"Love is patient, love is kind, love is..."We all know the classic wedding day reading from Saint Paul. But for many of us, that very first virtue eludes us most days: Patience.In a world that seems to push back against slowness, rest, love of enemy, and letting go of control, it's especially essential that we learn how to cultivate patience in our…

Friar Side Chats is back for a fresh season! In today's episode we’re challenged to take a look back at our own spiritual history: where our journey began, how we got to where we are today, and the role God has played in all of it. Between pivotal moments in our lives and people who have helped us along the way, God has been working in our lives ev…

Here we are in the middle of an unprecedented summer. In Durham, we’re worshipping in a parking garage; at home, you’re wearing masks with family and friends; in our communities, we’re marching and advocating and learning.The good news amidst it all is the Good News: that Jesus came to live among us, that His love for us is abundant, and that He is…

This week, we sat down to chat not about Tiger King or Zoom fatigue but about the unexpected blessings and spiritual takeaways from this time of quarantine.We invite you to join us for a Friar Side Chats episode that asks: What’s going to be the defining outcome of this time for you? What has been a surprise blessing of the past two months? What ca…

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What happens when we find ourselves in a culture in need of change? Whether we're dealing with the messy issues of life on a team, in an org on campus, or within a community — what power do we have to move the needle?Join us as we sit down with Duke's Head Coach for Men's Lacrosse, John Danowski, to talk about shifting a culture, staying rooted in …

The age old problem of pain and suffering in the world isn’t new to any of us. But each time heartbreak or tragedy strikes us, our loved ones, or our community, we often find ourselves grappling all over again with finding meaning in the midst of suffering.And for many of us, the temptation is to settle into the “everything happens for a reason” na…

We surrounded all the time by the idea that leadership is the pinnacle of personal, professional, and academic development.But, while we may be called to take the lead at times, are we be putting the cart before the horse if we’re not first striving to be solid followers?From habits and qualities we should strive to cultivate as followers, to the s…

The witness of poverty found in St. Francis of Assisi begs the question: How do we embody a life of poverty in this modern age? Listen in with us as we wrestle with questions of resisting the idols of financial security, personal pride, and more. Get a look into what solidarity with the poor actually means. Also, encounter the mystery of sacrifice …

How would you describe your prayer life? Is your answer along the lines of “I pray before bed”?In this episode of the Friar Side Chats, Fr. Mike questions whether this prayer practice is sufficient for building a relationship with our God who loves us and wants us to know Him.But don’t stress if that’s where you are. We are bringing the recommendat…

At a place like Duke where accomplishments and scores get you in and GPAs and theses carry you out, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the achievement-proves-worth cycle. And yet at the same time, God truly has brought each of us here to achieve incredible things with the gifts He’s given us!So how are we supposed to pursue excellence in a healt…

Known as the patron of our difficult time, Saint Maximilian Kolbe is a modern witness of love and sacrifice in the face of great hatred and violence.With the recent mass shootings in mind, this episode dives into what it means to love radically in a world of violence. We'll explore the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan friar who died in Au…

Parents. They cooked hundreds of meals for us, drove us to countless competitions and practices, and helped us become the people we are today. Of course we’re grateful! And yet, at the same time, we can find ourselves frustrated when we feel they’re holding on too tightly or pushing us out of the nest too soon or simply not living up to our expecta…

This week on Friar Side Chats, Fr. Mike and Emma draw on the Gospel story of Mary and Martha and choosing the better part. It's a classic example of how our perspective and focus can completely shift our experience and relationship with Jesus.Who will you identify with in the story? Are you a Mary or a Martha? (Spoiler: Emma and Fr. Mike are Martha…

Whether we’re running our favorite trail, soaking up some rays on the beach, or even just walking to class — it’s hard to deny that being in nature captures something in us. After all, God went wild when he created our world and He designed it all to be appreciated and loved by humanity!Join Fr. Mike and Emma in this refreshing episode as they expl…

In the burning and collapse of the spire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris the world lost an important piece of history, an intricate work of art, a teacher for the people, a sacred place to pray, and so much more.Here at Duke, we're blessed to see and encounter beautiful buildings everyday — but what do they mean to us? Do we take the time to c…

Why does stepping away from campus or just into the summer often find us falling away from our Mass and prayer commitment? Maybe we can move from pressing pause on our spiritual journey to seeing the summer months for what they really are: an opportunity to dig more deeply and shore ourselves up for the busy academic year ahead!With tips for formin…

Silence and stillness are so crucial for us as humans: for our growth, for self-discovery, and for our relationship with God. But why is it often so awkward and uncomfortable for us to sit with ourselves in silence — in prayer or otherwise? Is there a way to move past the frustration of feeling like you’re just hearing your own voice?YES. Yes, ther…

Focusing in on the Duke Catholic Center’s Lenten theme of Forgiveness, Fr. Mike and Emma dig into the three different aspects we most often struggle with: forgiving ourselves, forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness from Jesus. With great tips for finding and giving forgiveness without reservation, as well as top book and movie recommendations fo…

Duke alum and former walk-on quarterback Rob Collins joins Emma and Fr. Mike in a deep discussion on how faith can fit into the high-pressure careers that so many Duke students aspire to. Drawing on his personal experience as a Duke engineer and consultant at Deloitte, Rob shares how getting back to basics has been key for his career and his life. …

Christmastime. It always promises good food and relaxation and great family time. After we check the box for Christmas Mass of course... But is that really what it’s all about? In this episode, explore with us some of the ways we’ve domesticated the holiday and take away some fresh ideas for keeping Jesus at the center of it all - even amidst the h…

We've often heard that the Eucharist is at the heart of Catholic life, but sometimes the deeper details and explanations are left out or just assumed. Well, we've got you covered as we break down just why the Eucharist is so important and how it can change your life - if you let it. From the technicolor nose of bomb-sniffing dogs to Fr. Mike's thou…

We've all seen the #selfcare and #selflove tags on social media, but how good are we *really* at loving and caring for ourselves? Are we even thinking about it through the best lens? Whether you're a bubble-bather like Emma or a chocoholic like Fr. Mike, we could all stand to think a little more deeply about self care!…

Retreats come in all varieties, from forty days alone in the desert to a weekend outing to the beach to an afternoon set aside on campus. No matter the style you prefer--and they’re all great!--there’s no denying that retreats bring huge benefits for our spiritual lives. (Let's be real: if Jesus needed retreats, the we *definitely* do.) If you’ve e…

It’s not easy to talk about, but it's important for us as Catholics to acknowledge the sexual assault crisis that the Church is facing right now. In this episode of Friar Side Chats, Emma and Father Mike welcome Father Tim Kulbicki, calling in from Rome, as he helps us break down what the Church is doing to respond to the issues within the clergy, …

Reading Scripture can seem like a task of… well, Biblical proportions: where to start, what do I need to know beforehand, do I need to memorize stuff? In reality, it can be much more like a conversation with God - a way for Him to shed light on the truth of our faith and give advice on how to live and love day-to-day. In this Friar Side Chat, Emma …

We all know how to set up plans for our classes, the extracurriculars that will get us into med/law/business/grad school, our fitness and health goals, etc. But do we apply that same strategic, goal-setting mindset to our spiritual life? What might happen if we did? Fr. Mike's CEO side comes out strong (and inspiring!) in this episode all about thi…

Pope Francis recently released an awesome apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness. But it's not your average to-be-expected pep talk. Papa Francesco gives us incredible inspiration for how to strive for holiness in our modern, everyday lives. Let's dig in!بقلم Duke Catholic Center

Text, Tweet, or Insta? Whatever your poison, many of us often use emojis to give our message a pop of color or help us better communicate how we feel. Because sometimes words just aren’t enough. Join us as we seek God in the everyday, dive into the underlying roots of our love for all things ???, and explore Fr. Mike's dream "emojis".…

The World Cup has been dominating the news across the world, with what seems to be entire countries stopping everything to watch their national team play. What would happen if we approached our Catholic faith with the same kind of excitement and team spirit? (Bonus: You get to uncover Fr. Mike’s “recommendations” for improving the sport…)…

We believe that each of us can take some concrete, simple steps to help build the Kingdom wherever we might be. So whether you’re in a summer internship, volunteering with DukeEngage, working a summer gig, or chugging along with your career, there are so many ways to maximize your experience and bring something special to your workplace. (Don’t sel…

When we’re in the midst of travels big and small, do we take the time to appreciate the journey or are we fixated on getting to our destination? How can we better appreciate our travels (even the horror stories!) and allow for incredible encounters with Christ along the way?بقلم Duke Catholic Center

Summer Sundays find many of us away from the familiarity of Duke Catholic Center Mass or our local parish. And of course we “know” the Mass is the same wherever we go, but what do we do when we find ourselves comparing Masses and missing the familiar scenes and faces? From bake sales for the little old ladies to the unique architecture of each chur…

Sitting down with senior Luke Duchemin, we dive into the mom factor: that unique selflessness and spirituality that our mothers and mother-figures in our lives offer us. What makes our moms such incredible witnesses of love and sacrifice? How can you be more like your own mother? And how can Mary, as the ultimate mother, help us grow closer to Jesu…

Lent is a time of sacrifice. Why, then, is the end of the Lenten season sometimes such a difficult time? For some of us, we might be struggling with some guilt over not fulfilling our Lenten promises. But nevertheless, Easter should be a time of celebration, joy, and singing “Alleluia!” So how can we move joyfully from a great/mediocre/failed Lent …

We’re all accustomed to the phrase: “to walk a mile in someone’s shoes.” Yet whose shoes are more important to walk in than the God of Creation, Jesus Christ? Join us as we dig into the powerful spiritual impact the Stations of the Cross can have on our lives. After all, we know that Jesus walks with us in the midst of the burdens of our lives, but…

We're obviously a bit biased when it comes to college basketball. But it's undeniable that the Cameron Crazy experience (or the experience of any avid fan, really) offer some serious life and spiritual wisdom when you get down to it: from goal-setting and dreaming big, to appreciating the details and giving 100%.…

“I’m just a college student!” "Well, I'm still paying off student loans..." "But my parents support me." We each have our excuses for why now isn't the ideal time for us to be generous with our resources - limited as they may be. Still, Almsgiving is one the three pillars of Lent and Jesus specifically calls us to care for those in greater need tha…

Join us as we dig into Ash Wednesday and this Lenten season through the lens of our 2018 theme of Commitment. To what (or whom!) do we commit when we set out our Lenten penance? How can we recommit ourselves daily? And why is it so important that we set a Lenten penance anyway?بقلم Duke Catholic Center

We all know that what we eat impacts our body, but what about the media we consume on a regular basis? Do we take steps to ensure that the music, movies, social media, and even news we're ingesting is going to nourish our lives? Don't worry if you're not there yet, we have some great tips for you. (And it doesn't just mean cutting everything out!)…

Friendships are without a doubt a central part of our lives. But how intentional are we about the friends we keep closest, and what are some ways we can hold our friendships to a higher standard?بقلم Duke Catholic Center

A look back into some of your most-loved episodes from this past year! Based on listener feedback, Fr. Mike and Emma dig a little deeper into some of the episodes and subjects that resonated most with Friar Side Chat subscribers.بقلم Duke Catholic Center

Christmas doesn't have to be the same ol' deal every year; we can definitely kick things up a notch with the right perspective. Join us as Emma's mind (and hopefully yours!) is blown by some of the ancient Christmas insights of Fr. Mike's Franciscan brothers.بقلم Duke Catholic Center

Cheating -- on tests, in relationships, and especially with ourselves -- tempts everyone. It’s one of the darker sides of college and life in general, which is why it’s so important that we examine the topic through a fresh lens. How do we become cheaters, and how can we keep from going there?بقلم Duke Catholic Center

Happy Thanksgiving! You’re in for a treat, because Father Mike and Emma are joined by a special guest: Katie Cassedy, class of 2020, in the latest episode of Friar Side Chats!In episode #24, we get to take a fresh look at genuine gratitude during this time of year. Join us as we dive into the (sometimes) awkward Thanksgiving prayer moment, the ways…

At a place like Duke, it can be difficult to acknowledge that we are imperfect beings. When we fail or screw up, talking about it can be a very uncomfortable experience. If we are ever going to grow into the person God made us, though, we can’t be ruled by fear of failure but by hope for a better future. How can we flip failure on its head?…

Family Weekend is right around the corner at Duke, and students of all years are preparing for their dad’s groan-inducing jokes and their mother’s lectures on keeping a clean room. In other words, it’s the perfect opportunity to contemplate what our families mean to us, how we relate to our families now and over time, and how Jesus can help us impr…

St. Francis lived over 800 years ago. Yet his life continues to hold great wisdom in this modern time. This week, Fr. Mike and Emma chat about the powerful Franciscan messages we need in this time of division, the ways Francis has been misunderstood, and the reason he left such a lasting impact on the world -- both in his own time and in our own.…

To celebrate being twenty episodes in, we wanted to treat our listeners to a Friar Side Chat with a special guest. Join us as we sit down to talk with Duke Football's Head Coach David Cutcliffe about faith on a college campus, its impact on his coaching, and how it can and should inform our own careers and identities.…

Campus is bustling and full of energy again with the start of the new academic year. It's an awesome time of year, but we know that each new year at Duke brings its own unique thrills and challenges. We break down the common hurdles we see each year and offer practical tips for how you can make the most of this new year at Duke!…