Raising Saints: Helping Kids Hear God's Voice

An 8th grade faith formation class had sent us some questions via email. In this episode we visit their class and record in person! This is our first foray into questions from teens. We discuss the how and why of miracles. And that transitions into a discussion on the meaning of suffering. PS - we are sorry for the average audio quality. Please forgive us.

Today is a little different. We break from our usual format of answering questions to talk as the Holy Spirit moved us. We discuss the darkness in the world around us, and how we will all likely encounter resistance to our faith. But that we should be not afraid because God is always with us. And we encourage all our listeners to be lights of Christ in the world. Plus, if you're a Batman fan, Father Connolly does an impression of Bane from The Dark Night.

Father Connolly brought a question from the 3rd grade class at St. Columba school. A student asked: What is the point of the sacraments? As we answer this question we also address a question from a parent, Kristy, who wonders why we go to Confession rather than just asking Jesus to forgive us privately. And then Will in 4th grade asks us to tackle a difficult issue - how to show compassion to a frustrating classmate! Please forgive the background noise and the 3 year old yelling for mommy in this episode! (#CatholicMomLife)

As we complete 40 days of Lent, Evie brings us a perfectly timed question - why did Jesus wander in the dessert for 40 days? And her younger sister, Chiara, age 8, asks why we are supposed to abstain from eating meat on Fridays in Lent. But did you know that the Church recommends we do this year round?

In this episode, we answer 3 questions all about faith. First, Grace, age 7, and her 2nd grade faith formation class, would like to know when CCD was started. Then, Marcelo, age 6, wonders how faith develops in people! Our final caller, Nick, 6th grade, wants to know what "the word" is when we say at Mass "only say the word and my soul shall be healed." That question was actually submitted by two kids - the exact same question - one caller, one by email! WOW!

If you are a parent, you have probably heard one, or both, of today's questions. Mason, 2nd grade, would like to know if Jesus was alive during the time of the dinosaurs. And Gracie, age 11, is curious if her beloved dog will be in heaven.

This week we talk a little about Lent and what we personally are doing for Lent.  We answer a question from Mary, age 7, about why we receive ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday.  And also, find out why and when our priests use incense, thanks to Alexandra's son John, age 6 .