Catholic Conversations

This week, we explore the power of music in the liturgy with Josh Corcoran and Tom Andino. Join us as we discuss how music enhances worship, deepens our faith, and unites the Church in prayer. Whether you're in the pews or the choir loft, this conversation will inspire you to experience the Mass in a whole new way!

In celebration of Women's History Month, we welcome Sister Katie Eiffe, Vicar for Religious, to discuss the vocation to religious sisterhood. She shares her own journey, the diverse orders of religious sisters, and the impact they continue to have in the Church and our communities today. Whether you're curious about religious life or want to support the sisters in your community, this episode offers insight into their mission, service, and faith. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the call to sisterhood!

St. Marianne Cope answered the call to serve the most vulnerable—those suffering from Hansen's disease (leprosy) in Hawaii—bringing dignity, compassion, and unwavering faith to those cast aside by society. In this week's episode, we welcome Kristin Barrett-Anderson, Director of the St. Marianne Cope Museum & Shrine in Syracuse, to share the inspiring story of this beloved saint. Join us as we explore her journey from Central New York to Kalaupapa, her pioneering work in healthcare, and the lasting impact of her mission. 

Learn more about the St. Marianne Cope Museum & Shrine at saintmarianne.org.

In this week's episode, we explore the true meaning of stewardship with Beth Hoey, Director of the Foundation Office for the Diocese of Syracuse. Often misunderstood as just financial giving, stewardship is a way of life rooted in the belief that everything we have comes from God. Beth breaks down the four pillars of stewardship, shares how individuals and families can live out this calling daily, and highlights inspiring initiatives in parishes across our diocese. Tune in as we discuss how embracing stewardship can deepen our faith and strengthen our Church community.

Mardi Gras: a time for celebration, king cake, and... deep spiritual reflection? In this week's episode, Deacon Tom Cuskey takes the host's seat while our usual host, Joelle Zarnowski, switches roles as the guest! Joelle shares her firsthand experience of kicking off the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans last year - yes, there were parades, and yes, there was a lot of food. But there's more to Mardi Gras than just the party.

Join Deacon Tom and Joelle as they unpack the real meaning behind this festive season, its Christian roots, and how it leads us into the solemn but transformative season of Lent. Whether you're giving up chocolate, taking on daily prayer, or still figuring out what to do this Lent, this episode will get you ready to dive in with purpose.

This week, we welcome Father John Manno, Vicar for Priests and Pastor of Holy Family in Fairmount, as the Diocese prepares to engage in the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) survey across all parishes. Father Manno explains how the survey will invite parishioners to reflect on their discipleship journey, how the results will help parish leadership make data-driven decisions, and why every voice matters in shaping the future of our parishes. 

This week, we're joined by Nick Calaprico, High School Youth Minister for the parishes in Baldwinsville, NY. Nick shares insights on what makes a great teen leader, how the thresholds of discipleship help mentors guide teens in their faith journey, and how experiences like the Steubenville Youth Conference and Totus Tuus summer program can inspire young disciples. 

As we celebrate World Marriage Week, we welcome Kristin and Eric Dievendorf, a married couple dedicated to mentoring engaged couples as they prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony. They share their experiences as mentors, discuss the importance of faith in marriage, and offer insights into how couples can build a strong foundation for a lifelong, Christ-centered union. Whether you're engaged, married, or simply interested in the beauty of this sacrament, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement for every stage of the journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Melara, CEO of Catholic Charities, to discuss their vital work supporting refugees. We explore the challenges they face due to recent policy changes, the impact on refugee resettlement in our community, and how we can all help in this mission of welcome and compassion.

To learn more about Catholic Charities and the work they do, visit www.ccoc.us or www.syracusediocese.org/catholic-charities.

Join us as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Amy Sansone, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Syracuse! In this episode, we discuss the impact of Catholic education, the unique opportunities it provides for students and families, and how faith and academic excellence go hand in hand.