What's the difference between doctrine and dogma? What's an ecumenical council and how is it different from a synod? What's an encyclical, or an apostolic exhortation, or a papal bull?In this episode, we cover terminology that often comes up in Catholic teaching:DoctrineDogmaEcumenical councilSynodApostolic ConstitutionEncyclicalApostolic ExhortationApostolic LetterMoto ProprioPapal BullVatican Holy SeeReferences and further reading/listening/viewing:Pope Francis, Dilexit NosFr Mike Schm...

Why does the Catholic church have a pope? What does the pope do? Is he always infallible? Who chooses the pope? What should we do about bad popes?In this episode, we look at how the papacy works. Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:Matthew 16John 21Isaiah 22The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 880-887.Pope Benedi...

What does the Catholic church teach about angels? How many angels are there? Can they read our minds or see the future? Can I give my guardian angel a name?In this episode we cover the church's teaching on the angels, and tell some stories of the relationship of the saints to their guardian angels.Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/view...

Paul and Mary Magdalene were not part of the twelve apostles, but they WERE two incredibly important figures in the early Christian church. They were also both just completely awesome. In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of the apostles with the stories of Saints Paul and Mary Magdalene. Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listeni...

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.Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:John 1The letter of JudePope Benedict XVI: Addresses on the ApostlesThe ApostlesTh...

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.Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:The Gospel of JohnMatthew Chapter 9Mark Chapter 3Luke Chapter 5Pope Benedict XVI: ...

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.Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:John Chapter 1John Chapter 6John Chapter 12Acts Chapt...

Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In the next few episodes, we're going to unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras), beginning with this episode on Simon Peter. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2Support us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:Po...

In this life, are we supposed to suffer or to be happy? Why does God allow us to suffer? Is suffering compatible with joy? In this episode, we explore the mystery of suffering. Support us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:Colossians 1:24John Chapter 16Galatians Chapter 22 Corinthians Chapter 4Psalms 3, 22, 77, and 88.Pope St. John Paul II, Salvi...

Did Jesus always know that he was God, or did he acquire that knowledge at some point during his childhood or adolescence? Were there things that Jesus didn't know when he was on earth? Did he know what was going to happen in the future? Was Jesus ever tempted to sin, or to despair? In this episode, we discuss the incredible mystery of the hypostatic union: Jesus as fully God and fully human. Support us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.in...

Every. Single. Mass. Is a miracle. Eucharistic miracles remind us of that fact. In this episode, we discuss four amazing incidents, three of which occurred in the last thirty years. In each of these miracles, a communion host transformed into human tissue: specifically, into tissue taken from a living human heart that was in agony. Each of these miraculous hosts has been rigorously scientifically tested, often by scientists who had no idea where the samples they were testing had come from. Th...

Pope Francis has just announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis is going to be the first millenial saint. Carlo Acutis was an ordinary teenager who died suddenly at the age of 15. He was known for his love of God, and in particular for his love for Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist. Carlo loved soccer, animals, nutella, gaming, and coding. His exhibition on Eucharistic miracles is still touring the world, and his website is still available today. In this episode, we discuss the life...

If the point of my faith is to set me free, why are there so many things I *have* to do as a Catholic? What should I do when I feel like I'm doing things because I have to and not because I want to? What's the difference between being free and doing whatever I want?In this episode, we discuss interior freedom. Support us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/vi...

Does everyone have a vocation? How do I know what my vocation is? Can I say no to God's call? What if I make the wrong choice? In this episode, we discuss what it means to live out our call to holiness and apostolate in a unique, personal way. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: 1 Thessalonians 4:3Mark 16:15Pope Francis Gaudete et...

St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born in 1922. As a young woman, she wanted to be a missionary but eventually saw that God was calling her to marriage and family life. She became a pediatrician, and she and her husband Pietro had three children. They lived a full and joyful life. When she was pregnant with her fourth child, she was diagnosed with a benign tumour in her uterus. After refusing any treatment that would take the life of her child, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl, before dying...

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.  Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 1471-79.Pope Paul VI, Indulgentiarum DoctrinaUSCCB,...

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.  Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 1480-1484Rite of PenanceA Guide for...

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. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Catholic Encyclopedia, "Lent""Easter""Altar of Repose""Abstinence"St. Alphonsus Ligouri,...

“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. Support us on Patreon! Contact...

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. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further...

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! Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: 1 Corinthians 12Matthew 25Romans 12Ephesians 4The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 799, 800, 801, 2003.Pope Francis' prayer...

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.  Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pt....

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...

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 begin 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...