Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

TF S03 | E18| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a thoughtful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: How can I know when God is talking to me? Drawing on the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the conversation explores Christian discernment through self-awareness, honesty, and paying attention to the movements of the heart over time. They explain the difference between spiritual consolation and desolation, clarifying that these are not simply good or bad feelings, but experiences related to freedom, clarity, hope, and closeness to God. The episode offers practical guidance on creating space to hear God’s voice through silence, prayer, spiritual reading, Mass, confession, adoration, and the daily Examen, while cautioning against making major decisions during times of desolation. Listeners are encouraged to trust that God’s voice often sounds like truth spoken within, to remain grounded in Church teaching, and to grow patiently in freedom and faith as God continues to shape their spiritual lives. 00:19 Podcast Welcome 03:22 Question God Speaking 03:46 Ignatius Discernment Basics 05:05 Silence and Self Awareness 05:58 Ignatius Story and Boredom 08:21 Consolation vs Dopamine Crash 10:40 Examen and Honest Reflection 12:02 True Voice vs False Voice 15:59 Church and Moral Guardrails 18:31 Crime and Punishment Example 20:52 Everyday Choices and Consolation 21:45 Fruits Of The Spirit 22:32 Consolation Versus Desolation 23:53 Do Not Decide Desolate 24:35 Dad Story And Space 27:58 Lies Reduce Your Options 29:03 Temporary States And Clarity 31:44 Many Good Choices 33:42 Discernment In Sacraments 36:13 Garden Conditions For Growth 38:05 God Changes Our Minds 38:44 Closing Thanks And Blessing

TF | S03 E17 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore key questions in Catholic theology and Scripture, beginning with Eucharistic theology, Eucharistic miracles, and why belief in the Real Presence does not depend on miracles alone. Drawing on questions from Grade 9 and 10 students at Miller High School in Regina, the conversation also includes Adam and Eve, and what these teachings reveal about the unity of the human family as well as a discussion on images of Jesus in art, examining historical accuracy, cultural expression, and how enculturated imagery helps communicate the Gospel across time and place. 00:00 Intro 01:13 The Plaid Episode 02:05 Questions from Miller High School 03:25 Addressing the Population Question 05:46 Theological Interpretations and Science 18:04 Scriptural Narrative and Loose Ends 21:53 The Importance of Originality in Interpretation 22:53 Science and Faith: Complementary Tools 23:31 What Did Jesus Look Like? 28:11 Cultural Representations of Jesus in Art 33:47 The Theology of Icons and Art in Christianity 40:10 Conclusion and Reflections

TF | S03 E16 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash is joined by Tashia Toupin to explore a series of Lenten retreats on Catholic Social Teaching offered by the Social Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of Regina. Through prayer, Scripture, art, and small group discussion, these retreats invite participants to deepen their understanding of key themes such as the dignity of work, economic justice, and the Catholic roots of social justice. With retreat locations in Esterhazy, Estevan, Regina, and Swift Current, this initiative makes faith-based social justice formation accessible across the diocese, helping Catholics live the Gospel more fully during the Lenten season. Sign up to receive more information: https://archregina.flocknote.com/ArchdioceseofRe2 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Meet our guest 01:53 Social Justice Commission Overview 03:26 Catholic Social Teaching and Its Roots 10:01 Lenten Retreat Themes and Readings 14:55 Understanding God's Plan 16:15 Reflecting During Lent 16:58 The Purpose of these Retreats 19:04 Upcoming Retreats and Logistics 21:33 Engaging with the Community 26:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

TF | S03 E15 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to student questions about God, Jesus, and the Holy Trinity. Exploring Scripture, Church history, and Christian theology, they unpack how the doctrine of the Trinity developed, the divine and human natures of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of faith. This thoughtful conversation offers clear answers to common questions about Christian belief and helps listeners better understand how God is one yet three persons. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:39 New Season Format and Production Insights 01:18 Engaging with Miller High School Students 03:18 The Nature of God, Jesus, and the Trinity 06:03 Exploring the Doctrine of the Trinity 18:09 Understanding Condescension in the Incarnation 18:46 Scriptural Examples of God's Condescension 19:28 The Mystery of Jesus' Knowledge 20:10 The Dual Nature of Jesus 21:43 The Trinity and the Incarnation 23:52 The Relationship Between God and Creation 28:41 Exploring the Holy Spirit's Role 34:59 The Filioque Controversy 38:03 Concluding Thoughts on the Trinity

TF | S03 E14 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain what the Catholic Church teaches about the rapture, death, and divine judgment. They unpack where modern rapture theories came from, what Scripture actually says about the end times, and how God’s justice and mercy meet in the moment of death. A clear, Catholic guide to some of Christianity’s most misunderstood beliefs. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 01:12 Classroom Questions and Podcast Reflections 05:12 Discussing the Rapture and Death 07:34 Biblical Interpretations and Historical Context 11:10 Human Nature and the Desire for Escape 20:29 The Left Behind Series and Pop Culture 21:00 The Influence of 'Left Behind' and Nicholas Cage 21:18 The Gospel's Answer to Fear and Hope 21:33 Catholic Church's Caution on End Times Predictions 22:37 Human Desire for Control and Prophecy 23:15 The Overlap of Rapture and Prosperity Gospel 23:47 Endless Deferrals in Rapture Predictions 25:23 The Moment of Death and Biological Ambiguity 27:46 Particular Judgment and Encounter with Christ 33:17 Speculations on Hell and Eternal Judgment 36:29 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain why our production schedule has been a little... sporadic, shall we say. But fear not, for we have a plan! Part of that plan includes taking a short break over the next few weeks. We will be back in January with new episodes of Thinking Faith. Until then, Merry Christmas!!

Archbishop Donald Bolen shares a reflection inspired by the presepi of Naples, nativity scenes that reveal the tired, longing faces of ordinary people waiting for a Messiah. This Christmas, we are invited to notice the quiet coming of Christ into the rubble of our wounded world, to recognize God’s hidden presence in our daily lives, and to find hope, courage, and compassion this Christmas.

| Re-TF | E05 | In this special episode of Re-Thinking Faith, Archbishop Don Bolen joins the conversation for a rich reflection on Christmas, the Incarnation, and hope in a broken world. Drawing on Pope Francis’ reflections on the Nativity and his own love of nativity scenes, Archbishop Bolen explores what it truly means to believe in a God who becomes flesh. This conversation looks beyond words to the heart of incarnational faith—a faith expressed through presence, accompaniment, and walking with others, especially in times of grief, loss, and suffering. A timely and deeply pastoral reflection for Advent and Christmas, this episode invites listeners to rediscover how Christ’s birth continues to transform lives today.

| S03 E13 | Deacon Eric Gurash and guest, Michelle Braden from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry unveil an exciting new teen sacramental preparation initiative—designed for young people who previously missed Baptism, Confirmation, or other sacraments. This episode explores how monthly gatherings, community-building, team-building, and flexible catechesis create a welcoming environment where teens can grow in faith, build relationships, and prepare for the sacraments in a supportive, belonging-focused setting. Contact Michelle Braden at mbraden@archregina.sk.ca to learn more! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Introducing Michelle Braden and the New Initiative 02:11 Challenges and Reasons for the New Program 04:32 Program Structure and Goals 05:55 Community Building and Sacramental Preparation 10:14 Parish Involvement and Mentorship 17:31 Call for Volunteers and Conclusion 17:44 Introduction to the New Program 18:03 Monthly Meetings and Source Event Integration 19:30 Initial Sessions and Getting to Know Each Other 20:52 Building Community and Fun Activities 21:39 Importance of Personal Connections 23:44 Flexibility and Adapting to Group Dynamics 29:19 Encouraging Participation and Open Invitation 29:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Re-TF | E04 | As the Advent season moves quickly into Christmas, we invite you to take a few moments to step out of the frantic pace of the holidays and discover the hidden gifts and graces that only a contemplative attitude can reveal.

Re-TF | E03 | Keep awake and stay alert. These advent themes invite us to foster and develop what is known as a Contemplative Attitude - a particular way of being within the world that is 'highly tuned' to the presence of Christ in our midst. In this part one of a two-part Advent retreat, Deacon Eric reflects on this call to keep watch and how we might foster a contemplative attitude this Advent this week on Thinking Faith!

| TF S03 E12 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to questions from grade 9 and 10 students at Miller Catholic High School. They dive into topics such as the nature of purgatory, offering metaphors and practical examples to help understand the process of purification. They explain how angels, including fallen angels, fit into Christian theology, touching on the distinctions between angels and humans. Finally, they tackle the question of whether Muslims, Christians, and Catholics serve the same God, exploring the nuances and commonalities in beliefs about God across these faiths. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:47 Opening the Email Bag 02:04 First Question: What is Purgatory Like? 02:36 Understanding Purgatory Through Metaphors 04:09 The Process of Purgatory in Life 11:46 Protestant Perspectives on Purgatory 20:10 Next Question: Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Beings 23:39 The Rejection of the Material by Fallen Angels 24:34 God's Presence in the Material World 26:45 The Role of Angels in Understanding Humanity 27:52 Do Angels Do Math? 30:12 Comparative Religion: Do Muslims, Christians, and Catholics Serve the Same God? 38:51 Understanding the Relationship Between Catholics and Other Christians 43:34 Engaging with Questions from Young People 44:15 Conclusion and Blessings

| S03 E11 | In this Thinking Faith Q&A episode, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld answer questions from grade nine and ten students at Miller Catholic High School in Regina about faith, Scripture, and salvation. This week, they explore how to discern when Jesus speaks literally or symbolically, and whether anyone can be certain of heaven, offering a hopeful perspective on faith, mercy, and trust in God. This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving2025 00:00 Introduction and Overview 05:08 Classroom Questions 06:33 Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretation 11:35 The Bread of Life Discourse 18:58 Trust and Understanding 22:30 How can we know we're going to heaven? 25:16 Understanding God's Mercy and Judgment 26:59 The Concept of Final Judgment 27:33 Particular vs. Final Judgment 28:36 Hope and Confidence in Salvation 30:35 The Question of Hell 31:55 Rationalizing Evil Deeds 36:10 Faith and Science: Creation and the Big Bang 37:19 Interpreting Genesis and Scientific Theories 46:52 The Role of Faith and Science in Understanding Creation 48:54 Conclusion and Future Discussions

| S03 E10 | This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to more thoughtful questions from the St. Jerome’s Youth Group in Hyattsville, Maryland. Together, they explore some of the most profound mysteries of Christian faith — free will, sin, and God’s purpose for humanity. Why would God create people knowing they would sin? How essential is free will to genuine love and faith? What does redemption reveal about the worth of every human being? Drawing from theology, personal experience, and pastoral ministry, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett reflect on how young people can grow in faith through both questions and community. This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving2025 04:29 Podcast Questions 07:31 The Story of Mary and Joseph 10:21 Moral Complexities and Sin 29:35 The Silence of God in Jephthah's Story 30:45 The Goodness of Creation and Human Life 32:12 The Value of Human Existence Despite Sin 34:08 Parental Perspective on Sin and Goodness 37:22 Freedom and Authentic Love 38:32 The Role of Freedom in Human Goodness 44:36 AI and the Future of Human Good 46:09 The Inevitability of Sin and God's Response 53:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

| S03 E08 | This week on Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and personhood through the lens of a Catholic anthropology. Drawing on personal experiences with ChatGPT and what the Large Language Model has to say about itself, they reflect on what these interactions reveal about what it means to be human and what it doesn’t. Together, they unpack the theological, ethical, and philosophical implications of rapidly advancing AI technology through the lens of Catholic teaching on the human person, reason, and the soul.

| S03 E07 | In anticipation of his keynote address at the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) Convention in Regina on Thursday, October 23, Sebastian Gomes, Executive Editor of Audio and Video at America Magazine and former producer at Salt + Light Media, joins Deacon Eric Gurash on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast.   Drawing on more than a decade of experience reporting on the Catholic Church, Sebastian reflects on Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal Church, the roots of synodality in Vatican II, and what this means for parishes and Catholic health care ministries here in Saskatchewan.   Find out more about Mr. Gomes' two public speaking engagements in Saskatchewan at the following links:   https://chassk.ca/   https://archregina.sk.ca/event/a-place-for-everyone-how-pope-francis-ignited-the-churchs-mission-to-serve-people-over-ideas/   https://archregina.sk.ca/event/implementing-the-synod-on-synodality-reflections-and-challenges-with-sebastian-gomes/

| S03 | E06 | In Part 2 of this two-part series of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their exploration of the rise in Catholic conversions across North America and Western Europe. Building on last week’s conversation, they dig deeper into the personal, cultural, and spiritual factors inspiring people to enter the Catholic Church today.

| S03 | E05 | Across North America and Western Europe, Catholic conversions are on the rise. In this episode of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore what’s driving this trend — from the global pandemic and declining trust in institutions to the influence of online voices and the Church’s unique appeal to young men. Discover the factors behind this growing movement and what it means for the future of the Catholic Church.

TF | S03 E04 | In this follow-up episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their conversation on suicide, mental health, and the Catholic Church’s teaching, turning to the complex issues of suicide prevention and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. Together, they explore the moral and theological dimensions of euthanasia, mental illness, mortal sin, and purgatory, while grounding the discussion in the Church’s call to mercy, compassion, and accompaniment. Personal stories and pastoral experiences offer insight into how families and communities can engage these sensitive realities with faith and hope. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, please know you are not alone. In Canada, you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. If you are outside Canada, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services for immediate assistance. #CatholicPodcast #SuicidePrevention #MAiD #MentalHealth #CatholicFaith #ThinkingFaith #Call988 #YouAreNotAlone 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:53 Discussing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) 01:18 Personal Experiences and Church Teachings 02:31 The Complexity of Church Teachings on Mortal Sin 06:23 Legal and Moral Implications of Assisted Suicide 11:46 Critiquing Civil Documentation and Human Freedom 13:51 Euthanasia Laws and Suicide Prevention 14:53 The Complexity of Suffering and Autonomy 15:35 Societal Implications and Suicide Hotlines 15:49 Robin Williams and the Narrative of Freedom 17:29 Praying for Those Who Have Taken Their Lives 17:53 Resources for Coping with Suicide 18:40 The Doctrine of Purgatory and God's Mercy 20:29 The Healing Experience of Purgatory 23:11 Personal Reflections on Conversion and Purgatory 25:25 The Intersection of Justice and Mercy 26:06 Final Thoughts and Suicide Prevention Month