Del Sherman, a candidate for the diaconate and one of Mike's classmates joins us this week. Del runs a family drive-in movie theater. He opens up about his journey from being a nominal Catholic to a devoted candidate in the Deaconate Formation Program.

We navigate through the biblical history of a deacon's role, delving into St. Stephen's early role as the first deacon. While service defines a deacon's call in ministry they also have a role in the liturgy. As we traverse Del's tale, we illuminate the crucial yet often overlooked support system that wives provide to deacon candidates, as marriage remains a primary vocation for married Deacons.

Picture a group of six future deacons, each with a distinctive story and a shared destination. This episode doesn't just highlight the journey of these men, but also the silent strength of their wives, who are pillars in the formation process. From classes to parish involvement, their consent and dedication are critical to these men's success.

The Church search heads to Our Lady, Help of Christians, a unique parish with 4 sites:

LITCHFIELD
9608 Norwalk Rd.
Litchfield, OH 44253
(330)722-1180

LODI
8240 Buffham Rd.
Lodi, OH 44254*
(330)948-3500**

SEVILLE
60 High St.
Seville, OH 44273*
(330)769-3831**

NOVA
240 State Route 511
Nova, OH 44859*
(419)652-3931**

Their pastor Fr. Ed also bakes an award-winning pie.

A New feature: "Scripture or Swift." 5 quotes that are either from Taylor Swift songs or the Book of Lamentations.

As we wrap up, we invite you to join us in marking your calendars for the upcoming ordination on May 4th at the Cathedral and note the ordinandi's new assignments (given to them post-recording):

Mike Hayes, St. Christopher, Rocky River
Ed Linsky, Holy Spirit, Cleveland
Christopher Loxterman, St. John Vianney, Mentor
Del Sherman, St. Peter AND St. Julie Billiart, North Ridgeville
Mark Tomecko, St. Francis Xavier, Medina
John Zarbo, St. Anthony of Padua, Fairport Harbor

Don't forget to send your questions of Faith to mhayes@dioceseofcleveland.org.

Rate and review us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Discover the sacred intricacies of the Catholic Mass as Mary Hrich, our Director of the Office for Worship, discusses what happens to the Precious Blood after Communion. From reverent consumption to the purification of vessels, Mary guides us through the liturgical protocols.

Church Search goes to Sacred Heart in Wadsworth.

Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

We invite you to be part of our next episode by contributing your burning questions about liturgy and music and even more by sending questions to mhayes@dioceseofcleveland.org

Delve into the sacred with Mary Hrich, the Diocese of Cleveland's Director for the Office for Worship, as we address the intricacies of the communion rite—is personalizing it with a communicant's name a move towards intimacy or a step away from the ritual's communal roots? As we unravel the layers of this debate, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why "The Body of Christ" is more than just a phrase—it's a universal proclamation that unites us all in faith. Our conversation doesn't stop there; We'll discuss FD's "liturgical facial hair" better known as the "Divine Mercy Mustache."

Our spiritual exploration then shifts to the poignant symbolism of the Good Shepherd, as FD recounts his recent visits to many of the vibrant parishes of our diocese including this week's Church Search, St. Clement Parish in Lakewood. Dr. Megan Bolin, like Fr. Damian is trying to visit every church in the Diocese (Her book "Ignite" on Young Adult Ministry is out as well.

The episode reaches a crescendo as we discuss the readings for Good Shepherd Sunday and the upcoming consecration of the Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd chapel.

Join us for a heartfelt discourse that not only connects liturgy and community but also the enduring presence of the Good Shepherd in our daily lives.

As Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference recount, there's something about an eclipse that brings both wonder and joy. The recent night sky's ballet was no different, and as it cast a surreal glow, they found themselves surrounded by friends, absorbed in the spellbinding moment. This episode takes you through their weekend journey, ending with the prayerful peak of the eclipse and the vibrant Believeland retreat with young adults, where laughter and serenity mingled. FD also shared the deep privilege of witnessing a sacred ordination at the University of Notre Dame.

Venture further with us as we tackle the concept of purgatory, a theme poignantly depicted at the end of the film "St Vincent." FD also discusses a comforting dream that provided solace after recalling the loss of a mentor.

We go to Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain for Church Search this week.

And as the Third Sunday of Easter approaches, we examine one of the Gospel of Luke's accounts of Jesus' resurrection.

Join us to connect these spiritual reflections with the tranquility of the eclipse – an event that not only stirred excitement but also had a surprising calming effect on Mike's pet.

Additonal Show Notes:
Softball Registration is now up.
Study groups from the National Catholic Singles Conference.

If you have a Question: email it to: mhayes@dioceseofcleveland.org

Have you ever wondered how a simple invitation can transform someone's spiritual life? Join the three of us: Mike Hayes, Father Damian Ference and Christy Cabaniss, as we unravel the power of community and the art of welcoming others into our faith journey this Easter season. In our latest heartfelt discussion, we dive into the nuances of inviting friends to Mass, from becoming a "Mass buddy" to leveraging technology for creating inclusive spaces. We also relive the vibrancy of Holy Week, with Christy's touching recount of the Easter Vigil at St. Mary's and Father Damian's and Mike's marathon of services that bring the solemnity of Good Friday to life.

Then, we nestle into the warmth of St. Mary's Parish community, where the beauty of shared liturgy and the statues of saints offer more than just a visual feast—they're beacons for spiritual kinship. We reflect on how these symbols of faith provide comfort, particularly in the journey to find a spiritual mother in Our Lady.

The episode then shifts to a contemplative gear as we ponder over the gospel, delving into the mystery of Doubting Thomas's absence and what it tells us about belief, community, and the human heart.

So, pull up a chair and let's explore these Easter reflections together—because sometimes, the most profound lessons come wrapped in the joy of shared experiences.

Fr. Eric Garris, Diocesan Vocations Director joins Mike and FD

0:45: Lent is busy for all.

1:15: It's like Finals Week

1:35: What is Holy Week like for the guys?

1:50: What is Shrove Tuesday?

2:15: Today is the Chrism Mass.

2:25: More on Shrove Tuesday and the Chrism Mass and the priests spending the day.

4:00: The priesthood is very diverse.

4:20: Tuesday of Holy Week actually has a cool name after all.

4:55: On Fig Newtons

5:05: On Tenebrae

5:35: What's going on Holy Thursday? Expanded time of confession on Holy Thursday at the Cathedral.

6:10: All three of us will be at St. Wendelin's at 7PM for Holy Thursday's Mass of the Lord's Supper followed by Holy Night Hike.

7:15: We got billboards.

7:40: It was cool last year.

8:15: We got Maps

8:40: Good weather is coming our way.

8:55: St. Phillip Neri started the 7 church walk. And then 14 churches --one for each Station of the Cross.

10:05: A strange experience of Holy Thursday for Fr. Eric.

10:45: FD's experience in the Garden of Gethsemane.

12:15: Altars are stripped and then Good Friday.

12:40: Fr. Eric is at the Cathedral for Good Friday and then in the evening at St Lucy/St. Edward's.

13:15: Mike is doing the Good Friday Procession at Sagrada Familia (FD too!), St. Coleman's and St Michael's.

14:25: Lots of participation on Holy Week.

15:05: These liturgies are not obligatory but....

15:55: Mike's experience of Holy Week in a Yonkers Monastery.

17:15: Lots of different experiences are striking.

17:35: Blessing of the Food experinces.

19:00: On the Easter Vigil.

20:00: Do you use the old oils for the Easter Fire? Charcoal for incense.

20:45: RCIA experiences.

21:45: The Easter dismissal.

22:05: We take our lives and pour ourselves into the liturgy.

23:35: The Holy Night Hike Churches are this week's churches:

24:10: Bring a friend to Holy Night Hike.

24:35: The Apollo Stamp at St. Emeric.

24:55: The Liturgies are long.

25:55: The Readings for Easter Sunday.

26:40: The deferral by the Beloved Disciple.

27:05: Grief and Holy Week with Mary of Magdala.

28:05: A Gardener's Mustache.

28:45: Should Mike grow a mustache? Take our poll!

29:00: Mike Hayes has been called to Holy Orders! Yay!

29:25: Once a Deacon always a Deacon.

29:50: Pope Fr

Christa Alaburda from the Young Adult Advisory Board and parishioner at St Hilary's Parish in Fairlawn

(1:05) Christa is a Godparent to her nephew.

1:25: What are the responsibilities and requirements to be a Godparent?

2:05: It's a gift!

2:20: To be a witness and accompany.

2:40: Did Christa have active Godparents?

3:20: You might have wonderful parents but you need people who are not them to support your faith.

3:45: Who were Fr. Damian's Godparents?

4:10: We share the Body of Christ with others who are not blood relatives.

4:40: Mike's Godparents were one of both. Mike is a Godparent as well.

5:15: FD has 12 Godchildren what does he do for them?

6:45: What does Christa do with her Godson?

7:45: What was Mike's best birthday present?

8:30: FD tries to go to sacraments and send notes on retreat.

8:50: Christa babysits for her Godson too.

9:05: Weddings sometimes features Godparents.

9:40: What do you have to be to be a Godparent?

10:55: St. Hilary parish in Fairlawn, OH is this week's Church Search.

12:25: Deacon Michael Garvin is being ordained and he is a son of that parish.

13:25: Check out Holy Night Hike this Holy Thursday.

18:00: FD is celebrating Mass at St Wendelin at 7PM

18:15: Christa did this last year.

19:30: Mike met his wife on Holy Thursday.

20:55: No monstrances on Holy Thursday.

21:45: Palm Sunday Readings can be found here.

22:30: Holy week is awesome.

Mary Hrich, Director for the Office for Worship joins us as Fr. Damian is travelling.

0:20: Mary is a longtime liturgical musician, so she talks about how she's gone about selecting music in parish life.

1:40: Music must be deemed worthy and liturgically approproate.

2:35: Music has different purposes: Sometimes it's the prayer itself. Sometimes it's processional.

4:00: The are limits to the musical diversity, but there is diversity.

4:45: Mary had a great liturgical teacher and has kept up with workshops, etc.

6:20: Can you make music requests? Why or why not?

8:55: What about Weddings or Funerals?

10:30: Mike's friend's crazy story about wedding music.

11:50: What's Mary new job like?

14:05: Mary misses playing music at Mass.

15:00 Church Search goes to Resurrection in Solon, Oh

16:00: Readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent