St. Louis Parish Podcast

St. Louis Director of Faith Formation Jamie Hickman discusses the term Abba (Father) as a central Mystery within the greatest Mystery (the Trinity) & Christ is key to knowing & loving the Father. The Greek letter μ (mu) is spoken with the mouth starting in a closed position and then gradually the lips open in order to let out the sound, which shows us the deep meaning of the word mystery: that which is hidden is intended to be revealed.μυστήριον (mystērion, moos-tay'-ree-on) means mystery https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3466/rsv/mgnt/0-1/Abba occurs 3 times in the RSV: https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=abba&t=RSV#s=s_primary_0_1Ἀββᾶ (Chaldean / Aramaic: abba, ab-ah') means Father https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5/rsv/mgnt/0-1/πατήρ (Greek: patēr, pat-ayr') means Father https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3962/rsv/mgnt/0-1/Pater (Latin: patēr, pat-ayr') means FatherChurch Teaching on Genesis 1-3 June 30, 1909 https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-01-1909-ocr.pdfhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QuasimodoThe Come and See class occurred Sunday April 12, 2026 (Divine Mercy Sunday, aka Low Sunday or Sunday in the Octave of Easter or Domenica in Albis or Quasimodo Sunday). The Latin term Quasimodo comes from the Introit of the Mass for that day: "Quasi modo géniti infántes, allelúia, rationábile, sine dolo lac concupíscite, allelúia, allelúia, allelúia" ("As newborn babes, alleluia, desire the rational milk without guile, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia). This is the calling of all Christians: to be like or according to the mode of (quasimodo) newborn infants -- to be childlike (seek to know and love the Father). After the Last Supper, Christ tells his disciples incredibly an important message, which we hear or read in John 14:8 (the heart of the chapter), Jesus says: "Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also." The mysteries are meant to be seen, to be shared, to be lived. We can only love what and whom we know, so the Christian must seek to see the face of Christ in order to see the Father. When we see, we know, we "get" or "grasp" it -- we do not exhaust it, but we begin to understand. Over a lifetime and even into eternity, we shall understand better who the Father is by help Christ by becoming another Christ.

We often hear the phrase "Be the best version of yourself," but through a Catholic lens, this means letting Jesus live through you fully. Listen to Fr. O'Hare delve into this topic, and how it relates to the vertical and horizontal union we promote here at St. Louis Parish. 

Tune in to hear Sam and Zoe Massey,  a father-daughter duo who have experienced our St. Louis Confirmation Program as both student and teacher. Listen to their unique perspectives on teaching, learning, and living the Faith. 

Listen to singer, songwriter, and worship leader John Finch speak about his musical journey from learning piano at an early age, to writing his own music, to leading large worship events all across the country. John's mission is to give others the opportunity to have an encounter with Jesus through his music. 

Fr. O'Hare and Andrew Lane discuss the role music plays in the liturgy, as well as how it can prime our emotions in a way that can lead us into deep prayer. 

Fr. O'Hare, alongside parish employees Carmen Lane and Jamie Hickman, have written a book highlighting the vital role lay people play in the Church, going so far as to say that they are the true trophy of the Church. Books are available in the Main Office, Little Way Cafe, and in the vestibule after all Sunday Masses. You are encouraged to read, study, and discuss the material with your friends and family!

Fr. Luke Poczatek delves into the importance of building a relationship with Jesus, and how this may be the key to overcoming one's struggle with pornography and masturbation.

Contemplata https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl6gd_KM9BTUy9uwC7YTDFdolHBFwCQkGThe Father's House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity by Fr. James Brent, OPhttps://paulinestore.com/the-fathers-house-discovering-our-home-in-the-trinity-qs1010652-202982.htmlThe Father's House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity by Fr. James Brent, OPhttps://www.amazon.com/Fathers-House-Discovering-Home-Trinity/dp/0819827592The Presence of God by Fr. Anselm Moynihan, OPhttps://www.amazon.com/Presence-God-P-Anselm-Moynihan/dp/B007N2Z73I/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TIOCW1UHYDLX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0_zX1Ygl4WKDJUL2e5PGc-sk2fEIpj8HJrNc7vUP0Lb5Z84yeWSNFk4cG0uVM1kr-nRIrV3S24oyvVFYKbfsD0bTTPTNyDa-0VtL0s3-s5M.RjgtoIE8PHYYBtzkIvA0oTIcb9zPbMuzudhtHKn1P74&dib_tag=se&keywords=anselm+moynihan&qid=1770911817&s=books&sprefix=anselm+moynihan%2Cstripbooks%2C90&sr=1-1

Fr. Thompson outlines his 3 pillars for overcoming the struggles with pornography and masturbation. 1. Prayer and Devotion2. Self Care and Relationships3. Internet Accountability

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Come,_O_Come,_Emmanuel#/media/File:Veni,_veni,_Emmanuel.jpghttps://thomisticinstitute.org/https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org/videos/five-ways-to-prove-god-existshttps://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org/courses/aquinass-proofs-for-gods-existence1 We three kings of Orient are;bearing gifts we traverse afar,field and fountain, moor and mountain,following yonder star.Refrain:O star of wonder, star of light,star with royal beauty bright,westward leading, still proceeding,guide us to thy perfect light.2 Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,gold I bring to crown him again,King forever, ceasing never,over us all to reign. [Refrain]3 Frankincense to offer have I;incense owns a Deity nigh;prayer and praising, voices raising,worshiping God on high. [Refrain]4 Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfumebreathes a life of gathering gloom;sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]5 Glorious now behold him arise;King and God and sacrifice:Alleluia, Alleluia,sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]https://hymnary.org/text/we_three_kings_of_orient_arehttps://hymnary.org/person/Hopkins_JohnHJr1820

Making a New Year's resolution is always easier than keeping one! In this episode, Fr. O'Hare delves into the tips given by James Clear in his book "Atomic Habits" to help us make resolutions that last the entire year.

Listen to Fr. Thompson describe the process of OCIA here at St. Louis, the different paths people take to conversion, and how to register for classes beginning in January 2026!

Parishioners Stephen and Hillary share the different Advent traditions they've developed to help engage their children and invite the Trinity into their own domestic church. Every family is different, but perhaps this episode will give you ideas for you and your family to try!

In this episode, Jamie Hickman mentions the Thomistic Institute and their many helpful resources. Of note, the Thomistic Institute shares several videos and full courses unpacking Aquinas's famous Five Ways, which is mentioned in the orange Introduction to Catholicism book on pages 30-33.https://thomisticinstitute.org/https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org/videos/five-ways-to-prove-god-existshttps://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org/courses/aquinass-proofs-for-gods-existence25 lessons Does God exist? This is one of the great questions, and Thomas Aquinas takes it head on with his famous “Five Ways” or “Five Proofs” for the existence of God. In this course, we will unpack each proof over several short episodes, outlining how they work, adding context, and answering objections. With a little study, you’ll find that Aquinas’ proofs are not only profound, but even life changing.In this episode, Jamie and the parishioners sing the classic Advent hymn O Come, O Come, Immanuel, which is based on the ancient O Antiphons sung the last week of Advent from 17-23 December each year. We encourage you to sing this and other hymns and canticles in your domestic church as a family. If it's not a tradition already, begin today!1 O come, O come, Immanuel,and ransom captive Israelthat mourns in lonely exile hereuntil the Son of God appear.Refrain:Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuelshall come to you, O Israel.2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,who ordered all things mightily;to us the path of knowledge showand teach us in its ways to go. Refrain3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,who to your tribes on Sinai's heightin ancient times did give the lawin cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain4 O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,unto your own and rescue them!From depths of hell your people save,and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain5 O come, O Key of David, comeand open wide our heavenly home.Make safe for us the heavenward roadand bar the way to death's abode. Refrain6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,and bring us comfort from afar!Dispel the shadows of the nightand turn our darkness into light. Refrain7 O come, O King of nations, bindin one the hearts of all mankind.Bid all our sad divisions ceaseand be yourself our King of Peace. Refrainhttps://hymnary.org/text/o_come_o_come_emmanuel_and_ransomhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mason_Nealehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Come,_O_Come,_Emmanuel#/media/File:Veni,_veni,_Emmanuel.jpg

Vikki Bea, parish liaison for Catholic Charities, shares her heartfelt journey of adopting 2 children through this wonderful organization. She also details her involvement with Catholic Charities over the past 4 decades, leading multiple volunteer operations. 

Tune in and listen to Director of Faith Formation, Jamie Hickman, introduce our upcoming and ongoing Domestic Church series. In this series we will feature families of St. Louis Parish and the different ways in which they build up their own domestic churches. Listen to Jamie offer some ideas of what families can do to start inviting the Trinity into their homes, along with some book suggestions and previews of conversation topics for future episodes. A Very Little Office of Compline: Night Prayer for Childrenhttps://www.amazon.com/Very-Little-Office-Compline-Children/dp/1505135060The Story of All Stories A Story Bible for Young Catholicshttps://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/the-story-of-all-stories?gc_id=23101556570&g_special_campaign=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23095856298&gbraid=0AAAAADRlcdr-Czpj9YcoBrckvsxLqTkS9&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaynUfX_gSpnSkx1xdL136UViQiQrM2G1D1a5TmbiajLsATqVfwZgHFYaAnVbEALw_wcBSumma Theologica for Babies: Aquinas's Five Wayshttps://cradlecatholicpress.com/products/summa-theologica-for-babies-aquinass-five-ways?srsltid=AfmBOoo_eaqf4P8ua0B1vM6mJeg6F3uofBCQovF0Nh_KrgOqymyvkxNPThe Most Dangerous Man in Englandhttps://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/the-most-dangerous-man-in-england?srsltid=AfmBOooBNQA8ZTumoXj6hHVgNTg1x7S-fzcIdDW32xCmGjp8pRwIgGLA

Mother and daughter Monica and Grace share their experiences with Lectio Divina. Listen to them explain the process and pray alongside us in this guided meditation on a passage from the Gospel of Luke.Lectio Divina Guided Meditation begins at 11:44. Passage: Luke 24: 28-3528 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they constrained him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.Meditation Questions:What words or phrases are “standing out” or even “jumping out” at you?  What details in the passage are interesting to you? What have you never noticed before in this passage?  Which person in the passage do you identify with?  Does this passage relate to your life?   How?  Does the passage relate to someone important in your life? What practical resolutions should you make?

Monsignor Bob Cilinski, Episcopal Vicar for Charitable Works and Pastor of Nativity Parish, speaks about returning to his childhood place of worship, and the charitable works occurring all over the diocese for this week's Diocesan Week of Service.

For nearly two decades, Chris Bouquet and Jim McCracken have carried the Eucharist — and the comforting presence of the Church — to those unable to attend Mass in person. In this episode, they share the profound moments, personal connections, and unexpected graces they’ve encountered through the ministry of Holy Communion to the homebound. Join us as we explore how this quiet act of service reveals the heart of compassion and community that sustains parish life beyond the church walls.

Listen to our in-depth conversation with Bishop Burbidge about the importance of using modern communications tools to reach the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington and St. Louis Parish.

Listen to Carmen Lane and Eva Villalobos speak about their experience with the Walking with Purpose: Women's Bible Study group. They share the benefits of accountability, prayer, and friendship among their small groups (not to mention the delicious food that is brought to share!). If you are interested in joining Walking with Purpose, this episode is for you!

If given only 10 minutes to speak with each person at St. Louis, Fr. O'Hare would share the lessons in this one book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

Listen to Jim Paton (President) and Ashley Kulisz (Head of Recruitment) share the wonderful work they do in helping our neighbors find financial stability in times of crisis.

Fr. O'Hare discusses the goals and vision behind two new parish initiatives: a new 5:15pm Sunday Mass and "Come and See: A Graduate Level Course in Theology."Both of these provide new opportunities for parishioners to engage in their faith in deeper ways, as well as share the Faith to those who may be interested in exploring different aspects of Catholicism. 

The first class in our 3 year series, Come and See: A Graduate Level Course in Theology. 

Listen to High School (Daniel & Anna) teens and Parent Volunteers (Time & Katie) share the benefits of the new St. Louis Youth Ministry Model: Small Groups. What was once a hangout for teens to hear Faith-based messaging, has now become a place for open discussion and vulnerability. Tune in to hear how the new youth ministry model is impacting multiple generations. 

Join us for a conversation with Chuck Roman as we explore how the Knights bring men together in faith, unity, and service. From food drives and parish fundraisers to weekly gatherings and large social events, the Knights strengthen both the Church and one another. In this episode, you’ll hear how membership not only supports the parish but also deepens personal faith — often giving back more than you ever expect.

Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our parish Mothers’ Group! In this episode, we reflect on the blessings of community, the friendships formed, and the faith shared by generations of mothers. Whether you’re a longtime member or simply curious about the group, you’ll hear stories of support, encouragement, and the lasting impact this ministry has had on families and our parish life.

Ever wonder what it feels like to celebrate your very first Mass as a priest? Or to hear someone’s Confession for the first time? In this episode, Fr. Ricky shares his early priesthood experiences—the joys, the surprises, and the humbling moments of stepping into his vocation. It’s a down-to-earth conversation about the reality of grace at work.

In this episode, we sit down with our PTO President (Stefani Grant) and Vice President (Pat Doyle) to explore what the Parent Teacher Organization really does, the exciting initiatives planned for this year, and simple ways new parents can get involved. Whether you’re curious about volunteering or just want to know how the PTO shapes our school community, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to join the fun.

Seminarian John Mullin teaches how to move from an intellectual knowledge of Jesus to a real, personal relationship with Him. Many of us may think we know Him, when in reality we only know about Him. John goes into various forms of prayer, and shows us how to implement them to move our knowledge of our Lord from our head, to our heart. 

Jamie Hickman, Director of Faith Formation, talks about the responsibility that parents have to form their children in the Faith. He shares some different ways in which families can engage in prayer together throughout the day, emphasizing that families should do what works for them.