The Catholic Files

Fr. Sean Donnelly
  • 5.0 (5)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED DAILY

"Welcome, to the The Catholic Files, where we can come together as a community of faith to reflect, pray, and grow in our journey with Christ. My name is Father Sean Donnelly. This podcast is born out of a desire to share the beauty of our Catholic faith, to explore God's Word, and to discover how His love transforms our lives. Each week, we'll delve into topics that inspire, challenge, and encourage us to live as disciples of Jesus in today's world. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, someone exploring faith, or simply seeking hope and connection, you are warmly welcome here. As we begin this new journey, let us take a moment to open our hearts to the presence of God in prayer." Description: Join Fr. Sean Donnelly of Immaculate Conception Parish in Madison, Ohio as he discusses "everything about the Catholic faith" Fr. Donnelly covers a vast range of topics including the core beliefs like the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the importance of the sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony), the role of the Bible and Church tradition, the teachings on morality, the concept of the Church as the Body of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Saints, prayer practices, the meaning of Mass, and the Church's stance on social issues, all grounded in the historical development of the Catholic Church and its interpretation of scripture.

  1. JAN 19

    The Catholic Files Topic: 7 Petitions to the Lords Prayer (PART TWO)

    Tune in to this week's episode of The Catholic Files with Fr. Donnelly as we continue our journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In this episode of The Catholic Files, Fr. Donnelly leads us into the heart of one of the most sacred prayers of our faith, Our Father. With pastoral wisdom and spiritual depth, he reflects on the Seven Petitions of the Lord's Prayer, revealing how each one draws us deeper into trust, surrender, and communion with God. As Fr. Donnelly explains, these petitions are not merely words we recite, but a living prayer taught by Christ Himself, a blueprint for how to speak to the Father with humility, confidence, and love. From honoring God's holy name, to seeking His will, to asking for daily bread, mercy, and deliverance, each petition forms our hearts to desire what God desires. In this episode, Fr. Donnelly leads us deeper into the heart of one of the most sacred prayers of our faith, the Our Father. With pastoral wisdom and spiritual depth, he reflects on Part 2 of the Seven Petitions of the Lord's Prayer, inviting us to move beyond memorized words and into a living, breathing conversation with God. The Seven Petitions are not simply spoken, they shape us. They teach us how to stand before the Father with childlike trust, humble surrender, and confident hope. As Fr. Donnelly explains, Jesus Himself gave us this prayer as a roadmap for the Christian life: a way to align our hearts with heaven while walking faithfully on earth. Each petition draws us closer into communion with God, honoring His holy name, longing for His Kingdom, surrendering to His will, trusting Him for our daily bread, seeking mercy, extending forgiveness, resisting temptation, and asking for deliverance from evil. In praying them, we learn not only what to ask for, but who we are called to become. As you listen, allow the Holy Spirit to renew these familiar words within you. Let the Our Father become again what it was always meant to be, not routine, but relationship; not obligation, but intimacy; not habit, but hope. Thank you for listening and walking this journey of faith with us. If you would like to explore more episodes of The Catholic Files, please visit www.iccmadison.com And if you are unable to attend Mass in person, you are invited to join us for Daily Mass online by searching @iccmadison on YouTube. May this episode draw you closer to Christ and inspire you to make prayer the heart of your daily life. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. The Catholic Files Fr Donnelly Catholic Files with Fr Donnelly Catholic priest explains Catholic teaching explained Catholic faith Catholic answers Catholic podcast Catholic YouTube channel Catholic beliefs explained Catholic doctrine What Catholics believe Catholicism explained simply Catholic apologetics Defending the Catholic faith Common Catholic questions Catholic truth Is Catholicism biblical Mass explained Eucharist explained Confession explained Why Catholics confess to a priest Catholic sacraments Holy Communion Catholic liturgy What happens at Mass Catholic Church traditions Catholic Bible teaching Scripture explained Catholic Bible questions answered Catholic view of the Bible Jesus in the Catholic Church Catholic theology explained Old Testament Catholic New Testament Catholic

    20 min

  2. JAN 13

    The Catholic Files Topic: 7 Petitions to the Lords Prayer (PART ONE)

    Season 2, Episode 22 - The Catholic Files Topic: 7 Petitions to the Lords Prayer (PART ONE) with Father Donnelly, Immaculate Conception Church, Madison, Ohio  Tune in to this week's episode of The Catholic Files with Fr. Donnelly as we continue our journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In this episode of The Catholic Files, Fr. Donnelly leads us into the heart of one of the most sacred prayers of our faith the Our Father. With pastoral wisdom and spiritual depth, he reflects on the Seven Petitions of the Lord's Prayer, revealing how each one draws us deeper into trust, surrender, and communion with God. As Fr. Donnelly explains, these petitions are not merely words we recite, but a living prayer taught by Christ Himself, a blueprint for how to speak to the Father with humility, confidence, and love. From honoring God's holy name, to seeking His will, to asking for daily bread, mercy, and deliverance, each petition forms our hearts to desire what God desires. This episode invites us to slow down and pray the Our Father with renewed awareness, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform routine prayer into a profound encounter. As we listen, we are reminded that every petition is both a plea and a promise shaping us as children of God and strengthening us to live the Gospel each day. Thank you for listening and walking this journey of faith with us. If you would like to explore more episodes of The Catholic Files, please visit www.iccmadison.com And if you are unable to attend Mass in person, you are invited to join us for Daily Mass online by searching @iccmadison on YouTube. May this episode draw you closer to Christ and inspire you to make prayer the heart of your daily life.   Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.   The Catholic Files Fr Donnelly Catholic Files with Fr Donnelly Catholic priest explains Catholic teaching explained Catholic faith Catholic answers Catholic podcast Catholic YouTube channel Catholic beliefs explained Catholic doctrine What Catholics believe Catholicism explained simply Catholic apologetics Defending the Catholic faith Common Catholic questions Catholic truth Is Catholicism biblical Mass explained Eucharist explained Confession explained Why Catholics confess to a priest Catholic sacraments Holy Communion Catholic liturgy What happens at Mass Catholic Church traditions Catholic Bible teaching Scripture explained Catholic Bible questions answered Catholic view of the Bible Jesus in the Catholic Church Catholic theology explained Old Testament Catholic New Testament Catholic

    20 min

  3. JAN 5

    Season 2, Episode 22 - The Catholic Files Topic: The Lord's Prayer

    Season 2, Episode 22 - The Catholic Files Topic: The Lord's Prayer with Father Donnelly, Immaculate Conception Church, Madison, Ohio  Tune in to this week's episode of The Catholic Files with Fr. Donnelly as we continue our journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode draws from Part Four: Prayer, inviting us deeper into the heart of our relationship with God and reminding us that prayer is not just something we say, but a living encounter with our loving Father. Discover how the prayer Jesus Himself taught us forms our faith, shapes our hearts, and unites us as children of God. The Our Father teaches us trust, surrender, forgiveness, and hope guiding us to live each day rooted in God's will and sustained by His grace. Thank you for listening and for walking this journey of faith with us. If you would like to explore more episodes of The Catholic Files, please visit www.iccmadison.com And if you are unable to attend Mass in person, you are invited to join us for Daily Mass online by searching @iccmadison on YouTube. May this episode draw you closer to Christ and inspire you to make prayer the heart of your daily life.   The Catholic Files Fr Donnelly Catholic Files with Fr Donnelly Catholic priest explains Catholic teaching explained Catholic faith Catholic answers Catholic podcast Catholic YouTube channel Catholic beliefs explained Catholic doctrine What Catholics believe Catholicism explained simply Catholic apologetics Defending the Catholic faith Common Catholic questions Catholic truth Is Catholicism biblical Mass explained Eucharist explained Confession explained Why Catholics confess to a priest Catholic sacraments Holy Communion Catholic liturgy What happens at Mass Catholic Church traditions Catholic Bible teaching Scripture explained Catholic Bible questions answered Catholic view of the Bible Jesus in the Catholic Church Catholic theology explained Old Testament Catholic New Testament Catholic

    17 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Season 2, Episode 21 - The Catholic Files Topic: The Life of Prayer

    Season 2, Episode 21 - The Catholic Files Topic: The Life of Prayer Season 2, Episode 21 - The Catholic Files Topic: The Life of Prayer with Father Donnelly, Immaculate Conception Church, Madison, Ohio Tune in to this week's episode of The Catholic Files with Fr. Donnelly as he continues our journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode draws from Part Four: Prayer, inviting us deeper into the heart of our relationship with God. This week's topic: "The Life of Prayer" Discover how prayer is not merely something we do, but a living relationship we are called to nurture each day. Through the wisdom of the Church, Fr. Donnelly explores how prayer shapes our faith, sustains us in trials, and opens our hearts to God's grace.  Come be renewed, instructed, and inspired as we learn how to live a life rooted in prayer listening to God, speaking from the heart, and walking daily in His presence. Thank you for listening and walking this journey of faith with us. If you would like to explore more episodes of The Catholic Files, please visit www.iccmadison.com And if you are unable to attend Mass in person, you are warmly invited to join us for Daily Mass online by searching @iccmadison on YouTube. May this episode draw you closer to Christ and inspire you to make prayer the heart of your daily life.

    19 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Season 2, Episode 20 - The Catholic Files Topic: Praying Under the Guidance of the Holy Spirit

    Season 2, Episode 20 - The Catholic Files Topic: Praying Under the Guidance of the Holy Spirit with Father Donnelly, Immaculate Conception Church, Madison, Ohio Prayer is not merely our words reaching toward God - it is first God drawing our hearts toward Himself. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that "the Holy Spirit is the master of prayer" (CCC 741). In this episode of The Catholic Files, Father Donnelly invites us to rediscover prayer as a sacred encounter guided and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Too often we struggle with prayer, unsure of what to say or how to begin. Yet the Church teaches that even in our weakness, the Spirit prays within us, shaping our desires according to the will of the Father. When we pray under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our prayer becomes more than routine it becomes a living relationship rooted in trust, humility, and surrender. Father Donnelly reflects on how the Holy Spirit leads us to Christ, unites us to the Church, and forms our hearts to listen before speaking. Guided by the Spirit, prayer opens us to conversion, strengthens us in times of trial, and teaches us to pray not only with words, but with our lives. As we grow in attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, our prayer deepens, our faith matures, and our hearts become more receptive to God's grace. This episode encourages us to slow down, invoke the Holy Spirit, and allow God Himself to teach us how to pray. Come, Holy Spirit guide our hearts, shape our prayers, and draw us ever closer to Christ. Thank you for listening and walking this journey of faith with us. If you would like to explore more episodes of The Catholic Files, please visit www.iccmadison.com And if you are unable to attend Mass in person, you are warmly invited to join us for Daily Mass online by searching @iccmadison on YouTube. May this episode draw you closer to Christ and inspire you to make prayer the heart of your daily life.

    20 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Season 2, Episode 19 - The Catholic Files: Topic- Prayer in the Life of Jesus

    Tune in to this week's episode of The Catholic Files with Fr. Donnelly of Immaculate Conception Church in Madison, Ohio. In this episode, Fr. Donnelly continues his thoughtful reflection on the fourth section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which beautifully teaches us about Prayer, the living relationship between God and His people. This week's focus is Prayer in the Life of Jesus. From the quiet moments of solitude to His public ministry, from the Upper Room to the agony in the Garden, Jesus shows us that prayer is not optional it is essential. Fr. Donnelly invites us to look closely at how Christ prayed, how He trusted the Father in all things, and how His example calls each of us to deepen our own prayer life with humility, perseverance, and love. As we listen, we are reminded that prayer is where faith is strengthened, where burdens are lifted, and where hearts are transformed. In learning how Jesus prayed, we discover how to pray ourselves especially in moments of joy, suffering, and uncertainty. Thank you for listening and walking this journey of faith with us. If you would like to explore more episodes of The Catholic Files, please visit www.iccmadison.com And if you are unable to attend Mass in person, you are warmly invited to join us for Daily Mass online by searching @iccmadison on YouTube. May this episode draw you closer to Christ and inspire you to make prayer the heart of your daily life.

    22 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Season 2, Episode 18 - The Catholic Files: Topic- PRAYER

    The Catholic Files

    17 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    The Catholic Files: First Week of Advent-Homily

    The Catholic Files with Fr. Sean Donnelly Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Madison, Ohio  Step into the quiet hope of the season as Fr. Sean Donnelly reflects on the First Week of Advent through a powerful past homily. In this episode of The Catholic Files, Fr. Donnelly reminds us that Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas as it is a sacred invitation to awaken our hearts, deepen our longing for Christ, and prepare a place for Him within our daily lives. With gentle wisdom and pastoral warmth, he guides us to pause, to pray, and to renew our trust in God's promises. As the first candle of the Advent wreath is lit, Fr. Donnelly encourages us to let its flame become a symbol of God's light breaking into every corner of our lives. Listen, be inspired, and allow this Advent message to help you begin the season with hope, expectation, and a renewed love for the Lord. more information at www.iccmadison.com

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

"Welcome, to the The Catholic Files, where we can come together as a community of faith to reflect, pray, and grow in our journey with Christ. My name is Father Sean Donnelly. This podcast is born out of a desire to share the beauty of our Catholic faith, to explore God's Word, and to discover how His love transforms our lives. Each week, we'll delve into topics that inspire, challenge, and encourage us to live as disciples of Jesus in today's world. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, someone exploring faith, or simply seeking hope and connection, you are warmly welcome here. As we begin this new journey, let us take a moment to open our hearts to the presence of God in prayer." Description: Join Fr. Sean Donnelly of Immaculate Conception Parish in Madison, Ohio as he discusses "everything about the Catholic faith" Fr. Donnelly covers a vast range of topics including the core beliefs like the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the importance of the sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony), the role of the Bible and Church tradition, the teachings on morality, the concept of the Church as the Body of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Saints, prayer practices, the meaning of Mass, and the Church's stance on social issues, all grounded in the historical development of the Catholic Church and its interpretation of scripture.

Information

  • Creator
    Fr. Sean Donnelly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Catholic Files