Episode 143 - Our series on vocational discernment continues as Fr Sean Danda chats with seminarian, Casey Deal, focusing on the path to priesthood and the experience of attending seminary. Casey shares his personal story, including his background, the gradual development of his faith, and the pivotal moments that led him to consider the priesthood. They explore the importance of prayer, community support, and the sacramental life in discerning one's vocation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of not making this journey alone and the role of spiritual direction in understanding God's call. Casey Deal is currently a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Takeaways

• The discernment process involves recognizing subtle signs from God.
• Community support and spiritual direction are crucial in discernment.
• It's important to reflect on moments of peace and joy during discernment.
• Both priesthood and fatherhood involve a commitment to serving others.
• Incremental steps in faith can lead to significant spiritual growth.
• Mary plays a vital role in guiding individuals towards Jesus.

Episode 143 - Fr Danda welcomes special guest, Anthony Bosso on this episode. This conversation explores the vocation of the permanent diaconate, discussing its significance, the discernment process, and the responsibilities of deacons within the Catholic Church. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of service, the role of family support, and the need for prayerful consideration in discerning one's vocation.

Key Takeaways:

• The permanent diaconate is a significant vocation within the Catholic Church.
• Service is at the heart of diaconal ministry, reflecting Christ's love.
• Discernment involves listening to God's call and the suggestions of others.
• Family support is crucial in pursuing a vocation like the diaconate.
• The role of a deacon includes preaching, service, and ministering to the community.
• Deacons often work in various ministries outside the parish, reaching marginalized groups.
• The formation process for deacons includes academic, spiritual, and pastoral components.
• Prayer is essential in discerning one's vocation and understanding God's will.
• The timing of pursuing a vocation can be as important as the desire to serve.
• Being a deacon requires balancing family commitments with ministry responsibilities.

Episode 142 - In this conversation, Father Sean Danda discusses vocational discernment, particularly focusing on the vocation of marriage with guests Jenny and Joe Zeunik. They explore the significance of marriage as a vocation, share personal stories of their journey to finding love, and address the fears and challenges that come with the commitment of marriage. The role of faith in their relationship is emphasized, along with advice for parents on guiding their children in vocational discernment.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Vocation discernment is crucial for understanding God's will.

• Personal experiences shape our views on marriage and family.
• Fears about marriage often stem from childhood experiences.
• Faith plays a vital role in sustaining a marriage.

• Parents should discuss vocations openly with their children.
• Marriage is a journey towards holiness and commitment.
• Love should be the foundation of any relationship.
• Encouraging children to seek partners who share their values is essential.

Episode 141 - In this concluding episode on the ways of God, Fr Sean Danda & Nathanael Rea reflect on the perfections of God as discussed in medieval history, particularly through the lens of Aquinas. The conversation delves into the nature of God's goodness, the problem of evil, the significance of free will, and the benevolence of God. Milner emphasizes the importance of modeling our lives after God and the necessity of reflection and prayer in understanding our relationship with Him. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their choices and recognize the divine invitation in every moment of their lives.

Takeaways from this episode:

• God has done all things well, and nothing could be better.
• We should trust in God's goodness, even amidst suffering.
• Free will is essential for true love and goodness.
• God's benevolence allows for human choice, including the choice of hell.
• Every action should be viewed as a masterpiece of our lives.
• The state of our soul at death determines our eternal destiny.
• Purgatory is a necessary process for purification before heaven.
• God is the ultimate gift and union with Him is heaven.
• The more we know God, the more we love Him.
• Reflection and prayer are vital for deepening our relationship with God.

Find a copy of the book here for free: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit#heading=h.l4kmvtgym11z

Episode 140 - In this episode, Fr Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea explore the profound themes of God's nature, emphasizing that He is no respecter of persons, demonstrating care for all creatures, and embodying perfect serenity. The discussion delves into the concept of disinterestedness, highlighting the importance of selfless love and the need for inner peace amidst life's challenges. Through the lens of Aquinas's teachings, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with God and the virtues of humility, charity, and genuine care for others.

Want to follow along in the book? Find it here for free: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit#heading=h.l4kmvtgym11z

Episode 139 - God is perfect in many ways. This is the topic of today's discussion on chapters 9 - 13 of our book study on The Ways Of God, a work ascribed to St Thomas Aquinas.

Read along with us: ⁠https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit#heading=h.l4kmvtgym11z

Episode 138 - Nathanael Rea and Father Sean Danda continue their discussion on the book The Ways Of God, ascribed to St Thomas Aquinas. In this section of the book they focus on the importance of opening our hearts to the mercy of God and extending that mercy to others.

Want to follow along? The Ways Of God can be accessed for free at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit#heading=h.l4kmvtgym11z

Episode 137 - The Ways Of God is a book ascribed to St Thomas Aquinas. In this introduction, Nathanael Rea gives a brief overview of the work and touches on the main points made by Aquinas in this piece.

Want to read along? Access The Ways Of God here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByZacqz8g796mmFT5dkeCQ2Fsib1aEPpvHE3I7oPs3I/edit?usp=sharing