Godsplaining

Why Every Part of the Mass Matters

The Catholic Mass is far more than just a weekly obligation—it is the Church's highest act of worship and our deepest encounter with Jesus Christ. Yet many Catholics know the responses and rituals without fully understanding why the liturgy unfolds the way it does.
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Gregory offer a guided tour through the Mass, explaining how each part prepares us for communion with Christ. Beginning with the Introductory Rites, they show how the liturgy gradually moves us from ordinary life into sacred worship through prayer, Scripture, and finally sacrifice.
Along the way, they unpack the meaning of our postures, the purpose of the Liturgy of the Word, the significance of the Offertory, and the beauty of the Eucharistic Prayer. Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas, Roman Catholic liturgical tradition, and their own pastoral experience, they explain how every prayer and gesture helps believers enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ's sacrifice. As Fr. Joseph-Anthony points out during the episode "lex orandi, lex credendi; the law of prayer, is the law of belief."
Whether you've attended Mass your entire life or are just beginning to explore the Catholic faith, this conversation will help you see the liturgy with fresh eyes and participate with greater devotion.
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Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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Can Beauty Really Lead You to God?

Why does beauty stop us in our tracks? Why do breathtaking cathedrals, sacred music, masterpieces, and even a sunset seem to point beyond themselves?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure explore the profound relationship between beauty and God. Drawing from Dostoevsky, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and their own experiences of art and prayer, they ask whether beauty offers a unique witness to the truth of Christianity.
You need not be an artist or a philosopher to enjoy this conversation! Tune in to hear the friars unpack why beauty continues to captivate us and why it may be one of the clearest signs pointing toward the Divine.
 
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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The Strength of St. Joseph with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC

Fr. Gregory sits down with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, author of the bestselling Consecration to St. Joseph, to explore why devotion to St. Joseph has exploded around the world, and why it may be exactly what the Church needs today.
From authentic masculinity and fatherhood to trust in God's providence, Fr. Calloway shares how St. Joseph became the model of faithful discipleship, silent strength, and spiritual protection. In conversation, they also explore why St. Joseph is called the "Terror of Demons," how his hidden life shaped Jesus' humanity, and why millions of Catholics have embraced consecration to him.
Whether you're already devoted to St. Joseph or just beginning to discover him, this conversation offers practical wisdom for growing in holiness, confidence, and trust in God.
 
Get your copy of Consecration to St. Joseph: https://shopmercy.org/consecration-to-st-joseph-the-wonders-of-our-spiritual-father.html
Learn about Fr. Calloway's impactful conversion story: https://youtu.be/uE3KMKmhbVA?si=g_SvaZJ42WhqG9Pj
Join Fr. Calloway on pilgrimage: https://www.206tours.com/cms/frcalloway/ 
 
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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Does the Bible Really Say Wives Must Submit?

What does the Bible really say about headship and submission in marriage?
Few passages generate more debate than Ephesians 5. Does St. Paul teach male domination—or something entirely different? In the latest episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony unpack one of Scripture's most misunderstood texts, exploring what the Church teaches regarding headship, mutual submission, sacrifice, and love.
Rather than a struggle for power, they argue that Christian marriage is rooted in Christ's self-giving love for the Church. Headship is not about control, but about sacrificial service. Likewise, mutual submission is not about inequality, but about each spouse giving themselves fully for the good of the other.
Whether you've wrestled with this passage for years or are hearing it for the first time, this conversation offers a thoughtful Catholic perspective grounded in Scripture and the Church's tradition. Still have questions? Let us know in the comments.
 
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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Why Millions Couldn't Stop Watching Fulton Sheen

What made Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen one of the most influential Catholic voices of the 20th century?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony explore five essential lessons from Fulton Sheen's life and ministry. From his unwavering commitment to Catholic doctrine and daily Eucharistic holy hours to his love for Our Lady, passion for evangelization, and defense of authentic Christian freedom, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen offers a roadmap for faithful Christian living that is just as relevant today as it was during his legendary television ministry.
 
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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Mitali Perkins on Why Adults Need Children’s Books

What if some of the most important books you'll ever read were written for children?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure Chapman sits down with acclaimed author Mitali Perkins to discuss the enduring power of children's literature. From The Chronicles of Narnia and The Hobbit to Anne of Green Gables and A Little Princess, they explore how stories shape the moral imagination, cultivate virtue, and help both children and adults encounter truth, goodness, and beauty.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, reader, or simply someone looking to rediscover wonder, this conversation offers a compelling case for returning to the stories that shape the soul.
 
Learn more about Mitali Perkins and find her books here: https://www.mitaliperkins.com/
 
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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Can a Good Person Tell a Lie?

Most people instinctively say that lying is wrong—until they're presented with an extreme case. What if a murderer came to your door? What if hiding the truth could protect an innocent person?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure explore traditional Christian teaching on lying, drawing from St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and even Immanuel Kant. They discuss why truthfulness is so central to the moral life, whether every lie is sinful, and how Catholics should think about difficult situations where telling the truth seems costly. The conversation goes beyond rules and exceptions to ask a deeper question: Do you want to be the kind of person who tells the truth?
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Support the Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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Bad Experience in Confession? Here's What to Know

Have you ever left confession feeling disappointed, confused, or unsure whether your sins were really forgiven?
In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony tackle a common concern among Catholics: What happens when confession doesn't go the way you expected? Whether you've received unhelpful advice, experienced an awkward encounter, or wondered if a priest's mistake affected the sacrament, this conversation offers clarity and peace of mind.
 
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Support the Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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BONUS: Predestination, Hell, & Vocation Discernment | Live Q&A

Can we hope that everyone will be saved? How does predestination work? What if discernment causes anxiety? Why are so many young people becoming Catholic today?
In this special episode, the friars answer questions live during the Godsplaining Boston Day of Recollection, tackling some of the most challenging questions facing Catholics today.
From universalism and free will to suffering, confession, vocation discernment, and the surprising rise in conversions among Gen Z, this conversation offers thoughtful Catholic answers rooted in Scripture, tradition, and lived experience.
 
Deadline extended! Sign up for the 2026 All Comers' Retreat by June 11th! Register here: https://godsplaining.org/all-comers-retreat-june-2026/ Limited spots!
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Shop Books Written by the Friars
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1?srsltid=AfmBOoo3b2MbHxat33i-cwrd1AcSW_hPBfcHcm4-8XxJoCDn4OUgTBe_
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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Atonement Explained: Where Catholics and Protestants Differ

"Jesus died for our sins." As Christians we know this to be true, but do we understand what this really means? There are many explanations that focus on punishment, debt, or substitution. But how does the Catholic Church understand Christ's sacrifice on the Cross?
Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure on this episode of Godsplaining as they explore the Catholic understanding of atonement, the mystery of salvation, and why Catholics speak of participation in the divine life. Along the way, they'll also discuss the famous Protestant theory of penal substitution, St. Thomas Aquinas' approach to redemption, and how Christ's suffering reveals the deepest truth about God's love.
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Deadline extended! Join us at the 2026 All Comers' Retreat in June: https://godsplaining.org/all-comers-retreat-june-2026/
Limited spots! Sign up for the 2026 Men's Retreat in August: https://godsplaining.org/events-2/mens-retreat-brevard-nc-august-2026/
 
Send your questions for the friars to: godsplaining@opeast.org
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Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining
Shop our merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/
 
Shop Books Written by the Friars
Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT
O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU
Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1
Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech
Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/
St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/
 
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To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org
To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org