Franciscan Dave

In this episode we continue our reflection on the practice of the Examen.  The third step is to review our day.  This is where we get to "Know our sins and to rid ourselves of them."

We begin by having a discussion on the uncomfortable topic of sin.  Sin is mentioned over 750 times in the scriptures, and so, we must take sin seriously.  Sin, we discover, is a breach of our relationship with God.  We reflect on th...

As we continue to explore the Examen Prayer, we delve into Thanksgiving.  As you recall, the first part of the Examen is to call on the Holy Spirit to guide us.  Step 2, we examine our day and give thanks to God for all He has done for us. 

We will Explore:
1. The Scriptural Roots of Thanksgiving
     The Psalms of Thanksgiving
     Old Testament Examples of Thanksgiving
    Thanksgiving in the Liturgy and...

In this episode we introduce the "Examen".  Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, (1471-1556), the Examine is a part of the spiritual exercises.  The practice of a daily Examine is part of the formation and life of those in the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.
 
 The Exame  consists of 5 parts:
 
 1. Ask God to send his Spirit
 2. Give thanks for the day
 3. Review the day
 4. Ask for forgiveness<...

In this episode David shares insights into what he has learned by the masters of the spiritual life.  What has he found in common?  There are 7 commonalities that seem to resonate with those saints we hold up as heros and teachers of the faith.  David summarizes these 7 common traits.

1. Eucharistic Focus
2. Frequent Confession
3. Live a Life Centered on Prayer
4. Sacrifice / Redemptive Suffering
5. Humilit...

In Episode 1 of Season 2, Franciscan Dave talks about how we are called to share the good news of the Risen Lord.  What happens after Easter?  We Rejoice and we tell the good news.  Faith comes by "hearing".  It is not enough to simply live a good life, we must go forth and witness to the good news of the Gospel.

1. What not to do.
2. Always be ready to offer a reason for the hope in you.
3. What is the m...

In this episode we are joined by Felician Sr. Mary Bernadette, CSSP and Br. Al Mascia, OFM.   Sr. Bernadette is the program director for the Maryville Retreat Center, Holly, Michigan.
 Br. Al  Mascia is a professional musician and singer songwriter.

What is the value of taking time out from our busy and noisy life by spending time at a retreat center?

How can music draw us closer to Jesus and deepen our relat...

This episode was presented to the Immaculate Conception Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in Mishawaka, IN on February 19, 2022.

Have the events of the past two years robbed you of Joy and Peace?
Can we have joy in our hearts with all that is going on in the world today?
How has Satan contributed to stealing our peace and joy?
Have you experience your joy being impacted by the divisions in our politics...

Is holiness attainable in this life?
Can we become like Christ?
Are the Sacraments necessary for Salvation?
How do we participate in the salvific work of Christ?
So what is a sacrament?
Do you need to be an expert to evangelize?

Listen in as Tom Nash shares his expertise.  Tom Nash has served the Church professionally for more than 30 years, including as a theology advisor at EWTN and as an editor. He i...

What is the 40 Hours Devotion?
What spiritual and physical miracles have occurred during the 40 hours?
Can the 40 hours devotion reclaim our turf for Jesus, the King of Kings?

Listen as Karen Japzon, founder of John Leaps Evangelization, discusses the ministry and the resurgence of the practice of the 40 hours devotion in the United States.  How can the 40 hours benefit your parish?  How can the 40 hours devotion b...

In the Hymn of the Exultet changed at the Easter Vigil we here these words that can one to think.
"O truly necessary sin of Adam, destroyed completely by the death of Christ.  O happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a redeemer."

Was sin necessary in order for Jesus to become incarnate and take on our human nature?
Was Jesus becoming man and dying on the cross to redeem us from our sins God's ...

Dr. Robert Fastiggi is a professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.   He is a prolific author and esteemed professor, teaching at Sacred Heart since 1999.   Listen in as he discusses how parents can cultivate a life of faith in the family. 

1.  What does the Church teach regarding the duty of parents as primary educators of their children?
2. What does Vatican II and Popes John Paul II and Pope F...

Listen as Bill Schmitt shares his expertise from a career in journalism, both as a journalist and a teacher of journalism and multi-platform communication, and enlightens us on current trends in communication and how we need to communicate in such a way as to encourage the pursuit of truth.  Jesus Christ is the truth, so seeking and communicating truth leads us closer to the Truth which is Jesus Christ.

Can telling the tru...

"Nones",  or those who have no religious affiliation are a growing segment of the population, with research showing that up to 1/3 of the population fits into this demographic.

Dr. Tamra Fromm has done extensive research into this demographic and has interesting insights to share.

1. Who and what are the "Nones".
2. How did this segment grow so large in the space of one generation?
3. H...

In this episode, Fr. Albert Haase, OFM, discusses the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate.  The call to holiness in today's world.
Click here for the document

The call to holiness is more ancient than the Church.
Can anyone strive to become holy as God is holy?
Can you become holy all at once, or is it a lifetime journey?
What are the 5 attributes of holiness, per Pope Francis?...

In this episode, we discuss God's Providential care for us.  We need to cultivate faith and trust that God really does want what is best for us. 

Taking a leap of faith.
Trusting in God.
How can we look at our lives through the lens of faith and recognize the hand of God?
Scriptures that inspire us to trust in God.

May the Lord grant you His peace.

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministrie...

Cathryn Torgerson is the Director of Curriculum Development for the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan.  Listen as she shares her passion for God's Word and enlightens us on how one might approach a more in-depth study of the sacred text.

Whether you are a beginner to the study of scripture or a seasoned pro, you will find something in this episode that you did not know...I certainly did.  Cathryn's enthusiasm ...

In this episode, Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P.,  host of EWTN's Open Line Thursday, discusses the nature of Jesus Christ.  What are some of the misconceptions about Jesus that may cause one to misunderstand the mission of Jesus?

What is the nature of Jesus?
What was the primary reason for Jesus becoming Incarnate?
Is Jesus just a social and political reformer?
Why did the Church develop creedal statements such a...