The Twenty Three Podcast

THIS WEEK: Father Herb celebrates a birthday, a sneak peek of Christmas at SJ23, and Mary and Elizabeth take center stage in this weekend's Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

THIS WEEK: REJOICE! When was the last time you truly rejoiced at something? Where do we seek validation and attention from? What do our lives point to besides Jesus?

THIS WEEK: Although the beginning of this weekend's Gospel could be considered "boring" at first glance, it's extremely significant.

THIS WEEK: Can you believe Advent is here? This week we provide some practical tips on how to make this the best Advent ever.

THIS WEEK: A recap of the Men's Retreat weekend, and a look ahead at Thanksgiving plans and the Feast of Christ the King. How can we bold as adults and stand up for what is right?

THIS WEEK: Final preparations are underway for the Men's Retreat, and this weekend's Gospel is talking about the end of the world and death. Sounds uplifting right?

THIS WEEK: A look back on the Toledo symphony concert last week and reflecting on what it means to truly sacrifice.

THIS WEEK: What does it really mean to fear the Lord?

THIS WEEK: With the story of Bartimaeus this weekend, we explore the many lines in this Gospel passage that are worth meditating on. We also discuss the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which we will celebrate at Masses this weekend.

THIS WEEK: Reflections on the Dedication Mass, Opening Weekend, the canonization of Saint Oscar Romero and drinking the same cup that Jesus drinks.

THIS WEEK: This weekend is Opening Weekend in the new church! Jesus tells the man in this weekend's Gospel that he should sell everything he has and follow him. What does that mean for us in light of building a brand new church? Click play to find out.

THIS WEEK: As we approach our final weekend in Roncalli Hall, we have mixed emotions about the end of our time in the Parish Life Center. We'll discuss the final portion of the Dedication Mass, and then turn to the scripture readings - it's all about love and marriage this week!

THIS WEEK: We discuss the fourth part of the dedication Mass - the Anointing and Incensation of the Altar and Church. We also discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and how to recognize if something is truly the Holy Spirit at work.

THIS WEEK: We revisit the hanging of the crucifix in the church, discuss the relic of Saint John XXIII that will be placed in the altar, and try to define what truly makes a person 'great'.

THIS WEEK: Updates on the installation of the new altar in the church, part-two of our explanation of the Dedication Mass, and a deep talk about suffering in the world. Why does God allow suffering to happen? How can we embrace and take up our own cross?

THIS WEEK: Fr. Herb and Michael start to break open the dedication Mass over the next five weeks. This week we'll discuss the entrance rite and how it begins differently from any other Mass. We return to chapter 7 of Mark's Gospel this week as Jesus cures a deaf man with a speech impediment.

THIS WEEK: Updates on last weekend's BIG PARTY and the latest finishing touches on the construction project. We are finally back in the Gospel of Mark and set the context for where we left off in July. In this week's Gospel Jesus challenges us to be purified from the inside out - can you really judge a book by its cover?

Father and Michael reminisce about the anniversary of the first Sunday Mass for our parish, 13 years ago this week. We also address the current news of the latest abuse scandal in the church and how it ties to this weekend's readings, as we wrap up our time with chapter 6 of John's Gospel.

The pews have arrived and the new church is really starting to take shape. This week Jesus tells the Jews that they must eat his flesh and drink his blood. Can you imagine how they must have reacted? Father Herb answers the question - how important the Eucharist is in his spirituality.

The parish staff has moved into the new offices, and this week's podcast is recorded in our new "studio" right in the middle of the construction noise. We continue our look at John Chapter 6 and try to answer the question - what does it mean to live forever?