This is a lighthearted podcast where two seminarians sit down to discuss their life in seminary, topics and issues Christians face in the modern world, and the spiritual life. We hope to invite others into this journey that we are on and that countless other men are on across the world. We hope you enjoy! God bless! Find out more about us at www.sjvdenver.edu and follow us on the Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary facebook page.
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Let God Stretch Your Soul - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 2/8/25
20:02
20:02
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20:02Galatians 1:1-12; From a homily by a spiritual writer of the fourth century (1:37); Luke 24:35-53 (4:35); Homily by Rev. James-Peter Trares, O.P. (6:55) Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
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Michael Sparks and James Joseph sit down with a long-time priest Fr. Bill Breslin who shares his life journey during and after Vatican II. Many priests in those tumultuous times were confronted with the crisis of the chaos and it took courage to withstand it by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Bill shares a glimps into that perspective. (The missi…
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You Have Stayed Long Enough - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 1/19/25
19:35
19:35
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19:35Deuteronomy 1:1, 6-18; (3:05) from a Letter to the Ephesians from St. Ignatius of Antioch; (5:34) Mark 16:1-20; (9:22) Homily by Fr. Tom Scherer. Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
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Unexpected Fulfillment - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 12/14
17:29
17:29
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17:29Isaiah 45:1-13; (2:52) from a Letter by Saint Leo the Great; (6:30) Luke 24:35-53; (9:10) Homily by Archbishop Samuel Aquila Support our Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
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In this episode, Michael Sparks and Michael Salemi bring in a good friend and soon to be priest to the studio. Deacon Kade Megaffin shares his journey of love and tells stories of promising relationships that ended in being called by Christ. (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discer…
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Consider Tonight - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 10/26
14:40
14:40
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14:40Wisdom 1:1-15; (2:57) Letter to the Corinthians by St Clement I; (5:22) John 20:1-18; (8:44) Homily by Dcn Kade Megaffin Support our Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
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Michael Sparks and Anthony Olmes discuss a favorite topic of this podcast, but with a different perspective. The fraternity in light of family allows the true friendship to unfold even if distance seems to get in the way. (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update f…
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James and Dave catch up with the listeners and chat with their friend Tommy Myers about their summer assignments, the current fall semester, and what the future holds this academic year at St. John Vianney. (The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update friends of the s…
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Listen to the Heart - Vigil Praise Readings and Homily 9/28
21:02
21:02
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21:02Philippians 1:1-11; (2:00) from the letter to the Philippians by St. Polycarp; (4:30) Mark 16:1-20; (8:05) Homily by Dcn Jacob Chavez
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Michael and James recap the summer and discuss a little of what it means to be on mission as a seminarian especially during the summer. Michael referenced the interview he did on the Drew the Catholic show: https://youtu.be/8JbUDLwrxDI?si=mlpeHUb_JSa8yeQA Email with any questions or comments: [email protected] Do you want to get monthly up…
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Michael takes some fraternity time out side of his summer assignment to talk with Mark Rocco, a seminarian from Colorado Springs who studies at the Mount St. Mary's seminary in Maryland and happens to be assigned nearby. They discuss the similarities and diferences between seminaries and then dive into Mark's vocational calling right out of high sc…
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Church Fathers Series (Part II): Discipleship
54:00
54:00
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54:00Five years after the release of Part 1, Fr. Micah Flores joins Michael Salemi and John Cooney to continue the discussion on the Church Fathers. From the Lord Jesus to St. John, from St. John to St. Polycarp, and from St. Polycarp to St. Irenaeus, the life of Faith has been passed down through discipleship to us today. Email with any questions or co…
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Michael Sparks and James Joseph invite a guest to share his testimony of God working throughout his life to bring him to seminary. Jeff Pooley shares some stories about those who've inspired him and his life as an airplane pilot, but most especially how beuaty and human relationship all point to our desire for relationship with God. Reference menti…
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(0:00) Revelation 6:1-17; (3:21) First Apology of St. Justin Martyr 66-67; (6:08) Luke 24:1-12; (8:04) Homily by Cardinal Francis Stafford
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Michael Salemi, James and Dave explore the meaning of leisure especially in the context of seminary life. They take a philosophical look at leisure and then examine the interior life of being rejuvenated especially as seminarians. They include a little discussion about Irish step dancing. Book mentioned, "Leisure: The Basis of Culture" By Josef Pie…
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(0:00) Hebrews 1:1-2:4; (2:30) St. Athanasius Epistle 14, 1-2; (5:42) John 8:1-11; (7:42) Homily by Dcn. Blaise Buches.
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John, Michael, and Dave discuss their experiences at a conference hosted by Encounter School of Minsitry about the gift of prophecy. Learn more about Encounter: https://encounterschool.org/ Email with any questions or comments: [email protected] Also check out what's going on at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary where you can sign up…
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Michael Sparks is joined by two new voices: Dave Napierkowski and James Joseph! The two make their Sons of Ars debut speaking with Michael about their experience traveling to the annual SEEK conference in St. Louis, MO. The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those discerning and to update frie…
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(0:00) Deuteronomy 18:1-22; (4:25) Sacrosanctum Concilium nn. 7-8, 106; (8:45) Luke 24:1-12; (10:55) Homily by Fr. John Ignatius from the Servants of Christ Jesus.
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Michael and Michael are joined by Mario Enzler. Formerly a Swiss Guard for St. John Paul II, Mario learned first-hand what it means to live a life of holiness.
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Michael and John are joined by Jose Delgado from the Archdiocese of Denver. Jose shares his story of how he was led to the seminary by his parents finding the charismatic renewal. Support Saint John Vianney Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
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Michael and John are joined by Riley Helgoe from the august diocese of Helena, Montana. Riley shares his story of coming back to Catholicism and finding his call to the priesthood. Support Saint John Vianney Seminary: archden.org/futurepriests
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Timestamps: (0:00) Wisdom 1:1-15; (2:42) From a letter to the Corinthians by St Clement; (4:52) John 20:1-18; (8:56) Homily from Archbishop Samuel Aquila.
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Timestamps: (0:00) Philippians 1:1-11, (1:35) A Letter to the Philippians by St Polycarp, (4:25) Mark 16:1-20, (8:09) Homily from Fr. Rocco Porter.
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September 2023 Episode Host, Michael Sparks, spontaneously invites brother seminarian Daniel Carlisi to help host this unprompted episode. They invited a brother of our brother to share his journey from worldliness to hearing God's plan for his life. While he attends a different great seminary, his story is inspiring and helps us understand the fre…
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All the hosts, John Cooney, Michael Salemi, and Michael Sparks, sit down to discuss their latest summer as seminarians. They discuss a variety of topics and lots of travel. A whirlwind of experiences thrown into one episode, so hold onto your hats. The mission of the podcast continues to be recording the experiences of seminarians to inspire those …
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Dead Bodies Float Downstream; Keep Growing in Christ
53:46
53:46
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53:46July 2023 Episode Host and editor Michael Salemi in the midst of his summer asignment brings to listeners a summer episode with a special guest who is an Alumni of St. John Vianney and has been a priest for a few years. Fr. Kevin is a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, he shares his journey out of seminary and what it's like to maintain joy in the p…
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Now at the end of the academic year, Michael and John look back on their time walking the streets of Denver and encountering the homeless with Christ in the City.
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April 2023 Episode Hosts John Cooney and Michael Sparks invite Deacon Gabe for his second time on the Sons of Ars. Since last time on the podcast he became a deacon and finally shares his story into the seminary with priestly ordination only a few months away. His wisdom to unvail one's heart is expressed through his experience of asking for graces…
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Fr Kevin Penkalski from the Diocese of Phoenix preaches on understanding the paschal joy of Easter.
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Dcn Gabirel Sabado preaches on the love of the Father revealed through the Son and the necessity to remember the truth of His love.
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Hosts Michael Salemi and Michael Sparks invite fellow classmate Brother Andrew Brebeuf from the Servants of Christ Jesus to share his love of Jesus. He shares his experience after his re-conversion of bringing Jesus to others which lead him to deeper trust in God and then to religious life. They discuss the life changing power of trusting in God. R…
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John and Michael come together at the beginning of lent to talk about the literature club John started at the seminary. They discuss the ways that good literature can help form everyone, and how literature points towards the depth of humanity which ultimately relates to the spiritual life oriented to God. You can email us at: sonsofarspodcast@gmail…
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Fr. Luke Barder preaches on the importance of knowing God rather than to know about Him.
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Michael and John spend time with Mary Machado, mother of former host Jacob Machado. Mary addresses the experience of being a mother of a seminarian.
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Dcn Kyle Tannehill preaches on the virtue of hope and how we can use it to see the Lord more clearly.
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Michael and John are joined by Connor Companik from the Diocese of Phoenix. After explaining his claim as the podcast's "Biggest Fan™", Connor explains his journey to seminary and how his devotion for sacred music has grown over the years. The audio clip used in this podcast is from the Corpus Christi Sunday Mass (May 29, 2016) at Ss. Simon and Jud…
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Michael and John talk with Daniel Rivas from Denver about his discernment. Given a heavy cross early in life, Daniel recounts how his time of trial helped him grow closer to God and discern his vocation of priesthood.
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Michael and John are joined by Brother Charbel from the Capuchin Friars. Brother Charbel talks about his conversion to Catholicism and his time of religious life. (Editor's note: while Michael and John were diligent in recording early in the month, the editor... not so much.)
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His Emminence Cardinal Stafford preaches on the nature of a vigil and meeting Christ in an unexpected place.
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This month, Michael and John chat with Connor Ryan from the Diocese of Pueblo. From the western slope of Colorado to the small mining towns of Arizona and Alaska, Connor tells the story of his physical and spiritual journeys that led him to seminary and a deeper life with Christ.
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Fr Adam Bradshaw preaches on Faith and Prayer
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Fr. Brady's Homily from Vigil Praise for 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time Readings: Ez 24: 15-27; St. Augustine on Pastors; Mt 28: 1-10, 16-20.
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After finishing his first year of priesthood in Uganda, Fr Julius Lule comes back to visit the seminary. Michael and John take this opportunity to ask him about his first assignment and how his time in seminary helped him prepare.
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They are all back from summer break! Michael Sparks, John Cooney and Michael Salemi sit down and discuss what adventures they had during the summer. Their discussion covers what it's like being a seminarian on break and then how to return with a balanced approach of recollecting with the help of Christ.…
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In Flagstaff Michael interviews one of the founders of The Sons of Ars. One year after his ordination Fr. Ian Wintering shares his first year as a priest and explains what it means to have joy in the priesthood through the gift of fatherhood and fraternity.By Michael Sparks
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A Chat with the Cardinal Part 2: Mercy and War
49:14
49:14
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49:14The conversation continues. Cardinal Stafford tells the story of the beginnings of Saint John Vianney Seminary and his inspirations from the works of Rouault.By St John Vianney Seminary
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A Chat with the Cardinal Part 1: From the Trinity to Us
44:46
44:46
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44:46Michael and John sit down with Cardinal Stafford, the former archbishop of Denver, and discuss the joy of the priesthood as a result of Trinitarian love.By Seminarians from SJV
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Deacon Anthony Dang, soon to be Father shares his preperation for the priesthood and enlightens us about his story to seminary right out of high school. What does a transitionary deaon do? Michael and John dive in.By St. John Vianney Seminarians
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Before retiring from the seminary after over 10 years as a spiritual director and over 50 years of priesthood, Msgr Ken Leone shares his stories and imparts wisdom to Michael and John about the joy of the priesthood and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit.By St. John Vianney Theology Seminarians
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