Matt Vander Vennet currently resides somewhere in central Illinois. Matt is a teaching fellow and doctoral candidate studying Church History at the Catholic University of America and is the advancement director for a local Catholic high school. Matt holds an M.A. from Holy Apostles College & Seminary and an M.Phil from CUA. Matt is married to a beautiful redhead named Liz and loves being daddy to their young daughter and son! He loves a good brew (NO IPAs!), the Green Bay Packers, & also plays guitar. Feel free to check out www.mattvandervennet.bandcamp.com.
It’s become tradition here at Epic Pew to present the best of the most epic of nativity scenes each year. We continue this yeart. Before you explore the nativity scenes for this year, take a look at the past three seasons’ collection: Part I: 10 Hilarious (or embarrassing) Nativity Sets Part II: You Won’t Believe These Nativity …
1. “Are you sure you wanna do that?” 2.“Won’t you be lonely?” 3. “I couldn’t be celibate.” 4. “They don’t get paid very well.” 5. “You’re really in to that religion stuff?” 6. “Wow . . . that sucks.” 7. “Did you just go through a bad breakup?” …
It’s that time of year again! Time to take a relaxing stroll through the most epic (or not), hilarious (or not), and creative (or not) nativity scenes that people have come up with. Before you explore the nativity scenes for this year, take a look at the past three seasons’ collection: Part I: 10 Hilarious …
In the spirit (pun intended) of the season, is is appropriate to look at one of the patrons of the dead. Saint Gertrude was a powerhouse when it came to the faithfully departed. Read on to find out more about her and the powerful prayer she wrote to help those in purgatory! Gertrude of Helfta …
Halloween is nearly upon us. On All Hallows Eve, or the day before All Saints Day, we prepare for the celebration of those who have gone before us in the peace and imitation of Christ. The saints are our examples of true love, devotion, and piety for our Lord. It is a day to recognize …
Trying hard to stay focused during mass while in the cry room? Are there too many distractions around you? Interesting odors wafting near your nose? Is the crunching of cereal all that you hear? Do I have a solution for you! Yes, our total and complete attention should be directed toward God in worship. But …
What exactly is a “Doctor of the Church” you might ask? The word “doctor” comes from the Latin word “docere”, which means to teach or instruct. The Church sees these great doctors of the Church are some of the greatest teachers and instructors of the faith. When the Church recognizes someone as a doctor, this …
Who Were the First 4 Doctors of the Catholic Church? Read More »
Little is known of Saint Matthew, the Gospel writer, outside of what was recorded in the New Testament. Still, we can glean some very important facts about him and his relationship with Christ. Matthew was a tax collector for the Romans. His job was to solicit taxes from his fellow Jews – a practice that …
11 Awe-Inspiring Art Pieces That Celebrate Saint Matthew Read More »
40 years ago, and before he was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Arlington, VA, Father Aitcheson was a member of the KKK. In what can be described as a radical conversion to Christ, Fr. Aitcheson left the KKK and pursued God’s calling: to become a priest in God’s Church, sharing in the one …
Catholic Priest Opens up About His Conversion and Past in the KKK Read More »
Are you one of those people who enjoy learning about your faith in a more academic setting but don’t have the time or the resources to stop everything and uproot your family so that you can further your education? Do you love learning about God so much that it hurts because you’re pretty sure that …
8 Incredible Catholic Online Programs You Should Know About Read More »