In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the connection between athletics and our faith.

The connection between athletics / sport and faith has been made at least since the first century where St. Paul repeatedly compares our spiritual lives to races and athleticism. They both require discipline and perseverance through challenging moments. And still more, they both have a goal and victory as our aim. Well known saints like Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati and John Paul II are known for their love of sport.

"Sport, properly directed, develops character, makes a man courageous, a generous loser, and a gracious victor; it refines the senses, gives intellectual penetration, and steels the will to endurance. It is not merely a physical development then. Sport, rightly understood, is an occupation of the whole man, and while perfecting the body as an instrument of the mind, it also makes the mind itself a more refined instrument for the search and communication of truth and helps man to achieve that end to which all others must be subservient, the service and praise of his Creator."

– Pope Pius XII, Sport at the Service of the Spirit July 29, 1945

Scripture references:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: 24 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25 Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. 26 So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; 27 but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.

Hebrews 12:1: 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,[a] and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

2 Timothy 2:5: 5 And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.

Related On Mission episodes:

Young Saints

Sharing the Faith With Young Children

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

About Athletics and Faith

Learn about the Catholic Athletes for Christ

Click here for Vocational Discernment Resources

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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Pedro Camilo Simoes, S.A.C. to discuss his book, Divine Threads, and how God has been quietly present throughout his life.

Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings is the life story of Father Pedro Camilo Simoes, SAC. Father Camilo, as he is best known, grew up in the Indian state of Goa. At a very young age, he responded to the call to become a priest. At that time, he was introduced to the Pallottine Fathers and began a long journey to his day of Ordination. Father Camilo’s story includes his service to the mission parishes in India as well as his nine-year tenure as a provincial for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province of the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers in Bengaluru, India.

Father Camilo has traveled extensively bringing the love, dedication, and support of the Pallottines to distant lands. Discover, through Father Camilo’s story, the history of the Pallottine Fathers and the impact they have on our world today.

Father Camilo presents a sense of gratitude, despite the many ups and downs of his life. In all things, he acknowledges the presence of God. Through his writing, you, too, will experience a sense of gratitude and recognition for God’s goodness.

Purchase Divine Threads on Amazon here.

Related On Mission episodes:

Pallottine Fathers and Brothers

St. Vincent Pallotti

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

About the Pallottines blog posts

Read about St. Vincent Pallotti

Click here for Vocational Discernment Resources

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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Center colleague Sarah Harrigan, Manager of Communications and Special Programs, to discuss the connections between the Thanksgiving holiday and our call to be in thanksgiving in and through the Faith.

Click here to access the Center’s prayer resource page.

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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Joe Basalla to discuss who the Twelve Apostles were, the role they served, and their memory in today’s church.

The twelve apostles are Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddeus, Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (who betrayed Jesus and Matthias replaced him). After Jesus’ Ascension, these men became the first bishops of the Church and traveled the known world spreading the Gospel. Most of them were martyred for the faith. Their witness is an example to us to carry the same zeal in our lives to bring Christ and his message to all that we meet.

Some Saints Mentioned:

The Apostles’ bios

Sts. Peter and Paul

Related Episodes:

Bl. Carlo Acutis

On Mission

Pilgrimages

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

The Apostles blogs

St. Andrew: What We Can Learn From The "Hidden Apostle" In Evangelization

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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the lives and witness of young saints like Bl. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasatti, and Bl. Chiara Badano.

Title: On Mission 120: Young Saints

Description:

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the lives and witness of young saints like Bl. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasatti, and Bl. Chiara Badano.

The unique witness of recent saints and historical saints who passed away at a young age provides all the faithful an example of how to persevere through difficulty and that all are called to follow Christ at any stage of life. They should inspire us to grow our relationship with Christ today.

Bl. Carlo Acutis was 15 years old when he died of leukemia in a hospital in Monza, Italy in 2006. Carlo is remembered as a normal, joyful teenager who strived to be the best version of himself, living the ordinary in an extraordinary way. Carlo was generous to the poor of his community, many of whom came to pay their respects at his funeral. Carlo's passion for the Eucharist ultimately led to his mother's conversion. Two quotes epitomize the holiness of Carlo in his young life: "each person reflects the light of God" and “sadness is looking at oneself, happiness is looking at God. Conversion is nothing but a movement of the eyes." -Bl. Carlo Acutis

Bl. Chiara Badano was born in Italy in 1971. At nine years old, she became actively involved with her faith, joining a local community in hoping to grow in faith. In her teenage years she attended many retreats and other faith formation events, always hoping to grow closer to Christ throughout everyday life. She wished to deepen her relationship with Jesus in everything that she did, including normal teenage activities like dancing and tennis. When she was seventeen, she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Even through the immense suffering she experienced during treatment, her focus remained on others, especially her parents, and on growing closer to Jesus. She died in 1990, just before her nineteenth birthday, and she is one of the patron saints of young people.

Some Saints Mentioned:

- Bl. Carlo Acutis

- Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

- St. Thérèse of Lisieux

- St. Kateri Tekakwitha

- Bl. Chiara Badano

- St. Joan of Arc

Related Episodes:

Bl. Carlo Acutis

Finding Faith in Adolescence

Promoting the Good on Social Media

Resources:

Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Young Adult blogs

10 Ways to Remain Active in Your Faith Life During College

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• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
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• Apple Podcasts
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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the home of Catholic Apostolate Center: Green Hill.

Green Hill has a storied history dating back to before the American Revolution with a land grant from King George III. Since then, the property passed through families and is now home to the Pallottine Seminary and the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Green Hill is available for day programming by Catholic entities and organizations. Located in West Hyattsville, Maryland on 14 landscaped acres, Green Hill features outdoor and indoor spaces for prayer, meditation, and collaboration with your group. The historic and recently renovated house offers small groups (fewer than 35) a place of refreshment, peace, and tranquility. It is perfect for meetings and day retreats.

Click here to book Green Hill for your next event.

Related Episodes:

Union of Catholic Apostolate 4th General Congress

Ten Year Retrospective

Resources:

Pallotti Portal

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

The Importance of Retreat Spaces

Follow us:

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• The Center's podcast website
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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess, Resource Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, discuss Hispanic and Latino Spirituality in the Catholic Church.

Fatima demonstrates how the culture and spirituality of Hispanic/Latino populations contributes to the welfare of the Universal Church. She also discusses some best practices for ministering to this community that has many different cultural practices. Fatima shows how within these communities, there are special moments of encounters with one another where individuals share common values and get to know each other more personally.

On June 16, 2023, the US bishops approved a National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. The Plan refers to Hispanics/Latinos as a blessing from God, as a missionary and prophetic presence that revitalizes the church in the United States. A few of these graces include an abiding love for family and community, a rich practice of Catholic traditions, an authentic Marian devotion, and vibrant ecclesial movements.

For the past four decades, Hispanic/Latino ministry has flourished in thousands of parishes across the country. Such ministries have produced many fruits as millions of Hispanic/Latino families have been able to live and celebrate their Catholic faith. Building on that growth, the Plan calls for a synodal church that is more welcoming, evangelizing, and missionary at all levels; a church that can build vibrant parish communities with our Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters, in the context of a culturally diverse society.

Related Episodes:

Dr. Timoney on the Synod on Synodality

Synod on Synodality

Parish Faith Formation

Resources:

USCCB: Hispanic/Latino Affairs

National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry Resources

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

The Fruits of Being Bicultural

Tricultural Blessings: How My Cultures Have Shaped My Faith

Día de Muertos and the Meaning of Christian Death

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, founded St. Vincent Pallotti.

Founded by St. Vincent Pallotti, the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers seek to revive faith and rekindle charity in the hearts of all members of the faithful. Pallottines minister wherever the Church is in need and can be found in parishes, schools, universities, missions, and other Catholic organizations. The Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province are located throughout the eastern United States and Peru.

Inspired by Saint Vincent Pallotti's motto, taken from St. Paul, "The charity of Christ urges us on," the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (the Pallottines) works throughout the world to further the Catholic Church's mission to renew faith and rekindle charity. As part of the Union of Catholic Apostolate, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate is a group of priests and brothers known as the Pallottines. Pallottine priests and brothers are a group of men who share a life of community, prayer, and apostolic work. They follow the charism and spirituality of their founder, St. Vincent Pallotti, who wanted to reawaken faith and love among Catholics and share the Gospel of Christ with all. Pallottines work to instill in others a deep conviction of their personal call to live as apostles of Jesus Christ.

To remain faithful to St. Vincent Pallotti's call to "revive faith and rekindle charity," Pallottine priests and brothers promise the Society chastity, poverty, obedience, perseverance, the sharing of resources, and spirit of service. These promises are a sign of the desire to live in a community devoted to service to the people of God. St. Vincent Pallotti saw ministry as having two purposes: to love God and to shower God's love on others.

Related Episodes:

St. Vincent Pallotti

Union of the Catholic Apostolate

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season

Religious Brothers

Resources:

What is a Saint? (St. Vincent Pallotti video)

Pallotti Portal

With Christ, Our Hope (blog)

St. Vincent Pallotti and the Union of Catholic Apostolate (webinar)

Follow us:

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• The Center's podcast website
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• Facebook
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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, Jonathan Sitko, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the history of the Union of Catholic Apostolate, founded by St. Vincent Pallotti.

St. Vincent Pallotti’s foundation had a very remarkable history. Having all people united as apostles of Christ was the dream of St. Vincent Pallotti and from the beginning this group took on a new form of an “Association” and immediately in 1835 it received the approval of the competent ecclesiastical authority. It is a community, which unites priests, religious, lay people and takes the name “Catholic Apostolate”. This community started many new initiatives answering to the many needs of the Church (Foreign Missions, Local Missions, Retreat Work) and in the city of Rome (evening schools, a soup kitchen, orphanage – Pia Casa di Carità, etc.).

But the new ideas soon met with suspicion, many people could not understand his ideas and Vincent Pallotti had to defend his vision and his foundation again and again. After his death the name of his foundation of priests and brothers was changed into “Pious Mission Society” and there remained only this community and one of sisters. But the members of these communities never forgot that the idea of Pallotti was more than their present realization.

Now, in the new millennium, St. Vincent Pallotti's idea has become a living reality again. On October 28, 2003, the Union of the Catholic Apostolate received the official approval and blessing of the universal Church from the Pontifical Council of the Laity. This happened only after much study of St. Vincent's charism and reformulation of their individual guidelines by the various Pallottine groups that have continued to hold St. Vincent as their founder. Hence, the reason for the name -- Union of Catholic Apostolate. And the Union is simply -- men and women, lay, religious and priests -- working together for the glory of God and working to spread the name of Jesus while fostering His love among all peoples.

Related Episodes:

St. Vincent Pallotti

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season

Religious Brothers

Resources:

IV International Congress of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate

What is a Saint? (St. Vincent Pallotti video)

Pallotti Portal

With Christ, Our Hope (blog)

St. Vincent Pallotti and the Union of Catholic Apostolate (webinar)

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
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• Facebook
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Related Episodes:

Year of Prayer

The Rosary

Spiritual Growth During Collegiate Years

Spirituality and Prayer Through Religious Charism

Resources:

Prayer and Catechesis Resources

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
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On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.