The Normal Christian Life

Join Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer in this enlightening episode of 'The Normal Christian Life' as they dive deep into the vital relationship between physical health and spiritual well-being. They explore modern obsessions with health and beauty and discuss how physical health can impact emotional and spiritual states. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical references,...

Fr. Michael shares what he has learned as a priest hearing confessions.

In this episode of Normal Christian Life, we talk about the significance of silence, especially during the season of Lent. Reflecting on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert and the importance of stillness, this discussion reveals how silence can enhance our spiritual lives, cultivate holiness, and foster a deeper connection with God. Joined by insightful quotes from saints and personal testimonies, this...

In this episode of the 'Normal Christian Life,' Frs. Michael and Christopher Trummer and Mary Bielski delve into the essence of worship, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God beyond just music. They share personal experiences and insights into how worship has played a vital role in their spiritual lives. The conversation explores the role of praise and adoration in the Church, the transform...

In this episode of 'The Normal Christian Life,' we delve into the significance of spirit-filled community. Building on a previous discussion about friendship, Father Michael, Father Chris, and Mary Bielski explore how community, distinguished by its larger scale and deeper theological context, plays a crucial role in the Christian journey. The episode highlights personal experiences, the importanc...

In this episode of the Normal Christian Life podcast, Father Michael, Christopher, and Mary Bielski explore the profound significance of friendship in the Christian life. They discusse the integral role of friends in spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of Christ-centered relationships. They share their own experiences, discussing how genuine Christian friendships help them stay strong in...

In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, Father Michael Trummer is joined by Miriam Johl and Mary Bielski to explore the theme of spiritual childhood and the profound importance of childlikeness in the spiritual life. Through personal anecdotes, scriptural insights, and heartfelt discussions, the team delves into the distinctive aspects of being childlike, such as joy, surrender, and playfuln...

Fr. Michael, Father Christopher, and Mary Bielski - delve into what evangelization truly means and its significance for the renewal of the Church. Explore the importance of personal testimony, the role of miracles and signs, and the power of accompaniment. Discover practical insights and be inspired to take up the call of spreading the gospel through love, prayer, and genuine relationships.   00:0...

Father Michael and Father Christopher Trummer explore the complex topic: Does God always want to heal? They discuss various Christian perspectives, particularly focusing on views within the charismatic movement that emphasize healing through faith. The dialogue delves into balancing expectancy in God's healing power with submission to His will, supported by teachings from the Catechism and Biblica...

Join our hosts and Katie Reis in an insightful discussion that delves into the lived experience of spousal intimacy with the Lord. Building on the previous episode's theological foundation, this installment explores practical aspects of nurturing a deeper relationship with God through prayer, sacrameånts, and vulnerability. They highlight the importance of genuine sharing, savoring God's presence,...

In this thought-provoking episode, Father Michael Trummer, Mary Bielski, and Father Christopher, delves into the profound concept of having a spousal relationship with God. Addressing the deeply rooted theological and spiritual aspects of this topic, they discuss the importance of understanding God not just as a friend or father, but as a spouse. The conversation highlights significant scripture p...

Join our hosts and Mike Nolan  in this insightful episode of 'The Normal Christian Life,' where they delve deep into the transformative practice of Lectio Divina. Discover the traditional steps of this ancient form of prayer—Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio—and gain inspiration from personal stories and experiences that highlight how God speaks to us through scripture. Whether you're ne...

In this video, join our hosts as they engage in an in-depth conversation with Mike Nolan about the profound impact of scripture on one's personal faith journey. Mike shares his touching testimony of turning to the word of God during challenging times and how it helped to navigate through life's hurdles. The discussion covers how to cultivate a relational encounter with scripture, integrating praye...

Join Fathers Trummer and Mary Bielski in the second episode of our video podcast series as he delves deep into the transformative power of the Word of God. In this episode, they discuss the unique attributes of the scriptures, emphasizing their living and active nature, their ability to convict and sanctify, and their essential role in renewing our minds and lives. From personal testimonies to dee...

Join Father Michael and Christopher Trummer and Mary Bielski on the first video podcast of the Normal Christian Life as they embark on an engaging series focused on the Word of God. Discover the profound significance of scripture in the life of a believer, especially from a Catholic perspective. Hear personal testimonies and experiences with the Bible, including struggles and eventual deep appreci...

Father Michael and Christopher Trummer are joined by guest Adriana Gonzalez to explore the topic of ecumenism, focusing on unity among believers, particularly between Catholics and other Christians. Adriana shares her personal journey of faith, highlighting her upbringing in a Catholic home, her family's involvement in the Charismatic Renewal, and her father's dramatic conversion from atheism to f...

In this episode, Fr. Tony Cecil joins Fr. Michael and Fr. Christopher to explore various facets of enhancing our engagement and experience during the Mass. It emphasizes mindfulness, a contemplative mindset, and the other necessary dispositions of the heart. They discuss the importance of being generous with our time, as well as the nature of internal and external participation. The role of confes...

This podcast episode delves into the topic of shame and its impact on spiritual and emotional healing. Fr. Michael, Fr. Christopher, and Joe discuss how shame is often a subtle and deeply rooted wound that affects people's ability to experience God's love and delight. They emphasize that shame is not just another wound, but a core wound since the fall of humanity. The hosts explain how shame can p...

What is "Catholic mindfulness"? Is it a new age add-on to Christian spirituality, or is it compatible with Catholic tradition and orthodoxy?  "Mindfulness" can refer to the natural ability to focus our attention fully on the present moment. Defined thus, mindfulness can be understood as essential for meditative prayer and active recollection, and for the contemplative life in general. Strongly inf...

At the end of the day, we are never our own masters: we are either children of God and "slaves of righteousness", or slaves of sin and the Devil. While many of us in the Church are preaching an important message of God's mercy and seeking to address issues of unhealthy shame and guilt, we sometimes overlook or play down this simple reality of our sins and their power to enslave us. Mary Bielski re...

While many Catholics are distressed at the division and strife within the Church in recent years, the reality is that the Holy Spirit is offering us an extraordinary grace and opportunity for evangelization. In this episode, Fr. Matthias Thelen joins our hosts to share his testimony, as well as his insights on how the Holy Spirit is working to bring unity to the Church today. Fr. Mathias is the pr...

Within Catholic circles in recent years, a new psychological approach has gained traction: Internal Family Systems (IFS). Our hosts believe this approach offers a deeply insightful way of understanding our complex inner world, that synchronizes well with a Christian anthropology. While not professing to be experts, our hosts offer their own understanding and experience of IFS as a way of introduci...

Continuing our series on inner healing, Fr. Michael and Fr. Chris team up to introduce the topic of deliverance, and its vital importance within the Christian life. Points addressed include: The real need for spiritual warfare and deliverance in the lives of most people The literal (not figurative) influence of Satan and the demonic within the Biblical narrative, most emphasized by Jesus himself T...

Today's world doesn't put a high premium on forgiveness. But Jesus has given his followers, both by word and by example, a clear mandate of unconditional forgiveness. In this series on inner healing, Miriam Johll returns to join the discussion with Fr. Michael and Fr. Chris. Topics addressed include: the effects of unforgiveness, what forgiveness is (and IS NOT), the role of the emotions, the step...

Laura Shoulders joins our hosts again to discuss true and false beliefs, and their fundamental importance in our healing journey. In this episode, they discuss: How Satan uses lies as his primary weapon How every lie stems from doubting the truth of God's goodness How even small lies can end up having a huge impact on our lives How to identify identify lies and renounce them The difference between...