Shows
Frank Friar FridaysHow do we use our talents?How do we use our talents?Fr Patrick Baikauskas OPDescription
God has given us all sorts of gifts. Valuable gifts. Sometimes we may think we don't have much in the way of talent, but God thinks otherwise, and he wants us to be generous in how we share them.
2023-11-1708 minFrank Friar FridaysToday's reflection begins with one of my favorite humorous anecdotesDo we need to pray? Do you feel sometimes like God isn't listening?
2022-07-2209 minFrank Friar FridaysAre we a Martha or a Mary?Do we let the busy-ness of your day keep us from what is truly important?
2022-07-1515 min
Frank Friar FridaysWhat is truth?We continue our conversation with Dr. Ann Garrido. Today we hear Ann talk about how we manage conflict within our lives, with our families and friends and how and where do we find the truth and have those difficult conversations?
2022-07-0821 minFrank Friar FridaysDoes my Catholic faith have. anything to offer me in the day-to-day decisions of life?We often compartmentalize our lives, thinking our faith is helpful only in spiritual matters. Catholic writer and teacher Dr. Ann Garido provides some invaluable insights into what thousands of Catholics across the country have to say about the challenges of their daily lives and how our Catholic faith can guide us.
2022-07-0121 min2022-06-2412 min2022-06-1708 minFrank Friar FridaysMy summer reading suggestionsThese are the books I mention in this episode - IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:
1. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
2. The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
3. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
4. The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
5. Deception Cove by Owen Laukkanen
6. Leave the Gun, Take the CAnnoli by Mark Seal
7. The Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
8. The Distant Dead by Heather Young
9. Evidence of Things Unseen by Marianne Wiggins
10. Happy Go Lucky by...
2022-06-1020 minFrank Friar FridaysReflecting a bit on my trip to Rome and how we are called to be "Church" to one anotherMaybe too often we get overwhelmed by the beauty of our churches and fail to recognize what those churches symbolize.
2022-06-0317 minFrank Friar FridaysHow to we respond when we have lost someone close to us?The Feast of the Ascension is when we experience Christ's leave-taking from his disiciples. We experience losses in our own lives all the time - sometimes quite unexpected - like the tragedy of children being murdered. There is no easy. way - but the way of Jesus can ease those losses?
2022-05-2714 minFrank Friar FridaysWhere is Jesus?As we approach the Feast of the Ascension next week, we may wonder like the disciples of Jesus, is Jesus still with us?
2022-05-2011 minFrank Friar FridaysHow do we love like Jesus?It is not easy, but it is not complicated either and yet it is what each of us is called to do, not only with those around us but with anyone we meet.
2022-05-1313 minFrank Friar FridaysMothers - Our Good ShepherdsThis Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday - and it is also Mother's Day. Let's remember our moms and the sacrifices our parents have made for us.
2022-05-0613 minFrank Friar FridaysDo you love me?Jesus asks Peter three times, "do you love me?" Why? What does Jesus' questioning mean for us?
2022-04-2913 minFrank Friar FridaysThis podcast was recorded today from the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome and features an interview with Fr. Vivian Boland, OP - a Dominican Friar, author and teacherFr. Vivian Boland wrote a book recently entitled The Spirit of Catholicism. We talked about this book has to contribute to the ongoing synod of the Church, what the idea of spirituality v. religious means, and what our Church has to say to our 21st Century world.
2022-04-2223 minFrank Friar FridaysWhat does Easter mean for us?Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? I have a different response to that question than you might expect.
2022-04-1510 minFrank Friar FridaysThe Arrest and Trial of Jesus ChristToday you can hear another dramatic presentation. This podcast is the arrest and trial of Jesus Christ. I am rather excited to show case this production. The actors are alumni of Providence College (the only Dominican college in the country under the direction of the friars). Fr. Matthew Powell, O.P., is an associate professor emeritus of theatre and is the director. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
2022-04-0818 minFrank Friar FridaysDo we let ourselves get consumed by all the "what ifs" in our life?The message of the gospel this last week before Holy Week is that we have a loving, merciful God that forgives all our sins and wants us to focus on the gift of this day. Every day!!
2022-04-0113 minFrank Friar FridaysThe prayer for Consecration of Russia and UkraineOur Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked all people to pray this prayer today to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the Holy Father stated, "This Act of Consecration is meant to be a gesture of the universal Church, which in this dramatic moment lifts up to God, through his Mother and ours, the cry of pain of all those who suffer and implore and end to violence, and to entrust the future of our human family to the Queen of Peace."
I dedicate this podcast today to that prayer.
2022-03-2517 minFrank Friar FridaysBroadcasting from Bayamón, Puerto Rico on a spring break mission trip.I talk with Br. Peter Lewitzke about our mission trip in Puerto Rico.
2022-03-1923 minFrank Friar FridaysAre you ready to be transformed?We leave today for a mission trip to Puerto Rico. It can be a life-changing experience, but many of the things we do day-to-day can transform us - if we are open to the power of the Holy Spirit.
2022-03-1108 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 75As we begin our Lenten journey, let's think about the temptations we experience in life, and how our loving God has equipped us to overcome them - and the models God has given us.
2022-03-0412 minFrank Friar FridaysIs that a splinter in your eye I see?As we approach Lent, what do we need to see in ourselves - how do we know what to say - how are we called to act?
2022-02-2514 minFrank Friar FridaysWhere in the world is Fr. Patrick?I’m take a few days off. Relaxing in Key Largo at the home of Jennie Block, a great friend of the Order.
2022-02-1800 minFrank Friar FridaysSaint Thomas Aquinas can teach us about hope in times of despairThis interview with Professor Christopher Beem of Penn State University looks at how the teachings of Thomas Aquinas on the theological virtues can teach us to have hope in the challenging times we face in our country.
2022-02-1128 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 72 - We hear Jesus calling his disciples to be fishers of men and women.Does that apply to us too!!!??? What do you think? Are you called to be holy? Are you called to be a saint? Is there a difference?
2022-02-0411 minFrank Friar FridaysThe readings this weekend call each of us to do something very difficultIt sounds easy - Jesus knew it wasn't. His neighbors hated what he had to tell them - love your neighbor as yourself.
2022-01-2811 minFrank Friar FridaysReflecting on the deaths of my brother David and my cousin SharonHow do we grieve? Do we trust in the love of God to help us in accepting our losses?
2022-01-2122 minFrank Friar FridaysWhat does the wedding feast of Cana have to say to us in these difficult times?David Brooks has an op-ed piece in today's New York Times that talks about America coming apart at the seams. That essay and this weekend's readings spoke to me about how we can be the source of what can provide a stitch or two to prevent our country from splitting apart - it begins with us. Here's a link to that essay: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/opinion/america-falling-apart.html#commentsContainer
2022-01-1412 minFrank Friar FridaysBooks I read in 2021 - and I recommend them allI got to do more reading than ever in this year of challenges. Here are some suggestions that came from me by way of my listeners.
2022-01-0725 minFrank Friar FridaysAs we reflect on the end of the year, how have we changed?Can we look back on the year and see any changes? Have there been any epiphanies - moments when we have come to understand something that is very important to us?
2021-12-3116 minFrank Friar FridaysThe Man Born to be King - a radio play by Dorothy L. SayersThe Dominican brothers perform a radio play written by the acclaimed British mystery writer Dorothy Sayers, author of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels. Fourteen Dominican brothers participated in this effort. We perform the first two scenes in her radio play, in the court of King Herod when the kings tell of their journey to find the messiah, and in the shepherd's home when the three kings visit Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
2021-12-2436 minFrank Friar FridaysWhen I met Bob Dole and what that has to do with AdventBack in 1997, I met Senator Bob Dole for the first time, and it impressed me in ways that stick with me to this day - and yes, it has something to do with Advent.
2021-12-1716 minFrank Friar FridaysPart two of my interview with author of the Crisis of Bad Preaching - Fr. Josh WhitfieldThis is an interview for everyone who preaches and cares about good preaching.
2021-12-1025 minFrank Friar FridaysThe Crisis of Bad Preaching - an interview with the author - Fr. Josh WhitfieldFormer Master of the Dominicans, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe says of Fr. Whitfield's book, "He pulls no punches. This book offers just the challenge that we need to hear. It is beautifully written and full of wisdom." Whether you are a preacher or sitting in the pews, you will want to listen to this podcast.
2021-12-0322 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 62 - Recollections of past ThanksgivingsI share memories of previous Thanksgiving days in my life.
2021-11-2620 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 61 - A reflection on the readings for this Sunday - The Feast of Christ the KingWhich kingdom will we choose?
2021-11-1912 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 60 - Carpe diem! How are we at "seizing the day?"This reflection on the readings for this Sunday - the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - can inspire us to examine how are we doing in recognizing that we have this moment to live life to the fullest!
2021-11-1213 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 59 - How do the readings about two widows this Sunday call us to examine our own calls to love one another?The readings this Sunday and the past two Sundays can be very challenging to us. What keeps us from truly loving our neighbor as ourselves?
2021-11-0518 minFrank Friar FridaysDealing with mental health issues as a CatholicThis interview with Fr. Nick Monco, OP, now a chaplain at the Benedict Institute of Hope College, reflects on a TED Talk that Fr. Nick gave that aired this week on mental health issues and specifically what do our Catholic faith traditions have to offer in dealing with mental health challenges. (NB -IT LOOKS ON THE SPOTIFY LINKS THAT THIS PODCAST IS OVER 40 MINUTES LONG - IT IS NOT - IT IS ABOUT 23 MINUTES LONG)
2021-10-2944 minFrank Friar FridaysInterview with missionary doctor working in HaitiDr. Ellen Lawson is an emergency room physician who began her career as a religious sister working in Congo. Dr. Lawson and I both serve on the board of the St Dominique Foundation that administers an orphanage in Titanyen, Haiti founded by a Dominican priest. Dr. Lawson provides her first-person account of the difficult conditions of serving in Haiti - now!
2021-10-2227 minFrank Friar FridaysA review of Sue Monk Kidd's The Book of LongingsBest-selling novelist Sue Monk Kidd provides a creative setting for the life of Jesus - as a married man.
2021-10-1519 minFrank Friar FridaysRemembering Charlotte ScarcelliSort of a little break from the normal program to remember a devoted parishioner and friend of St. Tom's.
2021-10-0810 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 54September 30 was the birthday of my mother AND father. Today's podcast is a reflection on them.
2021-10-0120 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 53I offer some reflections on the events of September 11, 2001 and the challenges they present. Here's a link to another podcast I mention in the broadcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-bit-of-optimism/id1515385282?i=1000527216316
2021-09-2419 min2021-09-1721 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 51 - the conclusion to my travelogue on AfricaI'm out of quarantine and ready to finish my account of my trip to Africa.
2021-09-1020 min2021-09-0301 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 49 - Into Africa - part oneHear about my trip to Kenya - my first to Africa - and my safari experiences.
2021-08-2724 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 48 - Part two of our conversation with Jim McElroyPrayer simply must be a part of our life if we hope to grow spiritually. There are many forms. Jim and I talk about that need we all have to take care of ourselves and how prayer is a vital way to do that.
2021-08-2025 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 47 - Part one of two parts - interview with Jim McElroyJim McElroy talks about his own experience with centering prayer as an acolyte of Fr. Thomas Keating. If you're interested in centering prayer or know someone in recovery that might be helped by this ancient form of prayer of the Catholic Church, you won't want to miss this fascinating conversation with Jim McElroy.
2021-08-1326 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 46The last segment of our three-part interview with nationally syndicated speaker and best-selling author Dr. Walt Larimore.
2021-08-0616 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 45Part two of this amazing interview with Dr. Walt Larimore who gives us valuable insights on what it means to be truly, totally healthy.
2021-07-3022 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 44We begin a three-part series with Dr. Walt Larimore, physician and author of more than 40 books, including the best seller Fit Over 50. Dr. Walt has appeared on many 360 with Anderson Cooper, Good Morning America, and many other news broadcasts based on his medical expertise and engaging conversation.
2021-07-2323 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 43 - Part 3 of our interview with author Gary SchmidtThe conclusion to our interview with award-winning novelist and teacher Gary Schmidt.
2021-07-1634 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 42 - Part II of my conversation with award winning author Gary SchmidtListen to author Gary Schmidt provide some fascinating insights to his writing, inspiration and motivation.
2021-07-0923 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 41 - Part one of interview with Gary SchmidtAward-winning author - (National Book Award finalist and Newberry prize winner) - former Yankees (now Mets fan) - teacher - medievalist - UofI grad - what more can I say? A great storyteller. Listen to the first of our three-part interview with this fascinating man.
2021-07-0222 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 40Listen to part two of our conversation with author, composer, singer, spiritual director, Steve Givens, as he discusses his personal experience with chemotherapy and a usually fatal disease.
2021-06-2523 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 39I talk with Steve Givens who has written widely on spiritual direction and his own battle with a rare disease.
2021-06-1823 min2021-06-1123 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 37"We are what we eat." - St. Augustine. Oh my goodness!! Do I look like gelato and no one has mentioned it??
2021-06-0417 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 36An interview from Houston where Dominican friar Br. Greg Dunn will profess his solemn vows on May 28. Hear how this young man, who once aspired to be a shortstop in the major leagues, journeyed to become a vowed religious.
2021-05-2826 min2021-05-2122 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 34We begin a break from our format and have an interview with seminarian Mark Hellinger
2021-05-1425 min2021-05-0723 min2021-04-3021 min2021-04-2322 min2021-04-1620 min2021-04-0921 min2021-04-0221 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 27I begin my time at St Tom's with my ordination and then my installation as the pastor. What a whirlwind experience! And a blessed one!!
2021-03-2622 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 26The episode that was difficult to get to: after a lifetime of waiting to answer God's call, my ordination, but not without some bumps in getting there.
2021-03-1921 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 25I have my first experience of ministry at St. Tom's and Purdue (Boiler Up!) and finish up my time and studies in St. Louis.
2021-03-1220 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 24I begin my studies in Saint Louis and as an outcome of the Boston scandals, we are visited by representatives from the Vatican.
2021-03-0521 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 23My life as a Dominican friar begins in earnest - my first year as a novice in Denver.
2021-02-2620 min2021-02-1921 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 21My time in Springfield Illinois posed some unique challenges and new opportunities.
2021-02-1222 min2021-02-0521 min2021-02-0308 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 19"I'm going to Charleston where there's still some grace and charm." -Rhett Butler
2021-01-2920 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 18My years working for Big Jim Thompson - and the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan - and my last days in DC - at least for a little while.
2021-01-2221 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 18My days working for Big Jim Thompson - the second Reagan inauguration - and my last years in DC - at least for a little while.
2021-01-2221 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 17Further reflections on the events in the U.S. Capitol and I begin my time with working for the State of Illinois in Washington and Governor Jim Thompson.
2021-01-1520 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 16Reflections on this week and my experiences of working in the Capitol and on the Hill.
2021-01-0821 min2021-01-0120 min2020-12-2521 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 13So now you get to hear what the rest of my first trip to Italy was like.
2020-12-1822 min2020-12-1121 minFrank Friar FridaysHomily from the Feastnof the Immaculate ConceptionI gave this homily on December 8, 2020 at the WashU Medical School. It touches on some current issues.
2020-12-1007 min2020-12-0419 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 10My first full year in Washington DC - a year of many changes - great highs and lows.
2020-11-2722 min2020-11-2021 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 8Some thoughts about the election which provides a nice segue to the beginning of my career in Washington DC.
2020-11-1222 min2020-11-0622 minFrank Friar FridaysEpisode 6So we continue with my college experiences and a variety of firsts for me.
2020-10-3021 min2020-10-2321 min2020-10-1620 min
Frank Friar FridaysEpisode 3The Frank Friar has his first experience of being called to the priesthood in junior high school.
2020-10-0922 min2020-10-0220 minFrank Friar FridaysMy First Podcast! | Sept 25, 2020As I begin my podcast journey, I decided to speak about something in which I have some expertise - me. I will spend the first few podcasts giving you a brief biography so that the future reflections will have some context. How exactly did I get to the place where I am now - a Dominican friar?
2020-09-2320 min