Talking Catholic

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, host Mike Walsh welcomes leaders from Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Operations team to reflect on the impact and purpose of the Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence (AIDE), the organization’s national training that prepares Catholic Charities agencies and partners to respond effectively to disasters across the country.

Joining the conversation are Jennifer L. Dyer, Director of Capacity Building; Melissa Hruska, Director of Disaster Case Management; Abby Qualliotine, Senior Manager of Outreach and Support; and Daniel Altenau, Director of Communications and Disaster Services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. Together, they explore how AIDE equips participants with practical skills in preparedness, response, recovery, and communications—while also strengthening relationships across the Catholic Charities network.

The group also discusses new presentations offered this year on disaster communications and the ethical use of artificial intelligence, as well as the hands-on tabletop exercises that help participants apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the deeply spiritual foundation of disaster response work and how the Gospel call of Matthew 25 continues to guide Catholic Charities’ mission to serve those most vulnerable in times of crisis.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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Pope Leo recently said that sport is “a shared activity, open to all and salutary for both body and spirit.”

That is on full display this week as Talking Catholic takes a field trip to Bishop Eustace Preparatory School to talk with senior Alyce Lehman – a record-breaking swimmer, Stanford University commit, very likely future Olympian, and all-around joyful and spiritual student-athlete.

“Before I race, I’m like, ‘God, I’m going to leave this up to you – whatever is in your will is going to happen. I know you will help me, and I have to do my part,’” says Alyce, one of New Jersey’s top swimmers who recently won her first state title. “I think having that mentality has helped me to do well – and knowing that God is with me and that he still loves me no matter how the results come out.”

Join co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro as they not only welcome Alyce, but ace sports reporter Mark Zimmaro, too! Tune in as this fab foursome talk faith, swimming, sports and more. Plus, Alyce’s joy is contagious – we dare you not to have a smile the whole way through!

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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In this week’s episode, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome Head of School, Michael McGhee, and Advancement Director, Steve Normane, from Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, to discuss the school’s newly launched strategic plan and the vision guiding the school’s future.

Michael and Steve share how the strategic planning process began, the goals that shaped it, and the strong emphasis on creating a student-focused roadmap for the years ahead. They also talk about the collaborative effort behind the plan, highlighting the important role played by the school’s board, faculty, and wider community in bringing the vision to life.

Beyond the strategic plan, the conversation also turns to the season of Lent and how the Holy Spirit community has been marking it through prayer, service, and reflection. From meaningful school-wide activities to opportunities for students to grow in faith, Michael and Steve offer a glimpse into how the school integrates Catholic identity into daily life.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, cohosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro discuss how delegates from Diocese of Camden and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for legislation that promotes human dignity and the protection of religious workers. 

As Mike and Jen also were on the trip – led by Bishop Joseph Williams and including 13 parish leaders, clergy and religious – they recount the delegation meeting with U.S. Rep. Donald W. Norcross, (D-1st), U.S. Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-2nd), and a congressional staffer for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, (D-3rd).

Among the issues the delegates were advocating for: immigration reform; respect for sensitive locations, especially houses of worship; the Religious Workforce Protection Act, DACA and recognition of Dreamers (those who were brought to the United States as children by their parents); and combating human trafficking.

“The Gospel transcends party politics,” Bishop Joseph Williams said on the visit to Washington. “That’s why our team is meeting with legislators on both sides of the aisle.”

You can also read more about the journey in the Catholic Star Herald.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome back Mrs. Jen Marisi, technology and STEM teacher at St. Peter School in Merchantville, to explore the intersection of faith, science, and education. Marisi reflects on her recent trip to the Vatican Observatory in Tucson as part of the Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education program, discusses her involvement with the Network for Emergent Socio-Scientific Thinking, and shares how the Office of Catholic Schools’ new A.R.I.S.E. leadership program is helping form the next generation of Catholic school leaders.

Together, the conversation offers a compelling and enthusiastic look at how curiosity, innovation, passion and Catholic faith can inspire students to explore the wonders of God’s creation.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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“Do not bestow your love on the world.”

Though it took this charming and spirited young saint years to turn away from worldly pursuits and embrace God’s will, St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows ultimately did so with remarkable zeal. Join Pete and Laurie as they explore the life and adventures of this young Passionist, tracing his inspiring journey from socialite to humble saint.

Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be found and on the Talking Catholic website https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/talking-saints/. 

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Ever want to know more about the canonization process when it comes to Catholic saints? (Hint: You do!)

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, archivist Meg Paulino and Camden-based artist Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, stop by to discuss Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman. Both recently traveled to the Diocese of Jackson, Miss., for the closing of the diocesan phase of Sister Thea’s canonization cause.

Meg, archivist for Sister Thea’s community, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Wisconsin, recently reached out to Brother Mickey, asking for some of his artwork to be placed into the boxes being sent to the Vatican in the cause for sainthood.

Learn more about Sister Thea Bowman, one of six Black American Catholics up for sainthood, and how this gifted scholar and joy-filled evangelist became one of the most influential Black Catholic voices in America. Follow her journey and hear how she stood for civil rights, tolerance, faith and understanding.

Visit https://www.fspa.org/content/about/sister-thea-bowman to read her speeches, and see photos, videos, and more.

(Art by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS)

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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We’ve got a double-header episode of Talking Catholic today!

First, Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh sit down with their colleague John Kalitz to preview the Diocese of Camden’s upcoming Journal Through Lent program. This daily digital companion will feature short videos and reflection questions designed to help participants encounter Jesus and prepare their hearts for Easter. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.camdendiocese.org/lent/

Then, Mike and Kari Janisse welcome back a familiar voice — Johnna Averona of The Woodbury Station Café — along with some very special guests: her Uncle Fedele Folino, his mother Pat, and daughter Gia Nina. Together, they share the story behind Woodbury’s beloved Gia Nina’s restaurant (https://gianinas.com), a local favorite with deep roots and a lot of heart.

Our favorite Catholic restaurateurs reflect on how Gia Nina’s began more than 25 years ago, the spiritual touches woven into the restaurant’s culture, and their deep love for the community they serve. Plus, there’s a surprisingly practical deep dive into building a great gluten-free menu. Let’s just say — Kari was in pasta heaven.

Be sure to check out the family’s previous features: 

• Woodbury chef shares Valentine’s recipe perfect for Lent, https://catholicstarherald.org/woodbury-chef-shares-valentines-recipe-perfect-for-lent/
• Valentine’s Day Recipe for Ash Wednesday, https://youtu.be/zFJhsNrZ-Po?si=qRlytsuV3tfbe0gL
• Johnna Averona, The Woodbury Station Cafe,  https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/podcast/johnna-averona-the-woodbury-station-cafe 

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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What does Catholic life look like on a secular college campus—and how does God meet young adults right where they are?

On this episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Kari Janisse and Mike Walsh begin with a conversation with Fr. Thomas Piro, newly ordained priest and parochial vicar at Saint Bridget University Parish, about his first months accompanying students at Rowan University’s Newman House. Fr. Piro reflects on the joy of campus ministry, the importance of priestly presence at a public university, and how everyday encounters—from rosaries on campus to spontaneous conversations in the student center—can open doors to evangelization, vocation discernment, and deeper faith.

In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to a powerful “mountaintop” experience as Rowan Catholic Campus Ministry members Gloria Schulz and Joseph Midiri, joined by Fr. Stephen Robbins, share highlights from the FOCUS SEEK conference held in early January. Drawing thousands of young adults from across the country, SEEK offered days filled with Mass, confession, adoration, keynote talks, and breakout sessions designed to present the Gospel in its fullness. The group reflects on the joy of worshiping alongside thousands of peers, the impact of men’s and women’s sessions, the energy of communal prayer, and the personal moments of grace that continue to shape their faith back on campus.

Together, these conversations paint a hopeful picture of a Church alive among young adults—seeking, listening, and responding to God’s call in the midst of college life.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Kari Janisse and Mike Walsh welcome national pro-life speaker Jannique Stewart for a powerful and candid conversation following her recent presentation at Rowan University titled “Abortion: Is it a black and white moral issue, or is there a gray area?” Drawing from science, personal testimony, and years of experience speaking to high school and college students across the country, Stewart challenges common misconceptions about abortion and invites listeners to confront the issue with both truth and compassion.

The discussion explores why abortion is not merely a political or emotional debate, but a profound moral question rooted in the dignity of human life. Stewart shares formative moments from her upbringing in Germany, the influence of her grandmother’s Holocaust witness, and the experiences that shaped her vocation as a pro-life advocate. Together, the hosts and guest reflect on engaging young people in difficult conversations, the role of apologetics and science in moral reasoning, and the importance of speaking plainly while remaining pastoral—especially on secular college campuses.

The episode also addresses spiritual warfare, the power of language, and the deep wounds carried by those impacted by abortion, offering hope through mercy, forgiveness, and the healing grace of Christ. This thoughtful conversation invites listeners to move beyond slogans and soundbites and to consider why, when it comes to abortion, moral clarity truly matters.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org

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