What is the Immaculate Conception?

On December 8 Catholics all over the world celebrate Mary´s Immaculate Conception, some people confuse this fest with the virginal conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit, but the Immaculate or perfectly clean conception is when Mary was conceived free from original sin by her parents saint Anne and Joachim. In order to give birth to our Lord Mary needed to be totally pure…

A brief overview of the history and significance of the feast of the Immaculate Conception which is celebrated during Advent on Dec. 8th thoughout the whole Church.

Catechism 491. Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:
“The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.“

The Book of Revelation Catholic Bible Study

The book of Revelation was written during a time of heavy persecution of the early Church by the Romans authorities. The book was written as resistance literature. Written as an exhortation and admonition to Christians of the first century to stand firm in faith and not to compromise with paganism even in the face of hardship and martyrdom.

Book of Revelation 5:8-10. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints; and they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy art thou to take the scroll and to open its seals, for thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth." 

The Advent of the Christ – Karlo Broussard

Karlo Broussard gives this four talks seminar about the advent of the Christ and reflect upon these events like a Jew will have experience them or read about them in the first century for the first time.

The Annunciations to Zechariah & Mary

Karlo gives a biblical exegesis of the annunciations by the angel Gabriel to both Zechariah and Mary and highlights the significance of these events in light of salvation history.

The Visitation & the Canticle

Karlo gives a biblical exegesis of the visitation mystery as well as the canticles of Mary and Zechariah. He explains the significance of these texts in light of the divine drama of the Father's Plan of salvation.

The Nativity according to St. Luke

Karlo gives an exegesis of the nativity story according to St. Luke by employing the principle of content and unity. In so doing, he highlights the significance of this event in light of salvation history and the Messianic hope of the Jews.

Leadership According to Christ - John Bergsma

Dr. John Bergsma talk about what does it mean to be a leader according to Jesus Christ our Lord? We are going to try to look at what we can learn from scripture, for meditating the Christ examples on the gospels on leadership, to know how to get an “F” in leadership.

Dr. John Bergsma is an Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, delivers his talk entitled "How to Get an 'F' in Leadership".

John 15:5-8 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

New Evangelization is About Getting People Saved – Ralph Martin

Ralph Martin speaks about the new evangelization is for getting people saved, getting people to believe again, getting people to repent, getting people to obey, and getting people join to Jesus as his disciple. We need to lead people to conversion, to discipleship, to salvation.

Mark 16:14-16 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. (15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Eschatology or the Last Seven Things – Nicholas Lebish

Nicholas Lebish present this a four part series entitled "The Last Things" where he will talk about Death, the Particular Judgement, Heaven, Purgatory, Hell, the Second Coming, Resurrection, Last Judgement, and the New Creation.

What are the “Last Things”

1. Eschatology: “Eschaton” (end, final, last) with “Logos” (word, saying, study).
2. Traditional division: Death, Judgement, Heaven, Hell.
3. The “Novissima” is the classic term: the newest things after death.
4. The new Catechism expands it to: “The Last Seven Things.

The “Seven Last Things”

1. Death
2. The Particular Judgement
3. Heaven
4. Purgatory
5. Hell
6. The Second Coming, Resurrection, and Last Judgement
7. The New Creation

Mark 12:26-27. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

The Sacraments, What they are, and what they do – Patrick Madrid

Patrick Madrid, Catholic apologist, on a talk titled "Brought to my Senses: The Sacraments, what they are, and what they do" he explains what is the purpose of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. How does God use them in our lives? How are the sacraments more than just “signs”?

Madrid says the sacraments are to the soul what food, water, and nourishment are to the body. Describe some of the parallels between them.

John 1:29-34. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Believe the Impossible and You Can Do the Incredible - Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Archbishop Fulton Sheen talks about why we need to change our indifference and apathy, and transform it in faith and energy, so you can see impossible things can be done.

So you see how important it is to having in the mind an idea to do all that you can, to work to the limit of your ability. Our world is really suffering from indifference; indifference is apathy, not caring. Maybe if our Lord does not suffer more from our indifference than he did in the crucifixion.

Matthew 14:28-32. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Introduction to the Bible - Fr. Geoffrey Plant

Fr. Geoffrey Plant made these talks which are an introduction to the Bible for people who are not familiar with the Scriptures, or for those who would like a refresher course, or for those who would like to learn more about the Bible.

Fr Geoffrey Plant, parish priest of St Michael's Parish, within the Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia

• Why do we need a sacred text?
• The importance of story.
• What's in the Bible? The Old Testament
• The New Testament, Part 1
• The New Testament, Part 2
• No text without context

Theology of the Body in 7 Sessions – Father Tom Elliott

Father Tom Elliot put together a seven part series on the theology of the body by Saint John Paul II. This Theology of the Body series is made especially for teens and young people, but a tremendous amount of adults whom haven’t yet been exposed to this theology whom might really benefit from it.

In order to understand the phrase “theology of the body,” we need to understand the word, “Theology.” It comes from two Greek words:
1. “Theos,” which is the Greek for “God,” and
2. “Logos,” which means the “treating of” or “study of”

So, “theology” is the study of God or a “Godly study.” Saint John Paul II wrote the “theology of the body” as primarily a “Godly study” of the human body and human sexuality thru the lenses od Scripture and faith.

Note: The word, “body,” can mistakenly make us think that we are about to learn physiology, but in reality, it is about relationship!

The “theology of the Body” is the Biblical and Catholic vision of what it means to be a human person, made in the image and likeness of God.

Exposing Spiritual Dangers - Sharon Lee Giganti

Leaving a Hollywood career, Sharon Lee Giganti began teaching from "The Secret", "A Course in Miracles," and other new age dangerous practices. After experiencing the deception and tragedy these brought into her life, she now speaks across the U.S.A. exposing the dangers of these philosophies and practices.

Ephesians 6:12  For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The Catholic Mass Explained - Archbishop Fulton Sheen

In this lesson Archbishop Fulton Sheen is going to describe the Mass in terms of three of its principal parts: the offertory, the consecration and the communion.

A great American patriot once said that he regretted he had only one life to give for his country, he meant that his love was greater than his sacrifice, if his life could be given only once in time and therefore could not be repeated. It is very different with the life of our Lord, where the life was given once and it is eternally given and it is eternally and repeated in the sacrifice of the mass...

The Life of Mary As Seen By the Mystics - Raphael Brown - Audiobook

The Life of Mary As Seen By the Mystics by Raphael Brown (Author): is a masterpiece that combines the visions of four great Catholic mystics into one coherent story on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Based primarily on the famous revelations of Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerich and Ven. Mary of Agreda, it also includes many episodes described in the writings of St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Elizabeth of Schenau. To read this book, therefore, is to share in the magnificent visions granted to four of the most priviledged souls in the history of the Church.

In complete harmony with the Gospel story, this book reads like a masterfully written novel. It includes such fascinating details as the birth and infancy of Mary, her espousal to St. Joseph and her Assumption into Heaven where she was crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.

'So great a love on the part of Mary deserves our gratitude, and that gratitude should be shown by at least meditating upon and pitying her in her sorrow. But she complained to Saint Bridget that very few did so, and that the greater part of the world lived in forgetfulness of them: "I look around at all who are on earth, to see if by chance there are any who pity me, and meditate upon my sorrows; and I find that there are very few. Therefore, my daughter, though I am forgotten by many, at least do thou not forget me; consider my anguish, and imitate, as far as thou canst, my grief."' -St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori.

For young and old alike, The Life of Mary As Seen by the Mystics will forever impress the reader with an inspiring and truly unforgettable understanding of the otherwise unknown facts concerning Mary and the Holy Family.

True Devotion to Mary - Saint Louis de Montfort - Audiobook

Listen to audio book "True Devotion to Mary" of San Louis de Montfort, a classic book of the Catholic Mariology.

Written in 1712, the manuscript remained practically unknown for more than a century, when it was discovered by chance in 1842, at the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary at St. Laurent-sur-Sèvre, France. Published in 1843, the work became an instant success. It was first translated into English by Father William Faber. The book complements de Montfort's other works the Secret of the Rosary and the Secret of Mary.

True Devotion to Mary attracted attention in the 20th century when in an address to the Montfort Fathers, Pope John Paul II said that reading this book had been a "decisive turning point" in his life. According to his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae he borrowed his apostolic motto Totus Tuus from the book. In his 1987 encyclopedia, Redemptoris Mater the Pope cited Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort as a teacher of Marian spirituality.

INTRODUCTION OF SAINT LOUIS MARY DE MONTFORT

1. It was through the Blessed Virgin Mary that Jesus came into the world, and it is also through her that he must reign in the world.

2. Because Mary remained hidden during her life she is called by the Holy Spirit and the Church "Alma Mater", Mother hidden and unknown. So great was her humility that she desired nothing more upon earth than to remain unknown to herself and to others, and to be known only to God.

3. In answer to her prayers to remain hidden, poor and lowly, God was pleased to conceal her from nearly every other human creature in her conception, her birth, her life, her mysteries, her resurrection and assumption. Her own parents did not really know her; and the angels would often ask one another, "Who can she possibly be?", for God had hidden her from them, or if he did reveal anything to them, it was nothing compared with what he withheld...

Bring Family and Friends back into the Catholic Church - Patrick Madrid

Patrick Madrid speaks on How do we help people to overcome the different things in life that have blocked them from either stay close to Jesus and the Church or ever find him at all?

1 Peter 3:15-16 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; (16) and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

What it means to be a Disciple - Peter Herbeck

Peter Herbeck talks about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ after having a real encounter with Him.

"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." -Pope Benedict XVI, May 2004.

"The evangelization of the person and of human communities depends totally on this encounter with Jesus Christ." - Pope Benedict XVI, Vatican City, November 13, 2007.

Exploring The Suffering Servant - Jill Maria Murdy

Jill Maria Murdy talks about "Exploring The Suffering Servant", meeting Jesus as portrayed in the prophet Isaiah. A presentation on the Suffering Servant Songs of Isaiah as presented in Isaiah 40-60. Presented by Jill Maria Murdy on March 19, 2014. Saint Frances Cabrini Parish West Bend WI.

Isaiah 53:2-7 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. (3) He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (4) Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. (5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. (6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

Evangelizing is the Grace and Vocation to the Church - Peter Herbeck

In Evangelii Nuntiandi, Pope Paul VI said, "Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize." The aim of this session is to help evangelization become a part of your identity through understanding what the Church says about evangelization, why evangelization is so important, and how to live out this identity on campus.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Mary the Mother of God - Br. Bradley Thomas Elliott

This lecture examines the reasons behind Catholic honor and devotion for the Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the second presentation in a three part series given by Br. Bradley Thomas Elliott at St. Dominic's Parish in Eagle Rock California. Br. Bradley is a Dominican of the Western Province.

Luke 1:41-45 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (42) and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (43) And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (44) For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. (45) And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

Devotion to Mary and the Saints - Edward Sri

Dr. Edward Sri talks about the devotion to the Holy Virgin Mary and the Saints (communion of saints).

Why do you Catholics give so much attention to Mary? And why do you dedicate a whole basilica to her? Some people may wonder if the catholic focus on Mary distracts us from our relationship with Christ. These are some of the questions we will consider as we explore what Catholics really believe about Mary and why.

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" (27) Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Engaging the Modern World as a Christian Man - Jonathan Reyes

Dr. Jonathan Reyes talks about St. Paul encountering Christ on the road to Damascus, he posed the question every man must face in his life - what shall I do? As disciples and laymen, we are called to bring Christ to the world - to preach, teach, serve those in need, and transform the world. But what does that look like in a man's life? This talk will help guide our discernment of our mission in this life.

Acts 9:3-9 Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. (4) And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (5) And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; (6) but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." (7) The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. (8) Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. (9) And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Apocalypse Now - Retreat - Father Angelo Geiger

Fr. Angelo Geiger gives a serie of talks on the retreat at the Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center called "Apocalypse Now" which is on Revelation, the last and most mysterious book of the Bible.

Revelation 12:1-8 And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; (2) she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. (3) And another portent appeared in heaven; behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems upon his heads. (4) His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, that he might devour her child when she brought it forth; (5) she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, (6) and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. (7) Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, (8) but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

Homily: Vision and Prophecy Now



Surviving the Apocalypse



What the Spirit is Saying

How Encountering Jesus Changes Everything? - Matthew Kelly

Matthew Kelly discusses how encountering Jesus changes everything. Jesus asks us the same question that he asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus is not just "one of the nice guys" that secular society reduces him to. Jesus is the Son of God. We must get to know him by allowing his teachings to sink deep into our life through reading the Bible, and by sincerely asking the Lord to transform our lives. God has created us for happiness, and like Psalm 23 tells us, Jesus will restore our soul and lead us to living waters.

Matthew 16:13-16 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (14) And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (15) He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" (16) Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Sola Scriptura Debate - Tim Staples vs James White

Tim Staples (Catholic) debates with James White (Protestant) about the Bible as the only infallible rule of faith (sola scriptura).

Luke 10:16 "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The Cost of Leadership and Discipleship - Jonathan Reyes

Our Lord's call to make disciples of all nations requires more than learning a technique for preaching or mastering arguments to defend Revelation. Implicit in His command is the call to first be disciples ourselves. According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "It is costly because it costs a man his life."

• You can’t help anyone else become a disciple of Christ unless you first are a disciple.
• Discipleship is bringing people Christ and his Church, not discipleship to us.
• The word of discipleship is God’s Word not ours.
• The goal of being in a discipleship is to work yourself out of the job.
• Evangelization and Discipleship are necessarily connected.

We are sheep, we follow, and in the end of the day there is only 2 people we can follow is Christ and the false christ, the enemy. And I emphasis this because we live in an age that will tell us that we create ourselves, that we make ourselves, that we lead ourselves and we can invent ourselves, and it’s just not true. We imitate and we follow and the Lord our God, Jesus Christ is our leader… and what it means for us to lead as Christians is to participate in his leadership, it means we lead with him, we don’t lead to ourselves, we don’t lead on our own, and we don’t fulfill our own mission…

The Virgin Mary Revealed Through Bible - Scott Hahn

Dr. Scott Hahn, former evangelical & anti Catholic preacher, speaks of discovering the Blessed Mother in scriptures and reveals incredible insights on the Biblical basis for the Catholic teachings regarding Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant. This presentation will help shatter many misconceptions and clearly demonstrate how Catholic teachings are unmistakably rooted in Sacred Scripture.

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" (27) Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Christ, the Bridegroom - Fr. Braun

If Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom of Church, the crucifixion, the literal bloody torturous death of Jesus Christ, is the most awesome sign a spousal love in human history.

We are going to get into the image of Jesus Christ as bridegroom and we have three objectives:
1. Identify in the Old Testament the main contributors and themes related to the Bridegroom analogy.
2. Analyze the New Testament contributions to the bridegroom analogy.
3. Understand the impact of this beautiful vision on Christian marriage and discipleship.

Ephesians 5;21.33. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Where is the Mass in the Bible - Scott Hahn

The question ¿where is the mass in the Bible? isn’t correct, the question might better be rephrased ¿Where isn´t the mass in the Bible? The Bible is all about the church's worship is chock full of the Bible. Fundamentalists are often surprised that the typical Catholic Mass includes far more scripture than their own Sunday worship.

As you move from the Old testament into the New Testament you see a radical redefinition of the religion in the ancient Israel, because now you have not a temple on earth made by humans, but a temple in heaven that is the resurrected body of Christ, not a high priest from the line of Aaron but a high priest who is a king and a priest like Melchizedek, Christ himself, not sacrifices of animals but the Eucharistic sacrifice of our High Priest who is now raised in glory…

Original Sin and Infant Baptism

The Church´s teaching on infant baptism flows directly from the church´s teaching on original Sin and the sacrament of baptism itself. In other words, in order to make an argument for infant baptism, it is imperative that we understand and be able to explain the church's teaching on original sin, first and foremost and also to be able to understand and explain the churche's teaching on the sacrament of baptism itself.

Romans 5:12-21. Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the effect of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man's obedience many will be made righteous. Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Imitation of Christ - Thomas à Kempis - Audio book

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is a Catholic devotional book. The Imitation is perhaps the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious classic. Apart from the Bible, no book has been translated into more languages than the Imitation of Christ.

The text is divided into four books, which provide detailed spiritual instructions: "Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life", "Directives for the Interior Life", "On Interior Consolation" and "On the Blessed Sacrament".

The approach taken in the Imitation is characterized by its emphasis on the interior life and withdrawal from the world, as opposed to an active imitation of Christ by other friars.[1] The book places a high level of emphasis on the devotion to the Eucharist as key element of spiritual life.

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Mass – John Bergsma

Dr. John Bergsma talks about the mass as marriage supper, and the square brides and sheepish grooms in scripture. Dr. John Bergsma is a theology professor at Franciscan University.

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Rev 19:6-9 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. (7) Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; (8) it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure" for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. (9) And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are true words of God."

Sin Make You Stupid – Tim Staples

Tim Staples explains when people stop worshiping and giving glory to the true God, they begin to worship money, sex, power, and ultimately themselves, which is even worse. That is why Catholics need to know more about the culture of war because we are at war.

Rom 1:21-25 for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. (22) Claiming to be wise, they became fools, (23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man or birds or animals or reptiles. (24) Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, (25) because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Advent in Eyes of Joseph and Mary - Retreat - Mons. Joseph Schaedel

Mons. Joseph Schaedel gives three advent talks at the Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center for our December Day of Reflection titled Advent through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Matthew 1:18-21 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; (19) and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (20) But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; (21) she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

1. Meaning of Advent

In this talk he explains the meaning of Advent, which it is basically a time of anticipation for the coming of Christ as a preparation for Christmas, but also for the coming of Christ on our Judgment Day, the day we take our last breadth. The best preparation is to strive for humility.

2. Serving Others

In this talk he exhorts us to avoid the self-centered nature of the modern Christmas celebration which has little to do with Christ. He suggests that we should take Our Lady's example of focusing on others and on Christ. If we can do this then we will have the essence of the Christmas spirit.

3. Joseph Guide to Christmas

In this talk he explains the role of St Joseph in the Advent Season as guide to the Holy Family toward Christmas.

Forming Sacred Scripture: Understanding How the Bible Came to Be

The Bible is the most studied document in human history and the most published book ever. Love for the inspired Word of God has always led people to study not only what the text says, but also how the text came to be. There is a remarkable history of the formation and preservation of the Word of God, one which extends down right to the Bible in your hands! In the course of history we can learn many things of not only scholarly interest, but also of devotional and apologetical importance.

The three main topics of this talk are:

• The Canon of Scripture: How the various books of the Bible were gathered into one collection.
• Manuscript History: How scholars have tried to obtain the best text possible for every book of the Bible.
• Editions of the Bible: How the Bible has been translated into its various English editions that we use today.

Why Worship Jesus Christ as the Son of God? - Bradley Elliott

Br. Bradley Thomas Elliott talks about the world today where many people admire Jesus, they admire his moral teachings, and his example of life, many people claim to follow his teachings as if Jesus was one of the moral great world leaders, but he is not only a great man he is the Son of God, God himself.

Col 1:11-20 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, (12) giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (13) He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (15) He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; (16) for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities all things were created through him and for him. (17) He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (18) He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. (19) For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, (20) and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Hell and Purgatory – Marino Restrepo

Sadly a lot of Catholics don’t believe in purgatory neither in hell, they are contaminated with Protestants doctrines, those who deny existence of purgatory and hell, that’s why Marino Restrepo explain his vision of purgatory and hell in his mystical experience with the Lord.

1Cor 3:11-15 For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw- (13) each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (14) If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. (15) If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Rapture vs Second Coming Doctrine - Allison Tobolla

Dr. Allison Tobolla Low answer questions on the dispensationalist doctrine of rapture and the second coming of Jesus and what happens after death. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Faith Formation.

Dispensationalism

• Defines history into epochs/dispensations/periods. This method also includes a distinct period of the end times.
• Today form of Dispensationalism made popular in the 1800s. Common among Protestants who are Fundamentalists and Evangelicals. Includes the idea of a "Secret rapture of believers"

1 Thess 4:16-17 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord.

Introducing the Bible to Everyone in 6 Weeks - Fr. Bill Wack

Father Will Wack presents a 6 week series of bible classes to introduce the Bible and the glory of God to everyone, especially for beginners. Fr. Bill Wack CSC is the Pastor of St. Ignatius Martyr parish in Austin Texas.

Rom 10:9-15 Because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved. (11) The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. (13) For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." (14) But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? (15) And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!"

1. Introduction to the Bible

Bible basics, Word in Relation to Tradition, Canon, Old & New Testament, How to Read the Bible and Conclusion.

2. Pentateuch & the Historical Books of the Bible

Review of Week 1, Introduction to the Pentateuch, Summary of The 5 Books and Historical Books.

3. Wisdom & the Prophetic Books

Review of Week 2, Wisdom Literature, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, The Book of Wisdom, Sirach and The Prophetic Books.

4. The Gospels & Acts of the Apostles

Recap of the Old Testament, Gospels in General, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts of the Apostles.

The Church Fathers from St. Paul to St. John of Damascus - Charles H. Craigmile

Charles H. Craigmile guides us through a tour with the Fathers of the Church beginning with the Early Church and Missionary Theology of St. Paul and ending with St. John of Damascus. St. Mary's Summer School of Faith 2014 presents an 8-part series on discover their relevance for today!

Why study this initial phase of Christianity?
-The Fathers confronted a culture like our own.
- An intense period of doctrinal energy and creativity up to 8th century which determined the pillars of our Catholic faith.
- Provides guidance for today´s controversies so we can evangelize more effectively.

Who are the Fathers of the Church?
- Privileged witnesses to the Apostles and the Apostolic preaching.
- Referred to as early/ancient sources for orthodoxy or the rule of faith.
- Holy life.

The march to Orthodoxy was not a straight line but full of twists and turns
- Like today.

1. Introduction and Background to the Early Church and the Missionary Theology of Saint Paul

2. Clement of Rome and the Didache

3. Three Great Martyrs: Ignatus of Antioch, Polycarp and Justin Martyr

4. Irinaeus and Tertullian

The Sacrament of Confession - Father Larry Richards

Father Larry Richards talks about the sacrament of confession or reconciliation and its profound effects on the human soul.

John 20:19-23 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." (20) When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. (21) Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." (22) And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. (23) If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Part 1

Part 2