St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born in 1922. As a young woman, she wanted to be a missionary but eventually saw that God was calling her to marriage and family life. She became a pediatrician, and she and her husband Pietro had three children. They lived a full and joyful life. When she was pregnant with her fourth child, she was diagnosed with a ben…

What's an indulgence? How do I obtain one? Is it true that the Catholic church sold indulgences in the past? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on penance and contrition in the lead-up to Holy Week. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ Refe…

What should I say in the confessional? What happens if I forget one of my sins, or forget to say my penance? Can non-Catholics go to confession? This episode is a practical guide for going to confession. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ Referen…

What are the origins of Lent? Do I have to give something up? Why is there no mass on Good Friday? How long does the Easter season last? (Hint: ages) In this episode, we discuss the Lenten and Easter Seasons. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ Re…

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) How does the Catholic church dialogue with other faiths and denominations without compromising on the truth? Why is it important to have friends who don't share my beliefs? How can I be genuinely open to others' opinions without becoming relativistic? In this episode, we wrap up our d…

How do we balance unity and diversity within the Catholic church? Do Catholics have to accept every single one of the official teachings of the church? Does union with the pope mean accepting and believing every single thing he says? In this episode, we discuss unity and diversity within the Catholic church. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podca…

What are charisms? Do Catholics believe that people can speak in tongues? How do I know what my unique gifts are? Happy New Year! Welcome to our first episode of 2024! Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/vi…

What should we do during Advent? Have we always celebrated Christmas on the 25th December? What are the origins of the Christmas tree and the nativity scene? In this episode, we discuss one of the most beautiful and important times in the Catholic calendar. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: htt…

The appearance of Our Lady at Fátima in 1917 was one of the most incredible and significant events of the twentieth century. In these apparitions, Mary encouraged the world to pray the rosary, and to pray for peace, poor sinners, and the pope. She also performed one of the most mind-blowing miracles you'll ever hear about. In this episode, we finis…

The appearance of Our Lady at Fátima in 1917 was one of the most incredible and significant events of the twentieth century. In these apparitions, Mary encouraged the world to pray the rosary, and to pray for peace, poor sinners, and the pope. She also performed one of the most mind-blowing miracles you'll ever hear about. In this episode, we begin…

Where did the rosary come from? How do you pray it? Is praying to Mary a form of idolatry? In this episode, we discuss one of the most beautiful and powerful prayers of the Catholic church. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and furthe…

What are the roots of Halloween? Can Catholics celebrate it? Do Catholics believe in GHOSTS?! (Spooooky) In this episode, we discuss Halloween, and how we might celebrate it as Catholics. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further …

St. Mark Ji Tianxiang was a doctor who lived in the late 1800s, who was martyred for his faith during the Boxer Rebellion. He was also an opium addict who struggled with his addiction for 30 years, and was a drug addict at the time of his death. St. Mark Ji is an example to anyone struggling with addiction, disorders, or mental illness. Support us …

How do the devil's tactics change as we progress in the spiritual life? How do we fight against temptation? What are the signs that I am progressing in the spiritual life? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of spiritual warfare, and the ways that we can fight it. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. …

The term 'spiritual warfare' can sound a bit dramatic, but it's actually something pretty normal that we all face. The devil is real, and he does NAHT want us to get to heaven. In this episode, we begin our discussion of spiritual warfare, and the ways that we can fight it. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.co…

What is a saint? How does the Catholic church decide if someone is a saint? In this episode we discuss the formal process of canonisation in the Catholic church. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing:…

What is Feminism? What does the Catholic Church teach about women, and their role in society? Are Catholicism and Feminism compatible? In this "Catholicism and..." series, we look at contemporary cultural, social, and political topics alongside Catholicism and consider how we might engage with them through the lens of Catholic teaching. Support us …

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian conscientious objector during WWII. He was imprisoned and eventually executed for refusing to fight for the Nazis or swear an oath of allegiance to Hitler. In 2007 he was officially declared a martyr by Pope Benedict XVI and was later beatified. His story has inspired many who have been pressured to behave…

The Mass is incredible. Mindblowing. Beautiful. In this episode we step through the mass from beginning to end, and explain what happens and why. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ Timestamps: 1:24: The Introductory Rites 7:23: The Liturgy of the…

What is Mass? Who can go to Mass? Why all the sitting and standing and kneeling? What's the difference between the Latin Mass and the novus ordo mass? In this episode, we cover some common questions about the Mass. Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram Timestamps: 2:25: What is Mass? 4:48: Who can g…

We're baaaaaack! In this introduction, we chat about what to expect in Season Two. What topics will we be covering? How long will the episodes be? Will there be video content?! Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/…

WE DID IT WE FINISHED THE WHOLE CATECHISM!!! In this episode, we wrap up THE CATECHISM with a discussion of the Our Father. This episode covers Part Four, Section Two of the Catechism (pts. 2759-2865) Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ . . . . Re…

What's the difference between meditation and contemplation? What should I include in a Plan of Life? What are some common obstacles to prayer, and how can I overcome them? In this episode, we wrap up our introduction to prayer. This episode covers Part Four, Section One, Chapter Two, Article Three, and Chapter Three, Articles One and Two of the Cat…

What's the difference between adoration and thanksgiving? Why does it matter? Should I pray at specific times or should prayer be spontaneous? In this episode, we continue our discussion of prayer by discussing the forms of prayer. This episode covers Part Four, Section One, Chapter One, Article Three, and Chapter Two, Articles One and Two of the C…

What does it mean to pray? Is it just words and gestures, or is it something more? When we pray, does God always give us what we want? In this episode, we begin our discussion of Part Four of the Catechism This episode covers Part Four, Section One, Chapter One, Articles One and Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2556-2622). Support u…

"You shall not covet your neighbour's goods" Is it bad to desire material things? Is envy always a sin? How can I avoid being jealous? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of Part Three of the Catechism (!) This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Ten of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2534-2557). Contact th…

"You shall not covet your neighbour's wife" What does it mean to be 'pure of heart'? Is modesty outdated? Is it all about shame? Is it just for girls? (Nope, nope, and NOPE!) In this episode, we discuss the Ninth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Eight of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2514-25…

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." What are the obligations of the news media to the truth? What's the relationship between truth and beauty? Is all art beautiful? In this episode we wrap up our discussion of the eighth commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Eight of the Catechism of th…

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Is it ever okay to lie? Can gossip be a mortal sin? Is it okay to publicly call someone out for doing the wrong thing? In this episode we continue our discussion of the eighth commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Eight of the Catechism of the Catholi…

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Is there such thing as objective truth? Is it ALWAYS better to tell the truth? Are there situations where it's better to lie? (Pls excuse the the background cicadas #straya) This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Eight of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2…

"You shall not steal." What does a just economic system look like? Is work necessary? Do wealthy nations have an obligation to help poorer ones? This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Seven of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2419-2463). Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://ww…

"You shall not steal." What actually constitutes stealing? Is anything absolutely my own? How much should I give to others? In this episode, we begin our discussion of the seventh Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Seven of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2401-2418). Contact the podcast: crashco…

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." What is the point of marriage? Is divorce a sin? What about contraception, or IVF? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of the sixth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Six of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2337-2359). Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatho…

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." What is the purpose of sex? Does the Catholic church just have a massive negative hang-up about it? In this episode, we continue our discussion of the sixth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Six of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2337-2359). Contact the podcast…

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." What does it mean to be a man or a woman? Does difference between men and women mean inequality and sexism? In this episode, we begin our discussion of the sixth commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Six of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2331-2336). Contact the po…

"You shall not kill." What constitutes a "just war"? Is it permissible to accumulate weapons of mass destruction? In this mini episode, we wrap up our discussion of the fifth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Five of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2258-2330). Contact the podcast: crashcourseca…

"You shall not kill." Is abortion ever morally permissible? What about euthanasia? What does the Church teach about people who have committed suicide? In this episode we continue our discussion of the fifth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Five of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2258-2330). Co…

"You shall not kill." Is it wrong to kill someone in self-defense? What about the death penalty? Why is hatred a sin against this commandment? In this episode we cover the fifth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Five of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2258-2330). Contact the podcast: crashcours…

"Honour your mother and father." Does honouring our parents mean doing everything they say? What if your parents are terrible? Are children free to make their own moral decisions? In this episode we cover the fourth Commandment. This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2196-…

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work." Why is it so bad to take God's name in vain? Why do I have to go to Mass every Sunday? How late is too late t…

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth.” What does it mean to love and serve God? Wh…

How are we saved? Through faith, works, or both? What is grace? Can I earn grace or is it just a free gift from God? Today we wrap up our introduction to Catholic morality by looking at one of the most significant areas of division between Catholics and Protestants. This episode covers Part Three, Section One, Chapter Three of the Catechism of the …

What are human rights? Does everyone have the right to the same things? What does 'equality' mean? In this episode, we round off our discussion of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church. This episode covers Part Three, Section One, Chapter Two, Article 3 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 1918-1948). Contact the podcast: crashcourseca…

What is a society? What's more important: my individual rights or the common good? Do all societies need authority figures? In this episode, we begin our discussion of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. This episode covers Part Three, Section One, Chapter Two, Articles 1 and 2 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 1877-1917). Contac…

What's the difference between mortal and venial sin? How do I know when I've committed a sin? What does it mean to be a virtuous person? In this episode, we discuss the personal dimension of our relationship with God. This episode covers Part Three, Section One, Chapter One, Articles7 and 8 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 1803-1876). C…

What makes an action right or wrong? How do I know if I'm doing the right thing? Can my conscience always be trusted? In this episode we discuss the sources of morality and the role of the conscience. This episode covers Part Three, Section One, Chapter One, Articles 4, 5, and 6 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 1749-1802). Contact the p…

Welcome to Part Three of the Catechism! In this episode, we discuss freedom and the call to holiness. What does it mean to be free? What are the limits to freedom? Should everyone have the right to act and speak freely? This episode covers Part Three, Section One, Chapter One, Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 1691-1…

Holy water, rosary beads, crucifixes, medals... is all this extra stuff really necessary? Isn't it all a bit superstitious? How are Catholic funerals different from secular ones? In this episode, we wrap up Part Two of the Catechism with a discussion of sacramentals and funerals. This episode covers Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Four of the Catech…

Why does the Church's definition of marriage seem so restrictive and archaic? What makes marriage different from other kinds of unions? What's the point of marriage? In this episode, we discuss the last of the seven sacraments. This episode covers Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Three, Article Seven of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 1601-…

What is a priest? Why can't women be ordained? Are there any married Catholic priests? (Yep.) In this episode, we discuss the sacrament of Holy Orders. This episode covers Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Six of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 1533 -1600). Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https:…