The Virtue of Masculinity

Masculinity. In recent years, the use of this word has become controversial, and discussion about it unwelcome or silenced. Is all masculinity “toxic”? Dr. Tim Gray strongly asserts that while fallen masculinity does exist, authentic, God-given masculinity is a great virtue that is desperately needed in our world. Drawing on personal and cultural examples, Tim challenges men to face their fears about failing or "striking out," and encourages them to become the men they desire to be—loyal, dependable, and beloved friends, spouses, and fathers—in the image of Jesus Christ, the Perfect Man.

Suffering & The Love of God

Why would an all-powerful, all-loving God allow suffering and evil in the world? As Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. explains, unsatisfying answers to this important question are the #1 reason for atheism today. But by answering this question with logic and love (as well as with scientific, peer-reviewed evidence for the existence of life after death), we can not only answer this question truthfully and satisfactorily, but also teach our fellow Christians how to suffer well, in preparation for the limitless love of God that awaits us in eternity.

This talk was recorded by FOCUS, at SEEK 2013. focus.org

Advent: Rethinking the Season

Advent is an odd season. Unlike most other seasons, it’s a season that isn’t about itself, but is instead about preparing for Christmas. But that reality often gets lost in the shuffle and stress of trying to find all the right gifts, decorations, and dinner ingredients. In this talk, Dr. Tim Gray uses storytelling and the readings of the Old Testament to explain that we need to live the ‘pre-season’ of Advent well, so we can be prepared to welcome and receive the greatest gift God the Father wants to give us at Christmas: His Son, Jesus.

Shakespeare the Catholic

Playwright. Poet. Actor. Catholic? Much has been studied and written about William Shakespeare, perhaps the greatest and most famous author in the English language. With compelling detail and wit, Joseph Pearce outlines the objective, documented, and historical evidence that both Shakespeare and his family were practicing Roman Catholics, who persevered in professing and promoting the faith even in the midst of great persecution. The evidence is staggering, and illumines a remarkable cultural opportunity for evangelization in a "post-Christian" world.

13 Reasons Why You Matter

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth and young adults. Yet despite the many TV shows, movies, and articles on this topic, suicide, depression, self-harm, and loneliness remain difficult subjects for adults of any age to discuss. Speaking with honesty, humor, and personal experience, Noelle Garcia tackles these issues head-on, encouraging those who are struggling (or know someone who is) that God's mercy and love are waiting for them; that you, and your life, truly matter.

Totally His: Living in the Love of the Father

Our weaknesses and our wounds can often make us feel inadequate. But as Sr. Bethany Madonna, S.V. illustrates with her insightful humor and profoundly memorable stories, bringing these weaknesses and wounds to God the Father can allow us to become strong with the Father's strength, and to be healed by the Healer. “The Father Himself loves you... He wants to be with you, at every moment; in every suffering, every pain, every desire and longing.”

Know Your Story: The Love of God in the Narrative of Your Life

People love stories. But when we lose sight of where the story of our life is going, the “narrative” and meaning of our lives becomes confusing to us, and we can lose hope. In this dynamic talk, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, renews our sense of hope and wonder (and humor), revealing that the reason we love stories is that we are part of a good story; one that answers the deepest desires and longings of our hearts. Whatever chapter our lives are in, God can transform our story, so that we can know and experience the beauty, adventure, and love for which we were created.

Letter to the Elderly

Narrated by Christopher O. Blum

In 1978, Pope John Paul II became one of the youngest popes ever elected. At the time of his death in 2005, he was also one of the longest serving popes, having lived into his early 80s. From his own experience of growing old, and only five and a half years before his death, John Paul wrote and shared this moving letter, addressed “To my elderly brothers and sisters.” His letter shares and cherishes the experiences, beauty, agony, and dignity of growing old and drawing closer to God. “The years pass quickly,” he writes, “and the gift of life, for all the effort and pain it involves, is too beautiful and precious for us to ever grow tired of it.”