Shows
Father and DadParish Changes, Consolidation and Call for GrowthIn this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad reflect on the major announcements heard across the Diocese of Gary regarding the future pastoral planning process and the restructuring of parishes. With many communities facing change, they speak candidly about both the challenges and the opportunities that come with this moment in the life of the Church.Fr. Steven offers firsthand perspective from the Merrillville Catholic Churches, sharing how their own merging experience has unfolded and why he believes it can serve as a beacon of hope for other parishes preparing for similar transitions...
2026-03-0125 minFather and DadA Season of SabbaticalIn this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad talk about an important transition at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs as Fr. Ted begins a five-month priestly sabbatical from January through June 2026. Fr. Steven explains what a sabbatical is, why it exists in the Diocese of Gary, and how it serves as a vital opportunity for spiritual renewal that priests are invited into roughly every fifteen years.The conversation explores what this particular sabbatical will look like, including Fr. Ted’s time in Rome followed by a month-long silent retreat. Fr. Steven then reflects on his ow...
2026-02-0126 minFather and DadMore Than Christmas MassIn this warm and reflective Christmas episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad talk about the joy of celebrating Christmas in the parish, especially the gift of seeing so many people gathered for Mass—some who may only come a few times a year. Rather than judgment, they reflect on this moment as a sign of hope and an open door for deeper connection.The conversation turns to an important reminder: being Catholic is about more than simply showing up for Mass. While the Eucharist is central, faith is lived within a community, and salvation is no...
2025-12-3026 minFather and DadNCYC: Keeping the Fire BurningIn this uplifting episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven shares highlights from his recent trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference, where he accompanied a group of Andrean students along with teens connected to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Over three powerful days, thousands of high schoolers gathered to hear inspiring keynote speakers, worship together, and deepen their commitment as disciples of Jesus.Fr. Steven reflects on the profound moments of adoration at NCYC and talks about how the spiritual fire the teens experienced doesn’t have to fade once they return to their normal ro...
2025-11-3026 minFather and DadEven Priests Go to ConfessionIn this engaging episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad tackle a question many people have wondered about: how do priests go to confession? Do they just confess to themselves? Fr. Steven explains that, just like everyone else, priests confess their sins to another priest and receive God’s mercy through the sacrament. He shares how many priests also have a spiritual director and regular confessor who help guide them on their own journey toward holiness.The conversation turns to the laity as well, as Dad reflects on how every Christian can benefit from sp...
2025-10-2824 minFather and DadNo Cookie-Cutter Priests: Living Vocations FullyIn this thought-provoking episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad explore how priests live out their vocation in ways that go far beyond what people typically expect. While celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and anointing the sick are central, many priests also engage in ministries like pro-life work, public speaking, and other unique forms of service. Each priest, they reflect, brings his own God-given talents, skills, and passions to imitate Christ and make His love visible in a particular way.Their conversation also turns toward the vocation of marriage, drawing a parallel between p...
2025-09-2726 minFather and DadPilgrimage, Emmaus and Triumph of the HeartIn this episode of Father & Dad, join Fr. Steven and Dad as they unpack the spiritual richness of their recent pilgrimage to MaryTown, a sacred pause that goes beyond Sunday Mass and breathes life into everyday faith. Discover how stepping out of routine can open your heart to deeper communion with the Lord.Then they recount the highlights of the Emmaus Conference, a vibrant missionary discipleship gathering for the Diocese of Gary. From stirring keynote talks to meaningful fellowship, hear why this event continues to ignite a fire for mission and community across the region....
2025-08-2523 minFather and DadMore Academic AdventuresIn this episode, Fr. Steven shares about his latest academic adventure — beginning work toward an STL (Licentiate in Sacred Theology) in the New Evangelization at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. What exactly is an STL? Why go back to school now? And what does the New Evangelization even mean in a world that often seems tired of religion?Fr. Steven unpacks the structure of the program, the classes he's diving into this semester — Theology of the New Evangelization, Carmelite Spirituality, and Vatican II — and what he hopes to carry from the classroom into the pulpit, the parish...
2025-07-2923 minFather and DadFather's Day SpecialIn this special Father’s Day episode, Fr. Steven sits down with Dad to reflect on his first full year of priesthood. They talk about the joys, challenges, and surprises of this past year—from parish life to school ministry—and share how it’s impacted both of them. They also discuss attending the recent Ordination Mass for Fr. Alex and Fr. Ivan, newly ordained for the Diocese of Gary. The episode wraps up with a shoutout to the upcoming Collars vs. Scholars Softball Game at Andrean’s softball field on June 27 at 5:00pm
2025-06-1526 minFather and DadFr. Steven’s First Holy WeekIn this episode of Father and Dad, Fr. Steven shares the experience of his first Holy Week as a priest. He and his dad dive into the highs, the surprises, and the sacred moments of those unforgettable days. Fr. Steven recalls the profound experience of speaking the part of Jesus during the Palm Sunday Passion Gospel and the fraternity of the Chrism Mass where he reaffirmed his priestly promises.In an unexpected turn of events on Holy Thursday Fr. Steven needed to step in for his pastor, Fr. Ted, who had suddenly fell ill.From t...
2025-05-0725 minFather and DadPriests Have Hobbies TooFr. Steven shares the incredible journey of writing The Bluff, a musical he and some friends have been working on for the past 10 years and is now set to be performed by a Catholic high school in Monroe, MI.He and Dad reflect on the creative process, how faith has shaped his storytelling, and the joy in surrendering all things to God.Join them for a thoughtful discussion on vocation, creativity and how priests - like everyone - are called to use their gifts for God's glory.Here is a link to the...
2025-02-2422 minFather and DadCatholic Schools WeekThe end of January brings with it Catholic Schools week. Fr. Steven’s home parish St. Thomas More traditionally holds and open house accompanied by a pancake breakfast on this Sunday.Fr. Steven has been assigned as the chaplain to two local catholic schools. The first is the grammar school associated with his parish. While pastor Fr. Ted serves more of an administrative role with the school Fr. Steven is able to serve as the “fun uncle”.Fr. Steven makes it a point to be there often during the week, greeting the young students when they arrive...
2025-01-2824 minFather and DadThe Christmas SpecialThis was Steven's first Christmas as a priest and it marked his first time attending Christmas mass at a parish other than his childhood parish. In recent history, midnight mass at our local parish has been a bit of a Caraher family affair with Steven and his brother serving at the altar and his mom playing music.Now that Steven is a priest, the challenge is to integrate that into our family life. Even during non-holiday times, Steven's time is not his own in that various emergency events may pop up.At Steven's new parish, he...
2024-12-3026 minFather and DadThe Prodigal SonThe Prodigal Son has returned!Father Steven was invited to speak at St. Thomas More, his home parish. Pastor Father Mike of St. Thomas More invited Father Steven to speak during our annual 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration.Though a parish priest's life is filled with many activities, priests must work to constantly strive for spiritual growth.Father Steven's talk preparation flowed out of this ongoing formational work. Work such as ongoing prayer, reading and reflection provided the root from which the fruit of his talk flowed.Coming home to St. Thomas More...
2024-12-0724 minFather and DadDiocesan ConvocationThe past week Father Steven spent 4 days on a convocation of the priests of the Diocese of Gary. During these convocations Priests of the diocese come together.These convocations occur approximately every 2 years. One of the greatest blessings of these gatherings is the confraternity among brother priests. The group celebrated mass and prayed together during the gathering. In addition presentations were made by outside speakers. One of the outside speakers was a chaplain from Fr. Steven's college parish at Indiana University.Next month, Fr. Steven will be visiting his Indiana University parish where he has been...
2024-10-2723 minFather and DadFuneral PreparationFather Steven learned that the life of a priest can often be unpredictable. Days that were once open can quickly fill up.Recently, Fr. Steven found that his open day was immediately filled. One of these items was a funeral. Fr. Steven discussed how he prepares for a funeral.The first part of preparation is getting himself ready; praying and deepening his understanding of death. The second part is preparing with the family member or members. First it is an opportunity to listen to them about the love and affection that they have for their loved one...
2024-09-3026 minFather and DadSettling InFather Steven has been at his parish assignment for 2 months and has been settling in to the life of a parish priest.Along with parish life, Father Steven has been assigned as priest for both a pre-K through 8 grammar school and a local Catholic High School. Father Steven has been doing his best to be available and getting to know everyone.We discussed how these assignments came about and ultimately, it is the Bishop who makes these assignments. It is the Bishop's job to understand the needs of his diocese and know his priests so th...
2024-09-0228 minFather and DadNational Eucharistic CongressFather Steven and Dad both attended the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress the past weekend and shared their experiences.The 2024 National Eucharistic Congress was the first held since 1976. This gathering was the culmination of several years of work in coordination with the National Eucharistic Revival. Eucharistic procession pilgrimages from the North, South, East and West all converged on Indianapolis for the start of the Congress.Dad had not originally planned on attending but on the Sunday prior to the Congress Father Steven suggested that he drive down for the Saturday session.Father Steven attended Wednesday thro...
2024-07-2236 minFather and DadFirst MassThe day following his ordination, Steven celebrated his first mass at his home parish. Numerous brother priests and fellow seminarians celebrated this mass with Steven.Steven found the mass a mixture of both the surreal and natural. Natural in that he had prepared for this and surreal in the realization that this had all come to fruition.The homily for this first mass was given by Fr. Chris Stanish who served served as Steven's first Spiritual Director. Fr. Chris's homily focused on making certain that the mass never becomes routine.The experience of cons...
2024-07-0131 minFather and DadFather StevenOrdination Day finally arrived!The day Steven has been preparing for these last 6 years - and even his last 28 years - came and with it a full cascade of moments, memories and emotions.Steven and Dad review the Ordination mass itself and various highlights of the day.Also discussed are particular moments that stuck out for each. Key among these were the anointing of Steven's hands with the Chrism oil, Steven being vested by Fr. Mike and then concelebrating his first mass.Another highlight was the welcome embrace from all of his...
2024-06-1126 minFather and DadSchool's Out ForeverSteven graduated from Sacred Heart Major Seminary and with that, ended 23 consecutive years of schooling!Steven took this time to reflect back on his academic priestly formation which began in 2018 at Mundelein Seminary.The transition from college where he studied Mathematics to the seminary and Philosophy proved more challenging than expected. Figuring that the logic and mathematical thinking would easily segue into philosophy, Steven discovered things more challenging.Steven worked hard and things started to click. He found that understanding Philosophy helps one prepare for studying Theology. How you look at things sets found...
2024-04-2823 minFather and DadFinal Scrutiny[Production note: apologies for the imbalance of the sound on this episode.]Steven was in town for Easter and got to serve as a deacon during the Triduum at his home parish.Before the Easter break Steven partook in his final Scrutiny with the Bishop. This was a time to check in and make certain that there was no ambiguity at all.One last set of Final Exams await Steven as he wraps up his seminarian career. He has an upcoming 2 day comprehensive exam, the first day written and the second day oral, cove...
2024-04-0123 minFather and DadConfession PracticeLast month we discussed how during his final semester Steven has been practicing administering the various sacraments.Over the past month Steven was able to perform several "practice" confessions with his brother seminarians. Afterwards, Steven and his classmates were able to review each other's styles.We discuss the challenges that lay people face with the sacrament of Reconciliation. Regular confession helps aid the conscience and allows it to be better formed.We also chatted about Priests themselves - do they go to confession and if so, how.
2024-03-0428 minFather and DadPriestly PreparationWith Priestly Ordination right around the corner, Steven started his final semester at school. This period of time is unique in that it offers the opportunity to prepare and pray through the mass and the sacraments.His "Mass Practicum" class during this final semester of formation involves practicing reciting the mass parts. It's been an edifying experience going through this with his brother seminarians.Steven and his brother seminarians have also practiced confessions. It has been an encouraging experience sharing and learning with brother seminarians.Some of Steven's classes this semester involve studying canon...
2024-01-2822 minFather and DadChalice ChoicesSteven is home for the Christmas Break. At the beginning of the break he went shopping for a chalice.For Steven it is important to choose a chalice that reveals the beauty of what is happening during consecration. The priests actions at the altar and the chalice gives a message. It can serve as a catechesis.When choosing, there are guidelines for chalices. These Guidelines can be found in General Instruction on the Roman Missal.At the start of the upcoming New Year, Steven will attend the Seek Conference in St. Louis. This confere...
2023-12-3124 minFather and DadMarian ConsecrationAfter a quick visit home during the Thanksgiving Break, Steven is back at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit.Steven is in the middle of a Marian Consecration that he is SHARING with several fellow seminarians. This consecration is timed with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.Steven first learned about the Marian Consecration while in college and was initially resistant to the idea. During the Summer after his first semester in seminary, Steven along with his Totus Tuus team consecrated themselves to Mary.Since then, every year, Steven has renewed this...
2023-11-2827 min
Father and DadIntentional DesignArchitecture matters.Last weekend, while visiting Detroit-area college friends, Mom & Dad were able to attend mass where Steven serves as a deacon and got to hear him preach. One of our friends is an adult student at Sacred Heart Seminary and so we took the opportunity to take a tour of the school.The design of Sacred Heart seminary reinforces its mission. Contained in a single building with several wings, the center of the structure is the chapel. Surrounded by courtyards, the whole building speaks to its mission.The hallways themselves are filled with...
2023-10-2325 minFather and DadMedugorje EncouragementAt the end of the Summer, Steven was offered the chance to join a trip to Medugorje. While a visit to Medugorje was not on the top of his list of places to visit, Steven happily joined.On his first evening, a group of pilgrims shared that they were witnessing the miracle of the Sun. Steven was also blessed to be able to witness the miracle as well. Also, at the end of his trip Steven experienced the smell of roses when no one around him did.Moved, and energized by this generous gift, Steven wrappe...
2023-09-1822 minFather and DadDeacon SummerSteven has been enjoying his Deacon assignment this Summer. The opportunity to get more engaged with parish life has been a blessing and full of joy.One of the highlights has been preaching the homily at Sunday masses. Unlike his first homily for which he had several months to get ready, Steven enjoys the weekly cadence of reflecting on the next week's readings while preparing a homily.Steven has also been able to preside over the sacraments of baptism and last rites.Steven's favorite activity this Summer has been participating in a eucharistic pro...
2023-07-2421 minFather and DadDeacon and DadOn June 3, 2023 at Holy Angels Cathedral by the power of the Most Reverend Robert J. McClory Bishop of Gary, Steven Caraher was ordained into the order of the Diaconate.I was a beautiful day both in weather and the ceremony. Though he did not sleep much the night before, Steven woke up full of energy.Seeing most of the priests of the diocese and many of the deacons participating in the ceremony, it felt part of the Mystical Body of Christ.During the Litany of the Saints, while Steven lay prostrate on the flo...
2023-06-1822 minFather and DadSeminarian SabbaticalAs Steven counts down the days until his ordination into the Transitional Diaconate, he has a couple of weeks of free time which raises the question; how do seminarians and priests spend their free time?First and foremost it is important to remember that time off is not a vacation from the vocation. The idea is not to escape, but more so to breath fresh air and gain fresh perspectiveThe key is to not stop praying. Life in the seminary provides structure that ensures your day has room for parry. When you take that structu...
2023-05-1021 minFather and DadA Target on His BackAs a Seminarian and in the future as a Priest, Steven has set himself up to be a target of temptation.When he first announced his interest in the priesthood to Fr. Mike, Steven experienced the feeling that he did something wrong. Reflecting on that moment, Steven realized that this was a "word from the Enemy".One avenue of attack is what St Ignatius refers to as the "false lover". Someone who is not liked by the parents or society but you keep around and can't tell anyone about. Your feelings encourage you to keep thought...
2023-04-0920 minFather and DadSeminarian ScrutinyBeing ordained to the diaconate is the first step towards Holy Orders. This step involves Steven make several promises; notably one of Obedience to the Bishop and a promise of celibacy. During the last 4 years of seminary, a seminarian goes through different evaluations. The process of priestly formation is not just the discernment of the seminarian but it also involves a series of evaluations. For Steven's formation, he just completed the final of three evaluations.Now that Steven has passed this final evaluation, the next step is to petition the Bishop. Ultimately it is the bishop who...
2023-02-2724 minFather and DadPublic PresenceSteven recently took a trip to Washington DC to participate in the March for Life. This was his second time participating in the march. He found it important to be there with others, publicly witnessing.One aspect of the march was that Steven participated while wearing clerics. The first time that Steven had ever worn clerics was the prior time Steven had participated in the March. Steven shared how he felt a little awkward, not being an ordained priest, yet wearing clerics.Steven has found that while wearing clerics people will open up to you. It is a great...
2023-01-2922 minFather and DadBible StudySteven is in town for the Christmas Break. Over the break he spoke at the local Holy Name Society and shared in a Bible class on Hebrews. The teacher of his class authored a book of Catholic Commentary on Hebrews. It was great that Steven could share what he had learned, but it brought up a bigger question for Dad, "How does the Bible fit it with seminary?"Steven mentioned the Four Pillars of the Program of Priestly Formation which are Spiritual, Intellectual, Pastoral and Human Formation. For each one of these, the Bible is unique...
2023-01-0223 minFather and DadDiscernment Tools and TipsSteven’s vocation has given our local community witness to the process of Discernment. People are able to see that discernment is not instant magic. Rather, it is a real process that involves time and work.Steven reviews several practical tools of discernment. First off is Commitment. You have to actively engage. It won’t come to you, you need to work to open yourself up. Also, building up a prayer life is a must. Ultimately you are looking to build a relationship. This takes time. Good spiritual direction is crucial. You should not and can not go at this alone...
2022-11-2725 minFather and DadOfficial Altar ServerMom and Dad visited Steven at Sacred Heart Major Seminary to witness his installation to the minor order of Acolyte. The minor order of Acolyte marks Steven’s progression on the road to ordination. There are many different descriptions of the minor order of Acolyte one of which is that he can officially serve at the altar.Part of Mom and Dad’s visit was a tour of Sacred Heart Major Seminary. In many ways, this seminary is like a monastery; a world within itself, order within the urban world that surrounds it. In preparation for the diaco...
2022-10-3024 minFather and DadHow do you rest?We begin the episode reviewing Steven's daily routine at Seminary. Each week day does follow a pattern. Dad looked back on his college days and recalled how he would try to schedule as much activity as he could, even scheduling to do homework on Friday evenings - which never happened.We all need rest. Even God rested on the 7th day.Steven recalls how he sought rest from sources that paradoxically left him more tired. Fortunately, he met a priest in seminary who outlined 3 authentic restful activities:1. Relate to God2. Relate to Others3. E...
2022-09-2527 minFather and DadKeeping FocusEntering his 5th year of school and with the Transitional Deaconate a year away, the risk running on autopilot is real. With the routine of the school schedule, work must be done to stay focused.Habits are important to make this happen. Starting with a Morning Holy Hour, before the rest of the day gets busy and while his mind is clear, Steven has found great benefits from this habit.This issue is not just for the seminary. In the future the risk of falling into a functionalist life as a priest is real. How do you...
2022-08-2122 minFather and DadSummer InternshipAs Steven’s Summer 2022 assignment draws to a close, we reflect on his experiences. During the Summer, Steven worked an internship at a local parish.Steven previously worked Summer assignments but now that he has a few years of experience he has additional perspective to appreciate and understand the work that is entailed.Parish culture plays a key role in pastoral life. The parish where Steven was assigned has a priority of evangelization and discipleship. The parish has several initiatives in place and Steven got to see the fruit of these efforts.An added bonu...
2022-07-2525 minFather and DadDad Knows BestIn this episode Steven turns the tables and interviews Dad for his perspective on being the father of a seminarian.Dad discusses what life was like before Steven declared his vocation. He and Mom saw the calling in Steven but they gave him room to grow and mature, wanting the decision to be an organic one.At first Mom and Dad struggled supporting Steven. We didn’t want to pressure him but we wanted to show our support. Referring to the process of discernment helped provide clarity in that Mom and Dad could support Steven’s discernme...
2022-06-2827 minFather and DadPilgrim's ProgressSteven recently returned from a class trip to Italy. Traveling with fellow seminarians, Steven’s journeys took him to several notable sites.Starting with Assisi, where Steven was able to celebrate mass at the tomb of St. Francis Steven was also able to pray at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis. These two holy men offer a flesh and blood example of living a holy life.Next stop was Florence and its art with day trips to Sienna and Orvieto. Orvieto is the home of one of the oldest eucharistic miracles.The final stop w...
2022-05-3022 minFather and DadThe Transitional DiaconateIt’s springtime at the seminary and with that comes ordinations. Five of Steven’s housemates were ordained to the transitional diaconate.One of the most common questions that Steven gets as a seminarian is, “Are you a deacon yet?”. There are three different levels of holy orders. The first is the level of Deacon, the second is Priest and the third is Bishop.Seeing people that he knows be ordained brings with it a more human aspect of Holy Orders. Before Seminary, priests seemed like people who were different. Now, the guys who he lives with are bec...
2022-04-2524 minFather and DadTakin it to the StreetsOne of the segments of formation has been weekly evangelization visits to a local college campus every week.Evangelization was something new for Steven and it was also new for most fellow seminarians. In order to prepare them seminarians first receive training before going out in the field. A street ministry group came to offer them advice and tools. A big tool is to establish the relational aspect with others and keep the conversation positive.One of the things that Steven likes to do is to offer people free rosaries in the hopes that it can s...
2022-03-2723 minFather and DadHomily TimeSteven is taking a class in learning how to give homilies. It’s important that this class is given before being installed in the diaconate, when Steven may be called upon to give homilies.Speaking in public on a regular basis is a scary thing, but shouldn’t dissuade one from the seminary. There are classes available and you will be guided in what it takes to prepare. And remember; God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.Giving homilies is more of a habit than a thing, you do once a week. Preparation fo...
2022-02-2824 minFather and DadSpiritual DirectionThis month we discuss Spiritual Direction. Steven’s first encounter was when he began discerning for the priesthood he read a book that spoke of Spiritual Direction. At its core Spiritual Direction is when you and another person who is more mature in the Faith both walk together and discuss how the Lord is working in your heart in prayer.We discuss the different phases of Spiritual Direction for a Priest. The first phase is discernment before seminary. Oftentimes people discerning a vocation begin by keeping it to themselves. But, at some point you need to take the next step a...
2022-01-3026 minFather and DadVocations in an Apostolic AgeSteven was in for Christmas Break and Dad commandeered him to speak at our local Holy Name Society.Steven based his discussion on a talk that he heard about the different ages of The Church. This talk was based on the following book; From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age by Monsignor James P. SheaChristendom is the age when the institution and structures that you come in contact with are Catholic and Christian. This brings with it pros and cons. The great intellects of the day study and reflect on matters o...
2022-01-0126 minFather and DadLicense to LectorSteven was recently installed to the ministry of Lector. This comprises one more step along the path towards ordination.Steven is now in his 4th year of his 6 year path. We discuss the differences between the 8 year path, in which a seminarian's 4 years of college work towards the end goal, and the 6 year path in which a seminarian begins his path after college, first studying 2 years of philosophy before working on his 4 year Theology degree.During the 2nd year of Theology, seminarians are installed in the ministry of Lector. This comprises one of the steps towards...
2021-11-2922 minFather and DadA Band of FathersSteven had a long weekend and used the chance to visit the home of a fellow seminarian. This reminded Dad of a concern he and Steven’s Mom had that the priesthood would be a lonely life. Just the opposite has been shown to be true. This is not a solitary life. At the start of his discernment, Steven shared these concerns as well. He wondered if the life of priesthood would be lonely or one that brings joy. This thought was on his mind the first time he visited a seminary. During this visit Steven was pleasantly surpri...
2021-10-2524 minFather and DadDiscernment Check InIt's time for a check in with Steven and his discernment process and how it has matured.First, we define what discernment is and what it isn’t.Discernment is a process. Steven speaks to his discernment process during college and his wish for a ‘St. Paul Moment’. It never (or hasn’t yet) came.We discuss some of the touch points and challenges along Steven’s path of discernment. A lot of the work has been pruning away of things that are not true and working towards clarity towards what is true.Seminary is...
2021-09-2625 minFather and DadBack to Talking and back to SchoolWe welcome Steven back to the World of the Talking after completing a 30 day silent retreat. Based on the exercise of St. Ignatius, the participant goes through the Life of Christ.Moving forward from the retreat Steven gained a new sense of life to the scriptures.Second year of Seminary at Sacred Heart is set to begin. We discuss the upcoming class schedule.Finally we talk about how discernment is at the heart of Seminary and the maturation of Steven’s discernment. There is a beauty in the struggle of discernment. You don't have to be...
2021-08-2224 minFather and DadSeminarian SummertimeWhat do Seminarians do during the Summer? This is Steven’s 4th Summer while being a seminarian and we review all 4 Summers.During Steven’s first Summer, he participated in Totus Tuus - a traveling Vacation Bible School.The next Summer Steven spent the Summer in a local parish, living at the rectory. This provided a picture of the life of a parish priest from the inside.Last year was “Covid Summer”. Steven was able to put his technical skills to use, setting up parishes for live streaming of masses.This year, Steven...
2021-06-2125 minFather and DadBack to MassThe Bishop announced today that the universal dispensation from attending mass on Sunday and holy days is being lifted. It's time to get back to mass!It's time for the 'smells and bells' of church. Time to be physically present.Steven recalls his time as an altar server offered an intimate look at the mass and the eucharist. Even before he was an altar server he sat in the front row and to this day he continues to want to be close to the altar.We discuss the mystery of God being transcendent and abov...
2021-05-2322 minFather and DadUniversal Call to HolinessAs Steven wraps up the school year, ordination is 3 years away. This brings up the questions; What is a Priest? and the more important question is; Who is the Priest?What then, is the role of the Laity? We all have a Universal Call to Holiness.Jesus has atoned for our sins, but this desires a response from us. This response flows from the understanding that we have been rescued. In this age when it is harder to live an authentic Catholic Faith, we are called to be the Leaven of the World.
2021-04-1821 minFather and DadWe Live in Great TimesA blessing of the age in which we live in is our access to scripture. This can be seen as a fulfillment of Vatican II which calls for bringing the sacred scriptures into the hands of the people.We have a wide array of materials available to us now. In particular, for Lent we discuss two items, an online Bible Study and a TV Series (The Chosen).We discuss Creative Prayer. St. Ignatius teaches a type of prayer called Imaginative Prayer. As a way of drawing us closer to the scripture we use our imagination to allo...
2021-03-2122 minFather and DadLenten Spring TrainingSteven and Dad reflect on childhood thoughts of Lent. The season seemed negative and an empty desert.Now, as adults, we welcome this time. We discuss the three Pillars of Lent; Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Using Spring Training as a metaphor, Lent can be an opportunity to focus on working on issues that need improvement.Embrace the communal aspect of Lent as the whole Church encounters the season.Lent encourages us to recall the Kerygma; the central message, the seed of the Gospel.
2021-02-2122 minFather and DadYear of St. JosephPope Francis declared 2021 to be the Year of St. Joseph and Steven's rector at Sacred Heart Major Seminary is devoting a series of his monthly lectures to this topic.Steven and Dad review Pope Francis's Apostolic Letter “Patris corde”. We discuss how St. Joseph serves as a model of the virtue of Obedience.As a 'man in the shadows' St. Joseph serves as an unsung hero who is fit for the times. We discuss the virtues of Fatherhood and review how the Year of St. Joseph calls upon men to Step Up in this time of nee
2021-01-2523 minFather and DadLiturgy of the HoursHome for Christmas, Steven spends time in a new rectory during the break. We discuss their daily routines. We discuss daily requirements of priests. Steven breaks open his breviary as we review the Liturgy of the Hours.
2020-12-2125 minFather and DadThe Rosary and Marian DevotionWe discuss our childhood introduction to the Rosary and our adult rediscovery. We share our perspectives on how we pray and the fruits we find.Overcoming the fear of saying it wrong and how sometimes it can be a struggle.The Rosary is a prayer that puts us in the place to be found by Mary. We discuss the special place of Mary for priests. Before Jesus began his public ministry, he was formed for 30 years by Mary. In a similar fashion, Mary works to form priests.We discuss a Marian Consecration. Books reference...
2020-11-1622 minFather and DadFaith, Hope and CharityHow do we get through tough times? Faith, Hope and Charity - the Theological Virtues - offer a wellspring of prayer.Faith: There is a strong desire to be with other people. We are not made to be alone. Being together means being vulnerable. The fundamental principle of Faith is one of Relationship.Hope: The early church provides a powerful example of Hope. Their hope was the saving message of Christ.Charity: How are we going to make ourselves a gift to others?
2020-10-1821 minFather and DadThe Sounds of SilenceA new semester at a new Seminary - Sacred Heart in Detroit. Once again the new kid in school. We discuss the upcoming semester and what the rhythm of daily life is like in the seminary.The new semester brings new classes in Theology and Church history.This school year began with a one week Silent Retreat. What was it like to be silent for a week? What fruits did this retreat bear?
2020-09-2228 minFather and DadThe Declared CandidateWe discuss Steven’s candidacy and what this means on his path towards the priesthood. What does it mean to be a candidate and what impact does it have. Thoughts on the candidacy mass. The joy of making a commitment. Sharing that joy with brother seminarians.Priesthood means spreading love like a flashlight, rather than a laser beam.Moving on to a new seminary; Sacred Heart in Detroit. How does a seminarian choose a seminary? Opportunities to meet with other priests from different dioceses.
2020-08-1722 minFather and DadMysteryYou can't Google Life's big questions. Opening yourself up to mystery versus being in control.Grace builds upon Nature. We are not just spiritual, we are physical as well.It’s OK not to have all of the answers.Mystery in the family while growing up. Opening up time to play and reflect.
2020-06-2921 minFather and DadThe Call to PriesthoodIn our inaugural episode we discuss the calling to the priesthood and the process of discernment. We review the historical growth of Steven's calling.Steven talks about the challenges of publicly announcing the decision to attend the seminary and Dad offers his thoughts from a parent's perspective.We briefly discuss the tremendous opportunity that our generation promises for those called to the priesthood.
2020-06-0123 min