On Mission

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Deacon Mark Krejci, the Director of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, to discuss the diaconate and its role within the Church.

The word deacon means “servant”. The diaconate has its origins in the Old Testament with Ancient Israel and one of the first deacons of the Church was St. Stephen in the first century. Jesus modeled the deacon when he washed the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper. The deacon's ministry has three dimensions: liturgy, word and service. At the liturgy, he assists the bishop and priests. At the Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, may be invited to preach the homily, and assists at the altar. A deacon is meant to proclaim the Gospel in every area of his life. All are called to do the same in their own particular Vocation in life.

On Mission Episodes with Deacon Mark:

Parish Evangelization

Engaging Those Who Are Not Connected with the Church

Related Episodes:

Liturgical Vestments

Discernment

Resources:

Living as Missionary Disciples Resources

Vocational Discernment Resources

Lay Ministry and Apostolate 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.

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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, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Leonard Wathen, Director of Religious Education at St. Aloysius Church in Leonardtown, Maryland, to discuss faith formation within the parish and how to overcome various challenges.

Faith Formation primarily focuses on deepening initial conversion to faith. It incorporates the catechetical, liturgical, and pastoral ministries. Because it is a form of evangelization, Faith Formation is a lifelong process. Six tasks through which catechesis seeks to achieve its endeavours include: knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, formation in prayer and methods of prayer, education for community life and missionary initiation. Parents are the primary educators of their children and parents must be involved and model the Faith for their children to follow.

Leonard Wathen is the Director of Religious Education at St. Aloysius Church. He holds a master's degree in theology from Christendom College and an Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma from the Holy See. He is the author of three books - Who Do You Say That I Am?: Scriptural Reflections on Becoming a Disciple of Jesus, Follow Me: Scriptural Reflections on Living as a Disciple of Jesus, and Remain in Me: Scriptural Reflections on Growing as a Disciple of Jesus. Leonard is a Secular Carmelite in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secular Community in Port Tobacco, Maryland.

Leonard and his wife, Nicole are natives of St. Mary's County and live in Callaway with their four children.

Resources:

Living as Missionary Disciples Resources

Catechesis Resources

New Evangelization Resources

Lay Ministry and Apostolate Resources

Related On Mission Episodes:

Church Management

Parish Pastoral Councils

Parish Evangelization

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• 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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Jonathan Sitko discuss stewardship in relation to the Church, the parish, and daily life. The group also discusses how we are called to be stewards of God’s gifts and to use these gifts to serve and bless the community around us. 

The biblical concept of stewardship is first seen when Jesus tells the parable of talents and our responsibility to use them well (Matthew 25:14-30). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (USCCB) definition of stewardship is: “As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.”

The four pillars of stewardship in the Catholic Church are: hospitality, prayer, formation, and service. You can learn more about stewardship in the USCCB Living as Missionary Disciples video series here.

Notes:

Living as Missionary Disciples Resources

Video Series

Stewardship Video

Related On Mission Episodes:

Church Management

Parish Pastoral Councils

Parish Evangelization

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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Jonathan Sitko, Director of Programs at Catholic Apostolate Center, celebrate one-hundred episodes of On Mission.

They discuss how the podcast came to be what it is today and in what ways we are all called to be on mission as apostles or Missionary Disciples. They reflect on how much the Internet and Catholic Content on the Internet has changed since they began podcasting. And they also discuss some of their favorite episodes that they recorded, which include: Church Management, Liturgical Vestments, and the 14 Holy Helpers.

Art of Accompaniment Resources.

Living as Missionary Disciples Resources.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Church Management

Liturgical Vestments

The 14 Holy Helpers

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, S.T.D. who is the Associate Professor of Practice in Pastoral Studies, Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies, Director of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America to discuss the Synod on Synodality. Dr. Timoney recaps what has happened in the synodal process and what is to come. She emphasizes how this synod is a slow, discerning process, guided by the Holy Spirit where we need to be open to the Spirit’s promptings.

The Synod on Synodality was called by Pope Francis and is a three year process and is rooted in the Holy Spirit. The three themese of the Synod is: communion, participation, and mission. You can learn more on the Synod website. You can also listen to the previous On Mission episode about the Synod on Synodality.

Art of Accompaniment Resources.

Related On Mission Episodes:

The Synod on Synodality: Introduction

Laudato Si’

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Engaging Those Who are Not Connected to the Church

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
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• Facebook
• 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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

In this follow up to Marriage Part 1, in this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Vocation to the married life and the Sacrament of Marriage, one of the seven sacraments, and how on going accompaniment in a couple’s relationship is vital.

They make reference to the USCCB document Called to the Joy of Love is the national pastoral framework for marriage and family life ministry. Accompaniment can be done among family members, friends, the parish, and the community at large. In the Bible, Jesus and his mother Mary are present at the Wedding Feast at Cana and he turns the water into wine (John 2:1-12). With Jesus’ attendance, he blessed their union, and by coming to their aid when the wine ran out, he offered his support. The marriage of a man and wife symbolizes the love that Christ has for his Church.

Notes:

Marriage and Family Resources by Catholic Apostolate Center

Vocational Discernment Resources.

Art of Accompaniment Resources.

Marriage on the Ad Infinitum blog.

Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. on Called to the Joy of Love series.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Marriage Part 1

Talking to Children About Suffering

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Prayer, Work, and Life Balance

Father’s Day and other episodes about fathers

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
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• Facebook
• 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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• 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.

As the feast of St. Monica (feast day August 27th) approaches, the mother of St. Augustine (feast day August 28th), who is known for her intercessory prayer for her son's conversion, please enjoy this episode about Mary as our Mother and the connection between her spiritual motherhood and the mothers in our lives with Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. who are joined by Krissy Pierno to discuss Mary's role as Mother of the Church and the role of mothers in the lives of their children.

Click here for more Center resources about marriage and family life.

Click here to learn more about St. Augustine and Other Saints.

Follow us:

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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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

As the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven approaches, please enjoy this recast episode of On Mission where Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our Lady of Fatima.

Click here to view more information about Mary and Her Feast Days.

Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Follow us:

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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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• 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, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Vocation to the married life and the Sacrament of Marriage, one of the seven sacraments, and how it is a spiritual and physical bond between the man and wife where the two become one flesh for the good of the couple and the procreation of children.

They discuss in this episode the sacramental grace available to couples to draw from over the course of their marriage and the indissoluble nature of marriage. They make reference to the USCCB document Called to the Joy of Love is the national pastoral framework for marriage and family life ministry. In the Bible, Jesus and his mother Mary are present at the Wedding Feast at Cana and he turns the water into wine (John 2:1-12). With Jesus’ attendance, he blessed their union, and by coming to their aid when the wine ran out, he offered his support. The marriage of a man and wife symbolizes the love that Christ has for his Church.

Notes:

Marriage and Family Resources by Catholic Apostolate Center

Vocational Discernment Resources.

Marriage on the Ad Infinitum blog.

Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. on Called to the Joy of Love series.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Talking to Children About Suffering

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Prayer, Work, and Life Balance

Father’s Day and other episodes about fathers

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss Lectio Divina, which is Latin for “Divine Reading”: what it is, how to pray with scripture, and how it can be a time of conversation with God. Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of Biblical and scriptural reading, prayer, and meditation and contemplation with roots pertaining to St. Benedict and the Benedictines. Five steps one could use in Lectio Divina is: 1. Invoke the Holy Spirit to guide this time of prayer, 2. Read the scripture passages, slowly and meditatively, 3. Meditate and listen for the voice of God, 4. Pray and speak to God, 5. Contemplate and spend time in the presence of God.

If prayer is a topic that interests you, be sure to listen to other on mission episodes about, maintaining prayer during vacation, spirituality and prayer through charism, prayer, work, and life balance, extemporaneous prayer, and The Rosary.

You can also read Ad Infinitum blog posts about Lectio Divina.

Notes:

Prayer and Catechesis Resources by Catholic Apostolate Center

Lectio Divina on the Ad Infinitum blog.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Maintaining Prayer During Summer Vacation

Spirituality and prayer through Religious Charism

Prayer, Work, and Life Balance

Extemporaneous Prayer

The Rosary

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.

Follow us:

• The Catholic Apostolate Center
• The Center's podcast website
• Instagram
• 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.