The Tangent on Veritas Catholic Network

Fr. Sam Kachuba and Matt Sperrazza discuss Christmas by turning to CS Lewis's essay "What Christmas Means to Me". Is the business of Christmas good? How does one balance secular vs religious traditions. How should Christians celebrate Christmas properly?   Listen to the Essay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbkf7rpKrGc&t=148s&ab_channel=C.S.Lewisessays

In this conversation, Matt, Father Sam, and Father James Kubicki, S.J. discuss the significance of daily offerings in the Catholic faith, particularly focusing on the morning offering prayer. They explore its origins, the importance of living the Eucharist in daily life, and how to incorporate suffering into one's offerings. The discussion also emphasizes the need for quality time with God, the si...

Fr. Sam and Matt discuss the doctrine of Purgatory. What is purgatory? Why do Catholics believe it exists? Is it good news? Most of all, how does hope factor in for those who believe in purgatory?

Roxanne King joins Fr. Sam Kachuba and Matt Sperrazza to discuss a series of Catholic heroes who fought for human and civil rights. Some of these heroes include Franz Jägerstätter, who stood up to the third Reich and was eventually martyred for his efforts, Dorothy Day, known for her work bringing Catholic Social Teaching to the world, and Nicholas Black Elk, a well known figure, but unknown Catho...

Joseph Pearce joins Fr. Sam (by himself!) to discuss his radical conversion, the evangelizing power of great literature, how Christ is hidden in some of the greatest works of literature, and much more! 

Fr. Sam and Matt discuss the essence of prayer, the role of silence in prayer and how to effectively pray. They also discuss the importance of revitalizing kerygmatic preaching. They define the kerygma, the share examples of the kerygma in their own lives, and discuss how to present the Kerygma to other Christians, Non-Christians, Agnostics and Atheists (you'll be surprised by the answer...)  

Ralph Martin joins Fr. Sam and Matt to discuss moments from his new memoir A Life in the Spirit. 

In light of recent news out of San Diego, Fr. Sam and Matt sit down to discuss the Second Vatican Council's instruction on Education, especially it's application to public, charter, Catholic, and homeschool situations. 

We're very excited to be joined by Jason Evert. We talk about the roadblocks to understanding and accepting the Catholic teaching on chastity, the theology of the body, detoxing from today's culture, how parents can speak to their confused kids, and how parents can compassionately help their children experiencing gender dysphoria. LINK TO JASON'S EVENT: https://shop.chastity.com/products/double-fe...

Edward Morse joins Fr. Sam and Matt to discuss Fr. Flanagan's story. Fr. Flanagan is the founder of Boystown, an actual town that he founded to resist the racism of his time and treat all children with the dignity they deserve! Fr. Flanagan is currently on the path to sainthood, you can learn more about him by watching the documentary the Fr. Flanagan league produced with Spirit Juice Studios, Hea...

Fr. Dave Tomaszycki joins Fr. Sam and Matt to discuss his compilation of Ven. Fulton Sheen's teaching On the Demonic. He shares Fulton Sheen's 3 signs of the demonic as well as Fulton Sheen's 3 weapons against the demonic. They discuss Fulton Sheen's prophecy of the main attack upon the Church during the 21st century as well as the "four deaths" the Church has already endured throughout history. 

Fr. Sam is back in CT! He and Matt sit down and discuss some important truths along with some very unimportant shenanigans. Topics include, cowboy hats, proper etiquette, the importance of giving yourself a break from the internet and more. 

Fr. Sam and Matt discuss the Liturgy of the Hours as a method of prayer for all members of the Church, whether you are a monk, priest, husband, wife, child or single person. The Liturgy of the Hours is for everyone! 

Fr. Sam updates Matt on his time with Catholic Heart WorkCamp and the newest leg of his sabbatical, fishing in Wyoming. 

Bobby Angel joins us to discuss his passion for ministering to other ministers, the role of the Eucharist in his conversion, digital missionary work, Bishop Barron & Fr. Mike Schmitz, Boundaries and Burnout in personal relationships, why it's important for spouses to nourish their marriage, and insights into fatherhood! 

Jacob Imam joins us from the College of St. Joseph the Worker to discuss the theology of work, the importance (and loss) of friendship in our culture, why the capacity to work can help deepen friendship, and how Jesus truly rocked the social order by being a carpenter. 

This week's episode is a BONUS EPISODE! Last April, Fr. Sam and Fr. Novajosky recorded a conversation about Canon Law, Liturgical Law, Friday Penances, Annulments, and why the law upholds justice in the Church. However, it was temporarily lost within the great maze of Tangents Fr. Sam and Matt go on. Now that it has resurfaced, we are pleased to offer it to you. Enjoy!    

Michael Bellacicco joins to discuss his immediate family's impact on his faith journey, how the family rosary was integral to his catechesis and growth in holiness, what it means to be both holy and normal, Michael's experience on mission trips to serve the poor and the addicted, and his advice to students beginning college in the Fall.  

Fr. Sam and Matt discuss virtuous patriotism, why Pier Giorgio Frassati is a saint for our times, and their experience with "progressive" liturgies.  Papal Bull on Jubilee: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.html  

Andrew McIntyre (Matt's brother-in-law) joins the show to discuss his journey into the Catholic Church. They discuss his Christian upbringing, his falling away from Christ, his constant search despite his agnosticism, and his conversion to the Catholic Faith. They also discuss the culture relevance of relativism & agnosticism and how God uses all things to draw people to Himself. 

Deacon David Delaney, author of Viri Dignitatem, published by Emmaus Academic, joins the Tangent to discuss the feminine and masculine genius, why love is at the core of personhood, how to truly follow the rubric of mutual submission, why the road to love is the cross, and how to not resurrect a caricature of masculinity that demands to be served instead of laying itself down. 

Fr. Sam and Matt speak about the antidote to Pride, Humility. What is true humility and how does one cultivate it? Does it demand that you refuse to acknowledge your good works?  Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thetangent_catholic/ https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ OTHER SHOWS  Daily Gospel Reflections: https://dailycatholicreflection.podbean.com/ The Word Made Flesh: https://the...

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is June 7th. Matt and Fr. Sam talk about the original apparition, what devotion to Jesus's Sacred Heart entails, the call to penance, why activism isn't enough, and the deep need for mercy in our culture.  Don't forget to subscribe and share! 

Fr. Sam and Matt had the great pleasure of interviewing Timothy Cardinal Dolan for their first ever live studio audience episode of the Tangent! 

Dr. Matt Hoven joins us to discuss his newest book Hockey Priest and why sports helps people develop virtue & community. We also discuss why some struggle with sports becoming an idol, how to prevent it, and how to TRULY enjoy sports for what they were meant to be!  LINKS  Hockey Priest Dr. Hoven's website