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The Catholic Toolbox

thecatholictoolboxthecatholictoolbox.podbean.com
Welcome to The Catholic Toolbox Radio Show & Podcast: The Art of Practical Catholicism. With your host and founder George Manassa. As we equip you with practical Tools to take action with your Catholic Faith in our modern world, especially in this era of grave spiritual crisis, we cannot just simply know about our faith, we need to live as James 1:22 says. That is why we discuss an agenda of the faith each week, dissect it, then we strategise practically on how to take action in 3 PRACTICAL TOOLS from the toolbox of the Church. We are a Television and Radio Show also on Youtube and Facebook Live If you wish to tune in Live we air on all the above platforms between 8 - 9 PM Sydney Australia, Standard Time Join me on this journey by subscribing here on the podcast. Checkout the Website: www.thecatholictoolboxshow.com

Episodes

Preparing for Lent

Episode 210 - Tuesday 4 March 2025 This week we speak about Preparing for Lent with Fr John Flader, author of several books including Question Time 1, Question Time 2, Question Time 3, Question Time 4, Question Time 5, The Creed, From Time to Eternity, Dying to Live and The Final Exam. He is also the columnist for the Catholic Weekly. How can you use this Lent to improve your life. Take advantage of LENT!!!! Be generous! This is an episode not to miss! – The Show is on the following Platforms: T...

Mar 08, 202555 minEp. 210

How 2024 Shaped the Faith

Episode 209 - Tuesday 18 February 2025 This week we speak about How 2024 Shaped the Faith in the Catholic scene in Sydney with Giovanni Portelli, professional photographer. Giovanni has a gift, he documents Catholic events through photography, but he also has a mission, to evangelise through his photography. How can you use the gifts in your Catholic toolbox to evangelise in your way. This is an episode not to miss! – The Show is on the following Platforms: Television: TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 209

The Liturgy of the Hours

This week we speak about The Liturgy of the Hours with Fr Peter Williams AM VG, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Parramatta. Most people understand that there are two forms of prayer, public and private. This episode will enlighten the listener to understand the practice of praying the non-sacramental public prayer known as the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, Daily Prayer or the Breviary. This is a episode not to miss! – The Show is on the following Pla...

Feb 18, 202550 minEp. 208

Praying Together at Home

This week we speak about Praying Together at Home with Akita Manassa, wife and business partner of George. We discuss the discipline of making changes in your life and how these techniques can be used to improve your spiritual life. This is an episode not to miss! – The Show is on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio Platforms: Voice of Charity Australia (1701AM): www.voc.org.au Radio Maria Australia: https://www.radiomaria.org.au/ Cradio: www.cradio.org.au Social Media:...

Feb 03, 202554 minEp. 207

Does God Take Away My Freedom?

This week we speak about God and Freedom with Mr Martin Fitzgerald, teacher at Redfield College. God is often seen in our times as someone who places restrictions and rules upon us and inhibits our freedom. This episode will enlighten the listener to understand that faith leads to greater freedom, when your perspective about freedom changes and your love grows. Allow God to truly set you free. This is a episode not to miss! – The Show is Live on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmar...

Dec 03, 20241 hrEp. 164

Who Can be Saved?

This week Dr Robert Haddad explores the term’ Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus’ - Outside the Church there is no salvation. What does this term really mean? Who can be saved? This is by far the most important question one can come to understand, so tune in this week to learn more about the path to salvation that our lord has laid out for all of humanity. We didn’t forget - the 3 Practical Tools to be Saved! – The Show is Live on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio Platforms:...

Nov 22, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 163

Prepare for Advent

This week we look to Christmas through the lens of Advent. So we are anticipating Advent with Robert this week, as we discuss practical tools to prepare spiritually for the birth of our lord, by making good use of this advent season. It can definitely be a silly season, for shopping and distraction, but for the soul, it must remain a serious and nourishing season above all. Tune in this week, to learn how to quiet the soul as we near the close of 2024, and to stay focused on the most important t...

Nov 19, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 162

Relics Explained

What are Relics? Why do so many Catholics and Eastern Orthodox around the world venerate them? This week Dr Robert Haddad explains the history and significance of relics for our devotional life. This is an epsiode which will help you to grow in your devotion to the saints. – The Show is Live on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio Platforms: Voice of Charity Australia (1701AM): www.voc.org.au Radio Maria Australia: https://www.radiomaria.org.au/ Cradio: www.cradio.org.au...

Nov 14, 202452 minEp. 160

Life of a Deacon - The Diaconate

This week we dive into the day to day life of a Married Permanent Deacon, with Rev David Dowling, from the Diocese of Parramatta - Australia. We discuss the Diaconate and the beauty of this call to service in the life of the Church. We gain insight into the profound effect a married cleric such as a deacon has on ministry itself, and how the life experience of marriage and family helps many parishioners by practical example. We discuss the balance required between marriage and Church life that t...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 161

Sanctifying Work - Doing Opus Dei

This week, Lecturer from the University of New South Wales, Dr Ian Kwan joins me on the show to discuss the concept of Sanctifying Work. Many of us have heard of this concept when we have met members of Opus Dei or read of its founder, St Josemaria Escriva. This week Dr Ian, will explain what this principle is, and provide us with the practical tools to take action in our day to day lives. This will aid you, to bring Christ to work, as he helps you to complete your day, and to complete all thing...

Nov 09, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 159

Formation to be a Missionary

This week we speak with Benjamin John Oldani, who discusses the importance of mission work throughout the world, and the beautiful work that he carries out as a member of the Sodalitium Christiane Vitae - a society of apostolic life, which is renowned for mission works around the world. He touches upon the importance of formation, in the life of a Christian, to bring Christ to the ordinary world. This is a truly inspiring organisation and he provides some very important practical tools to be a m...

Nov 06, 202454 minEp. 158

Church Music Matters

This week we speak with Church Musician, Mr Gregory Tondys. He shares his experince as an organist and a musician, on the effects of Quality Sacred Music and it's spiritual effects on the soul. He delves deep into the world of the development of Gregorian Chant, and Polyphony. The importance of Music should not be taken for granted, and hence many parishioners listening, who wish to elevate the music of the parish, could take heed of his insightful practical tools. – The Show is Live on the foll...

Nov 05, 20241 hrEp. 156

From Time to Eternity

After a much needed break from the show for 4 weeks, we are finally back! Thank You for the beautiful messages from many of my listeners who emailed me. I appreciate you very much. Be assured that you are always in my prayers! This week we have a regular guest, Fr John Flader who is discussing his new book ‘From Time to Eternity’ which prepares the reader for the final stages of life and the next life to come. He speaks about the judgement and the mercy of God, and that he calls all of us to hol...

Nov 03, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 157

Exorcisms Explained by an Exorcist

When you have a demon in your house, who are you going to call? Answer - The Catholic Church / real ghost busters! In this episode, we have a conversation with Father Vincent Lampert, a seasoned exorcist. A man who has met the devil himself. He shares his experiences and knowledge about the practice of exorcism, discussing its history, theology, and the role it plays in the Catholic Church today. We explore topics such as the nature of demonic possession, the importance of prayer, and the challe...

Aug 14, 202450 minEp. 155

Euthanasia - Why Life Matters

Monica Doumit is the Director, Public Affairs and Engagement for the Archdiocese of Sydney and a columnist with The Catholic Weekly. This week she joins us to talk about the upcoming Euthanasia bill being proposed in the New South Wales Parliament. She lays out the Church's teaching on life, and the sacredness of the human person. This episode will equip you with the practical tools to take action in the public sphere to advance the cause for life. Life is sacred and we must fight for life for t...

Aug 07, 20241 hrEp. 153

Family Life International - Working for Life

This week Paul Hanrahan speaks about his great work with Family Life International. This organisation is based in Sydney, and helps many people regarding the issue of Abortion. They undertake noble work to help save many lives from Abortion. Paul details what drives him every single day with this apostolate. He is filled with much zeal and explains some very important practical tool show we can educate people about taking action to raise awareness about issues of Life and promoting the Church's ...

Jul 31, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 154

Scripture in the Liturgy

This week Liturgist the very Rev. Fr Peter Williams AM joins us live to discuss the importance of sacred scripture in the very context of the sacred liturgy. The misconception that the Mass is rooted in the Traditions of Men is refuted in this episode, and the beauty and richness of the Mass is explained as having it's foundation in the scripture. This episode will unpack the centrality of sacred scripture in the liturgy, through the readinsg, gospel and even the Eucharistic Sacrifice. The Mass ...

Jul 24, 20241 hrEp. 152

Aid to the Church in need - What is it?

This week we host Bernard Toutounji, the director of Aid to the Church in Need - Australia & New Zealand He explains the concept of the Church's teaching on social justice, and why we the church must help the poor. However here, this very same principle of social justice is turned inwards to actually help parts of the church in the world that are less fortunate, carry out it's mission. This is a very exciting concept and a very enjoyable episode, so get comfortable and tune in. Check out Tha...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 151

Watch your language - Sacred language in Prayer

This week we speak with the Very Reverend Dr Stephen Hill VG, who is th vicar-general for the Ordinariate of the Southern Cross He hold a doctorate in 'Sacral Languages' and is a strong proponent of the use of sacred language in the liturgy and in the wider context of prayer in general. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating and rarely spoken about topic, and to learn about the Ordinariate - which Pope Benedict XVI established in 2011.

Jul 02, 202457 minEp. 150

The Crusades Explained - Part 1

This week, Mr Daniel Hill KHS (Knight of the Holy Sepulchre) enlightens the listener on the very controversial yet very misunderstood subject of the crusades. There are many misconceptions about the intentions of the crusades, and the listener is in for a surprise, to understand that these brave Knights and Soldiers were indeed very prayerfully devout people who carried out their mission with bravery and purpose, as opposed to greed and vengeance, as is often portrayed. – The Show is Live on the...

Jun 19, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 149

The Sacred Heart - Month of June

This month the Church celebrates the month of the sacred heart, and this week's guest Robert Matek is enlightening us about this very month and how we can grow in this devotion. He will enlighten you on the promises that accompany this devotion. Tune in for a very exciting episode! – The Show is Live on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio Platforms: Voice of Charity Australia (1701AM): www.voc.org.au Radio Maria Australia: https://www.radiomaria.org.au/ Cradio: www.crad...

Jun 13, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 148

Our Lady of Akita - by Akita

In this month of may we continue our focus of Our Lady, and devotion to her, by following her on her journeys throughout the world where she appeared and gave messages for a particular time. This week we are focusing on Our Lady of Akita by our Guest Akita Manassa, who visited the Shrine personally and reports on her experiences that she had there, and how she was named Akita. Furthermore, the message of Akita is discussed, and her very important messages that she gave us for our time. This appa...

May 14, 202440 minEp. 147

Our Lady of Fatima - for the month of May

This week I am joined by a familiar face and voice, Salwa Elias - Australia and New Zealand's EWTN Producer. Also host of the 'Care for Your Soul' Radio Show on Voice of Charity Australia (1701AM) She shares her own spiritual journey to Christ through Mary. We discuss the importance of devotion to Our Lady, and how this can deepen one's relationship with Our Lord him himself. This episode has a strong emphasis on the practical tools we can take from the message of Fatima, for this Marian month o...

May 08, 20241 hrEp. 146

Catholic Rap

This week founder of catholicapparel.com.au Andre Abuharb speak to us today about his journey through Christian Music, and how rapping at school in the playground laid the foundation for becoming founder of Catholic Streetwear and later leading to the publication of his new Album C.A Featuring Rap songs such as: Heaven is my Goal Blessings Ave Maria A new album soon to be released....

Apr 23, 202453 minEp. 145

A Comedian's Faith - Is No Joke!

In this inspiring and intriguing episode of 'A Comedian's Faith - No Joke' we delve deep into actor, comedian, and author Anthony Salame's fascinating journey navigating the secular world of media and entertainment through his robust Catholic faith. From his beginnings on Australian television, his radio career in Virgin Radio Lebanon. It was not until during the COVID-19 he became closer to God and embarked on becoming an author of Christian Children's Books: Salame shares his experiences worki...

Apr 12, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 144

What Did Christ Pay For On The Cross?

Embark on a profound spiritual journey with Dr. Robert Haddad in this insightful episode of The Catholic Toolbox. We celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph, reflecting deeply on the redemption work of Christ on the cross and its varied interpretations in Catholic and Calvinist doctrines. Discover the significance of Christ's human nature, the role of sanctifying grace, the concept of penal and sacrificial substitutions, and the implications of post-baptism sins. Delving into the Old Testament, unvei...

Apr 03, 202453 minEp. 143

Lent Continues

In this insightful episode of our Lenten podcast series, Fr. John Flader invites us to journey deeper into the heart of Lent as we reflect on the transformative power of fasting and prayer. Drawing from his wealth of knowledge and spiritual experience, Fr. Flader illuminates the profound significance of these ancient practices, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of their role in our spiritual journey. Join us as we explore practical tools to incorporate fasting and prayer into our lives, ...

Feb 29, 20241 hrEp. 142

Travel Tips

This week Akita Manassa provides us with practical tools or Travel Tips for those who are preparing to visit other designations over 2024! She gives us insight from her personal travels, and how one can maintain a prayer life, fins Mass, evangelise and keep the presence of God when traveling and outside one's everyday routine. – The Show is Live on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio Platforms: Voice of Charity Australia (1701AM): www.voc.org.au Radio Maria Australia: h...

Feb 13, 202443 minEp. 141

Purgatory - Never Forget Those Souls

This week we discus the Church's Teaching on Purgatory, what is it? Also how it works, and Fr John Flader provides us with the practical tools to pray for the souls who may be there. – The Show is Live on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio Platforms: Voice of Charity Australia (1701AM): www.voc.org.au Radio Maria Australia: https://www.radiomaria.org.au/ Cradio: www.cradio.org.au Social Media: @thecatholictoolboxshow Facebook & Instagram - Partners: Parousia Media:...

Jan 02, 202456 minEp. 140

We Have Seen his Glory

This week's tools are being equipped by Dr Robert Haddad on seeing Christ's Glory. – The Show is Live on the following Platforms Television TV Maria: tvmaria.ph Radio Platforms: Voice of Charity Australia (1701AM): www.voc.org.au Radio Maria Australia: https://www.radiomaria.org.au/ Cradio: www.cradio.org.au Social Media: @thecatholictoolboxshow Facebook & Instagram - Partners: Parousia Media: www.parousiamedia.com EWTN Asia Pacific www.ewtnasiapacific.com - SUBSCRIBE to our weekly Alert and...

Dec 26, 202358 minEp. 139