Encounter Mercy Podcast Encounter Mercy Podcast

Happy New Year! This year begins on a joyful, yet somber note. As most of the world knows by now, our Holy Father Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has died, and now his funeral liturgies are impending. Join Father AJ and Father Andy as they remember this man and his importance in our church.























Here are some materials and links we think you might find helpful:









* Biography of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI



* History of Pope Benedict XVI from the USCCB



* Pope Francis to preside at Requiem Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI



* Worship Aid for Funeral Liturgies of Pope Benedict XVI



* Evening Prayer for the Office of the Dead

Merry Christmas! Every year, the world celebrates Christmas in the weeks preceding the actual day and season, and as soon as it begins, the world ends the joyous season. Not us Catholics! We have just begun this wonderful time of year. As we journey through the Christmas Season, there are very important feasts that take place the first week of Christmas.







Join Father AJ and Father Andy as they discuss these feasts!

For 2022, we are both blessed and cursed in a way with four full weeks of Advent. While the entire rest of society wants to start Christmas, and some did back on November 1, the Church asks us to participate in the four weeks of Advent. As we continue toward Christmas Day, join Father Andy and Father AJ as they discuss the importance of waiting for Christmas and continuing the preparations.

After the 2019 Pew Poll (Listen here to our discussion on this poll) discussing the fact that very few people believe in the Real Presence in the Eucharist, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have asked the churches of the United States to enter into a time of Eucharistic Revival. This time of revival is scheduled over a three year timeline, having already started this past June and concluding with a Eucharistic Congress in July of 2024, is an opportunity to return to the basics of our faith.







Join Vince and Father Andy as they discuss this important topic of Eucharistic Revival and the plans for these three years. As always, make sure to like, share, and subscribe to us! If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us!





Read more













Pew Research poll and report







Catechism of the Catholic Church on The Eucharist







The Plan for the Eucharistic Revival







A ‘deeper walk with Jesus’ – Eucharistic revival plans walking US pilgrimages (The Pillar)







Here it is! Here is what we are labeling the pseudo “Pope-Mobile” for the Eucharistic Congress“An electric vehicle likely to be used during the 2024 Eucharistic pilgrimages. Courtesy photo.” – The Pillar

Blessed Carlo Acutis is the first millennial on the path to Sainthood, and being that our hosts are all millennials, it is rather apropos that we take a week to chat about him. In addition to Carlo being a millennial, he also spent his short life on earth trying to bring others closer to the Holy Eucharist. During these next three years, the USCCB has asked the churches of the United States to spend more time focusing on the Holy Eucharist during this time of Eucharistic Revival. Join Father Andy and Vince as they discuss this awesome young man, and see why he is on his way to Sainthood, and Father Andy’s favorite blessed.





Read more















Diocese of Erie Faith Magazine







Blessed Carlo Acutis’ Official Website

After a hiatus, Vince and Fr. Andy are back, returning to the basics. Advent is upon us again, offering us a new way to enter into these days of preparation for Christmas. Join them as they chat about where thy have been and where we are going!







As always, make sure to send in your thoughts, comments, and your feedback! We always love hearing from our listeners.























Listen to our Advent Preparation from 2020 as we read through the Gospel of Luke the 24 days leading up to Christmas:









Encounter Advent: The Gospel of Luke