Called to Serve with Kathy Barrans

Brigid Beck, Communications Specialist for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY, and Sr. Teresa Grace Baillargeon, with the Sisters of the Resurrection, talk about their video series, The State of the Saints. On the first Friday of each month, a new episode is released, sharing information on a different Saint, Venerable, Blessed, or Servant of God recognized by the Church. Click here to access the full video series after you listen to the podcast.

For National Vocation Awareness Week November 1-7, 2026), two mothers in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY share their perspective on the Vocations journey. Carmela Turpin is the mother of Fr. Alexander Turpin, and Yvonne Leo’s two children both have religious callings. Her son Anthony is a Seminarian in the Diocese, and her daughter is Sr. Angela Leo with the Sisters of the Resurrection. 

Chances are you have heard about the Camino de Santiago. Many have walked the pilgrimage which is made up of historic trails across portions of Europe. Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, a parishioner in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY, shares her experience; the challenges, the joys, and the lasting impact. 

Bishop Mark O’Connell shares thoughts on his Parish Sustainability and Growth Discipline which he shared with parishes in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, N.Y. in early October 2026. He is calling on each parish to assess their current situation and create a five-year plan designed to help the parish grow. Click here to read Bishop Mark's letter.

Paul and Carol Heckman talk about the 40 Hours Devotion that takes place at Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville, New York on October 9-11, 2026, sharing about the many blessings that come from taking time to adore Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. This conversation includes advice for parents on how they can share this beautiful opportunity with their children. 

As Catholics, we are called to serve, sharing the love of God with all, especially those in need. CarePortal helps by connecting children and families in need with local churches. In this episode, learn how CarePortal works, what it takes to get your church involved, and how the work can be a true blessing to those in need and to those providing the help. Click here to learn more about CarePortal in NYS

Once again, Bishop Mark O'Connell answers questions that people in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY submitted. This is the second edition of "Ask Bishop Mark." If you have questions for him, email them to [email protected] and put "Ask Bishop Mark" in the subject line.

Kevin Doherty is Executive Director for St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany, NY. He and his wife Jen were also foster parents. They were blessed to adopt their foster child, Sierra. All three join me to talk about their journey, sharing what it takes to be a foster parent, what it has meant to each of them, how they navigated the struggles and are still celebrating the joys. 

Since the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY announced a settlement with survivors of sexual abuse, several people have asked what is being done to make sure this doesn't happen again. We asked Bishop Mark O'Connell to join us to talk about protections that are in place and what people can expect moving forward. 

We invited people in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY to submit questions for Bishop Mark O'Connell, and got a good response. We were not able to get through all the questions in this episode, so there will be more Ask Bishop Mark segments in the near future.