Catholic Conversations

What happens when you use your professional talents to give back to the Church? This week, we sit down with Steve Breen, recently retired Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Syracuse, to reflect on his years of service, the rewards of working for the Church, and how the experience helped him grow in his own faith.

As we search for our next Chief Financial Officer, we invite you to consider how your talents can make a difference! Know someone who would be a great fit for this role? Encourage them to explore this opportunity to put their professional skills to work in service to the Church!

In our final episode for Respect Life Month, Dr. John O'Brien joins us to discuss the dignity of human life and the Catholic perspective on end-of-life care. In light of New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act, we explore the Church's teachings on physician-assisted suicide, the difference between allowing natural death and intentionally ending a life, and how we can provide compassionate care that respects the dignity of every person.

Additional Resources:

National Catholic Bioethics Center: ncbcenter.org

Catholic Medical Association: cathmed.org

Now and at the Hour of Our Death (NYS Catholic Conference): nyscatholic.org/now-and-at-the-hour-of-our-death

What began as a single room has grown into a thriving ministry with more than 1,000 visits in just 17 months! This week, Father Joseph Scardella joins us to share how Mary's Closet at Holy Trinity in Fulton has expanded to meet the growing needs of mothers, children, and families in our communities. During Respect Life Month, we explore how this ministry puts our faith into action, providing essential items, compassion, and hope to those in need, and why supporting life means caring for mothers and children beyond birth.

Learn more about Mary's Closet and how you can help:

Holy Trinity & St. Stephen: holytrinityfulton.org/mary-s-closet

Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter: ourladyofpompei-stpeters.org/marys-closet

What is 40 Days for Life, and how is this ministry making an impact here in Central New York?

This week, we welcome Shannon Guy, co-coordinator of 40 Days for Life in Syracuse, to discuss the mission of this international prayer campaign and what it looks like in our local community. Shannon shares how she became involved, some of her personal experiences, and encouragement for those who may feel hesitant about participating in a public prayer vigil.

Learn more about 40 Days for Life in Syracuse and how you can get involved at 40daysforlife.com/syracuse.

Infertility, miscarriage, and infant loss can bring a grief that is often carried quietly. In this episode, Kristin Dievendorf of the Diocese of Syracuse Family/Respect Life Office shares from both her personal experience and her ministry, offering encouragement for couples walking through these difficult seasons and insight for those who want to accompany them with compassion. Together, we talk about grief, faith, support and the hope of knowing that no one has to walk through heartache alone.

Resources & Support:

Family/Respect Life Office: syracusediocese.org/family-respect-life

Natural Family Planning: syracusenfp.org

Restore Health & Wellness, Rochester: restorehealthroc.org

What happens when someone reaches out to an exorcist and says, "I need help?"In Part 2 of our conversation, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti takes us inside the work of deliverance ministry—from the first request for help to the process of discernment, prayer, and ongoing care. He also shares how technology has changed the way this ministry is carried out, especially with rapidly changing social media.

Learn more about Msgr. Rossetti and the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal at www.catholicexorcism.org and follow @catholicexorcism on Facebook and Instagram.

You can also find links to purchase both of Msgr. Rossetti's books on the St. Michael Center's website.

What does the Catholic Church really teach about demons, possession, and exorcism—and how much of what we see in movies is actually true? Msgr. Stephen Rossetti joins Catholic Conversations to separate fact from fiction and explain what exorcism ministry really looks like. He also shares how he became involved in the ministry and what his years of experience have taught him about the reality of spiritual warfare.Next week, Msgr. Rossetti returns for Part 2 to share more about his work as an exorcist and how the Church cares for those seeking help.Learn more about Msgr. Rossetti’s ministry and find resources from the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/

As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11th, Father John Canorro joins us to reflect on faith, service, sacrifice, and remembrance. Drawing from his experience as a firefighter, EMT, fire chaplain, and priest, Father Canorro shares his memories of September 11, 2001, and the days that followed, including his work supporting members of the DeWitt Fire Department. He reflects on the extraordinary courage witnessed in the face of tragedy and how our Catholic faith can help us confront profound suffering and loss. Twenty-five years later, he also shares why it remains so important to remember those whose lives were lost and to pass their stories on to a new generation.

What makes the Franciscan way of life unique, and what can we learn from St. Francis today? Fr. Nader Ata joins us to explore the Franciscan charism, the Jubilee of St. Francis, and the rich Franciscan history and presence at Assumption Church in Syracuse. We’ll also learn about the monthly tours of Assumption Church and how you can experience this historic parish for yourself. Learn more about Assumption Church and find upcoming tour dates at assumptionsyr.org.

This week, Cindy Ormond and Jim Kearns join us to share how the Guardian Angel Society is making a difference in the lives of students throughout the Diocese of Syracuse. From tuition assistance to tutoring and mentorship, discover how Father Champlin’s vision continues to open doors, build meaningful relationships, and help young people thrive as the Society approaches its 30th anniversary. Learn more about the Guardian Angel Society at guardianangelsoc.org.