Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Catholic Spiritual Formation - Catholic Spiritual Direction 3

WM1 – “Why Religion Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:52 — 27.4MB) | Embed

In this introductory episode of this series, we discuss “Why Religion Matters.” Archbishop Lucas also addresses why Christianity matters and the importance of having a relationship with God.

History shows that men and women, in good times and bad, seek truth outside themselves as well as within. And they follow the answers they receive. In our contemporary world, human knowledge through science and technological advances, have offered more choices and possibilities than ever before. Our horizons seem to stretch thinner and move faster than we are capable of handling. But in the end, we are same spiritual beings. Throughout our journeys the longing within endures.

WM2 – “Why Being Catholic Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:44 — 21.8MB) | Embed

Episode 2 “Why Being Catholic Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

In this episode, we discuss “Why Being Catholic Matters.” Archbishop Lucas also talks about the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” and in particular “The Rite of Election” where those who are seeking to be brought into full communion with the Catholic Church are received by the bishop of a diocese. The activity of grace which is experienced in our sacramental activity is touched upon by Archbishop Lucas, as well as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment which touches on our experience of Lent today. He also responds to some of the challenges which may confront Catholics out in the world and what our response should be.

From DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH – LUMEN GENTIUM no. 14

Basing itself on scripture and tradition, it teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation: the one Christ is mediator and the way of salvation; he is present to us in his body which is the Church. He himself explicitly asserted the necessity of faith and baptism (cf. Mk. 16:16; Jn. 3:5), and thereby affirmed at the same time the necessity of the Church which men enter through baptism as through a door. Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it, or to remain in it.

WM3 – “Why Baptism Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:57 — 19.9MB) | Embed

In this episode, we discuss “Why Being Baptism Matters.” Archbishop Lucas contiures to disucss why being a Catholic matters and moves into the importance of Baptism.

From DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH – LUMEN GENTIUM no. 1267

1267 Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: “Therefore . . . we are members one of another.”72 Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.”73

From CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI no. 12

In the words of Saint Paul we find again the faithful echo of the teaching of Jesus himself, which reveals the mystical unity of Christ with his disciples and the disciples with each other, presenting it as an image and extension of that mystical communion that binds the Father to the Son and the Son to the Father in the bond of love, the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 17:21). Jesus refers to this same unity in the image of the vine and the branches: “I am the vine, you the branches” (Jn 15:5), an image that sheds light not only on the deep intimacy of the disciples with Jesus but on the necessity of a vital communion of the disciples with each other: all are branches of a single vine.

From DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH – LUMEN GENTIUM no. 32

32. By divine institution Holy Church is ordered and governed with a wonderful diversity. “For just as in one body we have many members, yet all the members have not the same function, so we, the many, are one body in Christ, but severally members one of another”.(191) Therefore, the chosen People of God is one: “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”(192); sharing a common dignity as members from their regeneration in Christ, having the same filial grace and the same vocation to perfection; possessing in common one salvation, one hope and one undivided charity. There is, therefore, in Christ and in the Church no inequality on the basis of race or nationality, social condition or sex, because “there is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all ‘one’ in Christ Jesus”.(193)

WM4 – Infant Baptism: Welcoming our Children – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:13 — 20.8MB) | Embed

In this episode we continue our conversation on why baptism matters. We will discuss, among other things, the reason for infant baptisms in the life of the Church, the vital role the parents have in nurturing baptismal grace in the hearts of their children and how godparents, grandparents and the entire parish community contribute to the life of faith of the newly baptized child.

WM5 – Baptism: Why the Parish and the Saints Matter – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:58 — 23.3MB) | Embed

Episode 5 “Baptism: Why the Parish and the Saints Matter” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, we continue our conversation on why baptism matters. We will discuss, among other things, the importance of the parish community and the need to support parents in witness and catechesis. … Read more

WM6 – Baptism: Liberation and Communion – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:21 — 19.5MB) | Embed

Episode 6 “Baptism: Liberation and Communion” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, we continue our conversation on why baptism matters. We will discuss, among other things, the experience of exorcism contained within the rite, the blessing of the water, and the action of baptism with the … Read more

WM7 – “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt.1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:54 — 19.2MB) | Embed

Episode 7 “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt.1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas reflects on the April 2018 Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be glad)” given to the faithful by Pope Francis. We discuss Chapter 1, entitled “The Call to … Read more

WM8 – “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:27 — 19.5MB) | Embed

Episode 8 “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt.2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas continues the conversation on various aspects of the April 2018 Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be glad)” given to the faithful by Pope Francis. We conclude our … Read more

WM9 – “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt. 3 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:46 — 18.4MB) | Embed

Episode 9 “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt.3 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas continues the conversation on various aspects of the April 2018 Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be glad)” given to the faithful by Pope Francis. We conclude our … Read more

WM10 – Why the Priesthood Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:52 — 19.1MB) | Embed

Episode 10 Why the Priesthood Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we begin the conversation about the Sacrament of Holy Orders and why the priesthood matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: In the person of Christ the Head . . . 1548 In … Read more

WM11 – Why Confirmation Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:49 — 19.1MB) | Embed

Episode 11 Why Confirmation Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we begin the conversation about the action of the Holy Spirit and why the Sacrament of Confirmation matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at … Read more

WM12 – Why Confirmation Matters pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:46 — 19.1MB) | Embed

Episode 12 Why Confirmation Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we continue the conversation about the action of the Holy Spirit and why the Sacrament of Confirmation matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at … Read more

WM-Special – The Clerical Abuse Crisis and the Response by the Bishops – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:11 — 33.1MB) | Embed

In this episode, Archbishop Lucas addresses the Clerical Abuse Crisis now plaguing the Roman Catholic Church and the deeply disturbing behavior of the former Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C.,Theodore McCarrick. He also discusses the allegations of the former Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, that the Holy See, and in particular Pope Francis, was aware of McCarrick’s actions, yet allowed him to maintain a high profile role in the Church.

Archbishop Lucas also speaks of the need to protect the young and the vulnerable, as well as the concerns for seminarians and the state of our seminary system in the United States. He unequivocally states that we should not be afraid of the truth in dealing with this serious situation. He reiterates the vital need for transparency in this matter and the necessity of listening deeply to the pain brought about by this grave and disturbing sin. He joins with his brother bishops in their call for answers to the questions brought forward by this issue in order to restore trust, reestablish integrity, and bring about healing, through Jesus Christ, to all those touched by this crisis.

WM14 – Why Prayer Matters pt. 1- Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:24 — 19.5MB) | Embed

Episode 14 Why Prayer Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we begin the conversation on why prayer matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, … Read more

WM15 – Why Prayer Matters pt. 2- Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:22 — 19.5MB) | Embed

In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue the conversation on why prayer matters?

Feeding us in the desert – Holy Week 2020 with Archbishop George Lucas podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:02 — 25.5MB) | Embed

Discerning Hearts special with Archbishop George Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas discusses the challenges we all are facing in the light of the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. He reminds us that God is not mad with us, but loves us all more deeply than we could … Read more

Moving Forward in Faith – Why it Matters Special with Archbishop George J. Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:04 — 39.2MB) | Embed

Discerning Hearts special with Archbishop George Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas discusses the particulars concerning the lifting of some restrictions implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. How will this look in individual parishes? How will this affect ministries? How will this touch the lives of individuals and families? Do we … Read more

WM16 – Vatican II – Introduction pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:58 — 18.6MB) | Embed

Episode 16 Vatican II – Introduction pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin with an introduction to Vatican II. The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, commonly known as the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, was the 21st ecumenical … Read more

WM17 – Vatican II – Introduction pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:56 — 17.2MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue their discussion on the Second Vatican Council – Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM18 – Vatican II – Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy part 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:24 — 18.3MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they begin a conversation on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM19 – Vatican II – Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:05 — 22.8MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue their conversation on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM20 – Vatican II – Dei Verbum part 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:21 — 22.3MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they begin their conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM21 – Vatican II – Dei Verbum part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:06 — 18.0MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue their conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM22 – Vatican II – Lumen Gentium part 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:28 — 21.7MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they begin a conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM23 – Vatican II – Lumen Gentium part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:19 — 21.6MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM24 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:35 — 20.5MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM25 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:54 — 19.3MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM26 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 3 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:04 — 22.2MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM28 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 5 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:10 — 21.5MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast

Special – A New Chapter for the Pro-life Movement in the United States – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:16 — 19.5MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor in this special episode as they discuss the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade on the Why it Matters Discerning Hearts Podcast.

WM29 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 6 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:59 — 15.9MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM30 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 7 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:41 — 17.1MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. in this Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM31 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 8 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:49 — 17.8MB) | Embed

Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. in this Discerning Hearts Podcast

WM32 – Called to Mission – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:22 — 21.7MB) | Embed

Episode 32 Called to Mission – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas discusses with Kris McGregor what it is to be outward-looking disciples of Jesus. People we know are starving for God’s love and impoverished by loneliness, addiction, anxiety, and broken relationships. What are the … Read more

WM33 – What is the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:12 — 18.8MB) | Embed

Episode 33 – What is the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Luca Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA From the APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS 164. In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamental role of the … Read more

WM34 – What is the Kerygma Part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:55 — 17.9MB) | Embed

Episode 34 – What is the Kerygma Part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Luca Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA From the APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS 164. In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamental role … Read more

WM35 – The First Sunday of Advent and the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:16 — 20.2MB) | Embed

Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA and the First Week of Advent

WM36 – The Second Sunday of Advent and the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:34 — 17.7MB) | Embed

Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA and the Second Week of Advent

WM37 – Giving Witness to Christ – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:49 — 24.0MB) | Embed

Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor the first announcement as seen in the Acts of the Apostles KERYGMA

WM38 – Preparing for the Coming of Christ – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:36 — 21.8MB) | Embed

Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the events leading up to the celebration of Christmas and how the coming of Christ experienced in our lives today.