Capitol Hill Catholic
By Dr. Kevin Roberts
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Podcast Description
News from a Catholic perspective featuring CFA Executive Founder: Dr. Kevin Roberts
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Episode 123: Celebrating John Paul the Great | In this special edition devoted to John Paul the Great's beatification, I cover several news items related to the ceremonies of the week, as well as read from John Paul's Apostolic Letter on the "New Evangelization": Biographer George Weigel slams critics of John Paul's "fast-track" to sainthood; Weigel also contends that John Paul's legacy will take several hundred years to understand fully; one cardinal argues for John Paul II to be named the patron of youth; the USCCB establishes a John Paul II memorial website. | 4/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 122: The Renewal | He is risen! In the spirit of Easter season, today I focus on reasons to be optimistic -- as well as reasons to continue working toward renewal of our culture. Consider these stories: NJ school reports large number of conversions among students; the Holy Father's call to "reason, freedom, and love"; one school superintendent's courage in taking on mediocrity and the teachers' union; the lack of action by our leaders on the nation's debt crisis; John Paul II's heroic example Spiritual message of the day: "He has triumphed over death." | 4/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 121: Holy Thursday, the Holy Priesthood, and Cultural Renewal | Today we prepare for the Mass of the Lord's Supper, which recreates the original Sacrifice of the Mass through the Institution of the Eucharist and the Institution of the Holy Priesthood. As Catholics, we should understand this fully, not only for its liturgical and theological significance, but also for its impact on our efforts to renew American culture. To that point, I discuss foreign policy, 2012 elections, and the sputtering economy, brought on by high debt and imminent inflation. I also update everyone on my new effort to renew Catholic education. Be sure to read this Catholic school parent's reflections on the problems with Catholic education. | 4/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 120: The Reform and Renewal of Catholic Education | I've waited several years to put all of this together publicly, so today's episode is the result of much work. In it, I discuss what I have spent my professional life doing: working in education, the last several years in Catholic education. Though there are many good people in Catholic schools, and many excellent priests and bishops supporting authentic Catholic schools, the fact is that as a whole, Catholic education is in crisis. I lay out the diagnosis as well as my solution, pointing to these stories: Andy Smarick's brilliant analysis, "Can Catholic Schools Be Saved?" National Review's Robert Costa on "Reviving the Catholic Schools," featuring Archbishop Timothy Dolan's ideas The so-called "Land O' Lakes Declaration," which sent Catholic higher education--and, eventually, Catholic secondary education down the spiral of secularism and relativism Case in point: the National Labor Relations Board's decision to refuse religious recognition to Manhattan College because of its secularism America magazine's feature, "The Future of Catholic Schools" the terrible decision of the National Catholic Education Association, which has featured apostates Sr. Helen Prejean and Garrison Keillor as keynote speakers So what's the solution? Starting a new group for authentic Catholic schools -- the Association of Catholic Schools. Listen in. Spread the word. Be part of the renewal. The spiritual message of the day: "Off you go. Fly!" | 4/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 119: The Conservative Resurgence | Buoyed by the successful staring down of The Wizard of Oz, conservatives are on the march in Washington. Thus, while we may be concerned, angry, and even frustrated with the state of the republic, we need to treat our political and cultural battle as if it were a war: we need to get off the sidelines and join the "attack." To wit: inflationary risks are very prevalent, so we must be on guard for liberal lunacy with monetary policy more than 150 Catholic colleges have ties to Planned Parenthood evidence of a "tea party" political revolt in Europe predominantly Christian secessionists in southern Sudan understand that true freedom is imprinted on our souls Clinton's Labor Secretary, Robert Reich, says we're "right-wing bullies" for initiating budget cuts Thomas Peters' analysis of the Planned Parenthood debate for further reading: G.K. Chesterton's "Why I am Catholic" Today's spiritual message: "Let us not turn away from our duty." | 4/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 118: A Nation of Takers, not Makers | Most of modern American society's tendencies toward dependency on Big Government can be traced back to the 1960s-era building of the welfare state, known as the Great Society. The Wall Street Journal's Stephen Moore looks at the impact of that process, arguing that we have become a "nation of takers, not makers." Chris Christie is also in the news, once again decrying the teacher's union as "political thugs." Watch the video here. I also cover these topics: Donald Trump is in 2nd place in a recent poll of possible GOP contenders In an outstanding display of virtuous leadership, The Wizard of Oz is leaving Washington during the "government shutdown" fight the Koran-burning pastor gets 400 death threats from peace-loving Muslims New Hampshire Republicans show their anti-Catholic bias consider these reasons to end your family's association with Facebook Please consider joining Capitol Hill Catholic this July at the "Catholics in the Next America" conference in California. Today's spiritual message: "Don't let your life be barren." | 4/7/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 117: The Gullibility of America | Today's weekend edition focuses on the theme of the gullibility of America. What do I mean by that? As I look at the news and events of recent weeks--as well as some enduring problems in the Church, schools, and the nation--I see an undercurrent: many people in power prey on the naivete of others. How else can we explain the following: all of us will have to start buying "green" vehicles, but the president will not have to; a Chicago couple is threatened by a Census worker for trying to protect their privacy; the FDA will soon require calorie counts to be posted at restaurants, bakeries, and stores; Ben Bernanke lied about sending bailout money to foreign banks, including one in Libya; animal-loving federal agents, looking for BP-harmed fish, kill three dolphins; radioactive material found in Illinois, in spite of repeated pleadings by the Japanese and U.S. governments that no Americans should be harmed; the Department of Homeland Security acting like the Gestapo; the fraud of the Social Security system; problems with heterodox bishops and priests not following Vatican directives on the liturgy; and the deterioration of Catholic schools. What do all of these examples have in common? The growth of a dependency mentality among the American people. We must begin clamoring for subsidiarity to be practiced -- and soon. Today's spiritual message: "You are to be yeast among the great multitudes." | 4/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 116: Back in the Saddle | After a hiatus for good reasons, I'm back behind the mic, discussing these stories today: why Libya and the Middle East may be more like the limited revolutions of 1848 rather than a wholesale "era of revolution" for liberty four questions for the Wizard of Oz on his Libya "policy" public policy lessons from the 2010 census on the Church front, an interview with the director of There Be Dragons the Worcester diocese's decision to halt entrants to the permanent diaconate funny business (statistically speaking) with a survey that purports to show a majority of Catholics support same sex marriage a congressman's telling view of Catholicism in public life Today's spiritual message: "Get to know the Holy Spirit." | 3/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 115: Joining Catholic Vote | Today's episode unveils the "big announcement" I've referenced in the last several weeks: Catholic Families for America, which I founded in 2008, is joining Catholic Vote. This move will enable me to focus more on the podcast, as well as assist Catholic Vote by serving on its PAC's advisory board. The episode also includes an interview with Catholic Vote's Josh Mercer. | 1/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 114: The Age of Narcissism | In today's special weekend edition, I focus on a problem that underlay most of the problems we see in society -- narcissism. From the policies of the Narcissist in Chief to the elevating of personal, selfish aims above the nation, Church, and family, our society is beset with this problem. What shall we do about it? Find a narcissist, tell them they are not "special," and stop updating Facebook with mundane silliness! | 1/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 113: Don’t Let the Left Diagnose Tucson | In the aftermath of Saturday's rampage in Tucson, we pray for the recovery of Congresswoman Giffords and all wounded, and, of course, the repose of the souls of those tragically murdered by lunatic Jared Loughner. The double tragedy is that many good people -- all of them conservatives -- will be blamed for creating the circumstances for such a shooting. In fact, that has already started. We must be vigilant and diligent in making sure that the Left does not do this to us. Lunatics are lunatics -- they know no ideology. Back into the mundane, economists say the economy will sputter for a decade, causing the USA to lose ground to China. We will also lose ground in the realm of military technology as well, hence Defense Secretary Gates' visit to the Chicoms this week. Let's not lose sight of the murderous rampages of Muslims, either. The best solution? As in Nigeria, where the Christians are not afraid of raising "defensive swords" against Muslim aggression, is meeting strength with strength. On that point, here's a book recommendation: The Closing of the Muslim Mind by Robert Reilly. Spiritual message of the day: "The richness of our faith." | 1/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 112: The Year in Review | In the last episode of the first year of Capitol Hill Catholic, I examine the 10 Best Events and 10 Worst Events of 2010. I also list the 11 Things to Look Out For in 2011. Enjoy -- next year promises to be momentous! Today's spiritual message: "The enormous task of parents." | 12/31/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 111: Christmas Edition (Fidelity to the Truth) | Back in action following a strategic-planning hiatus, I offer some end-of-the-year reflections on Advent, Christmas, and the state of American society. Ultimately, all of those reflections revolve around the Holy Father's Christmas message, which emphasizes obedience to the truth, akin to Bl. John Henry Newman's exhortations. How about this case in point -- our apostate-friend Sr. Carol Keehan rejecting Bishop Olmsted's rebuke of a "Catholic" hospital? This is precisely what the Holy Father is speaking about. This commitment to moral relativism has the effect of diminishing decisiveness. This is perhaps best evidenced today by the inability of the United States and its allies to made good on their condemnations of North Korea, which is now promising a "sacred war" against South Korea. Whither our courageous leaders of today? Maybe the next great American president is among the 24 names that Jonah Goldberg mentions as 2012 possibilities. On another front, Michael Barone looks at the irrefutable Census evidence that states with no income tax have the highest population growth. And George Weigel says, in his Christmas article, that we should all strive to be more like Christ in order to appreciate the Christmas season. What a nice way to emphasize knowing The Truth and The Way. Merry Christmas! Daily Spiritual Message: "We Must Be Humble" | 12/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 110: The Tyranny of Niceness | With the brilliant analysis of "the tyranny of niceness," we have a very helpful theme for today's show. After all, that pretty much sums up the problems in modern America. It also explains the furor over Pope Benedict's recent comments about condoms. As Deal Hudson says, if you're conservative in the Church, then you must be "divisive." How about fewer feelings and more beliefs? How about more Chris Christie? Spiritual message of the day: "Married life, an occasion for God's presence on Earth." And here's a helpful guide to some traditional Advent practices. It's not Christmas yet! | 12/2/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 109: Thanksgiving Edition | In today's episode, I discuss how each of us, as faithful Catholics, should be grateful for a host of blessings: our faith, our nation, virtuous leaders, our families, the institution of marriage, and the holy priesthood. We should focus on those blessings so that we do not despair over the challenges facing our country. Moreover, by building communities such as the one surrounding this podcast, we can continue to push back against the advances of liberalism and secularism. Thank you for being part of the podcast for its first 9 months! Spiritual message of the day: "Your work must become a personal prayer." | 11/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 108: Real War & Culture War | With the escalation of the Korean Conflict this morning, we are reminded of the weakness of American foreign policy -- as well as the weakness of American culture. Interestingly, war abroad reminds us of the extensive damage caused by decades of liberalism and secularism in this country. No wonder the surprising interest that the leftist media took in Pope Benedict XVI's comments on condom use. (For an extensive analysis, read this article at Catholic World Report.) The attempt to confuse people worldwide about the Holy Father and about Church teaching is purposeful, as it is designed to cause people to overlook some terrific news, such as a spike in seminarians in England, following the Holy Father's visit, and the election of a conservative bishop to head the USCCB. In other news, consider the twenty reasons globalization is bad; that the UN will appoint an ambassador to outer space (no joke!); and that Senate Bill 510 extends government intrusion into our small farms and vegetable gardens. Today's must-read: Russell Shaw on changes to the Roman Missal. Today's spiritual message: "In God's name, don't despair." | 11/23/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 107: Righteous Anger | Considering that faith is the foundation of our liberty, we should all be exceedingly angry and concerned over the encroachment of government, whether that be the growing TSA controversies (see firsthand accounts here and here), or which organizations (i.e. unions) get "waived" from Obamacare requirements. The point? Even with our electoral successes (kudos to our friends at Catholic Vote for their work), we have much to do. Even some libs argue for the Wizard of Oz to be a one-termer by choice. (Fat chance -- he's too much of a megalomaniac.) So what should we do? Agitate. Support efforts like Gov. Rick Perry's attempt to opt Texas out of Medicaid. (How's that for subsidiarity?) Express concern to our local bishop about the election of a liberal, heterodox bishop as the president of the USCCB. Pray for more good news in the Church, like Anglican bishops reuniting with Rome, and the Holy Father speaking the truth. | 11/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 106: The Spiritual Lesson of Election Victory | Amen! The day for which we all had high hopes did, in fact, materialize, with the GOP winning the House, and picking up 7 or 8 seats in the Senate. The Wizard of Oz' agenda has been stopped. Let's celebrate our "holy stubbornness" in opposing the Oz agenda, and in pushing his minions out of power. Let's also remember that we need to make sure this new majority understands the magnanimity with which it must govern. | 11/3/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 105: All Saints’ Day Edition–The Battle to Save our Culture | Be sure to read this brief history of All Saints' Day; it will give you a renewed appreciation for this 1300-year-old tradition. Naturally, we are all anticipating good news tomorrow night, when we hope to see a pro-life, pro-family majority in both houses of Congress. But that is merely one part of the huge task ahead: we must also wage a war for culture and for virtue. Let's hold these new representatives' feet to the fire regarding life, marriage, and family-friendly policies -- if they describe themselves as "fiscal conservatives" we'll need to lambaste them. In today's news stories, the latest predictions look good for the GOP, the Washington Post reports. In cultural news, the epidemic of pornography has become particularly troublesome, Mary Eberstadt says. That's all the more reason to turn to a powerful saint and important reformer, St. Charles Borromeo. Finally, today's must-read is an outstanding reminder about the importance of the Eucharist as a shield in our battle for the culture. | 11/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Episode 104: Assessing the Elections One Week Out | With seven days to go, the GOP looks to be in great shape to take the House and the majority of governorships. But they're running against an apparent ceiling to get to 51 seats in the Senate. Today's episode focuses on what we need to do, as the lay faithful, in getting our pro-family, pro-life, pro-subsidiarity candidates elected. If you need inspiration to help, read the Heritage Foundation's report on government dependence. Or maybe the Wizard of Oz's desire to send Republicans "to the back of the bus" should be sufficient. In the good news department, Notre Dame has suffered a dramatic drop in donations, as a result of the Wizard's visit to the sea of apostasy. | 10/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 20 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Good podcast
This is a great resource for politics from an active Catholic view. It covers news stories in a no-nonsense, though-provoking way.
Aesthetically, it is a well-produced podcast. It has a better sound quality than most podcasts out there. If you are looking for a Catholic base in the tumultous world of news, this is your place.
Great podcast!
I'm surprised only 1 other review has been posted. I've been listening since the beginning & love every minute!
Joining catholic vote.
Dr. Kevin sold out.
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