All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
This podcast is for people interested in the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. It is especially helpful if you have only heard negative things about it, or if you are in an OCIA class.
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032 - Five Proofs That God Exists
02/03/2026
032 - Five Proofs That God Exists
This episode reviews 5 logical arguments that prove God’s existence. They come from the Summa Theologica of St Thomas Aquinas. Key points include: · The Role of Philosophy in Faith: Why logic and reason are essential for understanding theology and making sound arguments about God’s existence. The episode discusses how postmodernism has led to a “crisis of meaning” in Western culture. · Five Proofs for God’s Existence: Argument from Motion: Everything in motion was set in motion by something else, leading to the necessity of an “unmoved mover”—God. Argument from Causation: Every effect has a cause, but there must be a first, uncaused cause—God. Argument from Contingency: Contingent beings require a necessary being whose existence is essential—God. Argument from Gradation: The existence of varying degrees of goodness, truth, and beauty points to a perfect source—God as “Being itself.” Argument from Design: The order and intelligibility of the universe suggest intentional design and purpose, ultimately pointing to God. · Philosophy’s Limits: While philosophy can prove God’s existence and certain attributes, deeper knowledge comes from God’s self-revelation in scripture and tradition. Please visit our website: . You can sign up for our newsletter, leave me a voice message with a comment or suggestion, get connected with us on socials, and you can become a patron who makes all of this magic happen! AllRoadsLeadToRome.net We are also on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Youtube. Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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031 - Are You Saved?
01/27/2026
031 - Are You Saved?
This episode tackles the question, “Are You Saved?”—a common inquiry in Evangelical Protestant circles—and explores how Catholics understand and respond to it. It unpacks the theological differences between Protestant and Catholic views on salvation, free will, grace, and the journey of faith. It encourages you not to see salvation as a single momentary decision, but as a lifelong process, rooted in grace, free will, and the pursuit of holiness. It is not a quick or individualistic transaction. The episode invites reflection on the depth and richness of the Catholic understanding of faith and salvation. Please visit our website: to sign up for our Newsletter, or to become a patron that keeps this podcast going! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Youtube. Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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030 - The Our Father
01/20/2026
030 - The Our Father
This episode explores the depth and meaning of the “Our Father” (the Lord’s Prayer), the most widely known prayer in Christianity. We find the prayer in Matthew 6 (in the Sermon on the Mount) and in Luke 11. It is not just a simple prayer, but a spiritual roadmap that encompasses hope, forgiveness, trust, and the pursuit of holiness. St. Augustine said “Run through all the words of any holy prayer, and I do not think you will find anything that is not contained in the Lord’s Prayer.” So, in the Mass, just before we pray this togvether, the priest says, "and we dare to pray ...". He says that because it is a daring prayer! If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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029 - The 21 Ecumenical Councils
01/13/2026
029 - The 21 Ecumenical Councils
Episode Title: 029 – The 21 Ecumenical Councils of the Church Description: This episode explores the 21 Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church. It discusses the historical context, key decisions, and theological debates of each council, highlighting their significance in shaping Catholic doctrine and practices. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding these councils to appreciate the Church's efforts in maintaining doctrinal clarity and unity throughout history. It also provides a really fun mnemonic device to help remember the names of the councils: NI – CO – EF – CAL – CO – CO – NI – CO – LA – LA – LA – LA - LY – LY – VI – CO – FLO – LA – TRE – VA – VA Recommended Reading: The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Joseph Kelly If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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028 - Augustine's Book, "Confessions"
01/06/2026
028 - Augustine's Book, "Confessions"
This episode is a review of St. Augustine's book, "The Confessions." It was the first autobiography ever written. Augustine lived 354 - 430. He is the most quoted Church Father in the Liturgy of the Hours as well as the most quoted by St. Thomas Aquinas. This book walks through his life, his time with the Manichean religion, his struggles with pride and sensuality, and his ultimate conversion to Christianity. He has significant reflections on sin, grace, and God's providence, as well as his famous quotes such as "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee," "Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet," and "Late have I loved Thee, O beauty so ancient and so new, Late hve I loved Thee." The Confessions is one of the most influential books ever written about the Faith and it is a must read!
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027 - On Becoming Catholic
12/30/2025
027 - On Becoming Catholic
Episode Title: 027 – On Becoming Roman Catholic Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Bickford shares the journey of writer Thomas Howard from being Protestant to becoming Anglican and then finally a Roman Catholic. Dr Bickford made a very similar journey and shares it. This episode explores the historical divide between Catholics and Protestants, the theological differences, and the challenges he faced during the transition. The goal of the episode is to help you make the change a one step process, instead of the two steps process both Howard and Bickford went through. Recommended Reading: Evangelical is Not Enough and On Being Catholic. Both are by Thomas Howard. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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026 - Christmas
12/23/2025
026 - Christmas
Episode Title: 026 - Christmas Description: In this episode, Dr. Bickford explores the historical, theological and cultural aspects of Christmas. We review the meaning of the Incarnation, prophesies of the birth of the Messiah, the birth of Jesus, and various cultural practices that have developed. Recommended Reading: The True Meaning of Christmas by Michael Patrick Barber. Key Points: Historical and Religious Context: Explanation of the origin and meaning of Christmas. Discussion on the existence of Jesus and the historical evidence supporting it. Reference to the Catechism and its teachings on Christmas. The Incarnation of Jesus: Explanation of the belief in Jesus as the Incarnation of God. Reference to the Nicene Creed and its description of Jesus. Prophecies and Birth of Jesus: Discussion on the prophecies about Jesus' birth and their significance. Description of the events leading up to Jesus' birth, including the visits of the Archangel Gabriel to Zechariah and Mary. Journey to Bethlehem: Explanation of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the significance of Bethlehem. Description of the status of Mary and Joseph and the legal aspects of their betrothal. Birth of Jesus: Description of the birth of Jesus in a cave and the significance of the manger. Explanation of the tradition of the Christmas creche and its origins. Announcement to the Shepherds: Description of the angel's announcement to the shepherds and their significance. Discussion on the role of shepherds in society and their representation in the Christmas story. Visit of the Wise Men: Description of the visit of the Wise Men and the significance of their gifts. Explanation of the traditional date of their arrival and the celebration of Epiphany. Date of Christmas: Discussion on the date of Christmas and the arguments against it being chosen to replace a pagan holiday. Explanation of the significance of living a "full of years" life and its relation to Jesus' birth date. Christmas Traditions: Explanation of various Christmas traditions, including creches, the Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Discussion on the commercialization of Christmas and the importance of focusing on its religious meaning. Favorite Christmas Hymn: It ends with a reading of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and its significance. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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025 - Miracles
12/16/2025
025 - Miracles
Episode Title: 025 - Miracles Description: In this episode, Dr. Bickford delves into the fascinating topic of miracles. Whether you believe in miracles or not, this episode will challenge your perceptions and encourage you to listen with an open mind. We explore various types of miracles, their significance, and provide numerous examples from history and modern times. Recommended Reading: "The Catholic Guide to Miracles" by Adam Blai. Key Points: Historical Context: The episode discusses the influence of the Enlightenment on modern perceptions of miracles and how it shaped Protestant and non-religious views. Personal Anecdotes: Dr. Bickford shares personal experiences and stories related to miracles, including a visit to an Orthodox monastery in Israel. Confirmation Bias: The concept of confirmation bias is explored, highlighting how it affects our acceptance of miracles. Types of Miracles: The episode categorizes miracles into several types, including healing miracles, Eucharistic miracles, Marian apparitions, conversion miracles, nature miracles, and exorcisms. Examples of Miracles: Numerous examples of miracles are provided, ranging from historical accounts to modern-day occurrences. Significance of Miracles: Dr. Bickford discusses the purpose and significance of miracles, emphasizing that they serve a greater purpose beyond the miracle itself. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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024 - Prayer
12/09/2025
024 - Prayer
024 – Prayer Understanding Prayer: The episode delves into the purpose of prayer, highlighting that it is not just about asking God for things but about building a relationship with Him. Principles of Prayer: The episode discusses the common mistake of treating prayer as a one-sided conversation where we only ask for things. Dr. Bickford emphasizes the importance of listening to God and not getting angry when our prayers are not answered as we wish. Main Character Syndrome: A significant part of the episode is dedicated to addressing the "Main Character Syndrome," where individuals see themselves as the center of their life's story. God is the main character, and our role is to trust and follow His plan. Role of Prayer: Prayer is described as the means to connect with God, receive His guidance, and strengthen our faith. The episode includes quotes from saints like Padre Pio, St. Catherine of Sienna, and St. Anselm to illustrate the importance of prayer. Types of Prayer: Various types of prayer are discussed, including extemporaneous prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, the Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, and Novenas. Dr. Bickford provides practical advice on how to incorporate these prayers into daily life. Short Prayers: The episode concludes with a discussion on short prayers that can be used throughout the day, such as the Serenity Prayer, the Prayer of St. Francis, the Salve Regina, the Prayer of St. Michael, and the Lord's Prayer. Prayer is not about changing God's mind but about aligning our minds with His will. The episode is filled with practical tips and spiritual insights to help listeners grow in their faith. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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023 - Making Time Holy
12/02/2025
023 - Making Time Holy
Introduction to the Sanctification of Time: The importance of integrating faith into daily life calls for making time holy Daily Practices: Explanation of Catholic virtue ethics and the development of virtuous habits. Various daily prayers such as Novenas, the Rosary, and Lectio Divina. The significance of the Liturgy of the Hours (Daily Office) and its structure. Liturgical Seasons: Overview of the Liturgical Calendar and its significance in marking the life and death of Christ. Explanation of Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, and Easter. The role of colors in the Liturgical Seasons and their meanings. Holy Days of Obligation: The six Holy Days of Obligation and their importance in the Catholic faith. The requirement for Catholics to attend Mass on these days. Conclusion: The overarching theme that God calls us to give everything, not just an hour a week. Encouragement to make each day holy through prayer and holy living. The journey to Rome as a metaphor for the journey to holiness. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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022 - Creation and the Fall
11/24/2025
022 - Creation and the Fall
Where does everything come from, and if God created everything to be good, then why did we have “The Fall”? Here, we look at some creation stories from other religions and see how the Bible is so profoundly different. We also explain how the Big Bang theory addresses questions of “what” and “how”, but the Genesis story focuses on the question of “why”. We then look at “The Fall”. It is a part of human nature and we all suffer from it. It exists because our “yes” to God cannot be real unless we have the real option to say “no”. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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021 - Development of Doctrine
11/18/2025
021 - Development of Doctrine
Can Church doctrine develop over time? If it does, then does that mean it can change into something different as society changes? John Henry Newman wrote “A Essay On the Development of Christian Doctrine” and this book addresses those specific questions. True doctrine develops over time and brings us into a deeper understanding. A corruption of doctrine brings us to a different or changed belief. To show how this works, Newman developed 7 Notes (or point) to show how doctrine can legitimately develop. This is an complicated episode, but really worth the effort because this is an important understanding of how the Church faces the demands of the world. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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020 - Pilgrimages
11/11/2025
020 - Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages are trips to places that are important to the Faith. They are different from vacations in that they seek to have a deeper encounter with God, experience a healing, or do penance for restoration. They have always been part of the Judeo-Christian experience. This episode explains what a pilgrimage is, why they are important, why it is a Catholic practice more than a Protestant one, and it talks about several pilgrimage destinations. The pilgrimage destinations discussed are Israel, Rome, the Camino, Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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019 - Cardinal and Theological Virtues
11/07/2025
019 - Cardinal and Theological Virtues
The purpose of the Christian life is to develop holiness. Catholic Virtue Ethics is a big part of the process that helps get us there. There are 4 Cardinal and 3 Theological Virtues that are key. The 4 Cardinal Virtues are Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude. Cardinal means “hinge” like on a door and all virtues swing on the hinge of these four. We cultivate them through the development of intentional habits. The 3 Theological Virtues are Faith, Hope, and Charity. These are infused in our lives by God. St. Thomas Aquinas brought them together and the wide swath of the Second Part of the Summa Theologia focuses on them. This episode walks through all of that! If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Please tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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018 - Virtue Ethics
11/04/2025
018 - Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics is the system of behaviors and actions that allow us to cultivate virtue and become holy. Ethics isn’t just about do’s and don’t’s … its about cultivation of a virtuous and holy life. Some history is given on how Plato and Aristotle wrestled with the questions, but the focus is on the First Part of the Second Part of Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologia If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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017 - Evil
10/30/2025
017 - Evil
This episode explores the subject of evil. It focuses on evil as being an effect of Free Will and uses Augustine’s idea of evil being the absence of good. It also talks about demonic attacks on the Christian life. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! Also check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X Tell A Catholic Curious friend about us!
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016 - Suffering
10/28/2025
016 - Suffering
This episode talks about suffering. It explores Tragic Suffering and uses the story of Job from the Bible. It also explores Malevolent Suffering and uses Romans 5:1-5 to explain how we should deal with it. This episode also examines the 1984 Papal Letter, Salvifici Doloris, which can be downloaded here: If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, let me know at Please follow, subscribe, follow us on Social Media, and tell a Catholic Curious friend!
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015 - The Nicene Creed
10/24/2025
015 - The Nicene Creed
This episode talks about the Nicene Creed. This Creed is recited at every Mass in Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Why is it so important? This episode explains that. We go through the Council of Nicaea in AD325 where it was written and then go through each sentence and talk about what it means. It is a very important part of Catholic Faith! If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, let me know at Please follow, subscribe, follow us on Social Media, and tell a Catholic Curious friend!
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014 - How Authority Works
10/22/2025
014 - How Authority Works
This episode explores how the Church believes in Absolute Truth and sets various levels of authority to dogmas, doctrines, and church documents. It covers Papal Infallibility, Classical Theism, Nominalism, and all those documents with Latin names that get published by the Vatican. If you have questions or suggestions for future episodes, let me know at MSBickford@AllRoadsLeadToRome.net
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013 - The Rosary
10/17/2025
013 - The Rosary
This episode explores the history and development of the Rosary, including its presence in Marian Apparitions as well as at the Battle of Lepanto. It then walks through how to pray it and why it is a powerful Prayer Discipline as well as a Spiritual Growth Discipline.
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012 - The Saints
10/14/2025
012 - The Saints
This episode explains who the saints are, how they get named saints, and why this is the goal all of us have in life. It also shows how the supernatural surrounds them. Stigmata, Levitation, and Bi-Location examples are given.
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011 - Purgatory
10/10/2025
011 - Purgatory
What happens if we are destined for heaven, but still have bad habits, character, or behavior. We must be purified before getting to heaven, or else our presence will not make heaven perfect for everyone else. What is that purification? Catholics call it Purgatory. This episode walks us through it
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010 - The Eucharist
10/08/2025
010 - The Eucharist
The Eucharist is "The Source and Summit of the Christian Life." This episode explains why. It also explores the Biblical understanding (drawing from John 6 and I Corinthians 11), what the early Church Fathers believed, how Thomas Aquinas wrestled with it, and how the Catechism describes it today. Both "Real Presence" and "Transubstantiation" are explained as well.
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009 - Sacraments Part 2
10/02/2025
009 - Sacraments Part 2
This episode explores the Sacraments of the Sick, of Holy Orders, and of holy Matrimony. It also explores Sacramentals and the role they play in the Christian life
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008 - Sacraments - Part I
09/30/2025
008 - Sacraments - Part I
The Church hs 7 Sacraments. This episode explores what a Sacrament is and then walks through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Sacrament of Penance. Episodes 9 and 10 will explore the rest.
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007 - The Mass
09/27/2025
007 - The Mass
There are many aspects to the Roman Catholic Mass that can be confusing. This episode walks through all of it to show what is being said, what is being done, and what miracle is talking place.
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006 - The Early Church
09/22/2025
006 - The Early Church
The early church encountered all sorts of challenges and problems. How they addressed them defined the Catholic Church then and defines the Catholic Church today.
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005 - The Pope and the Hierarchy
09/18/2025
005 - The Pope and the Hierarchy
This episode explores the origin and function of the Papacy. It also walks through Canon Law and the role of the Curia (bureaucracy of the Church)
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004 - Mary
09/17/2025
004 - Mary
Mary plays a very important role in the life of the Catholic Church. This episode explores why she does and how the Church came to see this role.
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Episode 003 - Faith and Reason
09/16/2025
Episode 003 - Faith and Reason
The war between religions and science is a lie. This episode explains why.
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