Catholic Basics
Basics About the Catholic Church
This podcast offers a friendly, down-to-earth guide to the Catholic faith—perfect for curious seekers, returning Catholics, and lifelong believers who want a fresh look at the basics. Each episode explores key teachings, traditions, and figures of the Church, from the lives of the saints to the role of the popes, and what really happens at Mass. No jargon, no pressure—just clear, honest conversation about what Catholics believe and why it matters.
6th Pope St. Pope Alexander I, Why the Catholic mass has it's structure, St. Ignatius of Antioch, 1st time Catholic is used
This episode looks at how the early Church prayed, worshipped, and held together under pressure. We begin with Pope St. Alexander I, one of the earliest successors of Peter, and explore the traditions attributed to his papacy—especially the small but lasting contributions he made to the developing structure of the Mass. From there, we walk through the basic shape of the Mass as it was forming in the first and second centuries, showing how Scripture, preaching, and the Eucharistic celebration were already taking on a recognizable pattern.
We then turn to St. Ignatius of Antioch, whose letters give us one of the clearest early testimonies to the Church’s unity, the role of the bishop, and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. His writings confirm that the liturgical and theological foundations we know today were already firmly in place.
Together, these three threads—Alexander, the Mass, and Ignatius—paint a vivid picture of a Church that was young, courageous, and unmistakably Catholic.
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Fundamentally Catholic webpage (https://coolcasts.cooolmedia.com/show/catholic-101/)
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22 Feb 2026
5th Pope, St. Pope Evaristus, Lent, and the Joy of St. Philip Neri — How the Early Church Formed Us”
In this episode of Fundamentally Catholic, we explore how the early Church took shape under Pope St. Evaristus, the fourth successor of St. Peter, and why his decisions still shape parish life today. Then we turn to Lent — where the Church’s ancient rhythm of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving reveals a deeper logic than simple self‑denial. Finally, we meet St. Philip Neri, the joyful reformer whose humor, holiness, and love for souls remind us that the Christian life is meant to be both serious and deeply joyful.
If you’ve ever wondered why the Church is structured the way it is, what Lent is really for, or how a saint can be both hilarious and holy, this episode ties it all together with clarity, history, and heart.
Fundamentally Catholic webpage (https://coolcasts.cooolmedia.com/show/catholic-101/)
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5 Feb 2026
4th Pope, St. Pope Clement, Apostolic Succession & The Miracle of St. Blaise
St. Pope Clement defends the early Church’s understanding of apostolic succession and why bishops and priests matter. We also explore the witness of St. Blaise and the tradition of his healing intercession. A clear, grounded look at how the Church’s earliest voices still shape Catholic life today.
More About This Episode (Extended Section)
Apostolic succession isn’t just a theological idea — it’s the living structure Christ handed to the apostles and they handed to the next generation. In this episode, we look at St. Pope Clement, one of the earliest defenders of that structure, and how his writings reveal the Church already functioning with bishops, priests, and a unified authority.
We also turn to St. Blaise, whose miraculous healing and the tradition of the throat blessing continue to inspire Catholics around the world. His story adds a pastoral, human dimension to the same Church Clement was shaping in its earliest days.
If you’ve ever wondered how the early Church actually operated — or why the roles of bishop and priest matter today — this episode connects the historical, the theological, and the devotional in a way that’s clear, accessible, and deeply Catholic.
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17 Jan 2026
3rd Pope, Anacletus, Communion, and St. Agnes: Foundations of the Early Church
Explore the early Church through Pope Anacletus, the meaning of Holy Communion, and the witness of St. Agnes. This episode connects Catholic history, Eucharistic faith, and the courage of the saints in a clear, engaging way. Perfect for listeners seeking solid teaching rooted in the Church’s earliest traditions.
fundamentally catholic webpage (https://coolcasts.cooolmedia.com/show/catholic-101/)
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Mykola Odnoroh from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=391977)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Music by Ikoliks
26 Dec 2025
2nd Pope, St. Pope Linus, St. John Vianney & Why Catholics Kneel vs. Genuflect
In this episode of Fundamentally Catholic, we explore the life of St. Pope Linus, the second pope of the Church, reflect on the holiness and pastoral heart of St. John Vianney, and break down the real difference between kneeling and genuflecting — and why it matters.
Perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Catholic history, saints, and the way Catholics show reverence in.
Fundamentally Catholic webpage (https://coolcasts.cooolmedia.com/show/catholic-101/)
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12 Jul 2023
St. Kateri Tekakwitha - 1st Native American Saint, Patron Saint of Traditional ecology, Indigenous People and Care for creation
St. Kateri Tekakwith is the 1sy Native American Saint, Born in 1656 upper New York. Died in Montreal Canada 1680. Patron saint of Traditional Ecology, Indigenous people and Care for creation. Feast day is July 14.
Biggest struggles she over came, Small pox and converting to christianity against hostile opposition.
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