VOX SFX

When the Lord calls us, it isn't always a thundering voice from the mountains.  Often it is a gentle feeling from the Holy Spirit, quietly leading us if we have the ears to hear.  This is often true when it comes to pursuing a deeper commitment to Holy Mother Church.  Deacons occupy a special position in our communities, having many of the duties as a priest but still having the ability to have a spouse and families.  In this ...

What does it mean to be a part of the body of Christ?  It means that we are charged with bringing the light and message of Christ into the world.  It means serving one another in mind, body, and spirit.  We all have a role to play, and no role is greater than another.  All are necessary, all are welcome, all are called.  Shai joins Nicholas to show us how we can listen to the call to service and have the heart to say "Here I A...

Austin Peppenger is not Catholic.  In fact, when he was young, he was taught to fear and hate Catholics, among others.  As he has gone through life he has challenged many of the misconceptions he was raised with.  One of those was a complete 180* on Holy Mother Church.  After interactions with the faithful, attending Mass, and listening to the wisdom offered by the guests of VOXSFX, his perspective has gone from viewing us as a rev...

The children's program called Catechesis of the Good Shepard, or CGS for short, is an amazing opportunity for kids to develop a deeper understanding of their faith.  Using age-appropriate environments and materials to foster involvement in liturgy, history, and theology, children in CGS get to participate actively and learn at their own pace.  The CGS program at St Francis Xavier is the most advanced in the Diocese of Helena, ...

In light of the Holy Father's recent comments, which have caused quite the stir here in the USA, we thought it might be appropriate to expand on the Church's teachings on immigration.  This is a tough topic, as there is much political rhetoric back and forth on this complicated issue.  However, this is not a political show.  VOXSFX isn't trying to tell you what to think or how to vote.  We only ask that you listen wi...

Luciano Lamonarca, also known as the Good Will Tenor, is known internationally for his incredible voice.  His passion, other than music, is the promotion and mission of the Padre Pio Foundation.  Rooted in the humility and service of this saint, this Foundation is a force for good works for the most needy in this world.  Who is this man who uses his voice for the benefit of countless faithful in cities across the world?  Listen to ...

We have a new priest at St Francis Xavier!  Father Mark Hoelsken, who spent thirty years working up in Alaska, has an infectious laugh and a deep well of knowledge to draw from.  In addition to exploring the path that led him here to Missoula, we also delve into the history of the Church when it comes to our interaction and ministry to the indigenous tribes of America.  Join us as we get to know our newest addition to the SFX famil...

2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, the first of what came to be known as ecumenical councils.  Nicea, and the many subsequent councils held by the titans of the church, has helped to codify our beliefs and teachings and promote greater understanding of the precepts of our faith.  The Catholic Church we know today was built on the foundations of the unity these councils established.  Fr Cochran joins Nicholas...

Padre Pio is coming to St. Francis Xavier in Missoula, Montana!  On August 25th and 26th, people will have the wonderful opportunity to venerate this marvelous saint of healing.  This is known as a devotion, which is a practice of faith which may involve prayer or other activities but is not part of official liturgy and doctrine.  It is meant to deepen our love and reverence for God and those who have done his work in the world.  F...

The word 'miracle' is often used to describe a variety of positive occurrences: a good day, a gorgeous sunrise, or the birth of a child.  These may be wonderful things, but a miracle as defined by the Catholic Church is a highly specific concept.  There is a process for determining whether or not a phenomenon qualifies, involving exhaustive testing and evaluation by the Vatican, scientists, and other experts.  At its core...

Religious liberty is not just a concept enshrined by secular governments.  It is also taught as a critical piece of Catholic social teaching.  The Second Vatican Council's Declaration on Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae, promulgated on December 7th, 1965, by Pope Paul VI, gives Catholics an essential framework for understanding our duties when interacting with the secular world and with peoples of a different faith.  Fr P...

When we are in mourning, we hardly feel blessed.  Grief can shatter us in mind and spirit, it can take a heavy toll on the body, and it can devastate our faith.  In these moments of weakness it is often difficult to see the light.  The love of God is always there, but sometimes we can render ourselves numb to His compassion.  But God can use our grief to help others and to build a bridge between us that was stronger than before, if...

It is hard to imagine Christianity without the prophets of old.  They correct us when we've gone astray and speak to God on our behalf.  Most importantly, they point to the coming of our Savior.  Their words ring true throughout the ages, touching our hearts and guiding us even today.  Many women also had the role of a prophet, though their contributions of often tragically overlooked.  Fr Victor Cancino joins Nicholas to delv...

One of the core Catholic experiences is participation in the Rite of Reconciliation, commonly known as Confession.  We reflect on where we have fallen short of God's expectations and bring this to a priest who serves as Christ's messenger of absolution.  Beyond the rote recitation of sins, it is an invitation to go deeper into our own nature with the intent of not just identifying our sins, but working through the root ca...