Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

In this Jubilee year, Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle explain the Biblical roots of the Jubilee year, the sabbath and explain what it means to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. They also discuss Pope Leo XIV’s message to bishops and share their hopes for all bishops. Snippet from the Show “Bishops have such an incredible task, but they cannot let the tasks remove them from their fatherhood.” We want to hear...

Dave Vanvickle highlights the importance of helping the poor, loving the poor and even learning from them. In our poverty, we realize our reliance on the Lord. Let us never forget that the gravest form of poverty is to not know God. Snippet from the Show “The reason why poverty is so important as a theme for Christianity is because it reminds us we have nothing without God.” We want to hear from y...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle breakdown Pope Leo XIV’s blessings, speeches, and writings thus far. They analyze the popes and saints the pope has quoted, the poetic nature of Pope Leo XIV and approach his words and actions with excitement and curiosity. Snippet from the Show “I know a lot of you had problems with Pope Francis. I know others of you had problems with Pope Benedict and Pope John Pa...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle share their thoughts on Pope Leo, unpack the meaning of “synodality” which the pope has mentioned various times, and address key differences and similarities between this papacy as opposed to previous ones. They also remind us that while the pope is important, we must not become hyper focused on every single detail of the papacy. Snippet from the Show “I’m super cau...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle answer questions from listeners, discuss the Biblical evidence behind purgatory and the best logical responses to support it. They also explain the acolyte and their role in the celebration of the Holy Mass. Snippet from the Show “What is Purgatory? It is the application of the merits of Jesus Christ to my soul so that even my desires are in union with God’s will fo...

How do you handle your own wounds or the wounds of others? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle open up about childhood pain, suffering, and the path to healing. Through personal stories and shared experiences, they explore the tools needed to move forward and the deep healing that comes when we bring our wounds to the Lord. Snippet from the Show “If you have a wound like that, and you don’t bring it t...

Why is the feast of Pentecost important? What place should the Holy Spirit have in our life? Dave VanVickle unpacks on the importance of the Holy Spirit and gives practical tips for how we can all increase our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Snippet from the Show “Every year we celebrate the mystery of pentecost, why? We celebrate it to renew the idea that we need the Holy Spirit in our life an...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by Dr. Mike Sirilla to explore the divine and human nature of Jesus Christ. Together, they unpack heresies, clarify common misconceptions, and highlight key biblical and historical moments that reveal the true essence of God. Snippet from the Show “Who is Jesus? What is Jesus? He is the perfect union of Divinity and humanity.” We want to hear from you! Em...

How can the Church be renewed from within? How do we faithfully follow our conscience while acting with prudence? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle explore how saints, popes, and everyday men and women—including themselves—have embraced the real work of the Kingdom, responding to the failures of Church leadership not with bitterness, but with holiness and give tips on how you can too! Snippet from t...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle talk about reviving the diaconate. They discuss how deacons are not just “married priests” but that they have different yet important roles. They also talk about the origin of the diaconate, how the role has evolved through the ages, and share their raw thoughts on the diaconate. Snippet from the Show “I’m grateful for the diaconate because I’ve always seen it as a...

What does it mean to be a priest today? In this episode, Gomer and Dave reflect on the beauty and burden of the priesthood—its spiritual power, real-world challenges, and the call to bold, Christ-centered leadership. With insights and wisdom from Pope Benedict, we explore how priests can renew their role as shepherds—and how we, as laypeople, can support them in their mission. Snippet from the Sho...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss the importance of understanding priests; what their role is, how they should be set apart and how we should approach the priesthood. They also talk about the significance of sacrifice and the biblical roots of the priesthood. Snippet from the Show Jesus Christ is the high priest, he’s the unique mediator. There is no priesthood without Jesus Christ. When you...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by cannon lawyer, Fr. Brian Austin. Together they discuss the origins of canon law, the difference between church and secular legal law, papal primacy, and discuss the role of the Catholic Church through the chaos of history. Snippet from the Show If you believe that God wants you to be happy then how does that change what law is? Well it goes from being...

Why does the Church need bishops? Dr. Michael Sirilla joins Mike Gormley and Dave Van Vickle to explore the role of bishops in the Church, referencing St. Thomas Aquinas' insights. They discuss the spiritual fatherhood, pastoral duties, and theological understanding of bishops. They also unpack the processes of selecting bishops and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church. Snippet from t...

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle unpack Church history, explain papal theology, highlight the importance of Rome, and the importance of St. Peter. They also explain papal infallibility, what it is and what it is not. Snippet from the Show "So the Pope is supposed to be this thing of unity amongst the communion of the bishops, but he is not supposed to be the CEO of a bunch of franchises and that is...

Have you ever wondered why Peter was the first pope? Do you question the idea of a pope or of papal infallibility? Where does priestly authority come from? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle continue their season of exploring church leadership through the examination of the Old Testament, the New Testament, the priesthood and the role of St. Peter. Snippet from the Show If Jesus is the fulfillment...

Are you ready for a new season of Every Knee Shall Bow? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle kick off their new season by addressing the topics they’ll cover in upcoming episodes regarding church hierarchy, where it comes from, all the common problems people have and many other topics around church leadership. Snippet from the Show Even in the face of incredibly competent leaders, that aren’t priest...

Gomer and Dave will return next week with a new season on Church hierarchy. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

How do you deal with pastor changes, church updates, and closing parishes? Are you trying to serve the church, but keep hitting roadblocks? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle explore what to do when you feel stuck in an unfortunate church situation and how to handle the chaos of change. Snippet from the Show It’s important to let this be a reminder to us that we follow Jesus Christ and not a build...

Does the idea of apologetics intimidate you? Do you feel inadequate defending the Catholic faith, but want to build confidence in evangelizing? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle explain the gift of evangelization and how God wants us to participate in the good work He started. Snippet from the Show The sacraments are not our work to please God, it is God’s work to save humanity. We want to hear f...

What is your plan for Lent? Is there anything you’ve been avoiding that the Lord is tugging at your heart to revisit? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle explain where our focus should be and how Lent is a time to become more disciplined, virtuous and free. Snippet from the Show “The purpose of Lent is a time of quickening, a time of intensity, it’s a time of renewed focus. It is a time where we do...

When you’re facing suffering, it’s very natural to ask why. However, if we suspend that question and instead ask ‘God, how can I love the most at this moment?’, you’ll get more answers than if you were to actually get the answer to your question. Today, Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle give tips on how to suffer well and weather the storms of difficulties. Snippet from the Show Tips from Mike and D...

How can there be pain and a loving God? Gomer and Dave explain how the Cross is the answer to the problem of pain and how we need to find our place in the crucified Christ. They also unpack the things that separate us from God in the midst of suffering. Snippet from the Show When you look at the Cross, you see the love of God, for you poured out. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensio...

Does our sin cause suffering? Yes and no. Gomer and Dave explore the complex relationship between sin and suffering. They discuss the nuances of attributing suffering to sin, the role of divine justice, and how miracles fit into God's greater plan. Snippet from the Show  We have to trust that in God's "no", there is something greater that is being done. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@a...

Why do innocents suffer? Why does God allow me to suffer in ways that keep from accomplishing good things? There are many parts to suffering that are difficult to understand and can build resentment within us. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle address these questions and share how they help others let go of their resentment in suffering. Snippet from the Show God suffers for you for a purpose, bu...