Best Ascension Catholic Faith Formation Podcasts (2025)

1
Day 322: The Ascension (2025) 19:17

Play Pause

2h ago19:17

19:17

Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Fr. Mike draws our attention to the Ascension of Jesus and encourages us to respond to Christ’s call to participate in his mission. He invites us to be part of his story and not be ashamed of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Acts 1, Ro…

1
Finding the Light in Spiritual Darkness 23:32

38m ago23:32

23:32

What part of your life is feeling dark right now? In this special on-location episode, Dr. Sri takes us up Mount Tabor—the very site of the Transfiguration—to explore how this powerful event speaks directly into the darkest places of our lives. Standing where Peter, James, and John once witnessed Christ’s glory, Dr. Sri reflects on why Jesus reveal…

1
Introduction to the Church (with Jeff Cavins) (2025) 40:14

2h ago40:14

40:14

Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Reve…

1
Day 322: Respect for Truth (2025) 15:45

2h ago15:45

15:45

Charity dictates who we reveal the truth to. We learn today that the “right to the communication of truth is not unconditional.” Fr. Mike explains that this means we ought to examine what facts we reveal to others prudently. Fr. Mike highlights the role of mass media in disseminating the truth and the importance of guarding ourselves against gossip…

1
Day 321: Offenses Against Truth (2025) 29:26

2h ago29:26

29:26

What does it mean to live out the truth? This theme carries over as we continue our evaluation of the eighth commandment. We learn the Catechism’s teachings on ways we violate truth, degrees of gravity based on circumstances, and the duty of reparation. Fr. Mike discusses each offense and offers resonating examples to reflect on. Today’s readings a…

1
Day 321: Jesus' Prayer in the Garden (2025) 26:46

9m ago26:46

26:46

Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus didn't pray in order get something from God, he prayed in order to be close to God. He also points to Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as a perfect example of how we should pray with honesty and trust. Lastly, Fr. Mike provides insights on the significance of the walk to Emmaus and Jesus' last words on the cro…

1
Day 320: Peter's Denial Foretold (2025) 24:13

9m ago24:13

24:13

As we draw near to the end of the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike briefly expands on the story of the poor widow’s offering, emphasizing that the Lord cares more about the size of our hearts than about the size of our gifts. Fr. Mike also underscores Jesus’ moving words to Peter when he foretells Peter’s denial. Jesus’ words remind us that no matter how f…

1
Day 320: The Truth (2025) 21:40

1h ago21:40

21:40

We begin our dive into the eighth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.” The Catechism defines truth, identifies the importance of truth, and reflects on martyrdom. Fr. Mike unpacks all of this information and reminds us that our duty as Christians is to live in the truth and bear witness to the truth in what we say and how we act. Today’…

1
Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2025) 24:24

36m ago24:24

24:24

Fr, Mike compares the story of the rich young man to the story of Zacchaeus, highlighting the difference in their willingness to follow Christ with their whole hearts. Looking at the stories of these young men, Fr. Mike invites us to reflect on our willingness to follow Christ with all that we are and all that we have. Today we read Luke 17-19 and …

1
Day 319: Summary of the Seventh Commandment (2025) 14:42

2h ago14:42

14:42

We have reached the In Brief section, or nugget day, on the seventh commandment. Father Mike reiterates that the right to private property comes from our dignity as humans, and the Church has a duty to weigh in on economic or social matters where that dignity is threatened. He challenges us to ask ourselves, do we see Jesus in “the distressing disg…

1
Day 318: Love for the Poor (2025) 21:39

1h ago21:39

21:39

The Church’s charity for the poor is a “part of her constant tradition.” Fr. Mike unpacks how the poor are the “true treasure of the Church.” He emphasizes that when we give to the poor what they need, we satisfy the requirements of justice. He also reiterates the importance of mercy and showing mercy to others. Today’s readings are Catechism parag…

1
Day 318: The Narrow Gate, the Lost Sheep, and the Prodigal Son (2025) 33:46

25m ago33:46

33:46

Fr. Mike confronts the hard truth Jesus preaches in today's readings: Many people will ultimately choose hell over heaven. While this can be deeply distressing, Fr. Mike reminds us to focus on Jesus's directive to each one of us: "[You] Strive to enter through the narrow gate." In the second part of today's commentary, Fr. Mike reflects on two of J…

1
Wisdom For Catholic Entrepreneurs (Part 1) 28:46

4h ago28:46

28:46

Are you a Catholic entrepreneur seeking to make a difference in the world? In this first part of a two-part series, Jeff shares practical and spiritual guidance to help Catholic entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls, grow in holiness, and live out their unique mission. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text …

1
The Other Side of the Beatitudes: THE WOES! 32:55

3h ago32:55

32:55

Janet and Bridgett finish their discussion on the Beatitudes by talking about the 'Woes' mentioned in Luke and Matthew's Gospels. The Beatitudes have shown us that we are called to do more than live by the letter of the law. We are called into a relationship with the Lord. Jesus wanted to tell us that there are certain 'woes' for us to avoid when l…

1
Day 317: Persistence in Prayer (2025) 26:49

1h ago26:49

26:49

Fr. Mike reflects on the goodness and providence of God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus calls us to be shamelessly persistent in prayer. Fr. Mike also explains two difficult passages found in today's readings: what Jesus means when he tells the story of an unclean spirit who is cast out only to return, and what Jesus means when he says he comes n…

1
Day 317: International Justice and Solidarity (2025) 14:39

2h ago14:39

14:39

Internationally, there is often a large gap in the resources between countries. The Catechism explains the justice and solidarity that should exist among all nations, rich and poor. Rich nations have a duty of solidarity, charity, and justice to support nations who are unable to fully ensure their own development. Fr. Mike emphasizes that direct ai…

1
Day 316: Absolute Surrender (2025) 23:35

14m ago23:35

23:35

Fr. Mike discusses our call to deny ourselves and take up our cross, specifically focusing on God’s call to renounce all that is ours and trust in him. He also highlights the story of Mary and Martha and encourages us not to allow the cares of life to choke the life of God out of our lives as Martha allowed her troubles and anxieties to do. Today’s…

1
Day 316: Labor and Social Justice (2025) 19:18

2h ago19:18

19:18

Work is both a gift and a duty. Today, we explore how labor can impact man’s dignity and unite us to Jesus, the carpenter. Fr. Mike emphasizes that work should not be ordered towards economic gain, but rather, it should be ordered toward man’s dignity and the human community. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2426-2436. This episode has bee…

1
Beauty Will Save the World 26:31

2h ago26:31

26:31

“The abortion industry and the prochoice movement, so much of it is about destroying beauty.” Dave talks with artist, Caitlin Solan, who’s using her creative gifts to champion the pro-life cause. Caitlin shares about her miscarriage ministry and they reflect on the beauty of life, and the tragedy of abortion. Find out more about Cailtin Solan and h…

1
Day 315: The Virtue of Mercy (2025) 28:30

11m ago28:30

28:30

In light of a series of miracles in our readings for today, Fr. Mike focuses on our Lord’s compassion and our call to be merciful, as he is. He emphasizes the beauty of God’s mercy and his offering of it despite our unworthiness. He also strikes a balance between the goodness of humanity as God’s creation and our brokenness due to original sin. Tod…

1
Giving God a Full ‘Yes’ Like Mary 18:54

7d ago18:54

18:54

What would it look like for you to give God your full “yes,” like Mary did? In this special on-location episode from the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Dr. Sri explains the rich details behind the profound event of the Annunciation. Discover how Mary’s wholehearted “yes” to God became a major turning in salvation history—and how you, too, …

1
Day 315: The Church’s Social Doctrine (2025) 21:10

1h ago21:10

21:10

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine both our respect for the integrity of creation as well as the Church’s broader social doctrine. Fr. Mike emphasizes that we owe animals kindness because they have been entrusted to our stewardship, but also that we must have a balanced relationship with them. He then goes on to examine the Church’s Social Doctrin…

1
Day 314: Goods of Others (2025) 22:25

5d ago22:25

22:25

What does it mean to have respect for the goods of others? Fr. Mike unpacks the Catechism’s answer to this question and what it teaches about the seventh commandment in regards to respect for persons and their goods. We learn that it comes down to the dignity of persons and the virtues of temperance, justice, and solidarity. Today’s readings are Ca…

1
Day 314: My Beloved Son (2025) 28:04

5h ago28:04

28:04

Fr. Mike elaborates on the significance of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. He points out that the location of the Jordan River is particularly noteworthy because it's the same river that Joshua crossed over to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, signifying that Jesus will bring about a new exodus. Additionally, it's the lowest spo…

1
Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant (2025) 26:29

4d ago26:29

26:29

As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah's response and Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, and also explains why Mary is the Ark of the new Covenant. We learn that through Mary, God begins to fulfill his promises to the people of Israel. Today's readings are Luke …

1
Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Luke (with Jeff Cavins) (2025) 33:53

36m ago33:53

33:53

Welcome to the last Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Luke and highlight the distinctive aspects of this synoptic Gospel. We learn that the Gospel of Luke uniquely captures the humanity of Jesus, the role of women, Jesus' frequent engagement with individuals on the margins, and the mystery of the Ascension.…

1
Day 313: Ownership of Goods (2025) 21:22

2h ago21:22

21:22

Beginning our look at the seventh commandment, the Catechism focuses on the universal destination of goods and the private ownership of goods. Fr. Mike helps us understand that at first glance, these concepts may seem contradictory, but upon closer inspection, they are paradoxical. Each concept is necessary, and they must be held “in tension”. We h…

1
Day 312: Conclusion to the Old Testament (2025) 15:17

2h ago15:17

15:17

Fr Mike celebrates the accomplishment of reading the entire Old Testament and wraps up the books of 2 Maccabees and Wisdom, talking through the key themes of the Old Testament visible in the conclusions to these books. He also discusses the motivation of the Maccabees to defend the temple and maintain its purity as well as uphold God’s honor. Today…

1
Day 312: Polygamy, Incest, and Free Union (2025) 20:00

43m ago20:00

20:00

The Catechism continues on with other offenses against the dignity of marriage and concludes our look at the sixth commandment. Polygamy, incest, sexual abuse, and free union are reviewed in detail. Fr. Mike highlights that these sins are grave, but God gives hope to all of us experiencing wounds or guilt. We have the opportunity to change in order…

1
Dealing with Shame in Your Life 27:03

10h ago27:03

27:03

Shame can quietly take root in our hearts—dictating how we see ourselves, how we live, and even how we relate to God. Drawing on Scripture and the wisdom of St. John Paul II, Jeff explains the crucial difference between guilt and shame—and how Jesus not only takes away our sins but melts away our shame with His love. Email us with comments or quest…

1
Day 311: God Fights for You (2025) 23:54

11d ago23:54

23:54

As we get closer to the end of the Old Testament, Fr. Mike highlights one of the lessons we've seen time and time again—that God continues to fight for each of us, despite the brokenness and messiness of our lives. He also points out how the reading from Wisdom foreshadows the coming of Jesus. The readings are 2 Maccabees 14, Wisdom 17-18, and Prov…

1
Day 311: Adultery and Divorce (2025) 23:21

1d ago23:21

23:21

The Catechism goes into detail about offenses against the dignity of marriage. The two topics we look at are adultery and divorce. These sins against marriage are not isolated between the spouses, but affect others including family, children, and society. With this, Fr. Mike reminds us that we live in a broken world, but God is among us, and he is …