Mountains Made Low

Christine and Dennis explore what the Catholic Church teaches about the death penalty. Drawing on the Catechism, Scripture, and Church teaching, they consider the relationship between justice, human dignity, and the possibility of redemption—even for those who have committed terrible crimes. How can we uphold justice while remaining faithful to the Gospel’s call to respect the dignity of every hum...

Over the years, Christine has kept a small book with her and written down little bits of wisdom from various homilies, lectures, and even some unexpected places. In this week‘s episode, your hosts discuss the words that have proved challenging and encouraging, offering simple, yet profound truths that can shape how we live with others and love God more fully.

Join Dennis and Christine as they explore the powerful and yet often overlooked devotion and prayer dedicated to the seven sorrows experienced by our Blessed Mother and how they can be a source of comfort ad strength in our own suffering in life. For those interested in learning how to prayer the Servite Rosary that focuses on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, a long and short version, along with some ad...

What does it mean to say that God is divinely simple? And what does the mystery of the Trinity have to do with the way we live and love? In this episode of Mountains Made Low, we explore the beautiful truth that God is not divided or composed of parts. He is perfectly one—one God, one divine nature—yet eternally three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Within the very life of God is a perfect...

Archbishop Sheen was a gifted preacher, teacher, and author who brought the Gospel into millions of homes through radio and television. Beneath his remarkable public ministry was something even more important: a deep love for Jesus Christ, a profound devotion to the Eucharist, a life of prayer, and a desire to lead others to holiness. 

This week, Dennis and Christine are joined by Jenny O'Neill, the Associate Director for the Office for Ministry with Youth in the Archdiocese of Phila.  For more information on the inititative and programs from the Office for Ministry with Youth, visit phillyomy.org

In this Coffee Talk episode, Christine and Dennis discuss the idea of denominations in relation to the Catholic Church, questions on praying the Rosary, why the Catholic Church requires godparents to be a male and a female and whether Catholic should wear Christian jewelry.  

Parish life has it quirks and sometimes those moments test us. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone gave you an instruction manual?? Well, this week, Dennis and Christine are your lifeline!

Inspired by her trip to the Great Smokey Mountains, this week Christine and Dennis are talking about the role of vacations and leisure in the spritual life. 

In this episode, we each share some of our favorite Scripture passages and reflect on how these verses connect to mission of the podcast. Join us for a faith-filled conversation deep in the Word of God and discover how Scripture still has the power to transform us and our modern world.

Our exploration of the 3 major branches of Christianity continues! Last week, we talked about the historical developments that led to the divisions that exist among Christians in the modern world. This week, we get into some of the major theological differences in belief. 

Christian is Christian, right? Well, for the next two weeks, Dennis and Christine talk about the three major branches of Christianity (Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestanism) and the important historical developments points of belief that led to so much division over the centuries.

In an episode that nearly ended the podcast, and destroyed their friendship, Dennis and Christine debate the definition of lying and whether there are occasions where not telling the truth is ever permissible.  

This week, Dennis and Christine discuss the morality of anger as an emotional passion and as a sin. *Listener Advisory: This episode is intended for adult audiences and discusses themes of sexual abuse.

Dennis & Christine discuss whether it's every okay to lie, Pope Leo's visit with the new Archbishop of Canterbury, how to improve one's relationship with God, and whether it's okay to have a funeral Mass for a baptized Catholic who died a self-professed atheist in their latest Coffee Talk episode.  

In this episode, Mountains Made Low explores one of the most discussed and often misunderstood topics in modern Church life—the question of women’s ordination to the priesthood. Rooted in Scripture and guided by the living tradition of the Church, we lead listeners toward a deeper understanding of why, in Catholic teaching, the ordination of women is not simply impermissible but theologically impo...

Dennis and Christine take listeners into one of the most intimate and often overlooked questions in Christology: Did Jesus ever have a bad day? Did He lose His temper? Was He ever not in control of His emotions? What may sound like a simple curiosity opens the door to profound theological insight about Jesus’ humanity, His divinity, and what it means for us to be fully human in Him.

This week, Dennis and Christine discuss the virtue of modesty and how it's not simply about what one wears, but other important virtues that lead to holiness.

In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, this episode explores how justice, mercy, and forgiveness are not competing forces but three movements of God’s healing love. Dennis and Christine unpack the tension many Catholics feel today: wanting fairness, longing for healing, and struggling to forgive what feels unforgivable. Through Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and real-life examples, t...

This week, Dennis and Christine offer the first installment of their new series, The Twelve. Listen and join in the conversation as they explore the lives, traditions, and folklore about those chosen by Christ to be his apostles--starting with the brothers!

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, automation, and artificial intelligence, what does it mean to remain profoundly human? In this episode, Dennis and Christine break open Pope Leo XIV’s prophetic encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, exploring its urgent call to safeguard the dignity, creativity, and relational heart of the human person in the light of the rapid acceleration of AI. Read the e...

In a world of shifting opinions and endless noise, what does it mean to seek truth? In this episode, we explore the Catholic understanding of truth — not as a concept to debate, but as a Person to encounter, reflecting on how truth reveals reality as God sees it, and how living in that truth frees us from illusion and fear.

In an age of constant notifications, endless scrolling, and carefully curated online identities, what does it mean to pursue holiness? How can we hear the voice of God when our attention is constantly divided by the demands of a digital world? In this episode of Mountains Made Low, we explore the challenges and opportunities of seeking sanctity in a culture shaped by technology. From the relentles...

This week, Dennis and Christine talk about four lessons of Pope Leo XIV from the first year of his papacy: Role of the Laity, Peace, Unity, and Care for the Poor.

This week, Christine and a rather agitated Dennis return to the coffee talk format you love! Up for discussion: Should Catholic Churches have coffee shops? Who should be on a Mt. Rushmore of saints? What is a positive way to invite fallen away Catholics back to Mass?  All that and more!