Growing up in a lively Catholic family of seven, siblings Julia and Michael Marincel share how their parents’ late conversion, homeschooling, vibrant Maronite parish life, and quirky traditions (like epic Easter confetti-egg wars) formed them into a sign-language interpreter for the Deaf community and a seminarian for the Diocese of Fort Worth. Hear how they wrestled with college, vocation, community, and staying faithful in secular spaces—and how God keeps surprising them as they learn to serve the Church in very different but beautifully connected ways.

Some of us are formed in the faith from a young age, while others come into the Church later in life. Behind it all are faithful staff and volunteers at parishes helping guide others to the truth of the faith and ultimately a relationship with Jesus. Behind them is Laura Nelson, diocesan Director of Faith Formation and OCIA and our guest for this episode. She talks about how she dove deeper into her faith and how the diocese encourages others to do the same.

In this special episode, actress and writer Siobhan Fallon Hogan reflects on how her Irish Catholic upbringing and strong, lifelong faith shape her family life, career choices, and creative work—including her play "Mother’s Farewell" and the films "Rushed" and "Shelter in Solitude," which blend serious themes with Catholic moral vision. She also discusses involving her children in both faith and film, her new EWTN podcast "Catholics and Cappuccino", and the growing network of Catholic and Christian storytellers in the entertainment industry.

This episode features Carlos Zamora, a cradle Catholic who shares how he drifted from the faith and then returned through a deep encounter with the Eucharist, confession, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. He and host Sissel talk about his Catholic rap ministry, speaking and performing for youth (including incarcerated teens), and his passion for using his creative gifts—and devotion to Mary—to draw people back to the sacraments and a living relationship with Jesus.

In this special edition of Lights, Catholic, Action! Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection, reflects on a faith-formed life—spanning social work, military service, and the permanent diaconate—and explains how the Charter (with audits, training, background checks, and zero-tolerance norms) has shaped a nationwide culture of safeguarding across dioceses and continues to evolve. 

From Texas A&M pre-med student to Director of Youth Ministry, follow Annette Calderon's path to discovering a deeper faith through St. Mary’s Catholic Center and the National Eucharistic Congress. Now, she builds a family-style community through small groups, service, and praise-and-worship rooted in Adoration. Along the way, she reflects on growing up in the Diocese of Fort Worth, discerning her vocation, the pressures teens face (social media, isolation), and offers young women advice to embrace surrender, resist comparison, and trust Jesus.

Host Sissel Anderson interviews self-taught Catholic artist John Andrew Sustaita, who shares how grief, the Camino de Santiago, and a love of Japanese culture led him from opera to sacred art — most notably his painting of the “Samurai Saint,” Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, which ultimately reached the Vatican. Sustaita also outlines several current evangelization projects focused on Japan—inviting support to rekindle awareness of Catholicism there.

Fr. Dan Pattee, TOR— pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Fort Worth —recounts a faith-rooted childhood in Minnesota, a vocational pivot from pre-med to the Franciscan Third Order Regular, years teaching systematic theology at Franciscan University, and what distinguishes the TOR order from others. He spotlights St. Andrew’s forthcoming “Our Lady, Star of the Sea” center, urges college students (including nearby TCU) to “listen” for God’s call, and shares a Marian devotion and favorite verse—Proverbs 24:16—as anchors for living the Gospel in real time.

Spotlighting “Dr. Phil” — Dr. Philomena Ikowe — whose Nigerian roots, deep devotion to St. Philomena, and vibrant service at St. Joseph Parish reveal how everyday love, prayer, and Eucharistic ministry can turn ordinary moments into mission. She shares how founding a health-and-education nonprofit in her late father’s honor, offering free screenings abroad, and simple neighborly acts (like daily rides to Mass for an elderly friend) show that true evangelization begins at home and radiates to the world.

Terri Schauf, the Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Fort Worth, shares how the Church’s efforts to advance the culture of life have grown stronger and more proactive over the years.