Catholic Conversations

This week, Father Chris Celentano joins us to reflect on the lives of the saints, as we prepare to celebrate the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph. While their stories are extraordinary, the saints themselves were ordinary people who trusted God in their daily lives. In our conversation, we explore how the saints can be companions on our own journey of faith, offering inspiration, encouragement, and guidance as we grow closer to Christ.

In this week’s episode, Sister Katie Eiffe, CSJ, Director of Synodal Planning, join us to talk about the next phase of the Synod and what it means for the Diocese of Syracuse. We talk about parish listening sessions and how each of us can take part in shaping the future of our local Church.

Father Dennis Walker and Father Brendan Foley join us as they step into their new roles as Director and Associate Director of the Office of Vocation Promotion. Having personally benefited from the support of vocation ministry, they share why continuing this work felt like the natural next “yes” to God’s call. During our conversation, they reflect on what it means to create a culture of vocations in our parishes, and how each of us can play a role in encouraging the next generation to listen for God’s voice. Learn more about vocations in our diocese at vocations-syracuse.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vocationssyracuse

Dating back centuries, the tradition of visiting churches on Holy Thursday invites the faithful to keep vigil with Jesus during His final hours. In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Long to explore the spiritual roots of the 7 Churches Visitation and how it can become a powerful, prayerful pilgrimage across our diocese. Emily shares how she’s organized this tradition as a retreat-style experience for the Frassati Fellowship group, helping participants enter more deeply into the mystery of Holy Thursday as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Lent is a season many of us recognize, but do we fully understand what makes it different? In this episode, Josh Corcoran and Tom Andino join us to explore Lent through a liturgical lens, unpacking how the Church’s prayer, music, Scripture, and rituals change during these weeks of preparation. Together, we reflect on how Lent invites us into deeper conversion and helps prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.

This week we are joined by Mike Pastrana, a sophomore at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, member of their men’s baseball team, and an active participant in their Koinonia Companions (KC) men’s group which is offered through Campus Ministry. Mike shares what it’s like to live out his faith as a student-athlete, the importance of faith-filled community during the college years, and his recent experience attending the NYS Discernment Retreat for young adult men discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

In this episode of Catholic Conversations, we sit down with Joe and Abby Gill, a newly married couple, to talk about the vocation of marriage and the early days of married life. They share their experience of marriage preparation, what it’s like navigating life together as a young Catholic couple, and how their shared faith and relationship with Jesus form the foundation of their marriage. A timely and hopeful conversation as we prepare to celebrate National Marriage Week.

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, we’re joined by Sherri Stone, Principal of Most Holy Rosary Elementary School, and Addie, the school’s Student Council President, for a conversation about what makes their school more than just a place of learning. Together, they reflect on bringing two school communities together, the importance of faith and leadership in school life, and how students experience belonging beyond the classroom. Their shared stories offer a beautiful glimpse into how Catholic schools form not only minds, but strong, faith-filled communities.

This week, we welcome back Kristin Barrett-Anderson from the St. Marianne Cope Museum & Shrine to discuss the upcoming publication Sunshine, and Shadow, a collection of never-before-published journals from Saint Marianne Cope and Sister Leopoldina Burns. Spanning their years of ministry in Hawaiʻi, these writings offer a rare and personal glimpse into faith, perseverance, and shared mission. Kristin reflects on the significance of these journals, introduces listeners to Sister Leopoldina, and explores what these voices still have to teach us today. Learn more and get your copy of the book when it releases at saintmarianne.org

In this week's episode, we’re joined by Keith Cieplicki, who oversees Jail Ministry of Onondaga County. Keith shares how he was personally called to this work and offers insight into the mission of Jail Ministry, the programs they provide, and the importance of presence, dignity, and mercy for those who are incarcerated. It’s a powerful conversation about faith in action and meeting Christ in often unseen places. Learn more about their ministry at jailministrysyr.org.