In the latest episode of the Big Comfy Pew podcast, hosts Dorothy and John warmly welcome seminarian Aaron Murphy while stationed at Kent Lambton Roman Catholic Family of Parishes. Aaron is in his 4th year of formation and pastoral year. He shares his vocation story and his personal journey from being agnostic and culturally Catholic, to witnessing a miracle involving his grandmother which changed his life. Listen to this thought-provoking conversation as Aaron shares his passion for theology and fresh perspectives on faith. 

At its core, church is community and in the ‘Big Comfy Pew’ podcasts, Dorothy and John try to get to know 'Kent Lambton Roman Catholic Family of Parishes' parishioners and special guests a little better so we can all grow in unity. We have been blessed with so many people at St. Michaels, Sacred Heart, Holy Family and Our Lady Help of Christians churches willing to share their diverse gifts to further God’s kingdom, and reach out to those beyond our buildings to share God’s love.

Big Comfy Pew: Seminarian Aaron Murphy

What are Sacramentals? 
Sacramentals help people receive grace and encourage them to connect with their faith and God. Sacramentals include blessings and consecrations, as well as items like holy water, blessed medals, crucifixes, and rosaries. 
Sit back and enjoy this latest edition of the Still Catholic podcast, as Fr. Chris Pietraszko, Dorothy deBakker and John Van Heck share about Sacramentals in the Catholic church.


11. Sacramentals

Have you ever heard somone say that the Catholic Mass is boring? It is most likely because they don’t understand all that is truly happening.

In this first of two parts podcast, Fr. Chris answers Dorothy and John’s questions like, why do we sit, stand and kneel at certain times during the mass? Why are there so many candles in the sanctuary, and why do altar servers hold candles on either side of the priest or deacon as he reads the gospel? How long is a homily supposed to be? And many more. Sit back relax and take a listen.

12. Understanding the Mass Part 1

Still Catholic Podcast: Understanding the Mass Part 2
In this second part of Understanding the Mass, we learn more about the Liturgy of the Eucharist which is the heart of the Mass; where the bread and wine are consecrated to become the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a moment of profound mystery and reverence, as Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Throughout the Mass, various postures such as standing, kneeling, and sitting, along with gestures like the Sign of the Cross and the exchange of peace, symbolize reverence, humility, and unity among the congregation. While some may lightheartedly refer to the Mass as “Catholic Calisthenics” due to its physical movements, each action carries deep significance, reflecting the beliefs and traditions of the Catholic faith.  