Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

How Do I Know It’s God? Catholic Discernment, Consolation, and Desolation Explained

TF S03 | E18| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a thoughtful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: How can I know when God is talking to me?Drawing on the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the conversation explores Christian discernment through self-awareness, honesty, and paying attention to the movements of the heart over time. They explain the difference between spiritual consolation and desolation, clarifying that these are not simply good or bad feelings, but experiences related to freedom, clarity, hope, and closeness to God.The episode offers practical guidance on creating space to hear God’s voice through silence, prayer, spiritual reading, Mass, confession, adoration, and the daily Examen, while cautioning against making major decisions during times of desolation. Listeners are encouraged to trust that God’s voice often sounds like truth spoken within, to remain grounded in Church teaching, and to grow patiently in freedom and faith as God continues to shape their spiritual lives.00:19 Podcast Welcome03:22 Question God Speaking03:46 Ignatius Discernment Basics05:05 Silence and Self Awareness05:58 Ignatius Story and Boredom08:21 Consolation vs Dopamine Crash10:40 Examen and Honest Reflection12:02 True Voice vs False Voice15:59 Church and Moral Guardrails18:31 Crime and Punishment Example20:52 Everyday Choices and Consolation21:45 Fruits Of The Spirit22:32 Consolation Versus Desolation23:53 Do Not Decide Desolate24:35 Dad Story And Space27:58 Lies Reduce Your Options29:03 Temporary States And Clarity31:44 Many Good Choices33:42 Discernment In Sacraments36:13 Garden Conditions For Growth38:05 God Changes Our Minds38:44 Closing Thanks And Blessing

Eucharist, Adam and Eve, and Images of Jesus: Catholic Theology Explained

TF | S03 E17 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore key questions in Catholic theology and Scripture, beginning with Eucharistic theology, Eucharistic miracles, and why belief in the Real Presence does not depend on miracles alone.Drawing on questions from Grade 9 and 10 students at Miller High School in Regina, the conversation also includes Adam and Eve, and what these teachings reveal about the unity of the human family as well as a discussion on images of Jesus in art, examining historical accuracy, cultural expression, and how enculturated imagery helps communicate the Gospel across time and place.00:00 Intro01:13 The Plaid Episode02:05 Questions from Miller High School03:25 Addressing the Population Question05:46 Theological Interpretations and Science18:04 Scriptural Narrative and Loose Ends21:53 The Importance of Originality in Interpretation22:53 Science and Faith: Complementary Tools23:31 What Did Jesus Look Like?28:11 Cultural Representations of Jesus in Art33:47 The Theology of Icons and Art in Christianity40:10 Conclusion and Reflections

Archdiocese of Regina Lenten Retreats Bring Catholic Social Teaching to Life

TF | S03 E16 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash is joined by Tashia Toupin to explore a series of Lenten retreats on Catholic Social Teaching offered by the Social Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of Regina. Through prayer, Scripture, art, and small group discussion, these retreats invite participants to deepen their understanding of key themes such as the dignity of work, economic justice, and the Catholic roots of social justice.With retreat locations in Esterhazy, Estevan, Regina, and Swift Current, this initiative makes faith-based social justice formation accessible across the diocese, helping Catholics live the Gospel more fully during the Lenten season.Sign up to receive more information: https://archregina.flocknote.com/ArchdioceseofRe2 00:00 Introduction00:58 Meet our guest01:53 Social Justice Commission Overview03:26 Catholic Social Teaching and Its Roots10:01 Lenten Retreat Themes and Readings14:55 Understanding God's Plan16:15 Reflecting During Lent16:58 The Purpose of these Retreats19:04 Upcoming Retreats and Logistics21:33 Engaging with the Community26:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Understanding the Trinity: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit Explained

TF | S03 E15 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to student questions about God, Jesus, and the Holy Trinity. Exploring Scripture, Church history, and Christian theology, they unpack how the doctrine of the Trinity developed, the divine and human natures of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of faith. This thoughtful conversation offers clear answers to common questions about Christian belief and helps listeners better understand how God is one yet three persons.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:39 New Season Format and Production Insights01:18 Engaging with Miller High School Students03:18 The Nature of God, Jesus, and the Trinity06:03 Exploring the Doctrine of the Trinity18:09 Understanding Condescension in the Incarnation18:46 Scriptural Examples of God's Condescension19:28 The Mystery of Jesus' Knowledge20:10 The Dual Nature of Jesus21:43 The Trinity and the Incarnation23:52 The Relationship Between God and Creation28:41 Exploring the Holy Spirit's Role34:59 The Filioque Controversy38:03 Concluding Thoughts on the Trinity

The Rapture, Death, and Judgment: What Catholics Really Believe

TF | S03 E14 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain what the Catholic Church teaches about the rapture, death, and divine judgment. They unpack where modern rapture theories came from, what Scripture actually says about the end times, and how God’s justice and mercy meet in the moment of death. A clear, Catholic guide to some of Christianity’s most misunderstood beliefs.00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings01:12 Classroom Questions and Podcast Reflections05:12 Discussing the Rapture and Death07:34 Biblical Interpretations and Historical Context11:10 Human Nature and the Desire for Escape20:29 The Left Behind Series and Pop Culture21:00 The Influence of 'Left Behind' and Nicholas Cage21:18 The Gospel's Answer to Fear and Hope21:33 Catholic Church's Caution on End Times Predictions22:37 Human Desire for Control and Prophecy23:15 The Overlap of Rapture and Prosperity Gospel23:47 Endless Deferrals in Rapture Predictions25:23 The Moment of Death and Biological Ambiguity27:46 Particular Judgment and Encounter with Christ33:17 Speculations on Hell and Eternal Judgment36:29 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

A Christmas Message from Thinking Faith

This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain why our production schedule has been a little... sporadic, shall we say. But fear not, for we have a plan!Part of that plan includes taking a short break over the next few weeks. We will be back in January with new episodes of Thinking Faith. Until then, Merry Christmas!!

Seeing Christ in a Weary World: Archbishop Don Bolen’s 2025 Christmas Message

Archbishop Donald Bolen shares a reflection inspired by the presepi of Naples, nativity scenes that reveal the tired, longing faces of ordinary people waiting for a Messiah. This Christmas, we are invited to notice the quiet coming of Christ into the rubble of our wounded world, to recognize God’s hidden presence in our daily lives, and to find hope, courage, and compassion this Christmas.

Pope Francis, The Nativity And The Incarnation With Archbishop Don Bolen

| Re-TF | E05 | In this special episode of Re-Thinking Faith, Archbishop Don Bolen joins the conversation for a rich reflection on Christmas, the Incarnation, and hope in a broken world. Drawing on Pope Francis’ reflections on the Nativity and his own love of nativity scenes, Archbishop Bolen explores what it truly means to believe in a God who becomes flesh.This conversation looks beyond words to the heart of incarnational faith—a faith expressed through presence, accompaniment, and walking with others, especially in times of grief, loss, and suffering. A timely and deeply pastoral reflection for Advent and Christmas, this episode invites listeners to rediscover how Christ’s birth continues to transform lives today.

A NEW Sacramental Program for Teens in the Archdiocese of Regina

| S03 E13 | Deacon Eric Gurash and guest, Michelle Braden from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry unveil an exciting new teen sacramental preparation initiative—designed for young people who previously missed Baptism, Confirmation, or other sacraments. This episode explores how monthly gatherings, community-building, team-building, and flexible catechesis create a welcoming environment where teens can grow in faith, build relationships, and prepare for the sacraments in a supportive, belonging-focused setting.Contact Michelle Braden at mbraden@archregina.sk.ca to learn more!00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:54 Introducing Michelle Braden and the New Initiative02:11 Challenges and Reasons for the New Program04:32 Program Structure and Goals05:55 Community Building and Sacramental Preparation10:14 Parish Involvement and Mentorship17:31 Call for Volunteers and Conclusion17:44 Introduction to the New Program18:03 Monthly Meetings and Source Event Integration19:30 Initial Sessions and Getting to Know Each Other20:52 Building Community and Fun Activities21:39 Importance of Personal Connections23:44 Flexibility and Adapting to Group Dynamics29:19 Encouraging Participation and Open Invitation29:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Re-Thinking Faith - Advent Retreat - Fostering A Contemplative Attitude Part 2

Re-TF | E04 | As the Advent season moves quickly into Christmas, we invite you to take a few moments to step out of the frantic pace of the holidays and discover the hidden gifts and graces that only a contemplative attitude can reveal.