Episode 2877: The Traditus Training Program - Part 4: Month 1

Title: "Rediscovering the Faith: Retraining Young Catholics to Embrace Tradition" – Episode 4
Hosts: Sharon (Host) and Walt (Co-Host)
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Opening Prayer
Sharon: Let us begin with a prayer to Our Lady of Fatima, the guiding light for returning to the fullness of Catholic tradition:
"O Most Holy Virgin Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, intercede for us as we strive to restore the faith in the hearts of our young. Inspire them to love Christ, His Church, and His teachings. Amen."
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Sharon: Welcome to today’s episode, where we tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing our Church: how to retrain our young Catholics to embrace the richness of our traditional Catholic faith and detach from the modern relativistic culture.
Month 1: Foundational Prayer Life
• Objective: Establish a consistent daily prayer routine.
• Tasks:
1. Learn and pray the Morning Offering and Evening Examen.
2. Begin a daily family Rosary (one decade if starting from scratch).
3. Memorize the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
4. Set up a prayer corner with sacred images, candles, and a crucifix.
• Saint of the Month: St. Francis de Sales (“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”)
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Opening (2-3 minutes)
• Greeting listeners and introducing the episode.
• Brief explanation of the Traditus Training Program and its purpose to restore traditional Catholic life.
• Overview of Month 1: Foundational Prayer Life.
• Quote from St. Francis de Sales: “The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
Segment 1: The Importance of a Prayer Routine (5 minutes)
• Explanation of why prayer is foundational in a Catholic’s spiritual life.
• Discussion of the benefits of a structured prayer routine:
o Deepening one’s relationship with God.
o Finding peace and clarity in daily life.
o Strengthening family bonds through communal prayer.
• Connecting the practice of prayer to traditional Catholic values and the wisdom of the saints.
Segment 2: Learning the Morning Offering and Evening Examen

The Morning Offering is a simple yet profound prayer that sets the tone for the day by dedicating all thoughts, words, and actions to God. It aligns our daily activities with His will, uniting our efforts to the redemptive work of Christ.
Purpose of the Morning Offering:
• Sanctifying the Day:
o By offering our day to God at the very beginning, we transform even mundane tasks into acts of love and worship.
o Reflect on Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
• Uniting with Christ’s Sacrifice:
o The Morning Offering explicitly ties our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings to Christ’s sacrifice in the Holy Mass.
o It fulfills the call to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) by making our entire day a prayer.
• Fostering a Marian Connection:
o Many versions of the Morning Offering include invoking the Immaculate Heart of Mary, emphasizing her role as our intercessor.
Example of the Morning Offering:
One traditional version of the prayer: “O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father.”
Practical Tips for Incorporating the Morning Offering:
1. Make it a Habit:
o Recite it as soon as you wake up or while getting ready in the morning.
o Place a reminder on your bedside table, mirror, or phone.
2. Teach it to Children:
o Help children memorize the prayer by saying it as a family each morning.
3. Tie it to Devotions:
o Incorporate the Morning Offering into your daily Rosary, morning scripture reading, or other devotions.
4. Adapt It to Your Life:
o Personalize the prayer by including specific intentions for loved ones, challenges you face, or areas where you seek God’s guidance.
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2. Overview of the Evening Examen
“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”

The Evening Examen is a reflective prayer that encourages spiritual growth by helping us examine our thoughts, words, and actions at the end of each day. It provides an opportunity to thank God, seek forgiveness, and resolve to live better tomorrow.
Purpose of the Evening Examen:
• Daily Spiritual Check-In:
o The Examen allows us to reflect on our day in light of God’s grace, seeing where we succeeded and where we fell short.
• Growing in Holiness:
o Through self-awareness and reliance on God’s mercy, we can identify patterns of sin and areas for growth.
• Preparation for Confession:
o Regularly examining our conscience helps us prepare for the sacrament of Confession, making it more fruitful and meaningful.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Evening Examen:
1. Thanksgiving:
o Begin by thanking God for the blessings of the day.
o Reflect on specific graces received, such as answered prayers, small joys, or opportunities to serve others.
o Example: “Thank You, Lord, for guiding me through this day and for Your constant presence in my life.”
2. Review of the Day:
o Go through the events of the day, hour by hour or in key moments, to see how God was present and how you responded.
o Ask questions such as:
 When did I feel closest to God today?
 Did I act in love and charity toward others?
 Where did I fail to live out my faith or respond to grace?
3. Asking for Forgiveness:
o Acknowledge your sins and failures, bringing them before God with humility and trust in His mercy.
o Use traditional prayers like the Act of Contrition or speak to God in your own words.
o Example: “Lord, I am sorry for the times I turned away from You. Please forgive me and help me to do better.”
4. Resolution for Tomorrow:
o Resolve to live the next day in greater alignment with God’s will.
o Consider specific actions, such as avoiding a particular sin, practicing a virtue, or extending forgiveness to someone.
o Example: “Tomorrow, I will strive to be more patient and to speak kindly to everyone I encounter.”
Connecting the Examen to the Sacrament of Confession:
• Regular Examination of Conscience:
o The Examen trains the soul to identify sins, making the sacrament of Confession more intentional and transformative.
• A Bridge to God’s Mercy:
o The Examen reminds us of God’s love and mercy, encouraging regular reception of Confession as a source of grace.
• Quoting the Saints:
o Reference St. Ignatius of Loyola, who taught that the Examen is the single most important prayer for spiritual growth: "If you only have time for one prayer a day, make it the Examen."
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Practical Applications
1. Set Aside Time:
o Dedicate 5–10 minutes before bed for the Examen. Keep it simple and consistent.
2. Use a Journal:
o Write down your reflections and resolutions to track spiritual progress over time.
3. Incorporate Family Prayer:
o Consider praying a simplified version of the Examen with children, focusing on gratitude and small resolutions.
4. Pair It with Other Devotions:
o End the day with the Examen followed by night prayers like Compline or the Hail Mary.
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Spiritual Insights
Both the Morning Offering and the Evening Examen anchor the day in prayer, creating a rhythm that sanctifies all moments, from dawn to dusk. Together, these practices:
• Encourage a spirit of gratitude and humility.
• Foster an ongoing relationship with God.
• Help Catholics grow in self-awareness, holiness, and reliance on God’s grace.
Segment 3: Beginning the Family Rosary (6 minutes)
• Discussion on the power and spiritual benefits of the Rosary.
o St. Francis de Sales’ insights into the Rosary as the “greatest method of praying.”
o Testimony of families transformed through the practice of the Rosary.
• How to start small:
o Praying one decade daily as a family.
o Tips for engaging children or reluctant family members.
o Creating a prayerful atmosphere at home.
• Encouragement to persevere despite initial challenges.
Segment 4: Memorizing Core Catholic Prayers (5 minutes)
This segment emphasizes the importance of memorizing foundational Catholic prayers and offers practical ways to make them part of daily life, especially for families.
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1. Explanation of the Significance of Core Catholic Prayers
The Sign of the Cross: A Declaration of Faith
• Theology: The Sign of the Cross is a simple yet profound act that expresses belief in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and recalls Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.
• Spiritual Power:
o It is a prayer in itself, offering protection against evil and invoking God’s blessing.
o St. John Vianney said: “A well-made Sign of the Cross makes all hell tremble.”
• Symbolism:
o The vertical motion signifies our relationship with God, while the horizontal motion reflects our relationship with others, symbolizing love of God and neighbor.
• Practice: Begin and end every prayer, meal, or task with the Sign of the Cross as a reminder of God’s presence.
The Our Father: The Prayer Taught by Christ
• Scriptural Foundation:
o Taught directly by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4, the Our Father is the perfect prayer, containing adoration, petition, contrition, and thanksgiving.
• Key Elements:
o “Thy will be done”: Teaches surrender to God’s plan.
o “Forgive us our trespasses”: Reminds us to seek and offer forgiveness.
• Universality:
o Known as the Lord’s Prayer, it unites all Christians and reflects the heart of the Gospel.
The Hail Mary: A Pillar of Marian Devotion
• Biblical Roots:
o The Hail Mary’s opening lines come from Scripture: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28) and “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42).
• Purpose:
o Honors Mary as the Mother of God and asks for her intercession: “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”
• Connection to the Rosary:
o The Hail Mary is the central prayer of the Rosary, fostering meditation on the life of Christ.
The Glory Be: A Prayer of Praise
• Meaning:
o The Glory Be (Doxology) is a short, powerful prayer glorifying the Holy Trinity: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit...”
• Eternal Focus:
o It reminds us of God’s eternal nature and invites us to live for His glory.
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2. Practical Techniques for Memorization
1. Repetition During Family Prayer
• Daily Practice:
o Recite these prayers together during morning or evening prayer. Consistent repetition helps embed the prayers in memory.
• Modeling for Children:
o Encourage parents to lead by example, reciting the prayers slowly and clearly so children can follow.
• Rosary Recitation:
o The repetitive structure of the Rosary naturally reinforces memorization of the Hail Mary, Our Father, and Glory Be.
2. Flashcards or Recitation Games for Children
• Flashcards:
o Create cards with each line of a prayer. Shuffle them and challenge children to arrange the lines in order.
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• Prayer Relay:
o Divide the prayer into parts and assign each family member a section to recite in sequence, encouraging teamwork.
• Quizzes:
o Ask children to fill in missing words or complete a line of the prayer.
3. Linking Prayers to Daily Activities
• Hail Mary During Routine Tasks:
o Suggest saying a Hail Mary while performing everyday activities, like driving, cooking, or walking.
• The Sign of the Cross:
o Begin tasks or meals with the Sign of the Cross, helping it become a natural habit.
• Bedtime Rituals:
o Recite the Glory Be or Our Father before tucking children into bed as a peaceful way to end the day.
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Encouragement to Persevere
• Patience is Key:
o Encourage families to be patient, especially with younger children, and celebrate small milestones in memorization.
• Spiritual Rewards:
o Emphasize that knowing these prayers by heart allows Catholics to pray spontaneously, even in moments of distress or distraction.
• Inspiration from the Saints:
o Pope John Paul II once said: “From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone.” Knowing prayers like the Hail Mary enables us to turn to Mary for comfort at any time.
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Closing Thought
Memorizing core Catholic prayers is more than an intellectual exercise—it is a way to deepen one’s relationship with God and anchor the family in faith. By weaving these prayers into daily routines and fostering a joyful approach, families can pass on a rich spiritual legacy to future generations.
Let me know if you'd like examples of games, stories, or additional prayers to incorporate into this segment!
Segment 5: Creating a Sacred Space at Home
1. The Importance of a Dedicated Prayer Corner
A prayer corner, often referred to as a "home altar," serves as a physical and spiritual focal point for prayer and devotion within the home. It fosters a sense of the sacred, reminding families that their home is a "domestic church."
• Sense of the Sacred:
o A dedicated space sets apart prayer time from other activities, helping individuals shift their focus from the distractions of daily life to God.
o The presence of sacred items inspires reverence and helps create a peaceful, prayerful atmosphere.
• Encourages Family Unity:
o Gathering at the prayer corner unites the family in prayer, reinforcing the Catholic tradition of praying together.
o It serves as a visible reminder for everyone in the household to prioritize God in their lives.
• Connection to Tradition:
o The prayer corner reflects the Catholic tradition of sanctifying the home. Historically, Catholic homes often featured prominent religious imagery to honor God and Mary.
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2. Practical Steps for Setting Up a Prayer Corner
Step 1: Choose a Quiet, Central Location
• Quiet and Accessible:
o Select a place in the home that is quiet, free from distractions, and easily accessible to all family members.
o Examples: A corner in the living room, a small nook in the hallway, or a dedicated area in the bedroom.
• Symbolism:
o Placing the prayer corner in a central location underscores its importance in family life.
Step 2: Add Sacred Items
• Crucifix:
o A crucifix is essential, reminding the family of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s love.
• Sacred Images:
o Include an image or statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a favorite saint, or the Holy Family.
o Example: A Marian statue can symbolize Mary’s maternal protection over the home.
• Candles:
o Add one or two candles to symbolize Christ as the Light of the World.
o Use battery-operated candles if safety is a concern with young children.
• Bible:
o Place a family Bible prominently, encouraging scripture reading and reflection.
Step 3: Incorporate Devotional Items
• Small Shelf or Table:
o Use a small piece of furniture to display devotional items. Ensure it is sturdy and uncluttered.
• Rosaries and Prayer Cards:
o Keep Rosaries within reach and include prayer cards or small booklets to encourage spontaneous prayer.
• Holy Water:
o Add a small bowl or container of holy water, allowing the family to bless themselves when they pass by.
• Seasonal Decorations:
o Reflect the liturgical calendar by changing items for Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter. For example, an Advent wreath or purple cloth during Lent.
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3. Connecting the Prayer Corner to Traditional Catholic Home Life
• The Domestic Church:
o Teach families that the home is a "domestic church," where parents are the first educators of faith. The prayer corner reinforces this role by anchoring daily life in Catholic tradition.
• Encourages Devotion:
o A prayer corner reminds the family to turn to God in moments of joy, need, or sorrow.
• A Visible Witness:
o Visitors to the home will see the prayer corner as a sign of the family’s faith, serving as a quiet form of evangelization.
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Closing (3 minutes)
1. Recap of the Month 1 Tasks and Objectives
• Review the Key Points:
o Establishing a prayer routine with the Morning Offering and Evening Examen.
o Introducing the Family Rosary, starting with one decade daily.
o Memorizing core Catholic prayers: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
o Setting up a prayer corner to foster a sense of the sacred in the home.
• Encouragement:
o Reassure families that these small steps will help lay a solid foundation for their spiritual lives.
o Highlight that building these habits may take time but will bring profound spiritual rewards.
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2. Encouragement to Embrace the First Step in the Traditus Training Program
• Motivational Reflection:
o Draw inspiration from St. Francis de Sales: “Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.” Encourage families to approach these tasks with patience and persistence.
o Emphasize that prayer is transformative—not just for individuals, but for families and their relationships.
• Benefits of Perseverance:
o Point out that while the first month may feel like an adjustment, these practices will bring peace, unity, and a closer relationship with God over time.
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3. Closing Prayer
• Offer a communal prayer to conclude the segment. Suggest using the Morning Offering to remind families of their commitment to starting each day with God:
o “O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart…”
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4. Teaser for Next Month’s Episode
• Build anticipation by previewing the next topic:
o “Next month, we’ll dive into Understanding the Faith, exploring the Creed and the fundamental beliefs of our Catholic identity. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding of what we profess and live as Catholics.”
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This structure provides both practical guidance and spiritual encouragement, making it easy for families to take their first steps in the Traditus Training Program. Let me know if you'd like further elaboration on any specific aspect!