Inside Catholicphilly.com

For decades, Catholics have placed the Rice Bowl, a small cardboard box for alms, in their homes during Lent. Sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the outreach does much more than collect spare change for the hungry. Anne Ayella of CRS describes how the Rice Bowl initiative radically connects individuals across the globe in a shared journey towards sustenance and solidarity.

Can modern eyes (and hearts) blinded by digital-age special effects take in the Transfiguration of Christ? Have we lost the ability to be stunned into silent reverence before God's glory? Kenneth Cavara, a seminarian from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, shares how we can reclaim our sense of wonder in God's holy presence.

Fasting, the ancient practice of abstaining from food, enables us to create a greater space for God in our lives. But denying ourselves is difficult, especially in a culture of all-you-can-eat buffets. Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS, shares how fasting is designed to work (hint: it's not about "gaming the Lenten system"), and what fruits this vital discipline can bring to our lives.

Ever feel like you can't overcome temptation, and that you're doomed to sin in ways great and small? Jesus understands. Before he began his public ministry, he faced off against Satan after a 40-day fast in the desert. Austin Robuck, a seminarian from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, shares how Christ's response in this encounter offers us hope and power when we're confronted with the choice between sin and life in the Spirit.

Lent is a time of prayer and fasting that opens our hearts to the beauty of love. Forty Days for Life, a global grassroots movement, does just that through its peaceful, compassionate witness to the rights of the unborn. Tom Stevens (president of the Pro Life Union of Greater Philadelphia) and Steve Bozza (director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Life and Family) share how this ministry can be part of a Lenten journey to renewed life for all.

Does God have a sense of humor? Can you be holy and still enjoy a good joke? Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS shares with editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian how laughter helps to spread the good news of the Gospel, while deepening relationships and making life's journey easier.

Pornography has become a multi-billion dollar industry, harming individuals and families by degrading human dignity and the God-given gift of sexuality. Archbishop Charles Chaput of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia discusses a new initiative to protect families from pornography, and shares the Catholic faith's call to mercy and healing for those struggling with sexual addiction.

Pope Francis has observed that the internet can both connect us to others and entrap us in a web of self-isolation. Father Thomas Dailey, O.S.F.S., shares his thoughts with producer Gina Christian and editor Matt Gambino on how we can create real communities through social media -- without becoming ensnared in false identities and shallow relationships.

If we are all made in the image and likeness of God, why do we so often close our hearts to those whose skin color differs from our own? God is relational, and invites all to enter into communion with him and with one another. Father Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A. of Villanova University shares his insights on how love conquers racism, reflecting on the U.S. bishops' pastoral letter "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love."

When it's time for the homily at Mass, do you find yourself flipping through the bulletin, or even dozing off? The homily is much more than a lecture to endure so you can receive communion. Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS shares the real purpose of the homily (hint: it's not to drum up money for the collection), and what makes for preaching that brings the Word of God alive in the hearts of the faithful.

Can you be in love with the Lord while you're angry at the world? Many Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle with the wrong enemy. Father Thomas Dailey shares how St. Francis de Sales focused on gentleness as a sign of God's presence in the soul. Having lived during a time of intense conflict between Catholics and Protestants, this saint knew the importance of true kindness and humility in everyday life.

With so many people talking (and shouting) online and in person, is anyone actually listening? Drawing on over 40 years of missionary experience in Peru, Father Arthur Purcaro, OSA shares his insights on how listening can lead us to discover God in others -- and in ourselves.

How does faith in Christ influence the way we interact with each other when we're online? Social media platforms present real challenges to -- and opportunities for -- authentic, respectful communication. Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS, shares his thoughts with editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian on how to be a true Facebook friend, both on and offline.

How do we move from online networks to human communities? How do we make friends in person, and not just online? These are the questions that Pope Francis has asked the Catholic Church to consider while preparing for World Communications Day 2019. Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS shares how we can use the gift of modern media to build authentic connections among each other.

What is "the church"? Is it a building, an organization, or something you "do" on Sunday? Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS shares with editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian the many meanings of this one little word, and why knowing who "the people of God" are is key to understanding what we mean by "church."

Is God on the gridiron? Can we find the Lord at the 50-yard line? Sports are a major part of the human experience, whether we're on the field or watching the Sunday game from the comfort of our couch. Father Frank Berna of La Salle University shares with producer Gina Christian how athletes and fans alike can encounter the divine through sports -- and how we can transfer our game-time enthusiasm to Sunday worship.

What is fake news? We've heard a lot about it, but do we know exactly what it is and how to spot it? Editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian explore this issue with Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS, a specialist in church communications. Father Dailey describes how fake news, propaganda, sponsored content, and advocacy journalism intersect in today's media.

In the age of the selfie, how can the church reach "real people"? We asked Father Thomas Dailey, O.S.F.S., an expert on social media and the new evangelization, to share his thoughts on the relationship between the actual self, the virtual self and the Gospel. Father Dailey is the John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics & Social Communications at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (Wynnewood, Pennsylvania), and has written and lectured extensively on church communications in the age of cyberspace. He offers a message of both hope and challenge to editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian.

If we have millions of Facebook friends, why do we still feel so lonely? In this week's podcast, editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian explore how social media shapes our sense of community and spirituality.