Word & Table

Father Stephen talks about the Feast of The Holy Name, the last day in the Christmas Octave, why it takes place 8 days after Christmas, what naming means in traditional Jewish culture, and what is special about the name of Jesus in particular. Music: "Jesu Dulcis Memoria" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant copyright GIA Publications. Email the show Give to the show

A special bonus Christmas episode! Father Stephen and Alex discuss the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and why assuming humanity is essential to our salvation. We also include a huge thanks at the end to those who gave to the show this year. Thanks to you, Word & Table will return in 2018! Email the show. Give to the show. Music: "Salve Mater Misericordiae" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications

Father Stephen discusses why Greatest Commandment, identified by Jesus, is actually two commandments and why it really is the greatest out of all 613 commandments in the law. Music: "Ubi Caritas et Amor" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Father Stephen breaks down the reason why Christmas is always December 25 but Easter moves around. More than you ever thought you wanted to know about solar and lunar dating and how Christians do it differently from Jewish and Muslim holy days. Email the show Support the show Music: "Creator alme Siderum." From Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications.

Father Stephen introduces us to another Apostolic Father, Clement, an early bishop of Rome who knew Peter and Paul who wrote a letter admonishing the Corinthian Church. Music: "Creator Alme Siderum" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications. Email the show. Donate to the show.

We talk about the ancient Christian and Jewish practice of fasting and talk about the spiritual logic behind abstaining from food and why it's not about despising the body but honoring its proper place before God. Music: Kyrie Eleison and Gloria in Excelsis (Missa Simplex) from Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and The Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications. Email the show. Donate to the show.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand is one of the few episodes mentioned in all four gospels. What is the deeper meaning behind the miracle? What does it have to do with how we worship today? Music: Alma Redemptoris Mater by Richard Proulx. From "More Sublime Chant" copyright GIA Publications.

We answer a listener's question about Vestries. What are they? Where do they come from? What do they do? What don't they do? To support our show, go to wordandtablepodcast.com and click on the '$' symbol. We are coming up on our first full year of broadcasting and hosting and licensing costs are looming. Your support will ensure there is another year of Word & Table! Music: "Ave Verum Corpus" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Some announcements about the next year of Word & Table and how you can support the show going forward. In short: We are moving to a bi-weekly schedule for the time being. We want to ask for your help for us to cover this next year's costs. Donate at wordandtablepodcast.com Click on the '$' link for an online gift.

Fr. Stephen and Alex introduce the next Church Doctor: Justin Martyr, an early church philosopher whose writings are "the mother load" for helping us understand early church life and thought . Music: "Corde Natus ex Parentis" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications.

Fr. Stephen gives an introduction and summary of the Book of Hebrews, what makes it different from the other epistles in the New Testament, and what it has to say about the often overlooked virtue of hope. Music: "De Profundis Clamavi" from More Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications. Donate to the show.

We discuss how an important early church manual on ritual and practice got lost and was found again and what its contents reveal about how the early church handled the Eucharist, charity to the poor, and how long to keep visitors in their homes. Email us your questions! Support the show Music: "Creator of the Stars at Night" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications.

We discuss all things regarding ordination: how ministers come to be ordained, the rite itself, the meaning behind bishops' clothes, and why deacons, priests, and bishops exist in a religion that is also a priesthood of all believers. Email us your questions! Music: "Ave Verum Corpus" from Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications.

After 37 episodes, Father Stephen and Alex finally get around to talking about Anglicanism. How is it different from Roman Catholicism? How is it different from other Protestant traditions? And what about that mad king who wanted a divorce? Music: Canticle (English) from More Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications.

Father Stephen and Alex do their level best to explain the Trinity and find a suitable metaphor that isn't heretical. They also explain why the Trinity isn't an optional doctrine for Christians and what it shows us about God. Email the show. Music: Kyrie Eleison and Agnus Dei (Missa Simplex) from Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications.

What is the rite of Confirmation and why has there been such a struggle to define it? Why is there a gap between baptism and Confirmation? What's actually happening in the prayer for confirmation? Music: O Filie et Filae by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Father Stephen and Alex talk about the final gospel: its surprising historical veracity, how it fits in with the Synoptic Gospels and why it has a special place in the church year. Email the show Music: "Adoro Te Devote" by Richard Proulx & The Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Fr. Stephen and Alex dive into another Church Father, the famous martyr Ignatius of Antioch, and how his letters give us a valuable window into the world of the earliest churches. Email the show. Music: Jesu Dulcis Memoria by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications,.

Father Stephen breaks down the Gospel of Matthew, its themes, its Jewish audience, and what it has to say about Jesus's identity.

We take on the third gospel and its indispensable contributions to the story of Christ: the birth narrative, its Greek context, and the elevated place of women. We also discuss the merits of reading the Bible in sequence. Music: "Born Today" from More Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications Email the show

We break down the pieces of priestly dress and where they come from as well as the age-old question of why the bishop wears such a funny hat. Music: "Salve Regina" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from More Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications. Pictures of priestly dress are here (scroll down to the slideshow)

In which we explore the Daily Office: its roots and the meaning behind its practice. It's a tale that involves sleepy monks, how the liturgy can be like a garage full of odds and ends, and the difference between the Office and personal devotions. Email us Music: "Agnus Dei" and "Veni Creator Spiritus" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Father Stephen talks about the life of Saint Athanasius and how he articulated and defended doctrines that the Church holds today. Email the show Music: Creator Alme Siderum by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Alex and Stephen revisit the subject of the Church and go deeper into the meaning of some of the words used to describe it: one, holy, catholic, apostolic, and the bride of Christ. Email us! Music: Gloria in Excelsis, Missa de Angelis by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Who were the Church Fathers? Why were they important to the church and why are they important to us today? What is a "Doctor of the Church?" Music: "Memorial Acclamation" and "Agnus Dei" Missa Simplex from Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications. Email the show Leave us a review

Father Stephen and Alex are back to talk about Easter and the hope of the resurrection. He is risen! Music:"Veni Creator Spiritus" and "O Filie et Filae" from Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers.

Father Stephen is on sabbatical until after Easter. In the interim, we've got some exciting new content to share with you.

Why does the Anglican Church baptize infants? We explain what infant baptism means, and doesn't mean in light of scripture and tradition. Music: "Salve Mater Misericordiae" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications. Email the show at [email protected]

Father Stephen explains how to read the Gospel of Mark, including the history, structure, and themes of the book. We also talk over why the Cross is so challenging for people of all backgrounds to accept. Music: "Glory to God" and "Ubi Caritas et Amor" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

Why do we reverence the saints? What is a healthy understanding of how the saints fit into our worship? Music: "Litany of the Saints" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant Copyright GIA Publications. Email the podcast at [email protected]

Fr. Stephen explains the Anglican view of salvation and how we can know that we are saved by knowing Jesus. Music: Litany of the Saints and Alma Redemptoris Mater by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant and More Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications

Father Stephen defines what a church council is meant to do and goes over some of the major issues the great ecumenical church councils dealt with in the first few centuries of the church's life. Music: Phillippians Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from More Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications

Fr. Stephen takes a question from a listener asking about how Anglicans interpret scripture and what's the deal with all those extra-Biblical books? Music: Only Begotten Word of God Eternal by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers, from More Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

The season of Epiphany isn't the most popular one on the church calendar, but it has a lot to say about how the Lord manifests his glory in the world.

Why the smells? What does incense symbolize? And what's the name of that thing it swings around in? All this and more on this week's Word & Table. Music: Ubi Caritas et Amor by Richard Proulx and the Catherdral Singers from Sublime Chant.

When you see people bowing in a liturgical service, what does that actually mean? What exactly are they bowing to? What's the difference between bowing in a Christian service and the idolatry warned against in the Bible? Music: Ave Verum Corpus by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications.

What is confession? What is the difference between a general confession and the sacramental rite of confession? Does the church even have the right to pronounce forgiveness of sins? Father Stephen addresses all this and more on this week's episode. Music: Confiteor (Benedictine) by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. GIA Publications.

Father Stephen explains how the Church has traditionally cqelebrated Christmas and its place meaning in the context of the church calendar. Plus Alex and Stephen talk about their family Christmas traditions and their picks for best Christmas album ever. Music: "Corde Natus ex Parentis" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Purchase here "Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" by John Michael Talbot. Purchase here. "Les Anges Dos Nos Campagnes" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Bruce Cockburn. Purchase here.

Father Stephen explains what holy water is used for and what it reminds us of. Music: "Only Begotten Word of God Eternal" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers Email the show at [email protected]

Where did the sign of the cross come from? What are these little "extra" things we see Anglicans, Catholics, and Orthodox believers doing at prayer? Fr. Stephen defines these "sacramentals," their place in worship and how to understand them. Email us at [email protected] Music: Lumen et Revelationem by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers. Purchases here.

Father Stephen describes the meaning of the Advent season, how we can anticipate the Lord's coming, and the nature of Christian hope. Click here for a series of daily Advent readings. Muic: "On Jordan's Bank" by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers.

This week we close our conversation on the Liturgical Calendar, focusing especially on the Sanctoral Calendar and where the practice of commemorating specific saints came from. Music - "Litany of the Saints" from Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and The Cathedral Singers. Copyright GIA Publications. Email us at [email protected]

Father Stephen tells the surprising story of the liturgical calendar and how it became central to Christian worship. Music: Pater Noster and All Glory Laud and Honor by the Cathedral Singers. Got questions? Email the show at [email protected]

This week, Father Stephen outlines the organization of the church and how the regional delineations of church government grew out of the offices of Bishops and the cities they ministered in. Music: Adoro Te Devote by The Cathedral Singers. Purchase here.

Part 1 of a conversation on Church polity. Father Stephen explains where the offices of the church, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons came from and what their functions are. Music: Salve Mater Misericordae by The Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant.

Father Stephen introduces the Anglican Church's signature book, the Book of Common Prayer, and goes over what it is, what it's for, what's in it, and how to use it. Music: Adoro te Devote by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral singers from Sublime Chant.

What is scripture? How do we read it? Why do Anglicans say creeds and what are they for? Alex and Father Stephen talk about these things and more. Music: from "Sublime Chant" by The Cathedral Singers conducted by Richard Proulx. Purchase "Sublime Chant" here. Special thanks to GIA Music. Donate to the podcast here. We are a not-for-profit program and welcome donations of any size to help cover costs.

This week Father Stephen and Alex discuss the Church and how it's more than just a gathering place for Christians. Music: Alleluia Pascha Nostrum from "More Sublime Chant" by The Cathedral Singers conducted by Richard Proulx. Purchase "More Sublime Chant" here. Special thanks to GIA Music. Donate to the podcast here. We are a not-for-profit program and welcome donations of any size to help cover costs.

Father Stephen explains what a sacrament is and how it affirms salvation in Jesus Christ. Music: from "Sublime Chant" by The Cathedral Singers conducted by Richard Proulx. Purchase "Sublime Chant" here. Special thanks to GIA Music. Donate to the podcast here. We are a not-for-profit program and welcome donations of any size to help cover costs.

In the first episode of Word and Table, Alex and Father Stephen talk about why there's so much stuff going on in liturgical church services and how to worship together instead of side by side. Music: Alma Redemptoris Mater from "More Sublime Chant" by The Cathedral Singers conducted by Richard Proulx. Purchase "More Sublime Chant" here. Special thanks to GIA Music. Donate to the podcast here. Donations of all sizes are welcome to help cover production costs. We are a not-for-profit program and rely on the support of our listeners. If you like what you hear and you want to help ensure that the podcast continues, please consider donating today.