In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson discuss a topic suggested by a listener: their favorite books and authors. They explore influential literature, both secular and faith-based, that has impacted their lives.

Fr. Ron shares his love for Charles Dickens and recommends 'Oliver Twist,' while Dan introduces the works of James Herriot, particularly 'All Creatures Great and Small.'

They discuss other notable reads such as 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo, 'Father Brown' series by G.K. Chesterton, and 'Radio Replies' by Fathers Rumble and McCarty.

The discussion also touches on 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' series by J.R.R. Tolkien, highlighting their underlying Catholic themes. Tune in to discover books that offer both leisure and deep reflections on faith.

00:00 Introduction and Listener's Topic

00:58 Father Ron's Favorite: Charles Dickens

02:59 Dan's Favorite: James Harriot

06:46 Lighthearted Reads and Series

13:18 Faith and Apologetics

17:42 Classics and Mysteries

20:01 Tolkien's Influence and Final Thoughts

28:24 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss strategies for maintaining joy and peace during holiday family gatherings. They offer practical advice on keeping conversations light and focused on positive shared memories, playing games, and having a 'do not engage' policy on controversial topics like politics and religion. They emphasize the importance of setting a good example through actions rather than arguments and offer anecdotes and personal insights to illustrate their points. The episode also highlights the significance of family history and traditions in enriching the holiday experience.

And as boring as all of that may sound . . . this is a fun one!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Episode Context

00:28 Navigating Holiday Family Gatherings

01:20 Creating a Catholic Survival Guide

01:57 Engaging in Positive Conversations

03:01 Fun Activities for Family Gatherings

06:09 The Importance of Family History

12:03 Handling Difficult Conversations

19:49 Personal Holiday Traditions

25:22 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson explore the profound aesthetic and spiritual significance of church architecture. Through a discussion centered on the Basilica of St. Adalbert in Grand Rapids, they reflect on how beauty in church buildings can evoke a deeper sense of sacredness, holiness, and connection to God.

The conversation addresses the balance between beautifying sacred spaces and caring for the poor, emphasizing that true beauty should inspire awe and reinforce faith. Personal experiences and observations highlight the value of classic designs over modern functional spaces, the role of stained glass windows, statues, and seasonal decorations in enhancing worship, and the need to maintain awe amidst practical church upkeep. The episode invites listeners to consider the impact of their own church environments on their spiritual lives.

00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

00:15 The Beauty of the Basilica

03:21 Deeper Meaning of Beauty in Faith

06:39 Personal Reflections on Church Architecture

08:41 The Role of Beauty in Worship

12:25 Exploring the Basilica's Details

15:34 Decoding Church Symbols

16:14 The Beauty of Sacred Architecture

19:04 Modern Church Architecture: A Critique

20:37 The Sacrifice of Building Beautiful Churches

23:31 Experiencing the Basilica's Splendor

24:23 Balancing Work and Worship

25:42 The Importance of Beauty in Worship

27:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections