Best Ascension Catholic Faith Formation Podcasts (2025)

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Day 139: Reparation to the Gibeonites (2025) 22:05

3h ago22:05

22:05

In today's readings, Fr. Mike highlights David's humility in two instances: when David asked the Gibeonites how he could repair their relationship after they had been mistreated by Saul, and when David takes a step back from battle. He also explains the role of the gatekeepers as people who would be responsible for guarding the doors to the Temple.…

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Day 139: I Believe in Life Everlasting (2025) 18:12

3h ago18:12

18:12

Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore what happens to us at and after the moment of our death. We examine the importance of understanding that the Christian, who unites his death with Christ Jesus, takes a step towards Christ in everlasting life. Fr. Mike emphasizes that we have an active choice in our journey to our Father in heaven. We should not s…

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Day 138: The Effect of Sin on Others (2025) 18:59

1d ago18:59

18:59

Fr. Mike points out how violence begets violence in the reading from 2 Samuel, and shows us how the sins we commit extend much further than ourselves. We also read about the Temple musicians in 1 Chronicles, we hear Psalm 39, written by one of those musicians, Jeduthun. Today's reading are 2 Samuel 20, 1 Chronicles 25, and Psalm 39. For the complet…

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Day 138: Summary of the Resurrection of the Body (2025) 14:48

1d ago14:48

14:48

Together, with Fr. Mike, we arrive at the “nugget day” or summary for the Catechism paragraphs on the Resurrection and the Christian vision of death. Fr. Mike emphasizes that in the face of death, we must not grieve as though we have no hope. He also points out the importance of preparing for the hour of our death. Today’s readings are Catechism pa…

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Day 137: David Mourns Absalom (2025) 22:53

2d ago22:53

22:53

In today's readings, Fr. Mike points out how the loss of David's son overshadows everything else for a time. The readings are 2 Samuel 19, 1 Chronicles 24, and Psalm 38. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is ad…

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Day 137: Dying in Christ Jesus (2025) 16:56

2d ago16:56

16:56

Fr. Mike examines the mystery of death and dying in Christ. Together, we explore the reality that in order to live with Christ, we must first die with Christ. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Christ accepted death in an act of free and complete submission to God’s will, and how we can follow that example by completely accepting God’s will in our own lives.…

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White Smoke And Your Future 32:09

3d ago32:09

32:09

What can we expect from Pope Leo XIV? Jeff Cavins discusses the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, exploring the excitement and implications of his leadership. Through a series of reflective questions, Jeff encourages listeners to pray for the Pope so that he may effectively lead the Church closer to Christ. Snippet from the Show Every Pope must rise…

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Day 136: Absalom Is Defeated (2025) 22:14

3d ago22:14

22:14

Today, we hear about the downfall of Absalom, and how David reacts to the news of his death. In Chronicles, we read about David changing some of the rules of worship, as he prepares for Temple worship. The readings are 2 Samuel 18, 1 Chronicles 23, and Psalm 37. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The …

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Day 136: Questions of Resurrection (2025) 16:06

3d ago16:06

16:06

Together, with Fr. Mike, we unpack some of the questions surrounding the resurrection of the dead. The Catechism clarifies who, how, and when each person will rise from the dead, body and soul. We also examine how we are already somewhat in participation with Christ’s death and resurrection through our Baptism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragr…

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God Wants to Lavish Us!! 25:47

4d ago25:47

25:47

Bridgett and Janet let the Holy Spirit inspire their conversation today about how much God loves us! Inspired by a conversation, a video by Father Mark Toups, and their life journeys, they share how God wants to lavish us with His love, not for what we do for Him but simply because He loves us unconditionally! Baby Step: The Litany of Trust Pray th…

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Day 135: The Counsel of Hushai (2025) 18:08

4d ago18:08

18:08

Fr. Mike explains the events of today's readings, breaking down Hushai's advice to Absalom, David's warning and charge of Solomon, and the theme of centralized worship. We all desire to be temples of the Holy Spirit, and we bring this prayer to God through today's episode. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 17, 1 Chronicles 22, and Psalm 36. For the com…

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Day 135: The Resurrection of the Body (2025) 15:23

4d ago15:23

15:23

Fr. Mike explores the essential element of Christian Faith that we “look forward to the resurrection of the dead.” We examine how this belief in the resurrection of the dead means that both our mortal soul and our mortal body will come to life again, that eventually every single human being will get their body back. Today’s readings are Catechism p…

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The Dignity and Challenge of the Priesthood 46:42

5d ago46:42

46:42

What does it mean to be a priest today? In this episode, Gomer and Dave reflect on the beauty and burden of the priesthood—its spiritual power, real-world challenges, and the call to bold, Christ-centered leadership. With insights and wisdom from Pope Benedict, we explore how priests can renew their role as shepherds—and how we, as laypeople, can s…

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Day 134: The Forgiveness of Sins (2025) 18:16

5d ago18:16

18:16

The Catechism provides an overview on how Jesus grants the Church the ability to forgive sins through both Baptism and the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike doubles down on the revelation that there is no sin that Jesus can’t forgive—and no one is disqualified. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 976-987. This episode has been found to be…

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Day 134: Devastating Effects of Sin (2025) 18:22

5d ago18:22

18:22

Fr. Mike talks about the horrible things that can happen when we turn away from God and stop asking him "what's the next step?" In today's readings we see David humbled and humiliated, Absalom revealing how devastating sin is, and the evil that comes from war. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 16, 1 Chronicles 21, and Psalm 15. For the complete reading…

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Day 133: Persevering in Trust (2025) 19:10

6d ago19:10

19:10

Fr. Mike focuses on trust today, specifically trusting God in difficult times. Like David, we need to learn to trust God in the midst of the battle, rather than waiting until the batter is over. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 15, 1 Chronicles 19-20, and Psalm 3. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The B…

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Day 133: Devotion to Mary (2025) 12:45

6d ago12:45

12:45

When we show devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we fulfill her prophecy that “all generations will call me blessed.” The Catechism clearly shows us how such devotion does not compete with devotion to God, but in fact fosters adoration of God. Fr. Mike declares that the better we know Mary, the better we know Jesus, and the more we love Mary, the …

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Pope Leo XIV's First Five Days: 6 Key Lessons 30:36

6d ago30:36

30:36

What can we learn from Pope Leo XIV's first five days? Dr. Sri reflects on the Pope's inaugural days and shares 6 key lessons from the Pope's early messages and homilies that we can all learn from and apply to our own spiritual lives. Snippet from the Show Pope Leo XIV introduced a core framework for understanding salvation—Jesus as the gift and th…

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Day 132: Mary Mother of the Church (2025) 17:06

7d ago17:06

17:06

Earlier in the Catechism, we unpacked Mary as the Mother of Jesus. Now, we look at what it means for Mary to be the Mother of the Church. Fr. Mike makes it clear that, when he entrusts his disciples to Mary, his Mother, from the Cross, he’s entrusting us to her as well. Today’s readings are from Catechism paragraphs 963-970. This episode has been f…

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Day 132: David and Absalom (2025) 16:38

7d ago16:38

16:38

Fr. Mike reflects on the story of David and Absalom, and points out the lack of forgiveness and repentance on both men's part. God forgives us no matter what, but without us mirroring that forgiveness, rebellion can easily rise up. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 14, 1 Chronicles 18, and Psalm 14. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.c…

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Day 131: Hope for the Future (2025) 24:17

8d ago24:17

24:17

Fr. Mike preaches hope for the future of those with wounded hearts as we read the stories of Tamar, Amnon, and David. No matter what's in your past - things you've done or things that have been done to you - there is abundant hope for your future because God desires to make you whole. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 13, 1 Chronicles 17, and Psalm 35.…

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Day 131: The Communion of the Church (2025) 16:16

8d ago16:16

16:16

The Catechism further unpacks the communion of saints and shows us how the Church lives in communion with those members who have passed on to eternal life with Christ in heaven. If you’re listening to this podcast and you’re not Catholic—or if you still have questions about the communion of saints—Fr. Mike has a word for you. This is your family, i…

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Day 130: The Communion of Saints (2025) 16:02

9d ago16:02

16:02

The Catechism begins Paragraph 5 and dives into the communion of saints. This communion is “in holy things (sancta)” and “among holy persons (sancti).” Fr. Mike emphasizes that “the least of our acts done in charity redounds to the profit of all.” At the same time, every sin hurts every single member of the Church. No one is an island—we belong to …

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Day 130: Nathan Condemns David (2025) 19:51

9d ago19:51

19:51

Fr. Mike touches on the sins of David, and how we can see ourselves in these fallen characters in scripture. God desires a relationship with us free from sin, and although it may be painful, he brings these things into the light not out of anger, but out of love. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 12, 1 Chronicles 16, and Psalm 51. For the complete read…

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Habemus Papam: Pope Leo XIV 9:09

10d ago9:09

9:09

Habemus Papam! Jeff celebrates the historic announcement of Pope Leo XIV, the first Pope from the United States. Jeff shares his initial reaction, the significance of this appointment, and the powerful connection to Pope Leo XIII. Join us in celebrating and praying for our new Holy Father! Snippet from the Show Lord Jesus, we thank you so much for…

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Day 129: Many Vocations (2025) 12:46

10d ago12:46

12:46

This "In Brief" section reviews all that we have learned in recent episodes. In the Church, “the faithful" refers to clerics and the laity with various callings in each. Fr. Mike explains how God calls every human being to unity with him. No matter our vocations, we must surrender our lives to the Lord and participate in the priestly, prophetic, an…

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Day 129: David Commits Adultery (2025) 22:15

10d ago22:15

22:15

Fr. Mike breaks down David's tragic downfall as he commits adultery with Bathsheba and kills her husband, Uriah the Hittite. We learn that David's road to grave sin began with small acts of disobedience and selfishness. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 11, 1 Chronicles 14-15, and Psalm 32. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/biblei…

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We ARE Easter People!!! 21:21

11d ago21:21

21:21

Janet is back! Janet and Bridgett explore what the Easter season is about and how we can celebrate it! There is a joy to the Easter season that sometimes gets missed. Baby Step: Ask the Holy Spirit to point out how to live with the hope and joy that comes from knowing death is not the end, but a transition to new life! Send us a text Thanks for joi…

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Day 128: Mighty Men of Valor (2025) 16:01

11d ago16:01

16:01

As we continue to read about how King David expands his kingdom, Fr. Mike points out the mighty men of valor, who were men of great courage, honor and excellence that fought in Israel's battles. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 13, and Psalm 31. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bib…

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Day 128: Unique Calls to Holiness (2025) 16:44

11d ago16:44

16:44

The Lord calls everyone to live a life of surrender, and we have been looking at the various ways God calls people to grow in holiness. Religious life includes the public profession of vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; members of secular institutes dedicate themselves to living in the world and helping to sanctify it. We also learn that tho…

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The Relationship Between Priests and Sacrifice 43:12

12d ago43:12

43:12

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss the importance of understanding priests; what their role is, how they should be set apart and how we should approach the priesthood. They also talk about the significance of sacrifice and the biblical roots of the priesthood. Snippet from the Show Jesus Christ is the high priest, he’s the unique mediator. The…

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Day 127: Kindness for the House of Saul (2025) 18:48

12d ago18:48

18:48

Fr. Mike draws our attention to David's kindness towards the house of Saul, including Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth. We learn that even though Saul persecuted David, David continued to honor his descendants. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 9, 1 Chronicles 12, and Psalm 28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Pleas…

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Day 127: Consecrated Life (2025) 21:36

12d ago21:36

21:36

There are many ways that God calls people to lives of holiness. Just as he calls lay people to holiness, he also calls individuals to consecrated life, including hermits, consecrated virgins, widows, and religious. In a very intentional, specific, and lifelong way, those in consecrated life commit themselves to the evangelical counsels of poverty, …

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Ascension Catholic Faith Formation Podcasts

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