Tapping into Theology
2013-2015 Audio Files
June 9, 2015
Our June topic was “Feminism and the Catholic Church," presented by Sue Athey, a Lay Carmelite and Director for her community, as well as the Regional Formation Coordinator for Colorado. Sue is a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs.
“Man and woman have been created, which is to say, willed by God: on the one hand, in perfect equality as human persons; on the other, in their respective beings as man and woman. “Being man” or “being woman” is a reality which is good and willed by God: man and woman possess an inalienable dignity which comes to them immediately from God their Creator. Man and woman are both with one and the same dignity “in the image of God”. In their “being-man” and “being-woman”, they reflect the Creator’s wisdom and goodness.” Catechism of the Catholic Church #369
A Catholic all her life, Sue Athey worked for over 30 years in the information technology field. She has a BS in Computer Science, master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), and a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute in Denver. Career oriented and convinced of women’s rights, Sue at one point even bought into the pro-choice feminist agenda. She is married to Rick who is in the diocesan diaconate formation program and they have three grown children.
Our June topic was “Feminism and the Catholic Church," presented by Sue Athey, a Lay Carmelite and Director for her community, as well as the Regional Formation Coordinator for Colorado. Sue is a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs.
“Man and woman have been created, which is to say, willed by God: on the one hand, in perfect equality as human persons; on the other, in their respective beings as man and woman. “Being man” or “being woman” is a reality which is good and willed by God: man and woman possess an inalienable dignity which comes to them immediately from God their Creator. Man and woman are both with one and the same dignity “in the image of God”. In their “being-man” and “being-woman”, they reflect the Creator’s wisdom and goodness.” Catechism of the Catholic Church #369
A Catholic all her life, Sue Athey worked for over 30 years in the information technology field. She has a BS in Computer Science, master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), and a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute in Denver. Career oriented and convinced of women’s rights, Sue at one point even bought into the pro-choice feminist agenda. She is married to Rick who is in the diocesan diaconate formation program and they have three grown children.
May 12, 2015
Have you ever wondered what martyrdom in the early Church looked like? How did the early Church define a “good” martyrdom? Our May presentation was given by Alan Van’t Land on the topic of “Imitating Christ’s Death: Resurrection, Relics, Intercession, and Other Early Church Beliefs in Martyrdom Records.” Numerous “acts” and “passions” of the martyrs record why martyrdom occurred, while also revealing beliefs about doctrines and practices of the early Church. It may surprise you how many Catholic beliefs were in the early Church and how soon they appeared.
Alan Van’t Land was raised in a non-denominational Protestant family and attended missionary boarding school in southeast Asia. He entered the Catholic Church in 2004 when a study of history convinced him the early Church was Catholic in practice and doctrine. He completed a Master of Arts in History from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, focusing much of his research on saints in ancient and medieval history. He is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs and currently works as a detective for the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Have you ever wondered what martyrdom in the early Church looked like? How did the early Church define a “good” martyrdom? Our May presentation was given by Alan Van’t Land on the topic of “Imitating Christ’s Death: Resurrection, Relics, Intercession, and Other Early Church Beliefs in Martyrdom Records.” Numerous “acts” and “passions” of the martyrs record why martyrdom occurred, while also revealing beliefs about doctrines and practices of the early Church. It may surprise you how many Catholic beliefs were in the early Church and how soon they appeared.
Alan Van’t Land was raised in a non-denominational Protestant family and attended missionary boarding school in southeast Asia. He entered the Catholic Church in 2004 when a study of history convinced him the early Church was Catholic in practice and doctrine. He completed a Master of Arts in History from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, focusing much of his research on saints in ancient and medieval history. He is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs and currently works as a detective for the Colorado Springs Police Department.
April 14, 2015
The April presentation, given by our resident theologian Fr. Larry Brennan, was on the very enlightening topic of “Grace and Justification” – one of the most misunderstood doctrines of the Catholic Church.
“Our justification comes from the grace of God. Grace is a favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life. (CCC #1996)
What is justification? What is sanctification? Is justification a one-time event? Are we justified by faith? By works? What is righteousness? Can justification be lost? Are we truly made holy in justification or only declared so? What is the Catholic doctrine of purgatory? Learn about these topics by playing back the recording of this presentation.
The April presentation, given by our resident theologian Fr. Larry Brennan, was on the very enlightening topic of “Grace and Justification” – one of the most misunderstood doctrines of the Catholic Church.
“Our justification comes from the grace of God. Grace is a favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life. (CCC #1996)
What is justification? What is sanctification? Is justification a one-time event? Are we justified by faith? By works? What is righteousness? Can justification be lost? Are we truly made holy in justification or only declared so? What is the Catholic doctrine of purgatory? Learn about these topics by playing back the recording of this presentation.
March 10, 2015
Lyn Rooney gave a presentation titled “The Catholic Doctrine of Deification: God’s Plan for Humanity." With other voices in the culture telling us “do what thou wilt” this is a very timely subject.
In his article titled “Pope Francis, Romans 8 and the Theme of Theosis” published in The Catholic World Report on 5/13/13, Carl E. Olsen states in quoting the Holy Father:
“The “living water,” the Holy Spirit, the Gift of the Risen One who comes to dwell in us, cleanses us, enlightens us, renews us, transforms us because rendering us partakers of the very life of God who is Love. This is why the Apostle Paul says that the Christian’s life is animated by the Spirit and by its fruits, which are “love, joy, peace, generosity, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22 -23)… This is the precious gift that the Holy Spirit brings into our hearts: the very life of God, the life of true children, a relationship of familiarity, freedom and trust in the love and mercy of God, which as an effect has also a new vision of others, near and far, seen always as brothers and sisters in Jesus to be respected and loved.”
Lyn Rooney gave a presentation titled “The Catholic Doctrine of Deification: God’s Plan for Humanity." With other voices in the culture telling us “do what thou wilt” this is a very timely subject.
In his article titled “Pope Francis, Romans 8 and the Theme of Theosis” published in The Catholic World Report on 5/13/13, Carl E. Olsen states in quoting the Holy Father:
“The “living water,” the Holy Spirit, the Gift of the Risen One who comes to dwell in us, cleanses us, enlightens us, renews us, transforms us because rendering us partakers of the very life of God who is Love. This is why the Apostle Paul says that the Christian’s life is animated by the Spirit and by its fruits, which are “love, joy, peace, generosity, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22 -23)… This is the precious gift that the Holy Spirit brings into our hearts: the very life of God, the life of true children, a relationship of familiarity, freedom and trust in the love and mercy of God, which as an effect has also a new vision of others, near and far, seen always as brothers and sisters in Jesus to be respected and loved.”
February 10, 2015
Dan Spadaro presented a talk on the subject of “Pornography and Our Need for Intimacy." We have examined our human call to love and intimacy and how our culture permits profaning it. We are all impacted by this problem in some way and have family/friends who are, as well. These movements distract us from our call to love. If you ask any priest, he’ll tell you that this devastating problem of profanity, though much greater in secular community, is one of the most commonly confessed sins among Catholic men. The Church’s teaching as articulated by the U.S. Catholic Bishops is clear on this type of personal sinfulness, but it is equally as blunt about its deleterious social effects. One way or another, this sin violates each of the Seven Principal Themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
Dan Spadaro presented a talk on the subject of “Pornography and Our Need for Intimacy." We have examined our human call to love and intimacy and how our culture permits profaning it. We are all impacted by this problem in some way and have family/friends who are, as well. These movements distract us from our call to love. If you ask any priest, he’ll tell you that this devastating problem of profanity, though much greater in secular community, is one of the most commonly confessed sins among Catholic men. The Church’s teaching as articulated by the U.S. Catholic Bishops is clear on this type of personal sinfulness, but it is equally as blunt about its deleterious social effects. One way or another, this sin violates each of the Seven Principal Themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
January 13, 2015
Fr. Larry Brennan, our most requested speaker, has started off the new year with the presentation on “Images of the Church.”
“In Scripture, we find a host of interrelated images and figures through which Revelation speaks of the Inexhaustible mystery of the Church. The images taken from the Old Testament are variations on a profound theme: the People of God. In the New Testament, all these images find a new center because Christ has become the head of this people, which henceforth is his Body.” (CCC #753)
Fr. Larry Brennan, our most requested speaker, has started off the new year with the presentation on “Images of the Church.”
“In Scripture, we find a host of interrelated images and figures through which Revelation speaks of the Inexhaustible mystery of the Church. The images taken from the Old Testament are variations on a profound theme: the People of God. In the New Testament, all these images find a new center because Christ has become the head of this people, which henceforth is his Body.” (CCC #753)
December 12, 2014
Though a last-minute replacement for our previously scheduled speaker, Father John Stearns gave a presentation that was a real treat for all who attended. He gave us an evening of apologetics by answering questions from the floor on a variety of subjects, such as the vocation of priesthood, veneration vs. worship of of our Blessed Mother, confession and intercessory prayer. For more information, visit his website: www.theromancollar.com.
Thanks, Father John, for the reminder that we should “….always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter 3:15
Though a last-minute replacement for our previously scheduled speaker, Father John Stearns gave a presentation that was a real treat for all who attended. He gave us an evening of apologetics by answering questions from the floor on a variety of subjects, such as the vocation of priesthood, veneration vs. worship of of our Blessed Mother, confession and intercessory prayer. For more information, visit his website: www.theromancollar.com.
Thanks, Father John, for the reminder that we should “….always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter 3:15
November 11, 2014
While sacraments are at the heart of Catholic Christian life, they are often thought of mainly in terms of liturgical ceremonies. Looking at some of the theology and Scriptural sources for them, however, can present a much fuller and richer picture. Fr. Donald Dilg presented on the topic of “The Sacraments: Special Moments in God’s Love Affair with the Human Race." Fr. Donald Dilg, CSC, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, was ordained in 1975, after receiving his Masters in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He has served in parishes, high school campus ministry in Mountain View California; and campus ministry at UCCS and Colorado College in Colorado Springs. He has taught in the Aquinas Institute for the Diocese of Colorado Springs; and he currently serves as Assistant Novice Master for the Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade.
While sacraments are at the heart of Catholic Christian life, they are often thought of mainly in terms of liturgical ceremonies. Looking at some of the theology and Scriptural sources for them, however, can present a much fuller and richer picture. Fr. Donald Dilg presented on the topic of “The Sacraments: Special Moments in God’s Love Affair with the Human Race." Fr. Donald Dilg, CSC, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, was ordained in 1975, after receiving his Masters in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He has served in parishes, high school campus ministry in Mountain View California; and campus ministry at UCCS and Colorado College in Colorado Springs. He has taught in the Aquinas Institute for the Diocese of Colorado Springs; and he currently serves as Assistant Novice Master for the Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade.
October 14, 2014
“When the Paraclete comes, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father – and whom I myself will send from the Father- he will bear witness on my behalf.” John 15:26
Fr. Larry Brennan presented the teaching of the Catholic Church on the topic of “The Holy Trinity“. The talk included a brief history lesson on the development of this dogma, followed by the presentation and discussions on the heresy vs. the right way to relate to this subject. Rev. Lawrence C. Brennan, S.Th.D., is a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri on assignment in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, where he serves as Director of Continuing Formation. He taught for 30 years in 4 different American seminaries, most recently at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary where he served as Academic Dean for 18 years.
“When the Paraclete comes, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father – and whom I myself will send from the Father- he will bear witness on my behalf.” John 15:26
Fr. Larry Brennan presented the teaching of the Catholic Church on the topic of “The Holy Trinity“. The talk included a brief history lesson on the development of this dogma, followed by the presentation and discussions on the heresy vs. the right way to relate to this subject. Rev. Lawrence C. Brennan, S.Th.D., is a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri on assignment in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, where he serves as Director of Continuing Formation. He taught for 30 years in 4 different American seminaries, most recently at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary where he served as Academic Dean for 18 years.
September 9, 2014
“Love and Truth: The Conversion of a Scientist- Priest” was the title of the presentation given by John Hungtington, our new director of adult RCIA. In this talk we learn about a scientist on a quest for truth who falls in love with the profound Truth in Christianity and becomes an Anglican priest with pastoral duties in Silicon Valley, CA. The Truth lead John, along with his entire congregation, to conversion to Roman Catholic faith. He is also a frequent contributor to The Catholic Herald.
“Love and Truth: The Conversion of a Scientist- Priest” was the title of the presentation given by John Hungtington, our new director of adult RCIA. In this talk we learn about a scientist on a quest for truth who falls in love with the profound Truth in Christianity and becomes an Anglican priest with pastoral duties in Silicon Valley, CA. The Truth lead John, along with his entire congregation, to conversion to Roman Catholic faith. He is also a frequent contributor to The Catholic Herald.
August 12, 2014
Fr. David Price, pastor of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Colorado Springs, gave our August presentation titled “What is Liturgy?" Liturgy is the radiant expression of the paschal mystery, in which Christ draws us to himself and calls us to communion…the concrete way in which the truth of God’s love in Christ encounters us, attracts us, and delights us, enabling us to emerge from ourselves and drawing us towards our true vocation, which is love.” – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in Sacramentum Caritatis.
Fr. David Price, pastor of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Colorado Springs, gave our August presentation titled “What is Liturgy?" Liturgy is the radiant expression of the paschal mystery, in which Christ draws us to himself and calls us to communion…the concrete way in which the truth of God’s love in Christ encounters us, attracts us, and delights us, enabling us to emerge from ourselves and drawing us towards our true vocation, which is love.” – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in Sacramentum Caritatis.
July 8, 2014
Matt Niedzielski, president of Pikes Peak Citizens for Life, gave our July presentation titled “Catholic Political Activity in the New Evangelization“
“We Christians are in the world but not of the world. We belong to God, and our home is heaven. But we’re here for a reason: to change the world, for the sake of the world, in the name of Jesus Christ. The work belongs to us. Nobody will do it for us. And the idea that we can accomplish it without engaging in a hands-on way the laws, the structures, the public policies, the habits of mind, and the root causes that sustain injustice in our country is a delusion.” – Archbishop Charles Caput.
Matt Niedzielski, president of Pikes Peak Citizens for Life, gave our July presentation titled “Catholic Political Activity in the New Evangelization“
“We Christians are in the world but not of the world. We belong to God, and our home is heaven. But we’re here for a reason: to change the world, for the sake of the world, in the name of Jesus Christ. The work belongs to us. Nobody will do it for us. And the idea that we can accomplish it without engaging in a hands-on way the laws, the structures, the public policies, the habits of mind, and the root causes that sustain injustice in our country is a delusion.” – Archbishop Charles Caput.
June 10, 2014
“In the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Any [healthy] observer can tell that man and woman are different without even trying because of this deeply divine distinction- a distinction that shows us something important about the nature of God. We can’t fully understand how this is, but we know that it is…How we grow children into healthy men and women is certainly about healthy human development, but it is so much more.
Our June presentation was by local, yet nationally known author and lecturer Glenn T. Stanton, titled “Made in God’s Image: The Necessity of the Male and Female Essence in the Family.”
“In the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Any [healthy] observer can tell that man and woman are different without even trying because of this deeply divine distinction- a distinction that shows us something important about the nature of God. We can’t fully understand how this is, but we know that it is…How we grow children into healthy men and women is certainly about healthy human development, but it is so much more.
Our June presentation was by local, yet nationally known author and lecturer Glenn T. Stanton, titled “Made in God’s Image: The Necessity of the Male and Female Essence in the Family.”
May 13, 2014
Why is the Catholic Bible Bigger Than the Protestant Bible? Did the Catholic Church Add Books to the Bible? Our guest presenter Mrs. Margit McCarthy, an adjunct instructor for the Lay Division of St. John Vianney Seminary for the Denver Catholic Biblical School, focused her talk on the formation of the Canon, how the Bible came to be and why the Catholic Bible is different than the Protestant Bible.
Why is the Catholic Bible Bigger Than the Protestant Bible? Did the Catholic Church Add Books to the Bible? Our guest presenter Mrs. Margit McCarthy, an adjunct instructor for the Lay Division of St. John Vianney Seminary for the Denver Catholic Biblical School, focused her talk on the formation of the Canon, how the Bible came to be and why the Catholic Bible is different than the Protestant Bible.
April 21, 2014
The talk on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body: “Making Visible What Is Invisible: What Can Science Reveal About Theology?”was delivered by Dr. Ken Stone. “Theology of the Body” is the working title that John Paul II gave to the first major teaching project of his pontificate. He delivered it in 129 short talks between 1979 and 1984. It’s a biblical reflection on the meaning of human embodiment, particularly as it concerns human sexuality, marital love and erotic desire.
The talk on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body: “Making Visible What Is Invisible: What Can Science Reveal About Theology?”was delivered by Dr. Ken Stone. “Theology of the Body” is the working title that John Paul II gave to the first major teaching project of his pontificate. He delivered it in 129 short talks between 1979 and 1984. It’s a biblical reflection on the meaning of human embodiment, particularly as it concerns human sexuality, marital love and erotic desire.
April 8, 2014
“From One Devil to Another: Mere Screwtape” was presented by a C. S. Lewis expert, Mr. Paul McCusker. We have explored the Biblical, cultural and historical depictions of the devil and hell and gained a deeper understanding of the nature of temptation and redemption.
“From One Devil to Another: Mere Screwtape” was presented by a C. S. Lewis expert, Mr. Paul McCusker. We have explored the Biblical, cultural and historical depictions of the devil and hell and gained a deeper understanding of the nature of temptation and redemption.
January 2014
How should Catholics approach end-of-life decisions? What is the redemptive nature of suffering?
What is the difference between a morally obligatory and morally optional means of conserving ones’s life?
What does the Church teach about nutrition and hydration? What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia? What is the principle of double-effect? Why are Abortion, Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning considered Non-Negotiables? What’s the difference between a ‘living will’ and a ‘will to live’? What is the moral and legal status of an Advance Medical Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
These and other pressing questions were answered on Tuesday night, January 14th at 7pm. Deacon Doug Flinn presented on the topic: “Catholic Bioethics and End-of-Life Issues.”
How should Catholics approach end-of-life decisions? What is the redemptive nature of suffering?
What is the difference between a morally obligatory and morally optional means of conserving ones’s life?
What does the Church teach about nutrition and hydration? What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia? What is the principle of double-effect? Why are Abortion, Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning considered Non-Negotiables? What’s the difference between a ‘living will’ and a ‘will to live’? What is the moral and legal status of an Advance Medical Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
These and other pressing questions were answered on Tuesday night, January 14th at 7pm. Deacon Doug Flinn presented on the topic: “Catholic Bioethics and End-of-Life Issues.”
December 2013
The December topic was “The Church Through the Ages: How the Gospel Endures in Time, with a Special Note on Pope Francis” presented by Jan Dennis.
The December topic was “The Church Through the Ages: How the Gospel Endures in Time, with a Special Note on Pope Francis” presented by Jan Dennis.
November 2013
The Catholic Church is on the threshold of a bold new era in its two-thousand year history. As the curtain comes down on the Church defined by the 16th-century Counter-Reformation, the curtain is rising on the Evangelical Catholicism of the third millennium: a way of being Catholic that comes from over a century of Catholic reform; a mission-centered renewal honed by the Second Vatican Council and given compelling expression by Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Inspired by his extensive experience and the content of the book “Evangelical Catholicism” by George Weigel, Deacon Rick Bauer presented on this topic in November.
The Catholic Church is on the threshold of a bold new era in its two-thousand year history. As the curtain comes down on the Church defined by the 16th-century Counter-Reformation, the curtain is rising on the Evangelical Catholicism of the third millennium: a way of being Catholic that comes from over a century of Catholic reform; a mission-centered renewal honed by the Second Vatican Council and given compelling expression by Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Inspired by his extensive experience and the content of the book “Evangelical Catholicism” by George Weigel, Deacon Rick Bauer presented on this topic in November.
September 2013
Fr. Larry Brennan presented "The Teaching Authority of the Church.”
THIS AUDIO FILE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Fr. Larry Brennan presented "The Teaching Authority of the Church.”
THIS AUDIO FILE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
March 2013
The following is a recording of the talk titled “Truth as the Ground of Freedom” given by Bishop Michael Sheridan on March 12, 2013.
The following is a recording of the talk titled “Truth as the Ground of Freedom” given by Bishop Michael Sheridan on March 12, 2013.