Following the Ascension of our Lord, tradition says that we disciples fathered in the upper room together with Our Blessed Mother for the novena, nine days of prayer in anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to the disciples to empower them to ”be my witnesses...even to the ends of the earth.“ (Acts 1:8)

Today, as disciples of Jesus, we too join together in prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our parishes, our faith communities, our families, and in ourselves. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses of love of God for our world. This novena to the Holy Spirit has been designed for either individual or communal prayer. The spiritual impact of serious prayer and reflection is immeasurable. 

The format of the novena will be:
1. Invocation to the Holy Spirit
2. Scripture passage for focus
3. An image to focus on and pray with
4. Meditation
5. Prayer for the day
6. Concluding prayer to the Holy Spirit

Day 4 – May 22, 2023 (Nancy Werner)

Join host Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Jeff Cavins, Author of "Walking With God: A Journey Through the Bible" and "I'm Not Being Fed: Discovering the Food That Satisfies the Soul", as they discuss why we need Scripture as much as we need food - and why that's no accident!

Other Voices from this episode include:

Paul Bremberg
Political Science & History

Elizabeth Swift
Philosophy & Political Science

Theresa Antony
Theology & Classics

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: AUGUST 2025

Watch the Video

Why We Need Scripture | Jeff Cavins | Franciscan University Presents

In the first episode of While We're At It, a brand new interview series with First Things editor Rusty Reno, Michael Knowles joins in to talk about “The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II,” a new four-part docuseries now available on DailyWire+.

Pius XII’s Vindication (ft. Michael Knowles)

In this special episode of ⁠Deacons Pod⁠, the ⁠Paulist Deacon Affiliates⁠ discuss "the friendship recession" – the possible change in the way adults today experience and maintain friendships, notably due to workplace changes sparked by the COVID pandemic.
During their conversation, the deacons consider how "the friendship recession" differs between men and women, as well as the role of friendships in the spiritual life and in parish life.

Two recent articles in the secular media inspired this episode. The first was an August 11 column at Fast Company by Mark Crowley called "⁠No one has office friends anymore. Why that’s bad news for employers: How to combat the ‘friendship recession⁠.'":
https://www.fastcompany.com/91371839/why-workplace-friendships-are-fading-and-why-that-matters-to-the-bottom-line-workplace-friendships

The second article was a May 25 piece in the New York Times by Sam Graham-Felsen called "⁠Where Have All My Deep Male Friendships Gone⁠?":
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/magazine/male-friendships.html


Deacons Pod: Three Catholic Deacons on "The Friendship Recession"

In the first episode of While We're At It, Cameron Sexton joins in to talk about his work as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives and Speaker of the state House.

Faith in State Politics (ft. Cameron Sexton)

Jason Jones joins Steve and Becky to share his powerful story and is passion for defending the vulnerable. His book is Dispatches from the Great Campaign: Defending Life on the Front Lines.

9/19/25 - Jason Jones on Defending the Vulnerable

The editors discuss Great Britain’s assisted suicide bill, Pope Leo’s first major interview, and Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Dan Hitchens joins Julia Yost.

Pope and Parliament

Joseph Pearce joins Steve and Becky to challenge all of us to disconnect from technology and pick up good books. His new book is Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood.

9/26/25 - Joseph Pearce on the Value of Good Books

In this thought-provoking episode of ⁠Deacons Pod⁠, the ⁠Paulist Deacon Affiliates⁠ speak with esteemed Catholic speaker and broadcaster Gloria Purvis.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. Eastern, Gloria will deliver the ⁠2025 Gallagher Talk⁠ at the ⁠Catholic Information Center⁠, a Paulist Fathers ministry in Grand Rapids, MI, on the topic "The Role of Compassion in a Divided World."

Those interested in the Gallagher Talk may ⁠register to attend online or in-person⁠.

The host of "⁠The Gloria Purvis Podcast⁠" from America Media, Gloria recently began a new role at Providence College in Rhode Island as a ⁠special advisor⁠ for Integral Human Development and Dignity.

She also is a ⁠senior fellow⁠ at Georgetown University’s Initiative for Catholic Social Thought and Public Life and serves as a ⁠board member⁠ of Catholic Charities USA.

The Gallagher Talk at the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids is named after ⁠Paulist Fr. Joseph Gallagher⁠ (1923 - 2007).


Deacons Pod: Compassion in a Divided World – Gloria Purvis

Bishop Dolan joins us to talk about Sunday's Gospel. Dr. MaryRuth Hackett will give us a sneak peak at the next season of the Parenting Smarts Podcast. Fr. David Loeffler joins Bishop Dolan to talk about Christian unity. We'll talk to Greg Mattingly about the Arizona Rosary Celebration. You'll also get up to date on the latest news and events.  &nbsp;  Special thanks to Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes for making this show possible.

10/4/25 - Parenting Smarts, Arizona Rosary Celebration, Christian unity, Weekly Gospel and News

In this special episode of Deacons Pod, Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey and Deacon Mark Asselin remember their moms, Sheila Murphy and Julienne Asselin, who both passed away earlier this year.

Deacon Patrick and Deacon Mark share details about their moms' lives and how they each died.

The deacons also reflect on how their faith has sustained them over the past year.

Deacons Pod: When Your Mom Passes Away

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