The diocesan Office of Communications launched a new series of recordings, available online as videos and audio podcasts, dedicated to adult catechesis, apologetics and faith formation.
Each episode of “Searching for More” will feature one guest — such as a priest, consecrated religious or lay Catholic — speaking directly to the listener for approximately five minutes, diocesan officials said. The goal is to provide authentic, captivating content that informs and inspires. In the debut episode, “Our Most Important Relationship,” a lay Catholic woman speaks about developing a personal, ongoing friendship with Jesus.
The effort was inspired in part, organizers said, by feedback received during 2021-22 listening sessions held in preparation for this year’s general assembly of the synod of bishops, where they will discuss their experience journeying together in unity as a communal church. The Diocesan Synodal Synthesis Report published in July alluded to the demand for greater education and faith formation.
“ ‘There is a lack of knowledge and immersion on church teaching among the laity. Catholics are unable to defend the faith when challenged by others because they have not been equipped,’ ” the report said. “In fact, it was frequently repeated that adult formation should be the priority, since the solid formation of children and youth is contingent upon the effective formation of adults who are entrusted with the formation of the young. It was stressed that formation should not be a merely academic exercise but should facilitate an intimate, personal encounter with Jesus.”
Two new episodes per month are planned, with future topics set to include “Blessing the home,” “Do Catholics believe in soul mates?” and “Social media and envy.” Prior to the reboot, a previous podcast series by the same name featured long-form guest interviews of 20-30 minutes.
Find out more
To watch or listen to episodes of “Searching for More,” go to arlingtondiocese.org/searching-for-more-podcast.
