Saint In Progress

People are drawn to the Catholic Church because of the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. After explaining the concept of “Hobo Evangelism” in Episode 64 and how to share the True in Episode 65, this week Mike talks about how we “hobos” on the road home to the Father’s House can share the Good. (He also finds a “God wink” moment with the episode number, the topic, and one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game.)Fair warning: This might be a challenging episode for some listeners, as tough self-reflective questions are asked.Additional Episode InformationIn memoriam: Christino Damo 1961-2015 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dispatch/name/cristino-damo-obituary?id=11828685Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Last week, Mike talked about “Hobo Evangelism” and “Hobo Code” and how it relates to us helping out our fellow travelers on the road home to the Father’s house, in particular the new converts to the Church.This week, Mike takes a look at how Hobo Evangelists should share the True, with upcoming episodes covering sharing the Good and the Beautiful.Also a reminder that all subscribers get a free PDF download of an examination of conscience based on the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude. After this episode… you’ll definitely want it!Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

It’s springtime in the northern hemisphere, and with over 100,000 new converts to the Catholic Church this past Easter vigil, it’s also springtime in the Father’s vineyard.In this episode Mike takes a look at what we need to do for these new Catholics by introducing the concept of “hobo evangelism.” What do hobos have in common with saints in progress? Listen and find out!Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Trump said this… Pope Leo said that… Vice President Vance said…If you’re looking for a hot take, this isn’t it.There is zero discussion about AI generated images, what current politician or figure in the Church said what, or what anyone posted on social media.Instead, Mike talks a little Thomas Jefferson, a little JFK, and quotes a whole lot of saints.So if you’re wondering what’s the right road to take for saints in progress—as well as a look at how we got into this mess in the first place and the dangers of continuing to do what we’re doing—then be sure to listen.Bonus Links* Address of Senator John F. Kennedy to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association, September 12, 1960Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

He is risen! Indeed, he is risen!This week, Mike gets into the topic of apologetics, in particular when someone comes to you with an honest question… or an attack. He addresses how to handle the situation if:* You are well-informed* You aren’t well-informed* You get the answer wrong* Your response normally starts with, “Well, actually…”Covering the importance of humility and docility to the Holy Spirit, he also includes tips on how to keep the conversation going, as well as the most important apologetic tool you can use.Episode Links* Divine Mercy Sunday is this Sunday, April 12. Here’s everything you need to know: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/mercysunday/ewtn* Great books for your apologetics library:* Forty Anti-Catholic Lies: A Mythbusting Apologist Sets the Record Straight* Seven Lies About Catholic History: Infamous Myths about the Church’s Past and How to Answer Them* Where We Got the Bible... Our Debt to the Catholic Church* The Bible Is a Catholic BookOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Fully understanding the Passion of our Lord can be daunting, and we also run the risk of allowing it to become less-than-special. However, if we meditate on Our Sorrowful Mother, she will constantly invite us to understand the effects of our sins in a new and powerful light. In this episode, meditate on the image above while listening to a meditation by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer OFM.The image above is by French painter, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, and can be downloaded in high-resolution from Wikimedia Commons.The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows as given to St. Bridget of Sweden, which carries with it a promise of seven graces for those who practice the devotion, can be found here: https://carmelitesistersocd.com/devotion-to-our-lady-of-sorrows/Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Mike goes on a purposeful ramble. Join him as he talks about:* The Pearson Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas* St. Patrick* Listening for God’s voice (and why most of us aren’t)For fun, he even throws in a snippet from this comedy bit by Fr. Guido Sarducci. (Yes, Mike is that old.)Note: Just after recording this episode, the power went out in the Treehouse. You’ll realize how appropriate that is after you listen to the episode.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

A conversation over a lunch of cheese coneys turned to the topic of Baptism, and—believe it or not—Mike didn’t know that many mainline Protestant denominations teach that Baptism is not necessary for salvation.By Divine Providence, Joe Heschmeyer’s recent Shameless Popery podcast provided some starting points for this episode’s discussion on the Sacrament of Baptism, who does the “work” of the sacraments, and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.For Further Information* Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery Episode #254 “No, Catholics Aren't Pharisees”* On Baptism by Tertullian (Church Father, early 3rd Century)* St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Lecture 3—On Baptism (Church Father, 4th Century)For FunMany Protestants cite the “good thief”—St. Dismas—as not being baptized in water, but still meriting heaven through his faith. A dogma of the Catholic Church teaches that one can also be baptized through blood (martyrdom) or through desire, and it would seem that St. Dismas would fit the bill for “baptism by desire” as in “he desired to be with Christ, but would die before a baptism is possible.” But there’s an old legend that is worth noting that implies a water baptism...In Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s The Seven Last Words, the second chapter is entitled “This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise,” and it shares this:There is a legend to the effect that when, to escape the wrath of Herod, Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin were fleeing into Egypt with the Divine Child, they stopped at a desert inn. The Blessed Mother asked the lady of the inn for water in which to bathe the Babe. The lady then asked if she might not bathe her own child, who was suffering with leprosy, in the same waters in which the Divine Child had been immersed. Immediately upon touching those waters baptized with the Divine Presence, the child became whole. Her child advanced in age and grew to be a thief. He is Dismas, now hanging on the Cross by the side of Christ!Whether the memory of the story his mother told him now came back to the thief and made him look kindly on Christ, we know not. It might have been that this first meeting with the Savior was on the day when his heart was filled with compunction on hearing the story of a certain man that went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among robbers. Perhaps, too, his first intimation that he suffering with the Redeemer came to him as he turned his torture head and read an inscription which bore His name, “Jesus”; His city, “Nazareth”; His crime, “King of the Jews.”At any rate, enough dry fuel of the right kind gathered on the altar of his soul, and now a spark from the central Cross falls upon it, creating in it a glorious illumination of faith. He sees a Cross and adores a throne; he sees a condemned Man, and invokes a King: “Lord, remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy Kingdom.”…It was the thief’s last prayer, perhaps also his first. He knocked once, sought once, asked once, dared everything and found everything. When our spirits stand with John on Patmos, we can see the white-stoled army in Heaven riding after the conquering Christ; when we stand with Luke on Calvary, we see the one who rode first in that procession. Christ, Who was poor, died rich. His hands were nailed to a Cross and yet He unlocked the keys of Paradise and won a soul. His escort into Heaven was a thief. May we not say that the thief died a thief, for he stole Paradise?The story can also be found in The Life of Mary As Seen by The Mystics, by Raphael Brown.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

* Almsgiving: where to give, and where to avoid* Prayer: lifetime devotions often start during Lent* Fasting: St. Basil the Great returns to give us encouragement for the benefits of a good fastResourcesThe Lepanto Institute charity reportsFind out why Fr. John Riccardo says, “Please read this and give it to every married man you know!” Get your copy of Honor Thy Wife today! Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Fr. Anthony Gerber had a beautiful post on Substack entitled, “Why Your Kids Don’t Go to Confession,” and it is definitely worth the read.Mike read it, read it again, then made the mistake of wading into the comments where someone with a rather anonymous account name said a few things that Mike found… rather offensive. Trying not to be like St. Jerome (a.k.a. “The Great Name Caller”) Mike restrained his reply, took some time to cool off, then recorded this episode.He then put together an examination of conscience based on the Theological and Cardinal virtues that is a combination of several different examines, and he has made it available for free as a PDF to all subscribers on Substack or at www.catholictreehouse.com. If you’re not a subscriber, sign up and get the download link. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

A backed up drain leads to some thoughts about the American DIY mindset, and why it’s largely incompatible with growth in the spiritual life. Whether it’s plumbing or weighty spiritual topics, sometimes you need to call in an expert.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Despite the unpredictable day-to-day nature of the weather, the cycle of the seasons has never stopped. Our spiritual lives go through seasons as well, and in this first episode of 2026, Mike discusses the nature of these spiritual seasons, and why it’s necessary—and good—when we have a spiritual winter, and why the harshest winters produce the most fruit-filled harvests.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.A defining moment. A simple question. A lifetime of answers.Everyone who serves in the public square is faced with a unique set of challenges. Confronting these trials through the lens of faith presents unique challenges of its own, as well as reasoned solutions.Part memoir, part reflection, this retrospective by author Michael Heyeck chronicles—with honesty and conviction—his own personal journey from a prayerful youth in New Jersey, to being the longest-serving member and chair in the 168-year history of the City of Westerville, Ohio.This is not a partisan manifesto, nor a simple memoir. Rather, What Are We Looking For? is a faith-informed examination of public service, written by a man who refused to separate conscience from responsibility. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

All frustrated because you can’t see the big picture and figure out the next steps in your life? In this final episode of 2025, Mike shares some advice his spiritual director gave him a long time ago that is valuable to everyone today.A podcast of Mike’s radio appearance from this morning can be found at: https://stgabrielradio.com/cafeOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

What do you do when you kid’s school emails and asks you be the substitute St. Nicholas? Well, what would Mary do? She would say “yes” and so did Mike. This week, Mike’s experience playing the part of the beloved bishop of Myra has him reflecting on Matthew 18:1-6 and 19:13-14, and asking the question: “How can we enter the kingdom of heaven when we have doubts about the very thing that is the source and summit of our faith?”* Mike recommends: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of LisieuxOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

This time of year as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord, a common Advent theme is one of waiting. This week Mike avoids talking about the Israelites waiting for the messiah, and instead looks at the growing impatience that we all suffer, and why we need to embrace waiting.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Are you feeling overwhelmed by being always busy, and still feeling like you’re not working hard enough? You’re not alone. You’re living a broken work ethic that dates back to the mid 1500’s. (Gee, what happened around then?)This week Mike takes a look at:* The work ethic that the Puritans brought over that drives America today* The modern secular always-at-work mindset* The concept of “re-homing”* Rerum Novarum, an encyclical by Pope Leo XIII* Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus* The one thing we should all do, starting this Advent, to “re-home”Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

A postcard of Michelangelo’s Pietà and a discussion of sacred art is the jumping off point for this week’s episode. Listen in as he covers:* Michelangelo’s unfinished “The Prisoners”* A profound quote from Michelangelo* The Martyrs of Constantinople (circa 730 AD)* Exodus, Deuteronomy, the Ten Commandments, and “graven images”* How God works as the Divine SculptorOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Many devout Catholics who have a strong Marian devotion are up in arms about the latest document Mater Populi Fidelis (“The Mother of the Faithful People of God”) which they claim is de-throning the Mother of God by saying that we are not to use the title “Co-Redemptrix.”Many Protestants who see Marian devotion as “Mary worship” see the document as the Catholic Church finally realizing the truth and changing its teaching.In this episode, Mike uses Mater Populi Fidelis to look a litter closer at the nature of Magisterial teachings: what they are and a few of the reasons they’re issued, with a closer look at why this latest one was issued, and provide some clarity. Some highlights:* Mark 2:23-28 as an example of Jesus’ correction of inaccurate teachings* Some of the crazy Jewish Sabbath laws, including one involving a radish* The role of the Church as steward of the faith* The epistles… the first Magisterial teachings?* The prayer, “Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.”* An incredible conversion story from the life of St. Gemma Galgani that explains the proper understanding of Mary’s role in salvation better than anything elseOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Mike has a devotion to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, so in this “deep dive” episode, he covers it all:* What’s a triduum?* When did the Christian practice of celebrating saints begin?* Did All Saints’ Day begin with a pagan festival called Samhain?* How to respond when someone says, “You can’t find the word Purgatory in the Bible! Purgatory is a thing made up by the Catholic Church just to sell indulgences!”* The scriptural basis that proves Purgatory… that also disproves the “rapture.”* What are the two kinds of sin, and the two consequences of sin?* Why is Purgatory necessary for some people?* What is the history of praying for the dead? Is it something Catholics made up?* What are indulgences? Are they just “permission slips to sin?”* Did the Catholic Church ever sell indulgences? What’s the history behind that?* Where is Purgatory? What is it like?* How can you get indulgences for the faithful departed?Resources* Mozart: The Requiem in D minor, K. 626* English Translation of Mozart’s RequiemOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Following up from last week’s episode about crosses in the spiritual life, this week Mike takes a deeper look at quote from St. Philip Neri and gives you some ways to determine if a cross you’re carrying might be a cross of your own construction.A challenging episode that’s not to be missed!Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

The spiritual life can be a hot mess sometimes. Maybe it’s just distractions, maybe it’s a period of discouragement, maybe it’s something deeper and more difficult. This week Mike takes a look at:* Temptations to take a shortcut (or abandon the journey)* Spiritual desolation and consolation and St. Ignatius of Loyola* The dark night of the soul and St. John of the Cross* The three ages of the interior life* What to do when you’re on a patch of “rough road” in the spiritual lifeEpisode Resources* Our birth defect, Saint in Progress Episode #2* Our handicapped life, Saint in Progress Episode #3* Getting to the root of it all, Saint in Progress Episode #4* Obstacles to truth, Saint in Progress Episode #44* The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living* Dark Night of the SoulOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

A story from the trenches of parenthood was the inspiration for this week’s episode, where Mike talks about:* Re-watching the John Hughes 1984 classic 16 Candles (but only the first half hour)* The rise of Christendom… and the influence of the Enlightenment in its decline* The inversion of vice and virtue* How our moral compasses are “programmed”* How to begin to re-program your moral compass this AdventOther Resources* Calibrating your compass — Saint In Progress Episode 7* For a deeper look at how the Enlightenment (and other factors and people) have contributed to the decline of our society and the attack on marriage, be sure to check out the book Rebellion.Catholic Treehouse is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Last week’s episode* inspired a listener to email about the lack of natural family planning (NFP) education, which is a small part of the bigger picture: are you ready to say “yes” to God in the work he’s calling you to do?This week Mike talks about:* Feasts and saints of the week* The listener’s email* Trusting God’s grace* Get up, go out, go doPray your Rosary!*Last week in Episode 44, Mike talked about the Catholics who disagree with the Catholic Church’s teaching on birth control, using it as an example of how people use logical fallacies and cognitive biases to arrive at—and then defend—erroneous viewpoints.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

The truth is out there. And we all have a desire to know it.But how do we find it?Understanding the truth and accepting the truth depends on how we receive information, how we process it, and how we form our conclusions. Unfortunately, in our fallen state we are our own worst enemy when it comes to being open to accepting the truth when it’s presented to us. Our tendency to defend our pre-existing beliefs can seriously hurt us on our journey home to the Father’s house.And when it comes to sharing the truth with others, how we present the information determines how and if it’s accepted. We may know the truth, but if we fail in our presentation, we might as well be spreading a lie.This week, Mike explores two obstacles that stand in our way: logical fallacies and cognitive biases. Using a common (but gravely sinful) belief held by 87% of self-professed Catholics, he shows how fallacies and biases keep us trapped… and prevent us from making progress in the spiritual life.Resources* https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com* https://www.logicalfallacies.org* https://www.logical-fallacy.com/articles/list-of-syllogistic-fallacies* https://yourbias.isOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Using the ongoing story of Charlie Kirk as a starting point, Mike takes a look at:* How we get our news (and what the heck is “yellow journalism” anyway?)* How we react to our news, especially online* The Epistle of James 3:5-10* The dangers of uncharitable speech, especially onlineHe wraps it up with a lengthy list of sins of the tongue, pulled from several different examinations of conscience. (Spoiler alert: you’ll finish the episode probably feeling the urge to go to confession.)Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

It’s been a heavy few weeks of bad news. So with no way to not talk about it, in this fast-paced episode, Mike dives in and covers:* Matthew 24-25* Where did the “rapture” theory of the end times come from? Is it valid?* The role of politics in our lives* Our role in politics* St. Peter Claver* SlaveryOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

The news cycle has moved on from the tragedy in Minneapolis’ Church of the Annunciation, but we shouldn’t be so quick to do the same. This week’s podcast takes a look at what this incident tells us about the bigger picture in the war between good and evil. There are several important lessons that we can learn from this tragedy once we step away from hot takes.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

GELATO FIXES EVERYTHING.Back in Episode 8 of this podcast, Mike talked about the importance of having an accurate map and a knowledgable tour guide on our trip back home to the Father’s house. The truths of that episode were made painfully clear as Mike recounts a few stories from his family’s pilgrimage to Italy in July.Though not mentioned in this episode, Mike and his family found an amazing tour guide if you’re traveling to Venice. His name is Leo, and he is a native Venetian who knows and loves his city. You can contact him on WhatsApp at +393274511907Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.Background music courtesy Corpus Christi Watershed and used under the Creative Commons license. Support them with a donation or the purchase of a hand missal or hymnal. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Originally recorded in 2023 as bonus material for The Saint Challenge, take a few minutes to listen to a bit more about the life and miracles of the Evangelical Doctor of the Church.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

In this last episode before a summer break, find out how Catholic Treehouse got its name from the life of St. Anthony (and how Catholic Treehouse got started). Then listen to some lessons we can learn from the heart of St. Anthony, and how we can use those lessons in our daily lives as we live out our faith and the Great Commission.Show ResourcesApologetics books* How to Share Your Faith with Anyone: A Practical Manual for Catholic Evangelization by Terry Barber* Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, And Defend the Catholic Faith by Scott Hahn* Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots by Scott Hahn* Forty Anti-Catholic Lies: A Mythbusting Apologist Sets the Record Straight by Gerard Verschuuren* Seven Lies About Catholic History: Infamous Myths about the Church's Past and How to Answer Them by Diane Moczar* Evangelical Is Not Enough: Worship of God in Liturgy and Sacrament by Thomas Howard* The Saint Challenge: A Year of Interesting People, Amazing Stories, and Challenges to Motivate You to Sainthood by Michael LaMorteMiraculous Medals* 25 Miniature Miraculous Medals for $7.50* 50 Pack Necklace Chains Bulk Silver Plated Necklace Chain for $13.88Get 5 copies of Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth for freePillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth: The Catholic Church and God's Plan for You is a tract by Catholic Answers that explains the basics of the Catholic Faith. They are $1 each, and small enough to carry around in your car, your luggage, a purse, or even a pocket. Here’s how to get five copies for free:* Go to the product page and add 5 copies to your cart* Use the coupon code “BA5” to take $5 off your order* Shipping is free!The podcast episode, “St. Anthony of Padua’s life and miracles” was originally recorded as bonus content for The Saint Challenge, and released in 2023.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Pulling from St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Rule of St. Benedict, (and partially inspired by Pope Leo XIII,) Mike tackles a question from a long-time listener about feeling overwhelmed with work.Recommended Reading* The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century by Joan Chittister, OSB* The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence* The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of LisieuxClick here for Sacred Heart merch (t-shirts, flags, stickers, and more)Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

This week Mike talks about getting the balance right between physical fitness and spiritual fitness. With a focus on “immediate family” as the first neighbors we need to love, he pulls in St. Benedict to help us understand how best to love God and neighbor… and issues a challenge for all saints in progress. Finally, he explains the difference between “free gifts of self” and “payments for services rendered,” and explores the dangers and pitfalls of a living with a transactional mindset.Loving God and NeighborAdapted from “The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Living”What does “loving God” look like?* In the first place, to love the Lord God with all one’s heart, all one’s soul and all one’s strength.* Deny oneself, in order to follow Christ.* Chastise the body. Do not seek soft living. Love fasting.* Avoid worldly conduct.* Prefer nothing to the love of Christ.* Put one’s hope in God.* Attribute to God, and not to self, whatever good one sees in oneself. But to recognize always that the evil is one’s own doing, and to impute it to oneself.* Keep death always before one’s eyes. Fear the day of judgement. Dread Hell.* Know for certain that God sees one everywhere, and so keep constant guard over the actions of one’s life.* Desire eternal life with all spiritual longing.* When evil thoughts come into one’s heart, to dash them at once on the rock of Christ and to manifest them to one’s spiritual advisor, or confessor.* Do not be proud. Do not love to speak, or speak vain words. Shun boastfulness.* Listen gladly to holy reading.* Apply oneself frequently to prayer.* Daily in one’s prayer, with tears and signs, examine one’s conscience, and mend those sins for the future.* Do not fulfill the desires of the flesh.* Hate one’s own will, instead be obedient to those over you.* To be holy for the sake of being holy, not to be seen as being holy.* Love chastity.* Do not be jealous. Do not give way to envy.* Never despair of God’s mercy.What does “loving your neighbor” look like?* Love one’s neighbor as oneself.* Do not do to another what one would not have done to oneself.* Do not kill. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not covet.* Honor all men. (In the context of marriage, husbands honor your wives, and wives, honor your husbands.)* Love one’s enemies. Do not render evil for evil. Do not render cursing for cursing, but rather blessing. Pray for one’s enemies in the love of Christ.* Patiently bear wrongs done to oneself. Bear persecution for justice sake.* Make peace with one’s adversary before sundown* Relieve the poor. Clothe the naked. Visit the sick.* Bury the dead. Help the afflicted. Console the sorrowing. * Hate no man. Do not yield to anger. Do not nurse a grudge. Do not hold guile in one’s heart.* Do not make a false show of peace. Do not forsake charity.* Do no wrong to anyone. Utter truth from heart and mouth.* Do not be a habitual drinker or a glutton.* Do not be lethargic or slothful.* Do not be a grumbler, a detractor, or a slanderer.* Keep one’s mouth from evil and depraved talk.* Do not love conflict.* Reverence the old. Love the young.Recommended Links* Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux* Honor Thy Wife by Kevin Lowry* Sacred Heart Book of Devotions* Sacred Heart merch (t-shirts, flags, stickers, and more)Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

With summer so close, it’s a good time to plan how to continue to grow in your spiritual life. In this episode, Mike talks about the Church’s special devotions in the months of June, July, and August. He also takes on the dangers of the “my parish is my club” mentality, and wraps up with a discussion on religious orders: what they are, how they’re different from diocesan priests, and a thing called “religious third orders” that you might be called to join.Links:* Sacred Heart Enthronement Network* Sacred Heart Store* Association of the Precious Blood* St. Lois de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus through MaryOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Mike starts off talking about an episode of The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd that not just gets its facts horrendously wrong, but does so in a way that makes the Catholic Church look bad (in a subtle, passive-agressive sort of way.)Then after talking about a statement that then-Fr. Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) made back in 2012 about how we can’t allow the liturgy to become spectacle, Mike breaks that open and gives real-life examples of what liturgy turned into spectacle looks like.Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Mike talks about being stalked by advertisers… and by saints. Listen as he tells how it seems like the current saint that’s stalking him is St. Thérèse of Lisieux.Also, as recording was wrapping up Mike’s phone and computer started going crazy with the news that “Habemum Papem”… we have a pope!Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

This week Mike starts off by talking about how coaching softball he’s able to weave in elements of the faith. Then he digs into an article he read about why and how you should write in your books (the horror!), his revelatory experience when he accidentally found the Catechism of the Catholic Church while attending a Protestant Bible study, and the importance of why the infallible text of the Bible needs the Catholic Church as its infallible interpreter.Show Notes* How to remember everything you read (article)* The Haydock Biblical Commentary online* Ignatius Catholic Study Bible* Catechism of the Catholic ChurchOur work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

Links:* For prayers for the dead, see the section “Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory​” at catholictreehouse.com/prayers* The Saint Challenge* Isaiah 22:15-25: Shebna, Eli′akim, and the keys* Matthew 16:13-19: Jesus, Peter, and the keys* Numbers 13:1-16: Spies sent to Canaan, Hoshea’s name changed to Joshua* Epistle of Pope Clement I to the Church at Corinth* What is Divine Mercy Sunday?Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

from “Mary, Help of Christians,” by Rev. Bonaventure Hammer O.F.M. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

from “Mary, Help of Christians,” by Rev. Bonaventure Hammer O.F.M. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

from “Mary, Help of Christians,” by Rev. Bonaventure Hammer O.F.M. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

from “Mary, Help of Christians,” by Rev. Bonaventure Hammer O.F.M. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe