Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church

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.

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

A listener named Gordon asks Father Dave if the Church will grow after the pandemic is over. Gordon shares that his own faith has deepened as a result of the pandemic and having access to faith resources online.

With so much in the news about rising COVID-19 cases and vaccination efforts, Theologian Brett Salkeld stops by the show to discuss the ethics of vaccines, mandates, and religious exemptions in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.