Father Dave and Deacon Bob come to this episode with heavy hearts, reflecting on the recent church shooting in Minnesota. They share Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s moving words of hope, grapple with the reality of evil, and talk about the call to persistent prayer. It’s a sobering reminder of the world’s brokenness—and of the hope Christians cling to when sorrow feels overwhelming. 

Yet, even in hard weeks, these two help listeners find joy and laughter: Notre Dame heartbreak, Ohio State bragging rights, Alabama’s shocking stumble, the NFL’s opening buzz, Taylor-and-Travis engagement memes, and even the joyfully bizarre antics of the Savannah Bananas. 

They also pause to look back on five years of They That Hope—from pandemic beginnings to Deacon Bob’s ordination and Franciscan University’s bold “Step in Faith” initiative—grateful for the unexpected gift of sharing life and faith through this podcast. As the show nears its final stretch, listeners are invited to share their favorite memories. Through it all, the reminder is the same: true hope isn’t found in scores or headlines, but in Christ who never abandons his people. 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) From Heartbreak to Hope 
The episode opens with Father Dave and Deacon Bob holding space for the deep grief caused by the Church of the Annunciation shooting in Minnesota and offer prayers for the victims. 

(01:21) Football Woes, Memes, and Bananas 
Notre Dame loses, Ohio State gloats, Alabama falls to an unranked team, and the NFL season is about to kick off. Along the way, the guys joke about Bill Belichick’s off-field drama, laugh through Taylor-and-Travis engagement memes, and tip their hats to the always-entertaining Savannah Bananas. 

(12:03) Five Years, Countless Laughs (and a Few Tears) 
With the podcast coming to a close, Father Dave and Deacon Bob rewind to its pandemic origins and how simple recorded conversations grew into a ministry of encouragement. They reflect on their friendship, their ministry together, and the joy of bringing hope and humor into uncertain times. 

(20:33) Bob’s Ordination Flashbacks & Dave’s Bold Moves 
Deacon Bob shares how COVID unexpectedly deepened his vocation and shaped his path to the diaconate. Father Dave remembers Franciscan University’s “Step in Faith” initiative and the surprising blessings that flowed from those bold decisions. 

(26:26) Standing in Prayer Amid Tragedy 
Returning to the heartbreaking story from Minnesota, the hosts emphasize intercession when words fall short, the nature of evil, share the archbishop’s words of hope, and why the Christian response is always prayer, action, and steadfast hope in God. 

(35:01) Closing Prayer and Listener Memories 
A prayer for Minnesota and an invitation for listeners to share favorite moments from the show. 

Resources Mentioned 

• Archbishop Bernard Hebda Statement — press conference remarks after Minnesota tragedy 

• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis – referenced in reflection on evil 

• Step in Faith initiative – Franciscan University program launched during COVID 

• Savannah Bananas– proof that baseball is better with dancing umpires 

• "How Can We Not Pray?” — Father Dave’s Washington Examiner op-ed on the reality of evil and prayer 

• In Person episodes with Heather Khym and Ryan Anderson — two recent interviews Father Dave did on Faith and Reason.