The Pillar Podcast

On their Thanksgiving episode of The Pillar Podcast, Ed and JD make predictions for the upcoming liturgical year, which begins on Sunday. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Back from Baltimore, JD and Ed go over the highlights of the USCCB meeting this week, and especially the document on the Eucharist. Did the bishops just do a synodality? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed talk about a very hard story out of Cleveland, The Pillar’s survey of religious attitudes and practice, and look ahead to the bishops’ conference meeting next week.And JD wants to talk about the way Ed speaks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed talk about the Nebraska attorney general’s report, and the USCCB’s document on the Eucharist.And JD gets back to his roots. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Pillar Podcast, Ed and JD discuss President Biden’s remarks about Pope Francis and Holy Communion. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed talk about what it means to announce the Gospel, the new Bishop of Crookston, and Vos estis lux mundi after three years. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed talk about the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s project to restructure its parishes and ask: what does it mean to be a “evangelizing Church”? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD discusses the Vatican finance trial, the Vatican’s sovereignty, and the French abuse report with a special guest. You won’t want to miss it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

With Ed on paternity leave, JD talks with Stephen White, executive director of The Catholic Project, which aims to respond to the Church’s abuse crisis.Steve has a lot in common with Ed, except his taste in watches. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed talk about abortion bills, how not to write to your congressman (or bishop), and the wonderful land of Canada. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Ed finally gets his wish. Subbing in for JD on this special episode is Major League Baseball pitcher Trevor Williams to talk about faith, family, charity, and day games at Wrigley Field.Is it the best episode ever? Probably. But judge for yourself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed tackle the pope’s most recent in flight press conference on Communion, abortion, and Catholic politicians, and ask who is spinning this and how. Then JD starts talking about the platypus and it gets weird. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed unpack the presynodal documents, and ask what we did to deserve something so aesthetically beautiful. They also talk about Archbishop Cordileone’s op-ed, and Cardinal Gregory’s luncheon with the National Press Club. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed consider the strange case of Bishop Sycamore Academy, and also Theodore McCarrick’s trial in Massachusetts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed talk about seminary formation, spirituality years, and ask if we really have to use a word as silly as “propaedeutic.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed take a break from the news to answer your canon law questions. You’re very welcome. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed talk about the new variant of the vaccine debate, and JD fancies his chances against the animal kingdom. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD tries to pitch Ed on the joys of the synod on synodality. It’s a tough sell. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

It’s a bonus episode, everybody. JD and Ed play “Rome Yes or No” and “Rome Greater or Lesser.”Because let’s just relax for a little while. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode, JD and Ed talk about the criminal charges against former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, and about faith in a Church of sinners.Plus, Ed knows his Olympic trivia. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed talk about the story, published Tuesday, about Msgr. Burrill, former general secretary of the USCCB. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed are in Rome, just in time for the release of the pope’s new motu proprio changing the rules for who can say the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, when, and where. So they talk about that. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed break down what happens next ahead of the trial in the Vatican financial scandal. And then JD quizzes Ed on his minor league mascots. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed talk through the unfolding story of unmarked graves and church burnings in Canada, and the worsening situation in Hong Kong. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

On their second attempt, JD and Ed manage to discuss last week’s USCCB meeting, the vote on a Eucharistic coherence, and what the backlash says about the state of the Church. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD is having a bad day, and feeling a bit punchy. Nevertheless, Ed and JD give a preview of what’s on tap for the June 16-18 USCCB virtual assembly, and Ed breaks down a report from European regulators on the threats to Vatican financial security. Hint: They’re coming from inside the house. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

There is a whole new Book VI of the Code of Canon Law and this is basically the Super Bowl for JD and Ed. So buckle up, because this is a double-length canon law extravaganza. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed talk about what used to be called the Octave of Pentecost, some takeaways from Knoxville, and the proxy fight going on among the U.S. bishops. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed are joined by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco to talk about vocation, being a bishop, the crisis of Catholic formation, and the debate around the USCCB’s work on Eucharistic coherence.And the archbishop plays a game Greater or Lesser. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week on the show, JD and Ed discuss UFOs, Hong Kong’s new bishop, and the chances of a new Supreme Court decision on abortion. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD is hauling hindparts across the great state of Tennessee trying to make his flight. But he called in to talk about Tennessee, life on road, and a letter from the CDF. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD’s had a rough week, so he and Ed talk about the human problem of the Church as a “perfect society.” Then they call some shots on what to expect from next week’s motu proprio on the ministry of catechists. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

In this week’s conversation, JD and Ed pick apart the pope’s new Vatican financial laws, what they say, and what it all means. The also talk about the ongoing case of Knoxville Bishop Richard Stika, and JD debuts a new game… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed talk about the Church’s mission and witness in Hong Kong, Haiti, and the problem with a political vision for the Church. There’s also a lot about pearls, including this one, which a guy kept under his bed for ten years. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed discuss the investigation into Bishop Hoeppner of Crookston, and Rome’s decision not to prosecute him. Then they explain prosecutors’ Hail Mary play to get the money back in the Vatican financial scandal. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Happy Easter everybody. For the Octave, JD and Ed talk about spit roasting sheep, the Easter Bilby, why the era of ecclesiastical big government is over. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., retired in January 2020 as Archbishop of Philadelphia. He sat down with The Pillar Podcast this week to talk about the future of the Church, a Jay-Z song he likes, and his new book, “Things Worth Dying For.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed take a second run at recording this week’s show after their first try ended in a largish fight. After they’ve made up, they get around to talking about Vatican finances, Cardinal Napier, and answering some of your emails. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week on the The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed talk about the CDF’s statement on blessings for same-sex unions, what it means for zee Germanz’ Synodal Way, and pastoral provision in parishes everywhere. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed talk about changes to where you can say Mass in the Vatican, a plan for the U.S. bishops to vote on Eucharistic coherence, and there’s a special guest appearance by JD’s dad. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed talk about the Archdiocese of Washington’s $2 million dollar budget for the retired Cardinal Wuerl, and a parish making some unusual moves on Chicago’s South Side. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, JD and Ed unpack the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah, what it means and where it fits in the bigger picture of Vatican curial reform. They also pregame a coming change to canon law, and then JD ranks some beer-themed poetry. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

In this Ash Wednesday episode, JD and Ed talk about Lent and spiritual discipline, and look at the “success” of the Vatican-China deal. Then JD loses his mind during a perfectly reasonable conversation about beer. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

As Archbishop Joseph Kurtz prepares for retirement, he talked with JD about 50 years of priesthood, and more than two decades of episcopal ministry, including a stint as president of the USCCB.The archbishop talked especially about his brother George, one of the most influential people in his life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

On this week's episode, JD and Ed talk about the pandemic and Catholic schools - is it a crisis or an opportunity? They also discuss a really interesting interview with Myanmar’s Cardinal Charles Bo (who has some thoughts on the coup in his country, American politics, and China), and the German bishops’ latest efforts to democratize the Church. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

On The Pillar Podcast this week, JD and Ed talk about a report claiming the Church in the U.S. took coronavirus aid “while sitting on billions,” and discuss what the Catholic Church is - and what it definitely isn’t. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

On this week’s episode, JD and Ed talk over the canonical verdict on Bishop Hart, the correction of Nancy Pelosi, and Ed learns what “shapewear” is. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week on The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed discuss the inauguration of President Joe Biden, a statement from the USCCB president, episcopal fraternity, and ask: what is a bishops’ conference for, anyway? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

On this week’s show, JD and Ed discuss Pope Francis’s change to canon law to allow women to be instituted as lectors and acolytes, what that might have to do with the German bishops, and catch up on the latest developments in the Vatican financial scandal.Also, it turns out Ed knows more about Gwen Stefani than you might guess. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

On this second full-length episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed talk about the scenes at the Capitol on Wednesday, and what it means for the Church to exist in a post-Christian society.They also talk about how we got here as a culture, lockdowns, coronavirus, and how the Church can become more institutionally missionary in its outlook. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe