Vows, Vocations, & Promises

In this episode of Vows, Vocations, and Promises, Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis and Grace Marie Urlakis interview Fr. Leo Patalinghug, IVDei on his Vocation and Food Ministry (June 15, 2022)

Catholic author and poet, Annabelle Moseley, joins Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis on Episode 36 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love” to discuss her latest book: Our House of the Sacred Heart: A Litany of Stories with Art, Prayers, Poetry, and Reflections Toward Consecration to the Sacred Heart. Annabelle is an award-winning American poet, the inventor of a novel poetic form, the “mirror sonnet.” She is the Professor of Theology and the author of 11 books including Sacred Braille: The Rosary as Masterpiece, through Art, Poetry, and Reflections which was a finalist in the 2020 Catholic Publishers Awards in the Category of Prayer. Her book, “Sacred Braille” has been transcribed into Braille through the Xavier Society for the Blind and made available to the visually impaired. Annabelle is the host of Catholic Podcasts on Sacramental living, including “Then Sings My Soul,” and “Destination Sainthood” on WCAT Radio. She has also been a recurrent guest on Relevant Radio’s Morning Air and has appeared on the Catholic Faith Network. Annabelle was one of five featured artists profiled in the 2019 documentary film, “Masterpieces” which explored the vocational call of the arts.In this interview, Annabelle shares her inspirational perspective and discusses the unique path to Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus presented in Our House of the Sacred Heart. This text weaves together several genre including poetry, prose, sacred art, prayer, and memoir to yield a one-of-a kind companion book on the journey toward a personal encounter with Sacred Heart of Jesus. Additionally, through her website: https://tourguideofwonder.com, Annabelle invites listeners to join her in praying along with her podcast during a 33-day novena beginning on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, June 11, 2021 and culminating with a Consecration to the Sacred Heart. Her website [https://tourguideofwonder.com] offers users an opportunity to sign-up for daily emails during the novena and provides links to purchase her books. (May 29, 2021)

Rev. Mr. Lucas LaRoche is Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis’ guest on Episode 35 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, & Promises: Discerning the Call of Love.” Deacon Lucas LaRoche is a seminarian, for the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts and is currently in his first year in the Licentiate in Sacred Theology in Patristic Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University while simultaneously completing his final year at the Pontifical North American College. Deacon Lucas wrote the thesis for his Bachelor’s in Sacred Theology on the Zairian Use of the Mass, which was a fruit of his long interest in liturgy, after working with the parishes in his Diocese, as well as local Melkite and Extraordinary Form communities.In this interview, in addition to discussing his vocational journey, Deacon Lucas details his fascinating research which was recently published in Ex Latere Christi, the Journal of the Pontifical North American College, in a paper entitled: “Inculturation in the Roman Rite (2021_Winter_Digital.indd (netdna-ssl.com).” The subject of liturgical inculturation within the Church is significant and timely, and Deacon LaRoche’s extensive research spans continents and cultures, as well as reviews the salient magisterial documents. In his paper, Deacon Lucas defines “Inculturation” as: “. . . . when the Gospel takes on some cultural elements which are neither native nor vital to the kerygma to better articulate the truth of its proclamation to a group of people (p. 84-85).” In this interview, Deacon Lucas explains the ways in which various traditions and cultures have authentic liturgical expression in the Roman Rite, while delineating the methods requisite to safeguarding the integrity of the Liturgy.

Author, Belinda Terro Mooney, joins Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis for Episode 34 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss her newest publication: My Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Workbook. Ms. Belinda Terro Mooney, LMSW, LDCD, is a licensed social worker and chemical dependency counselor. Belinda is a member of the National Association of Addiction Counselors. She is experienced in clinical and program management and has worked both in the inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency settings. Belinda is an entrepreneur who has owned her own business dedicated to training other professionals. Belinda is currently an Adjunct Professor of Human Services at Lone Star College in Montgomery, and has written several non-fiction texts, including this most recent workbook.In this interview, Ms. Belinda Terro Mooney discusses the vital process of developing Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLCs). She shares her personal vocation story and insights from decades of work as a chemical dependency counselor and teacher. Belinda describes meaningful strategies to reduce life-stressors and develop positive, goal-oriented approaches to tackling problem behavior pitfalls. She describes her book as a “comprehensive plan for developing a calm and ordered life.” More information regarding Ms. Belinda Terro Mooney, LMSW, LDCD, and her new book entitled, My Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Workbook, is available at the website: Home - TLC Wellness Institute. https://tlcwellnessinstitute.com/

Fr. Jason Smith, LC, joins Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis for Episode 33 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, & Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss his vocation as an ordained priest of the Legionaries of Christ. In this episode, Fr. Jason shares the story his personal call to the ministerial priesthood. He traces his vocation from its early beginnings through his present ministry. Fr. Jason Smith was ordained at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome on Dec 23, 2006. As a seminarian Fr. Jason studied classical humanities at the Novitiate of the Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire, Connecticut, Philosophy at Our Lady of Thornwood in NY, and Theology at the Regina Apostolorum in Rome. After ordination, Father dedicated six years to working with youth in the NY Tri-State by running the Regnum Christi Mission Corps, which is a program for college missionaries. Father also directed a variety of high school ministries and served as the spiritual director for the summer discernment programs at the Legionaries of Christ. Father Jason is currently the Associate Pastor at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. He continues to work with the Regnum Christi movement, is active in marriage prep and marriage ministry. Father remains a contributor at the Regnum Christi Spirituality Center. Fr Jason Smith, LC (regnumchristinyctnj.org).

Steve Mamanella joins WCAT Radio show-host Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis for Episode 32 of “Vows, Vocations, & Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss his new book, published by En Route Books and Media, entitled: Providential. Steve Mamanella is the Principal at Owl Creek Communications and has worked in the field of communications for over thirty years. His memoir, Providential, details his journey, tracing its roots from the emigration to America of his great-grandparents through Steve’s college years, his illustrious career as the Director of Communications for two dioceses, and all of the providential moments that have served to link Steve and his family to the Church and to Christ Himself. Steve is a graduate of Bradley University, and has maintained strong ties to the college and the Newman Center that figured so prominently in his early development. A recent article in the Catholic Post, from the Diocese of Peoria where Steve served as the Director of Communications for five years quotes him as stating: “I am convinced that God is blessing us in ways that we often are unable to comprehend in the moment.” Providential is a book that explores the subtle ways those blessings have shaped one man’s life. In this interview, Steve discusses with Mary Anne Urlakis some of the highlights of his book, including working as the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Peoria during (St) Mother Teresa’s 1995 visit and serving the Diocese of St. Louis in a similar role during the 1999 papal visit of Pope (St.) John Paul II.Steve Mamanella’s memoir is a beautiful story; a gentle reminder of the grace of God’s ever-arching plan for each and every human life and the various “God-appointments”, or moments in which our lives intersect with others through inexplicable ways yielding far-reaching good. Providential is available through En Route Books and Media at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/providential/

The dynamic Catholic author and speaker, Mary Kloska, is Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis’ guest for Episode 31 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, & Promises: Discerning the Call of Love.” In this episode, Mary shares the fascinating narrative of her personal vocational story- a journey which has spanned several continents as a missionary and as a hermit. Mary possesses a rare zeal and prayerful abandonment for the following Jesus Christ. In this episode, she discusses the role of authentic discernment in living the Divine Will of God, and her faithful work to serve the poor and underserved from the U.S. to Russia, Siberia, Poland, Tanzania, Belize, and Pakistan. Mary Kloska’s missionary ministry continues to reach hundreds of thousands of Catholics all over the globe through her music, books, and on-line rosary. Her most popular book, The Holiness of Womanhood, had been translated into Spanish, Polish, and Pakastani, and is available through Enroute Books and Media at https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/holinessofwomanhood/ . (February 28, 2021)

Dr. Peter Martin, Psy.D., joins WCAT Radio Show Host Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis in Episode 30 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss his contribution in the recently published comprehensive new book: Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens. In this episode, Dr Martin discusses his recently published chapter, “Striving for Affective Maturity and Authentic Peace of Soul: The Role of Deep Forgiveness and Secure Attachment.”Dr. Martin is a licensed psychologist, and the Internship Director of Integrated Training and Formation at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, an APA accredited site, where he is responsible for the psychological and faith-integrated formation of pre-doctoral psychology interns and other mental health professionals. Additionally, in 2008 Dr. Martin initiated and heads a clinical outreach site, through Catholic Social Services, at the Newman Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska where he provides therapy to university students and consultation services to priests, FOCUS missionaries, and other staff. Dr. Martin provided growth counseling services from 2012-2013 to seminarians at the Institute for Priestly Formation summer program in Omaha. Dr. Martin served on the Executive Board of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association from 2013-2016. His areas of interest include supervising therapists in faith-integrated treatments of psychological disorders, in practicing trauma-informed therapy, Forgiveness-Therapy, treating “implicit God-image Problems” and psychological obstacles to authentic spiritual encounters with God and giving and receiving love, in studying the psychology of belief and unbelief, and the social scientific understanding of religious conversion.Dr. Martin and his employer, The Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center and Catholic Social Services, are in the early stages of aggregating data for psycho-spiritual assessment project to directly serve the Church hierarchy, both women and men’s religious, and to indirectly serve all the laity. Dr. Martin is also currently developing and implementing an adaptation of Witness to Love’s Marriage Preparation Mentorship Program (a virtues-focused, attachment-based model of couples’ mentorship) to support the pillar of human formation of diocesan seminarians and religious life. In this interview, Dr. Martin discusses the need to seek and foster authentic peace of soul. He outlines various impediments to authentic peace, including flawed patterns of attachment. Dr. Martin elucidates the ways in which persistently compromised internal peace and deficit attachment patterns can negatively affect priestly formation. Peter Martin and Mary Anne Urlakis explore the role of Deep Forgiveness as the therapeutic antidote for debilitating anger and resentment, specifically delineating the definition of forgiveness, its requisite characteristics, and benefits. Dr. Martin specifically addresses the challenges of seminary formation with regard to seeking authentic peace of soul, healing attachment issues, and working through anger to the liberating joy of Deep Forgiveness.Dr. Peter Martin’s chapter, entitled: “Striving for Affective Maturity and Authentic Peace of Soul: The Role of Deep Forgiveness and Secure Attachment” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/.

Dr. Angelyn Spignesi Kopylec Arden joins Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis as her guest on Episode 29 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love.” Dr. Arden earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Scientific Psychology from the University of New Hampshire in 1977 and since 1981 has been licensed as a psychologist in Connecticut, where she practiced Depth Psychology for 25 years. Dr. Arden has long been fascinated by the study of the relationship between the human unconscious, subconscious and conscious, and the dynamics which motivate the human mind. In this episode, Dr. Arden explains the science and practice of depth psychology.In addition to her clinical work in the field of Depth Psychology, Dr. Arden is also an exemplar educator. She began teaching at the of Dallas in 1978 and has been a Professor of Humanities at Holy Apostles College and Seminary since 2006. Dr. Arden teaches courses in psychology and literature to undergraduate students as well as Human Formation to seminarians. Dr. Arden has served as the Group Facilitator of Seminarian Theological Reflection, and has published scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals, including a piece entitled, “Seminarian Human Formation and Social Justice,” in the Social Justice Review, and also “The Fides et Ratio Seminars,” published in The Bulletin of Catholic Higher Education. Dr. Arden has published ten books, including: Lyrical-Analysis: The Unconscious Through Jane Eyre (1990), The Articulate Silence of God (2002), and Clara & Marcus (2002). The last two books draw on Scripture in dealing with the Christian healing of broken souls. Much of Dr. Arden’s work focuses on the interface between Depth Psychology, Christianity, literature, and philosophy. In this interview, Dr. Arden details her vocational journey as well as highlights the value of understanding the nexus between Christianity and Depth Psychology. Her other book titles include: Orbits of Symphony (2015), Purcell Wrengt (2015), Unfolding (2015), Random as Lace (2015), as well as The Train” and “Jude’s Wife (2015).”

Dr. Suzanne Baars, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT, LCDC, joins WCAT Radio Show Host Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis in Episode 28 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss her contribution in the recently published comprehensive new book: Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens. In this episode, Dr. Baars discusses her fascinating vocation as a marriage and family therapist and her recently published chapter, “The Importance of Human Formation and Affective Maturity in the Man of Communion.”Dr. Suzanne Baars, Ph.D. is a licensed family therapist living in Irving, Texas. She is the Clinical Director of the In His Image Counseling Center, where she teams with other Catholic therapists and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Dr. Baars has worked extensively in the field of counseling since 1986, serving a range of patients and clients in both hospital-based and clinical outpatient settings. Dr. Baars’ expertise is based upon methodology which incorporates the Christian Anthropology of St. Thomas Aquinas in the treatment of a variety of emotional and spiritual disorders, including emotional deprivation disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and scrupulosity. Dr. Baars is a frequent presenter at Catholic conferences and has been interviewed on EWTN’s “Women of Grace” and “Coffin Nation.” Dr. Baars often presents the contributions of her late father, the renowned psychiatrist and author, Dr. Conrad Baars, M.D.- who pioneered the field of Catholic Psychology. Dr. Baars served on the faculty of the Institute for Priestly Formation from 2008-2015, actively engaging in a variety of roles in formation including the teaching of seminarians. Dr. Baars has been a contributor to two IPF publications focusing on the development of affective maturity in priestly formation. Dr. Baars has a deep love and commitment to the role of human formation in seminary education and believes the health of the Church is largely dependent upon mature and affirmed clergy. Dr. Baars is the past President of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. She also operates the Baars Institute, which is dedicated to offering hope to those affected by emotional deprivation, as well as educating the public regarding the concept of affirmation and the healing of emotional disorders. More information can be found at the link www.Baarsinstitute.com. In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Baars details the requisite nature of affective maturity for effective seminary and priestly formation. Noting that Bishop Cozzens has previously articulated that “the benchmark for human formation which summarizes all the others is the ability to live a sacrificial life, a life of self-gift,” Dr. Baars demonstrates that restraining one’s own desires when necessary and appropriate as well as possessing the capacity to offer compassionate pastoral care can only truly flow from a character that is appropriately formed. Dr. Baars discusses the role of affirmation in overcoming challenges to affective maturity and offers hope for those who struggle with the impediments found in prior emotional deprivation. Dr. Suzanne Baar’s chapter, entitled “The Importance of Human Formation and Affective Maturity in the Man of Communion” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s Enroute Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/. (December 8, 2020)

Monsignor John Cihak joins WCAT Show Host Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis in Episode 27 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss his contribution in the recently published in the comprehensive new book: Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens. In this episode, Monsignor Cihak relates his personal vocational call to the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ and discusses the second of his contributions to the book, Chapter 3, entitled: “More than Just Friends: Reflections on the Priest as the Friend of the Bridegroom.”Monsignor John Cihak is the Pastor of Christ the King Parish and School and the Director of Continuing Education for Clergy in the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. Monsignor earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Notre Dame University, as well as a Licentiate in Fundamental Theology and a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He has served as a Director of Human Formation and Professor of Theology at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and taught Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. For several years, Monsignor Cihak served as an Official in the Congregation for Bishops and as a Papal Master of Ceremonies for Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Monsignor Cihak is the author of Balthasar and Anxiety, the co-author of The Catholic Guide to Depression, and the editor of Charles Borromeo: Selected Orations, Homilies, and Other Writings, as well as numerous articles on theology and priestly formation.In this interview, Monsignor Cihak presents the second of his two chapters, and examines the capacity of the priest as the friend of Christ the Bridegroom. While contemporary society often undervalues the vital role of friendship, Monsignor demonstrates the essential beauty and strength of this privileged position. Utilizing imagery and the method of Ignatian reflection, Monsignor Cihak explores the three exemplar relationships with Christ, that of: St. John the Forerunner, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist, and details the powerful lessons and intercession these saints can provide for the priest who seeks to accept the challenge to be an authentic friend of Christ.Monsignor Cihak’s chapter, entitled “More than Just Friends” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/.

Monsignor John Cihak joins WCAT Show Host Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis in Episode 25 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to present the first of two of his chapters recently published in the comprehensive new book: Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens. In this episode, Monsignor Cihak relates his personal vocational call to the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ and discusses the first of his contributions to the book, Chapter 2, entitled “The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Role in the Celibate Priest’s Spousal and Paternal Love.” Monsignor will return to the show in two weeks to expound on his subsequent chapter: “More than Just Friends: Reflections on the Priest as the Friend of the Bridegroom.”Monsignor John Cihak is the Pastor of Christ the King Parish and School and the Director of Continuing Education for Clergy in the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. Monsignor earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Notre Dame University, as well as a Licentiate in Fundamental Theology and a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He has served as a Director of Human Formation and Professor of Theology at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and taught Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. For several years, Monsignor Cihak served as an Official in the Congregation for Bishops and as a Papal Master of Ceremonies for Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Monsignor Cihak is the author of Balthasar and Anxiety, the co-author of The Catholic Guide to Depression, and the editor of Charles Borromeo: Selected Orations, Homilies, and Other Writings, as well as numerous articles on theology and priestly formation.In this interview, Monsignor Cihak details his honest and spiritually profound reflection on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the fulfillment of the celibate priest’s spousal and paternal love. Monsignor Cihak shares that in penning this beautiful addition to the book, he spent more time and effort “on his knees than in his desk.” This chapter is the result of fruitful prayer and research. In this interview, Monsignor shares with Dr. Urlakis his understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role in drawing out of the priest a celibate agape, assisting him to flourish as a husband to the Church and a strong spiritual father- even amid his own weakness. Monsignor describes that Our Lady achieves this mysterious and yet fundamental role at the Cross by drawing the priest out of his own pain to offer pure masculine love in the midst of her pure feminine love. Reflecting on Pope Benedict’s first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, Monsignor Cihak offers valuable insight to those who hope to provide meaningful formation for future priests.Monsignor Cihak’s chapter, entitled “The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Role in the Celibate Priest’s Spousal and Paternal Love” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/.

Fr. Peter Williams joins WCAT Radio Show Host, Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis, on Episode 25 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss his chapter, entitled “Affective Maturity: Spiritual Tools for the Interior Life,” in the new book edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens entitled: Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century.Fr. Peter Williams was ordained in 2004 and has served as the Pastor of St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic Parish in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for eight years. Fr. Peter Williams earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology in the New Evangelization from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit in 2018. In addition to his pastoral work, Fr. Peter has shared his manifold priestly gifts through roles in seminary and priestly formation in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, including appointments as the Director of Vocations, Director of Ongoing Clergy Formation, Vice Rector for St. Paul Seminary, and as a formator at St. John Vianney College Seminary. Fr. Peter has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Spiritual Direction Program of the Institute for Priestly Formation and serves as a spiritual director for his brother priests.In this interview, Fr. Williams relates his personal vocational journey and shares insights regarding a paradigm for the interior life necessary for effective evangelization. In this segment, Fr. Peter Williams explores the call to the New Evangelization- foreshadowed by Pope St. Paul the VI and heralded by Pope St. John Paul II. He discusses the universal call of the baptized to live integral lives of holiness and proposes concrete tools for developing an inner life requisite for effectively living the New Evangelization. Exploring the work of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in his catechesis “The Way to True Happiness,” Fr. Peter Williams elucidates how cultivating the interior dispositions of spiritual poverty, suffering, and silence serve to foster a strong inner foundation from which the New Evangelization can best spring forth.Fr. Peter Williams’ chapter, “Affective Maturity: Spiritual Tools for the Interior Life,” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/.

Dr. Timothy Fortin, Ph.D., joins WCAT Radio Host, Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis for Episode 23 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss his chapter, entitled “Exigent Relations: Philosophical Reflections: on the Centrality of Fatherhood and Sonship,” in the new book: Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century.Dr. Fortin is an Assistant Professor in Philosophical Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey where he has engaged in the intellectual formation of seminarians since 2009. Dr. Fortin was a awarded a fellowship at Notre Dame University, in South Bend, Indiana and has spent the past nine months there engaged in research and writing while on sabbatical. Dr. Fortin earned Ph.D. from the Pontifical University of Santa Croce in Rome in 2008, his doctoral dissertation is entitled: “Fatherhood and the Perfection of the Masculine Identity: A Thomistic Account in Light of Contemporary Science.” Dr. Timothy Fortin also holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for Psychological Sciences and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America.In this interview, Dr. Fortin shares his fascinating research and expertise with Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis, discussing both the natural and supernatural role of fatherhood to which each man is called. Dr. Fortin explores man’s natural inclination toward fatherhood, as well as the salience of the Thomistic teaching regarding Natural Law and Eternal Law with respect to the role of fatherhood. Dr. Fortin elucidates the generative power of the Cross, as well as the relational validity of espousal and sonship to fatherhood. Dr. Timothy Fortin and Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis consider how the call to the priesthood is ultimately reconciled with the natural and supernatural call to fatherhood which is planted deeply within each man’s heart. In closing, Dr. Fortin offers relevant conclusions for both the formator and seminarian.Dr. Timothy Fortin’s chapter, “Exigent Relations: Philosophical Reflections: on the Centrality of Fatherhood and Sonship,” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/. (October 19, 2020)

Sr. Marysia Weber, R.S.M., M.A., D.O., joins WCAT Radio Host, Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis for Episode 23 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss her chapter, entitled “Guideposts for the Seminary Formator in Understanding and Assessing Levels of Preoccupation with Use of Internet Pornography as a Formative Process for Moving From Vice to Virtue” in the new text Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century.Sr. Marysia is a board-certified physician, specializing in psychiatry with a fellowship in consulting-liaison psychiatry; she completed her residency and training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Sister earned a Master’s Degree in Theology from Notre Dame. Sr. Marysia Weber practiced psychiatry at her religious institute’s multidisciplinary clinic- Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center, in Alma, MI from 1988-2014. In 2014, Sr. Marysia accepted the role of Director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, where she is also a facilitator for Project Rachel, the Chair of the Board of Directors for MyCatholic Doctor, and an executive board member of the St. Louis Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, and an executive board member for the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology. Sister also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Dept of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis. Additionally, Sr. Marysia has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has authored a number of books and chapters- including Chapter 15, in Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers, which is the subject of this interview. Sr. Marysia is a highly sought-after speaker and expert, and has presented to the Curia, at the Vatican in 2002 regarding the Sexual Abuse by Clergy in North American.In this interview, Sr. Marysia and Dr. Urlakis address the issue of pornography use, compulsion, and addiction. Sr. Marysia shares her expertise, not only discussing the scope of the problem and the neuroscience behind internet pornography addiction, but also revealing effective and authentically Catholic strategies for hope and healing. In discussing her recently published chapter, Sr. Marysia also addresses specific recommendations for the seminary formator faced with assessing the level of preoccupation with the use of internet pornography among men in formation.Sr. Marysia’s Chapter 15, entitled: “Guideposts for the Seminary Formator in Understanding and Assessing Levels of Preoccupation with Use of Internet Pornography as a Formative Process for Moving From Vice to Virtue,” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/. (Oct. 8, 2020)

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D. joins WCAT Radio Host, Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis for Episode 22 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” as part of the on-going series spotlighting authors who have contributed chapters to the new book, entitled Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century. Deacon Keating brings his extensive background of over 30 years in seminary formation to each the three chapters which he has contributed to this unique text.Deacon James Keating is a nationally recognized seminary theologian, spiritual director and formator who received his Doctorate in Moral and Spiritual Theology from Duquesne University. Deacon Keating is widely published in respected peer-reviewed journals, and has authored numerous books and book chapters, including his three chapters in Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century: ”Real Celibacy as an Invitation from Divine Beauty” (Chapter 1), “Imagination, Prayer, and the Spousal Gift,” (Chapter 5), and “Seminary as Nazareth,” (Chapter 21); which are the subject of today’s interview. Deacon Keating has given over 800 presentations in the last 30 years, including more than 40 retreats for bishops, vocation directors, diocesan priests, deacons, and married couples since 2017.He has recently accepted an appointment by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson to the Formation Staff and as a Professor of Spiritual Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Additionally, Deacon Keating has also served as the Director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University, in Omaha, Nebraska. Prior to his appointment with the Institute for Priestly Formation Deacon Keating was a Professor of Moral and Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical College of the Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, Deacon Keating has served as the Director for Deacon Formation in the Archdiocese of Omaha.In this interview, Deacon Keating and Dr. Urlakis survey the three chapters which he has contributed to Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, beginning with a discussion of the vocation to priestly celibacy as an invitation to embrace Divine Beauty. In this interview, he describes the inherent danger of reducing the concept of celibacy to a mere pragmatic component of priestly ministry and identifies essential components of affective masculine maturity that must develop for seminarians to become fully integrated men.Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, is edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, and published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, and is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/. (October 1, 2020)

Sr. Marysia Weber, R.S.M., M.A., D.O., joins WCAT Radio Host, Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis for Episode 21 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss her chapter, entitled “Affective Maturity: Markers of Human Development, Psychological Insights and Resources,” in the new text Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century.Sr. Marysia is a board-certified physician, specializing in psychiatry with a fellowship in consulting-liaison psychiatry; she completed her residency and training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Sister earned a Master’s Degree in Theology from Notre Dame. Sr. Marysia Weber practiced psychiatry at her religious institute’s multidisciplinary clinic- Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center, in Alma, MI from 1988-2014. In 2014, Sr. Marysia accepted the role of Director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, where she is also a member of the Archdiocesan Review Board, the Child Safety Committee, a facilitator for Project Rachel, the Chair of the Board of Directors for MyCatholic Doctor, and an executive board member of the St. Louis Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, and an executive board member for the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology. Sister also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Dept of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis. Additionally, Sr. Marysia has published numerous articles in peer reviewed journals and has authored a number of books and chapters- including Chapter 9, in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers, which is the subject of this interview. Sr. Marysia is a highly sought-after speaker and expert, and has presented to the Curia, at the Vatican in 2002 regarding the Sexual Abuse by Clergy in North American.In this interview, Sr. Marysia discusses the important process of assessing the development of human formation and affective maturity of seminarians as prospective candidates for the ministerial priesthood. Recent directives, including the 2008 Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Administration and Formation of Seminarians for the Priesthood from the Congregation for Catholic Education, the 2016 Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis from the Congregation for the Clergy, and the most recent edition of the USCCB’s Program for Priestly Formation all stress the sacred duty of bishops and formations to assess the totality the human person when considering the suitability of seminarians for ordained priestly ministry. Utilizing the six-interrelated markers that are common to all major psychological theories of development, Sr. Marysia has developed an on-going tool to assist seminary formators charged with the task of assessing the capacities of seminarians to fulfill the role of spiritual husband and spiritual father which is at the core of the vocation of the priesthood. Sr. Marysia’s Chapter 9, entitled: Affective Maturity: Markers of Human Development, Psychological Insights, and Resources, is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century,Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s Enroute Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/.

On Episode 20 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” show-host Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis interviews this week’s guest, Fr. Isaac Slater, O.C.S.O. regarding his life as a Trappist Monk at the Abbey of the Genesee. Fr. Isaac Slater O.C.S.O, is a Roman Catholic Priest, and the Vocations Director for the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance at the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, New York. The Abbey of the Genesee was founded from the Abbey of Gethsemani, in Trappist, Kentucky in 1951, and is part of the larger Cistercian family of priests and nuns which traces its origins to the year 1098. Cistercians follow the Rule of St. Benedict, and thus are part of the larger Benedictine family of religious as well. The Constitution of the Order describes the unique contemplative charism to which their communal life is ordered: “The monks dedicate themselves to the worship of God in a hidden life within the monastery under the Rule of St. Benedict. They lead a monastic way of life, in solitude and silence, in assiduous prayer and joyful penitence. . . . (Constitution §2).” In this episode, Fr. Isaac discusses his own personal vocational call to the contemplative monastic life- a life of profound beauty, immense joy, and immeasurable love. Among the unique aspects of the vocation of a fully professed Trappist monk is the recognition of the call to love. In this interview, Fr. Isaac discusses the exceptional emphasis on the devotion to love that is intrinsic to the vocation of a Cistercian of the Strict Observance. In describing the role of a newly professed monk, the Abbey of the Genesee’s website states: “The primary responsibility of the newly professed monk is to love with all his heart. The vows presuppose this love and express it exteriorly by incorporating him into a state of life which has no other reason for existence than the love of Christ and all that implies.” In Episode 20, Fr. Isaac Slater describes the typical day of a Cistercian at the Abbey of the Genesee and details the process of formation and profession of vows. The rhythm of daily life is punctuated with prayer, contemplation, liturgy, community, and work. In addition to exercising the virtue of hospitality by running a retreat house, the Trappist Monks of the Abbey of the Genesee support themselves by baking and selling delicious Monks’ Bread, biscotti, cheese crisps, and nut-butters. A link to their on-line store can be found on the Abbey’s website: https://www.geneseeabbey.org.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota joins Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis on Episode 19 of WCAT Radio’s “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love.” Bishop Cozzens is a native of Denver, and a graduate of Benedictine College in Kansas. While discerning a priestly vocation, he served as a traveling missionary with the Twin-Cities based NET Ministries, subsequently joined the Companions of Christ in St. Paul in 1992. After completing four years of study at the Seminary of St. Paul, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1997. After serving as the Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of St. Paul, he was sent to the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome where he completed a doctoral dissertation which focused on the manner in which the priest is called to be the living image of Jesus Christ the Bridegroom of the Church. Bishop Cozzens was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on Oct 11, 2013, and His Ordination to the Episcopacy took place on Dec 9, 2013- the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In 2019, he was elected to a 3-year term as the Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis- a role which began in November 2020.His Excellency has worked extensively in priestly formation, including his work on the USCCB Working Group for the Program of Priestly Formation the (PPF6) based on the new Ratio Fundamentalis. Bishop Cozzens serves as the Board President of the Seminary Formation Council, and His Excellency is also the Board President for the Institute for Priestly Formation.Bishop Cozzens and Bishop Felipe Estevez are the Co-Editors of the text: Priestly Husbands: Priestly Fathers: Seminary Formation for the 21st Century. As such he brings a wealth of insight and experience to this unique book project. The text brings together in one volume a dynamic collection of essays, documents, and tools for those who work in the area of seminary formation. The goal of this comprehensive book is to provide a spiritual and psychological resource that engenders affective maturity and fruitful celibate chastity for a renewal of priestly formation, an aim which echoes the objectives expressed by the Church in the 2016 Ratio Fundamentalis and the 6th edition of the Program for Priestly Formation. The text has been hailed by bishops and formators as an essential guide which provides concrete tools that assist formation by taking into account the spiritual and humans needs of the candidates, while helping them determine whether those same candidates are capable of the self-gift required by priestly celibacy.In this interview, Bishop Cozzens discusses with Mary Anne Urlakis both his role in the development of the book as well as his own personal contribution- Chapter 10, entitled: “The Essential Role of Mentor-Formation Advisor.” Spiritual Husbands-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century is published by Enroute Books and Media and can be purchased at https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/, as well as on Amazon.com.

Dr. Eileen Raffaniello Barbella is Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis’ guest on Episode 18 of “Vows, Vocations, & Promises: Discerning the Call of Call of Love,” in the on-going series of interviews of the authors of the new book: Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s Enroute Books and Media. In this interview, Dr. Raffaniello Barbella presents her work on Bowen Theory and the development of the human person. Bowen Theory is a natural systems theory of psychology which moves beyond polarization and blame, and rather focuses on what it takes to be a mature, fully differentiated human person- in spite of how our emotions tend to interfere with our efforts.Dr. Eileen Raffaniello Barbello is a licensed psychologist with formation as a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin and subsequently developed a graduate course in family interventions for the University of Cincinnati while on the faculty as Assistant Professor. She has also held faculty positions at St. Edward University and the University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. As a pastoral associate, campus minister, and co-director of a diocesan training program for spiritual directors in Austin, Dr. Raffaniello Barbello integrated her study of Ignatian Spirituality with her expertise in psychology. She has been a retreat leader and presented workshops at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio and St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Florida. Dr. Raffaniello Barbello currently resides in West Texas and has served as the Clinical Director for the Shalom Center and the first full-time psychologist at the Shannon Clinic.In Episode 18 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” Dr. Raffaniello Barbello discusses her work with Bowen Theory, and explains that Bowen Theory offers a new way of thinking about anxiety and its ways of sabotaging our ability to be ourselves. In this interview, Dr. Eileen presents highlights of her work recently published as Chapter 13 “Integrity, Identity, and Fidelity” in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, [available via Enroute Publishing at: at https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/].