Sem Says
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminarians
Hosted by Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook, Pennsylvania. We're here to have a good time and share with the outside world an insight to our lives as we study and prepare for the priesthood. What motivated us to join seminary? What kind of things do we study? What are our favorite pizza toppings? Join us as we delve into all these secrets and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Vocation Journeys: an interview with Fr. Friel
In this episode of "Sem Says," Fr. David Friel shares his transition from vocations director to liturgical theologian at Saint Charles Seminary. He discusses his unexpected path from potential military chaplaincy to shaping the spiritual lives of seminarians through liturgical practices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vocation Journeys: an interview with Fr. Philip Bochanski
Fr. Philip Bochanski discusses his transformative experiences from leading Courage International to his role as Curia in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He shares insights on pastoral care, the importance of friendship in seminary life, and how these elements have shaped his priestly vocation. This conversation offers a glimpse into the spiritual and practical dimensions of the priesthood, inspiring seminarians and those discerning their call. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Propaduedic Year
Join hosts Nick and Ryan as they welcome the insightful Michael for a deep, soul-stirring chat about the game-changing Propaedeutic Year. Ever wondered what happens when you strip away the distractions and dive headfirst into prayer? That's right, it's like spiritual detox, and these guys are here to spill the beans on how it transformed them from worldly wanderers to focused followers. Get ready for laughs, revelations, and maybe a little divine intervention as they share their journey through this mandatory year of introspection and detachment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Year, New Crew
Dcn. Andrew St. Denis is the last remaining member of the podcast. In this episode, he hands it off to two news hosts and reflects on what the podcast meant to him, his time in seminary, and what he looks forward to in Priesthood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Seminary is Moving
Andrew, Nikolai, and Drew. Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is in the process of moving from our current campus, known as Overbrook, to Gwynedd, Pa. The seminarians reflect on the process of this major transition and the many emotions evoked. What are we looking forward to? What will we miss? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Deacons
Drew and Nikolai. We are both deacons! Newly ordained classmates catch up on the beginnings of ministry as transitional deacons. What have been the best parts and the hardest parts of this new ministry? How do we prepare to preach and administer sacraments? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Language
Alex and Anthony discuss language. Anthony a linguist, delves into the nuances of language, how it effects spirituality and it's effect upon his own person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tolkien and Fantasy
Alex and Nikolai. Deacon Alex summarizes and explains his lenten series, reflecting on the merits of fantasy, especially in the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. What sets fantasy apart from other genres of storytelling? What can it teach us about ourselves, the world, and God? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
St. Francis of Assisi
Andrew and Cole discuss Cole's decision to enter the seminary and their mutual devotion to St. Francis of Assisi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ordination and Vocation
Nikolai, James, Brendan, and Connor. Recorded shortly after his ordination, deacon James shares some of his thoughts and experiences on entering Holy Orders. He and Connor each tell a bit of their vocation stories and reflect on how God has worked in our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Life as a Seminarian in the Summer
Alex, Nikolai, and Drew talk through what what the summer holds for the seminarians. How to unwind work and prepare for the next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Church and Government
Drew, Alex, Nikolai, and special guest Tree. Two friends from high school: one works in the Church, one in government. We discuss the kind of work Tree does and how it relates to our ministry as future priests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Marian Devotion
Andrew, Dom, Kevin, Dominic, speak about Marian Devotion, the Rosary, and the Legion of Mary. What is Marian Devotion and Why have a Devotion to Mary? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Saint Damien the Leper
Nikolai and Andrew. We discuss the biography of a favorite saint, Damien the Leper by John Farrow. St. Damien of Molokai served the isolated leper colony in Hawaii with heroic and sacrificial zeal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Liturgy of the Hours
Alex, Nikolai, and Samuel discuss the Divine Office aka the Liturgy of the Hours. What it is and how the Liturgy of the Hours molds and shapes your life to the Divine pattern of life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Canonical Retreat
Nikolai, Andrew, and Drew. We share some of our recent experiences on retreat over the Christmas break. How do retreats change as we approach ordination? How has the Lord been working in our lives? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Sacred Triduum
Alex, Nikolai, and Ben sit down to discuss the Sacred Triduum, how we can prepare our hearts and encounter the risen Christ in this Holy Time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where a Seminarian Plays Some Music
Tim from the diocese of Arlington joins Alex on the podcast to play some music on this special episode of Sem Says! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Creativity and the Simarillion
Nikolai and Deacon Alex. We delve into some insights of theology and anthropology, especially how they are understood by Tolkien. How do we share in the divine work of creation through our ability to express creativity? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Movies
Alex, Nikolai, Andrew, and Drew sit down to discuss which movies they love best and which they hate and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Poetry
The men of the Sem sit down to discuss their appreciation of poetry. Discover who their favorite poets are as they wonder if strong tough men can really enjoy poetry. Nikolai, Alex, and Dominic are featured in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Saints and Angels
Nikolai and Drew sit down to talk about the importance of Saints and Angels in our lives. Nikolai bring you St. Francis Xavier, and Drew St. Andrew of Crete. Also the guys each take a different Catholic Themed personality test for fun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introductions
Where the Seminarians of the Sem Says Podcast introduce themselves. Alex, Andrew, Drew and Nikolai answer the questions “Why are we here?” and discuss life before and after entering the seminary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.