Lights, Catholic, Action!

In this episode of "Lights, Catholic Action," Sissel Anderson chats with Catherine Ochoa, an opera-trained vocalist turned vibrant campus minister at Texas Christian University. Catherine shares her faith journey, including her discernment between religious life and marriage, and how she now leads a thriving Catholic ministry with over 800 students attending Ash Wednesday Mass and a booming discipleship program.

Host Sissel Anderson welcomes the first deacon guest on the show, Deacon Juan Molina, who shares his remarkable spiritual journey from an early calling to ministry to his eventual ordination as a deacon. A moving testament to the power of saying “yes” to God’s call, even when the path is long and uncertain. From volunteering as a communion minister and catechist to preaching in Spanish, Deacon Juan repeatedly says "yes" to opportunities to serve, believing that God will provide what’s needed.

A story of heart, hope, and perseverance. Follow along as Catholic singer Carolina Imperial shares how music led her to faith, healing, and purpose. From undocumented beginnings to performing at the Vatican, her story is a testament to God's faithfulness. Bonus: Listen to Carolina's song "Jamas Dejaste Mi Lado" on Spotify, Apple Music, and on YouTube.

In this special pre-conclave episode, Most Rev. Michael F. Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, joins the podcast for a powerful pre-conclave conversation that sets the stage for what’s to come. His pastoral depth resonates with this significant moment in the Church. Don’t miss his insightful reflections filled with wisdom and clarity leading into the big moment!

In this episode, Mike Short, Director of Security for the Diocese of Fort Worth, shares how his law enforcement background led him to create the Guardian Ministry, a volunteer-based program providing layered security at parishes and schools. He discusses how the ministry has drawn many men into active service within the Church and looks ahead at its continuing growth across the diocese.

What do IT, cemeteries, and finance have in common? If you are Kevin O’Brien, Director of Parish and School Services for the Diocese of Fort Worth, what they have in common is you! Kevin shares his journey to his unique career and discusses the challenges and joys of managing such varied responsibilities, emphasizing subsidiarity and adaptability to parish needs.

Frank Perez reflects on his journey to becoming the Associate Superintendent for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fort Worth and shares insights of his time in the role as he works to support the mission of forming young hearts and minds in the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the faith.

Waiting can be the hardest. In this episode, UTA Catholic Campus Minister Jeff Hedglen shares his powerful journey of faith, reflects on moments of stillness and struggle that shaped his relationship with God, and offers practical ways to feed one’s spiritual hunger.

Our next guest shares how an interest in learning ASL paved the way for an essential faith-based program that ministers to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Discover how the program is growing and making worship services with sign language interpreters accessible to individuals and their families.

Discussing his conversion from Southern Baptist to Catholicism, Jason Whitehead, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis in the Diocese of Fort Worth chats with host Sissel Anderson on embracing Lent, his work in catechesis and faith formation, and the importance of properly transmitting Catholic teachings.