The Christian Circle

124 Breaking the Silence on Suicide: A Father’s Witness to Love and Loss

In this episode, I talk to Deacon Ed Shoener about suicide. He explains: -What makes grief after suicide different from other forms of loss, and what do you most want survivors to know early on? -Many families and friends wrestle with “what if” questions and self-blame. How can people gently loosen the grip of guilt while still honoring their love for the person who die -Silence and stigma often surround suicide, even within faith communities. What does healthy, faithful accompaniment look like when someone is grieving a death by suicide—and what responses, even well-intended ones, can be harmful? -You emphasize that healing does not mean forgetting or “moving on.” How can survivors integrate this loss into their lives in a way that allows meaning, connection, and even moments of peace over time? -For listeners who may be walking alongside someone grieving a suicide—or who are grieving themselves—what practices of presence, prayer, or professional support do you most strongly encourage, especially in the months after the initial shock fades?

123 Running on Empty: Burnout in Ministry

In this episode, I talk to Nickole Perry about burnout in ministry: She shares more about burnout in ministry life and what we can do to avoid it.

122 Catholic educational leadership

In this episode, Pamela talks to Dan Guernsey about catholic educational leadership. He explains: How do current leaders in Catholic schools experience this tension between managerial demands (budgets, staffing, curriculum) and the spiritual vocation of leadership? What practices or supports are needed to help leaders live into their vocation more fully? The importance of spiritual formation—in prayer, sacramental life, etc.—is repeatedly highlighted as essential to maintaining a strong Catholic identity in schools. In what ways are schools/dioceses currently providing for the spiritual formation of administrators and leaders? What barriers exist to implementing deeper spiritual formation, and how can they be overcome? What components should a professional formation program for Catholic educational leaders include, to ensure both fidelity to Church teaching and effective leadership? How might such programs be scaled or made accessible in dioceses with fewer resources? How can leaders ensure that policies, curriculum choices, staff hiring, and school culture all align with the mission of integral formation? Are there practices you’ve seen where the identity seems strong, or conversely, where it is weak or compromised? In what ways can church authorities better support the lay leaders entrusted with carrying forward the Church’s mission in schools?

121 Catholics and the Environment: Beyond Laudato Si

In this episode, Pamela talks to Dr Celia Deane-Drummond, director of Laudato Si about the environment. She explains: - How can we reclaim a spiritual and sacramental understanding of creation that is rooted in Catholic tradition rather than ideology? - What are small but meaningful ways everyday Catholics can live out this theology at home, in the city, or even in an apartment. - How does understanding creation as a dynamic, evolving process change how we treat the earth practically? Does it affect how we view waste, consumption, or even farming? -What are three practical practices rooted in Catholic spirituality that someone can begin today to “care for our common home” without burning out or being scrupulous? - How does the Eucharist shape our relationship with the natural world? Can living a Eucharistic life influence how we shop, eat, and waste? - Which virtue do you think is most lacking in how we treat creation—and how can we cultivate that in daily life? - If a parish wanted to deepen its ecological spirituality beyond recycling bins and solar panels, what would you suggest they do—liturgically, catechistically, or communally?

120: Faith Over Fear: A Catholic Response to Anxiety

In this episode, Pamela talks to Catherine DiNuzzo about A Catholic Response to Anxiety. She explains: -What inspired you to write The Catholic Guide Through Anxiety? -How did her faith shape that journey? -Why anxiety is such a widespread issue among Catholics today? -The role of prayer and the sacraments in healing from anxiety? -What’s the difference between redemptive suffering and unhealthy emotional suffering? -What are some specific spiritual practices for someone battling anxiety? -Confession as a healing tool for anxiety -How can Catholic parishes better support those struggling with anxiety? -What role should Catholic therapists play in the life of the Church today?