I Thought You'd Like To Know

In this episode of Social Doctrine of the Church, Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca talk with Fr. Paul Sullins about Human Dignity and the Threat of Gender Ideology.Could you please tell us a little about yourself?What is meant by gender ideology or gender theory?The topic of “gender identity” is briefly touched on in no. 224 of the 2005 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. How has the problem of “gender ideology” increased in the 20 years since the publication of the Compendium?One major theme of Catholic social doctrine is human dignity. How does gender ideology threaten human dignity?What has the Catholic Church taught on gender ideology? Has the Church’s position been adequately expressed in documents such as the 2024 declaration, Dignitas Infinita, of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith? What more needs to be done or said? Some people argue that the Church should accept sex-change operations because of the increased risk of suicide for those who are denied sex-transition procedures? W

Catholic Social Doctrine and the Role of Conscience: Interview with Michael Vacca, Esq by Robert Fastiggi

In this episode of The Social Doctrine of the Church, co-hosts Michael Vacca and Robert Fastiggi interview Daniel Gallagher on the development of Catholic Social Doctrine since Pope Leo XIII.Many people regard Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, as the first of the major social encyclicals. What were some of the key teachings of this encyclical?Pius XI wrote his 1931 encyclical, Quadragesimo Anno, 40 years after Rerum Novarum. How did he help to develop Catholic social doctrine in this encyclical? How did St. John XXIII help to develop Catholic social doctrine in his encyclicals, Mater et Magistra (1961) and Pacem in Terris (1963)?What contributions did Vatican II make to Catholic social doctrine?What do you think are the contributions to Catholic social doctrine found in St. Paul VI’s 1967 encyclical, Populorum Progressio? What do you think are the contributions of St. John Paul II to Catholic social doctrine found in his encyclicals, Laborem Exercens (1981), Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (1987), and Cente

In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, Chris Reilly interviews John Livingston, Director of Evangelization & Adult Faith Formation at St. Peter Catholic Church in Kirkwood, MO.

Podcast 1 (July 15, 2025):What is meant by the social doctrine of the Catholic Church?Many claim that Catholic social doctrine only began with Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum. Is this accurate? Are there not biblical and Patristic roots to Catholic social doctrine?What do you believe are the key principles of Catholic social doctrine? What do you focus on when you teach courses on Catholic social doctrine at the Catholic University of America? How does the social doctrine of the Church relate to issues of war and peace?Some Catholics believe the Church should stick to spiritual matters and not enter into discussions on social matters (e.g. on the environment, immigration, economics, etc.). How would you respond to such Catholics?Is there a hierarchy in Catholic social doctrine? Some people are concerned that the "seamless garment" approach puts all social issues at the same level. How would you respond to these people? 6. Why is it important for Catholics to know about the social doctrine of th

In this episode of WCAT Radio's "I Thought You'd Like to Know," Bishop Joseph Coffey interviews Mo Moured on Cross the Divide Ministry (June 11, 2025)Cross the Divide is helping veterans and their families navigate the challenging terrain of life, promoting healing, hope, strength and growth by application of Christ-centered, biblical truths in the venue of God’s creation.Cross The Divide provides transformational experiences in the venue of the outdoors such as hunting, fishing, backpacking, horse camping, and llama packing trips, as well as retreats and seminars. With the assistance of track chairs and an incredible team of guides and facilitators, we are able to accommodate physically disabled veterans on some of our hunting and fishing trips. Through the personal care and attentiveness of our team, we give veterans a place to talk about their non-physical wounds and personal challenges as well. Cross The Divide is focused on sending each veteran back to their family and their community in a healthier plac

In this episode of Synods and Synodality, Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca interview George Weigel on the concept of synodality and its impact on the Catholic Church.George Weigel emphasized that synodality in Eastern Christianity involves governance by synods of bishops, unlike the current Western interpretation. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong doctrinal identity and moral boundaries, citing Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany as examples.Weigel praised John Paul II's contributions, including his personal witness, interpretation of Vatican II, and the Theology of the Body. He also discussed the need for a return to the teachings of Veritatis Splendor to address moral relativism. The conversation concluded with reflections on the future of the Church and the importance of hope.

“What is truth?” Pontius Pilate scoffed at Jesus (Jn 18:38), and that’s how we think about matters today in our culture—subjectively: my truth, your truth, etc. To make the argument that there is a knowable Truth (with a capital T) that is written in the world and in our bones, theologians Deborah Savage and Robert Fastiggi examine a selection of autobiographical accounts of ‘lived experience.’ They take a number of personal essays written by those who have erred from the path of Catholic social teaching and sexual morality—in the dark forest of the world, to borrow from Dante—and their subsequent disappointments and suffering. They examine these narratives through the anthropology of John Paul II and the authority of the physical and social sciences, including medical doctors. So, there is Good News for all of us: if we find ourselves lost and unhappy in our errant meanderings, the Church can bring us home. We can always choose, as God reminded Cain gently (Gen 4:7), “sin is couching at the door; its desire

Christian principles for thriving with artificial intelligence with guest Christopher M. Reilly onTrending with Timmerie.(1:30) Volunteering and donating to the LA fire victims with Catherine Contreras. (26:17) Good news in the debate on gender. California: Teachers have no obligation to follow policies that require them to keep secrets from parents (45:09)

In this episode of Synods and Synodality, Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, JD, interview Edward Pentin on his College of Cardinals Report (February 19, 2025)

In this episode of Synods and Synodality, Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D. discuss with Fr. Deacon Robert Klesko of EWTN, Fr. Daniel Dozier, Pastor of St. George the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, Olympia, WA, Fr Michael Winn, LTh and Fr Deacon Anthony Dragani, PhD.  how Synodality works within the Eastern Catholic Churches. (February 13, 2025)How does Synodality work within the Eastern Catholic Churches? How do these synods enjoy authority without compromising the authority of the Roman Pontiff? Is Eastern Catholic synodality a possible motivation for Pope Francis's desire to promote synodality in the Catholic Church today? Interview A production of En Route Books & Media and The International Catholic Jurists Forum. Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D., co-moderating.

Why have some of the Synods generated so much controversy? What documents have resulted from these Synods? How are we to understand synodality?  What are some highlights of the final document of the Synods on Synodality? What parts might need further clarification and development? How will synodality influence the Church’s future? Interview with Sr. Bernadette Reis, FSP, who has worked for the Holy See, and Dr. Pedro Gabriel, author of The Orthodoxy of Amoris Laetita; 3 PM EST/ 8 PM in Portugal (where Dr. Gabriel lives).2012 The New Evangelization for the Transmission of theChristian Faith [held under Benedict XVI] Evangelii gaudium (apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis)2014-2015 The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the Contemporary World Amoris laetitia (apostolic exhortation)2018 Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment Christus Vivit (apostolic  exhortation)2021-24 For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission Final Document of the XVI Synod of Bishops Special201

In this episode of Synods and Synodality with co-hosts Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Dr. Michael Vacca, Dr. Eduardo Echeverria, Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, addresses some important points on Synods, namely:1) Why do you think Paul VI established the Synod of Bishops on Sept. 15, 1965 (while Vatican II was still in session)?2) Which of the Synods during the time of Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI do you think were the most significant?3) What insights from these Synods would you like to discuss? 4) What role would you like to see these Synods play in the future of the Church?SYNOD OF BISHOPS PROFILE  The Synod of Bishops was established by St Paul VI on 15th September 1965 with the Motu Proprio  Apostolica Sollicitudo. Its formation took place in the context of the Second Vatican Council which, with the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium (21st November 1964), had largely concentrated on the doctrine of the episcopate, urging greater involvement of the Bish

In this episode of Synods and Synodality, Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Dr. Michael Vacca discuss what an ecumenical council is, and how we know that a council is ecumenical. Why does the Catholic Church accept 21 councils as ecumenical but the Eastern Orthodox only accept the first 7? What have been some of the most important ecumenical councils in Catholic Church history? Interview with Dr. Robert Fastiggihttps://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Synod-and-Synodality-Podcast-Series-011525.pdfhttps://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ecumenical-Councils-Fastiggi.pdfhttps://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ecumenical-councils-fact-sheet.pdf

"Synods and Synodality: History, Purpose, and Current Controversies" Co-sponsored by En Route Books & Media (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/) and the International Catholic Jurists Forum (https://icjurist.org/). Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D., M.A. will co-moderate the podcast interviews.  Description: The 2023 and 2024 Synods on Synodality have generated both interest and controversy. This seven-part series explores the role of Church synods (or councils) in Catholic history; the different types of synods (e.g. local, regional, ecumenical); and why the recent synods under Pope Francis have generated so much controversy. The final two podcasts will explore possibilities for the future of the Church. The podcasts will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings from January 15, 2025 to February 26, 2025. Most begin at 7 PM EST except for the February 12, 19, and 26 podcasts (see indicated times).  Episode 1: (Jan. 15, 2025): What is a Church synod or council? How does the Council of Jerusalem in Act

Carlos Martini, de la Universidad Católica de Paraguay, entrevista a Mario Ramos-Reyes sobre su libro La Navidad

On this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, Dave Palmer of Guadalupe Radio Network with Rich May on his Addressing Moral Confusion (November 20, 2024)The goal of this workbook is to help our youth to receive catechetical instruction without getting bogged down by the mindset of the world today, thereby enabling them to be more open to the truth of the Gospel of Christ and His Church. It uniquely addresses these challenges, drawing from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, as well as great theologians and philosophers including C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Fulton Sheen, St. John Cardinal Newman and others knowledgeable in moral psychology and human behavior.Age group: High school and young adults especially those already enrolled in institutions of higher learning. Not all of them may be practicing Christians. It should be of interest to all teachers including those that are currently working with younger age groups. Parents will also benefit from the material and convey basic themes … example, Session O

In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, Dr. Ronda Chervin reads her book Talkaholics: Fate or Work-in-Progress (November 23, 2024)Why would I ever think I talk too much? Here are some tiny stories to show you why:“Ronda,” asked my spiritual director, “what would it be like if you joined a table (at the seminary where I was teaching and took my meals) and didn’t talk first?”“Ronda,” a co-professor at a university told me: “when you interrupt me while I am talking it feels as if you think nothing I am saying is important, only what you say!”“Ronda,” a mentor asked me: “how many sentences do you enunciate which start with the word I”?“Ronda,” someone said: “it’s as if when I talk your foot is on the brake, but ready in a second to jump onto the accelerator to say what you wanted to say, not as a response, but just what you happen to think is more important."During a conversation with another talkaholic, David Dowd, a co-author of mine of the book “Always a New Beginning,” we joked this way: “How about w

In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, former priest Mike Oslance is interviewed by Mike Kish on his book Reimagine Jesus: Gospel for the 21st Century.MANY PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT JESUS AND RELIGION. DOES THIS APPLY TO YOU?Many people believe in Jesus…yet they no longer regularly attend church services.Many people believe in Jesus’ promise to forgive 70 times seven times…but cannot understand how God could condemn anyone to eternal hell.Many people believe we are created in the image and likeness of God…but are simultaneously told that some people are “disordered.”Many people believe that a newborn baby is precious and beautiful…yet are also told that all people are intrinsically sinners and unworthy of God.Many people feel that the gospels are spiritual and traditional stories…but question how these stories of Jesus are directly relevant to their own lives in the 21st century.If this sounds like you, then…THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.REIMAGINE JESUS: A Gospel "According to St. John and St. Mary Magdalen”

Rich May on Driving Home the Faith with Fr. Rob Jack (June 12, 2024)