Life of the Mind: Brookewood & Avalon Schools

Ep. 33 Sue Ellen Browder's Subverted, with Ann Vitz and Andrea Francois

In this episode, Ann, Andrea, and I talk about, first, Leah Libresco Sargeant's The Dignity of Dependence, and then Sue Ellen Browder's Subverted.  Sargeant's book elicited a variety of responses from us, and we admire her approach to healthy relationships and her articulation of what the ideal relationship would look like.  That point, a relational rather than an individual outlook, is the center of the Venn Diagram as we turn to Browder's memoir, which we all recommend.  We spoil plot points in the Browder book, and one of them takes us into territory that is not appropriate for listeners of all ages--this might not be an episode to listen to while picking up carpool. But Ann, Andrea, and I all recommend Browder's memoir, which is about Browder's own life as a young writer and wife in the late '60s and '70s and also about the women's rights movement and how it became merged with the sexual revolution.  Browder's personal story weaves into the larger public events, as  Browder writes, as Andrea says, "to pierce the lies" of the sexual revolution as she makes her way from the world of Helen Gurley Brown to religious faith.

Ep. 32 Kevin Davern: "Cultural Attitudes That Work Against Educating Children"

This episode is a recording of a talk Kevin Davern, Headmaster of Avalon School, gave to parents.  The talk, “Cultural Attitudes That Work Against Educating Children:  Help Your Children Do Well in Virtually Any School” identifies eight errors that might befall even thoughtful parents and offers remedies to them.  The main backdrop is St. Josemaria Escriva’s statement about the beauty of the Catholic faith, in its ability to clarify and offer hope.  Kevin’s talk is itself clear, insightful, practically helpful, and inspiring.  I hope you enjoy it.

Ep. 31 The Religion of the Day, with David Booz

David and I talk about The Religion of the Day, the sequel to From Christendom to Apostolic Mission from the University of Mary's Msgr. James Shea and Dr. Jonathan Reyes of the Knights of Columbus and others.  The first book calls for a change of mindset among Catholics, asking us to think of ourselves in an apostolic age--the change is appropriate to the situation and allows us to be more creative and more hopeful.  The second book looks at what has replaced the Christendom mindset in our culture, and the last two chapters offer some guidance about what we can do to help people see the degree to which they are acting out of this problematic secular mindset and help them to understand other, healthier ways to seek the truth.  David is always an entertaining speaker, and we hope you enjoy this episode.

Ep. 30 The Second Camino of Maryland, with Rich McPherson

Camino visionary Rich McPherson and I talk about his experience of walking the Camino of Maryland the second time.  The first experience of the Camino had to do with the route and with camaraderie among friends, along with prayer, penance, and graces.  The second Camino brings in new people from other places and a whole variety of different experiences.  Rich has made something beautiful, with and for Brookewood and Avalon, for the world, and, as he keeps reminding me, primarily for God.  There are at least 112 sign-ups for the third Camino, to take place next June, as more and more people are excited by the prospect of walking and praying together in this way.

Ep. 29 From Christendom to Apostolic Mission, with Rich McPherson

Rich McPherson joins me to discuss Fr. James Shea's long essay From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age.  The essay asks that we first acknowledge we are no longer living in a culture governed by Christian values and institutions and then that we adopt approaches commensurate with this shift.  The apostolic age brings with it an optimism as Christians find themselves sharing a sacramental vision with others, rather than being disappointed that others don't always already hold that vision.  This conversation is especially fun and successful because Rich and I have each immersed ourselves pretty fully in this inspiring text.