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Considering Catholicism

Considering Catholicism

By: Greg Smith
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Catholic Church, faith, culture, and history are explained clearly and simply for anyone curious about historic Catholicism. Faithful to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality World
Episodes
  • Livestream: Walking the First Holy Week in Jerusalem – Sunday March 22 | 7 PM EST
    Mar 20 2026

    Two weeks before Easter we’re doing something special. Join Greg for a livestream webinar. He’ll open the Gospels and Google Earth and walk the actual route Jesus took Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday — gate by gate, hill by hill, garden by garden. You’ll see exactly where He slept in Bethany, which path He took down the Mount of Olives, where the Upper Room almost certainly was, and why the geography makes every moment more powerful.

    This is available for Patreon members (you can join on a 7-day trial to check it out). Follow this link:

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    3 mins
  • OCIA: The Bridge to Rome — Easter Vigil Mass (#443)
    Mar 19 2026

    Ever wondered what actually happens at the Easter Vigil—the "Super Bowl of the Catholic liturgy" where catechumens are baptized, confirmed, and receive their first Eucharist? In this second part of our OCIA: The Bridge to Rome series, Greg and Cory walk you through the whole nighttime journey: the dramatic Service of Light with the new fire and Paschal candle procession, the breathtaking Exsultet ("This is the night!"), the extended Liturgy of the Word tracing salvation history, the renewal of baptismal promises for everyone, and the climactic sacraments of initiation that bring new members fully into the Church. Whether you're in OCIA wondering what you're stepping into, a Protestant curious about the ancient beauty of Catholic worship, or a longtime Catholic wanting to fall in love with the Vigil all over again, this episode demystifies the holiest night of the year and shows why so many describe it as life-changing. Pull up a chair—we'll geek out on the symbolism, the timing, and the sheer awe of it all.

    SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners

    ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app)

    One-time gift: Donate with PayPal!

    CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!)

    RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us.

    SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you!

    Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

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    30 mins
  • OCIA: The Bridge to Rome — The Sacraments of Initiation (#442)
    Mar 16 2026

    In this episode of the OCIA: The Bridge to Rome series, Greg and Cory dive into the heart of what OCIA is ultimately aiming for: the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. They explain how these three sacraments bring a person into full communion with the Catholic Church, marking the gateway to the Christian life as a death-and-rebirth in Christ, a strengthening by the Holy Spirit, and intimate union with Jesus in His Body and Blood.

    The conversation covers key distinctions between catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (validly baptized in other Christian traditions), the biblical foundations (especially the Great Commission and Pentecost), why Catholic baptism is regenerative rather than merely symbolic, how validity is determined (Trinitarian formula and intent), and the typical order of reception at the Easter Vigil. They also touch on practical questions inquirers often have—like documentation, Protestant "confirmation" practices, and why the Church recognizes some baptisms but not others—while keeping everything clear, charitable, and rooted in Scripture, tradition, and the Catechism.

    Perfect as a preview for those considering OCIA, a supplement for current participants, or a refreshing reminder for lifelong Catholics rediscovering the power of these foundational sacraments on the road to the Easter Vigil.

    SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners

    ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app)

    One-time gift: Donate with PayPal!

    CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!)

    RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us.

    SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you!

    Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
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On topic after topic, the host and guests make a clear and compelling case for Catholicism as a worldview, faith, and lifestyle. The Catholic Church, despite her human faults, is shown as the custodian and last hope of Western civilization.

Clear and Compelling

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