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TF | S4 E04| Is Halloween compatible with Catholic faith? Should Catholics participate in trick-or-treating, costumes, and spooky traditions, or should Christians avoid Halloween altogether? In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and guest host Brayden Kunz explore the Catholic roots of Halloween and its connection to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. They discuss common concerns about Halloween, the difference between harmless fun and genuinely problematic occult practices, and why participating in neighbourhood traditions can be an opportunity for community, connection, and faith. Discover how Halloween can open the door to meaningful conversations about death, the communion of saints, prayer for the dead, and the Christian hope of resurrection. From traditional soul cakes and cemetery visits to saint costumes and Mexican sugar-skull traditions, Eric and Brayden share practical ways Catholic families can celebrate Halloween while keeping faith at the heart of the season. Whether you love Halloween or have questions about its place in Catholic life, this conversation offers a thoughtful, balanced approach to celebrating All Hallows’ Eve without fear or superstition. 06:07 Can Catholics Celebrate 07:13 Halloween Costume Memories 11:08 Is Dressing Up Wrong 13:24 Occult and Superstition 18:24 Halloween Origins and All Saints 20:57 Laughing at Death 22:10 Kids Learn Through Play 23:39 Sugar Skulls and Hope 25:34 Saint Costumes and Spooky Saints 27:29 Talking About Death 29:20 Soul Cakes Tradition 33:01 Funerals and Family Conversations 35:55 Practical Faithful Ideas 39:19 Home Traditions and Cemetery Prayer

TF | S4 E03 | Do Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims worship the same God? What can our favourite biblical figures teach us about faith? And what should Catholics make of dreams about loved ones who have died? In this episode of *Thinking Faith*, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle three fascinating questions about Catholic belief and spirituality. Drawing on Catholic teaching and *Nostra Aetate*, they explore what the Church teaches about Christianity, Islam, and our shared understanding of God, while acknowledging important differences in belief. They also share their favourite biblical figures, including Luke and Judith, before exploring dreams of deceased loved ones, the communion of saints, prayer for the dead, and how Catholics can approach these experiences with faith and discernment. Three questions, surprising answers, and, as always, thoughtful conversations about what Catholics really believe. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 02:55 Student Questions Setup 03:25 Same God Question 06:42 Vatican II On Islam 09:53 Trinity Key Difference 14:58 God Revealed In Cultures 16:57 Favorite Bible Person 17:03 Judith And Esther 21:49 Luke The Narrator 24:05 Luke’s Outsider Lens 25:29 Roof Tiles Storytelling 27:57 Acts and Church Identity 29:05 Luke vs Hebrews Worlds 31:49 Dreams and Discernment 34:14 Pray for the Dead 38:39 Symbols and Psychology 42:43 Accept the Gift 45:33 Closing Thanks and Prayer

|TF| S4 EP 2 | How can you know that you’re saved? And if you’ve received the Holy Spirit, should you be certain of your salvation? This week on Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a Miller High School student’s question about assurance of salvation and the Catholic understanding of hope. Along the way, they explore baptism, the Holy Spirit, Ignatian discernment, purgatory, and why Catholics and Protestants can approach the question of being “saved” so differently. When it comes to salvation, where should our confidence ultimately rest? 02:14 Salvation Question Setup 02:57 Mailbag From Students 04:54 Assurance vs Hope 05:47 Protestant Roots of Assurance 08:58 Quicksand of Self-Doubt 10:47 Sacraments and Agency 13:39 Catholic Answer 14:59 Hope and Salvation Anxiety 15:40 Theological Virtue of Hope 16:14 Feelings and the Holy Spirit 17:24 Ignatius and Discernment Anchors 19:55 Hoping Hell Is Empty 21:06 Purgatory as Restorative Hope 25:44 My Hope Is in Jesus 26:43 Closing

| TF | S4 E01 | What if the Book of Revelation isn’t really about predicting the end of the world, but about learning to see what’s happening right now? This week on Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld take up a student question about one of Scripture’s strangest and most misunderstood books. Together, they explore Revelation as an “unveiling” that helps Christians living through fear, persecution, and uncertainty see the deeper reality of what God is doing. From the seven letters to the churches to the proclamation of the Word to the wedding feast of the Lamb, this first episode of a new season asks whether the Book of Revelation offers a secret code for calculating the end times or a vision of worship that reshapes how Christians understand the world. 01:47 Podcast Intro and Student Questions 04:03 Why Revelation Feels Weird 06:43 Apocalypse and Unveiling 09:45 Prophecy Not Fortune Telling 12:06 Persecution and Coded Language 17:21 Beasts, Barcodes, and Misreads 19:18 666 Solomon and Apostasy 21:31 Heavenly Liturgy in Revelation 23:02 Parousia Wedding Feast Eucharist 25:55 Revelation’s Big Questions 26:37 Two-Part Structure 28:09 Mass in Revelation 30:03 Seven Letters Repentance 31:07 Exodus Plagues Pattern 32:18 Eden to New Jerusalem 34:29 The Woman, the Dragon, and the Church 37:13 Throne Room and Prayer 39:55 Parousia at Mass 40:51 End Times Readiness 42:25 Midnight Mass Illustration 44:54 Against Code-Breaking Fear 47:21 Freedom Beyond Power 50:25 Worship Forms Imagination 52:36 Go to Mass

| S03 E22 | On the cusp of the 10th anniversary of MAiD in Canada, and as our country prepares to expand Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to cases where mental illness is the sole underlying condition, important questions remain about safeguards, mental health care, physician conscience rights, and the protection of vulnerable people. In this final episode of Season 3, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Larry Worthen of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada for a conversation about the future of MAID, the challenges facing patients and physicians, and the Christian call to accompany those who suffer with dignity, compassion, and hope. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:02 Tour Stories 02:40 MAID Expansion Explained 05:26 Legal Origins and Slippery Slope 09:03 Burden and Human Dignity 11:00 From Burden to Infanticide 15:08 Conscience Rights and Doctor Duties 17:24 MAID as "Treatment" 18:30 Real Cases and Warnings 20:09 Safeguards Always Fail 22:09 Normalize Suicide Agenda 23:34 Doctor Shopping Loopholes 24:51 Keanu Case Explained 26:57 Care Wait Times Crisis 28:24 Palliative Care Underserved 30:13 Suicide Line After Expansion 33:54 Church Response 39:11 Dying Well 42:40 Final Blessing Farewell

TF S03 E21 | As we head into Laudato Si' Week (May 17-24) Dr. Brett Salkeld speaks with Comboni Missionary priest, Fr. Dario Bossi, about the Church’s vision of integral ecology, the human and environmental impacts of mining in the Amazon, and the work of Justiça nos Trilhos (Justice Along the Rails) supporting communities affected by industrial development. Together they explore faith, solidarity, Catholic social teaching, and the connection between the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth. 00:00 Welcome to Thinking Faith 00:46 Meet Father Dario 02:25 Missionary Journey 04:38 Why the Amazon Matters 06:27 Integral Ecology Explained 10:07 Mining and Its Impacts 13:11 Economy Versus Ecology 22:25 Community Alternatives 26:48 Churches and Mining Network 28:04 Option for the Poor 32:50 Justice on the Rails 35:38 How to Learn More 37:35 Catholic Solidarity 38:19 Closing

TF | S03 E20 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: Do miracles still happen—and why can’t science prove them? Exploring Scripture, theology, and real-world examples, they unpack the relationship between miracles, faith, and scientific evidence. The conversation highlights why miracles in the Bible—and today—are not “proofs” that force belief, but signs that invite a personal response and deeper relationship with God. They also examine how the Church evaluates miracles, the limits of science in explaining the supernatural, and why openness—rather than certainty—shapes how we interpret extraordinary events. This episode offers a thoughtful and accessible look at how faith and reason work together, and why miracles ultimately point beyond themselves to hope, conversion, and God’s presence in the world. 00:00 Miracles Question 00:52 Why We Love Q and A 01:55 Framing Modern Skepticism 03:27 New Testament Not Naive 05:08 Miracles Need Interpretation 07:39 Miracles Don't Force Faith 09:20 Science Limits and Saints 12:09 Canonization Beyond Evidence 13:53 Shroud of Turin Cautions 16:49 Historical Case for Resurrection 19:01 Historical Evidence Limits 20:32 Hume and Miracle Bias 21:23 Modern Miracles and Lourdes 23:05 Why Miracles Leave Scars 24:42 Signs That Build Hope 29:44 Choosing Good Over Despair 32:04 Prayer and Shared Responsibility 35:44 Atheists' Prayer for a Sign 37:13 Incremental Faith and Unbelief 38:51 Wrap Up and Blessing

TF | S03 E19 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a powerful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: If God is always helping us, why is there so much suffering in the world? Drawing on Christian theology, Scripture, and real-life experience, they explore the problem of evil, distinguishing between natural suffering and moral evil, and examining how faith understands both. The conversation highlights how God does not cause suffering—but works through it, bringing grace, growth, and hope even in the most difficult moments. Through insights from the Psalms, the Cross, and everyday life, this episode offers a deeply honest and hopeful look at suffering—encouraging listeners to seek the full truth of their lives, practice gratitude, and trust that evil does not have the final word. 01:14 Student Questions 02:23 Why God Allows Pain 03:19 Natural vs Moral Evil 05:24 Death and Sin 10:07 Grace Changes Perspective 12:41 Holy Indifference Ignatius 14:47 Evil Feels Like Winning 17:57 Hope Through Suffering 18:59 God Doesn't Waste Pain 20:18 Remembering Past Grace 20:56 When You Would Trade It 23:04 Trust Beyond Answers 24:17 Christ in Gethsemane 25:08 Despair After the Cross 27:11 John the Baptist Doubts 29:30 Guilt Over Graces 30:15 Why Me to Why Not 32:10 Evil Defeats Itself 33:08 Problem of the Good 35:30 Gratitude in Hard Times 40:24 Truth Not Denial 42:04 Wrap Up and Thanks

TF S03 | E18| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a thoughtful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: How can I know when God is talking to me? Drawing on the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the conversation explores Christian discernment through self-awareness, honesty, and paying attention to the movements of the heart over time. They explain the difference between spiritual consolation and desolation, clarifying that these are not simply good or bad feelings, but experiences related to freedom, clarity, hope, and closeness to God. The episode offers practical guidance on creating space to hear God’s voice through silence, prayer, spiritual reading, Mass, confession, adoration, and the daily Examen, while cautioning against making major decisions during times of desolation. Listeners are encouraged to trust that God’s voice often sounds like truth spoken within, to remain grounded in Church teaching, and to grow patiently in freedom and faith as God continues to shape their spiritual lives. 00:19 Podcast Welcome 03:22 Question God Speaking 03:46 Ignatius Discernment Basics 05:05 Silence and Self Awareness 05:58 Ignatius Story and Boredom 08:21 Consolation vs Dopamine Crash 10:40 Examen and Honest Reflection 12:02 True Voice vs False Voice 15:59 Church and Moral Guardrails 18:31 Crime and Punishment Example 20:52 Everyday Choices and Consolation 21:45 Fruits Of The Spirit 22:32 Consolation Versus Desolation 23:53 Do Not Decide Desolate 24:35 Dad Story And Space 27:58 Lies Reduce Your Options 29:03 Temporary States And Clarity 31:44 Many Good Choices 33:42 Discernment In Sacraments 36:13 Garden Conditions For Growth 38:05 God Changes Our Minds 38:44 Closing Thanks And Blessing

TF | S03 E17 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore key questions in Catholic theology and Scripture, beginning with Eucharistic theology, Eucharistic miracles, and why belief in the Real Presence does not depend on miracles alone. Drawing on questions from Grade 9 and 10 students at Miller High School in Regina, the conversation also includes Adam and Eve, and what these teachings reveal about the unity of the human family as well as a discussion on images of Jesus in art, examining historical accuracy, cultural expression, and how enculturated imagery helps communicate the Gospel across time and place. 00:00 Intro 01:13 The Plaid Episode 02:05 Questions from Miller High School 03:25 Addressing the Population Question 05:46 Theological Interpretations and Science 18:04 Scriptural Narrative and Loose Ends 21:53 The Importance of Originality in Interpretation 22:53 Science and Faith: Complementary Tools 23:31 What Did Jesus Look Like? 28:11 Cultural Representations of Jesus in Art 33:47 The Theology of Icons and Art in Christianity 40:10 Conclusion and Reflections

TF | S03 E16 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash is joined by Tashia Toupin to explore a series of Lenten retreats on Catholic Social Teaching offered by the Social Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of Regina. Through prayer, Scripture, art, and small group discussion, these retreats invite participants to deepen their understanding of key themes such as the dignity of work, economic justice, and the Catholic roots of social justice. With retreat locations in Esterhazy, Estevan, Regina, and Swift Current, this initiative makes faith-based social justice formation accessible across the diocese, helping Catholics live the Gospel more fully during the Lenten season. Sign up to receive more information: https://archregina.flocknote.com/ArchdioceseofRe2 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Meet our guest 01:53 Social Justice Commission Overview 03:26 Catholic Social Teaching and Its Roots 10:01 Lenten Retreat Themes and Readings 14:55 Understanding God's Plan 16:15 Reflecting During Lent 16:58 The Purpose of these Retreats 19:04 Upcoming Retreats and Logistics 21:33 Engaging with the Community 26:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

TF | S03 E15 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to student questions about God, Jesus, and the Holy Trinity. Exploring Scripture, Church history, and Christian theology, they unpack how the doctrine of the Trinity developed, the divine and human natures of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of faith. This thoughtful conversation offers clear answers to common questions about Christian belief and helps listeners better understand how God is one yet three persons. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:39 New Season Format and Production Insights 01:18 Engaging with Miller High School Students 03:18 The Nature of God, Jesus, and the Trinity 06:03 Exploring the Doctrine of the Trinity 18:09 Understanding Condescension in the Incarnation 18:46 Scriptural Examples of God's Condescension 19:28 The Mystery of Jesus' Knowledge 20:10 The Dual Nature of Jesus 21:43 The Trinity and the Incarnation 23:52 The Relationship Between God and Creation 28:41 Exploring the Holy Spirit's Role 34:59 The Filioque Controversy 38:03 Concluding Thoughts on the Trinity

TF | S03 E14 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain what the Catholic Church teaches about the rapture, death, and divine judgment. They unpack where modern rapture theories came from, what Scripture actually says about the end times, and how God’s justice and mercy meet in the moment of death. A clear, Catholic guide to some of Christianity’s most misunderstood beliefs. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 01:12 Classroom Questions and Podcast Reflections 05:12 Discussing the Rapture and Death 07:34 Biblical Interpretations and Historical Context 11:10 Human Nature and the Desire for Escape 20:29 The Left Behind Series and Pop Culture 21:00 The Influence of 'Left Behind' and Nicholas Cage 21:18 The Gospel's Answer to Fear and Hope 21:33 Catholic Church's Caution on End Times Predictions 22:37 Human Desire for Control and Prophecy 23:15 The Overlap of Rapture and Prosperity Gospel 23:47 Endless Deferrals in Rapture Predictions 25:23 The Moment of Death and Biological Ambiguity 27:46 Particular Judgment and Encounter with Christ 33:17 Speculations on Hell and Eternal Judgment 36:29 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explain why our production schedule has been a little... sporadic, shall we say. But fear not, for we have a plan! Part of that plan includes taking a short break over the next few weeks. We will be back in January with new episodes of Thinking Faith. Until then, Merry Christmas!!

Archbishop Donald Bolen shares a reflection inspired by the presepi of Naples, nativity scenes that reveal the tired, longing faces of ordinary people waiting for a Messiah. This Christmas, we are invited to notice the quiet coming of Christ into the rubble of our wounded world, to recognize God’s hidden presence in our daily lives, and to find hope, courage, and compassion this Christmas.