The Tangent on Veritas Catholic Network

Holy Orders - Understanding the Priesthood

In this conversation, Matt and Father Sam explore the sacrament of Holy Orders, discussing its significance in the Catholic Church, the role of the priesthood, and the historical context of priestly functions. They delve into the distinction between the Old and New Testament priesthood, the nature of true sacrifice, and the transformative role of Christ in the priesthood. They also discuss the importance of sincerity in worship and emphasize the complementary roles of laity and clergy in the Church.
 
LINKS
Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/
Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate
 
OTHER SHOWS
Restless: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg
Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q
Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg

Discerning Truth in a time of Ecclesial Uncertainty, with Fr. Donald Haggerty

In this conversation, Father Donald Haggerty discusses the challenges facing the Catholic Church today, particularly the issue of ecclesial uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of discernment in a media-saturated world, the potential impact of the next papacy, and the need for genuine evangelization alongside sacramental preparation.
The conversation also touches on the growing apathy towards God in society and the unprecedented sacrilege of the Eucharist. Father Haggerty calls for a return to authentic faith practices led by priests to strengthen the church's integrity and mission.
In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of the current state of the Church, discussing the balance between conspiracy theories and realism, the importance of spiritual training for laypeople, and the role of prayer and silence in deepening one's faith.
LINKS
Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/
Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate
 
OTHER SHOWS Restless: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg
Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q
Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg?app=desktop

The Church's Teaching on IVF & Human Dignity, with Stephanie Gray Connors

Since beginning the Tangent a couple years ago, Fr. Sam and I have had the opportunity to interview some amazing guests. One of those guests, who was kind enough to return to the show, is Stephanie Gray Connors.
Stephanie Gray Connors is a prolific pro-life speaker. She’s debated against abortion for decades and is now the author of two books in Word on Fire’s Dignity Series - “On Assisted Suicide” and “On IVF”.
I (Matt) invited Stephanie to join the Tangent again to discuss the latter of the two volumes from the Dignity Series because while I knew the Catholic Church’s teaching on IVF, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to explain why the Church teaches what She does.
In today’s episode, we not only define IVF, we discuss why the Church takes such a strong stance against it, how this protects the dignity of human life, and tackle important questions like, “what about those who were born via this process?”.
 
LINKS
The Dignity Series: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/collections/the-dignity-series?srsltid=AfmBOoq5Mff4FzKM66LS62KgpFNYVWybuYtfSuHdOqms2knVS1q1tmpX
Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/
Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate
OTHER SHOWS
Restless: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg
Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q
Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg
 

Forming Families, Forming Saints - with Fr. Carter Griffin

Father Carter Griffin is a Princeton grad, former Navy Line Officer and now rector of a seminary. His book focuses on how parents can incorporate elements of priestly formation into how they raise their children.
LINKS
Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/
Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate
OTHER SHOWS
Restless Catholic Young Adults: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg
Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q
Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg
 

Habemus Papam! Pope Leo XIV!

Habemus Papam, We have a Pope!
LINKS
Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/
Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate
OTHER SHOWS:
Restless: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg
Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q
Daily Gospel Reflection: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg
 

Inside the Conclave: What to Expect

Fr. Sam and Matt discuss the upcoming conclave, going through the logistics of how it works, the responsibility voting Cardinals hold, the need for the whole to Church to pray for an out pouring of the Holy Spirit, and how the Holy Spirit guides the Church during this time.
LINKS
Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/
Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate
OTHER SHOWS
Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q/
Restless: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg
Daily Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyCatholicReflections
 
 
 

Reflecting on Pope Francis's Funeral

Fr. Sam and Matt reflect on the Holy Father's funeral, especially, the public witness of a Papal funeral, the catechetical elements of the broadcast, and the truly Catholic (as in universal) nature of a papal funeral. 
 
LINKS 
Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/
Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate
OTHER SHOWS
Restless: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg
Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q
Daily Gospel Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXE8YpRhxNwsAiv_lrgBOg
 

Pope Francis (1936-2025)

Pope Francis, the 265th successor of St. Peter passed away early this morning. Fr. Sam and Matt discuss the "official" mourning the Church welcomes all Catholics to embrace (Papal wake, funeral, etc.) and how all of us, even those who can't go to Rome can participate in it. Most of all, we are called to pray for the repose of Pope Francis's soul. 
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departedrest in peace.
Amen.