Guess who’s back?! Mike “Gomer” Gormley is joined by Dave VanVickle for a special bonus episode to wrap up this season of Every Knee Shall Bow. Dave shares a bit about his life from the past three months. And together, Dave and Mike wrap up this season of Every Knee Shall Bow on the essential elements of discipleship. Snippet from the Show The only gift greater than knowing Jesus is to love him.  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Guess who’s back?! Mike “Gomer” Gormley is joined by Dave VanVickle for a special bonus episode to wrap up this season of Every Knee Shall Bow. Dave shares a bit about his life from the past three months. And together, Dave and Mike wrap up this season of Every Knee Shall Bow on the essential elements of discipleship. Snippet from the Show The only gift greater than knowing Jesus is to love him. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Bonus Episode: Bringing It All Together (with Dave VanVickle)

What are the essential elements of Catholic Discipleship? Mike "Gomer" Gormely has been answering this question for the last few weeks and today he puts it all together. Mike outlines the traps a disciple can fall into. He also shares how we can continue to grow in intimacy with Christ. Snippet from the Show At the end of the day, each day, you are only one act of honest repentance away from undoing the works of Satan, exposing his works to the light of Christ, and returning home.   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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

What are the essential elements of Catholic Discipleship? Mike "Gomer" Gormely has been answering this question for the last few weeks and today he puts it all together. Mike outlines the traps a disciple can fall into. He also shares how we can continue to grow in intimacy with Christ. Snippet from the Show At the end of the day, each day, you are only one act of honest repentance away from undoing the works of Satan, exposing his works to the light of Christ, and returning home. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Essential Elements of Catholic Discipleship - The Finale

Do you know what it means to be restored by Christ? Christ is always offering us a newness of life. However, what does that look like? Mike “Gomer” Gormley continues his discussion on the essential elements of Catholic Discipleship moving from the Purgative Way to the Illuminative Way. Snippet from the Show “If the soul is to make progress, there must be a gradual reclothing of her with the graces in which Christ desires to see her.”  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Do you know what it means to be restored by Christ? Christ is always offering us a newness of life. However, what does that look like? Mike “Gomer” Gormley continues his discussion on the essential elements of Catholic Discipleship moving from the Purgative Way to the Illuminative Way. Snippet from the Show “If the soul is to make progress, there must be a gradual reclothing of her with the graces in which Christ desires to see her.” <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

The Illuminative Way with Christ

What happens when we become disillusioned with Christ? In today's show, Gomer walks through the different stages of friendship with Christ. He addresses why a disciple might become disillusioned with Christ and where one ought to go from there. Snippet from the Show  “The object of religion is that the soul should serve God, not that God should serve the soul."  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

What happens when we become disillusioned with Christ? In today's show, Gomer walks through the different stages of friendship with Christ. He addresses why a disciple might become disillusioned with Christ and where one ought to go from there. Snippet from the Show “The object of religion is that the soul should serve God, not that God should serve the soul." <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

The Purgative Way with Christ

What does it mean to repent and convert? As disciples, it is our desire to live in conformity with Christ. Mike “Gomer” Gormley shares how in order to be in conformity with Christ, we must repent and we must convert. It is repentance and conversion that lie at the heart of ongoing growth in Christ. Snippet from the Show It takes courage to admit when you are lost and are in need of God’s grace and mercy.  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

What does it mean to repent and convert? As disciples, it is our desire to live in conformity with Christ. Mike “Gomer” Gormley shares how in order to be in conformity with Christ, we must repent and we must convert. It is repentance and conversion that lie at the heart of ongoing growth in Christ. Snippet from the Show It takes courage to admit when you are lost and are in need of God’s grace and mercy. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

The Pathways of Repentance

What is the cost of being a disciple? Jesus makes it very clear that carrying our crosses is a condition of being a disciple. Mike “Gomer” Gormley examines the importance of suffering and explains why the cross is essential to discipleship. Snippet from the Show You cannot follow Christ without denying yourself and embracing suffering.  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

What is the cost of being a disciple? Jesus makes it very clear that carrying our crosses is a condition of being a disciple. Mike “Gomer” Gormley examines the importance of suffering and explains why the cross is essential to discipleship. Snippet from the Show You cannot follow Christ without denying yourself and embracing suffering. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

The Cost of Discipleship

Do you need miracles in order to have faith? Using the story of the Woman at the Well, Mike “Gomer” Gormley helps deepen our understanding of what should be the foundation of our faith and how essential it is that we allow Christ into our hearts.  Snippet from the Show Miracles do not guarantee faith. Belief and acceptance of Christ’s word does.   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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Do you need miracles in order to have faith? Using the story of the Woman at the Well, Mike “Gomer” Gormley helps deepen our understanding of what should be the foundation of our faith and how essential it is that we allow Christ into our hearts. Snippet from the Show Miracles do not guarantee faith. Belief and acceptance of Christ’s word does. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Faith Without a Miracle

Why does Jesus seem to aggressively confront the Pharisees throughout the Gospels? In this episode, Mike Gormley explains why Jesus appears to goad the Pharisees by what he says and does. Mike shares what this reveals about Christ’s mission and how Christians are meant to live today. Snippet from the Show Conversion might mean leaving behind old sins, but it is principally the getting of a new heart.  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Why does Jesus seem to aggressively confront the Pharisees throughout the Gospels? In this episode, Mike Gormley explains why Jesus appears to goad the Pharisees by what he says and does. Mike shares what this reveals about Christ’s mission and how Christians are meant to live today. Snippet from the Show Conversion might mean leaving behind old sins, but it is principally the getting of a new heart. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Discipline or Arrogance

Are the beatitudes a big deal or are they just nice life advice? Last episode, Mike “Gomer” Gormley shared the importance of aligning our values with Christ’s values. But what are Christ’s values? Today, Mike explains how the Beatitudes are the truest representation of Christ’s values and how they are essential to the life of a disciple. Snippet from the Show If my values or priorities do not match up with Jesus’, then I am the one who needs to change, not Jesus and not the Gospel.  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Are the beatitudes a big deal or are they just nice life advice? Last episode, Mike “Gomer” Gormley shared the importance of aligning our values with Christ’s values. But what are Christ’s values? Today, Mike explains how the Beatitudes are the truest representation of Christ’s values and how they are essential to the life of a disciple. Snippet from the Show If my values or priorities do not match up with Jesus’, then I am the one who needs to change, not Jesus and not the Gospel. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Beatitudes: The Way and the End

Our world today is noisy and there is a lot that clamors for our attention. How do we break free of this? We need to align our priorities with the priorities of Christ. But what are Christ’s priorities? Mike “Gomer” Gormley dives into answering that question in today’s show. Snippet from the Show If you are trying to determine what to value and what to prioritize, look to Christ. He is the standard.  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 Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Our world today is noisy and there is a lot that clamors for our attention. How do we break free of this? We need to align our priorities with the priorities of Christ. But what are Christ’s priorities? Mike “Gomer” Gormley dives into answering that question in today’s show. Snippet from the Show If you are trying to determine what to value and what to prioritize, look to Christ. He is the standard. <ul> <li>We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your questions/comments</li> <li>Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! </li> <li>You can also find the full shownotes at <a href="http://www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

The Priorities of Christ

Lay Catholic evangelists Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle bring you a podcast series that teaches you how to confidently share your Catholic faith with your family members, friends, co-workers, and the strangers you meet on airplanes. Every episode, Mike and Dave give you five steps you can take each week to become an instrument God uses to spread the Gospel, heal hearts, and renew his Church. Be inspired by stories of miraculous conversions and be reminded that God still powerfully intervenes to transform people's lives.

I thank you both for your ministry and sharing the how-to’s for activating our discipleship in our own communities. May God bless your work, give the increase, and sustain you. To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless in the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, power, and dominion forever!

Encouraging, motivating, practical

Intelligent, insightful, Faithful... and Funny! The new generation of church leadership is here!

Tony C, CRE

Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Giving testimony is one of the most important parts of the Christian life, but putting your conversion story into words can be a daunting task. We should always be prepared to give testimony to what God has done in our lives. So today, Mike and Dave talk about the central importance of testimony, why it's important, and practical tips on how to actually do it. Grab your Bible, a pen, and a piece of paper and get ready to write your testimony.  Snippet from the Show: Your testimony is your journey with God, your lived relationship with Jesus, and how it all started. 4 Basic Principles of  Writing Your Testimony: 1) Remember your testimony is not actually yours. You do not own it, it is God’s story of what he has done in your life.  2) Being specific about the amount or gravity of sin, does not usually add to your testimony. Be careful not to glorify the sin, it robs the limelight from God. 3) Your testimony is about God’s pursuit, and your cooperation and surrender. Remember, he plays the primary role and you play the secondary role. We should try to showcase what God has done rather than on what we did to follow him.  4) Writing a testimony can be a bit like writing an examination of conscience. There may be a part of writing it that calls you to repentance.  Practical Steps to Prepare Your Testimony: 1) When you begin writing, start broad and then get specific. Write about everything from the first moment of your life up until the present day. Use words or sentences that would describe you before you became an intentional disciple of Jesus. Here are some questions you could ask yourself: Did you have a life philosophy that you lived by? What were the basic principles you used to govern your life? Did you have an unsatisfied inner need?  2) Describe your identity before you became a serious disciple of Jesus. This gets to the end goal of your conversion—be broad. Who did you want to become? 3) Focus on what made that conversion possible. What made you serious about following Jesus? Again, be broad. 4) Then focus on how you would describe yourself immediately after the conversion. 5) Then describe how you are different now. Write down five to ten sentences or words that describe who you are now as opposed to then. 6) Then write down any Scriptures, quotes, or stories that had particular meaning to you during your conversion process or that mean something to you now. This can sum up your story. 7) Then put it all together in a twenty-minute testimony. Only after you master the long testimony should you cut it down to a shorter version.  Remember: Don’t lie or exaggerate.  5 Practical Takeaways: 1) Read Acts 26 - Listen to the Apostle Paul giving his testimony. 2-5) Take a few days to write your twenty minute testimony using the four basic principles listed above.Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Giving testimony is one of the most important parts of the Christian life, but putting your conversion story into words can be a daunting task. We should always be prepared to give testimony to what God has done in our lives. So today, Mike and Dave talk about the central importance of testimony, why it's important, and practical tips on how to actually do it. Grab your Bible, a pen, and a piece of paper and get ready to write your testimony. Snippet from the Show: Your testimony is your journey with God, your lived relationship with Jesus, and how it all started. 4 Basic Principles of Writing Your Testimony: 1) Remember your testimony is not actually yours. You do not own it, it is God’s story of what he has done in your life. 2) Being specific about the amount or gravity of sin, does not usually add to your testimony. Be careful not to glorify the sin, it robs the limelight from God. 3) Your testimony is about God’s pursuit, and your cooperation and surrender. Remember, he plays the primary role and you play the secondary role. We should try to showcase what God has done rather than on what we did to follow him. 4) Writing a testimony can be a bit like writing an examination of conscience. There may be a part of writing it that calls you to repentance. Practical Steps to Prepare Your Testimony: 1) When you begin writing, start broad and then get specific. Write about everything from the first moment of your life up until the present day. Use words or sentences that would describe you before you became an intentional disciple of Jesus. Here are some questions you could ask yourself: Did you have a life philosophy that you lived by? What were the basic principles you used to govern your life? Did you have an unsatisfied inner need? 2) Describe your identity before you became a serious disciple of Jesus. This gets to the end goal of your conversion—be broad. Who did you want to become? 3) Focus on what made that conversion possible. What made you serious about following Jesus? Again, be broad. 4) Then focus on how you would describe yourself immediately after the conversion. 5) Then describe how you are different now. Write down five to ten sentences or words that describe who you are now as opposed to then. 6) Then write down any Scriptures, quotes, or stories that had particular meaning to you during your conversion process or that mean something to you now. This can sum up your story. 7) Then put it all together in a twenty-minute testimony. Only after you master the long testimony should you cut it down to a shorter version. Remember: Don’t lie or exaggerate. 5 Practical Takeaways: 1) Read Acts 26 - Listen to the Apostle Paul giving his testimony. 2-5) Take a few days to write your twenty minute testimony using the four basic principles listed above.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

How to Give Your Testimony

I, (Dave VanVickle), have no nickname today, because sadly Gomer isn’t here. (He’s OK, he’s just been sick.) So I’m continuing our conversation about repentance solo. I want to talk about what repentance looks like in Scripture, especially Zacchaeus’ repentence in Luke 19, and how we can incorporate continual repentance and conversion in our day-to-day lives.  _Snippet from the Show “God is not just calling us away from sin, but also to accept this beautiful new life in the kingdom; to see the world, the poor, and our brothers and sisters through the eyes of Jesus Christ.” _  Get the shownotes! Text EKSB to 33-777 to subscribe! Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

I, (Dave VanVickle), have no nickname today, because sadly Gomer isn’t here. (He’s OK, he’s just been sick.) So I’m continuing our conversation about repentance solo. I want to talk about what repentance looks like in Scripture, especially Zacchaeus’ repentence in Luke 19, and how we can incorporate continual repentance and conversion in our day-to-day lives. _Snippet from the Show “God is not just calling us away from sin, but also to accept this beautiful new life in the kingdom; to see the world, the poor, and our brothers and sisters through the eyes of Jesus Christ.” _ <ul> <li>Get the shownotes! Text EKSB to 33-777 to subscribe!</li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Repentance Is for Sinners—Just Ask Zacchaeus

We tackle the biggest, most complicated, stickiest moral issues–contraception and same-sex attraction. How is a Catholic evangelist to approach such a minefield when proclaiming the gospel? In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” So we know that we have to tell people about moral issues, but we need to make sure we’re doing it in a way that actually helps.  We talk about when, how, and why to bring these issues up, and examples of times these strategies have actually worked (we promise we’re not using you as guinea pigs). We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment–or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show Holiness and happiness are coterminous in God. Me seeking my own happiness is what God made holiness to be–seeking union with him forever in Christ Jesus.Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

We tackle the biggest, most complicated, stickiest moral issues–contraception and same-sex attraction. How is a Catholic evangelist to approach such a minefield when proclaiming the gospel? In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” So we know that we have to tell people about moral issues, but we need to make sure we’re doing it in a way that actually helps. We talk about when, how, and why to bring these issues up, and examples of times these strategies have actually worked (we promise we’re not using you as guinea pigs). We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your story, question, or comment–or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show Holiness and happiness are coterminous in God. Me seeking my own happiness is what God made holiness to be–seeking union with him forever in Christ Jesus.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Evangelizing and Morality: Birth Control and Same-Sex Attraction

What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world and how does this affect evangelization? Many people assume there are two ways to approach this notion.  On one side is the thought of Christ against culture—that to be loyal to Jesus or the Church I need to run completely away from the world. On the other side is the Christ of culture—that Jesus is the peak and pinnacle of all culture’s greatest desires, aspirations, and hopes. Which one is right? What balance should we strike? Today, Mike and Dave take these two basic concepts and break them down into practical, real life situations. They explain what we should do in regards to the world around us and stress the importance of finding the distinctive Christ element that sets your life apart. We walk a delicate line being in the world and not of it, but Mike and Dave make this line a bit easier to see. Snippet from the Show: “We as Christians have to present some difference from the culture at large, the culture of the world. There has to be something different about our life.” 5 Practical Tips: 1) Spiritual Practice: Do an examination of conscience of a secularist mindset. What parts of your life have you brought in from the culture that you really should not have? 2) Read: Jeremiah 29 (the whole chapter). 3) Go Fishing: Do small pious acts in public. 4) Community: Become a regular at one restaurant. 5) Intercessory Prayer: Pray for the conversion of your favorite secular artist. Resources Mentioned in the Show: Christ and Culture a book by Richard NiebuhrSupport Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world and how does this affect evangelization? Many people assume there are two ways to approach this notion. On one side is the thought of Christ against culture—that to be loyal to Jesus or the Church I need to run completely away from the world. On the other side is the Christ of culture—that Jesus is the peak and pinnacle of all culture’s greatest desires, aspirations, and hopes. Which one is right? What balance should we strike? Today, Mike and Dave take these two basic concepts and break them down into practical, real life situations. They explain what we should do in regards to the world around us and stress the importance of finding the distinctive Christ element that sets your life apart. We walk a delicate line being in the world and not of it, but Mike and Dave make this line a bit easier to see. Snippet from the Show: “We as Christians have to present some difference from the culture at large, the culture of the world. There has to be something different about our life.” 5 Practical Tips: 1) Spiritual Practice: Do an examination of conscience of a secularist mindset. What parts of your life have you brought in from the culture that you really should not have? 2) Read: Jeremiah 29 (the whole chapter). 3) Go Fishing: Do small pious acts in public. 4) Community: Become a regular at one restaurant. 5) Intercessory Prayer: Pray for the conversion of your favorite secular artist. Resources Mentioned in the Show: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Culture-Torchbooks-Richard-Niebuhr/dp/0061300039" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christ and Culture</a> a book by Richard Niebuhr<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Christ and Culture: How to Be in the World but Not of the World

Dave “The Wolf of Main Street” VanVickle and I wrap up our Advent series on repentance. We talk about interior repentance and how that shows up through things like fasting, keeping Fridays a day of penance, forgiving others, serving the poor, and constantly reorienting our lives towards Christ.  We can’t buy heaven with these acts, (the cross of Christ is our salvation) but true repentance will always show up in our words and deeds. Snippet from the Show “Penance is not about paying for sin, it’s about being more free to surrender to what God is doing in your life.” Get the shownotes! Text ESKB to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at eksb@acensionpress.com Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Wolf of Main Street” VanVickle and I wrap up our Advent series on repentance. We talk about interior repentance and how that shows up through things like fasting, keeping Fridays a day of penance, forgiving others, serving the poor, and constantly reorienting our lives towards Christ. We can’t buy heaven with these acts, (the cross of Christ is our salvation) but true repentance will always show up in our words and deeds. Snippet from the Show “Penance is not about paying for sin, it’s about being more free to surrender to what God is doing in your life.” Get the shownotes! Text ESKB to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@acensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@acensionpress.com</a> <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

What Repentance Looks Like

Kerygma is a Greek word that means proclamation. We, as Catholic Christians, are called to share the gospel message as we evangelize: God loves you, has a plan for your life, but because of sin we have been separated from him, and the only one who can save us is Jesus Christ. Through our repentance and turning toward him we come back to life with him. This is the context in which all of our Catholic faith can be understood. In this episode, Michael and David provide a brief history behind the Kerygma, expound upon this basic gospel message, and give you five tips on how you can start proclaiming the gospel. Snippet from the Show For most of us Catholics, we think repentance is the thing you do in the confessional. We don’t realize that in the Catechism, it is repentance, the interior sorrow, that sends us to the confessional. 4 Steps of the Kerygma: God has a plan for your life. Sin interrupts that plan and separates you from God. Jesus Christ died and rose so that you could be forgiven of these sins and be united to God in heaven. Through faith and his Church, you can be united to God forever.  Five Practical Tips to Help you Enter Into the Kerygma and Start Proclaiming it: If you do not have a vital relationship with Christ, start with Mark’s Gospel. Read it as straight through as you possibly can. Ask yourself as you are going through it: “What do the words and deeds of Jesus reveal to me about God the Father’s heart?” In the book of Acts there are eight different kerygmatic sermons that the apostles give. Prayerfully take one of them (we suggest Acts 2:14-36) and meditate on it.  Write down in your own words the basic gospel message. Intentionally go and ask someone if they have some need in their life that you can pray for.  Start to build a relationship with a non-believer by inviting them to do something that is mutually enjoyable. Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Kerygma is a Greek word that means proclamation. We, as Catholic Christians, are called to share the gospel message as we evangelize: God loves you, has a plan for your life, but because of sin we have been separated from him, and the only one who can save us is Jesus Christ. Through our repentance and turning toward him we come back to life with him. This is the context in which all of our Catholic faith can be understood. In this episode, Michael and David provide a brief history behind the Kerygma, expound upon this basic gospel message, and give you five tips on how you can start proclaiming the gospel. Snippet from the Show For most of us Catholics, we think repentance is the thing you do in the confessional. We don’t realize that in the Catechism, it is repentance, the interior sorrow, that sends us to the confessional. 4 Steps of the Kerygma: God has a plan for your life. Sin interrupts that plan and separates you from God. Jesus Christ died and rose so that you could be forgiven of these sins and be united to God in heaven. Through faith and his Church, you can be united to God forever. Five Practical Tips to Help you Enter Into the Kerygma and Start Proclaiming it: If you do not have a vital relationship with Christ, start with Mark’s Gospel. Read it as straight through as you possibly can. Ask yourself as you are going through it: “What do the words and deeds of Jesus reveal to me about God the Father’s heart?” In the book of Acts there are eight different kerygmatic sermons that the apostles give. Prayerfully take one of them (we suggest Acts 2:14-36) and meditate on it. Write down in your own words the basic gospel message. Intentionally go and ask someone if they have some need in their life that you can pray for. Start to build a relationship with a non-believer by inviting them to do something that is mutually enjoyable. <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

The History of the Kerygma and the Power of the Gospel

What does it look like to help others move from placing a basic faith in Jesus Christ to having him as their Lord, the center of their life? Every religious conversion is unique. There is no step-by-step guide because, ultimately, it is God who changes their life. However, by listening to other evangelists’ stories, failures, and tips, you can better equip yourself to be an instrument in revealing God to others.  Snippet from the Show: What we are getting into now is an era of time where people are totally comfortable with their children and grandchildren not being evangelized in any way whatsoever.  5 Practical Takeaways: 1) Evangelization is much more than a hobby, but just like a hobby, you need to invest in it. Take time to invest in yourself and read the book Forming Intentional Disciples.  2) Read “Man’s Response to God” in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 142-175). It only takes 10 min. This is the best and most wonderful understanding of faith, as it lays out the individual and ecclesial dimensions of faith. 3) We want to be  comfortable with the basic Gospel message, so read Acts 4:8-12. 4) To continually prepare your heart and engage in spiritual evangelization, go to your church, walk the whole perimeter, and pray the rosary for religious conversion. 5) It’s important to know what we don’t know about our Faith. Take the Apostles’ Creed and prayerfully meditate on it. Work through the different tenets of the Creed. Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

What does it look like to help others move from placing a basic faith in Jesus Christ to having him as their Lord, the center of their life? Every religious conversion is unique. There is no step-by-step guide because, ultimately, it is God who changes their life. However, by listening to other evangelists’ stories, failures, and tips, you can better equip yourself to be an instrument in revealing God to others. Snippet from the Show: What we are getting into now is an era of time where people are totally comfortable with their children and grandchildren not being evangelized in any way whatsoever. 5 Practical Takeaways: 1) Evangelization is much more than a hobby, but just like a hobby, you need to invest in it. Take time to invest in yourself and read the book Forming Intentional Disciples. 2) Read “Man’s Response to God” in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 142-175). It only takes 10 min. This is the best and most wonderful understanding of faith, as it lays out the individual and ecclesial dimensions of faith. 3) We want to be comfortable with the basic Gospel message, so read Acts 4:8-12. 4) To continually prepare your heart and engage in spiritual evangelization, go to your church, walk the whole perimeter, and pray the rosary for religious conversion. 5) It’s important to know what we don’t know about our Faith. Take the Apostles’ Creed and prayerfully meditate on it. Work through the different tenets of the Creed. <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

The Reality of Religious Conversion: Stories, Failures, and Tips from Catholic Evangelists

Dave "Skull Crusher" VanVickle and I talk about seven common pitfalls of evangelization that we see at parishes around the country. Recognize any? Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave "Skull Crusher" VanVickle and I talk about seven common pitfalls of evangelization that we see at parishes around the country. Recognize any? <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

7 Common Evangelization Mistakes

You’ve got frequently asked questions, we’ve got infrequently given answers. We tackle questions about what to do when you encounter someone purchasing the Plan B pill, what to do when people (especially family members) give dumb reasons for why they don’t go to church, the role of Mary in evangelization, and talking to family members about having a sacramental wedding when they’re angry with the Church and you’re long distance. (Whew.) We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. _Snippet from the Show “We so desire the conversion of our friends and relatives and neighbors that we feel disappointed when the outcomes haven’t happened. But the success is in the evangelizing. The conversion is up to Jesus. One sows the seed, the other waters, God alone gives the growth.”_ Check out the show on ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow to browse the resources from the show.Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

You’ve got frequently asked questions, we’ve got infrequently given answers. We tackle questions about what to do when you encounter someone purchasing the Plan B pill, what to do when people (especially family members) give dumb reasons for why they don’t go to church, the role of Mary in evangelization, and talking to family members about having a sacramental wedding when they’re angry with the Church and you’re long distance. (Whew.) We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. _Snippet from the Show “We so desire the conversion of our friends and relatives and neighbors that we feel disappointed when the outcomes haven’t happened. But the success is in the evangelizing. The conversion is up to Jesus. One sows the seed, the other waters, God alone gives the growth.”_ Check out the show on <a href="http://ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow</a> to browse the resources from the show.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Evangelization FAQ’s: Plan B, Skipping Mass, and Non-Catholic Family Weddings

The phrase “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” has become so synonymous with Protestant spirituality that many Catholics seem to think it’s not that important. This is a huge problem. Dave “The Cheddar” VanVickle and I talk about why having a personal relationship with Jesus is absolutely vital for Catholics.  It’s not about just having an emotional reaction, it’s about knowing the God we claim to love and allowing that intimacy to draw us ever deeper into the sacraments and mysteries of the Catholic Faith.  Snippet from the Show “Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ ignites and amplifies the sacramental reception of him.” SHOWNOTES Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2558 - "Great is the mystery of the faith!" The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles' Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer. THE SOUL OF THE APOSTOLATE - If I do not believe the active presence of Jesus is within me, and if I did not try to make this presence within me a vital reality, I would be depriving my interior life of Jesus. . When Jesus, in this manner, becomes my light, my ideal, my counsel, my support, my refuge, my strength, my healer, my consolation, my joy, my love, in a word, my life, I shall acquire all the virtues.  On Spiritual Perfection - The measure of a man’s love for God depends upon how deeply aware he is of God’s love for him.  St. Theresa of Avila - “Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” Pope St. John Paul II - “Conversion means accepting, by a personal decision, the saving sovereignty of Christ and becoming his disciple.”  Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  2 Timothy 4:7-8 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”  St. John Paul II, speech to bishops of Southern Germany, Dec. 4, 1992  - “It is necessary to awaken again in believers a full relationship with Christ, mankind’s only Savior. Only from a personal relationship with Jesus can an effective evangelization develop.”  Pope Benedict, Deus Caritas Est 1 - "Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction."  Pope Benedict XVI, May 2004  - "Many people perceive Christianity as something institutional -- rather than as an encounter with Christ -- which explains why they don't see it as a source of joy." John 15:15 - “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”  Marriage Analogy: If a couple has a great friendship, but refuses intimacy. If a couple has intimacy, but refuses to have a close friendship. Catholics are the latter, Protestants are the former. Neither is healthy!  Five Practical Takeaways  Read: A book about the life of a saint (St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Augustine, etc.)  Intercession: Pray for someone whose love for Christ or his Church has grown cold.  Read: Read the Song of Songs  Community: Host a dinner, but not a potluck. Provide everything for them and ask nothing from them in return.  Reflection: Examination of a relationship you have  Resources The 99 - now shipping! Romans: The Gospel of SalvationSupport Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

The phrase “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” has become so synonymous with Protestant spirituality that many Catholics seem to think it’s not that important. This is a huge problem. Dave “The Cheddar” VanVickle and I talk about why having a personal relationship with Jesus is absolutely vital for Catholics. It’s not about just having an emotional reaction, it’s about knowing the God we claim to love and allowing that intimacy to draw us ever deeper into the sacraments and mysteries of the Catholic Faith. Snippet from the Show “Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ ignites and amplifies the sacramental reception of him.” SHOWNOTES Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2558 - "Great is the mystery of the faith!" The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles' Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer. THE SOUL OF THE APOSTOLATE - If I do not believe the active presence of Jesus is within me, and if I did not try to make this presence within me a vital reality, I would be depriving my interior life of Jesus. . When Jesus, in this manner, becomes my light, my ideal, my counsel, my support, my refuge, my strength, my healer, my consolation, my joy, my love, in a word, my life, I shall acquire all the virtues. On Spiritual Perfection - The measure of a man’s love for God depends upon how deeply aware he is of God’s love for him. St. Theresa of Avila - “Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” Pope St. John Paul II - “Conversion means accepting, by a personal decision, the saving sovereignty of Christ and becoming his disciple.” Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” St. John Paul II, speech to bishops of Southern Germany, Dec. 4, 1992 - “It is necessary to awaken again in believers a full relationship with Christ, mankind’s only Savior. Only from a personal relationship with Jesus can an effective evangelization develop.” Pope Benedict, Deus Caritas Est 1 - "Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction." Pope Benedict XVI, May 2004 - "Many people perceive Christianity as something institutional -- rather than as an encounter with Christ -- which explains why they don't see it as a source of joy." John 15:15 - “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” Marriage Analogy: If a couple has a great friendship, but refuses intimacy. If a couple has intimacy, but refuses to have a close friendship. Catholics are the latter, Protestants are the former. Neither is healthy! Five Practical Takeaways <ol> <li>Read: A book about the life of a saint (St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Augustine, etc.) </li> <li>Intercession: Pray for someone whose love for Christ or his Church has grown cold. </li> <li>Read: Read the Song of Songs </li> <li>Community: Host a dinner, but not a potluck. Provide everything for them and ask nothing from them in return. </li> <li>Reflection: Examination of a relationship you have</li> </ol> Resources The 99 - now shipping! Romans: The Gospel of Salvation<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

In Defense of a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ

Calling all DREs, catechists, youth ministers, and parish volunteers! Have we got a show for you. (Yes, that was a VeggieTales reference.)  We start off today answering some tough questions about the kerygma, and then pivot to ways you can infuse evangelization into programs your parish already has like baptism prep, marriage prep, and religious education.  Our advice isn’t the only way to do it, but it is a (pretty darn good) way to do it. How do you evangelize at your parish?  We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show “People aren’t going to surrender their life to Christ if we’re hitting them over the head with moral issues and their failure … but there is no gospel without repentance.” Check out this episode at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow for shownotes and resources from the show. Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Calling all DREs, catechists, youth ministers, and parish volunteers! Have we got a show for you. (Yes, that was a VeggieTales reference.) We start off today answering some tough questions about the kerygma, and then pivot to ways you can infuse evangelization into programs your parish already has like baptism prep, marriage prep, and religious education. Our advice isn’t the only way to do it, but it is a (pretty darn good) way to do it. How do you evangelize at your parish? We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show “People aren’t going to surrender their life to Christ if we’re hitting them over the head with moral issues and their failure … but there is no gospel without repentance.” Check out this episode at <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/everykneeshallbow/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow</a> for shownotes and resources from the show. <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Kerygma and Parish Touch Points

Dave “The Angelic Doctor” VanVickle (he’s really uncomfortable with that one) and I break down ten things you need to know to go out into the world right now and start evangelizing your family, friends, coworkers, and the random people you meet on the street.  We’ve made all the evangelization mistakes through our years of talking to people about Jesus and the Church so that you don’t have to. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show “Real evangelization takes place within a trusting relationship. That means listening to the story they want to tell so that you actually understand where they’re coming from. Only then can you truly offer a response to the yearning of their soul.” Five Practical Takeaways  Read Mark’s account of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Go back to your conversion story and review everything, asking God to reveal new parts of your story. Intercede for the healing of someone you know. Go to the internet and search for conversion stories, studying the way the Holy Spirit moves in people’s lives. Google the JPII Healing Center and research what healing looks like. Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Angelic Doctor” VanVickle (he’s really uncomfortable with that one) and I break down ten things you need to know to go out into the world right now and start evangelizing your family, friends, coworkers, and the random people you meet on the street. We’ve made all the evangelization mistakes through our years of talking to people about Jesus and the Church so that you don’t have to. We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show “Real evangelization takes place within a trusting relationship. That means listening to the story they want to tell so that you actually understand where they’re coming from. Only then can you truly offer a response to the yearning of their soul.” Five Practical Takeaways <ol> <li>Read Mark’s account of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.</li> <li>Go back to your conversion story and review everything, asking God to reveal new parts of your story.</li> <li>Intercede for the healing of someone you know.</li> <li>Go to the internet and search for conversion stories, studying the way the Holy Spirit moves in people’s lives.</li> <li>Google the JPII Healing Center and research what healing looks like.</li> </ol><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

10 Principles of Evangelization

Dave “The Exception for Every Rule” Van Vickle is back with me, Mike “Gomer” Gormley, as we talk about the ups and downs of prison ministry. 5 Practical Tips for Prison Ministry Connect with a corrections ministry in your diocese so you don’t reinvent the wheel or cause any missteps that could get you in trouble.If you have a relative in prison, put money in their commissary account and call them or write to them.Donate Bibles, Catechisms, and apologetics books to your local unit, including ones in Spanish.Pray a Rosary this week for the incarcerated and for the correction officers.Check out the Romans Bible study by Ascension Press. Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com or text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes!Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Exception for Every Rule” Van Vickle is back with me, Mike “Gomer” Gormley, as we talk about the ups and downs of prison ministry. 5 Practical Tips for Prison Ministry <ol><li>Connect with a corrections ministry in your diocese so you don’t reinvent the wheel or cause any missteps that could get you in trouble.</li><li>If you have a relative in prison, put money in their commissary account and call them or write to them.</li><li>Donate Bibles, Catechisms, and apologetics books to your local unit, including ones in Spanish.</li><li>Pray a Rosary this week for the incarcerated and for the correction officers.</li><li>Check out the <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/collections/romans-the-gospel-of-salvation?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=media&amp;utm_campaign=romans&amp;utm_content=eksb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Romans Bible study</a> by Ascension Press.</li></ol> Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> or text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes!<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Prison Stories with Gomer

There’s good news and bad news. Bad news: Gomer is out today, so no fun nicknames. Good news: this episode is all about equipping you for spiritual warfare and fighting the kingdom of evil.  Spiritual warfare and evangelization go hand-in-hand. Turns out the devil doesn’t like it when you try to win souls for Christ. Acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare is an important first step. Once we realize that we’re fighting battles everyday, we can use these principles to guide the way. Snippet from the Show “Spiritual warfare is more than a metaphor for the spiritual life, it’s a reality ... We’re all at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.” 10 Practical Principles of Spiritual Warfare  By his passion and death, Christ won a definitive victory over Satan and the kingdom of darkness and any personal victory we have is a participation in the victory Jesus won and gave to his church. The devil and the fallen angels play a mysterious role in the drama of salvation. The battle that they wage against us is a test of God’s elect. While powerful, the devil is only a creature and if we stay close to Jesus Christ and his Church we should not fear the actions of evil. The way we participate in the victory of Jesus Christ is through personal faith, moral living, and prayer. The devil should not be given too much attention but his actions should not be ignored. The Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Michael, and all the saints and angels are our allies in this battle. Any spiritual warfare you conduct for others is first won in the battle for your own heart. Humble submission to God and the Church is a powerful weapon against evil. True holiness as witnessed in the lives of the saints is what destroys the kingdom of darkness. The devil despises: A sure knowledge of the sonship that comes from baptism, knowledge of the abundant mercy of God, authentic Christian community, and a clear knowledge of, and courage to speak out about, what is good and evil.  1 Practical Tip If you’ve never thought of yourself as a spiritual warrior, take some time to see how you have entered into the spiritual battle. See more at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave.Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

There’s good news and bad news. Bad news: Gomer is out today, so no fun nicknames. Good news: this episode is all about equipping you for spiritual warfare and fighting the kingdom of evil. Spiritual warfare and evangelization go hand-in-hand. Turns out the devil doesn’t like it when you try to win souls for Christ. Acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare is an important first step. Once we realize that we’re fighting battles everyday, we can use these principles to guide the way. Snippet from the Show “Spiritual warfare is more than a metaphor for the spiritual life, it’s a reality ... We’re all at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.” 10 Practical Principles of Spiritual Warfare <ol> <li>By his passion and death, Christ won a definitive victory over Satan and the kingdom of darkness and any personal victory we have is a participation in the victory Jesus won and gave to his church.</li> <li>The devil and the fallen angels play a mysterious role in the drama of salvation. The battle that they wage against us is a test of God’s elect.</li> <li>While powerful, the devil is only a creature and if we stay close to Jesus Christ and his Church we should not fear the actions of evil.</li> <li>The way we participate in the victory of Jesus Christ is through personal faith, moral living, and prayer.</li> <li>The devil should not be given too much attention but his actions should not be ignored.</li> <li>The Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Michael, and all the saints and angels are our allies in this battle.</li> <li>Any spiritual warfare you conduct for others is first won in the battle for your own heart.</li> <li>Humble submission to God and the Church is a powerful weapon against evil.</li> <li>True holiness as witnessed in the lives of the saints is what destroys the kingdom of darkness.</li> <li>The devil despises: A sure knowledge of the sonship that comes from baptism, knowledge of the abundant mercy of God, authentic Christian community, and a clear knowledge of, and courage to speak out about, what is good and evil.</li> </ol> 1 Practical Tip If you’ve never thought of yourself as a spiritual warrior, take some time to see how you have entered into the spiritual battle. See more at <a href="http://ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow</a> We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

10 Principles of Spiritual Warfare

Church teaching is an important part of our Catholic Faith. Today, Mike and Dave are going to show you how to incorporate the church into the kerygma. They explain how fellowship is not socializing and why the Church comes before the individual in the plan of God. “Our love for Jesus and for our neighbor impels us to speak to others about our faith. Each believer is thus a link in the great chain of believers. I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others, and by my faith I help support others in the faith.” (CCC 166) Snippet from the Show: You have not given yourself faith as you have not given yourself life. The believer has received faith from others and should hand it on to others. (CCC 166) 5 Practical Tips 1) Meet someone at your parish that you have never met before. It can be as simple as introducing yourself. 2) Read 2Timothy 2. 3) Read CCC 176-184. 4) Pray for the staff of your parish all week long. 5) Look at the four steps of the kerygma below and compare them to your personal testimony. (You can also go to the shownotes on at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow.) Pencil in what parts of your testimony line up with the kerygma. This will help you make the kerygma center stage of your testimony and not your personal story.  4 Steps of the Kerygma: 1) God has a plan for your life. 2) Sin interrupts that plan and separates you from God. 3) Jesus Christ died and rose so that you could be forgiven of these sins and be united to God in heaven. 4) Through faith and his Church, you can be united to God forever. Recommendations 1) Fr. Spitzer’s book New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy 2) Rev. Timothy Keller’s book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism 3) C.S. Lewis’ book Mere Christianity 4) Dr. Peter Kreeft’s book Fundamentals of the Faith: Essays in Christian Apologetics CCC #166Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Church teaching is an important part of our Catholic Faith. Today, Mike and Dave are going to show you how to incorporate the church into the kerygma. They explain how fellowship is not socializing and why the Church comes before the individual in the plan of God. “Our love for Jesus and for our neighbor impels us to speak to others about our faith. Each believer is thus a link in the great chain of believers. I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others, and by my faith I help support others in the faith.” (CCC 166) Snippet from the Show: You have not given yourself faith as you have not given yourself life. The believer has received faith from others and should hand it on to others. (CCC 166) 5 Practical Tips 1) Meet someone at your parish that you have never met before. It can be as simple as introducing yourself. 2) Read 2Timothy 2. 3) Read CCC 176-184. 4) Pray for the staff of your parish all week long. 5) Look at the four steps of the kerygma below and compare them to your personal testimony. (You can also go to the shownotes on at <a href="http://ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow</a>.) Pencil in what parts of your testimony line up with the kerygma. This will help you make the kerygma center stage of your testimony and not your personal story. 4 Steps of the Kerygma: 1) God has a plan for your life. 2) Sin interrupts that plan and separates you from God. 3) Jesus Christ died and rose so that you could be forgiven of these sins and be united to God in heaven. 4) Through faith and his Church, you can be united to God forever. Recommendations 1) Fr. Spitzer’s book New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy 2) Rev. Timothy Keller’s book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism 3) C.S. Lewis’ book Mere Christianity 4) Dr. Peter Kreeft’s book Fundamentals of the Faith: Essays in Christian Apologetics CCC #166<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Understanding the Personal and Ecclesial Dimension of Our Catholic Faith

CALLING ALL DIRECTORS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CATECHISTS! This one’s for you. Dave “Cucumber Melon” VanVickle and I talk about the qualities that make for bad catechists vs. great catechists and how to find the right people for your program. This is a huge issue for religious education that is so important because the immortal souls of kids depends on it. We also have storytime with Dave on why Kenny Baldwin is A MONSTER (just kidding) and extend an extra-special welcome to long-time listener Ralph “The Party” VanVickle! We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. SHOWNOTES What makes a good catechist?  You have a mature spiritual life with daily prayer and a mentality of fides quaerens intellectum or "faith seeking understanding". You have an answer to this question: “Can you tell me about your daily lived relationship with the Lord?”  You prioritize the truths of the Faith and always tie them to the Person of Christ.  In the classroom, you make sure any craft or art project is truly effective and relevant to the lesson.  You understand that you are making a difference to the immortal souls of your students. You have a DRE who is responsible for ongoing formation of catechists.  What makes a bad catechist?  Unprepared, you haven’t read it or prayed about it. You don’t know your kids’ names. You never pray for them. You don’t quote the Bible. You never share your story of God’s movement in your life. You don’t think about conversion, only communicating the doctrine. You don’t see the whole and how it is all interrelated to Christ and the Trinity. Prayer is nothing but a bookend to your class.  How to find good catechists  Start a Bible study or adult faith formation event (or go to one that already exists) and see who shows up consistently and is serious about growing in their faith. Invite specific people to be catechists. Don’t advertise to the whole church. You’re looking for people who are called, not guilted into it. Do a ministry fair where people can come and see what ministries your parish has.  Pray and ask God for good catechists. Be comfortable letting people go.  5 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS  Personal Prayer Time: Ephesians 4:1-16  Memorize Catechesi Tradendae center of paragraph five. Handwrite each kids’ name and pray for one minute for each kid in your class this week.  Prepare a lesson plan for one lesson on one topic and, keeping in mind good/bad catechist, write one sentence that ties it to Christ.  Come up with one example from your life per lesson plan.  RESOURCES AND EVENTS  Dave’s School of Spiritual Warfare event in Akron, OH Catechesi Tradendae Chosen Confirmation Prep Program Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

CALLING ALL DIRECTORS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CATECHISTS! This one’s for you. Dave “Cucumber Melon” VanVickle and I talk about the qualities that make for bad catechists vs. great catechists and how to find the right people for your program. This is a huge issue for religious education that is so important because the immortal souls of kids depends on it. We also have storytime with Dave on why Kenny Baldwin is A MONSTER (just kidding) and extend an extra-special welcome to long-time listener Ralph “The Party” VanVickle! We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. SHOWNOTES What makes a good catechist? <ul> <li>You have a mature spiritual life with daily prayer and a mentality of fides quaerens intellectum or "faith seeking understanding".</li> <li>You have an answer to this question: “Can you tell me about your daily lived relationship with the Lord?” </li> <li>You prioritize the truths of the Faith and always tie them to the Person of Christ. </li> <li>In the classroom, you make sure any craft or art project is truly effective and relevant to the lesson. </li> <li>You understand that you are making a difference to the immortal souls of your students.</li> <li>You have a DRE who is responsible for ongoing formation of catechists.</li> </ul> What makes a bad catechist? <ul> <li>Unprepared, you haven’t read it or prayed about it.</li> <li>You don’t know your kids’ names.</li> <li>You never pray for them.</li> <li>You don’t quote the Bible.</li> <li>You never share your story of God’s movement in your life.</li> <li>You don’t think about conversion, only communicating the doctrine.</li> <li>You don’t see the whole and how it is all interrelated to Christ and the Trinity.</li> <li>Prayer is nothing but a bookend to your class.</li> </ul> How to find good catechists <ul> <li>Start a Bible study or adult faith formation event (or go to one that already exists) and see who shows up consistently and is serious about growing in their faith.</li> <li>Invite specific people to be catechists. Don’t advertise to the whole church. You’re looking for people who are called, not guilted into it.</li> <li>Do a ministry fair where people can come and see what ministries your parish has. </li> <li>Pray and ask God for good catechists.</li> <li>Be comfortable letting people go.</li> </ul> 5 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS <ol> <li>Personal Prayer Time: Ephesians 4:1-16 </li> <li>Memorize Catechesi Tradendae center of paragraph five.</li> <li>Handwrite each kids’ name and pray for one minute for each kid in your class this week. </li> <li>Prepare a lesson plan for one lesson on one topic and, keeping in mind good/bad catechist, write one sentence that ties it to Christ. </li> <li>Come up with one example from your life per lesson plan.</li> </ol> RESOURCES AND EVENTS <ul> <li>Dave’s <a href="https://www.petersshadow.org/events" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">School of Spiritual Warfare</a> event in Akron, OH</li> <li><a href="http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_16101979_catechesi-tradendae.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catechesi Tradendae</a></li> <li><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/pages/chosen-your-journey-toward-confirmation?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=media&amp;utm_campaign=chosen&amp;utm_content=eksb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chosen Confirmation Prep Program</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

What Makes a Great Catechist (or a Terrible One)?

Dave “The Meateater” VanVickle and I talk about the trap of thinking we need to earn God’s love. This idea is what leads us to that “holier-than-thou” attitude where we congratulate ourselves for not sinning, and then look down on those who are struggling with sin.  The reality is that God is a loving father who will give us what we need to serve and love him (aka grace). It’s not through our own efforts that we earn God’s love, it is a free gift that we can respond to … or not.Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Meateater” VanVickle and I talk about the trap of thinking we need to earn God’s love. This idea is what leads us to that “holier-than-thou” attitude where we congratulate ourselves for not sinning, and then look down on those who are struggling with sin. The reality is that God is a loving father who will give us what we need to serve and love him (aka grace). It’s not through our own efforts that we earn God’s love, it is a free gift that we can respond to … or not.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Why We Can’t Earn God’s Love

Scott Hahn

Dave “The Vengeance” VanVickle and I are geeking out today, because we’re talking to Dr. Scott Hahn—yes, that Dr. Scott Hahn.  Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes!Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Dave “The Vengeance” VanVickle and I are geeking out today, because we’re talking to Dr. Scott Hahn—yes, that Dr. Scott Hahn. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes!<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Early Church and Evangelization with Dr. Scott Hahn

Welcome to EKSB, your weekly Catholic podcast on evangelization. I’m your host, Mike “Gomer” Gormley, and I’m joined, as always, by my co-host, Dave “The Masked Pamphleteer” Van Vickle.  Today we’re answering questions and handing out sweet sweet nicknames. We talk about how to make men’s groups less painful, what to do if your parish has little to no money, our essential reading list for people who want to evangelize, resources for introducing kids to Adoration, and the Pew Research study on the True Presence in the Eucharist.  Snippet from the Show “If you can teach what the Church actually believes about the True Presence, and then set up an encounter in Adoration, you will bring people to Jesus in droves.” SHOWNOTES Chaz The Man writes: Hey guys! Love the podcast. I have been asked to start/lead a men’s group at our parish. We have a mini retreat this weekend and I spoke to the guy leading about what were we going to do following the retreat to keep and engage the men coming. In turn he said great idea.....so now I have the reins on it which I’m pumped about but I don’t want it to be your typical old guys drinking coffee and talking about surface topics.  My idea was to first give my testimony to show them how God can polish a turd:) Then I was thinking about something light to build trust and something that doesn’t require much from them except to show up! I was thinking just reading the Gospel for the coming Sunday in the same small groups every week and talking about it. How it applies to our life, what we take from etc. Then maybe do a book study. Thoughts?  Luke the Seminarian writes: Dear Gomer and Dave ‘too hot to handle, too cold to hold’ VanVickle, I’m an English Seminarian preparing for ordination to the diaconate this coming year and I just wanted to say thank you for the great work your doing on the podcast and to ask a question. In the UK we face a lot of the same problems as you do in the states, our people generally aren’t well formed and we struggle for volunteers; but on top of that our weekly collections tend to be so low that paid employees aren’t typically realistic for most parishes. We can’t afford to pay a director of religious education or evangelisation and these things tend to fall (along with everything else) on the Priest.  So I suppose my question is, what would you guys suggest as the absolute basics to start building from for a priest to get in place that he can manage reasonably alongside all of his other duties? I realise that it’s a big question, sometimes it seems a little overwhelming!  I’ve read a lot of the books, Divine Renovation etc, but a lot of the time their starting position is so radically different from our average parishes that it’s difficult to think how you would even start to implement them. Please be assured of my prayers and keep up the great work. Aaron the Book Nerd writes: Hey fellas, love the podcast. Can't get enough. Was hoping you could help me out with a few things. First off, you make a ton of books recommendations on the podcast, but was hoping you could narrow it down a bit for me.  I am a cradle Catholic who recently went through sort of a conversion experience where I feel I am being called to evangelize and bring the Gospel to people to advance the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth; however, I am extremely knew to evangelization and so was looking for one or two key books that you believe every evangelist should read.  Secondly, our Parish asked for anyone interested in prison ministry to reach out to them. This is another area where I feel I am being called, but it seems like I may be the only at my Parish called to do so, as I seem to be the one now leading the charge to start the prison ministry at my Parish while getting advice from another Parish with an already established prison ministry.  So my question is ....any advice? God Bless. Aaron the Adorer writes: Hello, Michael Gormley and Dave “Milk and honey” Van Vickle! First off, thank you. I have been listening to your podcast since day one and, while I haven’t always been faithful to the 5 practical tips each week, they have stretched me in ways I was afraid of in the past. In fact, the tips stretched me enough to take up a position in July at a local parish collaborative (2 parishes sharing resources) up here in Massachusetts as the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation. Your insights, challenge and resources (especially Sherry Weddell’s book) has been transformative for me and my family. I cannot thank God enough for the ways your podcast has prepared me for a deeper commitment as a disciple.  The other reason I am e-mailing you is in reference to something Dave mentioned in one of the recent podcasts: guiding kids through an experience of Adoration. After the most recent Pew poll that just came out on Catholics and their understanding (or lack-there-of) of the Eucharist, I am wanting to focus the efforts of our religious ed and faith formation on the Real Presence and Adoration. I am hoping to have each grade level have an experience of one hour of Adoration over the course of the year. Do you have any resources that you have used that would help make this a success for the various age groups? You mentioned just doing this with 4, 5 and 6 year olds. Do you avoid adoration with the older kids? If so, why? Do you have any other ideas of how to ignite the older kids’ hearts for love of the Eucharist?  Also, better yet, I am wondering if, in light of the recent Pew research poll on Catholics and belief in the Eucharist, you were planning on focusing in on the Eucharist as a jumping off point for evangelization? It seems to be something people struggle with accepting nowadays (though I suppose one could say people have always struggled to accept this teaching, as they did in Jesus’ own earthly ministry!). It is easy for the modern relativistic-thinking Catholic to pick and choose themselves away from this HARD teaching of Jesus. It seems like an area that needs some doubling-down on in our Church here in the US. In any case, know of my gratitude and prayers.   Five Practical Takeaways  Research weekly lectionary devotionals, like The Word Among Us  Pray for Luke the Seminarian!  Read The Way of the Disciple by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis (https://amzn.to/34vqTCf)  Go to adoration or take your kids to 10 minutes of Adoration.  Share this podcast with at least one person!  Resources and Events  Dave's website (thesinnersguide.com) Dedication and Leadership by Douglas Hyde Leaving Boyhood Behind by Jason Craig Exodus 90 The Way of the Disciple by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis Jesus Shock by Peter Kreeft Children of Hope Children of Hope Leader’s Guide Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Welcome to EKSB, your weekly Catholic podcast on evangelization. I’m your host, Mike “Gomer” Gormley, and I’m joined, as always, by my co-host, Dave “The Masked Pamphleteer” Van Vickle. Today we’re answering questions and handing out sweet sweet nicknames. We talk about how to make men’s groups less painful, what to do if your parish has little to no money, our essential reading list for people who want to evangelize, resources for introducing kids to Adoration, and the Pew Research study on the True Presence in the Eucharist. Snippet from the Show “If you can teach what the Church actually believes about the True Presence, and then set up an encounter in Adoration, you will bring people to Jesus in droves.” SHOWNOTES Chaz The Man writes: Hey guys! Love the podcast. I have been asked to start/lead a men’s group at our parish. We have a mini retreat this weekend and I spoke to the guy leading about what were we going to do following the retreat to keep and engage the men coming. In turn he said great idea.....so now I have the reins on it which I’m pumped about but I don’t want it to be your typical old guys drinking coffee and talking about surface topics. My idea was to first give my testimony to show them how God can polish a turd:) Then I was thinking about something light to build trust and something that doesn’t require much from them except to show up! I was thinking just reading the Gospel for the coming Sunday in the same small groups every week and talking about it. How it applies to our life, what we take from etc. Then maybe do a book study. Thoughts? Luke the Seminarian writes: Dear Gomer and Dave ‘too hot to handle, too cold to hold’ VanVickle, I’m an English Seminarian preparing for ordination to the diaconate this coming year and I just wanted to say thank you for the great work your doing on the podcast and to ask a question. In the UK we face a lot of the same problems as you do in the states, our people generally aren’t well formed and we struggle for volunteers; but on top of that our weekly collections tend to be so low that paid employees aren’t typically realistic for most parishes. We can’t afford to pay a director of religious education or evangelisation and these things tend to fall (along with everything else) on the Priest. So I suppose my question is, what would you guys suggest as the absolute basics to start building from for a priest to get in place that he can manage reasonably alongside all of his other duties? I realise that it’s a big question, sometimes it seems a little overwhelming! I’ve read a lot of the books, Divine Renovation etc, but a lot of the time their starting position is so radically different from our average parishes that it’s difficult to think how you would even start to implement them. Please be assured of my prayers and keep up the great work. Aaron the Book Nerd writes: Hey fellas, love the podcast. Can't get enough. Was hoping you could help me out with a few things. First off, you make a ton of books recommendations on the podcast, but was hoping you could narrow it down a bit for me. I am a cradle Catholic who recently went through sort of a conversion experience where I feel I am being called to evangelize and bring the Gospel to people to advance the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth; however, I am extremely knew to evangelization and so was looking for one or two key books that you believe every evangelist should read. Secondly, our Parish asked for anyone interested in prison ministry to reach out to them. This is another area where I feel I am being called, but it seems like I may be the only at my Parish called to do so, as I seem to be the one now leading the charge to start the prison ministry at my Parish while getting advice from another Parish with an already established prison ministry. So my question is ....any advice? God Bless. Aaron the Adorer writes: Hello, Michael Gormley and Dave “Milk and honey” Van Vickle! First off, thank you. I have been listening to your podcast since day one and, while I haven’t always been faithful to the 5 practical tips each week, they have stretched me in ways I was afraid of in the past. In fact, the tips stretched me enough to take up a position in July at a local parish collaborative (2 parishes sharing resources) up here in Massachusetts as the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation. Your insights, challenge and resources (especially Sherry Weddell’s book) has been transformative for me and my family. I cannot thank God enough for the ways your podcast has prepared me for a deeper commitment as a disciple. The other reason I am e-mailing you is in reference to something Dave mentioned in one of the recent podcasts: guiding kids through an experience of Adoration. After the most recent Pew poll that just came out on Catholics and their understanding (or lack-there-of) of the Eucharist, I am wanting to focus the efforts of our religious ed and faith formation on the Real Presence and Adoration. I am hoping to have each grade level have an experience of one hour of Adoration over the course of the year. Do you have any resources that you have used that would help make this a success for the various age groups? You mentioned just doing this with 4, 5 and 6 year olds. Do you avoid adoration with the older kids? If so, why? Do you have any other ideas of how to ignite the older kids’ hearts for love of the Eucharist? Also, better yet, I am wondering if, in light of the recent Pew research poll on Catholics and belief in the Eucharist, you were planning on focusing in on the Eucharist as a jumping off point for evangelization? It seems to be something people struggle with accepting nowadays (though I suppose one could say people have always struggled to accept this teaching, as they did in Jesus’ own earthly ministry!). It is easy for the modern relativistic-thinking Catholic to pick and choose themselves away from this HARD teaching of Jesus. It seems like an area that needs some doubling-down on in our Church here in the US. In any case, know of my gratitude and prayers. Five Practical Takeaways <ol> <li>Research weekly lectionary devotionals, like The Word Among Us </li> <li>Pray for Luke the Seminarian! </li> <li>Read The Way of the Disciple by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis (<a href="https://amzn.to/34vqTCf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/34vqTCf</a>) </li> <li>Go to adoration or take your kids to 10 minutes of Adoration. </li> <li>Share this podcast with at least one person!</li> </ol> Resources and Events <ul> <li>Dave's website (<a href="http://www.thesinnersguide.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thesinnersguide.com</a>)</li> <li>Dedication and Leadership by Douglas Hyde</li> <li>Leaving Boyhood Behind by Jason Craig</li> <li>Exodus 90</li> <li>The Way of the Disciple by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis</li> <li>Jesus Shock by Peter Kreeft</li> <li>Children of Hope</li> <li>Children of Hope Leader’s Guide</li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

 Men’s Groups, Shoestring Budgets, and Adoration

Today I’m speaking with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.,  the Assistant Director for Campus Outreach at the Thomistic Institute. We mix apologetics, intellectual formation, campus ministry, and morality, and sprinkle a healthy dose of Aquinas on top. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com Snippet from the Show “What we’re experiencing in the last five years as concerns same sex attraction and transgenderism has a lot of people afraid. We’re nervous that if we were to treat those issues, we would be genuinely persecuted.”Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

Today I’m speaking with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., the Assistant Director for Campus Outreach at the Thomistic Institute. We mix apologetics, intellectual formation, campus ministry, and morality, and sprinkle a healthy dose of Aquinas on top. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at <a href="mailto:eksb@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">eksb@ascensionpress.com</a> Snippet from the Show “What we’re experiencing in the last five years as concerns same sex attraction and transgenderism has a lot of people afraid. We’re nervous that if we were to treat those issues, we would be genuinely persecuted.”<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)</a>

Aquinas, Apologetics, and Morality with Fr. Gregory Pine

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