Pastors of Payne (County)

Father O'Brien is joined by Diocese of Tulsa seminarian Joey Griggs. Joey is assigned to St. Francis Xavier for the summer. He shares about his vocation, his family, and the process by which he's given his life to the Lord as a disciple and a seminarian. For more information on the Surrender Novena: https://catholicexchange.com/the-surrender-novena-let-jesus-take-care-of-everything

Reception of the Eucharist is in the news and The Pastors of Payne are walking us through the relevant issues. You can listen on Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple, and Google AND Pete 94.3 on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AND statewide on the Oklahoma Catholic Broadcasting Network on Wednesdays at 3:30pm.

Diocese of Tulsa Seminarian Marcus Lyons joins Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry to talk about the Old Testament and whether it deserves our time (short answer: YES!).

Father Kerry talks with Stillwater summer seminarian Robert Williams. Before becoming a seminarian, Robert was a missionary with St. Paul's Outreach (SPO), a missionary organization that works on college campuses. He specifically worked in men's formation specializing in building trust, accountability, and community.

Father Kerry is joined by seminarian Robert Williams, and OSU students Alycia Crabb, and Gretchen Skaja to talk about whether good friendships can help lead us to God.

After a brief dive into podcasts they like (The Pillar, Bible in a Year, The Catholic Man Show, The Liturgy Guys, etc), Father O'Brien and Father Kerry answer the question, "What is marriage?" With traditional marriage being redefined in our modern culture, this question is more important than ever.

Are you looking back or are you looking forward? With all that's going on with the Church in Payne County, there are, of course, reasons to look back and know our history but can looking back also be an obstacle? We think it can be and our pastors are challenging us to look ahead to the great work that lies ahead at OSU, Stillwater, and beyond.

After Father Kerry's pilgrimage with students to churches in the midwest, iconoclasm is on the minds of the Pastors of Payne. Listen as they discuss a brief history of iconoclasm and how it relates to our lives in Payne County.

Deacon Tom Cabeen has served at St. Francis Xavier for the last two years. His conversion story from Jehovah's Witness to Baptist to Episcopalian to Catholic is a fascinating one. After conversion to the Catholic faith he soon began studies for the diaconate and was ordained for the Diocese of Hartford, CT. He's know a deacon of the Diocese of Tulsa. Deacon Tom was a guest on EWTN's "The Journey Home" in 2015- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvjYq6drTl0

How far does the 4th Commandment go? Is it just about mom and dad? Father O'Brien and Father Kerry dive in on the Church's understanding of the 4th Commandment.

Summer is upon us! Covid is waning (at least in Oklahoma) and the Pastors of Payne want you to get out and about this summer and LIVE YOUR FAITH. Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien talk about summer programs at their parishes and give some advice on where to go to grow in your faith.

A lay person is any member of the faithful who is not a priest or professed religious brother or sister. What role do lay people play in the Church? A BIG ONE! On this week's "Pastors of Payne", Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry talk through various Church documents on the role of the laity in the Catholic Church. Lumen Gentium (referenced in the podcast) http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html

Sadness is a part of everyone's life. How should we mourn the losses that come our way? Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien talk us through what to do when we're sad about some change in our life.

Beginning in December 2020, Jacob Farni began as Children's Minister at St. Francis Xavier. Originally from Elk City, OK, Jacob works with families to help them encounter Jesus Christ at home and at church. This conversation revolves around ministry to children and how best to preach the Gospel to families.

Father Kerry interviews Kayla Cuba and Clay Furley about their time of engagement and how they fell in love. They also give young people advice on dating. They will be married this summer at St. Francis Xavier.

Coming from a listeners question, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry tackle the question, "Is the devil real?" Short answer: Yes. But listen for more information.

Who becomes Catholic? Lots of people right here in Payne County. Between our two parishes, 50 people this year. Father O'Brien and Father Kerry talk about some of the folks who are becoming Catholic this year in Stillwater.

Holy Week is special time of year for the whole Church. What's it like for priests? Let Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien walk you through the week from Palm Sunday all the way to Easter Sunday with multiple stops in between.

Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry continue their ongoing series of podcasts on the 10 Commandments. This episode they focus on the 3rd Commandment and give practical tips for living the commandment with joy.

Fr. Kerry gives an update on the St. John Catholic Student Center Building Project and talks about the upcoming Lenten Parish Mission at St. John's. More on the building project https://buildingsaints.com The Fathers of Mercy https://fathersofmercy.com

St. Francis Xavier Director of Evangelization and Mission Stacy Humbert joined Fr. O'Brien as a special guest. They talked about evangelization, conversion, testimony, and witness. We need it all! You can read Stacy's evangelization blog at https://evangelizationconversationsfx.com

This week, Father Kerry and Father O'Brien talk about the great things happening in the Catholic Church both locally and nationally. A few links: FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)- https://www.focus.org Bible in a Year Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321 The Identity of Jesus (Bishop Barron)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8B9un_NyOU

Many people feel distant from God because they don't understand the depth of God's mercy. Is anyone beyond God's mercy? That's the subject on this week's Pastors of Payne.

Ash Wednesday is February 17, 2021. In the time of Covid, the distribution of ashes will look a little different this year. Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry give us the scoop on how it will go.

With Lent 2021 on the horizon, our priests help us get ready for this holy season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. A few links: CatholicPokes.com SFXStillwater.org The Bible in a Year Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321 The Fathers of Mercy- https://fathersofmercy.com

How does a woman go from raised Catholic to agnostic to college missionary? Meet Olivia Gonzalez, OSU FOCUS Missionary (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)! Her story can help us all minister better to friends and family. The key in inviting! Olivia was invited to Mass by a friend and it made all the difference. https://www.focus.org/missionaries/olivia-gonzalez

Father O'Brien and Father Kerry get you ready for this weekend's Gospel (Mark 1) where Jesus calls disciples saying, "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Our priests speak on their vocation to the priesthood and why young men and women ought to consider a call to the priesthood and religious life.

Welcome back students! This week, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry encourage us to ENCOUNTER the Lord Jesus on a regular basis. There's a difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them.

Joined by Diocese of Tulsa seminarian (and OSU grad) Matthew Tracy, Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien talk about baptism, its importance for salvation, and the correct matter and form so it can be done correctly. If you're not yet baptized, give us a call!

Seminarian Kyle Doud joins Fr. O'Brien as they talk about what the different liturgical colors. Rose, Violet, White, Red, Green, and even Black! Thanks for joining us. We hope you learn something.

Diocese of Tulsa Seminarian Kyle Doud joins Fr. O'Brien for a walk through his conversion and eventual entrance into seminary. Thanks for joining the Pastors of Payne!

Understanding the 10 Commandments is an essential part of living a good moral life. Father O'Brien and Father Kerry take a look at the 2nd Commandment of the Decalogue on The Lord's Name. This follows an episode from a few weeks back on the 1st Commandment.

Back on December 2nd, Fr. Kerry gave a talk at Father O'Brien parish for the Saint Francis Xavier Advent Night of Renewal. In this week's podcast, Fr. Kerry gives a summary of the talk and our priests give us some advice on preparing for Christmas 2020 in a difficult time. Here's the link to Fr. Kerry's talk: https://youtu.be/d6CHvBoQm20

With December 8th and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the horizon, what's it all about? What is Original Sin? How was Mary saved by Jesus before He was even conceived? Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien break it down.

Happy New Year! Advent 2020 is here and what a time for a fresh start. From violet vestments, to prophetic readings, to Christmas decorations starting to come out, the season of Advent is an opportunity to grow in holiness. We grow in holiness by following the Commandments so this week, Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien begin a series (over the next several months) on the 10 Commandments beginning with #1- "I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me."

Viva Cristo Rey! Long Live Christ the King! As Ordinary Time comes to an end, the Church puts before us the Solemnity of Christ the King. You'll also love Fr. Kerry's explanation of the the various parallels between earthly kings and Jesus our King. And happy birthday Father O'Brien!

There are many Catholics who are away from their faith. This episode is an invitation to return! You may have been away for a variety of reasons but the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Mass are waiting for you. You need the Church and the Church needs you! https://www.catholicscomehome.org

In the month of November, the Church invites the faithful to pray for the souls of the faithful departed. Why? Fr. Kerry and Fr. O'Brien speak to the efficacy of praying for the dead and why we do it.

The Church is the "assembly of all the saints" says the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Father O'Brien and Father Kerry talk us through the Solemnity of All Saints and make many of our heroes come to life. We're all in this together!

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace! Do we really believe that? In this episode of "Pastors of Payne" Father O'Brien and Father Kerry discuss how to find peace in a world that often seems chaotic.

With Election 2020 coming up, our priests offer guidance for people of faith on the best way forward. This is ahead of an event this Wednesday at St. John's wherein Fr. O'Brien will speak on the intersection between faith and politics.

Revisiting a topic from an earlier episode but taking it deeper, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry discuss the intellectual pride that often accompanies atheism. Tune in and pass it on to friends!

Psalm 116 asks "How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?" Father O'Brien's parish is in the middle of their annual stewardship renewal which asks parishioners to make commitments of time, talent, and treasure as a response to all that God has done for us. For more information- https://www.sfxstillwater.org/stewardship

Speaking to an often unspoken tragedy, Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry talk about the pain felt in families by miscarriage and early infant loss. This comes ahead of the Friday October 2 Mass at St. Francis Xavier. This episodes will be good for those who have experienced this pain but also to all of us who very likely know a family in pain.

On Saturday September 12th, Fr. Kerry unveiled "Building Saints", a capital campaign to build a new St. John Catholic Student right in the spot where the current St. John's stands. This episode gives out listeners an inside look at the project. Learn more at www.BuildingSaints.com

Atheism is on the rise in the United States. What is it and how are we to respond in love? The podcast coincides with Father O'Brien's upcoming talk at the teenager LifeNight this Sunday. Check it out!

Gossip is everywhere, but it shouldn't be. Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry spend this week's episode drawing out the various kinds of gossip and make clear how dangerous it can be for you and for others.

Father O'Brien shares the dynamic plan for children and youth ministry in Payne County. Xavier Kids, EDGE, and LifeTeen will allow parents and their kids to grow in faith and become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Father Kerry is joined by FOCUS missionary Clayton Caldwell and they are talking about evangelizing the culture with specific references to St. Paul VI. Enjoy!

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are widely known. But to whom were they written? On this week's episode Fr. O'Brien and Fr. Kerry dive into the first four books of the New Testament and specifically discuss the audiences of each. It will help you better understand and read God's Word!