Catholic Conversations

As Respect Life Month comes to a close and we prepare to celebrate All Souls Day, we’re reminded that our call to honor the dignity of life extends beyond this world. In this episode, Deacon Dean Brainard from the Diocesan Family/Respect Life Office joins us to share how the Church accompanies those who are grieving through its bereavement ministry. Together, we reflect on the hope and healing found in our faith, the comfort of community, and the promise of eternal life that gives meaning to our mourning.

This week, Dr. Paul Sansone, a Catholic physician specializing in palliative medicine, joins us to discuss the sacred call to care for those facing serious illness and the importance of upholding human dignity at every stage of life. He shares how faith guides his practice, the challenges of working within a secular medical culture, and the hope found in seeing each person as created in the image of God.

As we continue celebrating Respect Life Month, we’re joined by Chiara and Anthony from Generation Life, a dynamic movement of young people committed to building a culture of life through the Pro-Life and Chastity messages. During their visit to our Catholic high schools, they’ve inspired students to see that every life is created in the image of God, and that authentic love begins with living out the virtue of chastity. Listen as they share their experiences, stories from the road, and their hope for a generation rooted in truth, freedom, and faith. Learn more about Generation Life and their mission at www.generationlife.org.

In this episode, we sit down with Gina Kulak and Buddy O’Malley to talk about the vibrant Respect Life groups in our Catholic schools. From prayerful witness to creative projects and student-led initiatives, these groups are forming young leaders who are passionate about upholding the dignity of human life. Our guests share what first inspired them to be part of this ministry, how students take ownership of their groups, and the impact these efforts have had on their peers, schools, and wider communities.

As we enter into Respect Life Month, we sit down with Lisa Hall and Lucienne Henneberry to discuss Project Rachel, the Church’s ministry of post-abortion healing. Rooted in mercy and reconciliation, Project Rachel offers both spiritual and professional support to help women move from pain and alienation to peace and renewed faith. Lisa and Lucienne share how this ministry walks with those carrying this silent burden, the importance of collaboration between pastoral care and counseling, and the transformative power of forgiveness for those they serve.

In this episode of Catholic Conversations, we talk with A.J. LaPoint, Director of FrancisCorps, and Friar Nader Ata, OFM Conv., Chaplain, about the mission and impact of this unique young adult volunteer program. Rooted in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare, FrancisCorps invites young adults to live in intentional community, serve those in need, and grow in faith through spiritual formation. A.J. and Friar Nader share how the program transforms both volunteers and the communities they serve, their hopes for the future, and what living the Gospel through FrancisCorps means for the young adult missionaries. Learn more at franciscorps.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @FrancisCorps.

From the home to the parish, catechesis is the foundation of how our faith is passed on. In this episode, Andrea Slaven unpacks the meaning of catechesis, the importance of Catechetical Sunday, and how families and catechists are rising to today’s challenges with creativity and hope.

What does it mean to be a synodal Church? In this episode, Sister Katie Eiffe joins us to reflect on the Synod process in our diocese and beyond. She shares what we’ve learned through parish listening sessions, how those voices connect to the wider Church, and what the next steps look like as we move from listening to action in our local pastoral planning.

In this special Back to School episode of Catholic Conversations, we sit down with Rick Hensel, Principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, to talk about the excitement of a new school year and the unique mission of Catholic education. Rick shares what sets Catholic schools apart, the values and traditions that define the Notre Dame community, and how Catholic education helps prepare students to navigate today’s world with faith and confidence.

In this week’s episode, Sheila Austin joins us to share the powerful mission of Road to Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse, Inc, a volunteer-led outreach serving the poor and homeless in Syracuse. Through stories of compassion, dignity, and encounter, Sheila reveals how Chris is present on the streets of Syracuse, and how the road to Emmaus is closer than we think. Learn more about Emmaus Ministry and their work by visiting: emmausministry.org