Is Jesus Really Present in the Eucharist? | The Journey to IEC 2028 with Prof. Tracy Rowland

Is the Eucharist just a symbol, or is it something more? In this episode of The Journey to the International Eucharistic Congress 2028, Fr Ben Saliba and Professor Hayden Ramsay are joined by world-renowned theologian Professor Tracy Rowland (University of Notre Dame) to unpack one of the most profound mysteries of the Catholic faith: The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As we prepare for the ‘Eucharist28’ in Sydney, it is vital to understand what we believe and why. Professor Rowland breaks down the theological differences between Catholic and Protestant views and discusses the role of faith in recognising Christ’s presence when our senses perceive only bread and wine. Professor Rowland’s piece "The Presence of Christ in the Eucharist," is available now on the Eucharist28 website https://eucharist28.org/parishes/the-presence-of-christ-in-the-eucharist JOIN THE MOVEMENT and stay connected in the lead up to Eucharist28 https://eucharist28.org/join-us Eucharist28 Socials: instagram.com/eucharist_28 facebook.com/eucharist28 x.com/eucharist28 Parousia Socials: facebook.com/parousiamedia instagram.com/parousiamedia tiktok.com/parousiamedia   Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute. Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/

Episode 4 - Cultivating One's Personal Vocation and Mission This final episode of the series explores how God works powerfully through wounded hearts, generous mentors, and ordinary people who choose to say yes. It reveals that leadership is not reserved for the perfect or the fearless, but for those willing to be shaped through faith, trust, and perseverance. These are stories of personal transformation, where grace meets human weakness and turns it into something fruitful and life-giving. Steve Lawrence invites us to rediscover what it truly means to live with purpose. Through reflection and lived experience, this episode encourages viewers to consider how influence, faith, and courage intersect in everyday life, and how responding to God’s call can lead not only to personal renewal, but to meaningful service of others. Visit Steve's website: stevelawrence.com.au altumgroup.net Steve's book Tiny Book for Giant Men: https://parousiamedia.com/the-tiny-book-for-giant-men-steve-lawrence-paperback/ Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

Episode 3 - Growing a Culture of Faith In this third episode of our conversation with Steve Lawrence, we explore one of the most crucial questions facing our Church, our schools, and our families today: How do we grow a genuine culture of faith? Building on the previous episode’s discussion about the challenges within education, Steve reflects on the fundamental truth that you cannot give what you do not have. A culture of faith begins with individuals who are rooted in prayer, silence, and a living relationship with Christ. Throughout the episode, Steve uses powerful imagery—fire that needs dry wood, soil that must be cleared, and seeds that grow only when tended—to illustrate how faith takes shape in the human heart. He speaks about the importance of making space for the Holy Spirit, of embracing silence in a noisy world, and of allowing God’s mercy to transform us from within. The conversation highlights the need for authentic witness, reminding us that people are moved far more by lived faith than by instruction alone. We also reflect on the temptations that can arise within church communities, especially the danger of becoming like the “older brother” in the parable of the prodigal son—judgmental, hardened, or blind to our own need for conversion. Steve and Salwa discuss the beauty of welcoming families and children, even amidst the distractions they bring, because a noisy church is a sign of a growing one. They explore the humility required to step aside and allow God to work, as well as the courage to trust His timing in our personal mission and in the life of the Church. Ultimately, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to examine our own hearts and ask how we can personally contribute to a culture of faith. It reminds us that everything begins with intimacy with Christ, openness to grace, and the daily choice to let His love shine through us. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we turn to the themes of vocation and mission—discovering how each of us is called to live out our faith in a unique and transformative way. Visit Steve's website: stevelawrence.com.au Steve's book Tiny Book for Giant Men: https://parousiamedia.com/the-tiny-book-for-giant-men-steve-lawrence-paperback/ Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

Episode 2 - The Challenges Facing Catholic Educators Today In this second episode of A Call to Lead, Steve Lawrence joins us again to dive deep into the real challenges facing Catholic educators and school leaders today. From the inspiring role of Barnabas in forming St Paul, to the pressures teachers face in modern schooling systems, this conversation shines a light on the heart of Catholic leadership—encouragement, formation, discernment, and courage. Steve unpacks how the example of Barnabas’ mentorship shaped St Paul and what this means for leaders today, reflecting on the essential role of encouragement for principals, teachers, and staff. He explores the tension between authentic Catholic identity and increasing secular pressures, while also addressing the unique struggles educators face from administrative overload and the loneliness of being one of the few faith-filled staff members, to the challenges of teaching sensitive topics in a culture that often misunderstands or resists the Church’s perspective. Steve also discusses the importance of strong relationships between schools and families, the impact of social media on young minds, and why the Catholic vision of salvation and the supernatural must once again become central in forming our students. Whether you are a teacher, leader, parent, or anyone passionate about the future of Catholic education, this episode offers wisdom, clarity, and hope for building strong, faith-filled communities in our schools. Stay tuned for the next episode where we explore how to grow a culture of faith. Visit Steve's website: stevelawrence.com.au Steve's book Tiny Book for Giant Men: https://parousiamedia.com/the-tiny-book-for-giant-men-steve-lawrence-paperback/ Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

In this episode Charbel sits down with Fr Sam French, one of Australia’s most dynamic Catholic voices online. Fr Sam shares the story of his calling, his journey through discernment, and the moment God made his vocation unmistakably clear. He reflects on how both charismatic and traditional expressions of faith shaped him, and how his experience as a vocations director taught him what authentic discernment really looks like. Fr Sam also reveals why he uses humour and culturally relevant content on social media, showing how digital evangelisation can open hearts in surprising ways and make the priesthood relatable. This honest and uplifting conversation is perfect for anyone seeking clarity, direction, or inspiration in their faith. For all of Fr Sam's social links, resources and more visit: www.frsamfrench.com For more information about Fr Sam's Spiritual Conversations Group visit: https://www.manlyfreshwaterparish.org Joseph House Broken Bay Diocese Link: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/mission/vocations/joseph-house Broken Bay Vocations Link: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/mission/vocations Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

In this first episode of our four-part series, Salwa sits down with Steve Lawrence to explore the powerful story behind his life, his leadership, and the calling that shaped his mission. From his father’s remarkable journey in Rhodesia, to the Jesuit mentor who changed the course of his family’s faith, to Steve’s own encounter with Jesus during a turbulent adolescence—this episode traces the key moments that formed the man he is today. Steve opens up about:  The influence of a family priest and the legacy of encouragement.  Growing up in a home marked by conflict, and discovering Jesus in the midst of darkness.  His surprising path from professional AFL footballer to educator, missionary, and leader.  How grace, vocation, and resilience shaped his passion for forming others Why encouragement and faith are at the heart of true leadership This deeply personal conversation sets the foundation for the rest of the series, inviting viewers to reflect on the people and moments that have shaped their own calling. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or simply someone searching for purpose, Steve’s story is a reminder that God uses every experience—joy, pain, uncertainty—to prepare us for mission. Stay tuned for Episode 2, where we dive into the challenges facing leaders and educators today.

In this Parousia Podcast Archive we look back at Charbel's discussion with Dr Scott Hahn on his book "The Decline and Fall of Sacred Scripture: How the Bible Became a Secular Book." What is wrong with Scripture scholarship today? Why is it that the last place one should go to study the Bible is a biblical studies program at virtually any university? Why are so many faithful priests and pastors, and the people in their pews, unaware of the centuries-long effort to turn the sacred Word of God into just another secular text? In The Decline and Fall of Sacred Scripture: How the Bible Became a Secular Book, authors Scott Hahn and Benjamin Wiker trace the various malformations of Scripture scholarship that have led to a devastating loss of trust in the inspired Word of God. From the Reformation to the Enlightenment and beyond, Hahn and Wiker sketch the revolutions and radical figures that led to the emergence of the historical-critical method and the pervasive ill effects that are still being felt today. Purchase the book here: https://parousiamedia.com/the-decline-and-fall-of-sacred-scripture-how-the-bible-became-a-secular-book-scott-hahn-benjamin-wiker-emmaus-road-paperback/?searchid=0&search_query=Scott+hahn Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/blog/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

In this episode of the Parousia Podcast, Charbel sits down with children's author, Carmel Assaf to discuss her new book "The Donkey in the Mill." Written to encourage families to explore timeless virtues together. Carmel is a teacher and storyteller who has spent her career inspiring young minds in classrooms across the United Kingdom, Russia, and her home country of Australia. She has taught both primary and secondary students, always with a focus on sparking imagination and a love of learning. The Donkey In The Mill - Hardback https://parousiamedia.com/the-donkey-in-the-mill-carmel-assaf-character-for-kids-hardcover/?searchid=0&search_query=donkey+mill Character For Kids website: https://www.characterforkids.com.au Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

When and how did we get confused about our gender? In this episode of the Parousia Podcast, Charbel Raish talks with Jason Evert (Catholic speaker, author and founder of the Chastity Project) about his latest book, 'Male, Female, Other: A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender'. They discuss the current brokenness within our culture when it comes to this topic, along with some ideas as to how we can respond with charity and clarity. https://chastity.com/ https://chastity.org/ https://chastity.com/gender/ Male, Female, Other? https://parousiamedia.com/male-female-other-a-catholic-guide-to-understanding-gender-jason-evert-chastity-project-paperback/?searchid=0&search_query=jason+evert The Dating Blueprint https://parousiamedia.com/the-dating-blueprint-jason-evert-totus-tuus-press-paperback/?searchid=0&search_query=jason+evert Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

In this episode from our Archives, Fr Spitzer speaks about how the soul can be proven to exist by citing many near-death experiences. To find out more about near-death experiences, and to discover many other ways in which the material sciences do not contradict the Catholic faith, and in fact affirm the Catholic faith, visit www.crediblecatholic.com Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.