New ArchIndy Vox podcast series invites exploration of Vatican II teachings

Criterion staff report

Why does the Catholic Church celebrate the Mass the way it does? How should Catholics read the Bible? What role do lay people play in the Church’s mission? And how can faith help us navigate an increasingly complex world?

A new 16-episode ArchIndy Vox podcast series seeks to answer these questions and more by exploring one of the most influential events in modern Catholic history—the Second Vatican Council, commonly known as Vatican II.

“The Church in Our Time: What Vatican II Means for Everyday Catholics” is hosted by Ken Ogorek, executive director of the archdiocesan Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis. Through conversations with local and nationally recognized guests, the series explores each of Vatican II’s 16 documents and the ways they continue to shape Catholic worship, prayer, discipleship and engagement with the world.

While many Catholics have heard of Vatican II, some might not be familiar with the documents that emerged from the Council or their influence on everyday Catholic life. Each episode centers on two questions: What is this document about? Why does it matter today? 

The series begins with Vatican II’s landmark document, “Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation,” which is also known by its Latin title, “Dei Verbum” (“The Word of God”). Joining Ogorek are Rachel Gilman, archdiocesan director of youth ministry, and Scripture scholar Dr. John Bergsma, author of Bible Basics for Catholics.

Together, they discuss how “Dei Verbum” continues to develop the Church’s appreciation for sacred Scripture and encourages Catholics to encounter Christ more deeply through God’s word. Their conversation examines the document’s origins, its key teachings and its influence on our Catholic prayer, study, spiritual growth and discipleship.

“Many Catholics have heard of Vatican II but may not be familiar with its documents or their significance,” Ogorek said. “This series provides an approachable way to understand these teachings and how they can enrich our relationship with Christ and the Church.”

Future episodes will examine topics including worship and the Mass, the Church’s mission in the world, religious freedom, ecumenism, the role of laity and the universal call to holiness.

Designed for lifelong Catholics, those new to the faith and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Church, the series offers practical insights into the beliefs and teachings that continue to guide Catholics today.

The first episode will be available on Spotify beginning on July 1. Listeners can subscribe directly to the ArchIndy Vox podcast and receive notifications when new episodes are released by visiting archindy.org/ArchindyVox. †