Rhythms of Faith

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Kim and JJ welcome Father Paul Coleman and Dr. Kathy Cummings. They discuss their new course on global Catholicism developed through the Institute for Advanced Studies Teaching Lab Fellows program. The course covers a variety of perspectives on Catholicism, including historical and cultural influences, student responses, and the challenges and rewards of collaborative teaching. The conversation delves into the importance of examining Catholicism through different lenses, the impact of immigration on faith practices in the U.S., and the dynamics of synodality in the Catholic Church. They also touch on the significance of Pope Francis's teachings, particularly his autobiography, and how global and local traditions shape the Catholic experience.00:00 Introduction to Rhythms of Faith00:25 Course Development and Initial Experiences01:15 Exploring Global Catholicism01:45 Field Trip to Chicago's Ethnic Parishes03:40 Teaching Challenges and Student Engagement07:03 Importance of Teaching Global Catholicism10:07 Cultural Integration in Catholicism17:02 Exploring the Synod Experience18:34 Historical Context and Church Hierarchy19:56 Pope Francis and the Synod's Impact25:13 Liturgical Gifts and Cultural Differences28:48 Fun and Reflective Closing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Jerry Blackstone, currently the conducting professor at the University of Notre Dame, shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Kansas to an accomplished career in conducting. Dr. Blackstone discusses his role at Notre Dame, working with graduate students in choral conducting, and reflects on his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of imagination and communication in music. He also touches upon the role of technology in music education, the joys and challenges of conducting, and the spiritual dimensions of making music both in concert halls and churches. The episode delves into how his faith shapes his musical endeavors, his experiences with iconic pieces like Brahms' Requiem, and the deep bonds formed through communal music-making.00:00 Introduction to Rhythms of Faith00:26 Dr. Jerry Blackstone's Role at Notre Dame01:11 Adjusting to Notre Dame02:06 Early Life and Musical Beginnings04:49 Pursuing Conducting06:56 Teaching Conducting at Notre Dame07:28 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching Conducting09:03 The Importance of Imagination in Conducting12:52 Technological Shifts in Music Education14:49 Active Listening and Guided Listening18:04 The Communal Experience of Music20:27 A Heartwarming Story from Texas21:28 The Essence of Making Music in Different Venues23:47 Teaching Sacred vs. Secular Music25:51 The Spiritual Connection in Music28:14 Reflecting on Musical Pieces and Performances32:23 Memorable Conducting Experiences36:37 A Fun and Personal Finale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, the hosts and guests dive deep into the personal experiences and formative influences of liturgical musicians. The episode covers their favorite liturgical songs, significant mentors in their faith journeys, and the integration of sacred and secular music. The hosts reflect on how music shapes their spirituality and the importance of new liturgical compositions for contemporary worship. The conversation also explores the role of prayer, the connection between creativity and divine inspiration, and the holistic nature of communal and individual prayer practices. The episode concludes with personal insights on spiritual growth and the importance of deep listening and presence in one's spiritual life.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:43 Exploring Liturgical Music03:31 Influential Figures in Faith and Music07:01 Sacred vs. Secular Music10:44 The Essence of Liturgical Music12:14 The Intersection of Music and Visual Arts14:25 The Importance of New Liturgical Music17:15 Creative Process and Prayer26:20 Final Thoughts and Spiritual Advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Vanessa Chan, an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Notre Dame, shares her journey of faith and academic pursuits. Dr. Chan discusses her initial interest in neuroscience at McGill University and her eventual shift to human psychology and music at the University of Toronto. She delves into the complexities of how the brain processes music and sound, the emotional and social aspects of music, and the unique experiences within choral singing and liturgical music. The conversation also explores how music and neuroscience intersect to address aspects of human behavior and social bonding, and what people of faith can gain from engaging with these disciplines. Dr. Chan concludes by discussing her current research on mixed emotions in music and offering book recommendations.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Vanessa's Journey in Faith and Psychology02:39 Musical Beginnings and Choral Singing04:05 The Neuroscience of Music05:47 Music, Emotions, and Mixed Feelings21:40 Cultural Perceptions of Music25:07 Expectations and Rewards in Music29:51 Liturgical Music and Social Bonding31:32 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, hosts J.J. Wright and Kim Belcher welcome Fr. Kevin Grove, CSC, Professor of Theology and Director of the Master of Divinity Program at the University of Notre Dame. A priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Fr. Kevin reflects on the ways memory, desire, and tradition shape the Christian life.The conversation ranges from the scriptural meaning of anamnesis to Augustine’s insights on memory and community, weaving in liturgical music, daily practice, and the vulnerability of sharing faith with others. Along the way, Fr. Kevin shares stories from life on campus, his Montana roots, and even his favorite “liturgical banger.”00:00 | Welcome & Introduction — Fr. Kevin’s background, ministry, and life on campus.02:00 | Memory and Desire — What Christian memory (anamnesis) really means, and how desire shapes our relationships.08:00 | Augustine as Guide — How Augustine’s reflections on memory, desire, and community continue to resonate today.12:00 | Music, Time, and Tradition — Why music uniquely binds memory and faith, and how liturgical songs carry tradition across generations.20:00 | Living Tradition — Fr. Basil Moreau, Holy Cross, and the challenge of displacing “songs of the countryside” with life-giving faith.27:00 | Community and Vulnerability — Practical wisdom on overcoming isolation and finding communion with God and neighbor.31:00 | Liturgical Favorites — Why O God Beyond All Praising is a Holy Cross classic (and a true liturgical “banger”).36:00 | Beyond the Liturgy — From Gustav Mahler to country music, Fr. Kevin on the songs that move him.37:00 | Closing Reflection — Elk, Montana skies, and finding home in memory and community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Reverend Dr. Hugh Page Jr., the Vice President for Institutional Transformation and advisor to the President at the University of Notre Dame, discusses his multifaceted career. With a tenure at Notre Dame since 1992, Dr. Page details his role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, highlighting the importance of building relationships and fostering networks. Additionally, Dr. Page shares how his vocations as a Hebrew Bible scholar, an Episcopal priest, and a blues musician interconnect, focusing on themes of love, human connectedness, and the mysteries of the universe. He also explores how music, particularly the blues, acts as an outlet for emotional expression and transformation. The conversation also reflects on the integration of personal and professional life, the importance of patience and long-term growth, and how music can energize the fight for justice.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:29 Hugh Page Jr.'s Role at Notre Dame02:45 The Intersection of Vocation and Passion05:36 The Power of Love in Work and Life09:19 Music as a Spiritual and Emotional Outlet11:20 Journey into Blues Music16:53 Scholarship and the Black Experience26:59 The Transformative Power of Music31:56 Advice for Long-Term Growth and Justice37:38 Musical Performance and Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Blake Leyerle, a professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame, dives into the social and cultural history of early Christianity. Dr. Leyerle shares her unique approach, focusing not on the renowned figures of the time but on the everyday lives of ordinary people. The conversation covers everything from Dr. Leyerle's detective-like historical research process, the creative interpretation of scant ancient data, to the importance of emotion in ethical formation as seen through the sermons and personality of John Chrysostom, an influential early church figure. She also touches on the role of music, the intersections of home and liturgical spaces, and the parallels between ancient and modern-day Christian practices. Finally, Dr. Leyerle reflects on the misconceptions about early Christianity and discusses her recent work, 'Christians at Home’, which explores the integration of religious practices into domestic spaces.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Exploring Early Christianity02:15 The Creative Process of Historical Research03:50 Collaboration and Material Culture06:14 John Chrysostom: Life and Works14:53 Chrysostom's Approach to Emotions and Ethics21:23 Music in Early Christianity23:18 The Role of Psalms in Christian Practice23:56 Christianizing Daily Life Through Song24:49 Domestic Religion: Creating Sacred Spaces at Home27:16 The Three Sacred Objects in Christian Homes29:25 The Bed: A Place of Prayer and Reflection30:53 The Chest: Almsgiving and Moral Formation32:28 The Table: Hospitality and Scriptural Discussion33:02 Writing During the Pandemic: Inspiration and Challenges33:50 Empowering Lay Christians: Overcoming Inertia37:41 Debunking Myths About Early Christianity39:49 Fun Question: If You Were an Animal...41:49 Conclusion and Farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, we welcome Sarah Kathleen Johnson, a professor at Saint Paul University, to discuss her journey into liturgy and her recent book, Occasion Religious Practice: Valuing a Very Ordinary Religious Practice. Johnson shares insights from her research on occasional religious practices, particularly in the Anglican tradition in Toronto. She explains how focusing on religious practices rather than beliefs can reveal the diversity present during religious events. The conversation also delves into Johnson's ongoing work on young people's experiences in Christian worship, examining the affective and embodied dimensions of these experiences. Johnson emphasizes the importance of diversity and open dialogue in worship, regardless of one's religious identity or level of belief. The episode concludes with a discussion on the nuances of terms like 'liturgy' and 'worship' and Johnson's reflections on her favorite piece of liturgical music and choosing a tree as her spirit entity for its rootedness and connection to the natural world.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:25 Sarah's Journey into Liturgy01:59 The Concept of Occasional Religious Practice04:17 Research Methods and Findings05:04 Insights from Interviews10:15 Classroom Applications and Student Experiences14:19 Observations on Liturgical Practices18:54 Current Research on Young People in Worship19:56 Exploring Ordinary Worship Experiences20:29 Materiality and Emotion in Worship22:21 Liturgical Music and Tradition24:35 Ecumenical Dimensions and Theological Sharing27:28 Liturgy vs. Worship: Understanding the Terminology31:20 Leadership Formation and Worship Experiences34:54 Personal Reflections on Liturgical Music36:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, the hosts welcome Dr. Meghan Sullivan, founding Director of the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good and the Ethics Initiative at Notre Dame. Meghan shares her unexpected journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate philosopher and educator. Discussing her course 'God and the Good Life,' and her reflections on the parable of the Good Samaritan, Meghan delves into the significance of ethics, faith, and personal fulfillment. The conversation covers her personal faith journey, the challenges in the philosophy discipline, and her collaborative efforts to reshape philosophical and ethical education at Notre Dame.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:36 Discovering Philosophy02:42 Career Realizations06:11 Journey to Faith11:15 Teaching and Mentorship18:11 Creating 'God and the Good Life'25:11 The Importance of Singing and Creativity25:23 Exploring the Good Samaritan Parable26:28 Ethical Frameworks and Love Commandment28:08 Philosophical Questions on Love and Ethics28:56 Modern Ethical Challenges and the Good Samaritan30:53 The Injured Man's Perspective32:38 Accepting Help and Ethical Challenges33:31 Ezekiel Emanuel's Provocative Article36:02 Creating the Institute for Ethics in the Common Good37:11 Challenges and Rewards of Leadership Projects41:54 Teaching Theology and Student Experiences48:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Kim and JJ sit down with Dr. Rebecca Maloy, Director of the Sacred Music Program at the University of Notre Dame. A renowned musicologist specializing in liturgical chant, Dr. Maloy shares how she first became fascinated by the mysterious world of “Old Hispanic” (also known as Mozarabic or Hispano-Mozarabic) chant. Drawing on her decades of scholarship, she explains how this ancient tradition—independent from Roman chant—wove together texts, melodies, and theology to foster Nicene Christianity on the Iberian Peninsula.Listeners will hear why, despite its elusive notation and origins, Old Hispanic chant provides a window into the power of liturgical music to shape both memory and belief. Dr. Maloy also reflects on Gregorian chant, the Carolingians’ project of “correctio,” and the creative tension between oral tradition and fixed musical forms. Finally, she offers insight into how her historical research directly informs her leadership of today’s Sacred Music Program—where new generations of conductors, composers, and performers carry forward the Church’s living musical heritage.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Rebecca Malloy's Background and Interest in Chant00:53 Exploring Old Hispanic Chant02:58 The Role of Chant in Liturgy04:58 Gregorian Chant and Its Origins08:21 Old Hispanic Chant and Word Painting16:18 The Intersection of Orality and Writing in Chant22:57 Contemporary Relevance and Teaching of Chant31:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, poet and writer Dana Gioia–founder of the Catholic Imagination Conference and former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts–joins Kim and JJ to discuss his craft: the sound of language, the nature of inspiration, and the importance of poetic literacy among Catholic Christians. They discuss the centrality of the psalms and of biblical poetry in general, “God’s…baffling editorial decision of putting one-third of revelation in poetry.” We need poetry, Gioia exhorts, to “get us through life” and “gladden” our hearts.Key moments:“Don’t try to make sense of it; just listen to it” (8:40)“The Sound of the Poem is the Poem” (11:25)On creating a room for the reader/hearer (12:30)“I’m not sure how to talk to God” (13:50)“When your a poet, remember you write for God” (15:13)God’s baffling decision to reveal through (Scriptural) poetry (22:39)“Gird our loins and deal in verse” (24:00)“Our Greatest Prayers are Poems” (25:00)To know by heart (30:00)Standing at the Sink of Life (34:00)Let the Language Tell You (37:47)“Can Poetry Matter?” (The Atlantic, May 1991)https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1991/05/can-poetry-matter/305062/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eric Styles joins the podcast to discuss the contributions of African Americans to the American Catholic Church, in particular the gifts of Black Catholics like pioneering liturgical musician Fr. Clarence Joseph Rivers. They discuss the cultural, dramatic, and theatrical elements involved in worship as the Christians of today seek to express and embody faith, hope, justice, and love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first episode, Kim and J.J. speak with Fr. Matt about how they came to study liturgy and music, what led them to Notre Dame, and the origins of the Rhythms of Faith project. Among other topics, they discuss the importance of music in the church today, their favorite artists, and the creative process they hope to facilitate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.