Talking Catholic

How does the Church continue to engage the youth of today? By meeting them where they are at!

So says Tim Poole and Jeff Siedlecki of Live Vertical (https://www.livevertical.org/), as they stop by Talking Catholic to explain how this grassroots, nationwide ministry evangelizes high school students through Adoration, conversation, working with campus ministers – and so much more.

Tim and Jeff sit down with cohosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro to talk about how they became members of the Live Vertical team, and the schools they’ve been working with in the Diocese of Camden.

“It's all about helping to build each student’s relationship with Jesus,” they said. “We have conversations about theology, the Eucharist, the upcoming week’s Gospel and Mass. It’s the beauty of Jesus in the Eucharist that moves all our hearts.”

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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Roman soldier, courageous witness and fearless martyr, St. Sebastian kicks off a new year of Talking Saints with Pete and Laurie.  On this episode, you'll learn how this third century Christian boldly defied the Roman emperor to remain loyal to Christ and why he  became the patron saint of athletes and protection against the plague. 

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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How is a school like an organism? Or human body? What role does the administration play in the health of a school vs. the students themselves?

This week, cohosts Pete Sanchez and Mike Bress sit down with Camden Catholic High School’s new president, James Hozier to explore these questions and more.

Hozier starts by sharing his journey to the new role, from studying science (hence the organism question) in college and graduate school to ultimately pursuing a career in education. The conversation explores his transition from principal of all-boys high school to president of a co-ed one, the key differences between the two positions and schools, and his hopes for the future of Camden Catholic. He also tackles the question of how each individual in a school – student, teacher, administrator – helps to keep it thriving.

And, Hozier takes a moment to reflect on his personal faith journey and how it continues to shape his approach to leadership.

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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New Year's resolutions: You either love ‘em or hate ‘em. 

This week, Deacon Dean Johnson stops by Talking Catholic to take some of the pressure off by suggesting we ground our New Year goals in faith.

Want to stress less? Turn to Saint Teresa of Ávila, who said: “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.” 

Looking to exercise more? “Remember that bodily exercise, when it is well ordered … is also prayer by means of which you can please God our Lord,” says Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

Tune in as Deacon Dean inspires co-host Jen Mauro, explains about the Mary Undoer of Knots prayer, and asks, “Are the many things that knot us up in our lives keeping us from hearing God?”

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, we bring together some hosts and some communications colleagues to recap what we loved about 2025 and what we’re looking forward to in 2026. Enjoy this chat with Mike Walsh, Maria Toci D’Antonio, Jennifer Mauro, Mike Bress, Pete Sanchez and Andrea Herrera. 

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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After a time of intense persecution, with a steady hand and fervent faith, Pope St. Sylvester led the Church out of the catacombs into a time of great flourishing. On this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie dive into the facts and legends surrounding this early 4th century saint who laid the foundations for the Christian Rome that we know today.  

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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On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nuñez and Mike Bress step into the Advent and Christmas spirit with a visit to St. Peter School in Merchantville, where they sit down with music and religion teacher - and choir director - Sarah Duvall Pearson.

Ms. Pearson shares her journey to becoming a full-time educator at St. Peter, her deep love for teaching music (especially Catholic hymns and sacred songs) and how she helped transform the school choir into one of the most popular and sought-after clubs. She also recounts a truly unforgettable moment for her students: performing the national anthem at a Phillies game, complete with a surprise encounter with the Phillie Phanatic.

Amid the joyful busyness of the Christmas season, Ms. Pearson welcomes the hosts into one final rehearsal before the school’s Christmas concert. Be sure to listen through the end of the episode to hear the beautiful voices of the St. Peter School choir as they sing Glory in the Silent Night (Guerline Silien, composition & lyrics, 2025), along with Born on Christmas Day and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, used with permission through One License, License #A-710129.

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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It’s a full triumvirate of Mikes on this week’s episode of Talking Catholic as hosts Michael Bress and Michael Walsh welcome Michael Chambers, President of Paul VI High School, in Haddonfield, NJ.

Mr. Chambers – the longest current serving president of any Catholic high school in the Diocese of Camden – reflects on his more than 30 years at Paul VI as a student, parent, teacher, and administrator. He shares insights into the school’s mission, culture, and the heart of its community, summed up beautifully among the schools belief statements: “We believe that our Catholic identity is at the core of who we are as a community. Catholic spirituality, values and morals are central to developing students who exercise true freedom with responsibility.”

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, legacy, and what makes Paul VI such a special place. To learn more about the school, go to: https://www.pvihs.org/ 

Catholic Star Herald fan-favorite columnist Deacon Dean Johnson steps into the co-host chair on this week’s episode of Talking Catholic!

He’s joined by Deacons Barry Steele and Doug R. Stetser, newly ordained this fall, for a thoughtful and hope-filled conversation on Advent.

“We prepare for Christmas… but what are we doing to prepare for eternity?” Deacon Barry reflects, as the trio dives into what it means to actively wait during this sacred season.

They also share practical wisdom on slowing down, finding stillness, and reclaiming joy — including one simple challenge: “Try not to schedule things on a Sunday.”

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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This week on Talking Catholic, we welcome a long overdue guest: Robin Strough, Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection for the Diocese of Camden. Robin joins us to share important updates from her department and to explain her mission — ensuring that every child entrusted to the Diocese is protected, supported, and surrounded by a safe environment. She also walks us through how the Diocese works to remain fully compliant with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Some of the topics in this episode are difficult to hear but essential. Robin reminds us that “prevention is instrumental to a child’s future,” and that when we see concerning behavior, “Don’t be afraid. You could be saving a life.” Her insights are a powerful call to vigilance, compassion, and shared responsibility.

To learn more about the Office of Child and Youth Protection — including upcoming trainings and events — visit https://camdendiocese.org/cyp/.

One upcoming opportunity to note: a Safe Environments Coordinator Retreat on Thursday, December 4, from 9 AM–2 PM at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Atco.

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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