Rhythms of Faith

Dr. Jessica Coblentz is a professor of Religious Studies and Theology, as well as Gender and Women's Studies, at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She came to academia through a lifelong curiosity about religion sparked during her secular upbringing in the Seattle area. She pursued graduate studies at Harvard Divinity School and Boston College and ultimately chose theology as a discipline that allowed her to speak constructively back to her own Catholic tradition. Her book Dust in the Blood addresses the gap in Christian theological reflection on depression, critiquing popular frameworks that either blame sin or frame depression as a divine gift, arguing both can be harmful to sufferers. As an alternative, she develops a theology of depression rooted in the story of Hagar in the wilderness, emphasizing that God does not always explain or fix suffering but does accompany, see, and open new possibilities for those who are struggling. She is currently working on a second book examining women's depression through the lens of Mariology, particularly the image of Our Lady of Sorrows, exploring how ideals of womanhood may contribute to women's disproportionately higher rates of depression. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the value of personal vulnerability in scholarship, the importance of accompaniment over easy answers in Christian community, and the call to simply be a loving presence to others — especially those who suffer.0:00 Introduction0:39 Dr. Coblentz's Background and Path to Academia7:27 Dust in the Blood — A Theology of Depression15:15 The Story of Hagar and Wilderness as a Framework for Depression21:03 The Lament Psalms and Relational Faith23:48 The Title Dust in the Blood — Robert Lowell and Poetic Language26:38 New Research on Women's Depression and Mariology32:34 Personal Vulnerability in Scholarship37:16 What Does It Mean to Be Church?40:24 Closing Question — If You Were an Animal

In this episode of the Rhythms of Faith Podcast, hosts J.J. and Kim speak with Dr. Tim O'Malley, Academic Director at the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, about how the Church's worship shapes spiritual life and identity. Tim defines liturgical participation as "attunement" — a gift of grace that aligns body and mind with divine love, drawing on Balthasar and Heidegger — and argues that this framework must be broad enough to include children, people with intellectual disabilities, and anyone excluded by overly cognitive or activist conceptions. He reflects on his time in the Notre Dame Glee Club as a formative experience of harmony and listening, and describes his own daily practices of morning prayer and silence as essential disciplines for staying attuned to God. Tim discusses his Contours of Wonder project, funded by the Lilly Endowment, which works with parishes across the U.S. to form young children (and the adults around them) in wonder, gratuity, and contemplative imagination as preparation for receiving the Eucharist. The conversation takes a playful turn as Tim shares his fascination with comedy as a theological lens — the comic disposition, he argues, reveals the world's absurdity and points toward grace rather than control. The episode closes with Tim reflecting on his current work editing a volume on the theology of childhood and, in the tradition of the show's closing question, declaring himself a turkey.Introduction — 0:00Journey into Liturgy — 0:28What is Liturgical Participation? — 2:20Children, Disability, and Inclusion — 3:47Attunement: Balthasar and Grace — 6:35Music and the Glee Club — 8:23Spiritual Practices and Formation — 10:54Grace and the Paradox of Practice — 12:52Contours of Wonder Project — 14:44Favorite Liturgical Music — 18:32Learning Through Failure — 20:56Comedy, Absurdity, and Joy — 26:58Current Work and Closing — 34:50

In the Introduction, hosts JJ and Kim welcome Dr. Joris Geldhof, a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame, to the Rhythms of Faith Podcast. In What Makes Liturgy Fascinating, Dr. Geldhof explains that liturgy captivates him because it brings together beauty, truth, goodness, scripture, history, and anthropology — all converging in an act of worship that he describes as almost miraculous and deeply personal. The conversation turns to What Makes Art Timeless and The Ghent Altarpiece, where Dr. Geldhof argues that timelessness means being "iconic" — the art looks back at you — and contextually independent, drawing on his deep personal connection to the Van Eyck masterpiece, which he reads as a unified theological narrative of salvation rather than a collection of striking elements. In Liturgical Art vs. Non-Liturgical Art and Art, Economy & Culture, the group explores how even Brahms' First Symphony can point toward the sacred res, and how Van Eyck's pre-modern integration of artistry, economics, diplomacy, and faith challenges our romanticized modern notion of "art for art's sake." Addressing Challenges in Liturgical Theology Today, Dr. Geldhof identifies both internal methodological struggles (convincing colleagues that worship precedes doctrine) and an external one: rejecting a "victimist" view of liturgy in favor of seeing it as a powerful engine of constructive critique of culture, politics, and economy. The episode closes with What Is Liturgical Participation? — defined by Dr. Geldhof as being taken up into God's mystery of love through the Holy Spirit, a profound theological truth rather than merely a pastoral program — before closing with The Animal Question. Dr. Geldhof reveals that if he were an animal, he would choose to be a whale — solitary, deep-dwelling, quietly mysterious, and drawn always toward depth.Introduction — 0:00What Makes Liturgy Fascinating — 0:23What Makes Art Timeless — 2:13The Ghent Altarpiece — 7:01Liturgical Art vs. Non-Liturgical Art — 10:50Art, Economy & Culture — 24:08Challenges in Liturgical Theology Today — 31:57What Is Liturgical Participation? — 37:14Closing: The Animal Question — 38:55

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Kim and JJ welcome Father Paul Coleman and Dr. Kathy Cummings. They discuss their new course on global Catholicism developed through the Institute for Advanced Studies Teaching Lab Fellows program. The course covers a variety of perspectives on Catholicism, including historical and cultural influences, student responses, and the challenges and rewards of collaborative teaching. The conversation delves into the importance of examining Catholicism through different lenses, the impact of immigration on faith practices in the U.S., and the dynamics of synodality in the Catholic Church. They also touch on the significance of Pope Francis's teachings, particularly his autobiography, and how global and local traditions shape the Catholic experience.00:00 Introduction to Rhythms of Faith00:25 Course Development and Initial Experiences01:15 Exploring Global Catholicism01:45 Field Trip to Chicago's Ethnic Parishes03:40 Teaching Challenges and Student Engagement07:03 Importance of Teaching Global Catholicism10:07 Cultural Integration in Catholicism17:02 Exploring the Synod Experience18:34 Historical Context and Church Hierarchy19:56 Pope Francis and the Synod's Impact25:13 Liturgical Gifts and Cultural Differences28:48 Fun and Reflective Closing

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Jerry Blackstone, currently the conducting professor at the University of Notre Dame, shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Kansas to an accomplished career in conducting. Dr. Blackstone discusses his role at Notre Dame, working with graduate students in choral conducting, and reflects on his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of imagination and communication in music. He also touches upon the role of technology in music education, the joys and challenges of conducting, and the spiritual dimensions of making music both in concert halls and churches. The episode delves into how his faith shapes his musical endeavors, his experiences with iconic pieces like Brahms' Requiem, and the deep bonds formed through communal music-making.00:00 Introduction to Rhythms of Faith00:26 Dr. Jerry Blackstone's Role at Notre Dame01:11 Adjusting to Notre Dame02:06 Early Life and Musical Beginnings04:49 Pursuing Conducting06:56 Teaching Conducting at Notre Dame07:28 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching Conducting09:03 The Importance of Imagination in Conducting12:52 Technological Shifts in Music Education14:49 Active Listening and Guided Listening18:04 The Communal Experience of Music20:27 A Heartwarming Story from Texas21:28 The Essence of Making Music in Different Venues23:47 Teaching Sacred vs. Secular Music25:51 The Spiritual Connection in Music28:14 Reflecting on Musical Pieces and Performances32:23 Memorable Conducting Experiences36:37 A Fun and Personal Finale

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, the hosts and guests dive deep into the personal experiences and formative influences of liturgical musicians. The episode covers their favorite liturgical songs, significant mentors in their faith journeys, and the integration of sacred and secular music. The hosts reflect on how music shapes their spirituality and the importance of new liturgical compositions for contemporary worship. The conversation also explores the role of prayer, the connection between creativity and divine inspiration, and the holistic nature of communal and individual prayer practices. The episode concludes with personal insights on spiritual growth and the importance of deep listening and presence in one's spiritual life.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:43 Exploring Liturgical Music03:31 Influential Figures in Faith and Music07:01 Sacred vs. Secular Music10:44 The Essence of Liturgical Music12:14 The Intersection of Music and Visual Arts14:25 The Importance of New Liturgical Music17:15 Creative Process and Prayer26:20 Final Thoughts and Spiritual Advice

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Dr. Vanessa Chan, an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Notre Dame, shares her journey of faith and academic pursuits. Dr. Chan discusses her initial interest in neuroscience at McGill University and her eventual shift to human psychology and music at the University of Toronto. She delves into the complexities of how the brain processes music and sound, the emotional and social aspects of music, and the unique experiences within choral singing and liturgical music. The conversation also explores how music and neuroscience intersect to address aspects of human behavior and social bonding, and what people of faith can gain from engaging with these disciplines. Dr. Chan concludes by discussing her current research on mixed emotions in music and offering book recommendations.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Vanessa's Journey in Faith and Psychology02:39 Musical Beginnings and Choral Singing04:05 The Neuroscience of Music05:47 Music, Emotions, and Mixed Feelings21:40 Cultural Perceptions of Music25:07 Expectations and Rewards in Music29:51 Liturgical Music and Social Bonding31:32 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, hosts J.J. Wright and Kim Belcher welcome Fr. Kevin Grove, CSC, Professor of Theology and Director of the Master of Divinity Program at the University of Notre Dame. A priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Fr. Kevin reflects on the ways memory, desire, and tradition shape the Christian life.The conversation ranges from the scriptural meaning of anamnesis to Augustine’s insights on memory and community, weaving in liturgical music, daily practice, and the vulnerability of sharing faith with others. Along the way, Fr. Kevin shares stories from life on campus, his Montana roots, and even his favorite “liturgical banger.”00:00 | Welcome & Introduction — Fr. Kevin’s background, ministry, and life on campus.02:00 | Memory and Desire — What Christian memory (anamnesis) really means, and how desire shapes our relationships.08:00 | Augustine as Guide — How Augustine’s reflections on memory, desire, and community continue to resonate today.12:00 | Music, Time, and Tradition — Why music uniquely binds memory and faith, and how liturgical songs carry tradition across generations.20:00 | Living Tradition — Fr. Basil Moreau, Holy Cross, and the challenge of displacing “songs of the countryside” with life-giving faith.27:00 | Community and Vulnerability — Practical wisdom on overcoming isolation and finding communion with God and neighbor.31:00 | Liturgical Favorites — Why O God Beyond All Praising is a Holy Cross classic (and a true liturgical “banger”).36:00 | Beyond the Liturgy — From Gustav Mahler to country music, Fr. Kevin on the songs that move him.37:00 | Closing Reflection — Elk, Montana skies, and finding home in memory and community.

In this episode of Rhythms of Faith, Reverend Dr. Hugh Page Jr., the Vice President for Institutional Transformation and advisor to the President at the University of Notre Dame, discusses his multifaceted career. With a tenure at Notre Dame since 1992, Dr. Page details his role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, highlighting the importance of building relationships and fostering networks. Additionally, Dr. Page shares how his vocations as a Hebrew Bible scholar, an Episcopal priest, and a blues musician interconnect, focusing on themes of love, human connectedness, and the mysteries of the universe. He also explores how music, particularly the blues, acts as an outlet for emotional expression and transformation. The conversation also reflects on the integration of personal and professional life, the importance of patience and long-term growth, and how music can energize the fight for justice.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:29 Hugh Page Jr.'s Role at Notre Dame02:45 The Intersection of Vocation and Passion05:36 The Power of Love in Work and Life09:19 Music as a Spiritual and Emotional Outlet11:20 Journey into Blues Music16:53 Scholarship and the Black Experience26:59 The Transformative Power of Music31:56 Advice for Long-Term Growth and Justice37:38 Musical Performance and Closing Thoughts