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Roar Like The Lamb

Roar Like The Lamb

By Roar Like the Lamb

A Catholic lay woman and a Catholic priest working together in parish ministry unpack the complexities, joys, and challenges of daily life and how the beauty of the Gospel can bring Jesus, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God, into our world. Paola Peña is director of evangelization and former FOCUS missionary living out the call to evangelize in parish life. Fr. Sam Kachuba is a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport and pastor of St. Pius X Church in Fairfield, CT. Roar Like the Lamb is an excuse for them to talk about how much they love ministry and want to share the Catholic faith with all.
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The Frozen and Chosen

Roar Like The LambMar 18, 2024

00:00
01:03:16
The Frozen and Chosen

The Frozen and Chosen

Sometimes Catholics or parishes are described as "frozen and chosen," and we have some thoughts on how this might apply in real life, how it might be just a stereotype, and why we need to do some work if we're going to do the hard work of evangelization and growing in holiness.

Show Notes:

Did you miss the last episode? The One That Got Away? We had the video, but the audio didn't seem to work super well. Here's the link to the YouTube https://youtu.be/dPze_ywQ0J0 - check it out!

Mar 18, 202401:03:16
No Idea What We're Doing
Jan 22, 202459:02
All is Calm

All is Calm

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Roar Like the Lamb! We're talking about Christmas prep and Christmas recovery. Asking God's blessings on you for 2024!

Jan 01, 202455:06
Shepherd us, O God!
Dec 20, 202343:14
Eternal Perspective in a Chaotic World

Eternal Perspective in a Chaotic World

This is a delayed release episode...coming out today for no other reason than schedules got hectic and getting it ready for release kept getting put on the back burner. Sorry it's late!

Anyway, we're talking about keeping an eternal perspective in a chaotic world, keeping Jesus front and center, and not running away from our feelings and experiences.

Dec 13, 202338:58
The RLTL 2023 Halloween Spooktacular
Oct 30, 202352:14
There's Something (Silent) About Mary

There's Something (Silent) About Mary

Starting with an excerpt from "In Conversation with God," Paola takes us into a conversation about Mary's silence and how silence in the spiritual life, and Mary's in particular, can help us in our daily walk with the Lord. You should get yourself a copy of these meditation books, they're really good. Link below.


SHOW NOTES


In Conversation with God - https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/in-conversation-with-god


Check out The Tangent episode w/Fr. Basil Nortz on holy silence: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-tkwaz-147f361

Oct 02, 202344:48
The Complicated World of Justice Preaching

The Complicated World of Justice Preaching

It's not easy to preach about justice issues - you'll be accused of being too political, not political enough, focused on earthly things rather than spiritual, and on and on. Still, if we preach the Gospel in fullness, we're going to have to talk about a lot of things. We talk about that sometimes treacherous walk in this episode.

Sep 25, 202346:16
Almost forgot
Sep 18, 202358:51
Ongoing Formation

Ongoing Formation

We are never a finished product. Continuing to grow, to learn, and to be formed is a need for all of us, especially in the life of the Church.

Sep 14, 202356:31
The One, the Many, and the 7%
Aug 11, 202350:26
Hermits, Copyrights, and Adoration
Aug 04, 202301:00:27
Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Paola shares some beautiful testimony in this one, gives some tremendous vulnerability and lays out where she's experiencing healing, grace, and growth. She's talking insecurities, wounds, new perspectives, what it is to feel re-created, and the ways she is finding deeper and more perfect integration. It wasn't what I (Fr Sam) was expecting, and I was so moved to hear her speak this way. See what happens when people stop being polite and start being real...oh wait, sorry, that's the intro to 90's reality show The Real World... Best thing about all this - Paola never leaves anything just for herself. This is a healing and growth that she is not just sharing verbally, but is also allowing to impact her ministry.


Jul 28, 202338:37
Representation matters?

Representation matters?

First, we would like to apologize for the long delay since we last released an episode. There have been lots of schedule issues throughout the spring and into the summer, so we've been behind on our production plan!

In this episode, we talk about representation and how it works, or doesn't work, why it matters, or doesn't, and how we can navigate what can be a tricky area with charity.

As summer progresses, we'll try to be regular with episodes, but may continue to experience delays. We appreciate your patience, and that you stick with us!

Jul 02, 202357:22
Meet the Producer, Homily Recap, & the Gift of Human Life

Meet the Producer, Homily Recap, & the Gift of Human Life

We've been after him for a long time to make an appearance, and it finally happened! Our producer Chris McHugh is with us! We're talking about Fr. Sam's homily on Divine Mercy Sunday, physician assisted suicide, and the tremendous gift of human life.

If you'd like to hear Fr. Sam's homily, here it is - the Gospel starts around 17:20

Apr 18, 202352:32
Family life, tired parents, holy children, and everything in between, with Debbie Cowden

Family life, tired parents, holy children, and everything in between, with Debbie Cowden

Imagine you, like Roar Like the Lamb, are a small Catholic podcast. One day, an email comes from EWTN, asking if one of their hosts (The Catholic Sphere) can join you for an episode to talk about a super important book (The Prayer Book for Tired Parents: Practical Ways to Grow in Love of God and Get Your Family to Heaven). We were blown away and super excited, then we met Debbie Cowden, and it got even better! Debbie and her husband Dave have produced a powerful book to help parents, let them know they are seen and supported, and offer practical tips for building up a strong foundation for family life. We're happy to call her a friend and fan of the show!

Apr 11, 202301:08:48
The Philosophical Understanding of Woman According to Edith Stein (St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross)

The Philosophical Understanding of Woman According to Edith Stein (St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross)

We're bringing you a special talk given by Paola to the St. Pius X Walking With Purpose group. With Edith Stein (St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross) as her guide, Paola opens up a philosophical and biblical understanding of woman, the feminine genius, and how all of us (male or female) are called into relation with God.

Apr 04, 202355:24
Bonus Episode: Mother Olga live at St. Pius X - Seek 2023

Bonus Episode: Mother Olga live at St. Pius X - Seek 2023

We were very privileged to have Mother Olga join us at St. Pius X on March 11, 2023 for our Seek 2023 conference. Mother is the foundress of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth. She shared some beautiful stories with us about finding God even in suffering. While the audio isn't quite the quality we would like it to be, we hope you'll listen and enjoy her amazing words!

If you'd like to see more of Mother Olga, here's a quick video in which Mother shares some of her life from Iraq to the US and God's grace along the way.

You might also enjoy this longer interview she gave at the 2022 Given Forum.

Mar 25, 202301:08:37
3.16: Gruff, grumpy, drinking Bailey's, and cultivating Catholic culture
Mar 22, 202345:33
3.15: The Ash Wednesday Ashtravaganza

3.15: The Ash Wednesday Ashtravaganza

Regretting that we have't recorded together in a few weeks, but excited about some recent interviews Fr. Sam had for The Tangent on Veritas Catholic Network, we start talking about those, before getting back to Ash Wednesday, Lent, and prayerful discernment. It's important to pay attention to the desires in our hearts, to speak those desires to the Lord, and to allow God to form, purify, and confirm the graces He offers.

Lenten video resource from Dr. Scott Hahn and the St. Paul Center

Women Made New has some great stuff for Lent from Crystalina Evert

Some of you sharp-eared listeners may notice a shift in our audio about 16 minutes in. That's because we had some technical issues and we're sorry, but assure you that they were not intentional. If you don't notice an audio change, then this was all a dream...

Feb 22, 202353:24
3.14: Crinkle...or Krinkle...Either way, we support friendship and evangelization
Feb 04, 202301:01:52
3.13: Leading from the Front or Behind the Scenes or Both

3.13: Leading from the Front or Behind the Scenes or Both

Just talking about the joys and challenges of leading in ministry, knowing when to step forward, when to stay back in support, and when to know the difference.

Jan 25, 202341:48
3.12: Cookies and Popes - No Relation

3.12: Cookies and Popes - No Relation

Long-time listeners already know...Paola's name is hard for some people to pronounce, and Fr. Sam loves a good chocolate chip cookie. In this episode, we talk about both. Oh, and we also read Pope Benedict XVI's Spiritual Testimony and talk about his incredible theological output and papal legacy.

Jan 17, 202338:28
3.11: Marriage, Kind of a Big Deal

3.11: Marriage, Kind of a Big Deal

It's not quite a Christmas episode, but we were hoping it would be ready in time for our Lord's Nativity, and here it is on St. Stephen's Day (or Boxing Day for our British and Canadian listeners)! The reason it's not a Christmas episode is that we ended up talking about another, non-holiday-related topic: marriage. Sometimes it seems like the Church has a lot of rules about weddings and marriage, but we're taking a peek behind the rules to better understand how the truth and beauty of marriage is made apparent through the processes and rules supporting the sacramental celebration of matrimony. All in all, we think marriage is a pretty great thing, and so does the Catholic Church!

Dec 26, 202259:59
3.10: Words Matter
Dec 02, 202248:06
3.9: The 2022 RLTL Thanksgiving Extravaganza
Nov 24, 202233:31
3.8: Why Be Good?

3.8: Why Be Good?

In this short episode, we talk about being good even when we don't see the benefit, doing what is right because there is an intrinsic value to virtuous living, and not getting too caught up in what other people seem to have in spite of not always following the rules. St. Martin de Porres figures large in the conversation, so why not ask for his intercession today?

Nov 18, 202232:25
3.7: Preparing to Prepare

3.7: Preparing to Prepare

Advent is coming and somehow feels sneaky, even though we know exactly when it's coming. Not only is Advent almost here, it's four full weeks! So what's the excuse for not preparing now?

Nov 14, 202247:27
3.6: You're Not Disgusting
Oct 31, 202251:29
3.5: Infinite Stuff for Finite Us

3.5: Infinite Stuff for Finite Us

Separate studios for us today so Fr. Sam's cold doesn't infect Paola! We'll hear all about Paola's recent retreat with the Sisters of Life, talk about God's abundant gifts to us, and more!


SHOW NOTES

Sisters of Life

You can watch "The Chosen" over at formed.org - make your free account today!

That re-baptism controversy we were talking about? Going back to St. Cyprian of Carthage (martyr) and Pope Stephen in the 200s, and continuing to the Donatist heresy in the fourth and fifth centuries, it was a big deal. But from this controversy, the Church was able to articulate the theological idea of ex opere operato, that the grace of the sacraments do not depend on the worthiness of the one administering the sacraments, as well as highlight the enduring grace of baptism even when marred by sin!

Oct 26, 202244:33
3.4: An Adequate Ethnic Person
Oct 11, 202248:12
3.3: Angels and Wires
Sep 30, 202240:35
3.2: Charismatic Kerygmatics

3.2: Charismatic Kerygmatics

In something of a continuation of last week's episode, we're still talking catechesis, this time with a special focus on the kerygma, or first proclamation of the Gospel. In the end, we are all entrusted with the kerygma, though we have different ways of bearing witness. 

Some light reading to go along with this episode:

"The General Directory for Catechesis" - available free on the Vatican website, but you might want a printed version.
"Lumen Gentium" - also available free on the Vatican website. If you've listened to us for a while, it's about time you read it.
"Gravissimum Educationis" - Vatican II's document on education...go figure, available free on the Vatican website.
"Ministry or Apostolate: What Should the Catholic Laity be Doing?" - by Russell Shaw (2002). Not free on Vatican.va, sorry

Sep 23, 202252:34
3.1: Spock is a Vulcan
Sep 14, 202201:00:46
2.17: Can I get a ride?
Aug 17, 202258:23
2.16: Celibate, not stupid

2.16: Celibate, not stupid

The "method modeled by the Master" is something you might have heard us talk about in the past. It comes up especially when we're talking about discipleship and evangelization. The phrase is used to great effect by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). Today we go in-depth with the method and add some pieces.

Aug 10, 202245:28
2.15: Searching for and Finding Meaning

2.15: Searching for and Finding Meaning

Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" gets us talking about meaning in our lives, boredom, automation, striving for purpose, and being more human. Which somehow brings us to the Pastoral Constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes, which Fr. Sam has long held as his least-favorite document of the Council...but something is changing. Keep listening to find out why he's being converted to this beautiful document. And sorry for the abrupt end, but Padre did a bad job at time management.

Jul 27, 202201:00:44
2.14: Basket Weaving with a minor in Klingon
Jul 14, 202201:02:29
2:13 - God wants to walk with you

2:13 - God wants to walk with you

Paola questions Father's ability to bless things, discussion of the evilness of cats ensues, followed by the best reaction Fr. Sam has ever gotten from Paola on the podcast. And that's all in the first five minutes! All this to get us into the idea that God comes looking for us, wants to walk with us, and what a joy it is to step forward and allow God to find us and accompany us on the way. Helping us dive into this...yet another RLTL "Leisure the Basis of Culture" reference!  

Also...stay tuned for a HUGE personal sharing from Paola.   

--- SHOW NOTES ---

Pray for Shannon! https://nunsforpriests.org/   

“When we really let our minds rest contemplatively on a rose in bud, on a child at play, on a divine mystery, we are rested and quickened as though by a dreamless sleep. Or as the Book of Job says, “God giveth songs in the night” (Job 35:10). Moreover, it has always been a pious belief that God sends his good gifts and his blessings in sleep. And in the same way his great, imperishable intuitions visit a man in his moments of leisure. It is in these silent and receptive moments that the soul of man is sometimes visited by an awareness of what holds the world together:” ― Josef Pieper, Leisure: The Basis of Culture

And if you want to WATCH Paola's reaction to Shannon's picture, check it out here: https://youtu.be/Tck8fKrGcHI 

Jun 30, 202241:42
2.12: Bootstrap Spirituality

2.12: Bootstrap Spirituality

Awareness of our culture can help us understand our spirituality. Today we're looking at some of the cultural history that has found its way into our American Catholic spiritual worldview and some of the ways we need to depend on God more than our own efforts.  

"Obedience means falling in the abyss of God's love." Cardinal-designate Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ

Jun 23, 202241:42
2.11: Clutter in the morning, clutter in the evening, clutter at supper time, when clutter's in a rectory, you can have clutter anytime

2.11: Clutter in the morning, clutter in the evening, clutter at supper time, when clutter's in a rectory, you can have clutter anytime

A very messy rectory prompts discussion of how physical clutter impacts ministry, how priests might struggle to take care of their living arrangements because they're torn between simplicity of life and building maintenance, and more. 

Jun 08, 202246:02
2.10 - Trying to be realistic

2.10 - Trying to be realistic

We started slow on this one, then forgot to post it, then recorded a different episode which we posted last week. But here we talk about how the church, especially in local parishes, could use a good, collaborative boost. If all together, we Catholics could realize that we may need to make some sacrifices to get to Mass, or that parishes should not be in rivalry with one another, we'll be able to get stronger in faith, have more robust community life, and take on a growth mindset, rather than a maintenance model. 

Jun 02, 202201:03:20
2.9: Uvalde

2.9: Uvalde

In the aftermath of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, we want to talk about the Christian response to such evil. Everything we do must start with prayer. It is when we turn to God that we invoke divine guidance and healing on those who suffer, that we process our own outrage and grief, and that we receive inspiration for action. Please remember the victims of the Uvalde shooting by name in your prayer. 

Eva Mireles

Irma Garcia

Uziyah Garcia

Xavier Javier Lopez

Eliahana Cruz Torres

Jose Flores

Alithia Ramirez

Amerie Jo Garza

Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez

Jackie Cazares

Rojelio Torres

Jayce Carmelo Luevanos

Jailah Nicole Silguero

Eliahna Garcia

Nevaeh Bravo

Makenna Lee Elrod

Miranda Mathis

Tess Marie Mata

Layla Salazar

Maite Rodriguez

Alexandria Aniyah Rubio


The shooting at Robb Elementary follows shortly after a horrific attack on a supermarket in Buffalo, NY. Please pray also for those who were murdered in that shooting, and for their families and community.

Roberta Drury

Margus Morrison

Andre Mackniel

Aaron Salter

Geraldine Talley

Celestine Chaney

Heyward Patterson

Katherine Massey

Pearl Young

Ruth Whitfield

May 25, 202246:56
2.8: Just 4 Things
May 11, 202201:00:40
2.7: Opening Day - a Non-Starter
Apr 20, 202246:39
2.6: Ministry In a Time of Cholera
Apr 01, 202241:43
2.5: Tradition, Education, and Tangents

2.5: Tradition, Education, and Tangents

From Disney movies to agenda-driven education issues, we're going to bounce around a bit today. Tradition grounds us, and is discarded only at our peril. Parents have both the right and obligation to educate their children, especially in the faith - what a beautiful gift! All that, plus the songs stuck in the heads of Paola and Fr. Sam.


“Tradition means giving a vote to most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead.” Chesterton goes on to say: “Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about. All democrats object to men being disqualified by the accident of birth; tradition objects to their being disqualified by the accident of death. Democracy tells us not to neglect a good man’s opinion, even if he is our groom; tradition asks us not to neglect a good man’s opinion, even if he is our father.” - G.K. Chesterton "Orthodoxy" ch. 4

Mar 24, 202237:26
2.4: Kingdom - Eternity - the End

2.4: Kingdom - Eternity - the End

We're a little late getting this episode to you. If we could do it honestly, we'd blame supply chain issues or something like that, but really we just fell behind because of some busy days following recording. Apologies for being late. Anyway, here we're talking about the end and how we get ready for it. How often do we think about preparing for heaven? Do we equally consider preparing for the second coming of Christ? Here we talk about the consequences of these questions for our lives of faith. 

Mar 21, 202239:34
2.3: Mystery solved...but so many mysteries remain

2.3: Mystery solved...but so many mysteries remain

The big mystery from our last episode has been solved. But there's more important stuff for us to worry about. It's so important for us to engage the content of our faith in both an intellectual and spiritual way.

Please pray for Ukraine!

Mar 04, 202243:23
2.2 - The Case of the Missing Beverages

2.2 - The Case of the Missing Beverages

Happy feast of Our Lady of Lourdes! Today we're tackling a great mystery, and hope to resolve the case as soon as we can. Meanwhile, conversation about healing and the Blessed Virgin Mary's role ensue. See Mark 7:31-37

Feb 11, 202250:27