Extraordinary Time

What is the freedom of the children of God?

March 11th, 2026  |  Season 3  |  8 mins 8 secs

blind man, children of god, fourth sunday of lent, freedom, lent

Sister of Mercy Theresa Rutty reflects on the Gospel reading for March 15, 2026, the story of Jesus healing a blind man on the Sabbath to the Pharisees’ chagrin.

Lenten Lessons from the Woman at the Well

March 4th, 2026  |  Season 3  |  7 mins 44 secs

almsgiving, fasting, lent, lenten reflection, prayer, third sunday of lent, woman at the well

Deacon Jim Fien of St. Rita in Webster offers a reflection on the reading for March 8, 2026, which tells of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well.

Saints in the making: Pain that leads to transformation

February 25th, 2026  |  Season 3  |  12 mins 24 secs

40 days, lent, second sunday of lent, transfiguration

Father Patrick Connor, pastor of Ss. Isidore and Maria Torribia Parish in the Diocese of Rochester, reflects on the readings for March 1, 2026.

Lent: 40 days of imitating Christ

February 18th, 2026  |  Season 3  |  10 mins 2 secs

40 days, ash wednesday, bishop matano, lent, pentennial season

In first episode of season 3 of Extraordinary Time, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano, current apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Rochester, shares how Lent provides us with 40 days of imitating Christ.

Extraordinary Time: Lent 2026: Trailer

February 11th, 2026  |  Season 3  |  2 mins 49 secs

almsgiving, fasting, lent, lent 2026, podcast, prayer, reflections

Extraordinary Time is the Catholic Courier‘s seasonal podcast for the church’s liturgical seasons. The third season of the podcast — Advent 2026 — will accompany listeners through Lent with weekly Scriptural reflections.

Christmas: The gift of peace through Christ among us

December 25th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  7 mins 52 secs

Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of the Diocese of Rochester shares a Christmas message.

Fourth Sunday in Advent: Prepare to encounter the heart of Christ at Christmas

December 21st, 2025  |  Season 2  |  7 mins 14 secs

advent, christmas, fourth sunday of advent

Sister of Mercy Barbara Giehl offers a reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent as we anticipate the celebration of Christmas.

Gaudete Sunday: Our reminder of a joy that does not fade

December 14th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  10 mins 26 secs

advent, advent podcast, gaudate sunday, joy, third sunday of advent

Father Michael Merritt, parochial vicar at Church of the Holy Spirit in Webster and St. Joseph’s in Penfield, offers a reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. This episode is sponsored by Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home.

Second Sunday in Advent: Reform your thinking and transform your life

December 7th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  8 mins 20 secs

advent, advent calendar, advent podcast, catholic, second sunday of advent

In this episode, Sister Joan Sobala, SSJ, reflects on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent. She notes that, following John the Baptist’s example presented in these readings, the season of Advent invites us to reform our thinking and transform our lives.

First Sunday in Advent: An invitation to live with purpose

November 30th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  9 mins 38 secs

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Deacon Dennis Donahue reflects on the readings for the first Sunday in Advent and how these readings invite us to live intentionally, with purpose, as we await the birth of Christ.

Extraordinary Time: Advent 2025: Trailer

November 23rd, 2025  |  Season 2  |  1 min 30 secs

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The trailer for second season of the Catholic Courier's Extraordinary Time podcast, Advent 2025.

Easter: The world changed forever

April 20th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  4 mins 43 secs

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Celebrate the joy of Easter with this special message from Father Paul Bonacci, pastor of St. Pius X in Chili, as he reflects on the day the world changed forever when Jesus conquered death.

What is the Triduum? Tradition's symbolism explained

April 16th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  12 mins 13 secs

easter, easter vigil, good friday, holy saturday, holy thursday, holy week, triduum

Father Michael Costik, pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Canandaigua and Bloomfield, NY, breaks down the origins, customs and symbolism of the Easter Triduum — Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Palm Sunday: Savoring the moment of clarity

April 9th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  16 mins 6 secs

catholic, diocese of rochester, holy week, jesus' passion, lent, palm sunday, passion sunday

Prepare for Palm Sunday with Sister Karen Dietz, SSJ, in episode 8 of Extraordinary Time.

Sow repentance and reap forgiveness

April 2nd, 2025  |  Season 1  |  10 mins 30 secs

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Father Steven Lewis, parochial vicar at St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Katharine Drexel parishes, reflects on the Gospel account of the woman caught in adultery who was brought before Jesus.

Parable shows ‘the enormity of God’s love’

March 26th, 2025  |  Season 1  |  11 mins 45 secs

catholic, diocese of rochester, fourth sunday of lent, lent, lent 2025

Lisa Lickona, assistant professor of systematic theology at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, offers a reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.