• We Have a Pope!
    Jun 12 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss the recent election of the new Pope, reflecting on the emotional impact and global significance of the event. Father Ron shares his personal experiences from witnessing Pope Francis's election in Rome and provides insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Pope Leo. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for Catholics and the world, media coverage, and the continuing importance of evangelization and unity among Christian denominations. The episode concludes with thoughts on how to support and pray for the new Pope.

    00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

    00:16 Discussing the New Pope

    01:33 Personal Experiences in Rome

    05:26 The Significance of a New Pope

    07:22 Global Interest in the Papacy

    10:30 The Emotional Weight of Becoming Pope

    14:39 Public Reaction and Media Coverage

    18:30 Media Perception and Staying Grounded

    19:27 Understanding the Pope's Communication

    20:42 Challenges of Modern Papacy

    25:35 Evangelization and Modern Issues

    26:55 Financial and Organizational Issues in the Vatican

    28:29 Global Priest Shortage and Missionary Work

    30:01 Reflections on Past Popes

    34:09 Hopes for Pope Leo's Papacy

    35:41 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

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    36 mins
  • Navigating Transitions: Father Ron's Journey to a New Parish
    May 13 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson delve deep into the emotional and spiritual challenges faced when a priest is reassigned to a new parish. Father Ron shares personal insights from his 31 years as a priest, discussing the sadness, uncertainty, and need for obedience as he prepares to leave the Basilica of St. Adalbert after seven years. The conversation touches on the human side of transitions, the importance of prayer, and practical advice for parishioners welcoming a new priest. Despite the impending move, Father Ron remains committed to continuing the podcast from his new assignment.

    00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

    01:18 Emotional and Spiritual Impact of Reassignment

    02:56 Challenges of Transitioning to a New Parish

    10:10 The Role of Obedience in Faith

    15:02 Preparing for Change and New Beginnings

    20:21 Celebrity Demands and Contracts

    22:22 The Role of a Pastor and Church Dynamics

    24:34 Transitioning to a New Parish

    26:26 Personal Preferences and Adaptations

    27:26 Advice for Welcoming a New Priest

    30:34 Preparing for the Move

    37:21 Maintaining Connections and Final Thoughts

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    38 mins
  • Reflections on Good Friday: The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus Christ
    Apr 18 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson delve into a deep and reflective conversation about the key moments of Good Friday. The discussion begins with Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and progresses through his betrayal, arrest, and trial before Pontius Pilate. They explore the physical and emotional torment Jesus endured, the reactions of his disciples, particularly Peter's denial, and the significance of Jesus' final words on the cross. The episode offers profound insights into the humanity and divinity of Jesus and underscores the depths of God's love and mercy. This conversation aims to help listeners enter into the mystery of the cross in a deeper and more meaningful way.

    00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

    00:16 Reflecting on Good Friday

    00:37 The Agony in the Garden

    01:11 Jesus' Humanity and Divinity

    03:22 The Betrayal and Arrest

    04:02 The Trial and Peter's Denial

    10:21 Peter's Redemption and Judas' Despair

    13:45 Jesus Before Pilate

    15:26 The Brutal Scourging

    15:35 The Humiliation and Mocking of Jesus

    15:55 Jesus' Acceptance and Our Role

    17:18 The Way of the Cross

    17:55 Jesus' Control and Compassion

    19:59 The Crucifixion and Jesus' Final Words

    20:25 Reflections on Good Friday

    26:20 The Significance of Good Friday

    29:36 Concluding Thoughts and Blessings

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    31 mins
  • Holy Week Behind the Altar: A Priest's Perspective
    Apr 11 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson dive deep into the experience of Holy Week from a priest's viewpoint. Father Ron shares his preparations, the spiritual and logistical challenges, and the moments of profound connection throughout this intense week. The discussion covers everything from sermon preparations weeks in advance to the deeply moving rituals such as the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday and the veneration of the cross on Good Friday. This episode offers listeners insight into the spiritual and emotional journey of a priest during one of the most significant weeks of the liturgical year.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:14 Discussing Holy Week from a Priest's Perspective

    00:55 Spiritual Preparation for Holy Week

    01:57 Challenges and Moments of Reflection

    03:58 The Busy Schedule of Holy Week

    06:52 Personal Reflections and Rituals

    13:31 Connecting with the Congregation

    21:47 Advice for Engaging with Holy Week

    22:31 Conclusion and Farewell

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    23 mins
  • Building a Spiritual Game Plan: Daily Catholic Practices for Holiness
    Mar 28 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson discuss creating a spiritual game plan for living a more intentional Catholic life. They explore various daily devotions and habits to help grow in holiness, breaking them down into morning, midday, and evening practices. Key topics include the meaning of holiness, morning routines like the Serenity Prayer and Lexio Devina, midday resets such as attending daily Mass or using the Angelus, and evening reflections like the nightly examen. The episode emphasizes starting small and incorporating manageable practices into everyday life to build a deeper connection with God.

    00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

    00:35 Creating a Spiritual Game Plan

    01:24 Understanding Holiness

    02:17 Morning Routines and Practices

    13:43 Midday Spiritual Practices

    15:32 Midday Prayer Options

    16:26 Incorporating Small Sacrifices

    17:24 Using Technology for Prayer

    19:19 The Importance of Consistent Prayer

    20:53 Evening Prayer Practices

    27:17 Starting Small with Daily Prayer

    29:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    30 mins
  • When Lent Looks Different: Navigating Lent in Challenging Seasons
    Feb 28 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson explore practical ways to embrace the Lenten season, especially for those experiencing unique life situations. They discuss tailored approaches for new parents, individuals going through grief or suffering, the elderly or the sick, and those in high-stress environments.

    The key takeaway is to make manageable, meaningful sacrifices and additions to one's daily routine, adapting traditional Lenten practices to fit personal circumstances. The episode emphasizes consistency, small but sincere actions, and finding time for prayer and reflection even amid life's chaos.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

    01:10 Adapting Lent for New Parents

    07:05 Lent During Grief and Suffering

    12:57 Lent for the Elderly and Homebound

    18:16 Managing Lent in High-Stress Seasons

    26:47 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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    28 mins
  • Understanding the Role of Saints in Daily Catholic Life
    Feb 21 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Father Ron Hutchinson explore the significance of saints within the Catholic tradition. They discuss how saints are identified, the impact of patron saints, and delve into some specific saints like St. Lawrence, St. Valentine, and St. Gregory the Great. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, Father Ron highlights the saints' continued relevance and inspirational power for contemporary Catholics. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to start developing a personal connection with a patron saint.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

    00:15 Exploring the Saints: Who Are They?

    01:41 Patron Saints and Their Unique Roles

    03:48 Personal Favorites and Their Impact

    16:32 The Saints' Teachings and Writings

    19:28 Understanding the Legends and Traditions

    23:19 Building a Connection with Saints

    24:11 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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    25 mins
  • Practical Tips for Effective Evangelization
    Feb 12 2025

    In this episode of Intentionally Catholic, hosts Dan Hansen and Fr. Ron Hutchinson delve into practical steps for effective evangelization, highlighting the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus, showing love, the power of persistent prayer, and starting evangelization within our own families. They emphasize sharing personal faith stories and the need for authenticity in evangelizing. Listen as they share personal anecdotes and actionable advice to help Catholics live their faith with intention and joy.

    00:00 Introduction to Intentionally Catholic

    00:41 The Importance of Personal Relationship with Jesus

    04:43 Evangelizing with Love

    08:23 The Power of Persistent Prayer

    19:50 Evangelizing in Everyday Life

    26:54 Sharing Your Personal Story

    33:16 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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    34 mins