Claim OwnershipThe Cardinal Newman Society Podcast
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The Cardinal Newman Society aims to promote and defend faithful Catholic education. However, most Catholics have not experienced a faithful Catholic education therefore CNS needs to fill in the blank. What does this look like? What does it entail? How would one know it? What should one look for to determine if their Catholic school is faithfully Catholic? Too often, parents rely on the “like meter”—I like so and so (insert administrator or teacher name), therefore I think they are doing a good job. Or perhaps they have Mass once a week and wear uniforms so they appear Catholic. Is that enough to be called a faithful Catholic education?
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We continue our conversation with Greg Baylor on defending religious freedom in Catholic education.
As Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, he has spent decades standing at the intersection of law, faith, and education, protecting Catholic schools from government mandates and cultural pressures that threaten their mission.
Listen to the cases ADF is bringing in front of the Supreme Court this term, and why this impacts the work of Catholic education.
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Greg Baylor’s path to becoming one of the nation’s leading defenders of religious liberty was marked by conviction and purpose. As Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, he has spent decades protecting religious schools, families, and ministries from government overreach and cultural pressures that threaten their freedom to live faithfully.
In this conversation, Baylor breaks down the most pressing legal challenges facing Catholic education today, from Title IX disputes to conscience protections. With clarity and conviction, he explains why vigilance in the courts is essential for safeguarding Catholic identity, and how educators and parents alike can stand firm in the face of growing opposition.
This is a timely and practical look at the front lines of religious liberty — and why the fight for faithful education matters for the future of the Church.
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In Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Bill Thierfelder, outgoing president of Belmont Abbey College, we dive into the deeper layers of Catholic education, sports, culture, and the soul. With stories from NFL training sessions to his own Olympic-level athletic career, Dr. Thierfelder unpacks what sport is really for and how it can form or deform the human person depending on its aim.
From Saint John Henry Newman's vision of the university to Pope Pius XII’s theology of sport, this episode explores the radical claim that virtue, beauty, and discipline belong in both the classroom and the weight room. Dr. Thierfelder also warns of the spiritual cost of tech dependence and offers a moving reflection on what it means to be truly present, to God, to one another, and to the purpose He gives each life.
Whether you are a parent, athlete, or educator, this is a must-listen episode on Catholic formation, real presence, and human flourishing in a distracted age.
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Dr. Bill Thierfelder’s path to Belmont Abbey was anything but predictable — from NCAA Division I athlete and Olympic-level sports psychologist to business executive and devoted father of ten children, his journey ultimately led him to a small Catholic college in crisis. But what followed was nothing short of providential.
Rooted in the Benedictine tradition and inspired by the monks who built the college brick by brick over 150 years ago, Dr. Thierfelder helped transform Belmont Abbey into a faithful Catholic institution that now thrives spiritually and academically.
With humility, conviction, and a deep love for Christ, he shares what it means to live “according to the Rule” — not just as a motto, but as a daily mission. In this conversation, he unpacks the true meaning of love, the spiritual battles of modern education, and the simple prayer that defines his life: “Thank you, Jesus.”
This is a powerful testimony of renewal, leadership, and the beauty of Catholic tradition in action.
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In Part 2 of Emily Torres’s testimony, she continues her story of standing for truth at a Catholic university that seems to have abandoned its identity. From confronting radical gender ideology to being verbally harassed for defending the Church’s teaching on marriage and pro-life issues, Emily increasingly found herself isolated on campus.
Despite threats, public ridicule, and faculty pushing blasphemous theology, Emily refused to back down. She organized protests and reported blatant anti-Catholic behavior to college administrators, only to be met with silence.
Now a Catholic high school teacher and soon joining Catholic Answers, Emily shares the lessons she’s learned and offers wisdom for students and parents navigating today’s culture wars.
Her witness is a reminder that even in darkness, grace sustains, and truth demands courage.
It also should provoke a sense of urgency. Every Catholic family needs to know about The Newman Guide. It is the antidote to the radical ideologies lurking in our educational institutions.
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Emily Torres shares her powerful conversion story, from growing up in a nominal protestant home to discovering the truth of the Catholic faith as a teenager. But after enrolling at a prominent Catholic university that claims to seek God in all things, Emily instead encountered an environment that promoted an anti-Catholic agenda:
From Free Condom Fridays held outside the campus chapel, pro-abortion protests, drag shows mocking religious life, trigger warnings on Scripture, and professors pushing gender ideology, Emily faced a flood of scandal, hostility, and confusion. When administrators dismissed her concerns and defended the events, Emily took a public stand.
Hear how her commitment to truth led her to the Cardinal Newman Society and deepened her faith in the midst of adversity. This is a powerful testimony of courage, conviction, and the urgent need for faithful Catholic education.
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Join us as Steve Minnis, president of Benedictine College, shares his remarkable journey of over two decades at the helm, driving unprecedented growth and fostering a community deeply rooted in faith and scholarship. Under his leadership, Benedictine College has not only doubled its student body but also enhanced its campus with modern facilities, all while strengthening its Catholic identity. From initiating a unique consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary to embedding faith deeply into the academic and communal fabric of the college, Minnis' vision is a testament to the transformative power of integrating community, faith, and scholarship in higher education.
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Continue the gripping narrative with Tony Scarpo as he delves deeper into the aftermath of confronting woke ideologies at his daughters' Catholic school. After initially stepping back into a leadership role with renewed promises from the school, Tony and his wife Barbara faced a resurgence of the very issues they fought against. This episode explores the stark revelations and tough decisions that led to a legal battle against the school, highlighting the significant personal and communal impact. Their journey underlines the profound necessity for parents to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding Catholic education.
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Tune in to hear Tony Scarpo's compelling journey as he and his wife made deliberate choices to immerse their daughters in what they believed was a faithful and nurturing Catholic school. After relocating their home closer to the prestigious school, spearheading fundraising efforts, and contributing $1.35 million to its development, Tony uncovers a distressing shift towards woke ideologies within the school. His story unfolds into a dramatic confrontation with the school's leadership, culminating with his family suing the school for fraud. This episode is a poignant reminder of the vigilance needed to preserve the essence of faithful Catholic education in the face of modern challenges.
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Rejoin Dan Schreck, director of The Institute at Ave Maria University, as he continues highlighting the university's approach to integrating faith with academic and professional development. Learn how The Insitute connects students with Legatus mentors and delivers on the claim of forming leaders.
Join Dan Schreck, chief strategy officer, director of the Institute, and vice president of enrollment at Ave Maria University, as he discusses the vision behind the university’s innovative Institute. Discover how the Institute harmonizes faith, academics, and professional development to equip students with the tools and formation needed to lead and succeed in today’s world. Learn about Ave Maria University’s unique approach to creating well-rounded graduates who excel in their careers, embrace their faith, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Rejoin Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre, president of Catholic International University, as she delves into the transformative power of virtual Catholic education. Dr. Aguirre highlights Catholic International's innovative early college program, affordable degree options, and mission-driven education. Discover how Catholic International combines academic rigor with the teachings of the Church to serve students worldwide.
Join Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre as she discusses Catholic International University’s mission to make faithful Catholic education accessible worldwide. Learn about the university’s unique online approach to forming students in faith and intellect.
Today, Seton Junior and Senior High School in Manassas, Virginia, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Join us as we continue our discussion with Bob Pennefather and discover how this 7-12 grade school keeps Christ at the center & the Newman Guide as its second apostle.
Join us as we sit down with Bob Pennefather, director of Seton Junior/Senior High School, to discuss Seton’s remarkable journey as one of the first 7-12 schools to become Newman Guide Recommended. Founded by Mrs. Anne Carroll in 1975, the year of Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization, Seton School is a private, co-educational school. Discover how Seton has made the Catholic faith a priority and how the Newman Guide Recommended process deepened their commitment to authentically Catholic education.
Join us as we sit down with Dr. George Harne, the new president of Christendom College, to explore his vision for the future of this thriving Newman Guide college. Learn about his path to the presidency, Christendom’s mission to restore all things in Christ, and the exciting plans to build on the college’s rich foundation. Discover how Christendom continues to form students intellectually, spiritually, and socially in a deeply Catholic environment.
Rejoin Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College, as he delves further into their distinctive educational model. This session highlights the deeper integration of outdoor experiences within their academic framework and discusses innovative strategies for student debt reduction, demonstrating a profound commitment to forming both mind and soul.
More with Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka as she shares the practical steps for teaching sacred music and forming the next generation of Catholic musicians.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, founding director of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music. Explore how this unique institute is equipping musicians and educators with the knowledge and skills to revitalize sacred music in parishes and schools. Discover the profound impact of sacred music on Catholic worship and how it can bring renewed vitality to the faith.
More with Dr. Timothy O'Donnell as he shares valuable lessons from 32 years as president of Christendom College. O'Donnell shares the joy of seeing Christendom College grow and his insights for faithful Catholic educators.
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