Tyler Bieber, author and higher education administrator, has penned a new book detailing the life of one of America's first Catholic priests to openly minister to LGBTQ people, Fr. Tom Oddo, CSC. A capable speaker and professor, Fr. Tom's first major pastoral audience was Dignity USA, the groundbreaking national organization for LGBTQ Catholics. He served warmly and bravely, bringing light to many and capturing the attention of his superiors at a young age. The story of this shepherd turned university president is one of prophesy fulfilled yet incomplete.

Tyler's book is Against the Current: Father Tom Oddo and the New American Catholic, published by Unencumbered Press. You can order it wherever books are sold.

The late Pope Francis, through the ethics of Catholic Social Teaching, challenged the world often to “care for the common home (Earth)”, and engage in dialogue for how we are shaping the future of our planet. One person that does this work very well is Jill Mather, founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities, a major community service based organization in Los Angeles County. Every single day volunteers from all over the county gather under the VCC banner to beautify their neighborhoods and other surrounding areas that need it. They help to get LA clean, creating a culture of support, friendship, civic engagement, service, and cleanliness. Listen to Jill's amazing story here on God Talk!

The problem of ‘suffering’ is one of the deepest theological questions humanity has, universally. Why do bad things happen in a “good world” created, maintained, and sustained by a “good God”? This conundrum often causes us to lose faith and forsake hope. In this episode, we want to touch on that reality, while also lifting up another: the color purple. How can recognizing beauty and the vibrancy of life help us cope, or find hope, in the suffering all around us?!

Thank you for listening to God Talk with Medene and James!