Intentionally Catholic

After a long break, Dan Hansen welcomes back Father Ron Hutchinson for a candid update on where he’s been—and what the last several months have looked like behind the scenes. Father Ron shares how what he first assumed were “the blues” and simple fatigue turned into a serious health situation: atrial fibrillation (AFib). He describes noticing shortness of breath, a “fluttering” heart sensation, an...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson reflect on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary through the lens of the Advent season. Together, they walk through each mystery—the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation in the Temple, and Finding of Jesus in the Temple—exploring both their theological depth and their relevance to everyday life. Along th...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic , hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson dive into one of the most challenging questions for any believer: How do we discern God’s will in the decisions that shape our lives? Together, they talk through the emotional ups and downs that often come with big choices and offer practical ways to recognize God’s gentle guidance. Their conversation includes p...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss the recent election of the new Pope, reflecting on the emotional impact and global significance of the event. Father Ron shares his personal experiences from witnessing Pope Francis's election in Rome and provides insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Pope Leo. The conversation also touches...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson delve deep into the emotional and spiritual challenges faced when a priest is reassigned to a new parish. Father Ron shares personal insights from his 31 years as a priest, discussing the sadness, uncertainty, and need for obedience as he prepares to leave the Basilica of St. Adalbert after seven years. The conve...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson delve into a deep and reflective conversation about the key moments of Good Friday. The discussion begins with Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and progresses through his betrayal, arrest, and trial before Pontius Pilate. They explore the physical and emotional torment Jesus endured, the reactions of his...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson dive deep into the experience of Holy Week from a priest's viewpoint. Father Ron shares his preparations, the spiritual and logistical challenges, and the moments of profound connection throughout this intense week. The discussion covers everything from sermon preparations weeks in advance to the deeply moving ri...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss creating a spiritual game plan for living a more intentional Catholic life. They explore various daily devotions and habits to help grow in holiness, breaking them down into morning, midday, and evening practices. Key topics include the meaning of holiness, morning routines like the Serenity Prayer and Le...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson explore practical ways to embrace the Lenten season, especially for those experiencing unique life situations. They discuss tailored approaches for new parents, individuals going through grief or suffering, the elderly or the sick, and those in high-stress environments. The key takeaway is to make manageable, mea...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson explore the significance of saints within the Catholic tradition. They discuss how saints are identified, the impact of patron saints, and delve into some specific saints like St. Lawrence, St. Valentine, and St. Gregory the Great. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, Father Ron highlights the sain...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson delve into practical steps for effective evangelization, highlighting the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus, showing love, the power of persistent prayer, and starting evangelization within our own families. They emphasize sharing personal faith stories and the need for authenticity in evangeli...

In this episode of the Intentionally Catholic podcast, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson kick off the second season by revisiting the topic of evangelization. They discuss the true essence of evangelization as defined by quotes from the USCCB, emphasizing that it must start from a place of love. They clarify common misconceptions and outline that evangelization is more about sharing how f...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson dive into a heartfelt discussion about the first Christmas. With Advent nearing its end and Christmas around the corner, they explore what Mary might have known and felt about Jesus, and how Joseph handled his divine responsibilities. They discuss the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, the role of shepherds, a...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson dive deep into Fr. Ron's personal experiences and reflections on celebrating Mass. They discuss what goes through a priest's mind during consecration, how Fr. Ron addresses feelings of unworthiness, and the challenge of staying focused during repetitive tasks. The conversation also touches on moments of doubt, the i...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson discuss a topic suggested by a listener: their favorite books and authors. They explore influential literature, both secular and faith-based, that has impacted their lives. Fr. Ron shares his love for Charles Dickens and recommends 'Oliver Twist,' while Dan introduces the works of James Herriot, particularly 'All Creature...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss strategies for maintaining joy and peace during holiday family gatherings. They offer practical advice on keeping conversations light and focused on positive shared memories, playing games, and having a 'do not engage' policy on controversial topics like politics and religion. They emphasize the importanc...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson explore the profound aesthetic and spiritual significance of church architecture. Through a discussion centered on the Basilica of St. Adalbert in Grand Rapids, they reflect on how beauty in church buildings can evoke a deeper sense of sacredness, holiness, and connection to God. The conversation addresses the ba...

In this episode, Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson discuss their favorite Bible passages and the significance of these passages in their spiritual journeys. Fr. Ron reflects on the book of Hosea and the symbolic marriage between Hosea and Gomer, while Dan speaks about the agony in the garden, highlighting Jesus' desire for companionship in suffering. They discuss the nativity story, imagining the...

In this episode, Dan Hansen, a convert from Protestantism, and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss the Catholic understanding of Mary. They delve into common Protestant concerns, scriptural bases for venerating Mary, and personal experiences of Mary's intercession. The conversation covers theological interpretations, the significance of Mary's presence in the Bible, the role of tradition, and the differ...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson explore ways to support priests in their demanding roles. They discuss the importance of daily prayers for priests, sharing positive feedback, acknowledging them during holidays and special occasions, and the importance of constructive criticism given with love. The episode also touches on the emotional difficulties...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson reconnect after a busy summer to discuss Father Ron's recent vacation in Europe. The conversation covers the unique experience of being a chaplain on the Queen Mary 2 cruise to the fjords of Norway, exploring Southampton and London, and discovering Ireland's Malahide and Dublin. They reflect on the beauty and surprises...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson delve into the subject of priesthood and vocations. They discuss the challenges and rewards of serving as a priest, the current state of priestly vocations in the diocese, and the impact of traditional liturgy on attracting young people to the church. The conversation also explores the process of discerning a call t...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson delve into the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is celebrated in June. They explore its historical roots, particularly the contributions of St. John Eudes and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 1600s, and discuss the symbolism behind the Sacred Heart. Father Hutchinson shares personal stories and refle...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson delve into the complexities and significance of evangelizing Protestants. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of approaching evangelization with love, patience, and understanding, reflecting on Jesus's own desire for Christian unity as stated in John 17. 00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic...

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson delve into the question of whether it really matters if our Catholic kids stay Catholic. The conversation explores the perceived value of the Catholic faith among its members, with particular attention to the belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and the broader implications of such beliefs...