The Preface

The Collect with Joanna Aitken and Deborah Chelchowska
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The Preface is a Catholic podcast that explores scripture, theology, liturgy and the spiritual life through thoughtful conversation. Each episode asks honest questions, draws from the richness of Catholic tradition and aims to deepen understanding without losing sight of the heart of the Faith. Every discussion serves as a preface to prayer, concluding with a guided Lectio Divina to help listeners encounter Christ in His Word.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    What the Universal Call to Holiness is Not

    We are all called to holiness, but what that looks like in each individual life is not always so simple. In this episode, we look at some of the extremes we can fall into when pursuing holiness, and the temptation to measure our spiritual lives against someone else's. We talk about taking on too many resolutions, the seriousness of making vows to God and whether religious life should be understood as a higher state in life. From the extraordinary sacrifices of St. Therese in her final illness to the remarkable life of Padre Pio and his gift of bilocation, we consider what their lives can teach us without assuming holiness means simply imitating everything they did. We also explore vulnerability in our human relationships and ask what it means to bring that same honesty and openness into our relationship with God. Lectio Divina Matthew 25:1-13 Questions: What is feeding my interior life right now? And what is draining it?What am I postponing in my relationship with God because I assume there will be time later?If the Bridegroom arrived right now, and saw me as I am, what would I be reluctant for Him to see? And what resolutions do I need to make? Any comments, questions or episode suggestions? Email us at info@thecollect.ie Follow to get updates of our weekly episodes

  2. Aug 20

    Are We Afraid of Silence?

    When was the last time we allowed ourselves to be truly silent? In this episode, we talk about how difficult silence has become in a world of phones, televisions, podcasts, constant noise and now AI. We ask whether filling every empty moment leaves us with enough stillness to hear God, and look at some of the practical ways we can make space for silence in ordinary life. Drawing on Cardinal Sarah's reflections on silence and Pope Leo XIV's teaching of the modern technological age, we consider when silence is necessary, when it is difficult and how its absence can affect our relationship with God. We also share some of our own and struggles with distraction, noise and prayer - and ask a simple but uncomfortable question: are we actually afraid of silence? Lectio Divina Luke 1:5-25 Questions: Can you think of one area in your life where silence could be a corrective?Do you have one promise, or one desire - some area of your life that could be improved upon- that silence could act as a preparation for?Is there something in your life, or a mystery of the Faith, that you would like to understand more deeply? And can you sit with that in silence and let God explain it to you? Please write your thoughts, questions and episode suggestions to info@thecollect.ie Find us on Facebook and Instagran @thecollect.ie and for more info www.thecollect.ie Folloe The Preface on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to receive our weekly episodes.

  3. Aug 13

    Naturalism: What Happens When We Forget the Supernatural?

    What does it mean to live as though the supernatural is real, and what happens when we begin to see the world only through what can be explained naturally? In this episode, we look at naturalism in the modern age - the decline in Catholic weddings, changing beliefs in God and the preternatural, and what happens when even the Church becomes hesitant about the supernatural. We talk about the role of beauty in Catholic churches, the persistence of superstition - from the Mayo All-Ireland curse to everyday beliefs- and how faith has changed over the recent generations. Lectio Divina John 6:47-58 Questions: What is my instinctual response when Christ reveals a truth that unsettles, challenges or stretches me?Are there any areas of my life where I need to relinquish control and surrender to God?What do I hunger for most, and does my life reflect that Christ alone can safisfy that hunger? Please write your thoughts, questions and episode suggestions to info@thecollect.ie Find us on Facebook and Instagram @thecollect.ie and for more info www.thecollect.ie Follow The Preface on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to receive our weekly episodes.

  4. Aug 6

    Marian Apparitions: Warnings, Hope and Conversion

    From La Salette and Knock to Fatima, Akita and Garabandal, Marian apparitions have shaped the spiritual lives of Catholics for generations. In this episode, we explore the increasing urgency in these messages, the historical context in which they were given and how the Church understands private revelation. We also discuss the vision traditionally associated with Pope Leo XIII and ask whether these events reveal a deeper pattern in the Church's response to the modern world. Above all, we consider their enduring call to prayer, conversion and fidelity to Christ.

  • 4 Episodes

About

The Preface is a Catholic podcast that explores scripture, theology, liturgy and the spiritual life through thoughtful conversation. Each episode asks honest questions, draws from the richness of Catholic tradition and aims to deepen understanding without losing sight of the heart of the Faith. Every discussion serves as a preface to prayer, concluding with a guided Lectio Divina to help listeners encounter Christ in His Word.

Information

  • Creator
    The Collect with Joanna Aitken and Deborah Chelchowska
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Collect with Joanna Aitken and Deborah Chelchowska
  • Show Website
    The Preface