Turning Catholic Terms into Conversation Over Tea
Let’s face it—some Church terms sound more like spell names from Harry Potter than words you’d use in real life. Mystagogy? Scrutinies? Neophyte? Half the time we just nod and pretend we know what they mean. But what if we slowed it down, brewed some tea, and talked through these terms in a way that actually made sense? That’s the heart behind the idea of a “Tea and Terminology” vlog—five terms, one episode, and zero pressure.
You don’t need a theology degree to understand the language of the Church. You just need someone to explain it like they’re having a casual chat with you across the table. And Journey Through Time by Dr. Laurence Aucella gives you the perfect content to work with. The terms are already there, naturally defined throughout the book. You just have to bring the tea and hit record.
Breaking Down Big Words, One Sip at a Time
The book doesn’t have a classic glossary in the back, but key terms are explained in a way that actually sticks. Terms like “catechumen,” “elect,” and “scrutiny” show up early and often. Aucella doesn’t just toss them at you—he explains them in context, which is exactly how you’d want to cover them in a vlog. Think of it as Catholic vocab with stories attached.
Let’s say your first episode breaks down five terms: catechumen, sponsor, neophyte, mystagogy, and RCIA itself. You could pull each one from a section in Journey Through Time, then chat about where you’ve seen it come up in real life—Mass, RCIA sessions, or that moment when someone asked you what a “rite” actually is and you just froze. Keep it real, keep it simple, and sip slowly.
Each vlog episode becomes a way to make faith language more approachable, especially for people just dipping their toes into the Church. Whether you’re helping someone prepare for RCIA or just trying to teach your youth group what these words mean, using the book as your script keeps the content grounded. It’s not just Catholic trivia—it’s vocabulary that connects people to the process of conversion, community, and belonging.
The Author Who Makes the Terms Make Sense
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella doesn’t just know these words—he’s seen them in action. As a long-time Sunday School teacher, Eucharistic minister, and RCIA guide, he’s watched people move from “I don’t know what that means” to fully embracing their new identity in the Church. That’s why the way he explains these terms in Journey Through Time feels so accessible. He doesn’t assume you already know it all. He writes like someone who remembers what it was like not to know.
His background in counseling and theology means he knows how to meet people where they’re at, especially when it comes to confusing Church talk. And that’s what makes his book perfect for a series like this. It doesn’t just give you terms—it gives you meaning. And once you understand the meaning, you can start making it your own.
Journey Through Time
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella
Brew your tea, press record, and start sharing the faith—one term at a time.