilee every 25 years, and in 2025 the theme is 'Pilgrims of Hope,' a year dedicated to hope for a world that is suffering.  In this "Holy Year," the Pope calls all Christians to re-establish a proper relationship with God and with one another. It is a time for the true joy that comes from spiritual renewal, personal restoration, and sincere forgiveness.  Jo...

CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY.  Although Carmelite Spirituality traces back to the Middle Ages, it still helps us today because of its focus on prayer, contemplation, and service to God.  It includes devotion to our Blessed Mother and is based on a deep desire to experience God's presence in everyday life.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

A DEMON SPEAKS.  We all experience the presence of evil in our lives in different ways, and Jesus Himself confronts Satan directly in the Bible. What if the Devil spoke, and explained how he deceives and destroys people, especially those of us who have faith?  Let's listen to the voice of evil, when a demon speaks. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

MEDICALLY-ASSISTED SUICIDE.  Whether it is called "compassionate" or "dying with dignity," any effort to end one's life before natural death is considered by the Church to be "morally unacceptable" and opposed to God's will. Suffering at the end of our lives may well serve as a reminder of our spiritual need for grace and mercy in the judgment which is to come.    Join the conversation: anycatholi...

PERSEVERANCE IN THE NEW YEAR.  Have you made resolutions, and thought about your goals for this year? Now is the time, and you’re going to need some tools to help you along the way.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

THE NINE CHOIRS OF ANGELS. We don’t notice them or think about them much, but upon reflection, they are always with us. They are bearers of good news; they are there to protect us, and to assure us of God’s love and mercy. Our Angels exist to help us know the will of God, for each and every one of us.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

LET THE HOLY SPIRIT WORK IN YOUR LIFE. "Leave room for the Holy Spirit!" In our Creed we say that the third Person of the Blessed Trinity is "the Lord, the giver of life." We constantly need to remove those things from our lives that block or prevent the flow of grace and peace and love that come from the Holy Spirit of God, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.    Join the conversation: anyca...

A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION.  It seems like joy is in short supply this year, but it’s there, in abundance, if you know where to look.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

MOTHER TERESA. In dedicating her life to the poorest of the poor, St. Teresa of Calcutta has become one of the most beloved women of all time, and the work of the Missionaries of Charity continues around the world. The simplicity of her life and the authenticity of her vocation are an inspiration for all of us in our own journeys of faith in Christ.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@...

THE DIARY OF SAINT MARIA FAUSTINA. The Polish nun who lived a cloistered and contemplative life is now known throughout the world as "The Apostle of the Divine Mercy." In her Diary, Sister Faustina reveals her intimate and mystical union with God, and now when we gaze on the Image of the Risen Christ with Blood and Water flowing from His side, we bow our heads and say together, "Jesus, I Trust in...

ADVENT.  Is everything ready? If not, Advent is the time to once again prepare for a new birth, and a new life. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

THE RIGHT TO LIFE. As Catholics, we believe in the sanctity of human life, and we take a moral position on abortion based on God's law and Church teaching. We are made in the image and likeness of God, and we are all called to defend life from conception until natural death.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com  

THE ROSARY. It’s not for everyone, but many people who say the Rosary find it to be a spiritually engaging and enriching prayer.  If you are less familiar with it, you may be surprised to learn of its depth and its power.  Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com