Sharing the Faith with Dr. Tom Neal

Dr. Tom Neal concludes his teaching series on the Mass by discussing how the Liturgy of the Eucharist unites heaven and Earth. He reflects on the Eucharist as the place where Christ pours the fullness of His personal, sacrificial love into bread and wine so that, when received, it transforms believers into a life of “this is my body, for you” self-giving love.

Dr. Tom Neal continues his teaching series on the Mass by reflecting on the preparation of the gifts, showing how bread, wine, and alms symbolize the culture we create through our daily lives and offer back to God. He describes the Mass as a “transaction” between heaven and earth—where our sacrifices, works, and acts of mercy are united to Christ’s self-offering, transformed for the life of the world, and expressed in the Eucharistic prayer’s call to “lift up your hearts” in thanksgiving.

In his latest teaching episode, Dr. Tom Neal explains the structure and meaning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, showing how the Mass is rooted in Scripture—especially the Road to Emmaus and the Last Supper—and reveals Christ as the one who orders and sustains the Church’s worship. He also unpacks the symbolism of the offertory, bread and wine, and our personal sacrifices, inviting everyone to see the Mass (and all of life) as a participation in God’s redeeming work and an act of profound thanksgiving.

Dr. Tom Neal talks with Adam Storey, Vice Chancellor of Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Des Moines, about how canon law, rooted in Vatican II, protects the rights and dignity of the baptized, especially through the laity’s “right to be heard” in Church governance. They also discuss the art of listening, shared responsibility in decision-making, and how a just canonical structure strengthens the Church’s credibility and witness in the world.

Dr. Tom Neal reflects on the gift of the priesthood by honoring several priests who have profoundly shaped his life through their prayer, simplicity, love for the poor, and sacrificial service. Through stories of figures like Fr. Anthony J. Manochio, Fr. Philip Scott, Fr. Michael Champagne, and Fr. Rick Frechette, he highlights how their hidden fidelity and pastoral charity reveal the beauty of Christ’s priestly heart.