Pastors of Payne (County)

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and special guest Angela Vivar Romero talk about her Stillwater roots, her work with the Hispanic community of Payne County, and how she became a staff member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

“What is Hospitality? An Interview with Amanda Fiorazo” In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and special guest Amanda Fiorazo talk about her early life, choosing a college and a degree in hospitality management, faith and prayer, a day in the life of a Hospitality Coordinator, and what is hospitality and its biblical roots. Resource: “Radical Hospitality – Benedict’s Way of Love” by Lonni Collins Pratt

In this week’s episode, Fr. Kerry and special guest Trevor Allee talk about all the awesome summer events happening at St. John’s Student Center and Trevor’s conversion to the Catholic faith.

In this week’s episode, Fr. Kerry and special guest Chris Petrin talk about the first century apologist St. Irenaeus of Lyon, great books about the Incarnation, the dogma of the Incarnation, and the effects and importance of the Incarnation to the Christian faith. Resource(s): “The Teaching of the Church Fathers” - Fr. John R Willis, SJ

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and returning special guests Seminarians Kyle Doud and Marcus Lyons talk about why they’re in Stillwater, their life as a seminarian, what they’ve learned so far, their summer plans, and what it means to be baptized a priest.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the latest update on the St. John’s building project, choosing great names for church bells, summer events happening at St. Francis Xavier, and the philosophy and scriptural basis of the sin of adultery known as the 6th Commandment. Resources: CCC 2331: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P83.HTM CCC 2339, 2344, 2347: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P85.HTM “Theology of the Body for Beginners” – Matthew West

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about building delays of St. John Student Center, family time this summer at the beach, all the summer programs for adults, kids, and families, the importance of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and the need for a Eucharistic Revival.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the busy calendar filled with upcoming weddings, dealing with scheduling conflicts, marriage preparation, the blessed and privileged life of a priest in offering the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, and wedding “dos” and “don’ts”.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the recent news concerning human life, the leaked document of the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade, the association of ending abortion with the Catholic Church, and the time for neutrality on abortion is at an end.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the epic and giant “Blue Bow”, the wonderfulness of the many sacraments celebrated by the two parishes of Stillwater, reminiscing about their First Holy Communion and Confirmation, and the significant importance of each to our faith life.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the deliciousness of gummy bears, what it was like to move as a priest, their growing parishes, and the great addition of two new priests coming to Stillwater!

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien, Fr. Kerry, and special guest Seminarian Kyle Doud talk about the great season of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, the beauty and richness of God’s Mercy, and the Apostolic Pardon at the point of death.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and FOCUS Missionary Reagan Caldwell talk all about moms, good and bad advice, things men shouldn’t say to pregnant women, the challenges of taking kids to Mass, what it’s like being a mom in 2022, and advice on the toxicity of social media on a life of personal prayer.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about Easter eggs, a retrospective look at this year’s season of Lent, determining whether or not “Holy Week” is an official liturgical title, the many opportunities for confession, and preparing for Easter.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry take a stroll down memory lane as they look back on 200 episodes, wondering who has listened to all of them, giving thanks to all donors and fans, and Fr. Kerry’s recent annual mission trip to Costa Rica.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and special guest Rob Ponce, Communications Director talk about Rob’s early life, his journey to Catholicism, and a long-held desire fulfilled in working for the Church.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about Fr. O’Brien’s recent parish mission trip to Hugo, Antlers, and Boswell, Fr. Kerry’s upcoming mission trip to Costa Rica, the importance of hospitality, and the “Rule of St. Benedict”.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the goodness of “Fuzzy’s” nachos, awesome podcasts, and offering a pep talk from your “hype men” about not giving up and staying the course during this Lenten season.

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about prayer, fasting, and what it means to give alms during the season of Lent… and making your bed! Resource(s): Psalm 17 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/17 Favorite charities: Fr. O’Brien: St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater Catholic Charities of Stillwater Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma Center of Family Love Fr. Kerry: Feeding college students Catholic Charities of Stillwater Building project of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church To the poor

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about Fr. O’Brien’s recent retreat to his seminarian roots – St. Meinrad’s Archabbey in southern Indiana, why we receive ashes on our foreheads on “Ash Wednesday”, or as Fr. Kerry calls it - “Free Carbon Wednesday”, and the meaning and biblical significance of the ashes.

In this week’s episode, Fr. Kerry and FOCUS missionary guest Clayton Caldwell talk about the importance of the evangelization of college students, calling all to be missionary disciples, living the beatitudes, and a few practical tips for Lent. Resource(s): Fr. Mike Schmitz, “The Freedom of Worship” – SEEK 2021: https://youtu.be/n0oSeTVgMzY Dr. Jonathan Reyes, “Impact The World As A Disciple” – SEEK 2019: https://youtu.be/HfAIsf6tOf8

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about why they love house blessings, what happens, what it means, and why a house should be blessed. Resource(s): Col 3:12-17: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/3

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry are answering some questions, dropping some truth, dispelling the nonsense, and talking about one of the three Sacraments of Initiation: The Sacrament of Confirmation, its effects, how to seek and obtain it, and the Holy Spirit. Resource(s): Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), paragraphs 1302 – 1306 - https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3S.HTM

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about Catholic Apologetics and the importance of why Catholics baptize infants, why everyone should, and the Catholic understanding of Original Sin. Resource(s): Acts 16:15 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16 Acts 18:8 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18 1 Corinthians 1 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/1 Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1213 (CCC 1213) - https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3I.HTM CCC 1251 – 1252 - https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3K.HTM Code of Canon Law (834 – 848) - https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib4-cann834-878_en.html Catholic Answers - https://catholic.com “Catholicism and Fundamentalism” - https://shop.catholic.com/catholicism-and-fundamentalism/

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about what people say is “unattractive about Catholicism”: The “rules” Holy Days of Obligation The preaching and the music Lack of reverence, and many more Resource: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=1408

In this week’s episode, Fr. O’Brien and Fr. Kerry answer some important questions about co-habitation before marriage, the covenant bond of marriage, Divine Love, and being children of God. “What is marriage?” “What business do priests have talking about marriage?” “Should couples live together before marriage?” “Are the odds in your favor?” Resource: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=1408 “Marriage Preparation with Co-habiting Couples” by Bishop David Konderla

With 2022 underway, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry talk us through their visions for the parishes of Stillwater in the new year. Both places have exciting initiatives underway all for the glory of God and the evangelization of Payne County and the OSU campus.

Seminarian Kyle Doud stops by for a visit as Father O'Brien and Father Kerry talk about a proper celebration of Epiphany (celebrated January 2, 2022)

Want a preview of our Christmas homilies? Or a review (if you're listening after Christmas)? Father Kerry and Father O'Brien give some insight into how their Christmas homilies came together and what they will preach about this year. Enjoy!

Christmas music is well known to all. But does it help you pray? It certainly can. On this week's episode, Fr. O'Brien interviews Brennan Lacy who begins in January as the new music director at St. John Catholic Student Center.

With Christmas on a Saturday this year, we get to go to Mass twice! Once for Christmas and then again on Sunday the 26th. Why? Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry explain it all. And they share a few of their favorite Christmas hymns as we look ahead to the big day.

During Advent, St. Francis Xavier is hosting a program called "Meet Your Mother". On December 1st, Fr. O'Brien gave a talk called "What Do We Believe About Mary?" Your Pastors of Payne dive into the four Marian dogmas: Mary, the Mother of God, her perpetual virginity, the Immaculate Conception, and the Assumption. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!

Father Kerry hosts the St. John Catholic Student Center Development Staff, Matt Bond, Taylor Akins, and Lauren Lacy. They discuss how money plays an important role in the mission of the Church. https://buildingsaints.com https://www.sfxstillwater.org

Frequently at Holy Mass, we hear "A Reading from The Book of the Prophet..." Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many others. Who are they? Why are they important? What do they have to say to us today?

It's November but it's not too early to start talking about Christmas, because people are already celebrating it! Listen as Father Kerry and Father O'Brien answer the important question of when Christmas really begins (it's not November!). Thanks for listening.

The Diocese of Tulsa recently lost one of our priests, Father Hung Le. He was Pastor of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Holdenville and a friend of both Father O'Brien and Father Kerry. What happens when a priest dies? What's the funeral like? Thanks for listening!

With the State of Oklahoma bringing back executions, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the death penalty and the Catholic Church's teaching on this controversial topic. The episode was recorded Wednesday before the Thursday execution of Daniel M. Grant.

Father O'Brien interviews the new St. Francis Xavier Director of Evangelization and Formation Jessica Petter. Jessica shares her story and conversion and lays out some of her plans for ministry in and around Payne County to share the Gospel.

OSU FOCUS Missionary Clayton Caldwell joins Fr. Kerry again for a discussion on what to do post conversion to Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening!

Father Kerry Wakulich interviews FOCUS Missionary Clayton Caldwell on how we allow the good and bad into our lives through the senses. To learn more about Clayton, see his FOCUS profile- https://www.focus.org/missionaries/clayton-and-reagan-caldwell

Deacon Tom Cabeen is a convert to Catholicism from Jehovah's Witness. He is now a Deacon of the Diocese of Tulsa after being ordained for the Diocese of Hartford. Link to Deacon Tom's last appearance on Pastors of Payne- https://pastorsofpayne.podbean.com/e/from-jehovahs-witness-to-catholic-to-catholic-deacon-father-obrien-interviews-deacon-tom-cabeen/ Link to Deacon Tom's appearance on "The Catholic Truth" Podcast- https://thecatholictruth.org/former-jehovahs-witness-becomes-catholic-with-tom-cabeen/ Link to Deacon Tom's appearance on EWTN's "The Journey Home"- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvjYq6drTl0

There's a phenomenon in Catholic campus ministry: After Labor Day, some students disappear. What's going on? Father O'Brien and Father Kerry talk it through. Also, some Stillwater trivia!

What does the Old Testament have to do with Jesus? We call it Salvation History! Beginning with Adam and Eve and with an amazing history to follow, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry discuss what Salvation History is and how it relates to you personally. Tune in!

Why do Catholics give so much attention to the Blessed Virgin Mary? Because we always have! From the early days of the Church, Mary has been a big deal because she's the Mother of God (Theotokos). Listen as Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry talk through why Mary is such an important part of the life of the Church.

It's football season and in honor of the OSU home opener, the Pastors of Payne are talking about parallels between OSU football and the Catholic Church. You'll be amazed!

Inspired by a talk at last week's Diocese of Tulsa Faith Formation Conference, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry are talking about how to best read the Bible. What do we do when different churches conflict on a particular passage? Is the Bible a history book? Tune in and send it to your friends!

Father Kerry is joined by St. John Catholic Student Center RCIA Director Kimberly Williams to talk about the process of becoming Catholic and how EVERYONE can benefit from learning more about the Catholic Church.

Welcome back Pokes! In this week's episode, Father Kerry and Father O'Brien talk about the start to the school year with a special focus on St. John Catholic Student Center and their three (YES 3!) locations for the school year ahead. Check out CatholicPokes.com for all the latest and follow them on social media too.

Continuing a series on the 10 Commandments, Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien explore the 5th Commandment. In The Catechism of the Catholic it's paragraphs 2258-2330 and covers a wide variety of topics including war and peace, abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, suicide, and more. Thanks for listening! In the episode, Fr. O'Brien mentions paragraph #99 from The Gospel of Life by St. John Paul II. It is addressed to woman who have had an abortion. Here's the statement in full: I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life. Here are the other shows on the commandments: 1st Commandment- https://pastorsofpayne.podbean.com/e/the-first-commandment-i-am-the-lord-your-god-you-shall-not-have-strange-gods-before-me/ 2nd Commandment- https://pastorsofpayne.podbean.com/e/using-and-misusing-the-lords-name/ 3rd Commandment- https://pastorsofpayne.podbean.com/e/keeping-holy-the-sabbath-the-3rd-commandment/ 4th Commandment- https://pastorsofpayne.podbean.com/e/honoring-your-family-the-4th-commandment/

The practice of daily Mass is wonderful! Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien talk about how it changed their life and give some resources to help you grow in your faith. The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn https://www.amazon.com/Lambs-Supper-Mass-Heaven-Earth/dp/0385496591 Pray the Mass Like Never Before https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpUp6zSGCb4