Dramatic Catholics

In this special episode of Dramatic Catholics, we say goodbye to an era as Delila records her final in-person episode before moving to South Bend, Indiana for her new position serving with the Holy Cross Mission Center.

Together, we reflect on Delila’s time at SJV—the memories, the people, and the ways God has moved throughout it all—while also looking ahead with hope to what’s to come. Though this chapter is closing, the mission continues, and so will the podcast! :)

This exciting transition means our show will look a little different, and it also means we now need more equipment to keep producing episodes and growing our mission. To help make this next step possible, we’re raising support with the link below!

https://gofund.me/82dd06298

We often come to Jesus with the “big things” going on in our lives, but He invites us to bring every aspect of our lives to Him—both big and small. That includes our finances.

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Lorenz as we talk about what it means to steward money well, avoid making it the thing we chase, and instead trust that God, as a loving Father, knows what we need and desires what is best for us.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

Welcome to Dating vs. Dating—where we unpack the difference between casually dating… and dating with a view of marriage.

We’re talking boundaries, red flags, green flags, emotional chastity, and how to know when it’s time to take the next step—or take a step back.  And for those moments when you’ve crossed a line or fallen short? We talk about how to turn back to God, receive His mercy, and begin again. 

Let’s learn to date with a purpose 🧡🩷🧡

Disclaimer: This podcast includes conversations about sex and physical boundaries within relationships from a faith-based perspective. Listener discretion is advised.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

Disclaimer: This episode is not rated for children and addresses sensitive topics related to scandal in the Church. Listener discretion is advised. We strongly encourage listeners to engage with this conversation in its entirety, as it is shared with care, prayer, and necessary context—especially for this episode. We also want to sincerely acknowledge and apologize to all those who have been hurt by scandal within the Church. We hurt with you, and we hold you in our prayers.

Join Delila Baca, Esmeralda Gonzalez, and David Portugal, alongside special guest Rob Curtis, Director of Faith Formation and Family Ministry at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, for an honest and necessary conversation about scandal in the Church in all its forms. From everyday experiences like the “mean church lady” to the deeply painful realities of abuse within the Church, this episode does not shy away from hard truths.

Together, we explore how these experiences impact faith, trust, and community, while seeking understanding, accountability, and paths toward healing. This is a challenging yet hope-filled dialogue rooted in compassion, reflection, and a desire for renewal within the Church.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

You asked, we answered! In this Q & A with the Padres edition, Fr. Brian and Fr. David dive into listener questions on faith, life, and everything in between. 

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

We’re kicking off the new year with a familiar face! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back our good friend Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C., now serving as the Associate Director of Vocations at the University of Notre Dame.

We catch up on all the new thangs—from Fr. Andrew’s new role, to Esme getting married, to reflecting on everything 2025 held. Plus, we look ahead to 2026 and share how we’re choosing our word of the year. Happy New Year, friends and many blessings to you and your families!

If you'd like to use the generator we used in this episode, click the link below and comment your word of the year :)

Link: http://www.wordoftheyear.me

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

In this episode, we sit down with Chaplain Jeffrey Paparone of City of Hope Cancer Hospital to reflect on what it truly means to accompany those who are suffering. Through his experience walking with patients and families in moments of deep pain and hope, we explore the call to humility—learning when to speak, when to be silent, and how to simply be present. This conversation invites us to reconsider how Christ meets people in suffering and how we are called to do the same.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

Balancing exams, deadlines, and everyday life is no small task—especially when it starts to feel like your worth is tied to your GPA. This week, we’re joined by my studious sister, Eliana Baca, a doctorate student of biology & physical therapy, who shares her own experiences navigating academic pressure while holding onto her identity in Christ.

She dives into the real struggles of being a full-time student while reminding you of a deeper truth: you are first and foremost a beloved son or daughter of God. Share this with a student who needs to hear this :)

Link to book mentioned: Personal Retreat with the Female Doctors of the Church

https://www.amazon.com/Set-World-Fire-Personal-Retreat/dp/1646801016

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Cannon from the Diocese of Phoenix’s Office of Mental Health Ministry to talk about mental health, faith, and how our parishes can better support those who are struggling. We touch on common misconceptions, when to seek help, and how to navigate the added stress of the holiday season—all through the lens of hope, community, and our Catholic faith.

In a crisis?Call or text 988 for immediate support.

24/7 Walk-In Mental Health Support:

• Mind 24/7 – Immediate behavioral health services (mind24-7.com)
• Connections Health Solutions – Crisis stabilization and support (connectionshs.com)

Diocese of Phoenix Mental Health Ministry:

• Explore diocesan mental health resources (dphx.org/mentalhealth)
• Select “Find the Help You Need” resource guide for additional support

Catholic Charities 

• www.catholiccharitiesaz.org

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298

The peak of Spooky SZN is upon us 👻— and we’re diving into the mystery behind what’s holy versus what’s counterfeit. Can Catholics celebrate Halloween? Where’s the line between faith and curiosity? What about spooky movies—harmless fun or spiritual danger? And is scattering our loved one's ashes okay? Join Fr. David Halm and Fr. Brian Kennedy as we uncover the truth behind the thrills and learn how to keep our hearts rooted in Christ this season.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your tithe to support this work of evangelization. Thank you for walking with us and being part of this mission—if you love the show, consider donating here: https://gofund.me/82dd06298