Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast) (Ascension)

Dave “The Icon” VanVickle is back with me to continue our series on sin. Today, Dave shares his comprehensive devotional model as a tool to help us overcome sin in our lives. Inspired by the lives of the saints, this model offers us a practical routine and structure to concretely drive out sin in our lives. Snippet from the Show “You can’t have a new heart if you insist on returning to the same sin.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Wolfsbane” VanVickle is … not here today. It’s just me, Gomer, with a special episode where I recorded a talk I gave to my catechists about how to become excellent teachers of our Faith. This talk is the past two episodes of EKSB put into practice. If you are a catechist, thinking about becoming a catechist, or work with catechists in any way, this episode will be extremely helpful. Snippet from the Show What is catechesis? It’s about giving growth to a faith that already exists because of evangelization that has already happened. But if evengalization hasn’t happened, what are we maturing? 5 Practical Takeaways 1. Read and pray with Ephesians 4:1-16 2. Memorize Catechesi Tradendae paragraph five. 3. Handwrite every student’s name and pray for them for 1 min every day. 4. Write one sentence per lesson that ties it to the person of Jesus Christ. 5. Come up with one example from your life per lesson.

What sorts of movies and books do people like Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle enjoy? In this casual, but very entertaining, conversation, Mike and Dave share some of their favorite movies, television shows, and books. They also explain the impact some of them had on their lives. Snippet from the Show "I taped it off of the television and watched it so many times that it broke!" We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Life has been pretty crazy for Dave and I, but I'm here to share a quick update, and remind you about the evangelization boot camp coming up! We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Are horoscopes actually dangerous? What should I do if a family member or friend is exploring the occult? Why is the occult against Catholic teaching? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle share information on popular occult practices we should avoid and what to do if you or someone you know has been involved in the occult. Snippet from the Show There is only goodness and the distortion of goodness. There is only God, and God has no infinite opposite. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Do you believe that prayer makes a difference? Is it obvious what kind of difference prayer makes? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by Dr. Edward Sri to discuss the importance of prayer. They observe the importance prayer has in our relationship with God and how it affects every other part of our spiritual lives. Snippet from the Show Our daily prayer cannot simply consist of reciting prayers or reading spiritual books. It must involve meditation and opening our hearts and minds to God. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “the Luddite” VanVickle and I are eating meat and answering emails (not at the same time). We answer questions about the importance of signs, wonders, prophecy, and miracles when it comes to evangelization. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe!

How can there be pain and a loving God? Gomer and Dave explain how the Cross is the answer to the problem of pain and how we need to find our place in the crucified Christ. They also unpack the things that separate us from God in the midst of suffering. Snippet from the Show When you look at the Cross, you see the love of God, for you poured out. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Do you even lift bro?”' VanVickle and I answer a question from a listener about how to guide your family in the Catholic faith without overdoing it. Snippet from the Show “It’s time to be a saint.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Storytelling is essential in evangelization. Today, Dave VanVickle and I discuss the importance of narrative and contextualizing Church doctrine with powerful stories when we share the Gospel. Snippet from the Show The Gospel is an adventure story that we must not only live, but also share and pass down through generations like all great stories. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Our modern world sees symbols with skepticism because it only values what can be empirically demonstrated. However, symbols are a key part of any culture, including Catholicism, because they communicate truth. Today, I summarize the significance of the document we’ve been reading in our series on faith and the sacraments. I explain how the sacraments are outward symbols that communicate the inward grace and power of God, and why we are called to preserve the symbols of our faith rather than manipulate them. Snippet from the Show "The Church is the living body of Christ that communicates the dying the rising of our Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit. Its sacraments are outward symbols that communicate the inward power and grace of God." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Biblical knowledge is key when it comes to understanding morality. Today, Dave “Brave New” VanVickle and I discuss why depriving young people of Biblical stories negatively affects their moral reasoning skills as they grow up. We brainstorm ways we can revive Biblical morality in a culture that has disconnected morality from the Bible, and reduced it to pure emotions. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University. (https://tinyurl.com/y7jgf8wj) Snippet from the Show “We need to revive Biblical morality in a culture that has disconnected morality from the Bible and reduced it to pure emotions." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

In order to fully comprehend what Christ did for us, it is essential that we also understand the Old Testament. Today, Mike is joined by Dr. Andrew Swafford to discuss the importance of studying the Old Testament in order to deepen our knowledge of Christ and become more effective in evangelization. Snippet from the Show You’ll never fully appreciate Jesus until you see him as bringing about the fulfillment and culmination of this great story that has gone on since the beginning of time. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

How do you explain Catholic morality? In this episode, Dave and Mike welcome guest Dr. Matthew Minerd to discuss Dr. Minerd’s new book Made by God, Made for God: Catholic Morality Explained. Snippet from the Show The truths of the faith are truths we live. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

New year, new role, new opportunities for evangelization. Today, Gomer and Dave “the taxman“ VanVickle talk about practical ways to kickstart evangelization at your parish in the new year. Snippet from the Show “Having solid relationships just means that the tasks and mission of the Church is going to flow that much easier. You’re investing in the people around you, so that they can be invested in the mission.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today we break down the apostolic exhortation from Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, or “Christ is Alive”. This 9-part document addresses the Pope’s response to the 2018 synod on the topic of youth group and young adults and can be grouped into three parts: 1.) Putting Christ at the Center 2.) Applying a Christocentric Worldview to Youth Group 3.) Discernment and Vocation We each share our number one practical takeaway from the document, and discuss the need for youth ministers to be mentors, brothers, and teachers—not friends. Snippet from the Show “Satan’s youth group is so much bigger than ours” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

In this special bonus episode, Dave and Mike talk with authors of the new book Solemnities: Celebrating a Tapestry of Divine Beauty. Denis McNamara, Chris Carstens, and Alexis Kutarna share about their new book and how we can more fully celebrate all seventeen solemnities in the Church. Snippet from the Show Intentionally participating in the solemnities can help us to open ourselves up more fully to the graces available. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “He Stole My Eggo” VanVickle and I are coming up with answers faster than the dusty magic 8-ball that’s probably still in your attic somewhere. We’re addressing your quick questions about parish life and evangelization including: What’s the deal with stewardship parishes (parishes where your salary is on record so they’re sure you’re tithing fully)? How can I make discipleship tracks in my parish? How can I talk about Jesus when talking in general is hard enough? ... (I'm an introvert) And how can I be a good witness when the first contact I have with someone is about sexual morality? Snippet from the Show “It’s easier to give money than it is to give your whole life.” Five Practical Takeaways 1. Look for ways to bring the Holy Spirit into your daily job or hobby. 2. Look at local events and go to one of each: Kerygma, Catechesis, and Conquer. * Kerygma event - retreat or a speaker at your parish * Catechesis event - Bible study or other learning opportunity * Conquer event - outreach event at your parish, or volunteering opportunities 3. Five Minute Exercise: Go on YouTube and find videos that fall into the Kerygma, Catechesis, and Conquer categories above and maybe send them out. Ascension Presents has some good ones for you! 4. Intercessory Prayer: Prayers for Catholics involved in OBGYN and family medicine. 5. Introverted ways to evangelize: Do it online! Head over to Brandon Vogt’s Strange Notions and read up, or consume “Classical Theism Podcast” and share it out there on your social feeds. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave.

Public speaking to teens: a favorite pastime of … no one. But somebody has to do it, and with some prayer and preparation, your talk can be a great opportunity to change hearts and minds—just look at the fruits that come from Steubenville Conferences. Dave “Father of Wildlings” VanVickle and I go over how to prepare a talk for high school students that will bring the house down. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Snippet from the Show “Christ is the one who destroys the walls of hostility that we keep building up. Every new barrier we put up, Christ is the one who tears them down. God is pursuing us.” SHOWNOTES How to prepare a talk for high schoolers * Select a piece of Scripture: The Word of God is the only thing that gives real clarity in the world. * Be yourself: teens appreciate authenticity * Speak to their experience. 5 Practical Tips 1. Find three narratives where Jesus pursues (or talks about) going after someone outside and brings them in. Write down your thoughts and observations. 2. Take a half page and try to write a tract that you think would be compelling to bring someone to the Lord. 3. Ask someone in your life to pray for you and your call to evangelize. 4. Reach out to someone in your life and compliment them on some part of their life. 5. Pray for the RCIA team and the adults to be baptized in your parish. Resources from the Show The Great Adventure Bible (https://ascensionpress.com/collections/collection-book/products/the-great-adventure-catholic-bible) Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation (https://ascensionpress.com/collections/collection-book/products/broken-and-blessed-an-invitation-to-my-generation) - Fr Josh Johnson Ascension’s soon-to-be-released program for evangelization, The 99, at evangelization.com (https://ascensionpress.com/pages/the-99-coming-soon)

Sin destroys the life of charity between us and God, but how do we talk about it? Dave “The Hope is Real” VanVickle and I discuss sin in our walk with Christ, and share helpful ways to talk about habitual sin in discipleship. Snippet from the Show “It’s in the confrontation with sin that the fullest flowering of mercy is made manifest.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

You’ve got frequently asked questions, we’ve got infrequently given answers. We tackle questions about what to do when you encounter someone purchasing the Plan B pill, what to do when people (especially family members) give dumb reasons for why they don’t go to church, the role of Mary in evangelization, and talking to family members about having a sacramental wedding when they’re angry with the Church and you’re long distance. (Whew.) We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. _Snippet from the Show “We so desire the conversion of our friends and relatives and neighbors that we feel disappointed when the outcomes haven’t happened. But the success is in the evangelizing. The conversion is up to Jesus. One sows the seed, the other waters, God alone gives the growth.”_ Check out the show on ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow to browse the resources from the show.

If we could re-do our parish ministries knowing everything we know now, what would we do? Dave and I zero in on the number one thing we would focus on if we could go back in time. This is a good exercise for parishes to do every year, to help focus in on the things that will have the biggest impact, and also a good idea to do right now, as many parishes will have to streamline programs in the coming year. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes.

What are the origins of spiritual warfare? Why don’t we get to live in the Garden of Eden when it was Adam and Eve who sinned? What’s one of the best practical tips for avoiding sin? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle wrestle with these questions and more in this episode of Every Knee Shall Bow as they explore the Fall in Genesis 3. Snippet from the Show You've been co-crucified with Christ and you have risen in Christ's Resurrection because of the sacrament of baptism…so that you can actually overcome. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

How do you make a good confession? How do you cope with a bad confession? Going to confession is a very vulnerable thing. It can be a great experience, but occasionally, it can be a negative one. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss some of the common reasons why people may have a negative experience in confession. They offer advice on how to respond and how to potentially avoid them all together. Snippet from the Show "The priest is not a priest for himself; he does not give himself absolution; he does not administer the Sacraments to himself. He is not for himself. He is for you." -St. John Vianney We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What does it mean to fall in love? How do we stay in love? St. John Paul II addresses this in his great “ethical analysis of love” chapter in Love and Responsibility. Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle address some of the chapter’s key topics: sexual urge, love as attraction, love as desire, love as benevolence, and reciprocity. Snippet from the Show “You have to possess yourself in order to give yourself.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “The Exception for Every Rule” Van Vickle is back with me, Mike “Gomer” Gormley, as we talk about the ups and downs of prison ministry.

5 Practical Tips for Prison Ministry

1. Connect with a corrections ministry in your diocese so you don’t reinvent the wheel or cause any missteps that could get you in trouble.
2. If you have a relative in prison, put money in their commissary account and call them or write to them.
3. Donate Bibles, Catechisms, and apologetics books to your local unit, including ones in Spanish.
4. Pray a Rosary this week for the incarcerated and for the correction officers.
5. Check out the Romans Bible study by Ascension Press.

Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com or text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes!

An apparition of Mary is a big deal no matter what, but are you aware of the particular significance tied to Our Lady of Lourdes? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle go through the details of this apparition and the life of St. Bernadette. They also discuss why this apparition was so significant for the time and place in which it occurred. Snippet from the Show “I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next.” -Our Lady of Lourdes We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

In this episode, Mike and Dave answer your questions! Some of the questions involve searching for good apologetics resources, looking for clarification on Mary's reaction to the Resurrection, understanding how to evangelize the socially uninformed, and more. Snippet from the Show Human formation really excellerates the adoption of spiritual practices. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Sin is deadly, it reproduces and reinforces itself in our lives. In this episode, I continue our discussion of sin by delving into the deadly nature of sin. By understanding the way sin wounds our nature, and how we can combat temptation, we can experience true freedom and healing in Christ. Snippet from the Show “Christ doesn’t just want to get you to stop sinning, he wants to go to the root of the sin and bring healing.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Personal faith cannot be separated from the sacramental life of the faith. Today, Dave "The Baptizer" VanVickle and I begin our series on the relationship between faith and sacraments. We break down the first few sections of the Vatican document, The Reciprocity between Faith and Sacraments, and explain how salvation is given through the inter-relationship between faith and sacraments. Snippet from the Show "The Catholic Church uses the story of the hemorrhaging woman as a paradigm to explain what the sacraments can do in the Body of Christ." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “The Giraffe” Van Vickle and I (Mike “Gomer” Gormley) start off nice and easy by talking about the darkness in the Church right now … and then we ease into our main topic for this Advent season—repentance. The repentance aspect of Advent is highly neglected but extremely important. Most people like to focus on the love of God made man (which is huge, don’t get me wrong) but what is the proper response to this great love? Repentance. So, how do we repent, why do we repent, why is Advent a season of repentance? Snippet from the Show Our entire Theology revolves around repentance because it’s not Jesus overlooking our sins, it’s him dying for us so that we may be transformed. Text ESKB to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Gomer and Dave’s email list!

Mike and Dave answer your questions about how to get programs going at your parish, how to share the gospel with fallen-away family members, and how to invest in Catholic evangelism as well as catechesis when funds are short. Snippet from the Show “You have a mission as a layperson ... To not proclaim Jesus Christ and just wait for a priest to do it is a fundamental corruption to your baptismal dignity. Christ is inviting you on this mission. You don’t need anyone else’s permission.” Listener Questions: 1. “My priest isn’t into evangelization, what do I do?” 2. “I have three children, none are truly evangelized, except my oldest daughter who is now evangelical, but ‘at least she has Jesus.’” 3. “I am a DRE who got caught up in the catechesis game. I now want to invest in evangelism, but am at a poor parish.” Resources mentioned: * Christifideles Laici, Chapter 3 * The Great Adventure Bible Studies * No Greater Love by Edward Sri * The Life of Christ by Rev. Fulton Sheen * To Know Christ Jesus by Frank Sheed * Radical Communities by Michael Gormley * Redeemer of Man by Pope St. John Paul II * Catechesi Tradendae, 19-20 5 Practical Tips: 1. Kerygma: Refresh yourself on what the kerygma is and isn’t. 2. Community: Meet up for Eucharistic Adoration and drinks. 3. Reading: Jesus Shock by Peter Kreeft. 4. Intercession: Pray a decade of the Rosary every day for clergy who need conversion. 5. Lent: Don’t let Lent pass you by, be intentional! Prayerfully consider what God wants from you this Lent. Take an hour and figure it out.

Dave “The Perpetual Penitent” VanVickle and I (Mike “Gomer” Gormley) are talking about something we all know, but few people truly understand—God’s love. We’ve heard, “God loves you” just enough to make us content with the thought of it, and totally unfamiliar with the radial depth of that reality. By looking at some passages in the Bible (the woman at the well, the Good Samaritan, the conversion of Zacchae′us the tax collector) we discover the beautiful truth of God’s love: that he knows us through and through, and loves us more deeply than we can comprehend in this life. (Something to look forward to in death, am I right?) _Snippet from the Show What we desire most of all is to be known, and loved. Because if you are loved, but not known, that’s superficial and weak. If you’re known, but not loved, that’s our greatest nightmare. _ Get the shownotes! Text ESKB to 33-777 or email us at eksb@acensionpress.com

How do we pursue unity with people of every nation, race, and tongue? Mike and Dave are joined by Fr. Josh Johnson to talk about how we are called to pursue unity with all people through discipleship and what we can do to accomplish this. Snippet from the Show We are called to pursue unity with all nations through discipleship. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Maybe you know what a missionary should be like, but is that how you live your life? In this episode, Dave and Mike explain what St. John Paul II teaches about missionary activity and spirituality. It isn’t enough to know how mission works. You must actually live it. Snippet from the Show Christ loves the Church and gave himself up for her, so why don’t we? We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

It’s not about bringing more people to mass, it’s about bringing more people the love of Christ. Today, Gomer and Dave “Teacher of Teachers” VanVickle explain why our parishes need disruptors in order to grow in evangelization. Snippet from the Show “Everything worth having takes effort to keep it going.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Do you know what Catholics actually believe about Mary? There can be a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to the Catholic Church's teachings on Mary. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle go through the Marian dogmas and explain each one so as to better equip you in your evangelization. Snippet from the Show Mary represents what the fullness of grace can do in the life of a creature. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What exactly are Marian apparitions? What category of revelation do they fall into? How are they verified? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle dive into the topic of Marian apparitions and provide explanations for how they are verified and what purpose they serve in the Church. They also share some of the details surrounding the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Snippet from the Show Our Marian devotion is always meant to lead us deeper into the mystery of Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What is the Catholic moral life? In this episode, Mike continues the conversation with guest Dr. Matthew Minerd on all things Catholic morality. Snippet from the Show Humility is seeing your absolute dependence on God without whom you can do nothing. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today I’m speaking with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., the Assistant Director for Campus Outreach at the Thomistic Institute. We mix apologetics, intellectual formation, campus ministry, and morality, and sprinkle a healthy dose of Aquinas on top. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com Snippet from the Show “What we’re experiencing in the last five years as concerns same sex attraction and transgenderism has a lot of people afraid. We’re nervous that if we were to treat those issues, we would be genuinely persecuted.”

Are the beatitudes a big deal or are they just nice life advice? Last episode, Mike “Gomer” Gormley shared the importance of aligning our values with Christ’s values. But what are Christ’s values? Today, Mike explains how the Beatitudes are the truest representation of Christ’s values and how they are essential to the life of a disciple. Snippet from the Show If my values or priorities do not match up with Jesus’, then I am the one who needs to change, not Jesus and not the Gospel. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave "The Crisis of Reciprocity" VanVickle and I get real about the struggles we are facing in our parishes as we learn how to navigate sacramental and faith formation programs in a culture impacted by the pandemic. We discuss the relationship between renewal and reform in the Church, and explain how in the next couple of episodes we'll be diving into an important recent Vatican document- The Reciprocity between Faith and Sacraments. Snippet from the Show "The Holy Spirit does the renewal in the Church, and people docile to the Holy Spirit then reform the Church." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Well Prepared” VanVickle and I chat about returning to Mass, the craziness in our lives, and continuing to evangelize and reach the faithful creatively during these uncertain and challenging times. Snippet from the Show In times of isolation and uncertainty, we have the gift of the crucifix to gaze at and identify with. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Have you ever wondered how to go about training Catholic lectors or how to inspire teens as they begin preparing for confirmation? In this special episode of_ Every Knee Shall Bow,_ hear two practical applications where Michael Gormley preaches first to Confirmation teens and then to lectors at his parish. Snippet from the Show "We shall not approach the text of the Word of God so casually when we are in the midst of the Liturgy. This is not a performance. This is a proclamation." Shownotes Inspiring Teens Who Are Preparing for Confirmation In this first talk, Michael "Gomer" Gormley uses humor and personal testimony to relate to teens as they embark on their journey towards Confirmation. During his presentation, he holds up one of the Church's newly canonized saints, St. Cardinal Henry Newman, as a model for Catholics who question and seek: * St. Cardinal Henry Newman - “A thousand questions does not a single doubt make.” Training Catholic Lectors In this second talk given to Catholic lectors in training, Michael "Gomer" Gormley explains the gravity and beauty of proclaiming God's word. Listen to how he connects a lector's role with personal spirituality and the goal of conversion. Here are the quotes he references during this presentation: * Dei Verbum - “The Holy Spirit is the principle divine author of sacred scripture” Read the rest here * Pope St. John Paul II - “I use the word communion not community because I don’t want people thinking the Church is a sociological reality, it is first a theological reality.” * Romans 5:14 - “Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.” Read the rest here * Romans 6:3-4 - “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Read the rest here * St. Teresa of Avila - “If you want to hear God talk to you, read scripture. If you want to see a miracle, go to Mass.” * Francis Chan - “Imagine someone told you, ‘I want you to go to the nearest cemetery, and I want you to pray fervently to raise one person from the dead. Not the whole cemetery just one person.’ Who would you take with you?... I’ll tell ya who I’d take: I’d take that person who's known for always coming into the presence of God. Because to raise the dead is a miracle. And isn’t that what conversion is?” Resources 1 Corinthians 15 Romans Bible Study The Bible Timeline Chart Ephesians 1

Have you ever wanted to talk about the faith with someone, but didn't know where to start? Today, we continue our series on evangelizing your loved ones based on my recent live parish talks. I discuss how to start and navigate conversations about the faith in a way that softens the hearts of people and helps them receive the Gospel in a fruitful way. Snippet from the Show Asking intentional questions is they key to unlocking a hardened heart to the Gospel. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Can’t Spare a Square” VanVickle joins me today, as well as our illustrious producer, Marisa Beyer, to talk about life as a Catholic during these crazy COVID-19 times. We reflect on the Catholic response we’re seeing so far, share ideas for making your home the domestic church, and round things out with a special Coronavirus edition of the 5 Practical Takeaways. Check out the shownotes at AscensionPress.com or text EKSB to 33-777.

We live in a society that defines the goodness of life by the experience of pleasure and the absence of pain. However, we all know it’s impossible to avoid suffering, pain, and tragedy on this side of heaven. So how do we suffer well? Today, Dave “The Mystery of Redemption” VanVickle and I discuss the mystery of suffering from a Christian perspective and what we’ve learned in our own trials. We provide you with practical guidelines to help you navigate your sufferings with the hope of Christ. Snippet from the Show While we cannot avoid suffering, we don’t have to be corrupted by it, for Christ's story did not end with the crucifixion. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

The Rosary, the Miraculous Medal, the Brown Scapular - these are some of the most well-known Marian Devotions. But what is their origin? What is their purpose? How are they different from charms or magic? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss these Marian Devotions and respond to common questions about them. They share their experiences with Marian Devotions and how they have impacted their lives. Snippet from the Show Our chances of dying in a state of grace can be greatly heightened due to the prayers of Mary interceding for us. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Where did angels come from? Should you name your guardian angel? What can your guardian angel do for you? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle share teachings from St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas on the origins of angels, the angelic fall, and the nature of angels. They also share some practical tips on how you can enlist your guardian angel’s help in your own life. Snippet from the Show Bring the ministry of angels into your life, incorporate them into your prayer, and invoke them for their protection because that's why God gave you your angel. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Life is messy, but we are sanctified through it. Today, Dave "How are you" VanVickle and I catch up on a bunch of random topics and the chaos in our lives. We chat about Dave's wife's cancer treatment, suffering at the parish, embracing the cross, and ideas for a discipleship think tank! Snippet from the Show When life gets messy, there is incredible grace in not asking “why?” and just letting God carry you. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Why did God create? Today we continue with the third part of our series on the relationship between faith and the sacraments by unpacking the sacramentality of creation. We discuss why creation is sacramental, what makes human beings particularly unique within creation, and why the humanity of Jesus is the reason we have a sacramental Church. Snippet from the Show The words and deeds of Jesus sanctified creation, time and human history. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Milk and Honey” VanVickle and I are talking about Catholic education, and the opportunities we have to evangelize in and out of the classroom. We love Catholic schools, but so many students who attend leave without any inclination to practice the Faith. Dave and I attempt to identify the root of this problem and talk about what leaders, teachers, and parents can do to evangelize their students and create lifelong disciples. Snippet from the Show “The greatest tendency of our Catholic schools is to teach faith like history—just another liberal arts thing to memorize facts, figures, and dates to get a good grade on the test.” Check out this episode and the shownotes (including the 5 Practical Tips and instructions on how to get Gomer's FREE program) at media.ascensionpress.com

Welcome back! In this season, Mike and Dave are taking us through a masterclass from a master evangelist: St. John Paul II. In this episode, they dive into his encyclical Redeemer of Man. Learn why the Incarnation matters, why evangelism is all about Jesus Christ and why we can’t get caught up in programs and events. Snippet from the Show We should be in awe of what we are in Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

The devil wants the evangelist to forget about the salvation of his own soul because he is so preoccupied with the salvation of other souls. Dave “Almost the Strongest Man in Pittsburgh” VanVickle and I answer a listener’s question about struggling with grave sin while being in a position of leadership in the faith. We discuss the spiritual battle all evangelists face and how to find freedom from sin and shame. This episode contains adult themes that are not suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. Snippet from the Show Before we help others fight their spiritual battles, we must first face the battles in our own soul. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Do you struggle to address the moral teachings of the Church in evangelization? The Church’s moral teachings can be the hardest for people to accept. Dave and Mike explain, with the assistance of St. John Paul II, why it is necessary to accept the Church’s moral teachings in order to achieve union with Christ. Snippet from the Show “The moral life is a response to the love that God has already shown us.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Are you prepared to proclaim the Gospel with words? In this episode, Dave and Mike share why it is essential that in evangelization, we actually verbalize our witness. They also explain how the Holy Spirit is the primary mover of evangelization. Snippet from the Show If you love Jesus, you are going to share Jesus. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

We want people to convert to the Catholic Church not because it’s a popular thing to do, but because they have a genuine experience of God’s love and truth through the Church. This means we can’t water down the gospel. Dave “Lay Assistant to Exorcists” VanVickle and I talk about this vital aspect of winning hearts for Christ, as well as the importance of repentance. On a practical note, we also talk about how to start intercessory prayer groups. Check out today's shownotes at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/every-knee-shall-bow/)

Mary does not say much in Scripture. There is a lot of her life that remains unknown. However, there are nods to Mary from the very beginning of the Bible all the way to the end. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle share and explain some of the typology of Mary that can be found throughout the Bible. Snippet from the Show Mary is the Ark of the Covenant. She crushes the enemy under our feet and plays a major role in the defeat of evil and in the future of the world. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

There’s good news and bad news. Bad news: Gomer is out today, so no fun nicknames. Good news: this episode is all about equipping you for spiritual warfare and fighting the kingdom of evil. Spiritual warfare and evangelization go hand-in-hand. Turns out the devil doesn’t like it when you try to win souls for Christ. Acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare is an important first step. Once we realize that we’re fighting battles everyday, we can use these principles to guide the way. Snippet from the Show “Spiritual warfare is more than a metaphor for the spiritual life, it’s a reality ... We’re all at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.” 10 Practical Principles of Spiritual Warfare 1. By his passion and death, Christ won a definitive victory over Satan and the kingdom of darkness and any personal victory we have is a participation in the victory Jesus won and gave to his church. 2. The devil and the fallen angels play a mysterious role in the drama of salvation. The battle that they wage against us is a test of God’s elect. 3. While powerful, the devil is only a creature and if we stay close to Jesus Christ and his Church we should not fear the actions of evil. 4. The way we participate in the victory of Jesus Christ is through personal faith, moral living, and prayer. 5. The devil should not be given too much attention but his actions should not be ignored. 6. The Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Michael, and all the saints and angels are our allies in this battle. 7. Any spiritual warfare you conduct for others is first won in the battle for your own heart. 8. Humble submission to God and the Church is a powerful weapon against evil. 9. True holiness as witnessed in the lives of the saints is what destroys the kingdom of darkness. 10. The devil despises: A sure knowledge of the sonship that comes from baptism, knowledge of the abundant mercy of God, authentic Christian community, and a clear knowledge of, and courage to speak out about, what is good and evil. 1 Practical Tip If you’ve never thought of yourself as a spiritual warrior, take some time to see how you have entered into the spiritual battle. See more at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave.

How should people in ministry spend their summers? Dave and Mike share ideas on how to structure your summer to best benefit your ministry and your well-being. Snippet from the Show Investing time in your spiritual development is one of the greatest ways to benefit your ministry. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Guess who’s back?! Mike “Gomer” Gormley is joined by Dave VanVickle for a special bonus episode to wrap up this season of Every Knee Shall Bow. Dave shares a bit about his life from the past three months. And together, Dave and Mike wrap up this season of Every Knee Shall Bow on the essential elements of discipleship. Snippet from the Show The only gift greater than knowing Jesus is to love him. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Thunderdome” Van Vickle and I are talking about the importance of digital evangelization. If we are trying to meet people where they are, we need to be online. We cover best practices for parishes and individuals to spread the Word on the web, as well as examples of things we’ve seen work really well (like this podcast). We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. Check out the shownotes and resources at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow

Part of being an evangelist is learning from your mistakes. Today, Dave “Carry Your Cross After Me” VanVickle and I share our top 5 mistakes we have made over years in evangelization. These mistakes remind us that we are limited and God is ultimately in control. Snippet from the Show Dont' take the place of God in a person's life, there is only one Savior. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Gym Shorts Only” Vanvickle and I give some recommendations and tips for picking up evangelization with limited resources after COVID-19 and the difficulties of a digital church. _Snippet of the Show “Your role in the kingdom of Heaven is to advance the Gospel in the world, and maybe this quarantine can reemphasize the power of the laity.”_

Are women religious just nice to have around or are they essential to the Church and to the world? Mike and Dave are joined by special guest Fr. John Burns to discuss the status of women’s vocations to the consecrated life and why it is a major crisis. They offer reasons for why it is so important to have women religious and how we can introduce more people to their way of life. Snippet from the Show The consecrated woman reminds the Church what it means to be espoused to Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “The Meateater” VanVickle and I talk about the trap of thinking we need to earn God’s love. This idea is what leads us to that “holier-than-thou” attitude where we congratulate ourselves for not sinning, and then look down on those who are struggling with sin. The reality is that God is a loving father who will give us what we need to serve and love him (aka grace). It’s not through our own efforts that we earn God’s love, it is a free gift that we can respond to … or not.

What does a truly Christian marriage look like? Continuing their discussion on the sacrament of marriage, Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss the characteristics and traits of a truly Christian marriage. They also discuss what sort of impact a Christian marriage ought to have on those who have received the sacrament. Snippet from the Show You should remind yourself every day of the vows you made on your wedding day. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What is the role of parents in the faith formation of their kids? Dave " I Am the Weapon" VanVickle and I share five critical questions parents must answer when it comes to forming their kids them into lifelong disciples of Christ. Snippet from the Show Do you personally model the type of Catholic you want your child to be? Don't just tell them about God, show them what it looks like to follow Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave "The Conversationalist" VanVickle and I answer your listener questions today! We answer questions about HR practices in parishes, how to have a fruitful and successful career in ministry, and what to do when you're a Catholic in a non-denominational Bible study. Snippet from the Show Working in ministry is not just about serving the Church, it's about engaging in battle for the salvation of souls. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Dave and I brainstorm ideas and share opinions on how to approach catechesis and faith formation during this upcoming year, when groups can’t meet in person or at parishes. As you, dear listeners, know, Dave and I have lots of thoughts, and sometimes they’re pretty controversial ones--this episode might contain more of those than normal. If nothing else, our major message is this--we both agree that the way forward is to strengthen the domestic church and focus on forming adults, so that they can in turn hand on the faith to their children. This will be an ongoing conversation, so please email us with your ideas, strategies for addressing this at your parish, and feedback. Snippet from the Show “ The faith cannot be given in a disembodied manner.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Mary is incredible. She plays a massive role in salvation. She is good and loving. However, is there a chance that we could show her too much devotion or love her too much? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle take up this question as they discuss consecration to Mary. They explain what consecration to Mary means and what it could do for your life. Snippet from the Show Mary’s whole life radiates Christ. So, to be consecrated to Mary means that we are also consecrated to Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

How do we come back to our parishes after a year of so much chaos and change? Today, I share a recent talk I gave to young adults about returning to a new normal, where the laity is no longer passive, but rather on fire with the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel and transform society. Snippet from the Show It's time to stop walking towards our salvation and start running towards Christ with our whole hearts like never before. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Do you find making a good first impression to be awkward? Have you ever tried to say something inspiring but ended up saying the wrong things? Is the mere thought of evangelization too nerve-racking to even contemplate? Welcome to the Every Knee Shall Bow podcast where hosts Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss ways you can bring God’s kingdom to earth, so his will may be done as it is in heaven. Every week they will answer questions, explain Catholic teachings, and give you five practical takeaways, all centering around bringing people to Jesus Christ. Today, Mike and Dave explain what Season One is all about—being unashamed of the gospel. The world desperately needs the love of God, and who else will bring it to them except you?

Are you ready to strengthen your devotion to Mary through the Rosary? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by Mark Hartfiel to discuss the Mysteries of the Rosary Series from Paradisus Dei. They share about the creation of the series and its content. They also discuss the power of Marian devotion. Snippet from the Show Our Lady goes before us as an icon of hope. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Baptism is not just something to check off on the “To Do” list of the Christian life. So, what is it and what does it do? How can we understand the mystery of Baptism? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle tackle these questions and encourage believers to share the truth about Baptism. Snippet from the Show Baptism is salvific because it communicates the very life of God. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

How much do you know about Venerable Fulton Sheen? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by Bonnie Engstrom to talk about this incredible man. Not only does Bonnie offer a wealth of knowledge on his life, but she also shares her experience of an incredible miracle through his intercession. Her story will leave you speechless. Snippet from the Show “For six months I had been asking Bishop Sheen to pray for my son on a daily basis, and in that moment that is who I called on.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

First off, I want to thank you all for your pouring of prayers, concern, and even money to the VanVickle family as his wife battles cancer. He wanted me to tell you that he has been uniquely blessed by your love and support and he is praying for you all. Today we are pulling an episode from the archives about spiritual warfare, becuase it's a hugely important topic. Quite literally, spiritual warfare is a struggle between two kingdoms—a battle between man and that which draws man away from God. This fighting and resisting evil is a common experience, yet many don’t believe they are at war. Therefore they come unprepared to fight the battle. We discuss the Church Fathers’ understanding of spiritual warfare, the context behind the Church’s teachings on the subject, and practical ways you can resist evil and equip yourself with the best possible resources.

What are some of the keys in doing women’s ministry successfully? To help answer this question, Mike and Dave are joined by Jenna Guizar and Beth Davis from Blessed Is She. Jenna and Beth share about the ministry of Blessed Is She as well as some of the wisdom they have learned in their work. Snippet from the Show "We don’t want the Lord, the Church, or her teachings to feel out of reach for anyone." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Confession can feel uncomfortable, intimidating, and even burdensome. However, the sacrament of confession is one of the greatest gifts from God. How can we understand that better? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle explain the joy and goodness of confession. They share their own feelings about the sacrament and how they have worked to overcome sin in their own lives. Snippet from the Show If you truly understand confession, you will realize how freeing it is. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Dave “The Navy Seal of Sitting”' VanVickle and I sit down with a question from listener, Father Timothy, about how to make disciples and not social workers, focusing on works of mercy. Snippet From the Show “Christ wants to give us full and complete liberation that starts with feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned and the sick. But it culminates in bringing your heart in silence before the throne of God.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

When evangelizing, there comes a moment in time when you will invite someone to completely give their life over to Christ and begin living a Christian life. How do you know what moment is right? What does the invitation look like? Why is an invitation to Christian life so important? Using Scripture, contemporary faith formation tools, and personal experience, Mike and Dave explain the sometimes subtle art of inviting someone to live a fully authentic Christian life. For more information visit ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/everykneeshallbow/) Snippet from the Show: “If you read the Gospels, you are going to see constantly that the one man who could have demanded, is constantly instead inviting.” Tips on Invitation: 1) Invitation should be gradual 2) Invitation should be compelling but not forceful 3) Invitation should be loving and gentle 5 Practical Tips: 1) Create one gathering of friends doing some activity. Invite someone who is on the “outside” of your group to take part. 2) Acts 10:34/43 Peter is preaching the Kerygma. Take it line by line and pray through it. 3) Meet one of your neighbors that you haven’t met yet. 4) Start your own group of intercessors. Ask one person to specifically pray for the people you will encounter and that you and others be open to the Lord’s words. 5) Go to Adoration for thirty minutes and pray for those specific people you will encounter and evangelize. Resources Mentioned: The Calling of Saint Matthew (http://www.caravaggio.org/the-calling-of-saint-mathew.jsp) painting by Caravaggio Ananias Training (https://siena.org/ananias) from the Catherine of Siena Institute

Moving in together is a common “step” that many couples see as necessary and normal in a relationship. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss why cohabitation can have such negative effects on a relationship. They also share how to talk with a couple who is cohabitating and how to encourage them towards something different. Snippet from the Show Couples who do not live together prior to marriage are more likely to have happy marriages. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What are men seeking in their faith? Mike and Dave discuss different ways to approach men's ministry and what men need in ministry. Offering practical advice and some of their own experience, Mike and Dave leave you with some clear steps forward for men's ministry. Snippet from the Show "We are all one act of repentance away from being restored fully to God." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today Dave “Open Book, Closed Heart” VanVickle and I talk about extraordinary and ordinary means of fighting the devil, which leads (naturally) into a conversation on evangelization and how to lead when you’re not in charge. Snippet from the Show “One person can bring about dramatic change at a parish.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. SHOWNOTES How do you lead when you are not in a leadership position? * Try to be close friends with the current staff on evangelization teams. * Try to win the front of “what is the truth” and make sure everyone is on the same page on what they believe. * Give talks on what the life of catechists and parish workers should look like. * Encourage the use of Scripture and the new Catechism for formation. * Give talks on how to have a personal relationship with Jesus in the context of the Catholic Church. * Offer a talk on the history of the Catholic Church in America since Vatican II. * Pray for the leaders and with them. * Work with your priest to prioritize and organize an annual staff retreat. * Have a “ministry leader summit.” * If people are refusing or rejecting evangelization, work with your pastor to make sure the appropriate people are in the right positions. * Go in trying to win souls for Christ, not fight them. * Remember to always be praying for these people. * When confrontation has to occur do not do it out of hate for people but in service to people who are missing out on the gospel. * You need to have the courage to stand up for the truth and gospel when needed. 5 Practical Tips 1. Go to NewAdvent.org and search the name of a church father (St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Athanasius … ) 2. Pray for the CCD staff (or another staff group) and their openness to the gospel. 3. Listen to Mike’s talks on the kerygma at Soundcloud.com/AMDGomer. 4. Meet once a week with your pastor and discuss the kerygma. 5. Send this podcast to your CCD Staff. Check out the resources from this episode at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow

How do we properly understand Jesus’ death and sacrifice on the Cross? Today I am joined by Dr. Edward Sri to continue our discussion of Catholic atonement theology. Dr. Edward Sri explains why Jesus’ sacrifice was ultimately a gift of love offered to the Father, and how that gift is made present to us in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Snippet from the Show "The Father never turned his face away from Jesus. Even in his death, Jesus still saw the beatific vision." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Men and women are the same! Men are from Mars and women are from Venus! We hear contradictory messages about men and women all the time. “They are the same.” “They are radically different.” Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle address these contradictions by looking at Scripture and sharing the wisdom of the Church. Snippet from the Show Fatherhood and motherhood are the perfection of masculinity and femininity. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

We’re talking to the one and only Jeff Cavins, Catholic speaker and author of the new book, The Activated Disciple. We’re pumped to interview him about discipleship and sharing the Faith (and so are our moms). Jeff’s book really gets to the heart of discipleship. It gives us a practical roadmap to a path of discipleship and explains what it actually means to be a disciple. We also get Jeff to give us his practical tips for evangelization. You can get Jeff's book at ascensionpress.com. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave. _Snippet from the Show “There’s a difference between having a branch named Jesus on your vine vs. realizing that you are a branch on the true vine that is Christ.”_

What does it mean to repent and convert? As disciples, it is our desire to live in conformity with Christ. Mike “Gomer” Gormley shares how in order to be in conformity with Christ, we must repent and we must convert. It is repentance and conversion that lie at the heart of ongoing growth in Christ. Snippet from the Show It takes courage to admit when you are lost and are in need of God’s grace and mercy. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What’s the difference between a sacrament and a sacramental? How can we use the sacraments to fight evil? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle explain the incredible power of Baptism and Confession and how to use sacramentals to overthrow the powers of darkness. In this episode, they explore the history of the sacraments. Snippet from the Show Baptism is an absolute revolution in the life of the soul. You remove from it its current tyrannical leader, and you place it under the lordship of Jesus Christ, our merciful Savior. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

How do we feed disciples in the parish and also make new disciples? Dave VanVickle explains how to foster deeper relationships with current disciples in the parish while also running programs that can draw new disciples into the parish no matter where they are in their faith. Snippet from the Show Remember that trust strengthens the path of discipleship, and trust is built slowly and intentionally. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Is Confirmation really important? What does it do that Baptism doesn’t already do? For many, Confirmation can seem like an afterthought or some rite of passage. However, Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle share why it is so much more than that. They explain its incredible significance and why it is essential for someone striving for salvation. Snippet from the Show The most underplayed sacrament of the life of the Church is one of the most important. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave "The Dialogical Nature of the Sacramental Economy" VanVickle and I continue our discussion about the relationship between faith and the sacraments, diving into how the Trinity reveals itself to us sacramentally and how that embodied revelation requires a tangible response from us. Snippet from the Show "The angels don't use the senses in order to come to knowledge but we human beings need the senses. When God reveals himself, he always does it in a mode we can receive him. Therefore, the gateway to heaven is that humanity the Christ assumed." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Mary is victorious over the devil. She overcomes all evil. How is this possible? In what ways should we look to Mary in our own battle with sin? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss the answers to these questions and highlight the victory over sin and death that was granted to Mary by her Son. Snippet from the Show Mary shows up to win spiritual battles. She wants to join you in your fight to overcome sin. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Hallelujah! It's the Easter Octave and I for one am glad Christ rose from the dead. This week it's just me, Mike "Gomer" Gormley, your humble co-host of EKSB. I wanted to offer you fine folks an Easter message on discipleship and the Resurrection. Our regular show will return next week! Happy Easter!

What is the feminine genius? Why is it important for women to be active in their parishes? Dave and Mike with guest Lisa Cotter discuss the questions and much more on today’s show. Lisa also shares about her new book Reveal the Gift: Living the Feminine Genius. Snippet from the Show "The world doesn't need what women have, it needs what women are." -St. Edith Stein We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What is the high point in life? Where ought everything to lead? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle continue their conversation around mystagogy as they discuss the Eucharist. They explain its importance and why everything ought to point to the Eucharist. Snippet from the Show Every bit of our life ought to be oriented towards encounter with Jesus Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave "Skull Crusher" VanVickle and I talk about seven common pitfalls of evangelization that we see at parishes around the country. Recognize any?

How do we evangelize our young children? Dave “The Ransom Is Paid” VanVickle and I share our experience raising young kids in the faith and give you practical ways to share Christ with them so they grow up with a strong faith. Snippet from the Show “Don’t isolate your children from the world out of fear. Teach them to be the salt and light of the world, not to escape the world.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Kerygma is a Greek word that means proclamation. We, as Catholic Christians, are called to share the gospel message as we evangelize: God loves you, has a plan for your life, but because of sin we have been separated from him, and the only one who can save us is Jesus Christ. Through our repentance and turning toward him we come back to life with him. This is the context in which all of our Catholic faith can be understood. In this episode, Michael and David provide a brief history behind the Kerygma, expound upon this basic gospel message, and give you five tips on how you can start proclaiming the gospel. Snippet from the Show For most of us Catholics, we think repentance is the thing you do in the confessional. We don’t realize that in the Catechism, it is repentance, the interior sorrow, that sends us to the confessional. 4 Steps of the Kerygma: God has a plan for your life. Sin interrupts that plan and separates you from God. Jesus Christ died and rose so that you could be forgiven of these sins and be united to God in heaven. Through faith and his Church, you can be united to God forever. Five Practical Tips to Help you Enter Into the Kerygma and Start Proclaiming it: If you do not have a vital relationship with Christ, start with Mark’s Gospel. Read it as straight through as you possibly can. Ask yourself as you are going through it: “What do the words and deeds of Jesus reveal to me about God the Father’s heart?” In the book of Acts there are eight different kerygmatic sermons that the apostles give. Prayerfully take one of them (we suggest Acts 2:14-36) and meditate on it. Write down in your own words the basic gospel message. Intentionally go and ask someone if they have some need in their life that you can pray for. Start to build a relationship with a non-believer by inviting them to do something that is mutually enjoyable.

What is the purpose of a Catholic priest and what is it not? The Catholic priesthood can spark a lot of confusion. Are they a symbolic leader or a CEO? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle answer many of the common questions associated with the priesthood and emphasize why it is such an essential part of the Catholic faith. Snippet from the Show “The priest is not a priest for himself. He does not give himself absolution, he does not administer the sacraments to himself. He is not for himself. He is for you.” -St. John Vianney We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow