The Father Joe Podcast

'Alone Together', is a total contradiction, except that more and more, it is how people have spent their time since March of 2020. We've discovered that a decent number of Americans are comfortable, and enjoy, rolling solo. Can we apply that going to Mass?

Purple is used at Advent as it is at Lent to represent the penitential nature of the season. In fact, Advent used to be known as “little Lent.” The color is a symbolic reminder for us to be preparing ourselves for the coming of our Lord.

The pandemic had a devastating impact on our students. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress found that nearly four in ten eighth graders failed to grasp basic math concepts and only one in three students achieved reading proficiency standards.  

If you took your parish’s catechism classes when you were growing up you remember actual grace. It’s a supernatural kick in the pants. It gets your will and intellect moving so you can seek out and provide acts of kindness to those in need.

The feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran is celebrated by the entire Church. It marks the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome by Pope Sylvester I in 324. This church is the cathedral (or chair) of the bishop of Rome, who is our Pope.

Day of the Dead combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s. The holiday, which is celebrated mostly in Mexico on November 1 and 2, is like a family reunion—except dead ancestors are the guests of honor.

Sometimes when we go to Mass, things don't go as well as we wish. In an ideal world Mass would be full of life and joy. Everyone would leave feeling completely one with God. But other times, Mass can feel different. Remember this, Christ is truly present in the Mass.

This summer the Jesuit order celebrated their 488th birthday. The Jesuits were founded by Ignatius de Loyola, a Spanish soldier turned priest. For centuries, the Jesuits have worn many hats: missionaries, educators and writers. The prospect of a Jesuit pope was once considered unlikely Therefore, the 2013  as Pope Francis surprised many.

The next time you are at Church look for the Keys of St. Peter. The Keys of Heaven refers to the image of crossed keys used to represent the metaphorical keys of the office of Saint Peter, the keys of Heaven, or the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is explicitly referenced in the Bible in Matthew 16:19. 

COVID has changed our lives forever. Pardon the metaphor, but it's like we've spent over two years in a storm shelter. We're free to move about once again; however, the landscaped has changed. A Funeral became a Major challenge. Maybe COVID's N0.1 Victim.

Near my parish in metro Detroit an event called The Woodward Dream Cruise is held. Classic car enthusiasts attend the event held annually on the third Saturday of August. The Cruise now attracts more than 1.5 million visitors from around the world. We pray for a safe and fun filled event. 

Some Catholics go elsewhere to find what they like. For example, they go to a historic, ornate church that offers the official Latin Mass. The same with a church that offers the Gregorian chant. Some Catholics would even like the Church to return to pre-Vatican II. 

We could not help but notice the Pope’s health issues as he journeyed to Canada. The pontiff's knee has hampered his ability to move about without the assistance of a wheelchair. The possibility of retirement appears to be an option. Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 after roughly seven years in office.

A May 2022 Study finds too many Catholics are “accustomed to not being in church.” The survey conducted by Vinea Research is examining the effects of the pandemic on Church attendance and faith practice. Among the key findings, the survey discovered that a significant portion of Catholics have become “accustomed to not being in church.” The authors suggest that while Catholics have been generally strengthened in their faith during the pandemic, many are in no rush to return to the pews. 

For any number of reasons, a priest may conclude that he cannot continue living the life of a priest. Most priests who leave have done so after months and perhaps years of prayer and reflection, often shedding tears as they make this important decision.

May I say the rosary during the celebration of the mass? Praying the rosary is defined as a devotion. We are requested to concentrate our attention on the sacred actions of the memorial of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection as is celebrated in Holy Mass. 

To say America is in a delicate place right now is an understatement. Abortion, gas prices, the January 6th insurrection, gun control, immigration, climate change and our old friend covid – That’s enough to make the point. Some say we haven’t been this divided since the Civil War. I believe that the solution is staring you right in the face.

Most of us probably do not think of ourselves as prophets. Every baptized person, is called to be a prophet. How can we do what Jesus asks, to bring his love to bear on every situation in our everyday life. Let's discuss. 

It was my first ever trip to Mackinac Island for a conferance at the historic Grand Hotel. It was a great conferance at a stunning Michigan location. It was the parting gift that I wish I'd left in my hotel room. 

It's amazing how many Hollywood comedians attended Catholic schools, from Bob Hope to Jim Gaffigan. Memories of the nun’s habits, discipling with rulers and priests chaperoning the prom are part of the schooling legacy. We dedicate this podcast to you.

An email asked me to share my thoughts about psychics. Some people enjoy a field trip to a psychic, fortune teller or palm reader. Let's have a chat. 

What do you do when you just can't take the time away you know you need and deserve? The operative word is ‘need’. A man I know well tells me “There’s no vacation from being a Catholic Priest.” 

Moving a parent, even a willing one, into assisted living, or any senior living facility, is full of emotion. They're frightened about aging, making new friends, and finding their way in a new place. We may feel guilt. These feelings are normal, but don’t need to last forever.

‘iBreviary’, ‘Catholic Calendar’, ‘Laudate’, ‘Click To Pray’, ‘Hallow’. These are just a few of the Catholic apps available for your cell phone or tablet. So, how do you feel about a tablet or smart phone taking the place of a Sunday Missal or Bible?

Having a close family member or friend officiate your wedding is becoming a growing trend among couples. 43 percent of couples in the US had a friend or family member act as the officiant at their wedding. Many couples are forgoing religious norms and traditional vows for wedding ceremonies. And, the trend is growing.

Pope Francis condemned the “horrific cruelties” against unarmed women and children in Bucha, Ukraine on Wednesday, saying that the blood of innocent civilians “cries out to heaven” for an end to the atrocities of war. 

I had a friend ask me "Why is Jesus so angry in today's gospel?" That's a great question. As we know, Jesus was human, yet he's also fully divine. Jesus got angry, but angry for the right reasons. How you challenge your anger can help define who you are. 

It’s Friday night and you can smell it in the air around Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Auburn Hills, MI. Did somebody say “fish fry?” In various parts of the country, the Friday Lenten fish fry is a staple. Parishioners come together and enjoy fish instead of meat.   

You can handle the small projects. Maybe it’s anger, patience or being selfish. A key to this process is both prayer and reflection. We ask God to guide us in reshaping our weaknesses. Remember, we don’t have to do a major remodel. Those around you will embrace your upgrade.

You don’t have to be wealthy to plan your legacy. Not unlike a church’s row of pews, the Catholic Church has several philanthropic avenues for you to examine when you consider ways to give. Even after death.   

Fat Tuesday is that date on our calendar when we get to indulge ourselves. Parades, alcohol and sweets. Lots of sweets. The Polish Paczki, New Orleans beignets, King Cake and gumbo. The list goes on. As we prepare for lent, let’s enjoy our family, friends and some tasty food.

How would you describe yourself? What would you say is your strongest trait? Reliable? Optimistic? Well, how about your parish? If your parish was a person what would be his/her strongest traits? 

Northern Michigan is a destination for yet another reason. Pope Francis has named a new bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. Meet Bishop-elect Jeffrey J. Walsh.

If you answered, "give me a minute," you probably haven't said it in awhile, or ever. Hundreds of years ago, bells would toll to remind us to recite the Angelus. Not so much anymore. At the Vatican, many offices have the custom of pausing work every day to pray the Angelus together at noon.

From the Loyola Press: The start of a new liturgical year, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, also marks the transition from one lectionary cycle (A, B, or C) to the next. These cycles are a result of the Second Vatican Council, which ordered a change in the Sunday readings at Mass so that Catholics would become more familiar with the text of the Bible. As a result we now have a three-year cycle of readings built around readings from the three synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Remember "So Long 2020!"? Have you heard the expression “wash, rinse and repeat"? 2022 is off to a rough start. It's only week one and we are now in our third year of the COVID virus. Let's start the New Year with hope and prayer.

A lot has happened in a year. Especially for yours truly. I am once again the Pastor of my own church. Sacred Heart in Auburn Hills, MI. I love the assignment. Part of that comes with my first Christmas and New Year. Let’s pray for healthier New Year. Pray for the end of COVID.

It’s hard to imagine anything worse than the loss of a child. As a Catholic Priest, I try to be open in my counseling with couples and parents about their child or children: let them know that I support them, and are there to talk and listen.

Advent is a period of preparation extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio, "to come to," and refers to the coming of Christ. Though Christ has already come into the world, the Church invites us to renew our desire for the Lord more deeply into our lives, and to renew our desire for Christ’s triumphant second coming into the world.

Is it time for women to be Deaconesses? Once again, the debate is being discussed. Many say yes...many say no! I offer my opinion.

Harry Chapin had the #1 1974 hit "Cat's in the Cradle". It chronicles a son whose dad doesn't have time for him.  The father is repeatedly unable to spend time with him due to his job. His son promises to grow up to be just like his dad. And, he does.

In Luke's Gospel this week he writes: "Every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” Essentially, we're being asked, do we cherish our wealth more than our fellow person? Wealth is not a bad thing. It’s how we use it.  

On today's podcast we'll talk about the 12 Apostles. Because of them we have our faith. Many Apostles are associated with a request. Danny Thomas prayed to St. Jude, he is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. Let's do a deeper dive. 

On October 18th we celebrated the feast of St. Luke evangelist, physician and companion of St. Paul whose gospel preserved the most extensive biography of Jesus Christ. St. Luke is the patron of doctors and other medical caregivers. His feast reminds us to continue to pray for our healthcare workers.

Pope Francis is 84. In July, 2021 he spent a week-long hospitalization requiring surgery. It has served as a reminder that the pope is reaching an age when people deal more frequently with health problems and become more vulnerable. Will we ever see a young American pope?

Have you found yourself angry with a good friend or family member? You may want to look at how you deal with your hatred and anger. Anger can make you anxious, frustrated and even depressed and that’s unhealthy. Forgiveness is not optional. It is essential. 

You often hear, 'God works in mysterious ways'. I was recently asked to be the pastor and administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Auburn Hills, MI. and I’ve accepted. I’m asking for your prayers as I hope to succeed and apply the necessary passion to my exciting new assignment. Thank you and God Bless.

On September 18th Catholic Cemeteries in Michigan joined together for a prayer service in memory of all lives lost during the pandemic. For many, this period has cost us the experience to celebrate the lives, and loss, of our loved ones. Let us pray. 

When it comes to going to college don’t panic if you hear, “your student may need to follow one of these alternative paths.” Not all kids are built for a major university or college. 

Fr. Giuseppe Grimaldi is celebrating birthday number 81 today (September 1st)! We have a candid conversation with Father Joe about his 62 years of service as first a Christian Brother and the last 31 years as a Catholic Priest. Happy Birthday Fr. Joe!  

Catholics use religious articles to remind them of God and as a motivation to willingly serve God and their neighbor. They are also reminders of the saints (just as a photograph reminds you of a loved one)  and in reminding us of the saints they remind us also of how these saints loved God – such a reminder serves as an example for us to follow.  

In January 2021, Pope Francis announced the first World Day for Grandparents. Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron gathered with parishioners from across the Archdiocese of Detroit to celebrate St. Anne, the Grandmother of Jesus, on July 26 at the Basilica of Ste. Anne. Should grandparents jump in and make sure your children are getting the necessary religious training?

Mother Mary Lange Catholic School will be the first new Catholic school built in Baltimore in 60 years! Sister Rita Michelle said “Loving God, let this be a place where the laughter of children is heard, and everyone will be treated with loving respect,”. “May these holy grounds be a place of peace, offering refuge from chaos and doubt. 

After 31 years as a member of the Christian Brothers, Fr. Joe Grimaldi entered the seminary. He was ordained August 4, 1990. Sit back and enjoy this wonderful story.  

Saying he was acting for the good of the unity of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has restored limits on the celebration of the Mass according to the Roman Missal in use before the Second Vatican Council, overturning or severely restricting permissions St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI had given to celebrate the so-called Tridentine-rite Mass. Despite the recent decision of Pope Francis to curtail celebration of the Latin Mass, we are not going to see it disappear anytime soon for a simple reason: Local bishops can and will still permit it.

Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron celebrated his 25th episcopal jubilee. His colleagues have said, “There goes an Apostle”, another said, "Your docility to the Holy Spirit is incredibly admirable." Our prayers and a big thank you for your dedicated service.

The 84-year-old pontiff left Rome's Gemelli hospital in Rome July 14th. He's started a period of near-total rest and rehabilitation expected to last at least two weeks. I've been asked by the faithful "Who was in charge while he hospitalized?"

While some parishes are named for Christ (Sacred Heart, Divine Savior, Holy Cross, Good Shepherd, etc.), most parishes are named after a patron saint. You’ll usually see a likeness of that Saint within the body of Catholic Church. How do we know what St. Peter looked like?

The name that is chosen is extremely important. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “Everyone’s name is sacred. The name is the icon of the person. A name is a person’s title or identifier for life. This is a not a decision that should be taken lightly. 

In scripture we often hear about the ‘Tax Collector’. In fact, one of Jesus’ Apostles was a tax collector. Among the early followers and apostles of Jesus is Matthew. There’s an interesting weave we notice throughout scripture and worthy of discussion. (Tax free)

As a 7-year-old I had to learn the 8 Beatitudes in order to receives my First Communion. The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." The beatitudes that were given to us by Jesus had one simple lesson and meaning that would help us live a good life, and live a life that will lead us to an everlasting life in heaven. 

We touched on the importance of the Eucharist on our last podcast. I felt the need to do a deeper dive. Hopefully, you're physically able to again attend Sunday Mass. Many Catholic Churches are reopening. That's great news. Are you going? See you at Mass.

Our churches are starting to repopulate. That's great news. However, it will take years to know if the pandemic did irreparable damage to our attendance. The Catholic Church teaches us that we have an obligation to go to Mass every Sunday. Mass is a celebration of the Eucharist. I pray I see you're back in the pews. See you at Mass.  

Most Catholic parisoners like or love their pastor. Many bishops, nowadays, use the six years as a maximum as well, although in some cases, where a pastor becomes a very good fit in a parish, he might remain in that parish until death or retirement.

Altar servers are just that — servers. Pope John Paul II definitively authorized female altar servers in 1994. Altar Servers should be baptized Catholics, who have received their first Holy Communion. The minimum age 4th grade, male or female. Altar Servers should be individuals who strive to live a moral and faithful life. We have lots to unpack.

The past year was unlike any we’ve ever seen. Isolation for some and overcrowding for others. We all know how to Zoom and "don’t forget your mask". When it comes to new habits, some good and some not-so-good. We cried and yet we managed to find our smiles.

Brother Rice grad Kirk Mayes (’94) reflects on upbringing, COVID-19 food needs and his unwavering commitment to help Detroiters. “I wouldn’t attribute my intelligence to where I am today: it’s more about my character. That was the kind of work ethic Mayes’ parents — Jamaican immigrants to Detroit in the 1980s — instilled in their son.

I was recently told about a friend's son who's hoping to finish his four-year theological studies following his recent graduation from college. Seminary applicants today undergo a series of psychological tests to determine if they are mentally fit to serve as priests. More than a decade after the priest sex abuse crisis shook the Catholic Church from its pews to the altar.

The Octave of Easter is the eight-day period, or octave, that begins on Easter Sunday and ends with the following Sunday. In the Catholic Church, it marks the beginning of Eastertide. The first seven of these eight days are also collectively known as Easter Week. 

Imagine the sudden and tragic loss of a love one. We've all had that experience. Recently, we’ve witnessed another mass shooting in Boulder CO, the trial of trial of Derek Chauvin. Most importantly, we focus on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Let’s Remember, Easter celebrates hope. Happy Easter my friends. Christ has risen.

Everything we know about Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus, comes from the Bible, and mentions of him are underwhelming. The circumstances of Joseph's death are not known, but it is likely that he died before Jesus's ministry began, and it is implied that he was dead before the Crucifixion (John 19:26-27).

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Once again, celebrations for St. Patrick's Day looked differently. It's important to remember It was the Irish who made the Church grow. Stay safe and stay healthy.  

What a year we've witnessed. To list the changes and our resilience to 'The Pandemic' is impossible. We've relied on our inner strength and found light in the darkness. It's always the right time to thank God, but now more than ever. Pray for peace and each other.

I’m currently assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Naples, FL. She was the first native-born American to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. Seton was beatified by Pope John XXIII on March 17, 1963. She was a remarkable woman.

One year ago, we all received ashes on our foreheads. What a difference a year it makes. Our 'New Normal' includes Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season. Stay safe, healthy and continue to pray.

On January 20th, the President used the Family Bible—a five-inch-thick tome that dates back to 1893. Recently, On January 24, 2021, the Church celebrated “Sunday of the Word of God,” an initiative established by Pope Francis as a day “devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God.” Does your family own a Bible?

Not unlike our political figures, I thought I would try to articulate what we've been through in 2020 and what the future may look like in the Catholic Church going forward. Let's continue to get vaccinated pray for a cure. Pray for those who have lost their battle with COVID-19.

Exhausted? Fatigued? I know I am. However, we have prayer and a new hope. On this podcast, I'm going to ask you to find a blessing within the throws of these unprecedented times. Peace be with you. 

On January 6, 2021 we witnessed an event that will leave a serious mark on the pages of American history. We hear things like “just when I thought I had seen it all” or “can it get any worse?” More than ever, I want people to pray. Pray for peace and unity. Pray that we listen to what the other person is trying to say. It all starts with prayer

Doctors and nurses, especially now, have a ministry. In fact, we all do. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord reminds us that for 30 years Jesus was a carpenter. We’re all blessed with a skill. Not unlike Jesus, the road ahead can be a difficult one. A road, I believe, we can achieve starting with our own baptism.

The feast marking the end of Christmas is called “Epiphany.” On January 6th, this feast commemorates the mysterious visit of the magi to the Baby Jesus. What lessons should we and shouldn't learn from this incident?

I know, what a year. It seems like nothing but bad news and sadness every day. We've had to make so many adjustments and sacrifices. However, let's celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and continue to pray for our loved ones and, those we have lost.  

Fr. Norman "Norm" Dixon S.J. is my co-host Ken's cousin who recently passed. Norm was a marvelous storyteller who loved to regale people with his stories. When telling a seemingly outlandish story, there would always be a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips. Rest in Peace. 

Yes, it’s the first day of Lent. However; It’s also the date our Archbishop is lifting the dispensation of our obligation of attending Mass. With a vaccine on the way, you need to decide if you’ve gotten too comfortable steaming Mass or, not going at all?

The first week of Advent is here. Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation and of hope. This year, we are all waiting, expecting and hoping for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward and pray with the hope of a return to normal life.

I worry about the absence from attending Mass. The Arch Bishop of Detroit has announced Michigan Catholics are not obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation until February due to COVID-19. Pray for our return to Mass.

You are not obliged to attend Mass on Thanksgiving. However, what a beautiful way to start the day. Yes, this has been a tough year. Still, we give thanks for the many gifts the good Lord has blessed us with. Let's pray for the cure and each other.

The Covid pandemic has taught us how to live introverted lives. I miss being with people; however, I enjoy my time alone. As a young Christian Brother, I spent hours without speaking. As a Catholic Priest, I’ve had to learn to be outgoing and social.

In “Francesco,” a documentary that touches on the pope’s issues, from migration to the environment, Francis does not indicate any openness to extending marriage to same-sex couples, but says “homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family.”

We recently celebrated All Souls' Day. It's a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died. Lighting a candle is one way of extending one's prayer. The lighting of candles has been observed since the early martyrs.

As Detroit Catholic on-line recently wrote: "For the past 30 years, Deacon Ken Trabbic and his wife, Sharon, have used pumpkin farming as a way to share their faith — and it’s working." The Trabbic farm is proving to be a great way make spirituality fun. 

Everywhere you look, or listen, the word 'Covid' somehow enters the room. From the moment we wake up, until the end of our (new normal) days, it's Covid. We're managing to say "not today Covid" and here are some suggestions. Pray for a cure. God Bless.

Let’s start with this. Women constitute the majority of members of consecrated life in the Catholic Church: in 2010, there were around 721,935 professed women religious. When I say mass and look out on any weekday morning, I see more women than men. Why don’t women hold a higher position in the Catholic Church?  

Blessed Carlo Acutis was a 15-year-old Italian Catholic schoolboy and amateur computer programmer when he died. He was best known for documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world and cataloguing them all onto a website that he created in the months before his death from leukemia. He was beatified October 10, 2020 in Assisi, Italy. This is a beautiful story

A few short years ago, the 34-year-old would have been about the same age as most of his classmates in a Catholic seminary. But no longer. The majority of our seminarians are in their mid-to late 20s. This makes for an interesting podcast.

Pope John Paul II wrote: Sacred Scripture is truly divine, because it belongs to God truly and genuinely: God himself inspired it, God confirmed it, God spoke it through the sacred writers Moses, the Prophets, the Evangelists, the Apostles and, above all, through his Son, our only Lord, in both the Old and the New Testament.

Are you old enough to remember if you eat meat on Friday you’ll go to hell? Was that extreme? Looking back, perhaps. The point is, when we make the extra effort to improve our relationship with God the reward is special. You should try it.

Have you gone to dinner with friends? Have you gone to a grocery store, pharmacy or doctor's appointment? I could go through a number of places or events. The question is, as a Catholic, have you used the pandemic as an excuse to skip Mass?