Sacramentals and funerals help us to deepen our faith and trust in the Risen Christ.
Podcasts
Bishop Ruggieri rounds out his explanation of the sacraments with this thorough explanation of the sacrament of marriage.
Bishop James Ruggieri turns to the sacrament of Holy Orders, opening a new chapter of the Catechism on the sacraments at the service of communion.
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and life, not of death. through this Sacrament, Christ draws near to us in our suffering.
The sacrament of confession, also known as the sacrament of penance or reconciliation, is a vital part of Christian life.
The Eucharist is the center of the Catholic faith. Listen to hear Bishop Ruggieri unpack the Church's teaching on the real presence of Jesus.
The sacrament of confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit, not just a Christian "graduation."
Baptism is more than a naming ceremony or a family tradition. It is the beginning of new life in Christ.
What is "liturgy?" Who celebrates it? How is it celebrated? When is it celebrated? And where is it celebrated? Listen to learn.
This episode explores the vital link between belief and worship
Listen to hear how Christ's resurrection transforms death into a path to eternal life.
We do not simply stop existing when our bodies die. The saints live on in heaven and remain in communion with the Church on Earth and in purgatory.
Bishop Ruggieri explains how bishops, priests, and lay people come together to fulfill the mission of the Church.
Bishop Ruggieri explains the deeper meanings behind the four "marks" of the Church as they are described in the Catechism.
In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri explains what we mean when we say, “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.”
What do we really mean when we say, “I believe in the Holy Spirit?”
What really happened when Jesus “descended into hell,” and what does His resurrection mean for our lives today?
Bishop Ruggieri continues exploring the Paschal Mystery with the key question, "Why did Jesus die?"
Bishop Ruggieri begins with a simple but profound question many carry in silence, "Does God really love me?"
In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri discusses how Jesus sanctifies daily life by participating in it with us.
Bishop James Ruggeri unpacks the mystery of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh.
Bishop Ruggieri reflects on why sin exists, how human freedom became wounded, and how God’s grace and mercy are greater than sin.
Bishop Ruggieri uses a recent trip through Northern Maine to frame our relationship with God's other creations.
Bishop Ruggieri explains that creation is in a state of journeying, and we are not simple passive observers.
Pulling directly from the Catechism, Bishop Ruggieri begins this episode with difficult questions that every believer must face at some point.
Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on the Catechism’s teaching on faith as a gift from God.
Bishop Ruggieri discusses paragraphs 101 to 184, which explain, "the church does not merely place a Bible in our hands. She proclaims it at mass, she explains it in preaching, she interprets it within tradition, she guards it so that it guards us."
Continuing through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Bishop Ruggieri explores the deep restlessness of the human heart.
This episode marks the beginning of a series of episodes focused on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Bishop Ruggieri explains the historical context of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and gives an introduction to what it contains.
Bishop Ruggieri explains how the genealogy of Jesus shows God working through imperfect people.
Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on the quiet strength and faithful obedience of St. Joseph.
One woman, through her Immaculate Conception, shows us how to love without fear. This episode focuses on Mary, the Mother of God, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Bishop Ruggieri examines the book of the Prophet Isaiah and invites us to answer God's call with " Here I am, send me."
Bishop Ruggieri offers a reflection on immigration issues in the United States.
Bishop Ruggieri reflects on conversations with those discerning vocation and explains the universal call to a vocation to holiness.
To close out Respect Life Month, Suzanne Lafreniere, Director of Public Affairs and Pro-Life Liaison for the Diocese of Portland, discussed the work she does to support pro-life efforts in Maine.
Bishop Ruggieri encourages listeners to get involved with two ways, the March for Life and the Maine Catholic Education Initiative.
In this episode of the Auspice Maria podcast, Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on why the right to be born must be foundational in building a culture of life.
In this episode of Auspice Maria, Bishop James Ruggieri addresses the often silent pain of infertility with honesty and compassion.
In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri explains the truth that our bodies, minds and souls are all integral aspects of human nature.
How should Catholics respond to the hookup culture? Bishop Ruggieri explains how with an approach rooted in faith and scientific research.
Bishop Ruggieri confronts the cultural wound of pornography and its impact on human dignity and authentic friendship.
Bishop Ruggieri opens the Great Commission and shows us its heart: faith, accompaniment, and mission despite hesitation.
"Joy is not optional. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit." - Bishop Ruggieri
Bishop Ruggieri discusses what it means to be a missionary parish and how to foster that identity.
"Holiness is possible for every Christian in every circumstance."
Director of Safe Environment Bob McDermott talks to us about his work to protect the children and vulnerable in our communities.
"The Church has never been called to run from culture. We are called to enter into it, to heal it, to purify it, to elevate it."
"Our concern for the earth, for the dignity of work, for the unborn baby, for the immigrant person — they are not separate issues. They're part of one vision of life rooted in Christ."
"You and I were not created randomly. Our lives are not an accident. God has called you."
