Episode 42 – Experiencing the Joy of Divine Mercy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss Easter as a season for joy within our lives and within the church, focusing on the joy found in the devotion to the Divine Mercy. For more episodes in this series, visit the Why it Matte…

Episode 41 – Easter: A Season for Joy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss Easter as a season for joy within our lives and within the church, drawing back upon the Kerygma as shown in the Gospel readings throughout the Easter Season following Jesus’ resurrection. For more …

Episode 40 – Journey of Faith – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the “Journey of Faith”, a new way to bring together parishes within the Archdiocese, helping to meet the challenges and new reality facing parish life. While the conversation primarily addresses what is hap…

Episode 39 – Living the Reality of the Christmas Season – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss living the joys and challenges of the Christmas Season authentically. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Christmas mystery 525 Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a…

Episode 38 – Preparing for the Coming of Christ – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the events leading up to the celebration of Christmas and how the coming of Christ experienced in our lives today. Gospel Lk 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus tha…

Episode 37 – Giving Witness to Christ – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the heart of Kerygma as Peter addresses the Jews gathered in Jerusalem, reminding them that the events they have just experienced were foretold by the prophet Joel (Acts 2: 14-21), and proclaiming J…

Episode 36 – Second Sunday of Advent and the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the season of Advent and its particular nature in relation to the Kerygma (the pronouncement of the Good News). In this episode, they discuss the gospel reading found in the First Sun…

Episode 35 – First Sunday of Advent and the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the season of Advent and its particular nature in relation to the Kerygma (the pronouncement of the Good News). In this episode, they discuss the gospel reading found in the First Sund…

Episode 34 – What is the Kerygma Part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Luca Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA From the APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS 164. In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the f…

Episode 33 – What is the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Luca Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA From the APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS 164. In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamen…

Episode 32 Called to Mission – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas discusses with Kris McGregor what it is to be outward-looking disciples of Jesus. People we know are starving for God’s love and impoverished by loneliness, addiction, anxiety, and broken relationships. What are the …

Episode 31 Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes pt. 8 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈɡau̯di.um et ˈspes], “Joy and Hope”), the Pastoral Constituti…

Episode 30 Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes pt. 7 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et spes (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈɡau̯di.um et ˈspes], “Joy and Hope”), the Pastoral Constituti…

Episode 29 Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes pt. 6 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et spes (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈɡau̯di.um et ˈspes], “Joy and Hope”), the Pastoral Constituti…

Special Episode: Vatican II – Archbishop Lucas’ Statment on the Supreme Court Ruling – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this special episode, Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and what we as Catholics must do next to support both expectant mo…

Episode 28 Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes pt. 5 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et spes (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈɡau̯di.um et ˈspes], “Joy and Hope”), the Pastoral Constituti…

Episode 26 Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes pt. 3 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et spes (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈɡau̯di.um et ˈspes], “Joy and Hope”), the Pastoral Constituti…

Episode 25 Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et spes (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈɡau̯di.um et ˈspes], “Joy and Hope”), the Pastoral Constituti…

Episode 24 Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin a conversation on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et spes (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈɡau̯di.um et ˈspes], “Joy and Hope”), the Pastoral Constitution on…

Episode 23 Vatican II – Lumen Gentium pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin a conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. This dog…

Episode 22 Vatican II – Lumen Gentium pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin a conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. This dog…

Episode 21 Vatican II – Dei Verbum pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei verbum, the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on …

Episode 20 Vatican II – Dei Verbum pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin our conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei verbum, the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 18 …

Episode 19 Vatican II – Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue our conversation on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, is one of the constitutions of the Seco…

Episode 18 Vatican II – Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin a conversation on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, is one of the constitutions of the Second Va…

Episode 17 Vatican II – Introduction pt. 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue the introduction to Vatican II. The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, commonly known as the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, was the 21st ecumenical council of the Roman C…

Episode 16 Vatican II – Introduction pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin with an introduction to Vatican II. The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, commonly known as the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, was the 21st ecumenical council of the Roman …

Discerning Hearts special with Archbishop George Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas discusses the particulars concerning the lifting of some restrictions implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. How will this look in individual parishes? How will this affect ministries? How will this touch the lives of individuals…

Discerning Hearts special with Archbishop George Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas discusses the challenges we all are facing in the light of the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. He reminds us that God is not mad with us, but loves us all more deeply than we could ever know and is pouring out extra…

Episode 15 Why Prayer Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we continue the conversation on why prayer matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “…for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.“ St. Augustine, Conf. 1,1,1:P…

Episode 14 Why Prayer Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we begin the conversation on why prayer matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of lov…

Special Episode – The Clerical Abuse Crisis and the Response by the Bishops – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas addresses the Clerical Abuse Crisis now plaguing the Roman Catholic Church and the deeply disturbing behavior of the former Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C…

Episode 12 Why Confirmation Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we continue the conversation about the action of the Holy Spirit and why the Sacrament of Confirmation matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at le…

Episode 11 Why Confirmation Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we begin the conversation about the action of the Holy Spirit and why the Sacrament of Confirmation matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leadi…

Episode 10 Why the Priesthood Matters – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas we begin the conversation about the Sacrament of Holy Orders and why the priesthood matters? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: In the person of Christ the Head . . . 1548 In the ecclesial servic…

Episode 9 “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt.3 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas continues the conversation on various aspects of the April 2018 Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be glad)” given to the faithful by Pope Francis. We conclude our conve…

Episode 8 “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt.2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas continues the conversation on various aspects of the April 2018 Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be glad)” given to the faithful by Pope Francis. We conclude our conve…

Episode 7 “GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE” by Pope Francis pt.1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas reflects on the April 2018 Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be glad)” given to the faithful by Pope Francis. We discuss Chapter 1, entitled “The Call to Holiness” whic…

Episode 6 “Baptism: Liberation and Communion” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, we continue our conversation on why baptism matters. We will discuss, among other things, the experience of exorcism contained within the rite, the blessing of the water, and the action of baptism with the invocation…

Episode 5 “Baptism: Why the Parish and the Saints Matter” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, we continue our conversation on why baptism matters. We will discuss, among other things, the importance of the parish community and the need to support parents in witness and catechesis. As we enter more…

Episode 4 “Infant Baptism: Welcoming our Children” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode we continue our conversation on why baptism matters. We will discuss, among other things, the reason for infant baptisms in the life of the Church, the vital role the parents have in nurturing baptismal grace in …

Episode 3 “Why Baptism Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, we discuss “Why Being Baptism Matters.” Archbishop Lucas contiures to disucss why being a Catholic matters and moves into the importance of Baptism. From DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH – LUMEN GENTIUM no. 1267 1267 Baptism ma…

Episode 2 “Why Being Catholic Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode, we discuss “Why Being Catholic Matters.” Archbishop Lucas also talks about the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” and in particular “The Rite of Election” where those who are seeking to be brought into full communion …

USCCA1- Episode 1- My Soul Longs For You, O God (Ps 42:2) Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 1: How is our quest for God awakened? God first pursues us; this spurs us to search for him for whom we were made. the Catechism presents three paths through which every person can come to God; creation, the hum…

USCCA2- Episode 2- God Comes to Meet Us Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 2: Through the use of reason, we can learn much about God from both creation and conscience, but Revelation enables us to learn about God’s inner life and his loving plan to save us from sin and share in his divine life. No amoun…

USCCA3- Episode 3- Proclaim the Gospel to Every Creature Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 3: Blessed John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council itself illustrate how the Church constantly draws upon Tradition and Sacred Scripture. This chapter examines these foundations of the Church teaching because i…

USCCA4- Episode 4- Bring About the Obedience of Faith Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 4: God makes himself known to us through Revelation in order both to give us something and to draw a response from us. Both this gift of God and our response to his Revelation are called faith. By faith, we are able…

USCCA5- Episode 5- I Believe in God Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 5: Revelation tells us that he living and personal, and profoundly close to us in creating and sustaining us. Though he is totally other, hidden, glorious, and wondrous, he communicates to us through creation us and reveals himself t…

USCCA6- Episode 6- Man and Woman in the Beginning Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 6: It is Jesus Christ who frees us from Original Sin and our own actual sins. By Baptism, we share in the redemptive act of Jesus’ death and Resurrection, are freed from Original Sin, and are strengthened against the po…

USCCA7- Episode 7- The Good News: God Has Sent His Son Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 7: We ponder Christ’s person and his earthly words and deeds in terms of mystery. His earthly life reveals his hidden divine Sonship and plan for our salvation. His parables, miracles, sermons, and wisdom sayings h…