Saints Like Us

"Depart from me, I never Knew you". These are some of the most chilling words in the Gospel, especially since they were spoken to people who believed they were followers of Jesus. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe explore the difference between 'ticking the boxes' of a Catholic life, and having an authentic relationship with Jesus......

This is not a typical episode of Saints Like Us, however, Deacon Jeff and Joe wanted to pay their respects, and acknowledge the passing of Prince Mongo, who was a legend in the Memphis Community, and beyond. Interestingly, Joe has enjoyed a long friendship with this 333 year old Zambodian, (who in point of fact was a very charitable individual) and shares some stories....

The new trailer for Season 6 of 'The Chosen' just came out, and is generating a lot of interest. Have you watched the show? On this episode Deacon Jeff and Joe talk about this ground breaking, crowd funded show, and speculate on what we might see in Season 6....

Joe came across a meme on Facebook, that instantly convicted him; "If the Devil Can't Make You Bad, He'll Make You Busy". On this episode Deacon Jeff and Joe discuss this subtle tactic of the Enemy. Very often in our daily life, we wind up devoting too much of our time and our mental energy to things that aren't necessarily bad, but if taken to extreme, can distract us away from the things of God......

There is nothing more fascinating than our Catholic Faith. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe explore some of the areas of our Faith that most intrigue them........

This is a thought provoking and interesting episode. Deacon Jeff and Joe explore the power and importance of Names. From the Name of God, to the Name we're given by our parents, to the Name we choose for ourselves at our Confirmation. We also get a follow up report about why the Church discourages us from giving a Name to our Guardian Angels.......

As we celebrate our 250 year anniversary, Deacon Jeff and Joe talk about what a remarkable country this is, and explore the question "Did God intervene in the founding of the USA?" They also share some of their favorite patriotic movies, and even discuss events that on their surface don't seem patriotic, yet they still stirred up a love for America.....

It's part 2 of what is likely to become a multi part series of shows, as Deacon Jeff and Joe round table more mysteries and questions they're looking forward to having answered when they get to Heaven.......

This was a big weekend for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, as they ordained two new priests; Fr. Chris Fagin and Fr. Felix Pesce. On this episode Deacon Jeff and Joe discuss this great event, and some of the things you will see, hear and experience when you attend an ordination.......

Our Catholic Faith is full of mysteries. The good news is that once we get to Heaven, all of these mysteries will be made clear. In the meantime though all we can do is ponder these things and hopefully gain some insight along the way. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe round table a list of some of the mysteries that intrigue them most, and some of the questions they're looking forward to having answered once they get to Heaven....

Pope Leo's Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (or the A.I Encyclical) is hot off the press! As of the recording of this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe have only had time to read selected passages from the document so far, but that won't stop them from sharing their thoughts on A.I, and the cautionary, and hopeful words of our Holy Father....

When you pray "Come Holy Spirit" with sincerity, these 3 simple words can change your life, and the lives of everyone around you. On this episode Deacon Jeff and Joe explore some of the ways that the Holy Spirit can manifest Himself when we invite Him into our lives.........

The Acts of the Apostles reads like and Action Movie. It is a masterpiece. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe celebrate some of their favorite stories from Acts, as well as salute the brilliant writing and storytelling skills of St. Luke.......

We know that we are in constant spiritual warfare, but in the midst of this battle, we can often gloss over the basic question of; "Why?" On this episode Deacon Jeff and Joe explore the fundamental question; "Why Does the Devil Hate Us?"

Does God have a sense of humor? (We sure hope so) Deacon Jeff is still "On Assignment" this week, so Joe brings in a special guest; Jessica Scott to explore this question, and some of the ways His humor has been manifested throughout Salvation History, and even in their own personal lives.......

Deacon Jeff is "On Assignment" this week, so Joe brings in special guest; Leigh Ann Roman. Leigh Ann is a Catholic writer for CatholicMom.com and Faith Magazine and is also a convert to Catholicism. The Rosary played a big role in her conversion, and plays an even bigger role in her life today. She and her family were also inspired by the work of Fr. Patrick Peyton, who famously observed that; "The Family That Prays Together Stays Together.....

It's easy fall into the routine of the culture around us as we live our daily lives, but the truth is that we live in an unprecedented era of Materialism and Consumerism, never before seen in the history of the world. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe talk about their own struggles in avoiding the Materialism trap, and also discuss ways that we can gain a new appreciation for those physical possessions that we do use........

In this episode, we engage in some Contemplative Imagination. We know that Jesus worked as a Carpenter in His time on Earth, but has this "Carpentry Mindset" existed in Jesus since the dawn of creation? Deacon Jeff and Joe explore some key moments in Salvation History, from the book of Genesis to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. and consider how Jesus's work as a Carpenter informs His approach in governing the Universe......

On this episode, Deacon Jeff is absent, attending to Holy Week duties. So Joe is taking the opportunity to talk with some visitors from St. Benedict HS. Kim Neal, Campus Minister drops in, with some of her students; Kallie, Christian, Madison, and Justin to talk about some of the Student Ministries going on at this exceptional Catholic High School.....

Palm Sunday is here! Yes, Holy Week is upon us, the most action packed week in the Church Calendar, filled with rich prayers and solemn celebrations. If we're being honest though, one of the challenges for many of us, is the fact that some of the Masses are substantially longer than normal, so we may be tempted to skip those on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and simply show up for Mass on Easter Sunday. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe encourage everyone to participate in Holy Week to its ful...

Even in her role as Queen of Heaven, and our Spiritual Mother, Mother Mary continues to be our role model for authentic Humility. Especially when we follow her instructions to: "Do whatever He tells you". On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe discuss Our Lady's humility, and also the difference between true humility, and false humility......

There are millions of great reasons to be a Catholic in this modern world, and on this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe discuss 10 of these reasons....

From the time we enter the world, to the time we leave it we are engaged in combat, both physical and spiritual. But we are never alone, and we know how the war will eventually end. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe discuss approaching sin as an enemy to be fought. They explore the weapons Jesus gives us to fight this battle, and the role our Blessed Mother plays in conquering the adversary..........

Inspired by the animated film Inside Out, Deacon Jeff and Joe explore the way that Memory plays a role in our lives. All of us have important Core Memories that have helped shape us into the people we are. As Catholic parents, how do we cultivate our families so that our kids will have solid Memories to sustain them in their lives?

For centuries, Mother Mary has appeared to individuals, and groups of people throughout the world. Often times leading to shrines being built, and miracles being performed at those sites. On this episode, Deacon Jeff and Joe talk about some of Our Lady's apparitions that have been the most meaningful to them, and also some thoughts on Marian devotion in general......

Deacon Jeff and Joe kick off the show reflecting on the brilliance of Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid, and his unique approach in teaching his student Daniel. They explore the lessons we can learn from this approach, and how many of the seemingly ordinary things we do everyday, can actually be a vehicle for spiritual growth....

(If you are an animal lover, this is the episode for you.) What does our Catholic faith teach us about the way we should treat animals? Deacon Jeff and Joe explore this question, and also share some funny stories of Saints and their miraculous interactions with the animal kingdom....

Deacon Jeff and Joe talk about some of the Sacramentals Catholics display in their homes, such as artwork or statues, or the medals that they wear, or the Rosary's they use for prayer. Then later in the show, (just for fun) they explore the psychology that goes into selecting which pew we sit in at Mass.....

Deacon Jeff and Joe offer some recommended viewing of some well known, and some lesser known Christmas Movies and TV Shows......

Deacon Jeff and Joe talk about a recent Christmas Parade in Joe's neighborhood, and how it spontaneously turned in to a fun Ecumenical event. Then Deacon Jeff talks about his approach to ecumenism which he calls Stealth Catholicism......