What happens when Sidney Crosby scores his 600th goal and Deacon Bob is there to witness it?
Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off this Thanksgiving-themed episode with a celebration of hockey greatness, some painful sports history, and a hearty helping of NFL analysis—with bets and bold predictions included. But amid the laughs and stats, the duo also turns toward gratitude, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the healing power of forgiveness in family life.
They cover everything from Crosby’s milestone and the Cavs’ red-hot streak to the Sacred Heart document from Pope Francis and an inspiring “In Person” interview with Super Bowl champ Matt Birk. Father Dave shares updates from a cozy family wedding weekend in Cleveland, while Bob gives a heartwarming update on his son Bobby’s recovery from a broken femur.
There’s also Thanksgiving food talk, parlay bet confusion, Advent traditions (Charlie Brown on vinyl, anyone?), and deep reflections on the love of God—especially when family gatherings are hard.
At the heart of it all? Mercy, hope, and the Sacred Heart that draws us into Advent.
Highlighted Sections
(00:00) Crosby’s 600th, Cold Cars, and the Garage That Never Was
Deacon Bob opens the show celebrating seeing Crosby’s 600th goal in person—then commiserates with Father Dave over frozen windshields and the friary’s lack of a garage. The guys debate footwear choices, from sandals in snow to ice-skating fatigue.
(03:03) Betting on Thanksgiving (Not Recommended)
A deep dive into NFL parlay bets, point spreads, and bold (possibly doomed) Thanksgiving game predictions. Father Dave explains the odds while Deacon Bob learns what “the spread” actually means. Spoiler: this is not a betting podcast.
(06:11) Family, Football, and Cold Weather Memories
Father Dave shares a story of not going to a high school game in 40-mph winds. Deacon Bob talks family life, faculty grading stress, and being thankful for having all his kids and grandkids nearby. Cue the update on Bobby’s femur and how the season of gratitude hits close to home.
(13:52) In Person with Matt Birk: Faith in the NFL
A teaser for Father Dave’s latest In Person episode featuring former NFL star Matt Birk, who turned down a White House visit over pro-life convictions. They discuss faith in professional sports, family, and the courage to stand for your beliefs.
(16:34) Why Thanksgiving Is a Religious Holiday
Deacon Bob and Father Dave reflect on the Christian roots of Thanksgiving and the beauty of taking a national day to thank God. They dive into favorite holiday traditions, including music cues that launch the Christmas season (Charlie Brown jazz piano, anyone?).
(27:26) Sacred Heart: Love That Heals, Forgiveness That Frees
Drawing from Pope Francis’ document on the Sacred Heart, they reflect on how Jesus thirsts for us—and how our apathy wounds His heart. Deacon Bob shares a poignant challenge from the document: healing broken family relationships by asking forgiveness. Bonus: a quote from St. Francis de Sales that hits hard.
Resources Mentioned
- CatholicToTheMax.com – Use code HOPE for 10% off merch
- Pope Francis’ Document on the Sacred Heart – Explored in depth this episode
Listen to more They That Hope episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.