Canadian philosopher of Communication Marshall McLuhan once quipped that with communication “The medium is the message.” Nick and special guest Fr. John O’Brien reflect on this quote and it’s relevance for media literacy for Catholics these in digital times. Find our showpage at www.StTherese.ca/podcast. Make a tax-refundable donation at www.StTher…

What is the spiritual space needed for an authentic love of neighbour? Third-year student Christian Bekolay joins Nick as they reflect on the importance of detachment and poverty of spirit in answering this question, drawing on Christian's second-year ISP (Independent Study Project) entitled "The Empty Embrace: Detachment and Relationship". Ultimat…

"Joy is the air Christians breathe," says Pope Francis. Third year student, Kasmira Warawa, joins the podcast to discuss Pope Francis’ perspective on spiritual joy and Christian life. Stemming from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a defining virtue of the Church as an Easter people. Find out showpage at www.S…

Hans Urs von Balthasar, a prominent 20th century theologian, once quipped that “all sin, essentially, consists in breaking out of time.” Therefore, he designates patience as the central virtue of Christian life. In this podcast, Jim and Nick unpack this quote and reflect on the role of patience as addressing the “unholy time travel” of sin. Find ou…

Today, Jim sits down with Rebecca Skuban, one of our "St. Therese Apostolic Year" (S.T.A.Y.) third-year students, to talk about the "poustinia of the heart", a notion coming from Servant of God Catherine Doherty. Can integrating silence into different aspects of our lives help us to maintain peace and freedom in a world humming with digital noise? …

On December 8, 2020, Pope Francis proclaimed the 2021 year to be the "Year of St. Joseph." Along with the declaration, he released an apostolic letter, Patris Corde, reflecting on the silent guardian of the Holy Family. In this episode, Jim and Nick unpack some of the key themes of this document and ponder the figure of St. Joseph, the "father in t…

In this concluding episode of the three part Discernment mini-series, Jim and Nick reflect on the modes of discernment and various practical methods of discernment as suggested by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Discernment is a matter of faith and reason, both being the two wings by which the soul soars to the heights of holiness and union with God. Find …

Continuing in the Discernment mini-series, this episode introduces a pivotal figure: St. Ignatius of Loyola. Known for his helpful articulation of principles for discernment, St. Ignatius gives us certain key attitudes and dispositions whereby holy decisions are reached in a more effortless fashion. Find out showpage at www.StTherese.ca/podcast. Ma…

When making decisions, we are called to reflect Christ in every action we take. But how do we know what is the best choice? To answer this question, this episode launches a three part mini-series on Discernment. In this first part, Jim and Nick talk about the basic 'shape' of discernment, outlining its purpose, its general characteristics, and some…

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ commands that we should be "perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt. 5:48). All Christians are therefore called to be 'perfect', but what does that mean, exactly? In this episode, Jim and Nick discuss the call to perfection and distinguish it from its unhealthy manifestation, perfectionism. Fin…

“Were not our hearts burning within us[...]” (Luke 24:32a) This episode covers one of hosts Jim Anderson and Nick Pierlot favorite biblical passages, the "Road to Emmaus" narrative in Luke 24. Reflecting on the passage, they attempt to peal back some of its layers of meaning. Ultimately, the Road to Emmaus reveals the spiritual pathway one experien…

With the podcast being recorded on Pope St. John Paul II's feast day (Oct. 22), Jim and Nick reflect on the impact that the heroic Pope had on both of their lives. Discussing personal experiences of John Paul II as well as the import of his teaching, the podcast ends with a reflection on the relevance of John Paul II for the present and future Chur…

In today's show, Jim and Nick unpack the four classical temperaments— sanguine, choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic — and discuss their respective strengths and weaknesses, and the benefit of discerning one's own. Through their pondering, they unveil a very sanguine and calm appreciation of the four temperaments as beneficial to Christian mission,…

Jim and Nick discuss "CATHOLIC SACRAMENTAL IMAGINATION" (Don't know what that is? Listen to find out!), their TOP BOOK PICKS of books that have inspired their imaginations, and answer QUESTIONS from St. Therese Alumni in this premier episode of the (at this point unnamed) Jim & Nick Podcast! Watch the video version of the show at www.youtube.com/pl…