Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church

Dr. Brant Pitre chats with Father Dave about his new book, “Introduction to the Spiritual Life: Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus.”

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave if John the Baptist was immaculately conceived like Mary. He wonders if this is the case because Elizabeth was older and past childbearing years, and the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist.

A listener named Jack asks Father Dave if it is possible for him to become a priest after having his marriage annulled. Jack explains that he had thoughts of becoming a priest before getting married, and now that his marriage is annulled, those thoughts have returned. He also shares that he has a son under the age of 18, and wonders if the Church would allow him to pursue priesthood at this time.

A listener named Katie asks why the Catholic Church doesn't sing Christmas carols or hymns until Christmas Eve. She has noticed that we sing the same few songs during Advent (Like “O’Come O’Come Emmanuel”), but Christmas songs such as “Silent Night” or “O Holy Night” are not sung until Christmas Eve.

In honor of Vocation Awareness Week, Sr. Mara Grace, O.P., Vocations director for the Nashville Dominican Sisters, chats with Father Dave about vocational discernment. 

A listener named Lisa asks how to know if God’s answer to a prayer is no. She shares that she has been trying to buy a new house for a year, but things keep falling through. She wonders if circumstances can tell us God’s will.

David DeSteno, Professor of psychology at Northeastern University discusses his new book, “How God Works: The Science Behind the Benefits of Religion.”

Florence LaRue, founding member and lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning group The Fifth Dimension, chats with Father Dave about her new book, “Grace in Your Second Act: A Guide to Aging Gracefully.”

In today’s podcast, a listener named Tina who works with engaged couples wonders why certain people are granted dispensations to marry outside of a Catholic Church.

Claire Dwyer, editor of spiritualdirection.com, discusses how to find a spiritual director.