Army of Apostles founder Paul Thomas, left, interviews EWTN’s Marcus Grodi during a podcast radio show at SS. Cyril and Methodius (Slovak) Parish in Sterling Heights last year during the first Midwest Catholic Apologetics Conference in January.Sterling Heights — Nobody dies for what they believe is a lie, says Paul Thomas, founder of “Army of Apostles,” a local lay apostolate focused on apologetics.
Thomas referenced the persecution of the apostles and early popes as well as the ongoing persecution of Christians in the Middle East, saying Catholicism is taken for granted in the Western culture of the 21st century.
“People here have no idea, just to be able to cross yourself in public … we take that stuff for granted in this country,” said Thomas, a Maronite Catholic of Lebanese and Syrian descent.
Together with four others, Thomas produces regular podcasts — or Internet radio shows — aimed at educating Catholics and non-Catholics alike about the basics of Church teaching, often addressing objections commonly lobbed at the faith. Members have spoken at various Catholic events, such as last year’s inaugural Midwest Catholic Apologetics Conference at SS. Cyril and Methodius (Slovak) Parish in Sterling Heights.
Members of Army of Apostles, a lay apostolate that produces apologetics-themed podcasts, from left to right include Steve Piskorowski, founder Paul Thomas, Gary Michuta and Lisa Campbell. Not pictured is Bobby Hesley.“People still misinterpret what (Catholics) believe all the time,” said Thomas, pointing out that Christianity is a religion that uses reason — “the Church is the one who gave the world the scientific method” — but that the gift of faith is also essential.
Thomas said a person can reason “all the way to God, but at end of day you have to take a leap of faith,” as St. Thomas Aquinas described.
Thomas said he hopes Army of Apostles’ podcasts can help lead listeners to that faith.
Though Army of Apostles began in 2008, it slowed for a few years before picking up speed again in 2013, said Thomas, who resides in Sterling Heights. He described the five current members as “a motley crew of characters.”
Thomas himself is a “revert,” straying from his childhood Catholicism but returning later — as is fellow member Steve Piskorowski, he said.
Another member, local author and nationally known apologist Gary Michuta — who also writes The Michigan Catholic’s “Behind the Bible” column series — experienced an “inversion” of his own faith, growing deeper in his Catholicism and recognizing a greater call to evangelize, Thomas said. Member Bobby Hesley is a cradle Catholic, and Lisa Campbell is a convert from Pentecostalism.
Thomas is the only Eastern-rite Catholic on the team, as the others are Latin rite. Piskorowski attends SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Michuta belongs to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Livonia, and Campbell attends Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth.
Army of Apostles tries to make its apologetics-style podcasts more than just lectures, Thomas said: “It’s more a fly on the wall,” and conversational.
Doing regular podcasts can be a balancing act, he said. Michuta, Thomas and Campbell have young children, and all live busy lives, including Hesley’s planned move from Minneapolis back to Metro Detroit. He had participated in team meetings via Skype in recent days.
But the members see this as a priority.
“It’s a 100 percent sacrifice, but it’s worth it,” Thomas said.
Thomas offered a few thoughts for those who are interested in apologetics about improving their ability to evangelize.
“There’s a faith element,” he said, emphasizing the need to pray for the gift of faith. “How do you explain the color red to someone who hasn’t seen? For someone who sees … it’s a gift.”
He also said apologetics isn’t about winning arguments with non-Catholics: “You don’t want to win a debate and lose a soul,” he noted.
“Do it in prayer,” he said. “Do it for the right reason.”
Midwest Catholic Apologetics Conference
Registration is open for the second annual Midwest Catholic Apologetics Conference, which will feature talks by nationally known apologists and speakers Tim Staples (Catholic Answers), Gary Michuta (Army of Apostles), Marcus Grodi (EWTN) and Steve Ray (Ave Maria Radio). Mass celebrated by Fr. Ben Luedtke at 7:30 a.m.
When: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24
Where: SS. Cyril and Methodius (Slovak) Catholic Church, 41233 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights
Cost: $25 before Jan. 15; $30 at door; $15 for students. Lunch for those pre-registered.
Register: Visit www.midwestapologeticsconference.com or call (586) 979-7042.
Army of Apostles
Learn more Visit ArmyofApostles.com.
Podcasts Visit armyofapostles.podbean.com.
