Speaking with Deacons

"Speaking with Deacons" provides inspiration and insight for those who are ordained to, in formation for, or just curious about the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church. In each episode, Dcn. Bob Rice talks with other deacons to learn more about what it means to model our lives after Jesus, the one who "came not to be served but to serve."

What Does God Want? (Discernment) 03/20/2023

What Does God Want? (Discernment) In this final episode of "What Does God Want?", Dcn. Bob and Dcn. Mike discuss two more "c" words, "Confusion" and "Courage," and wrap up the series by offering practical advice on how to apply these principles in prayerful discernment. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/26256219

What Does God Want? (Confirmation and Conviction) 03/06/2023

What Does God Want? (Confirmation and Conviction) The last two questions Fr. Mike proposes we need to answer in order to properly discern God will is, "How is it confirmed?" and "Does my heart say 'yes'?" That last one is also known as "conviction." /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/26146299

What Does God Want? (Consistent) 02/07/2023

What Does God Want? (Consistent) Another tool for discernment is what Fr. Mike called "the consistency test." Is the manner in which you think God is calling you similar to the ways he has spoken to you before? There is often a pattern to the way God communicates with us, and understanding that pattern can help us more quickly identify the voice of God. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/25839903

What Does God Want? (Conversion) 01/23/2023

What Does God Want? (Conversion) "Will this bring about conversion to God?" Our hearts are being constantly "converted" to many things, and our decisions can either draw us to God or away from Him. In this episode, Dcn. Bob and Dcn. Mike discuss how even "every-day" choices can lead to holiness. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/25692393

What Does God Want? (Conformity) 01/09/2023

What Does God Want? (Conformity) In this episode, Deacons Bob and Mike discuss the first chapter of Fr. Scanlan's book, "What Does God Want?" The first question we should ask in discernment is, "Does this conform to God's will?" /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/25538067

What Does God Want? INTRODUCTION 12/26/2022

What Does God Want? INTRODUCTION What is the difference between a good idea and a "God" idea? For the next six episodes, Dcn. Bob Rice is joined by Dcn. Mike Welker as they discuss a book written by Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, "What Does God Want?" The book focuses on five key principles of discernment. In this episode, they talk about the importance of discernment and also talk about their experiences with the author of the book. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/25424931

The Difference 11/29/2022

The Difference One year later, I reflect on how my life has changed since becoming a deacon. The Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about those a "sacred power" given to those who are ordained, and for deacons, it is a "power to serve." Over the past year, I have experienced that in many ways! /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/25157241

Ordained! with Dcn. Bob Rice 11/29/2021

Ordained! with Dcn. Bob Rice I got ordained! In this episode I share the experience of my ordination and reflect upon the beauty of that rite. My thanks and prayers to all who have supported me on this journey. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/21292019

A Life of Service with Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers 11/15/2021

A Life of Service with Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers sharers his call to the diaconate and explains what it means for a deacon to embrace a life of serving others. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/21161291

A Deacon's Advice with Dcn. Tom Fox 10/18/2021

A Deacon's Advice with Dcn. Tom Fox Deacon Tom Fox, podcasting pioneer and deacon for almost two decades, shares with Bob some advice before Bob gets ordained (only five weeks away!). /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/20850878

The Diaconate of St. Francis with Dr. Alan Schreck 09/20/2021

The Diaconate of St. Francis with Dr. Alan Schreck There are many good historical reasons to think that St. Francis of Assisi was a deacon. But even if he wasn't, there are a lot of great spiritual reasons deacons should take him as an example! Dr. Alan Schreck, professor of Theology at Franciscan University and expert in Church history, shares some important "diaconal" qualities of St. Francis. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/20518466

9/11, Conversion, and Prayer with Dcn. Greg Kandra 09/06/2021

9/11, Conversion, and Prayer with Dcn. Greg Kandra As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Dcn. Greg Kandra shares about how God used that moment to call him to the diaconate and a life of deeper prayer. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/20341115

Preaching for Conversion w Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR 08/23/2021

Preaching for Conversion w Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, shares how he prepares for his homilies so that his preaching might bring about conversion in the hearts of the listeners. http://bob-rice.com /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/20220365

The Importance of the Spiritual Life with Dcn. James Keating 08/09/2021

The Importance of the Spiritual Life with Dcn. James Keating Dcn. James Keating explains why a deacon must first be a man of prayer before he can be a man of service, and the difference between a man who is called to holiness and one who is called to the diaconate. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/20086940

Three Brothers, Three Deacons 07/25/2021

Three Brothers, Three Deacons It was a joy to talk to Deacons Steve, Michael, and Vic Puscas as they shared how they heard the call to become deacons and gave some great advice for my own diaconal formation. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/19919069

The Power of Baptism with Dcn. Larry Oney 07/12/2021

The Power of Baptism with Dcn. Larry Oney Dcn. Larry Oney talks about the untapped power of Baptism that many Catholics have but don't even know about! /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/19767197

Our Need for Healing with Sr. Miriam Heidland 06/28/2021

Our Need for Healing with Sr. Miriam Heidland Bob interviews Sr. Miriam Heidland, SOLT, in front of a live audience at the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville about the importance of continually being healed by Jesus Christ. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/19536266

Paradigms of Parish Renewal with Dcn. Keith Strohm 06/14/2021

Paradigms of Parish Renewal with Dcn. Keith Strohm Renewing a parish isn't about changing what we do, but changing how we think. In this episode, Dcn. Keith Strohm shares five paradigms for parish renewal that are essential to move the Church from maintenance to mission. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/19460558

Interview with Dcn. Larry Oney 05/26/2021

Interview with Dcn. Larry Oney Dcn. Larry Oney shares a powerful story of transformation, not only from an unbeliever into a baptized Catholic, but also becoming a permanent deacon! /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/19237337

Interview with Dcn. Keith Strohm 05/03/2021

Interview with Dcn. Keith Strohm Deacon Keith Strohm shares how the Jesus brought him from darkness to light and called him to be His deacon. He is the former Director of the Office for the New Evangelization and a deacon for the Archdiocese of Chicago. A well-known international and conference keynote speaker, he has helped tens of thousands of men and women hear the Gospel message and encounter the mercy, love and power of Jesus Christ. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/18935732

Theology of the Diaconate with Dcn. Dom Ceratto 04/19/2021

Theology of the Diaconate with Dcn. Dom Ceratto I was so blessed that my first class for diaconate formation was Dcn. Dom Ceratto on the subject of the "Theology of the Diaconate." It gave me a whole new appreciation and understanding of the role of the deacon in the Catholic Church! /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/18766475

Interview with Dcn. Dominic Ceratto 04/05/2021

Interview with Dcn. Dominic Ceratto What do you do if you feel called to the diaconate but there aren't any deacons in your diocese? Dcn. Dominic Ceratto's witness is one of faithful perseverance (and persistence!) in not only answering the call, but also helping others do the same. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/18590588

The Diaconate of St. Joseph with Fr. Don Calloway 03/18/2021

The Diaconate of St. Joseph with Fr. Don Calloway Fr. Don Calloway, author of "Consecration to St. Joseph," explains how St. Joseph can be a model for permanent deacons. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/18339971

Evangelization with Dcn. Ralph Poyo 03/08/2021

Evangelization with Dcn. Ralph Poyo If "evangelization is the grace and vocation of the Church" (St. Pope Paul VI), then why do we do it so poorly? In this interview, Dcn. Ralph Poyo shares how he helps individuals and parishes get over their fear of passing on the faith and what we can do to become evangelizing communities. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/18179129

Interview with Dcn. Ralph Poyo 02/22/2021

Interview with Dcn. Ralph Poyo "That's Jesus' problem, not mine." An inspirational story of unwavering confidence in the Lord! Dcn. Ralph Poyo is the founder of New Evangelization Ministries and is on fire to share Jesus with others. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/18030539

Ep. 1: My Journey to the Diaconate 02/08/2021

Ep. 1: My Journey to the Diaconate In this first episode, Bob explains why he is doing a podcast about deacons (even though he isn't one yet... God willing) and his personal story on how he has felt called to the diaconate. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/17780966

TEASER: Speaking with Deacons 01/31/2021

TEASER: Speaking with Deacons A brief teaser for a new podcast, "Speaking with Deacons," that seeks to give inspiration and insight for the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church. /episode/index/show/speakingwithdeacons/id/17759459

Speaking with Deacons

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