Friar Side Chats

"Love is patient, love is kind, love is..." We all know the classic wedding day reading from Saint Paul. But for many of us, that very first virtue eludes us most days: Patience. In a world that seems to push back against slowness, rest, love of enemy, and letting go of control, it's especially essential that we learn how to cultivate patience in our daily lives. Join us for the latest Friar Side Chats episode as we explore this underappreciated virtue! From the fruits of patience in our relationships, to reorienting ourselves to God's time, to Fr. Mike's own weakness in patience—it's an episode you won't want to miss. After all, we're recipients of Jesus' patience (and love) every day, even in our worst moments. Isn't it time for us to grow in patience (and love) for ourselves and others?

Friar Side Chats is back for a fresh season! In today's episode we’re challenged to take a look back at our own spiritual history: where our journey began, how we got to where we are today, and the role God has played in all of it. Between pivotal moments in our lives and people who have helped us along the way, God has been working in our lives every small step of the way. So join the Friar Side Chats crew as together we explore how to see God’s presence more clearly and why we need to know and own our personal spiritual story.

Here we are in the middle of an unprecedented summer. In Durham, we’re worshipping in a parking garage; at home, you’re wearing masks with family and friends; in our communities, we’re marching and advocating and learning. The good news amidst it all is the Good News: that Jesus came to live among us, that His love for us is abundant, and that He is with us no matter what we’re facing or how we’re feeling. But not just in some pie-in-the-sky, sending-good-vibes kind of way. In some very real, tangible, and creative ways—if we’re willing to look for them. So join us in this episode of Friar Side Chats as we dig into the complexity of returning to Mass, the difference between external practices and internal relationship, and so much more. (Plus a special segment devised by Fr. Mike to test your Catholic saint trivia!)

This week, we sat down to chat not about Tiger King or Zoom fatigue but about the unexpected blessings and spiritual takeaways from this time of quarantine. We invite you to join us for a Friar Side Chats episode that asks: What’s going to be the defining outcome of this time for you? What has been a surprise blessing of the past two months? What can you do when faced with anxiety about the future or frustration in your own home? Not to mention Fr. Mike’s attempt at spicing up the podcast with a game segment… (Yes, really. Complete with theme music and audience reactions...) Come for Fr. Mike’s creativity, but stay for the fresh ideas on a more spiritual outlook of this time.