Inside Catholicphilly.com

When your early life is marked by trauma and at-risk behavior, how do you reshape your future? Duane Price, a recent graduate of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's De La Salle Vocational School, shares with producer Gina Christian how he learned to "own his voice" and choose to believe in himself -- so that he can help others do the same.

Is there such a thing as "Catholic sportsmanship"? Or are Catholics just as rough and tumble during gametime as any other athletes and fans? Veteran sports reporter John Knebels shares with Inside Catholic Philly.com how Catholic faith and identity is still at the heart of Catholic League sports in Philadelphia -- and where that spirit could use some extra practice.

Philadelphia's Catholic League football teams are back on the gridiron, and veteran sports journalist John Knebels shares with Inside CatholicPhilly.com what to expect this season, and which players and teams are destined for victory.

What's your story? Are yesterday's wounds injuring you and those around you in the present? Drawing on his long experience of working with at-risk youth, counselor Fred Trainer describes how coming to terms with past trauma can free you to forgive, and to embrace hope and healing in Christ.

Even in the worst of times -- such as the clerical abuse crisis -- Catholics can still discern the voice of their true Shepherd. Meghan Cokeley of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia shares with producer Gina Christian how the "sensus fidei" (the sense of faith) can guide laity who are living out their baptismal vows. Although church leaders can and do fail, Christ never abandons the flock for which he gave his very life.

What should lay people do at a time of crisis and heartache in the Catholic Church? Between scandals and secularization, do the people in the pews have any real power to create change for the better? Yes, says Meghan Cokeley, director of evangelization for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, who shares with producer Gina Christian the inside story on how the Catholic Church is actually supposed to work, thanks to its "two dimensions."

Do spirits and spirituality mix? Yes, according to Oblate Father Thomas Dailey, as long as we're drinking to the joy of the Lord, and in fellowship with one another. Father Dailey draws on Dr. Michael Foley's popular book, "Drinking with the Saints," to show how we can lift both glasses and hearts with friends, and honor God by taking delight in his countless blessings. Cheers!

Young people aren't storming out of the Catholic Church; they're simply drifting away, as Bishop Robert Barron has pointed out. So how can an ancient faith speak to a new generation? Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS, shares his insights on evangelizing youth and young adults.

Is poverty a blessing? Yes, but only if it's the type that Jesus meant when he said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." In the second of a two-part series, Father Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A. of Villanova University explains how spiritual poverty -- which recognizes that "all is gift" from God -- transforms hearts and builds the kingdom of God on earth.

How do you find your true path? Where and who are you meant to be? How do you make life choices in a world that advises you to "keep your options open" and to "have it all"? Oblate Father Thomas Dailey shares how you can discern your vocation -- God's specific call for you -- even in the noisy digital age.

"Poverty" is a small word that encompasses measureless misery. Christians often have a confused relationship with poverty. Is being poor a sign of holiness? Or is it evidence of a deep evil in our hearts, one that allows only a few to enjoy God's abundance while others go without? In the first of a two-part series, Father Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A. of Villanova University explains the different types of poverty, and how each can become an encounter with a Lord who showers all with his blessings.

Does Mass on television "count"? And are your online friends really your friends? Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS discusses how digital communications shapes our sense of community, especially when we gather -- online or offline -- to share our faith. In his message for this year's World Communications Day, Pope Francis has called for a unity that moves us all from a mere "like" to an "amen" that is grounded in real and welcoming relationships.

Marriage isn't just about two people finding happiness in each other. Father Frank Berna of La Salle University shares with producer Gina Christian how this consecrated union actually translates into "everyday holiness," blessing not only the couple and their families, but the human community as a whole.

Fewer couples are getting married these days, and "wedded bliss" can mean very different things in the culture and in Catholic teaching. The sacrament of matrimony isn't just a prelude to a lavish wedding party; instead, it's central to the life of the Church. Father Frank Berna, a theologian from La Salle University and a popular wedding celebrant, shares with producer Gina Christian the meaning behind marriage, and how the Catholic Church can invite others to experience the joy of this consecrated union.

How can the Catholic faith -- and more specifically, the Mass -- engage today's youth? Father Thomas Dailey shares his thoughts on how teens and young adults encounter the presence of God in the liturgy, although they may not fully know or understand everything that's happening during the rites. Even in the digital age, the call to holiness remains in our genes, and in our hearts.

Palm Sunday puts Christians in the heart of the action, as Christ enters Jerusalem to win eternal life for humanity through his passion, death, and resurrection. Seminarian John Paul Heisler of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania shares how our annual remembrance of Christ's passion is new and lifegiving over two thousand years later. Whether we exalt him with the crowds, or deny him as Peter did, Jesus remains with us, offering his all-powerful love and mercy.

The woman caught in adultery stood before Christ completely vulnerable, fearing death and damnation. Yet Jesus silenced her accusers with his just and merciful love, restoring her dignity and her life. Seminarian Mark Tobin of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania shares how the Lord does the same for us when we have been wounded and alienated by our sins. By humbly giving our brokenness to Christ, we are cleansed and renewed -- and free to share that mercy with others. (Image: Andrey Mironov, "Christ and the Sinner" via Creative Commons).

"Having it all" means having nothing if our definition of "all" is money, worldly success and pleasure -- a lesson the prodigal son learned the hard way. Seminarian Wesly Taveras Medina of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (Wynnewood, Pennsylvania) shares how the radical love of God satisfies our deepest needs. Conversion isn't about the Lord taking away all our fun, but rather about him giving us real and lasting joy.

What do God and grand slams have in common? Quite a lot, according to Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS. An avid baseball fan, Father Dailey shares with editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian how the divine can be found on the baseball diamond.

Like any good gardener, Jesus looks for a harvest. When he cursed a barren fig tree, Christ reminded us that time is short, and that we miss out on true growth by choosing to stagnate in sin. Seminarian Steven DiMassimo from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania shares how we can move from frustration to freedom and fruitfulness.