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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059 - Thomas Aquinas
08/11/2026
059 - Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas, the greatest Theologian in Christian history, was once called the “Dumb Ox” in school by other students. This episode starts with his noble upbringing near Aquino and his dramatic entrance into the Dominican Order to his studies under Albert the Great and his lasting impact on Catholic thought. He is one of the 38 “Doctors of the Churh” and is known both as the Universal Doctor and the Angelic Doctor. The episode also explains why Aquinas remains so central to Catholic theology 800 years after his death. We look, especially the Summa Theologica, his integration of Aristotle with Christian doctrine, his treatment of virtue, the sacraments, and the existence of God, and the ongoing importance of Thomistic thought today. 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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058 - Papal Infallibility
08/04/2026
058 - Papal Infallibility
Papal Infallibility is one of the most misunderstood Catholic teachings. The pope is not a monarch who can simply declare anything true, nor is every papal comment automatically infallible. Instead, papal infallibility is rooted in the Catholic understanding of the Deposit of Faith, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Church’s responsibility to preserve and clarify what Christ entrusted to her. The episode walks through the distinction between settled doctrine, theological debate, and changeable Church customs, then shows how the Magisterium serves as the Church’s teaching office. It then explains the three narrow conditions required for an infallible papal statement: it must be made from the chair of Peter, concern faith or morals, and define doctrine for the whole Church. 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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057 - The Importance of Tradition
07/28/2026
057 - The Importance of Tradition
This episode explores why Tradition matters so deeply in the Catholic Church and why it is often viewed very differently in Protestant communities. It contrasts two foundational ways of thinking: Epistemic Realism, which assumes objective truth and meaning, and Nominalism, which treats truth as more individual and self-defined. This philosophical difference helps explain why Catholics look to Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium together, while Protestants often emphasize personal interpretation of Scripture. It also introduces the Catholic idea of the “Deposit of Faith,” which is the complete revelation entrusted by Christ to the Apostles and safeguarded by the Church through history. The Magisterium serves this deposit rather than invents new doctrine. The Holy Spirit protects the Church in matters of faith and morals through the doctrine of infallibility. This episode also discusses the role of saints and Church history, and the recurring challenges of heresy, corruption, and the current crises in postmodernism. The episode closes by presenting Tradition as the living inheritance that offers clarity, continuity, and a path toward objective truth. 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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056 - The Lectionary
07/21/2026
056 - The Lectionary
The Lectionary is an organized schedule of Scripture readings used at Mass throughout the world. It is a 3 year cycle that was developed in the 1960s, after Vatican II and replaced a 1 year cycle of readings. There is a second lectionary for daily Mass readings. So, the Scripture readings you hear at any mass are not chosen by the priest. They are part of a carefully developed cycle that ensures you will hear most of the Bible read in church over the course of the cycle. This episode also compares the Catholic Lectionary with the Protestant Revised Common Lectionary, showing how many Protestant denominations often hear the same or similar readings because their system is based on the Catholic model. 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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055 - Teresa of Avila and the Interior Castle
07/14/2026
055 - Teresa of Avila and the Interior Castle
St. Teresa of Avila’s spiritual masterpiece, The Interior Castle, describes the spiritual life as a journey thorough seven rooms of a castle. This episode gives the biography of this great Carmelite nun, mystic, and Doctor of the Church (one of only 38). It then walks through each stage of Teresa’s castle, from the early rooms of self-knowledge, struggle, moral stability, and detachment to the deeper rooms of infused contemplation, spiritual betrothal, purification, perseverance, and mystical marriage. Teresa’s central message is that holiness is not reserved for a spiritual elite: every soul is made for God, called inward by grace, and invited to grow through humility, prayer, surrender, and love of neighbor until it becomes a channel of God’s grace to the world. 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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054 - Faith vs. Works
07/07/2026
054 - Faith vs. Works
This episode addresses one of the oldest debates between Protestants and Catholics: are we saved hy faith or works? Beginning with Martin Luther’s struggle with scrupulosity and his emphasis on Sola Fide, this episode explains how the Reformation framed salvation as an either/or question—and why Catholic teaching sees that framing as a false dichotomy. Through Scripture passages from Ephesians, Romans, Galatians, James, Matthew, and Philippians, as well as a study of the Catechism, the episode explores how grace, faith, and works fit together rather than compete with one another. The central takeaway is that salvation begins with God’s free gift of grace, is received through faith, and is lived out through a transformed life of charity, holiness, and service. Catholics do not believe we can earn heaven through good deeds, but neither does Scripture support a faith that remains unchanged and inactive. 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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053 - Your Vocation
06/30/2026
053 - Your Vocation
This episode explores what it means to discover and live out your calling from God. Beginning with Dante’s Divine Comedy and its sobering image of the “Lodge of the Indolent,” the episode challenges you to consider whether you are taking your faith seriously or simply drifting through life while postponing the deeper questions of purpose, vocation, and obedience to God’s will. The psychological concept of Selective Attention is introduced to show how we filter out things that are truly not our focus in life. So, if our faith life isn't the focus, then God related moments get filtered out and ignored. Finally, it is through focused attention, prayer, spiritual direction, patience, and a willingness to follow God’s will rather than our own that leads us to understand our true vocation 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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052 - Church Feasts
06/23/2026
052 - Church Feasts
This episode is on Feasts of the Church. It explains why Catholics do more than simply remember important holy days: they participate in them as living moments of faith, worship, reflection, and community. There are three levels of feast days—Solemnities (which mark the most important events and mysteries of the faith), Feasts (which honor major saints and significant events in the life of the Church), and Memorials (which help us remember other saints, devotions, and themes from Church history). 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 Churious Friend about us!
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051 - Science, Religion, And The War That Never Was
06/16/2026
051 - Science, Religion, And The War That Never Was
This episode challenges the familiar claim that religion and science have always been locked in conflict. This “war” is largely a modern myth, popularized by writers like John William Draper and Andrew Dixon White, whose polemics shaped generations of misunderstanding. Along the way, the episode revisits familiar flashpoints—Galileo, Columbus, creation, and the so-called Dark Ages—to show how historical nuance is often lost when ideology is presented as fact. The conversation also spotlights Catholic contributions to major scientific developments, from Gregor Mendel’s foundational work in genetics to Georges Lemaître’s role in the origins of Big Bang theory, and uses Robert Spitzer’s research to explore how cosmology, consciousness, and near-death studies can support belief in God and the soul. The central takeaway is clear: in Catholic thought, truth cannot contradict truth, so genuine science and authentic faith ultimately work together rather than against each other. 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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050 - Papal Encyclicals
06/09/2026
050 - Papal Encyclicals
In this milestone 50th episode of All Roads Lead to Rome, Dr. Bickford steps back from the headlines around Magnifica Humanitas to answer a more basic and important question: what exactly is a papal encyclical? This episode explains where encyclicals come from, why they matter in Catholic life, and how they differ from other forms of Church teaching. The episode also highlights several of the most influential encyclicals in recent Church history, including Rerum Novarum, Humanae Vitae, Fides et Ratio, and Caritas in Veritate, before returning to Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas, released in May, 2026, on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence. By connecting historic Catholic social teaching with today’s questions about technology, work, truth, and human dignity, Dr. Bickford gives listeners a practical framework for understanding why encyclicals still matter—and why this latest one is drawing so much attention. 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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049 - Eucharistic Miracles
06/02/2026
049 - Eucharistic Miracles
Eucharistic miracles are signs that point back to the Catholic teaching on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This episode begins by explaining why the Eucharist is so central to Catholic life, contrasting Catholic belief in Transubstantiation with Protestant views of Communion, and grounding the discussion in John 6 and the witness of the early Church Fathers. It also offers a practical explanation of substance and accidents to help listeners understand how Catholics describe the bread and wine becoming the Body and Blood of Christ. The episode then highlights several well-known Eucharistic miracles—from Lanciano and Bolsena to Buenos Aires, Sokolka, and Tixtla—showing how these events have been investigated, preserved, and interpreted within the life of the Church. These miracles do not add new doctrine but strengthen faith in what the Church has always taught: that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life and a profound invitation to encounter Christ more deeply. 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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048 - Francis de Sales and the Devout Life
05/26/2026
048 - Francis de Sales and the Devout Life
St. Francis de Sales was the Catholic Bishop of Geneva, Switzerland at a time when Protestants controlled the city. He is known as the “Gentleman Saint” and is one of the only 38 Doctors of the Church. His book, Introduction to the Devout Life, first published in 1609, is a spiritual classic that teaches how a truly holy life is for everyone, not just clergy. His great gift is showing that spiritual growth can be serious without being harsh, and practical without losing depth. 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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047 - Pentecost and the Church
05/19/2026
047 - Pentecost and the Church
The Holy Spirit is the most mysterious part of the Trinity. For Catholics, the Holy Spirit does more than transform individual believers; the Spirit guides and protects the Church from theological errors. This episode explains the Trinity, the distinctiveness of the Holy Spirit, and how the Spirit sustains the Church through all of the challenges that it has faced and faces today. 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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046 - The Four Causes (of Everything)
05/12/2026
046 - The Four Causes (of Everything)
Aristotle argued that we don’t fully know a thing until we grasp its “why” (its causes). He identified 4 specific causes that we need to understand: The Material Cause (what something is made of0, the Formal Cause (What something is made for), the Efficient Cause (how something was made) and the Final Cause (what the ultimate purpose of the thing is) St. Thomas Aquinas applied this same framework to theology and came to profound conclusions about God and the nature of humanity. These Thomistic conclusions appear throughout the Catholic Catechism. Postmodernism only accepts the Material and Efficient causes ... and Dr Bickford argues that this is why we now have a "Crisis of Meaning" in our culture. This is a great episode! 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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045 - Apparitions of Mary
05/05/2026
045 - Apparitions of Mary
Why have there been apparitions of the Virgin Mary around the world throughout the centuries? The Catholic Church takes them very seriously and conducts long, careful investigations before endorsing any of them. This episode explores a number of them and shows how they all accomplish the same goals, to point people to Jesus, to call for prayer, and to provide hope. We examine some of the approved apparitions; primarily Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico (1531) and Our Lady of Lourdes in France (1858). We look at some of the historically significant apparitions including; Our Lady of Walshingham, England (1061), Our Lady of the Pillar in Spain (40), and Our Lady of Pompeii in Italy (1870s). We also look at Apparitions that are still under investigation; like our Lady of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina (1981-present), Our Lady of Akita in Japan (1973-1981), and Our Lady of Zeitoun Egypt (1968-1971). What are the key takeaways? Marian apparitions are NOT required beliefs for Catholics and they do not add any new teaching or doctrine. Instead, each apparition calls people to Christ, prayer, repentance, and peace. 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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044 - Angels
04/28/2026
044 - Angels
Angels are discussed all through the Bible, but what are they? Many people think that when they die, they will become angels. They won't!!! Humans are 'hylomorphic' beings. We are hybrids that exist between the angles, who are purely spiritual beings and animals, which are purely material beings. We are the hybrids because we have material bodies and spiritual souls. So, what are Angels? St. Thomas Aquinas (known as the "Angelic Doctor") used the Bible to describe 9 choirs of angels. The highest, The Seraphim and Cherubim directly serve God in heaven. The lowest, the Archangels and Angels, are involved with people on earth to help them toward salvation. This episode walks through all of that and more! 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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043 - The Beatitudes
04/21/2026
043 - The Beatitudes
This episode explroes the Catholic understanding of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) as the heart of Jesus’ preaching—less about “being happy” and more about becoming holy. Walking beatitude by beatitude, the episode contrasts the world’s idea of happiness with the Christian path of flourishing through humility, repentance, gentleness, justice, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and endurance under persecution. Key Takeaways 1. The Beatitudes describe what grace produces in a disciple. They are less “commands” and more declarations of the life God forms in us. 2. The Gospel’s logic is paradoxical. Real joy is found through humility, mercy, purity, and suffering endured for love—not self-assertion. 3. Happiness and holiness are inseparable. True “flourishing” is living the life God created you to live, even amid suffering. 4. Each beatitude trains the heart. Detachment from worldly “treasures” re-orders desire so the heart can be set on God. 5. The Beatitudes sit at the center of Christian moral life. As the Ten Commandments organize the Old Testament, the Beatitudes orient the New Testament’s vision of holiness.
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042 - Therese of Lisieux - Story of A Soul
04/14/2026
042 - Therese of Lisieux - Story of A Soul
How did a cloistered teenage nun who died of Tuberculosis at 24 become a Doctor of the Church? In Episode 42, we explore the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her revolutionary “Little Way” of love, trust, and spiritual childhood. This is a story of humility that changed the Church—and can change your life. 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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041 - How Catholics Read the Bible
04/07/2026
041 - How Catholics Read the Bible
Many Christians assume the Bible is easy to read: “The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.” But is that how Scripture has actually been read throughout history? In this episode, we explain why Scripture was never meant to stand alone and how the Church has consistently interpreted the Bible from the time of the early Church Fathers to today. Key Points: Why the Bible is not a single book, but a library of 73 inspired books How different literary genres in Scripture require different ways of reading Why Jesus established a Church, not a book—and why that matters How the biblical canon was formed by the early Church Why Catholics have 73 books in the Bible while Protestants have only 66 What the Septuagint is and why it matters for understanding Jesus and the New Testament Why the doctrine of Sola Scriptura is historically and logically problematic How Catholics understand authority through Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium How to read the Bible through the “Four Senses” of Scripture The Four Senses of Scripture 1. Literal Sense: What the text meant in its original historical, cultural, and literary context. This is the foundation of all biblical interpretation. 2. Allegorical Sense: How Old Testament events point to Christ. 3. Moral Sense: The ways the Bible teaches us how to live 4. Anagogical Sense: How Scripture points us toward our final destiny Summary Catholics take the Bible seriously—but never in isolation. Scripture is read with the whole Church, past and present, guided by tradition and safeguarded by the Magisterium. Understanding the Four Senses of Scripture doesn’t just deepen biblical knowledge—it changes how we live, how we worship, and how we walk the road of faith. 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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040 - The Atonement
03/31/2026
040 - The Atonement
The Atonement is the word used to describe the meaning of the death of Jesus on the cross. It is also why him being executed is the symbol for the Christian religion. This episode explores the mystery of the Atonement—how Christ’s death on the Cross restores humanity’s broken relationship with God. T Catholic understanding of the Atonement is a rich, multi‑dimensional mystery rooted in Scripture, shaped by the Fathers of the Church, clarified by St. Thomas Aquinas, and lived out in the sacraments. This episode explains why Catholic theology refuses to reduce the Cross to just punishment, moral example, or cosmic victory—and instead embraces all of the above, and more. According to Catholic teaching, Christ’s saving work on the Cross is: Sacrificial — Christ freely offers Himself in love Substitutive (not penal) — Christ stands in our place as the New Adam Satisfactory — His love outweighs the offense of sin Meritorious — Grace flows from His obedience Victorious — Sin, death, and the devil are defeated Medicinal — The wounds of sin are healed Transformative — Humanity is elevated into divine life Ecclesial & Sacramental — The Church communicates the fruits of the Cross Trinitarian — The inner life of God is revealed as self‑giving love Eschatological — The Cross opens the way to Resurrection and eternal communion 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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039 - Stations of the Cross
03/24/2026
039 - Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross is a powerful and uniquely Catholic devotional practices. It is mostly associated with Lent, but it can be prayed at any time and invites believers to enter deeply into the suffering, death, and redemptive love of Christ on Good Friday. Rather than treating Christ’s Passion as a historical footnote or a mere prelude to the Resurrection, the Stations ask us to walk with Jesus, contemplate each moment of His suffering, and unite our own pain with His. This episode explains why that kind of prayer matters, especially when faith is tested by personal suffering. This episode explores the historical development of the Stations, from early Christian pilgrimages along the Via Dolorosa, through Franciscan spirituality, to their presence on the walls of every Catholic church today. The episode concludes with a detailed walkthrough of all 14 traditional Stations, along with a comparison to the Scriptural Stations developed by Pope St. John Paul II. The Stations of the Cross are not about dwelling morbidly on suffering—they are about learning how God meets us in suffering. By walking with Jesus on the road to Calvary, we discover that no pain, injustice, or loss is ever faced alone. 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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038 - A Priest Talks About Confession
03/17/2026
038 - A Priest Talks About Confession
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037 - The Catechism - Part 4
03/10/2026
037 - The Catechism - Part 4
Part 4 of the Catholic Catechism focuses on Christian Prayer. Prayer is not merely a duty or a chore to complete; it is a gift from God and the lifeblood of authentic Christian faith. Drawing on Scripture, the Catechism, and insights from saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, Padre Pio, and St. Anselm, this episode explains what prayer truly is, why it matters, and how it forms us in holiness. Prayer is at the heart of the Christian life. In this episode, we learn that prayer is not primarily our attempt to reach God, but our response to God who reaches out to us first. The Catechism presents prayer as a relationship—one that engages both intellect and lived faith, embraces joy and suffering, and sustains holiness. The episode walks through the Catechism’s structure on prayer, including the five types of prayer (adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise), the challenges believers face in prayer, and the central place of the Lord’s Prayer. We are reminded that prayer is learned first in the family, strengthened through humility, faith, hope, and love, and that every prayer echoes beyond our own lives—touching the Church, the saints, and even future generations. 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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036 - The Catechism - Part 3
03/03/2026
036 - The Catechism - Part 3
Part 3 of the Catholic Catechism focuses on Human Dignity, the Moral life, and the 10 Commandments. Key Topics Human Dignity and Moral Life Catholic morality begins with recognizing the inherent dignity of the human person, made in the image of God. True morality flows from understanding who we are and whose we are. Seeing Christ in Others Drawing from Matthew 25, the episode emphasizes seeing Jesus in the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized. This vision underlies the Church’s commitment to charity, social justice, and the sanctity of human life Beatitude: The Goal of the Moral Life The moral life is not a list of arbitrary rules, but a vocation to Beatitude—true happiness as God intends it. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) describe the attitudes and actions that lead to lasting joy and holiness. Freedom, Conscience, and Responsibility God grants human beings free will, making love and obedience meaningful. Conscience is described as the inner sanctuary where God’s law is written on the heart. Virtue Ethics: How Holiness Is Formed Catholic morality is rooted in Virtue Ethics, not mere rule‑keeping. Repeated choices form habits, habits shape character, and character directs destiny. The Ten Commandments: The Core of Part 3 The heart of Part 3 of the Catechism is the Ten Commandments, which guide our relationship with God and with others. Jesus intensifies these commandments, calling not just for external obedience, but for perfect love. 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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035 - The Catechism - Part 2
02/24/2026
035 - The Catechism - Part 2
Part 2 of the Catholic Catechism, focuses on the Sacramental Life and its centrality to spiritual growth. Key Topics 1. The Sacramental Life: The spiritual journey is challenging, requiring habits and virtues that may feel counterintuitive. The Sacramental Life is God’s gift to help us on this journey, with the Catechism as a guide. Liturgy is not “soft” or merely experiential; it is “hard,” objectively real, and centers on Jesus Christ’s presence. Worship is about doing something for God, not getting something for ourselves. The concept of “Main Character Syndrome” is discussed, reminding listeners that God is always the main character. It is also an encounter with Christ, not just a remembrance. The Eucharist is the “Source and Summit” of Christian life. 2. The Seven Sacraments: Each sacrament marks a stage in the Christian journey: Baptism: Entry into the faith Confirmation: Beginning the journey of holiness Eucharist: Transformation through Christ Reconciliation: Forgiveness and strength Marriage & Holy Orders: Vocational sacraments Sacrament of the Sick: Facing mortality with Christ’s blessing 5. Grace and Sacramental Character: Sacraments dispense grace—a gift from God, not earned. Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders impart an indelible mark, a lifelong source of grace and divine protection (Catechism paragraphs 1119, 1121). 6. Ex Opere Operato: Sacraments confer real grace by the work done, not by the worthiness of the priest. The recipient’s disposition matters: full benefit is received only with faith and proper intent. 7. Living a Sacramental Life: Losing oneself in God is the path to holiness, contrasting with today’s self-focused culture. The Eucharist is the ultimate aim of God’s love—union with Christ. References & Further Reading Catechism paragraphs for deeper study: Liturgy: 1135–1209 Baptism: 1213–1284 Confirmation: 1285–1321 Eucharist: 1322–1419 Reconciliation: 1420–1498 Sacrament of the Sick: 1499–1532 Holy Orders: 1536–1600 Matrimony: 1601–1666 Book: “Catholic Christianity” by Peter Kreeft 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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034 - The Catechism - Part 1
02/17/2026
034 - The Catechism - Part 1
This episode starts a four-part series on the Catholic Catechism; exploring its origins, structure, and why it’s essential for anyone interested in Catholic faith and practice. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic, a convert, or just curious, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding the Catechism as the Church’s ultimate resource for belief and practice. Key Topics Covered 1. What is the Catechism? The word “Catechism” comes from the Greek katecheo (“to instruct orally”). Early Christian teaching relied on oral instruction due to illiteracy and persecution. Over time, written manuals and books were developed for teaching new converts (catechumens). 2. Why Not Just the Bible? The Bible is foundational, but the Catechism provides clarity on doctrines like the Trinity, Sacraments, Church structure, and more. The Catechism is a reference for understanding how to live out the faith, interpret Scripture, and engage with the world as a Catholic. 3. Structure of the Catechism Four main parts: The Profession of Faith (Creed) The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (Sacraments) Life in Christ (Morality) Christian Prayer Organized by paragraphs (not pages), with 2,865 total paragraphs. 7. Practical Takeaways The Catechism is a reference for all doctrinal questions. Thomas Aquinas: “Three things are necessary for salvation: to know what you ought to believe (the Creed), to know what you ought to desire (the Lord’s Prayer), and to know what you ought to do (the 10 Commandments).” Prayer is the fourth section. Catholics are encouraged to read the Bible daily and use the Catechism regularly. 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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033 - Happiness vs Holiness
02/10/2026
033 - Happiness vs Holiness
This episode explores the difference between happiness and holiness, challenging the common belief that happiness is life’s ultimate goal. For Catholics, the true purpose of life is holiness, not personal happiness. Key Topics & Insights · Defining Happiness Most people say their goal is to be happy, but happiness is often equated with comfort, lack of responsibility, or wealth. The episode discusses why these definitions fall short and why happiness, as commonly understood, is fleeting. · The Field of Positive Psychology Offers Three Levels of Happiness Pleasant Life: Focused on pleasure and short-term enjoyment. Good Life: Built on accomplishment and hard work. Meaningful Life: Rooted in purpose and belonging. The episode notes that while positive psychology offers valuable insights, it doesn’t fully address the deeper question of meaning, because it is self-defined · The Limits of Self-Defined Meaning Modern philosophy (Nominalism) suggests truth and meaning are subjective. Dr. Bickford illustrates how this leads to rationalization and self-deception, using examples from everyday life and Aesop’s fables. · Catholic Perspective: Absolute Truth & Teleology Catholic teaching holds that God created the universe with purpose, and human flourishing is found in fulfilling that purpose—holiness. The concept of teleology is introduced as the study of final purpose. · Universal Call to Holiness Holiness is not reserved for saints or clergy; every baptized person is called to it. The episode references the Catechism (paragraphs 2012–2015) and Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, emphasizing that holiness is the journey of life itself. 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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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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