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As Catholics we trust in our priests, bishops, cardinals, and Holy Father to act as our shepherds.  We look to them for guidance when faced with the questions of the world.  How do we live a life based in the Gospel?  In what ways can we, as the children of God, seek to sanctify our lives?  Many of those answers can be found in Holy Scripture, the words of the saints, and the dictums laid out in our Social Teachings.  Fr. Mark Hoelsken joins Nicholas to discuss some of the foundational ideas that make up this vital subject.

In these trying times, there is some confusion as to the role of the Pope in the world.  He is both the leader of the Roman Catholic faithful and the ambassador of Christ to the world.  He has the monumental task of teaching the Gospel to people's of all nations.  Although his words have drawn recent criticism in his country of origin, they are often filtered through the lens of individual bias.  In this episode, Fr Hightower sits down with Nicholas to discuss the history of the Papacy and its place in the modern world.

Whenever there is a significant change in the world, the Church responds.  It is one of the jobs of our leaders to guide us through uncharted waters.  Today we find ourselves in need of direction when it comes to artificial intelligence.  This tool has the potential to reshape every aspect of life at every level of society.  How do we proceed forward using this tool to better the world?  Joining us for this episode is Fr Ricky Manalo C.S.P., who has been on the cutting edge of this research, participating in the Vatican's effort to understand this world changing tool and its ethical applications.  Nicholas sits down with him to discuss how we, as Catholics, can approach artificial intelligence.

All of us are called to be active in our faith when it comes to dealing with the world.  This world we live it can often be hostile to our beliefs and we might find ourselves needing to explain our doctrine.  There are also those who might be curious about the Church and have a desire for a deeper understanding.  In order to better communicate the message of Christ, we must go beyond the surface, seeking to find those pearls that lead to inspiration.  Here we find the concept of apologetics, a philosophical method of grounding our faith in Truth so that we might evangelize more effectively.  Dr. Eric Hall of Carrol College joins Nicholas to discuss our call to engage in apologetics with the world at large, whatever comes our way.

When we have publicly dedicated ourselves to Christ, we become His ambassadors.  We are given a great opportunity to show the love and patience of Jesus as we go about our virtual lives.  However, there are dangers to this.  Social media can contain prejudice and hatred that we must deal with because of our faith.  Misinformation can lead us down false paths.  The constant bombardment of information can be overwhelming, and it can distract from what we strive for as Christians.  However, there are safeguards and guidelines for successful navigation of the treacherous waters of the web.  Sister Nancy Usselmann, of the Daughters of St. Paul, knows well how to keep our sanity and spirituality intact while still being positive representations of the Church.  Nicholas has the honor to sit down with Sister Nancy to discuss how to be Online Ambassadors.

Few things are as central to Catholic belief as the holy presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  Every day, at Masses held all over the world, the faithful come to honor the imperative given to us by our Savior: to take His real self into our own beings, allowing it to effuse us and change us for the better.  Eucharistic Congresses serve as events of awakening, to enlighten the minds of Catholics concerning this miracle we can witness daily.  These Congresses are massive undertakings, with many people working behind the scenes to ensure that the experience is as meaningful as possible.  To that end, Nicholas sits down with some of those whose tireless efforts make the Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Helena a reality.  Alex Kautzky joins us once again, as well as youth volunteer Cameron Donahue and MC Fr. Marc Lenneman.  Nathan Amas, a focus missionary who is discerning the priesthood, also gives us a glimpse of the rich fruits offered to us when we are walking in the Eucharist.

Everyone who can be called a Catholic has been confirmed in the eyes of the Church.  This is a sacred and joyful ritual in which the community celebrates those who are completing their process.  For converts, this happens at the culmination of the OCIA program.  Learning how to be a practicing Catholic can seem a little daunting at first, but these worries quickly melt away in the warmth of support and the light of the Spirit.  Kim is one of those wonderful individuals joining us this Easter, guided by and guiding her husband, Jason, who has followed her through this process and rediscovered his faith along the way.  Theirs is an inspiring story about how two people can learn to appreciate each other in a different way while building upon what is given by the Spirit.  Jason and Kim join Nicholas to talk about how this walk with God has influenced their lives and their relationship for the better. 

Our Lord Jesus preached peace, harmony, and love for our neighbor and all mankind.  We are to actively work towards a world that embodies those values.  However, our current reality makes this message complicated.  While we are still called to love our neighbor and work toward peace, we cannot ignore the danger posed by pure pacifism on the nationstate level.  How do we balance the seemingly competing needs of defense and brotherly love?  Fr. Hightower joins Nicholas to approach this subject with a sober mind and respect toward the various perspectives concerning this pertinent topic.

Catholicism, while absolutely grounded in being a universal Church, has many beautiful variations throughout the world.  In the United States, few have captured the imagination and heart of the nation like Irish Catholicism.  Steeped in ancient lore and rich in history, the story of Irish Catholicism is as fascinating as it is tragic and triumphant.  On this Sunday before our Church celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, Nicholas sits down for an extremely educational conversation with historian Allen Noonan to talk about Irish Catholicism.

There have been many councils in the history of the Church that have shaped our faith.  From doctrine to rites, they have covered a breadth of topics.  However, few councils have matched the importance of the Council of Trent and Vatican II.  Both made sweeping changes that took decades to fully implement and made an impact that is still being considered today.  What happened at these councils?  Why were they so important and what meaningful changes did they make?  Fr Hightower joins Nicholas to examine the Tale of Two Councils.

Grief is something that can feel insurmountable.  In the time following a loss, it often seems as though we are barely keeping our heads above water.  It can be hard to see the light.  But the waters will ebb and the light will shine again.  We will never forget those we lose, but we can learn to handle their loss in healthy ways.  This is often more easily done with a group of people who have gone through or are going through the process themselves, creating a space where understanding and support can help us back onto our feet.  Katy McKinnon is back on the show to talk with Nicholas about grief, recovery, and the ministry she hopes to set up allowing people to see a great light once again.

Before we enter the penitential season of Lent, we gather to celebrate Mardi Gras.  We know it primarily for colorful parades, extravagant celebrations, and delicious pastries.  But did you know that there is also a spiritual significance to this event?  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas as we find out the history and substance of Mardi Gras.

It can be difficult to remain faithful to God in the modern world.  So many things seek to drive a wedge between us and devotion.  Social media traps us in algorithms and politics encourage us to make an idol out of ideology.  We are constantly bombarded by conflicting messages from music, television, and our cellphones.  Remaining true to the Word in this reality is difficult for adults, but more so for the young.  Not only do they have those same issues to contend with, but they are also inundated with homework and tests, often enduring the judgement of their secular peers for practicing their religion.  But groups like the "Girl Gang" of SFX give us hope for the future as these high schoolers gather each week to support one another in a nurturing community, growing their connections to God and becoming sure in their expression of their faith.  Courtney, Cynthia, and four inspiring students join Nicholas to talk about life, faith, and (of course) snacks.

The suffering of children is difficult to witness, particularly the children in our families.  It can leave us with questions about our relationship with God, or with a feeling of powerlessness, but can reveal opportunities for deep compassion and meaningful care and respect for those who need it most.  This month, Pope Leo has asked us to pray for children with incurable diseases.  Fr. Hightower joins Nicholas to explore ways to navigate through the painful reality of childhood disease to find strength and hope in God and the world around us.From the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network:Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month. For children with incurable diseasesLet us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

Prayer is essential to aligning us to the path of Christ and connecting us to God and each other.  We can use rote prayers to find alignment at any moment, or engage in contemplative prayer for a deeper understanding of scripture and the treasures it holds for us.  The Bible itself holds many prayers within its pages, including the Lord's Prayer and the Psalms.  Regardless of the type of prayer that speaks to us at a particular time, it can always help us to hear God's call more clearly.  Fr Mark Hoelsken SJ joins Nicholas to explore the wealth of prayer.

Each night, we have the opportunity to enter into a world unbounded by the rules to which we are by day accustomed.  This world is a tapestry of our deepest hopes and fears and everything we notice and wonder, a mysterious realm of inexplicable phenomena and unexpected memories, completely individual yet transcendent.  The dreams that take place in this world have been the wellspring of spiritual inspiration and guidance in Scripture, throughout history, and in our lives, given to us by God to help us cultivate our inner landscape and open ourselves to His presence.  Join Nicholas and Lydia as they explore the hidden universe of dreams.

Few practices have captured the imagination of people seeking greater understanding of themselves and of God than the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  When our own image of ourselves gets between us and God, and we become preoccupied with our own ideas about who we're supposed to be, rather than who God made us to be, the Spiritual Exercises can help us to develop a better picture of ourselves as God's beloved, unique creation.  St. Ignatius gives us a framework for opening ourselves to the way the Holy Spirit guides each of us every day and in all that we do.  Building on our previous discussions of the Spiritual Exercises, the Jesuit charism, and Ignatian spirituality, in this episode we look at the life and journey of the man who, through the Holy Spirit, brought them into reality.  Fr. Mark Hoelsken, SJ joins Nicholas to delve into the life of St. Ignatius to see what we can learn from his spiritual journey.

In our final episode of this Advent series we tie in the themes of this season under one word.  That word is love.  Ours is a God of love, seeking to reconcile the world under His sheltering wings.  At the core of our faith, and even the most complex theological questions, the most important concepts are to love our God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  This abundant outpouring of love is not just a gift but also a mission, to help spread that grace as much as we can.  Nicholas' mother, the person who first gave him a glimpse of what divine love might be, joins us for this episode to examine a life lived with love at the forefront.

Joyful are those who wait on the Lord.  In this time of joyful anticipation  as we look up at the skies of Bethlehem, our God has given us the grace to endure the darkness of winter with His warm light within.  It is not enough, however, to keep this light to ourselves.  Instead, we are given the mission to let it shine even in the darkest places, allowing it to lift others as well.  Deb Johnson joins Nicholas to talk about gratitude, service, and this important gift of joy.

Peace can be an elusive thing.  The world can fill us with worry and our minds can get stuck in patterns that do not serve us.  So many things can pull us from the feeling of peace.  In these times of turmoil it is good to ask ourselves "What can I lay before God today?".  God wants to lead us to a place of consolation and love.  He wants to change us at the core for the better.  Do we let him move our heart?  How can we best be ambassadors of peace to a broken world?  During this Advent season, it is good to consider these things as we await the peace that Christ brings to us.  Mary Ann joins us to talk about this beautiful concept of peace

We begin our Advent series with a topic that is very much needed in this world.  It can be difficult to find hope in our lives sometimes.  There are so many things that can weigh us down, so many things that can sink us into despair.  But our hope is in Christ and His promise of a better kingdom.  From this hope, we can begin to see the world anew.  Katy is back on the show to share with us what hope means to her and how we can better cultivate it in our minds, especially during this special season of Advent.

This next week we gather together for the holiday of Thanksgiving here in America.  It is often a festive time with good food and good company.  However, Thanksgiving doesn't just happen once a year.  It happens every weekend when we gather for the Lord's Supper and give thanks to God for the saving life of His Son.  At our best, it is a daily practice that enriches our life.  Frs. Mark, Hightower, and Conroy join us this episode to talk about the spirit of thanksgiving, both as a holiday and a general state of being.

When Jesus tells us in the Gospel to bring the little ones to him and to not hinder them, it isn't just a passive missive.  We are called to an active mission because the kingdom belongs to them.  The question then becomes, how do we lead our children to the faith in a way that they can access?  The CGS program gives a great opportunity for this access, not just for the children but for the adults who have been throughly trained to assist.  In this episode, we sit down with Mary Larson and Sister Mary Rose to talk about the training that goes in to being a catechist and the fruits it can yield for those who undertake it.

When the Lord calls us, it isn't always a thundering voice from the mountains.  Often it is a gentle feeling from the Holy Spirit, quietly leading us if we have the ears to hear.  This is often true when it comes to pursuing a deeper commitment to Holy Mother Church.  Deacons occupy a special position in our communities, having many of the duties as a priest but still having the ability to have a spouse and families.  In this episode, Nicholas sits down with John and Missy Neuman, currently in the deaconate program, to discuss the duties of a deacon and the process of becoming one.

What does it mean to be a part of the body of Christ?  It means that we are charged with bringing the light and message of Christ into the world.  It means serving one another in mind, body, and spirit.  We all have a role to play, and no role is greater than another.  All are necessary, all are welcome, all are called.  Shai joins Nicholas to show us how we can listen to the call to service and have the heart to say "Here I Am, Lord".

Austin Peppenger is not Catholic.  In fact, when he was young, he was taught to fear and hate Catholics, among others.  As he has gone through life he has challenged many of the misconceptions he was raised with.  One of those was a complete 180* on Holy Mother Church.  After interactions with the faithful, attending Mass, and listening to the wisdom offered by the guests of VOXSFX, his perspective has gone from viewing us as a reviled enemy to a people of genuine comfort, love, and understanding.  Join Nicholas as we view the Church through the eyes of one who has been opened up to the love of God and a new attitude towards the Catholic faith.

The children's program called Catechesis of the Good Shepard, or CGS for short, is an amazing opportunity for kids to develop a deeper understanding of their faith.  Using age-appropriate environments and materials to foster involvement in liturgy, history, and theology, children in CGS get to participate actively and learn at their own pace.  The CGS program at St Francis Xavier is the most advanced in the Diocese of Helena, hosting trainings and providing a space to minister in this incredibly meaningful way.  Shai and Michelle join Nicholas to explore the history and techniques that make this program so effective.

In light of the Holy Father's recent comments, which have caused quite the stir here in the USA, we thought it might be appropriate to expand on the Church's teachings on immigration.  This is a tough topic, as there is much political rhetoric back and forth on this complicated issue.  However, this is not a political show.  VOXSFX isn't trying to tell you what to think or how to vote.  We only ask that you listen with an open mind and then form your own opinions and conscience.  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas to address this complex topic of immigration from a Catholic perspective.

Whether in the majesty of nature or the wonder of human industry, God's great work is visible all around us.  Rev. Roger De La Rosa SJ shares how his background in chemistry, Jesuit training, and love of photography inspire him to explore new ways of appreciating and cultivating care for our world.  Using tools like the Examen, Fr. De La Rosa teaches us to find the beauty in the little things.

Luciano Lamonarca, also known as the Good Will Tenor, is known internationally for his incredible voice.  His passion, other than music, is the promotion and mission of the Padre Pio Foundation.  Rooted in the humility and service of this saint, this Foundation is a force for good works for the most needy in this world.  Who is this man who uses his voice for the benefit of countless faithful in cities across the world?  Listen to the man himself as Nicholas sits down for a privileged interview with this remarkable philanthropist to discuss his life and the significance of the Padre Pio Foundation.

Spiritual warfare is a widely discussed topic in this day and age.  It is easy to see the appeal, a sense of control in a world sorely lacking a center and that is a mire of chaos.  This episode is about something a little different.  In this episode, Nicholas explores how the world around us can harm our spiritual wellbeing, while focusing on the power and love of God.

We have a new priest at St Francis Xavier!  Father Mark Hoelsken, who spent thirty years working up in Alaska, has an infectious laugh and a deep well of knowledge to draw from.  In addition to exploring the path that led him here to Missoula, we also delve into the history of the Church when it comes to our interaction and ministry to the indigenous tribes of America.  Join us as we get to know our newest addition to the SFX family.

The editing for this week's normal episode has been delayed by hazardous air conditions.  But never fear!  Nicholas comes to you from his home studio to talk a little about the shows we have coming up as well as our plan for Advent this year.  Tune in to listen to Nicholas and Cassius the Cat as we explore some of the exciting content we have in store for you!

On September 7th, 2025, we will be canonizing the first two saints under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV:  Carlo Acutis, known as the first millennial saint, and Pier Giorgio Frassati.  Who were these two young men?  What were their contributions to the Church and the people of God?  Lydia Schmidt, our associate producer, joins us to look at the lives of these two holy men.

2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, the first of what came to be known as ecumenical councils.  Nicea, and the many subsequent councils held by the titans of the church, has helped to codify our beliefs and teachings and promote greater understanding of the precepts of our faith.  The Catholic Church we know today was built on the foundations of the unity these councils established.  Fr Cochran joins Nicholas to explore the teachings of the various ecumenical councils and the impact they had on today's Church.

Padre Pio is coming to St. Francis Xavier in Missoula, Montana!  On August 25th and 26th, people will have the wonderful opportunity to venerate this marvelous saint of healing.  This is known as a devotion, which is a practice of faith which may involve prayer or other activities but is not part of official liturgy and doctrine.  It is meant to deepen our love and reverence for God and those who have done his work in the world.  Fr Conroy joins Nicholas to discuss this tradition of devotions and the life and works of Padre Pio.For more information on veneration and Mass times, feel free to visit sfxmissoula.org

The word 'miracle' is often used to describe a variety of positive occurrences: a good day, a gorgeous sunrise, or the birth of a child.  These may be wonderful things, but a miracle as defined by the Catholic Church is a highly specific concept.  There is a process for determining whether or not a phenomenon qualifies, involving exhaustive testing and evaluation by the Vatican, scientists, and other experts.  At its core, a miracle is a way by which God is seen to interact directly with the world.  Fr Hightower joins us to examine how the Church views the Science of Miracles.

Religious liberty is not just a concept enshrined by secular governments.  It is also taught as a critical piece of Catholic social teaching.  The Second Vatican Council's Declaration on Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae, promulgated on December 7th, 1965, by Pope Paul VI, gives Catholics an essential framework for understanding our duties when interacting with the secular world and with peoples of a different faith.  Fr Pat Conroy joins us as we explore the ideas and imperatives contained in the Dignitatis Humanae.

In scripture, the Lord often calls us to charity.  We are charged, as God's people, to take care of one another unconditionally.  From charitable works to serving as honor guard, the Knights of Columbus serve as a solid foundation and a beacon of hope in their communities.  Join us as Bob Lawrence delves into the history and purpose of the Knights of Columbus.

When we are in mourning, we hardly feel blessed.  Grief can shatter us in mind and spirit, it can take a heavy toll on the body, and it can devastate our faith.  In these moments of weakness it is often difficult to see the light.  The love of God is always there, but sometimes we can render ourselves numb to His compassion.  But God can use our grief to help others and to build a bridge between us that was stronger than before, if only we let him into that space of hurt.  Katy is back on the show to discuss moments of profound grief with Nicholas, and both of them have a message of faith and God's love from their own experiences.

It is hard to imagine Christianity without the prophets of old.  They correct us when we've gone astray and speak to God on our behalf.  Most importantly, they point to the coming of our Savior.  Their words ring true throughout the ages, touching our hearts and guiding us even today.  Many women also had the role of a prophet, though their contributions of often tragically overlooked.  Fr Victor Cancino joins Nicholas to delve into these topics and more as we discuss the place of the prophets in our lives and the story of salvation.

One of the core Catholic experiences is participation in the Rite of Reconciliation, commonly known as Confession.  We reflect on where we have fallen short of God's expectations and bring this to a priest who serves as Christ's messenger of absolution.  Beyond the rote recitation of sins, it is an invitation to go deeper into our own nature with the intent of not just identifying our sins, but working through the root causes.  Fr. Cochran joins Nicholas for an in depth discussion about this Holy Rite and how it can enrich our lives.

The Summa Theologica is a masterpiece in the Catholic lexicon.  St. Thomas Aquinas beautifully lays out a logical way of understanding God and our faith.  Our episode today specifically concerns his proofs of the existence of God.  Using human reasoning and our understanding of the world around us, St. Thomas expertly explains this deepest of mysteries.  To help us understand these concepts better, Fr. Hightower has joined Nicholas for an in-depth and relevant discussion.  

In 2022, St Francis Xavier Parish was blessed by the arrival of Father Paul Cochran.  In his time here he has proven vital to our community.  Whether delivering moving homilies or mentoring the faithful, his service to this parish has earned him the love of its congregation.  The path that brought him to us is a fascinating one, full of lessons and inspiration.  In this episode, Nicholas has the honor of sitting down with this wonderful man to discuss his story, his faith, and his dedication to his vocation.

Throughout history, the Holy Spirit has moved our faith to greater understanding of God's remit for us.   As our society has evolved over the last century, the ways in which women participate in and shape our faith have expanded and become more prominent.  From the heroines of the Old Testament to the devoted disciples of Christ, women have walked with the Spirit in a myriad of ways.  In this episode, Fr Pat Conroy sits down with Nicholas to look back at the contributions of women to the Church and look forward to the potentials of our future.

Catholicism has a deep tradition of faith and science, but scientific approaches rarely allow for the role of God in our observations of the physical universe.  Fr Ed Kohler proposes a new paradigm to unify hard science with our understanding of God's creation.  Part theology, part physics, Divine Mechanics provide a bridge between the two.  Further explorations of the world of Divine Mechanics can be found at Fr Kohler's YouTube channel: Paul Francis Ministry

1.4 billion voices lifted in joy on May 8th when the announcement rang out: Habemus Papam!  Though his Papacy is only just taking form, we can see much of the character of Leo XIV in his Augustinian charism, his missionary work in the world, and his cardinalate.  The name Leo also has great historic significance that gives us a vision of his hopes for our future.  Fr Hightower joins us to give some opening analysis and impressions as we eagerly welcome our new Holy Father.

Early on Easter Monday in the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis went home to the Lord.  His legacy is sure to be one of compassion and humanity, always focusing on and lifting up the voices of the poor and disenfranchised, in the spirit of the Jesuit charism of drawing in the people of God rather than hiding behind a veil of clericalism.  The first Pope from the Americas, as well as the first Pope from the Jesuit order, Francis brought a unique perspective to the Vatican, which was clearly manifest in his addresses and encyclicals.  We at VOX remember him fondly, and with the help of Fr Cochran and Fr Conroy, we remember his impact as we proceed into the Novemdiales.

Easter is more than just a single day.  True, one Sunday a year we dedicate our joy to our risen Lord, but the Easter Season continues for the next 40 (+10) days.  During this time, we are invited to reflect on what Jesus was trying to teach his disciples after his resurrection, to transform them from followers into true missionaries.  In contemplating this within the context of our own lives, we can better live out the Gospel message for the benefit of ourselves and the world around us.  Fr. Cochran joins us to delve more deeply into the Easter mysteries and the ways in which we can allow them to inspire us to greater faith.

The third day of the Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of Helena culminates with a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena, a Eucharistic Procession to Carroll College, and a Benediction at All Saints Chapel.  Our Eucharistic Congress commentary is capped off by an interview with Dr. Hannah Hemphill, Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies at Carroll, where we explore the origins and evolution of Eucharistic theology.