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The Catholic Files

The Catholic Files

Written by: Fr. Sean Donnelly
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"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.2025 Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Season 2, Episode 22 - The Catholic Files Topic: The Lord's Prayer
    Jan 5 2026

    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.

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    17 mins
  • Season 2, Episode 21 - The Catholic Files Topic: The Life of Prayer
    Dec 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 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.

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    19 mins
  • Season 2, Episode 20 - The Catholic Files Topic: Praying Under the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
    Dec 23 2025

    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.

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    20 mins
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