As marriage rates plummet and "woke" ideologies fail to deliver on their promises, Pete Burak argues that the solution lies in the fundamental cell of society: the family. In this episode, Pete shares practical, hard-won lessons from 15 years of marriage, offering a roadmap for young people who are hesitant to say "I do."

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Marcel LeJeune (President of Catholic Missionary Disciples) joins Fr. Mark to tackle the "lonely island" of the modern priesthood and the stagnation of the average parish. Marcel pulls back the curtain on why young priests are burning out and why our strategic plans often gather dust in binders.

Inside the Episode:

📌 THE PRIESTHOOD CRISIS: Why the jump from seminary to parish life is causing a spike in anxiety and cynicism—and how lay families can provide a "Bethany" of rest.

📌 THE MESSY WITNESS: Why your "crying" kids and the laundry on your couch are actually your best tools for evangelization.

📌 EVANGELIZING WITHOUT BEING "WEIRD": Why questions like "Tell me about the God you don't believe in" are more effective than any argument.

📌 PARISH RENEWAL: The secret to resolving staff conflict and why your parish "coffee shop" strategy might be failing.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction: Marcel LeJeune and Missionary Disciples.

00:45 – The "Lonely Island" of the Priesthood.

05:30 – Creating "Bethany": Inviting Father into your domestic mess.

12:15 – Seminary vs. Reality: The culture shock of the newly ordained.

21:17 – "Land the Plane": The secret to effective homilies.

33:53 – God Has No Grandchildren: How family evangelizes.

40:30 – The Coffee Shop Strategy: Underhanded evangelization.

45:18 – Practical Tips: Asking the right questions to strangers.

51:27 – Closing: Just have the guts to try.

Dr. Stacy Trasancos, PhD chemist and Holy Apostles adjunct professor, shares her radical journey from atheism and materialism to Catholicism. Once viewing people as "complex atom systems," a desperate prayer led to conversion, marriage, sacraments—and reconciling science with faith through the Eucharist and reason. Discover why science was born from religion, how faith expands scientific horizons, and her fight against materialism in this powerful witness. Perfect for STEM believers, converts, or anyone exploring faith & science.

Former EWTN President Doug Keck joins Fr. Mark Mary on Power & Witness to explain why trust still matters in Catholic media amid scandals, digital chaos, and cultural doubt. He reflects on 30 years at EWTN, the rise of lay evangelization, young Catholics (especially men) seeking solid tradition, Mother Angelica’s legacy of bold faith and redemptive suffering, and the network’s role as a reliable touchstone today.

Fr. Mark talks with Fr. Will Straten of St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M, one of the most vibrant and evangelizing campus ministries in the country. Fr. Will shares how students are formed as disciples, how small groups and missionaries impact campus life, and how worship, beauty, and community lead thousands of young people to Christ. A hopeful look at the future of the Church.

Catholic author and commentator Noelle Mering joins Fr. Mark Mary, MFVA, on Power & Witness to explore the renewal of faith and culture through truth, beauty, and authentic Christian witness.

In this heartfelt and intellectually rich conversation, Noelle shares her journey of conversion and formation—from her California roots to studying philosophy and co-founding Theology of Home. She and Fr. Mark Mary discuss the modern crisis of identity, the call to live beautifully amid confusion, and how family life, faith, and friendship can rebuild a culture of grace.

Catholic speaker and evangelist Gabriel Castillo joins Fr. Mark Mary on Power & Witness to explore the fascinating history and spiritual power of the Rosary. From its hidden beginnings in the heart of Mary to St. Dominic’s revelation and the victory at Lepanto, Gabriel traces how this simple prayer became the Church’s spiritual “battering ram.” They also discuss Our Lady of Fatima, Marian apparitions, and the personal call to rediscover the Rosary as a path to holiness and conversion.

Why do we flee silence for constant busyness? And how can beauty draw us back to God?

In this episode of Power & Witness, Fr. Mark speaks with Fr. Christopher Seith, priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and Coordinator of Spiritual Formation at St. John Paul II Seminary. Together they explore the timeless insights of Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper on acedia (spiritual sloth), wonder, leisure, and beauty—and how these themes open us to reality as a gift and draw us deeper into God’s presence.

If you’ve ever felt restless, distracted, or caught in endless activity, this conversation offers a path back to peace, joy, and authentic Christian living.

What does the Old Testament priesthood reveal about Christ? In this episode of the Catholic podcast Power & Witness, Fr. Mark speaks with Fr. Anthony Giambrone, OP, about how the priesthood in Scripture points to Jesus Christ, our true High Priest. From Melchizedek in Genesis to the Letter to the Hebrews, they explore how the Old Testament priesthood is fulfilled and transformed in Christ, and what that means for the Catholic priesthood today.

Join Fr. Mark and Immaculée Ilibagiza on Power and Witness as they explore the transformative power of forgiveness. Immaculée shares her harrowing experience during the Rwandan genocide, losing her family and finding peace through prayer and faith. Discover how she overcame hatred by embracing God's love, offering profound insights into letting go of anger and finding freedom in forgiveness. A moving testament to the strength of the human spirit and the grace of God. Listen now for an inspiring journey of healing and hope.