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

In this episode, Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson discuss their favorite Bible passages and the significance of these passages in their spiritual journeys.

Fr. Ron reflects on the book of Hosea and the symbolic marriage between Hosea and Gomer, while Dan speaks about the agony in the garden, highlighting Jesus' desire for companionship in suffering.

They discuss the nativity story, imagining the untold moments and human experiences of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They also delve into Judas's betrayal, contemplating the possibility of forgiveness, and Joseph from the Old Testament's story of forgiveness towards his brothers. The hosts emphasize the importance of viewing scripture as a living story and using imaginative prayer to connect more deeply with biblical events and the humanity of its characters.

00:00 Introduction: Favorite Bible Stories

00:22 Hosea and Gomer: A Reflection of God's Love

03:15 The Agony in the Garden: Jesus' Human Emotions

07:12 The Nativity Story: Faithfulness and Sacrifice

15:04 Judas' Betrayal: A Lesson in Forgiveness

17:52 Joseph's Forgiveness: Overcoming Hurt

21:44 Conclusion: The Realness of Biblical Stories

In this episode, Dan Hansen, a convert from Protestantism, and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss the Catholic understanding of Mary. They delve into common Protestant concerns, scriptural bases for venerating Mary, and personal experiences of Mary's intercession. The conversation covers theological interpretations, the significance of Mary's presence in the Bible, the role of tradition, and the differentiation between worship and veneration. They also explore the importance of religious imagery and practices in deepening faith.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:26 Previous Discussions and Lighthearted Banter

02:22 Protestant Struggles with Mary

03:11 Mary in Scripture and Early Church Fathers

04:54 Mary's Role in Salvation History

11:32 Mary as the New Eve

23:02 The Rosary and Hail Mary Prayer

25:14 The Significance of Mary in Scripture

26:40 Mary's Role and Grace

27:43 Theological Perspectives on Mary

29:44 Tradition and Scripture

38:15 Personal Experiences with Mary's Intercession

45:24 Understanding Catholic Devotion to Mary

49:56 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson explore ways to support priests in their demanding roles. They discuss the importance of daily prayers for priests, sharing positive feedback, acknowledging them during holidays and special occasions, and the importance of constructive criticism given with love. The episode also touches on the emotional difficulties priests face when transitioning between parishes, emphasizing the need for parishioners to be kind and open-hearted in these times.

00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

00:36 Supporting Our Priests: A Conversation with Father Ron

00:53 The Importance of Prayer for Priests

02:49 The Power of Positive Feedback

08:17 Remembering Priests During Holidays and Special Occasions

11:45 Challenges of Priests Moving Parishes

21:53 Constructive Criticism and Support

26:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson reconnect after a busy summer to discuss Father Ron's recent vacation in Europe. The conversation covers the unique experience of being a chaplain on the Queen Mary 2 cruise to the fjords of Norway, exploring Southampton and London, and discovering Ireland's Malahide and Dublin. They reflect on the beauty and surprises of the journey, including cultural landmarks and culinary delights, highlighting how unplanned events often lead to the most memorable experiences.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Father Ron's European Adventure

01:41 Exploring the Norwegian Fjords

05:06 Unexpected Modernity in Norwegian Towns

07:31 A Foggy Gondola Ride

10:27 A Day in London

17:23 Unexpected Dinner Plans

17:39 Exploring Malahide Castle

18:57 Water Pressure Woes

20:05 Temple Bar Area Adventure

21:50 Emigrant Museum Visit

22:41 Irish Whiskey Museum Experience

23:52 Michelin Star Dining

28:54 Reflecting on the Trip

29:34 Future Travel Plans

32:16 Closing Remarks

In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson delve into the subject of priesthood and vocations. They discuss the challenges and rewards of serving as a priest, the current state of priestly vocations in the diocese, and the impact of traditional liturgy on attracting young people to the church.

The conversation also explores the process of discerning a call to the priesthood, the importance of a strong prayer life, and the practical steps involved in joining and progressing through seminary. They address common concerns such as the cultural and personal implications of celibacy, navigating societal negativity towards the Church, and the support systems available to seminarians and priests. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a vocation in the Catholic Church or interested in understanding the dynamics of priestly life.

00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

00:28 Discussing Priestly Vocations

01:48 The Appeal of Traditional Liturgy

03:03 Young People and the Church

05:24 Personal Reflections on Seminary Life

23:19 Challenges and Rewards of Celibacy

31:31 Balancing Priesthood and Family Life

32:12 Always On Call: The Life of a Priest

35:01 Dealing with Doubts and Challenges

37:55 Seeking Support and Guidance

42:50 The Administrative Burden

47:04 Path to Priesthood: Steps and Advice

59:16 Encouraging Vocations

01:01:41 Final Thoughts and Contact Information