Catholicism Unwrapped

045 - Do Miracles Still Happen? (And How to Tell)

Miracles are more than just extraordinary events; in the Catholic Church, they’re carefully examined, categorized, and even challenged. In this episode of Catholicism Unwrapped, we break down the different degrees of miracles, explore why some dismiss them outright, and look at how the Church discerns the real from the fabricated. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of how the supernatural intersects with the natural world.

044 - Can Catholics Believe in Aliens????

Aliens and salvation: What if we’re not alone in the universe?
In this episode, Fr. Andy and Fr. Andy explore what the Catholic Church actually says (and doesn’t say) about the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth. Could aliens exist within God’s plan for creation? Would they need salvation? Could they be baptized? And how would their existence affect our understanding of original sin, the Incarnation, and the universality of Christ?
This one’s for the curious, the skeptical, and anyone who’s ever looked up at the stars and wondered.

043 - Totus Tuus

What’s it like to spend your summer teaching kids the faith, living simply, and being stretched spiritually every single day? In this episode, the Fathers Andy sit down with a team of Totus Tuus missionaries from our diocese to talk about their experience on the road.
They share stories of laughter, exhaustion, unexpected graces, and how God used the innocence and joy of children to reveal deep truths to them. Whether you're discerning missionary work or just curious about how God moves in ordinary moments, this episode will leave you inspired to say “yes” in your own life.

042 - Saved by Grace… So Why Purgatory?

What is Purgatory, really? Is it biblical? Is it fair? And does the Church still teach it?
In this episode of Catholicism Unwrapped, we explore the scriptural roots and theological reasoning behind Purgatory; not as a “spiritual waiting room,” but as a profound act of God's mercy. We dive into how God invites us to receive and cooperate with His grace, how purification prepares us for Heaven, and why our prayers for the dead matter more than we might think. Whether you’re curious, confused, or challenged by this teaching, this conversation will help unpack the beauty behind the Church’s vision of final sanctification.

041 - Life, Death & The Illusion of Control (How the Culture of Autonomy Distorts the Meaning of Suffering and the Dignity of Life)

The Right to Die? - Euthanasia and the Catholic Response
What happens when compassion is confused with control?
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of euthanasia; a subject often clouded by emotional language and moral confusion. While phrases like “death with dignity” or “ending suffering” sound merciful on the surface, they raise profound questions about the meaning of life, suffering, and human dignity.
Through the lens of Catholic teaching, we explore:
Why the Church opposes euthanasia, and what it actually teaches about end-of-life care
How autonomy and modern secular ethics fall short in addressing real suffering
The role of redemptive suffering, hope, and the sanctity of life. Even in its most fragile moments
Whether you’ve wrestled with this issue personally or are just seeking clarity in a world full of moral gray areas, this conversation is for you.
Tune in as we unwrap this complex topic with honesty, compassion, and truth.

040 - Pope Leo XIV: What His Name Tells Us About His Papal Priorities

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating decision behind Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name and what it signals for the future of the Church. By looking back at the powerful legacy of Pope Leo XIII, we explore his battle against the heresy of Americanism, his teachings on immigration, and the profound story behind the St. Michael Prayer; written after a chilling vision of Satan claiming he could destroy the Church in 100 years.
What does it mean that Pope Leo XIV is invoking this legacy now? What are his goals for restoring Christian life in the public square, especially among world leaders? And how might his desire for Christian unity reshape the Church's mission in the modern world?
Join us as we unwrap the spiritual, historical, and prophetic significance of this pivotal moment in the life of the Church.

039 - Divine Mercy Explained | Plus What You Should Know About the Next Conclave

In this episode, the Fathers Andy dive into the origins and meaning of Divine Mercy, exploring its power to bring peace, especially for those who struggle with scrupulosity. Then shifting to current Church events, they offer a high-level look at the upcoming Papal Conclave beginning May 7th, 2025.
Curious for a deeper dive into the Conclave? Revisit Episode 30 for a full breakdown of how it all works!

038 - Heaven, the Holy Spirit, and That One Creed Line we don't agree on...

Catholics and Orthodox Christians recite nearly the same Creed… except for one key line: “and the Son.” In this episode, the Fathers Andy respond to questions from Catholic high school students, starting with who goes to heaven, and ending with what that tiny difference in the Creed actually means. Along the way, we talk about the Holy Spirit’s role in the Trinity and how He reveals the meaning of divine love, leading us into Theology of the Body and the beauty of human dignity. We also explore imputability - how much we’re responsible for our choices, and how God judges the heart.
🎙️ Ep. 38 Topics include:• Who gets to heaven, and how the Church understands salvation• Catholic vs. Orthodox beliefs on the filioque clause• The Holy Spirit as the personification of love• How love, freedom, and responsibility fit together in God's plan• The role of conscience and moral responsibility

037 - Are Tattoos Evil?

This week we are addressing more questions brought to us by the Junior and Senior students of Pacelli High School. On the docket today:
What is a Jubilee, and why has the Pope declared 2025 as one?
Are Tattoos Evil?
Stick around to hear the answers as we unwrap it all!

036 - Scandal in the Church

How can we put faith in a human institution??
Shoutout to the students of Pacelli High School for the questions!
 
References:
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain
Episode 27 - Papal Infallibility