All the hosts, John Cooney, Michael Salemi, and Michael Sparks, sit down to discuss their latest summer as seminarians. They discuss a variety of topics and lots of travel. A whirlwind of experiences thrown into one episode, so hold onto your hats.
The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the seminary about life at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.
Email with any questions or comments: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
July 2023 Episode
Host and editor Michael Salemi in the midst of his summer asignment brings to listeners a summer episode with a special guest who is an Alumni of St. John Vianney and has been a priest for a few years. Fr. Kevin is a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, he shares his journey out of seminary and what it's like to maintain joy in the priesthood. Even emidst sudden transition in his life, he gives great thanks to God and shares some lighthearted stories from his priesthood. His wisdom to stay rooted in Christ rings true to the Christian journey for all who desire relationship with God.
References:
Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Now at the end of the academic year, Michael and John look back on their time walking the streets of Denver and encountering the homeless with Christ in the City.
April 2023 Episode
Hosts John Cooney and Michael Sparks invite Deacon Gabe for his second time on the Sons of Ars. Since last time on the podcast he became a deacon and finally shares his story into the seminary with priestly ordination only a few months away. His wisdom to unvail one's heart is expressed through his experience of asking for graces from God and then being able to recognize the abundant ways God bestows grace at all times times.
References:
Email with any questions about seminary life you'd like answered at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at new updated website and you can sign up for monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Last time Deacon Gabe was on the podcast was Season 1 Episode 4
Deacon Gabe mentions this incredable Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men, (well worth the read) Into the Breach - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix (dphx.org)
Fr Kevin Penkalski from the Diocese of Phoenix preaches on understanding the paschal joy of Easter.
Dcn Gabirel Sabado preaches on the love of the Father revealed through the Son and the necessity to remember the truth of His love.
Hosts Michael Salemi and Michael Sparks invite fellow classmate Brother Andrew Brebeuf from the Servants of Christ Jesus to share his love of Jesus. He shares his experience after his re-conversion of bringing Jesus to others which lead him to deeper trust in God and then to religious life. They discuss the life changing power of trusting in God.
References:
Email us with comments or questions at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail.com
Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theo. Seminary at the updated website and where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter: https://sjvdenver.edu/
Servants of Christ Jesus: http://www.scjesus.org/
John and Michael come together at the beginning of lent to talk about the literature club John started at the seminary. They discuss the ways that good literature can help form everyone, and how literature points towards the depth of humanity which ultimately relates to the spiritual life oriented to God.
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Fr. Luke Barder preaches on the importance of knowing God rather than to know about Him.
Michael and John spend time with Mary Machado, mother of former host Jacob Machado. Mary addresses the experience of being a mother of a seminarian.
Dcn Kyle Tannehill preaches on the virtue of hope and how we can use it to see the Lord more clearly.
Michael and John are joined by Connor Companik from the Diocese of Phoenix. After explaining his claim as the podcast's "Biggest Fan™", Connor explains his journey to seminary and how his devotion for sacred music has grown over the years.
The audio clip used in this podcast is from the Corpus Christi Sunday Mass (May 29, 2016) at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance antiphon is from the Graduale Romanum for the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Credit for this clip goes to the SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral schola.
Michael and John talk with Daniel Rivas from Denver about his discernment. Given a heavy cross early in life, Daniel recounts how his time of trial helped him grow closer to God and discern his vocation of priesthood.
Michael and John are joined by Brother Charbel from the Capuchin Friars. Brother Charbel talks about his conversion to Catholicism and his time of religious life. (Editor's note: while Michael and John were diligent in recording early in the month, the editor... not so much.)
His Emminence Cardinal Stafford preaches on the nature of a vigil and meeting Christ in an unexpected place.
This month, Michael and John chat with Connor Ryan from the Diocese of Pueblo. From the western slope of Colorado to the small mining towns of Arizona and Alaska, Connor tells the story of his physical and spiritual journeys that led him to seminary and a deeper life with Christ.
Fr Adam Bradshaw preaches on Faith and Prayer
Fr. Brady's Homily from Vigil Praise for 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Readings: Ez 24: 15-27; St. Augustine on Pastors; Mt 28: 1-10, 16-20.
After finishing his first year of priesthood in Uganda, Fr Julius Lule comes back to visit the seminary. Michael and John take this opportunity to ask him about his first assignment and how his time in seminary helped him prepare.
They are all back from summer break! Michael Sparks, John Cooney and Michael Salemi sit down and discuss what adventures they had during the summer. Their discussion covers what it's like being a seminarian on break and then how to return with a balanced approach of recollecting with the help of Christ.
In Flagstaff Michael interviews one of the founders of The Sons of Ars. One year after his ordination Fr. Ian Wintering shares his first year as a priest and explains what it means to have joy in the priesthood through the gift of fatherhood and fraternity.
The conversation continues. Cardinal Stafford tells the story of the beginnings of Saint John Vianney Seminary and his inspirations from the works of Rouault.
Michael and John sit down with Cardinal Stafford, the former archbishop of Denver, and discuss the joy of the priesthood as a result of Trinitarian love.
Deacon Anthony Dang, soon to be Father shares his preperation for the priesthood and enlightens us about his story to seminary right out of high school. What does a transitionary deaon do? Michael and John dive in.