I let Bishop Mark O'Connell choose the topic for this episode. He told me he wanted to talk about canon law and promised to make it interesting. He succeeded. In the conversation he references a very worn canon law book. You can find a picture of that book by clicking this link.

In this episode we sit down with three members of the Albany, NY Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Tony Koslowski, Justine Crevatas, and Tony Leva talk about what the organization does and what it has to offer to parishes to help enhance liturgies.

James Coupe and Nicole Butt recently came into the Catholic Church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY through the OCIA process. They talk about their decision to join the Church and share thoughts on going through OCIA individually and as a couple.

Fr. Isaac Slater, a Trappist monk, talks about his book, “Do Not Judge Anyone: Desert Wisdom for a Polarized World.” The book is both challenging and inspiring, sharing thoughts on a more peaceful response to conflict. We pray that this conversation may plant seeds of hope in those who listen. We encourage all to listen with an openness to anything God may want to place on your heart. If you would like to order Fr. Isaac's book, it was published by Liturgical Press. 

Matt Levine, a young adult, youth minister and OCIA Coordinator in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY talks about Third Orders, explaining what they are and sharing his journey to become a Third Order Franciscan.

As Catholics, we are called to serve, called to meet the needs of others, but are we aware of the needs around us? Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY, shares thoughts on how to see needs around us, and how to respond to those needs with the heart of Christ.

The Pastoral Center staff of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY prays the Stations of the Cross. Conceptualized by Bishop Mark O'Connell, all are invited to join us in praying the Stations. Pastoral Center employees lead each station, sharing their own meditations, as they guide you through this Lenten devotion.

Bishop Mark O'Connell talks about his experience in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY in his first two months as our Bishop, sharing the challenges and joys. He also shares his plans for our Diocese moving forward. 

Fr. Dan Quinn, pastor of several parishes in Albany, NY, shares information on how to plan a Holy Thursday Pilgrimage. He organized a pilgrimage in his area last year. He even created a passport that participants were able to have stamped at each of their stops. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY is sharing this information, along with a downloadable, printable link to the passport at https://www.rcda.org/holy-thursday-pilgrimage for anyone who wants organize a pilgrimage in their area.

Casey Vincelette and Jac Domingos, two young adults in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, NY are on the team organizing this year's Sacred Sparks Speed Dating event. In this episode, they talk about last year's inaugural Sacred Sparks event, how young adults can get involved this year, and how the young adult community continues to grow in the Albany Diocese.