The Catholic Accent Podcast

Are you ready to unearth the spiritual significance hidden beneath the spooky surface of Halloween? Join us for a captivating conversation with Jordan Whiteko, Father Andrew Hamilton, and Father Christopher Pujol as we uncover the Catholic roots of this much-misunderstood holiday. Discover how Halloween, often seen as a secular or occult celebration, actually has deep connections to All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Learn how these sacred days form a meaningful triduum that reminds us of the importance of reflecting on death, the afterlife, and praying for those who have passed on. By examining the misconceptions surrounding Halloween, we clarify its true spiritual significance within the Catholic tradition and how it can serve as a reminder of God's grace. Together, we will debunk the myth that Halloween is solely a festival of darkness linked to pagan traditions. Instead, Father Andrew and Father Christopher reveal how it is an opportunity to reflect on what could be without God's light and how the festivities can reinforce faith and hope. We delve into the modern-day practice of dressing up in costumes, urging listeners to remember the Christian elements behind this tradition rather than focusing on glorifying darker themes. With poignant insights on the importance of prayer and the triumph of light over darkness, this episode promises to transform your understanding of Halloween and inspire a celebration grounded in faith. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Prepare to transform your understanding of Halloween with us as we uncover its rich Catholic heritage alongside Father Andrew Hamilton, Father Christopher Pujol and Jordan Whiteko. You'll learn how this often misunderstood holiday, far from being merely secular or negative, can be a celebration that draws us closer to faith. From the tradition of trick-or-treating to dressing up in costumes, we explore the historical and religious origins of these customs, demonstrating how they can enrich community and family life. Discover how engaging with contemporary cultural elements provides an opportunity to evangelize, turning a modern, commercialized holiday into a meaningful spiritual experience. Our journey doesn't stop there; we also explore the profound practice of praying for souls in purgatory, focusing on the privileged altars at St. Vincent Archabbey and St. Joseph in New Kensington. By scheduling Masses for our loved ones, both living and deceased, we fulfill the Church's call for collective prayer. As Mass books open this October, Father Andrew and Father Christopher remind us of the significance of reaching out to parish secretaries to arrange these sacred ceremonies. This episode promises a unique blend of historical insight and spiritual guidance, all while challenging us to bring deeper meaning to our Halloween celebrations. Don't forget to follow, like, and subscribe to stay connected with our conversations. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Have you ever felt a surge of courage that inspired you to step out and make a difference? Season One's final episode takes you back to the origins of such bravery, to the Pentecost, where the disciples' transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit ignited a fearless proclamation of faith. We delve into the rich symbols of that historic day—the roaring winds, the tongues of fire, and the unifying gift of languages. You'll discover how these signs go beyond mere spectacle and speak profoundly to our unity and purpose as believers. Peter's leap of faith into his apostolic role serves as a clarion call for us to embrace our own mission, demonstrating service, charity, and truth in today’s complex world. This reflective journey discusses how today's believers can draw strength from these narratives, stepping out to live a faith that's as authentic as it is attracting. With an eye to the future, we ponder the vibrant life Jesus promised and how, through the Spirit celebrated at Pentecost, we are called to breathe life into our surroundings. This episode promises not only to enlighten but also to stir the soul, inviting you to embark on a path of service and meaning, guided by the divine breath that sustains us all. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

What if the pivotal moment of your faith was born from doubt and disbelief? Picture this: The disciples, huddled in an upper room, fear etched onto their faces as they grappled with the crucifixion of Jesus. Understandably, they were skeptical when the women came bearing news of an empty tomb. In a stunning turn of events, Jesus, in his glorified body, appears among them, passing through locked doors as if they were mere illusions. This bodily resurrection is a crucial aspect of Christian faith, affirming the redemption of all aspects of humanity. Navigating the complexities of faith and doubt is not a straightforward journey, but it is one that we are all invited to embark on. Take Thomas, for example. His initial disbelief of the resurrection was transformed into unwavering faith when he saw and believed. Echoing his declaration of "my Lord, my God" during the consecration of the Eucharist serves as a profound profession of faith for all believers. The Sabbath, the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the transformative events that took place in that upper room weave together to form a sacred tapestry that speaks to the power of faith, the struggle with doubt, and the ultimate belief in God's providence. Join us as we ponder these divine mysteries and find ourselves immersed in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Are you ready to challenge your notions of service and faith? That's exactly what we're going to do as we delve into the profound meaning behind a humble act - the washing of the feet. A tradition once considered menial and performed by the lowest individual in a household, Jesus transformed it into a powerful testament of humility and love. Walk with us as we explore Peter's initial refusal to have his feet washed, a reflection of our own battles with pride and scrupulosity. We'll also shed light on the concept of confessing sins and the role of intentionality in penance. But there's more. This episode isn't just about washing feet - it's about the deep-seated connections between the Eucharist, service, and faith. We're going to uncover the importance of service in the context of the Eucharist, and the way Jesus drew attention to this connection in the Bread of Life discourse. Discover how the Last Supper served as a platform for Jesus to emphasize service, and how his self-reference as "I am" in the face of impending betrayal underlined the importance of service in the institution of the Eucharist. Saddle up for a journey that promises to reshape your perceptions of service, faith, and the Christian doctrine. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Ever wondered why Jesus waited two days before visiting Lazarus? Intriguing, right? Join Jordan Whiteko, Father Christopher Pujol, and Father Andrew Hamilton from the Diocese of Greensburg as we dive into the mystery and significance of Lazarus' resurrection, one of Jesus' most breathtaking miracles. We unpack the profound impact this event had on the Jewish leaders of the time. As we reflect on this miracle, we shed light on Jesus' command over death and his divine mission to bestow eternal life. But we don't stop there. We venture into the realm of death and the afterlife, with a focus on purgatory, an essential belief in the Catholic faith. Ever considered how prayers for the departed serve a dual purpose? We discuss how these prayers provide comfort to the grieving and assistance to the departed soul. As we reflect on Lazarus' story, we are reminded of God's enduring call to life and freedom. So, join us as we unravel the deeper implications of these biblical narratives and their relevance to our lives today. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Could you strip yourself of all your worldly possessions for a chance at eternal life? This provocative question is at the core of an illuminating conversation with our esteemed guests, Father Andrew Hamilton and Father Christopher Pujol. Together, we journey through the profound narrative of the rich young man who asked Jesus about his path to eternal life. We delve into the challenges of detachment from material wealth and the struggle to find true security. We reflect on the stark reality that merely being a virtuous person isn't enough to establish a meaningful connection with God. We discuss the pursuit of perfection through the practice of faith, acknowledging the impossibility of human perfection but the vital importance of striving towards it. This episode serves as a stirring reminder of our responsibility to walk the talk and continually seek God's grace. So, join us in this enlightening exploration of faith, devotion, and the trials of earthly detachment, right here on the Catholic Accent podcast. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Ever wondered why the Transfiguration filled disciples with holy terror? Or, pondered upon the symbolic representation of Jesus appearing with Moses and Elijah? We, your hosts Jordan Waiko, Father Andrew Hamilton, and Father Christopher Pujol, delve into these complex questions in our latest podcast episode. Through a close examination of the biblical event from Mount Tabor to the Old Testament, we unveil the profound theological connection between the Transfiguration, the completion of the old covenant, and the inception of the new. In a fascinating twist, we also reflect on why Jesus wanted to maintain secrecy around the Transfiguration. Is it important to start with the basics when it comes to spreading faith? To answer this, we discuss the fundamental concept of why we are made for love. This understanding opens up a whole new perspective on the mystery of the trinity and the indwelling of the spirit within us. With references straight from the scriptures and comprehensive theological insights, this episode will enrich your understanding of faith in an extraordinary way. So, prepare for a spiritual sojourn like no other, as we unravel these mysteries together. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the shoes of Jesus' disciples, experiencing the shock, disbelief, and confusion they felt when Jesus declared his impending death? Imagine being in the midst of pagan rituals and child sacrifices in the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi, only to hear that your leader, Jesus, must journey to Jerusalem to face his end. This episode gives us a rich, historical immersion where we delve into the disciples' reactions, especially that of Peter's misguided attempt to thwart Jesus' mission. We paint a vivid picture of the city; from its ancient cave believed to be a dwelling place for spirits to the chilling rituals that took place. Dare to step further into the shoes of the apostles in this episode as we examine their human reality and the rivalry among them, personified in the characters of Peter and Judas. We take a close look at Peter's audacity in declaring Jesus as the Christ and contrast it with Judas' despair symbolized by the crowing rooster. We also analyze the implications of Jesus' prediction concerning his journey to Jerusalem and the conditions it sets for discipleship in our lives today. Expect to be challenged, inspired, and perhaps even unsettled, as we journey through this riveting exploration of faith, humanity and divine purpose. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Sailing into stormy seas can be terrifying, especially when it's the storm within our souls. Ever wondered how Jesus' miracles of calming the tempestuous waters translate to our modern lives? Accompany us, alongside Father Andrew Hamilton and Father Christopher Pujol, as we navigate through the rousing narratives from Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus showcased His divine authority by commanding the raging seas to be still. Join us on a riveting exploration of these miracles, unearthing aspects of Jesus' personality not typically highlighted, and the powerful metaphor of the boat as the Church - the 'bark of Peter'. Leaning into life's unpredictable moments can lead us to unexpected strength, humility, and growth. But how do we find steadiness in our wavering faith? Using personal stories and biblical narratives, we discuss the process of embracing our insufficiency, the challenges of priest transfers, and the profound experience of ministering to a dying cancer patient. Tune in to our soul-stirring conversation about the grace that surfaces in times of uncertainty, and the ways the Lord guides us through our own personal storms. Get ready to experience a transformative exploration of faith, miracles, and the power of grace - a spiritual compass for our tumultuous journey through life. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

How well do you know the mysteries and rich symbolism of the Bible? Join us as we unlock biblical secrets with our Hosts Jordan Whiteko, Father Chris Pujol, and Father Andrew Hamilton. Father Hamilton sets the scene for us as we journey to the wedding feast of Cana, the backdrop for Jesus' first recorded miracle, where water is transformed into wine. Father Hamilton paints a stunning picture of life in Cana, where everyone in the town is invited to the wedding. We delve into the profound meaning behind Jesus addressing Mary as 'woman', a seemingly simple term that harbors connections to the new Adam and Eve, and ultimately, the redemption of the world. Ever pondered why the best wine was served last at Cana? It's a potent symbol of God's abundant generosity, even when we least deserve it. As we step into the shoes of the amazed banquet servers, we begin to understand the grandeur of the miracle that unfolded before their eyes. Father Pujol shares insights on this divine display of grace, reminding us of God's ceaseless love. Prepare to see this biblical tale in a new light, deepening your understanding of God's grace, and His desire to serve the best for last. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

What if the greatest satisfaction you've been seeking is not in material wealth, but in a divine encounter? Imagine Jesus, breaking the barriers of his time and reaching out to a Samaritan woman, an outcast, to quench her spiritual thirst. This episode will take you on a deep exploration of the story of Jesus and the Woman at the Well, shedding light on the societal norms of that time, and how Jesus challenged them. We, your hosts, Jordan Whiteko, Father Andrew Hamilton, and Father Christopher Pujol, aim to bring to you a fresh understanding of this tale and what it signifies about God's boundless mercy. Now, let's break down the well-known phrase, "God is love". Are we taking its profound implications for granted? As we grapple with this query, we’ll share insights on how the immense love of God reaches out to us, especially during our deepest struggles. We’ll discuss how Christ meets us at the nadir of our lives and how these special encounters can alter us in profound ways. Moreover, we’ll reflect on the idea that, in a world overflowing with material wealth, the true meaning of life is unearthed in God. This episode is a gentle reminder, a nudge, to never hesitate to turn to Jesus during tribulations. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube

Introducing "The Catholic Accent Podcast: Stunned Disciples," a new audio series that discusses the Acts and Miracles of Jesus that stunned His Disciples. Be sure to follow, like, and subscribe to our channel to get alerts about new episodes. Visit TheAccentOnline.org Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow us on YouTube