Crash Course Catholicism – Details, episodes & analysis

Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with Matthew and John.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

• The Gospel of John
• Matthew Chapter 9
• Mark Chapter 3
• Luke Chapter 5
• Pope Benedict XVI: 
  • Addresses on the Apostles
  • The Apostles
  • John, son of Zebedee
  • John, the theologian
  • Matthew, the tax collector
• Catholic Answers:
  • Who Wrote John’s Gospel?
  • Who Wrote the Gospels?
  • The Heresiarch Cerinthus: the Odd Man Behind St. John’s Gospel
• The Catholic Encyclopedia:
  • St. John the Evangelist
  • St. Matthew
• Credit song: "My Heart With You" by The Rescues

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Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with four apostles: Andrew, Philip, and the two Jameses.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

• John Chapter 1
• John Chapter 6
• John Chapter 12
• Acts Chapter 12
• Luke Chapter 9
• Acts Chapter 15
• Pope Benedict XVI: 
  • Addresses on the Apostles
  • The Apostles
  • "Andrew, the Protoclete"
  • "Philip the Apostle"
  • "James the Greater"
  • "James, the Lesser"
• The Catholic Encyclopedia:
  • "St. James the Greater"
  • "St. Philip the Apostle"
  • "St. Andrew"
  • "St. James the Less"
• Aleteia, "Why was St. James called a 'son of thunder'?"
• Catholic Answers, 
  • "Who was James the 'brother' of Jesus?"
  • "Was Mary the Aunt of James and John?"
  • "Who Are the Twelve Apostles, and What Happened to Them?"

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What's an indulgence? How do I obtain one? Is it true that the Catholic church sold indulgences in the past?

In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on penance and contrition in the lead-up to Holy Week.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

• Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 1471-79.
• Pope Paul VI, Indulgentiarum Doctrina
• USCCB, "Indulgences and our Spiritual Life"
• Catholic Encyclopedia, "Indulgences"
• Catholic Answers, 
  • "Myths about Indulgences"
  • "Understanding Indulgences in the Catholic Faith"
  • "How to Explain the Doctrine of Indulgences"
  • "What is Attachment to Sin?"
  • "Primer on Indulgences"
  • "What is the sin of Simony?"
• Ascenscion Presents, 
  • "Did the Church Ever Sell Indulgences?"
  • "Do Catholics Still Do Indulgences? (feat. Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.)"
  • "Absolution and Indulgences: Two Distinct Gifts from God"
  • "Giving the Gift of the Plenary Indulgence"
• The Catechism in a Year 
  • "Day 202: How Confession Heals"
  • "Day 203: The Purpose of Indulgences"
• The Catholic Weekly, "Q and A with Fr Flader: Conditions for indulgences"
• Catholic News Agency, "How to obtain a plenary indulgence during Holy Week 2024"

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What should I say in the confessional? What happens if I forget one of my sins, or forget to say my penance? Can non-Catholics go to confession?

This episode is a practical guide for going to confession.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 1480-1484
• Rite of Penance
• A Guide for Confession
• Archdiocese of Washington, "A Guide to Confession"
• St. Josemaria Institute, "A Short Guide for Confession"
• Hallow, How to Go to Confession: The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation
• Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Rediscovering the Rite of Penance
• USCCB, "Act of Contrition"
• International Theological Commission, Penance and Reconciliation. 
• Fr Gregory Pine, "How To Have A Great Confession"
• Fr Columba Jordan CFR, "How to Examine Your Conscience (& Know Your Main Fault)"
• Fr Mike Schmitz, 
  • "Making a Good Confession"
  • "Do I need to go to Confession?"
  • "Going to Confession for the First Time in a Long Time"
• Ascension, 
  • "Do this one thing before every Confession"
  • "A Guided Examination of Conscience"
• Catholic Answers, 
  • "What if I Forgot to Confess a Sin and Remembered it Later?"
  • "Confession for non-Catholics"
  • "Can non-Catholics go to Confession?"
• Aleteia, 
  • "I went to confession and forgot my penance. What should I do?"
  • "

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What are the origins of Lent? Do I have to give something up? Why is there no mass on Good Friday? How long does the Easter season last? (Hint: ages)

In this episode, we discuss the Lenten and Easter Seasons.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

• Catholic Encyclopedia, 
  • "Lent"
  • "Easter"
  • "Altar of Repose"
  • "Abstinence"
• St. Alphonsus Ligouri, "Stations of the Cross"
• St. Faustina, "Stations of the Cross"
• St. Josemaria, "The Way of the Cross"
• Ascension, 
  • "Fr. Mike's Easter Special"
  • "How to Celebrate Easter Well"
  • "4 Reasons Catholics Must Give Alms This Lent"
• Catholic Answers,
  • "What You Need to Know About Lent"
  • "Why is Christmas Day Fixed but Easter Moveable?"
  • "Does God See You?"
  • "When Does Lent Really End?"
  • "Do We Fast on Sundays in Lent?"
• Hallow, 
  • "What to Give Up For Lent in 2024: Practical Fasting Ideas for Lent"
  • "Easter Vigil 2024: Guide to Catholic Easter Vigil Mass, Readings and More"
  • "Easter 2024: The Complete Guide to the Catholic Season of Easter"
• Aleteia, 
  • "Can you stay one hour with me? The “Night Watch” of Holy Thursday"
  • "When should Catholics genuflect in a church?"

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“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19)

How does the Catholic church dialogue with other faiths and denominations without compromising on the truth? Why is it important to have friends who don't share my beliefs? How can I be genuinely open to others' opinions without becoming relativistic?

In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of unity and diversity by discussing evangelisation, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and apostolate.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

Matthew 28
John Paul II, Ut Unum Sint
Redemptoris Missio
Address to the Representatives of the Christian Churches and Ecclesial Communities Gathered in Assisi for the World Day of Prayer  
Catholic Answers, "What is the Doctrine of Ecumenism?"
"Is Ecumenism a Heresy?"
Peter Kreeft, "The Importance of Ecumenism"
"What Catholics and Protestants Can Learn from Each Other"
Ascension, "Aren't All Churches The Same?"
Vatican II, Unitatis Redintegratio
Nostra Aetate
Dignitatis Humanae
Apostolicam Actuositatem
Catholic Encyclopedia, "Union of Christendom"
"What Is the Lay Apostolate?"
"That We May Be One"
Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue,  Reflection And Orientations On Interreligious Dialogue And The Proclamation Of The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

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How do we balance unity and diversity within the Catholic church? Do Catholics have to accept every single one of the official teachings of the church? Does union with the pope mean accepting and believing every single thing he says?

In this episode, we discuss unity and diversity within the Catholic church.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

John 17
Matthew 18
Matthew 16
Vatican Documents
Meditations for the Octave of Christian of Christian Unity
John Paul II, Ut Unum Sint
Catholic Answers, "Magisterium"
"What is the difference between doctrine and dogma?"
"Does doctrine change?"
"What's the Deal with Limbo?"
"Papal Infallibility"
"Can Dogma Develop?"
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Doctrinal note on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life
On the Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian
Aleteia, "What is the Magisterium of the Catholic Church?"
Pope John XXIII, Ad Petri Cathedram, On Truth, Unity and Peace in a Spirit of Charity\
The Catholic Encyclopedia, "Unity"
"Tradition and Living Magisterium"
"Christian Doctrine"
Pints with Aquinas, "What is the difference between doctrine and dogma?"
Relevant Radio, "Freedom in Temporal Affairs"

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What are charisms? Do Catholics believe that people can speak in tongues? How do I know what my unique gifts are?

Happy New Year! Welcome to our first episode of 2024!

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

• 1 Corinthians 12
• Matthew 25
• Romans 12
• Ephesians 4
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 799, 800, 801, 2003.
• Pope Francis' prayer intention for January 2024
• The Catholic Encyclopedia, 
  • "The Gift of Tongues"
  • "Charismata"
  • "Prophecy"
• Catholic Answers, 
  • "What Does the Church Teach About the Charismatic Gifts of the Holy Spirit?"
  • "The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit"
• Godsplaining, "Episode 152: The Holy Spirit and Charismatic Graces"
• Ascenscion Presents 
  • "Natural Talents vs. Supernatural Charism"
  • "What Are My Charisms?"
• Kevin Vost, Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Every Spiritual Warrior's Guide to God's Invincible Gifts
• Aleteia, "How knowing your charism can radically change your life"
• Restore the Glory Podcast

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What should we do during Advent? Have we always celebrated Christmas on the 25th December? What are the origins of the Christmas tree and the nativity scene?

In this episode, we discuss one of the most beautiful and important times in the Catholic calendar.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pt. 524-526.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, "Christmas", "Advent", "Gaudete Sunday"
Catholic Answers, "Why is Christmas on December 25?"; "Advent: What Are We Preparing For?"; "How to Make Advent Useful"
Catholic Straight Answers, "What is the origin of the Christmas Tree?"
Aleteia, "The profound symbolism of violet and rose in Advent"; "Why does Advent have 4 Sundays?"
Fr Michael de Stoop, "Why you should prepare for Christmas by making a good confession"
Hallow, "Christmas 2023"; "Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths"

Guides for confession:
Fr John A. Kane. How to Make a Good Confession.
St Josemaria Institute. A Short Guide to Confession.
Fr Mark-Mary, Ascenscion Presents. A Guided Examination of Conscience.
Examination of Conscience for Adults
Examination of Conscience for Teens
Examination of Conscience for Children

Guides for prayer:
Meditations in Manhattan: "Live Advent Well"
Fr Mark Toups,

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The appearance of Our Lady at Fátima in 1917 was one of the most incredible and significant events of the twentieth century. In these apparitions, Mary encouraged the world to pray the rosary, and to pray for peace, poor sinners, and the pope. She also performed one of the most mind-blowing miracles you'll ever hear about.

In this episode, we finish our discussion of the apparitions at Fátima.

The Fátima prayer:
Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Bring all souls to heaven, especially those who most need your mercy.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:

• William Thomas Walsh, Our Lady of Fatima
• EWTN, "Our Lady of Fatima"
• Hallow, "Our Lady of Fátima: History, the Five Prayers Given to the Children at Fátima, and Their Sainthood"
• Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, "WYD destinations: the incredible story of Fatima"
• Catholic Answers, "Getting Fatima Right"
• "What Some Might Miss in Our Lady of Fatima’s Message"
• "The Message of Fatima"
• "Do Catholics Have to Believe in Approved Apparitions?"
• Parousia Media, The Mysteries of Fatima - Jimmy Akin - Catholic Answers (3 CD Set)

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