How to Be...Attentive, Reflective, & Loving | Dennis Wieboldt

In this GodPods series episode of How to Be Attentive, Reflective, and Loving, Elizabeth Shlala speaks with recent Boston College graduate Dennis Wieboldt '22, M.A. '23 about the most formative aspects of his time at Boston College. Dennis is currently a J.D./Ph.D. student in history at the University of Notre Dame, where he is a Richard and Peggy Notebaert Premier Fellow at the Graduate School and Edward J. Murphy Fellow at the Law School.

Parish Life Today | A Good Morning Faith Feeds with Dan Cellucci

Listen to our Good Morning Faith Feeds conversation on the theme of Parish Life Today with guest speaker and C21 friend Dan Cellucci, CEO of Catholic Leadership Institute. In this Faith Feeds, Dan shared an update on the national Catholic parish landscape, some challenges for parishes ahead, and what is working for parishes now.

Journeying in Faith Amid Polarization | Brian Robinette & Fr. Ken Himes

What is the role of the Church in the age of polarization? What resources can our Catholic faith offer to heal fierce partisanship of our times? How might the sacramental imagination and wisdom of Catholic Social Teaching transform the "us" vs. "them" mentality that holds so many in its grip? Join us for a conversation with the guest editor, Brian Robinette, Associate Professor of Theology at Boston College, and Fr. Ken Himes, O.F.M., Professor Emeritus of Theology at Boston College and one of the featured authors in this issue.

From Boston to Peru | A conversation with Sister Carlotta Gilarde

In this episode, we talk with Sr. Carlotta Gilarde, a Sister of St. Joseph. Sr. Carlotta joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1954, and as we’ll learn in this episode she has since served from Boston to Peru.

Refugees and Migrants: Paradoxes in the Age of Covid-19

On November 17, 2020, Cardinal Czerny discussed with panelists his work with Pope Francis on issues surrounding refugees and migration around the world, particularly in the age of COVID-19.

Searching for the Silver Lining

2020 has been an incredibly challenging year. Even amid these moments of change, disruption, and tragedy, we have an obligation to find perspective and search for the silver lining. This is critical if we are to guide our the generation to do the same.

Finding God in Grandparents

Karen Kiefer, Director for the Church in the 21st Century Center speaks with Catherine Wiley, (Founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association), and Marilyn Henry about grandparents. Catherine and Marilyn highlight how and why grandparents are the true bearers of the faith. 

Social Justice Through Art: Inspired by Faith, Committed to Action

This conversation was recorded in partnership with the Roche Center for Catholic Education to celebrate the Angels Unawares sculpture at Boston College, during the month of November 2020. It features insights from Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz whose commissioned sculpture was originally installed in St. Peter's Square in Rome on September 29, 2019 – for 105th World Day of Refugees and Migrants.

Finding God in Beauty with Jacob Wolfe

In this episode of GodPods we’ll be talking about finding God in beauty. Have you ever spent time looking at the art that exists within a Catholic church? The statues, paintings, patterns, etchings, stained glass—even the organ is a masterpiece to behold.

Enfleshing the Freedom of Black Lives: Resistance, Solidarity and Hope

Professor Emerita M. Shawn Copleand and Nathan Wood-House, ABD, discuss signs of our times concerning police violence and movements to secure the dignity of Black lives in light of the development of race and racism inside chattel slavery in the United States as well as insights from Black churches and theologies.

Catholic Parishes: A Conversation about Trends, Challenges, and Grace at Work

The 32nd issue of C21 Resources magazine focused on the national Catholic parish landscape and sharing ideas that were shaping parishes for the better. “Catholic Parishes: A Conversation about Trends Challenges, and Grace at Work” provided an opportunity for Catholic voices to offer insights.

On the Brink of Abundance: Signs of Hope amid COVID-19’s Racialized Violence

George Floyd’s autopsy report indicated that he was positive for COVID-19. Prof. Craig Ford and Chanelle Robinson reflect on the intersecting issues of race, police subjugation and the pandemic his murder raises in light of resources from Catholic social teaching and scripture.

Faith Feeds

The Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College has announced a new program for Catholics interested in connecting with one another for a powerful faith conversation over a shared meal or just a cup of coffee.

The Ignatian Examen

The examen, or examination, of conscience is an ancient practice in the church. In fact, even before Christianity, the Pythagoreans and the Stoics promoted a version of the practice. It is what most of us Catholics were taught to do to prepare for confession. In that form, the examen was a matter of examining one’s life in terms of the Ten Commandments to see how daily behavior stacked up against those divine criteria.

Patient Trust

Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.

Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a remarkably simple method that opens one to God’s gift of contemplative prayer. Its practice expands one’s receptivity to the presence and activity of God in one’s life. It is a distillation of the practice of monastic spirituality into two relatively short periods of prayer each day.

The Seven Sorrows for Today

I first learned about the Seven Sorrows devotion through my obsession with art depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary. While I was used to the joyful image of the Mother and Child, I was mesmerized by its tragic counterpart.

Stations of the Cross

From the earliest days of the church, a favored devotion of Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem was to retrace the via dolorosa, the “path of sorrow” that Jesus walked on his journey to Calvary. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with developing the practice of replicating the Way of the Cross by an artistic depiction of its “stations”—each scene along the final journey of Jesus. You now find Stations of the Cross around the walls of most Catholic churches.

The Next Generation Parish: A Conversation with Dan Cellucci

Karen Kiefer and Dan Cellucci (CEO for The Catholic Leadership Institute) discuss the future of the Catholic parish by unpacking trends and talking about generational and cultural shifts.

The Hope of Easter

This is my first Easter without my older sister, Maureen, who died last year. Maureen loved this day. She was perpetually child-like, even though she turned 60 years old just before last Easter.

Why I Believe: Marcus Mescher

Feeding the Poor—At a Sacrifice Teachings of Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin

I Thought You Knew…

I caught sight of them while slowing down for a red light ahead.

Why I Believe: Chris Anselmo

It was February 2013, four years into a disease journey that upended my life. I was only 26 years old, and my body, once athletic, was now a shell of its former self, ravaged by an unrelenting, adult-onset muscle disease called Miyoshi Myopathy.

We All See God Differently

Over the past few months, following the release of the children’s book, Drawing God, I have had the opportunity to connect with hundreds and hundreds of kids across the country and around the world about how they imagine God.

Finding God in Epiphanies

Kerry Campbell, Catholic writer, musician, teacher and creator of the podcast, "Raised Catholic," shares how prayer and God whispers have led her to new opportunities to grow her faith and the faith of others. Her podcast has become a place for Catholics on the margins to feel heard and to find God in their every day.

Finding God in Creativity

Twin brothers, Marcellino and Anthony D’Ambrosio came from a youth ministry background, but after seeing the need for creative revival in the Church, they founded Sherwood Fellows, a creative agency dedicated to Catholic renewal, and Catholic Creatives, a movement of Catholic designers, filmmakers, photographers, creative thinkers, artists, entrepreneurs, and others working to bring the gospel to the world in fresh, and beautiful ways.

Finding God in Architecture

Braman discuss finding God in art and architecture. Professor Braman delves deep into the expressive meaning and values that architecture conveys while offering insights on how the artistic qualities of sacred spaces guide us all in becoming more fully human.

Finding God in Architecture

Boston College professors, Kerry Cronin and Brian Braman discuss finding God in art and architecture. Professor Braman delves deep into the expressive meaning and values that architecture conveys while offering insights on how the artistic qualities of sacred spaces guide us all in becoming more fully human.

Finding God in Poetry

Professor Emeritus Paul Mariani and Associate Professor of the Practice Allison Adair discuss poetry as a reflection of and exercise in faith. They consider how the Catholic intellectual tradition helps us understand poetry, how repetitions in religious ritual encourage revision, and how the process of composing poems can itself become a kind of prayer.

Saying “Yes” to God

The greatest faith story ever told is unfolding in our hearts this Advent. During this season, we are filled with boundless anticipation as we hold the Blessed Mother Mary in prayer while we wait just a couple of weeks longer for the imminent birth of the Christ Child.

Praying with Images: On What Meets the Eye

How does one utilize visual images in prayer? To begin, choose an image with which to spend time, preferably one with strong expressive power to which you can respond effectively.

Christ the King

Today we close the liturgical year with the feast of Christ the king and as I was reflecting on today’s gospel the game of chess came to mind.

Finding God in Cartography

At 30 years old Molly is one of the leading women innovators in the Catholic Church and in the environmental movement at large. She is the founder of an organization called “Goodlands” which aims to help Catholic communities around the world use their properties for good.

A Grocery Store Run Leads to World Drawing God Day

On a quiet Sunday morning, I began to write a story about a little girl named Emma, who visits an art museum and is so inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso that she decides that she is going to draw something “beyond spectacular.” Emma decides to draw God.

Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II was born Karol Józef Wojtyla on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. As a youth he suffered the loss of his mother and brother. John Paul enjoyed athletics as well as theater and poetry.

World Drawing God Day

Follow young Emma, who is inspired to draw like Picasso after a field trip to the art museum. Emma wanted to draw something beyond spectacular and decides to draw GOD.

Why I Believe: Bill Bond

One day in the next few years, (blessedly, I don’t know when) I will begin an eons-long sleep. And, God willing, when I wake up, the first thing I’ll see will be Jesus standing before me.

C21 Presents “Drawing God”

Follow young Emma, who is inspired to draw like Picasso after a field trip to the art museum. Emma wanted to draw something beyond spectacular and decides to draw GOD.

New Resources for Faith Conversation

The Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College is releasing two new resources to facilitate faith conversation.

Saint Anthony

Saint Anthony was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal. He was born into a wealthy family and was raised in the church. He later joined the Augustinian canons and was ordained to the priesthood.

Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph is best known as the foster father of Jesus, and the supportive husband of the Blessed Mother Mary. Having been a skilled craftsman and carpenter like his son Jesus, Joseph is regarded as the patron saint of workers.

Saint Anthony

Saint Anthony was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal. He was born into a wealthy family and was raised in the church. He later joined the Augustinian canons and was ordained to the priesthood.

Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick of Ireland is one of the world’s most popular saints. He was born in Roman Britain and when he was fourteen or so, he was captured by Irish pirates during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. At the time, Ireland was a land of Druids and pagans.

Saints Phillip and James

Saint Philip and Saint James were two of the twelve apostles, following Jesus faithfully throughout their lives.

Saint Anslem

St. Anselm was a notable theologian, Benedictine monk, scholar, and philosopher, born in 1033. He worked throughout his life to renew the use of reason and tradition within the faith.

Embracing Lent

Who could possibly prefer Lent? I do now. But it took the worst time of my life to get there.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

Saint Gianna Molla was born in 1922, the tenth of thirteen children, in Magenta, Italy. She is widely remembered for her belief that life is God’s beautiful gift.

Saint Bernadette

In 1844, Bernadette was born to a poor family in Lourdes, France. She grew up the oldest of nine children and was ill throughout her life.

Agape Latte storytelling program helps students on their faith journeys

Flowering in The Burren

There is a well-known and beautiful spot in County Clare, Ireland, known as the Burren. Occupying an area of some 135 square miles, it is a bleak and stony place.

Finding God In The Examen with Father Casey Beaumier, S.J.

Ignatian spirituality offers us the vision that we can “find God in all things.” In this episode, we will continue to explore how we can find God during Lent.

Finding God By Living With Less with Haley Stewart

“So what are you giving up?” That’s the proverbial question that Catholics face during Lent. While fasting from some material thing can be done as an act of penance, it also has real spiritual perks.

Finding God Through Mercy with Kerry Weber

Prayer and fasting are two of the practices we intentionally incorporate into our Lenten practice. But what about that third practice, almsgiving? How can we better incorporate acts of charity into the 40 days of Lent?

Finding God In The Rosary with Gretchen Crowe

In 2017, Gretchen wrote her first book, Why the Rosary? Why Now? published by Our Sunday Visitor. Her second book, available this October, is a devotional called, “Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II.” If anyone can speak to the power of praying the Rosary this Lent, it’s our guest today.

C21 Reads: Lent

Looking for some spiritual reading this Lent? The Church in the 21st Century Center has compiled a one-stop shopping list for you.

Ordinary Time, Extraordinary Days

The liturgical season of Ordinary Time, reminds me of my ordinary black sweater. How something ordinary can become extraordinary over time.

C21 Reads: Love and Marriage

Looking for some inspirational reading on love, marriage, and faith during Valentines Day? The Church in the 21st Century Center has a must-read list of titles for you.

Why I Believe: Emily Kate Marticello

When reflecting on why I believe, in God, in my faith, or in my prayer, a major factor is always my ability to just “be” and still God loves me. My busy life does not make God love me, in fact, busy-ness in my life can serve as a distraction from the bigger underlying movements within my faith.

Why I Believe: Kimberly Johnson

My sister tried to put me in catechism classes between the 6th and 7th grade, but I resisted going. When I was a bit older, both of my nieces went to a Lutheran school that required them to attend Mass on Sundays. I would be the one to take them every Sunday. It was during this time that I started to feel a tug at my heart every time I brought my nieces to church.

Living the Epiphany

Beyond the next set of frosted glass doors, there were individuals, including a family member, fighting for their lives. They were fighting for the gift of more time on God’s earth. This reality stirred in me the epiphany that time is God’s magnificent gift.

Rejoicing in Santa

It was December of 1969. Mitch Miller’s Christmas tunes were blaring from the record player in the living room, but Mom didn’t hear a sound. The holidays were here and she was someplace else. It’s the place most mothers head unwillingly during the harried holiday season—the land of preoccupation.

Why I Believe: John O’Neill

Seeing the birth of our four children. The light that comes into life when performing good deeds for others. The brief moments in my life when I have experienced being personally loved by the Other.

Finding God In Words with Jon M. Sweeney

In this episode of GodPods we want to develop this more with our guest Jon M. Sweeney and see how his writing life has helped him connect with God in a very powerful way.

We All Feel Vulnerable

This probably isn’t the right time for Catholics to talk about feeling vulnerable. We feel vulnerable now for all the wrong reasons. There are virtues of vulnerability (the way we respond with tenderness and openness to each other), but now isn’t the right time to talk about that, either.

Why I Believe: Hadley Adair

Growing up, I attended Mass and Sunday School every week because “that’s just what Catholics do”, yet I never really understood why. I said prayers, sang hymns, and listened to the teachings of the Church with a blind and child-like faith simply because I didn’t know any different. As I became older, I began to search for more answers.

Finding God In Our Imagination with Paul Reynolds

In this episode we will explore ways to find God working in our imagination, Paul Reynolds is a Boston College alum and CEO and Co-Founder of Fablevision, a Boston-based company that creates and distributes original educational media, designed to move the world to a better place.

Why I Believe: Megan Krakowiak

My Catholic school education formed me with relatively few points of contention, up until eighth-grade confirmation classes because I couldn’t quite wrap my brain around transubstantiation, let alone claim to BELIEVE it as a 14-year-old.

Finding God In Loss with Gretchan Pyne

In this GodPod episode, we explore finding God in loss. Meet Gretchan Pyne, mother, wife, author, motivational speaker and – bereaved parent. Gretchan, her husband Warren and their twin sons, Drew and Dylon lost their precious daughter/sister, Lulu, when she was just 4 years old.

Why I Believe: Wesley Wolfe

I believe in God because I see him. I see God in the actions of my parents, who raised seven children with the Catholic faith. A decade as an altar server allowed me many quiet moments where I saw God upon the altar, in the church, and over my head. I see God in church functions and activities. Why would fellow Catholics and Christians concern themselves greatly with the well-being of others? I watch God in these people who take prayer to action. I join them in witnessing, and I believe.

Finding God In The Kitchen with the Gourmet Nuns, Sr. Irene & Sr. Estelle

Meet the Gourmet Nuns, Sr. Irene and Sr. Estelle, from the Community of Jesus in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Both women have devoted their lives to God and the sharing of food for others through the Benedictine charism of hospitality.

Why I Believe: Marcus Mescher

Wonder and awe are why I believe in God. I remember being awed by the Eucharist when preparing for the Sacrament in second grade. I was amazed that Jesus wanted to be broken and shared, to be received by everyone in every time and place – even a little seven-year-old like me.

Why I Believe: Lindsay Schlegel

I believe because other people prayed for me when I couldn’t pray for myself. In 2012, I lost a child to miscarriage. I wasn’t angry with God; I didn’t fall away from my faith. But I’ve never been so quiet, so at a loss for words as when I tried to pray. I found I could be still. I could accept that God is my Lord and that this pain was somehow part of His plan.

Miracle

It’s a question I’ve heard all my life – one that I can recall asking others at a very young age, and one that I’ve been asked in turn at a considerably older age. The question is complicated, as even youngsters understand. What, first of all, do you mean by the term itself – “miracle”?