Talking Catholic

With commencement season upon us, John Yeager from Paul VI High School in Haddon Township, takes Mike and Pete to school. The English and Film Professor recaps his year, and shares why literature is crucial to the formation of young minds. And just in time for summer, he passes out his recommended summer reading list.

Father Robert Sinatra is baaack! Bookending his first appearance during Holy Week, Father Sinatra helps Mike and Pete close the Easter season with a discussion on the feast of Pentecost. Along the way during the hour, the three men sound off on the Holy Spirit, the recent priest ordination in the Diocese of Camden, and their favorite baseball team.

Laurie Power, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at Runnemede, N.J.'s Holy Child Parish, sits down with Mike and Pete for a lovely conversation on her ministry. The joyful and passionate young woman shares her work in bringing the Catholic faith to all ages; speaks about her time discerning a religious vocation; and educates the hosts about just what Lawn Chair Catechism is and why it works at her parish.

Deacon Jerry Jablonowski, Executive Director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, and Mimi Schaible, Director of Care Coordination and Consultation for VITALity join Mike and Pete this week to explain how their programs enhance the quality and dignity of life for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and their families through programs and services that address the health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

Father David Klein, Judicial Vicar, and Dr. Christina Hip-Flores, Tribunal Judge, join Pete and Mike this week for an insightful discussion of their work in the Diocese of Camden's Office of the Tribunal, holding fast to the tenants of Canon Law, and guiding individuals in the annulment process.

Father Ed Kennedy, Parochial Vicar at Blackwood's Our Lady of Hope Parish, stepped into the studio this week with Mike and Pete. Coming up on his first anniversary as an ordained priest, Father Kennedy shares the challenges and blessings he's experienced in the past 12 months; his family's priest heritage; and his first job as a movie theater projectionist.

This week's guest is the energetic and artistic Kari Janisse, Coordinator of Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Peace parish, in Williamstown, N.J. Kari is a dynamo who ministers to the youthful church, from children to young adults. Her strong faith fuels her intense desire to encourage the next generation of Catholic's to embrace and promote God's presence in their lives. Her efforts have been quite successful, resulting in one of the largest and most active youth ministries in the region.

Bill Watson, Director of Curriculum and Assessment in the Diocese of Camden's Office of Catholic Schools, brings his teaching and education experience to this week's episode. In this intellectually engaging hour, he, Mike, and Pete talk about the importance of Catholic school teachers being models of faith for their students; forming well-rounded students on fire with the Catholic mission; and Martian rocks.

On this week's program, Mike and Pete welcome to the podcast Kisanna Owens, Catholic Charities' Prison Re-entry Coordinator; and Deacon Jim Hallman, Catholic Charities' Prison Ministry Coordinator. Kisanna and Deacon Jim share powerful stories of the men and women they minister to inside and outside the prison walls, hoping to rehabilitate their lives and know God's love and mercy.

Road Trip! This week, Pete and Mike leave the friendly confines of "the vault" in Camden to travel down to Glassboro where they meet with Nina Camaioni, Coordinator of Catholic Campus Ministry at Rowan University. Our hosts enjoyed the warm, welcoming atmosphere and comfy couches at the ministry center, and discuss with Nina how students live their Catholic faith on campus; what youth desire from their Church; and how the ministry provides a home for them. And as an added treat, Nina, who is an accomplished singer/songwriter, played her song "Sing" for us! Hear more from Nina by checking out her YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/evergreennina.