Talking Catholic

As host Mike Walsh shuttled colleagues from Atlantic City to Philadelphia International Airport, he fired up the podcast gear and captured a conversation while criss-crossing New Jersey.

Riding along in the passenger seats are:
• Janelle Gergen, Chancellor and COO of the Diocese of Crookston
• Montie Chavez, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Las Vegas
• Paul Schratz, Editor of The B.C. Catholic in Vancouver

All three serve on the Catholic Media Association board and had just wrapped up three full days of meetings in the Garden State, focusing on CMA initiatives and planning for the 2026 Catholic Media Conference, coming to Atlantic City June 16–19, 2026.

Tune in for a lively, on-the-road conversation (complete with road noise and perfect driving) about the CMA, the upcoming CMC, and the work happening behind the scenes. And keep an eye on catholicmediaconference.org for updates and registration information!

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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“Now let me fight for God.”  With these words, St. Martin of Tours, officer in the Roman Emperor's cavalry, put down his sword to follow Christ.  Join us for this episode of Talking Saints, as Pete and Laurie explore the life of this soldier turned monk, then bishop, who's act of charity toward a beggar ultimately changed the course of his life.   

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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This week on Talking Catholic, host Mike Walsh sits down with Joanna McGill-Gardner, Esq., an immigration attorney and former Catholic Charities of South Jersey colleague. Joanna shares how her early experiences in service and journalism led her to a vocation in immigration legal work, where she now accompanies individuals and families navigating some of the most complex and emotional legal challenges in our communities.

Together, Mike and Joanna explore the deep Catholic roots of immigration in the United States — including how many of today’s Catholic families once faced the same hardships, prejudices, and uncertainties as the migrants arriving today. Joanna reflects on the stories of her own ancestors, the history of Catholic immigration policy, and why understanding the truth behind today’s immigration system is essential for building compassion and solidarity.

Joanna also previews her Friday, November 14th talk - at Sant Charles Borromeo Parish in Sicklerville, NJ, from 6-7 PM - where she helps break open common misunderstandings and invites Catholics to see the issue through the lens of faith, dignity, and shared heritage. It’s a thoughtful and timely conversation for anyone seeking clarity and a compassionate Catholic perspective on immigration today. For more details, check out: 

https://catholicstarherald.org/misperception-of-immigration-faith-based-response-to-be-discussed-at-upcoming-talk/ 

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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“So I have a meeting at the Vatican…”

That’s how this week’s episode begins — as members of the Diocese of Camden’s leadership reflect on their pilgrimage to Rome from Oct. 23–28 for the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies at the Vatican.

Joining us to share stories from this extraordinary experience are most of the delegation that included: Bishop Joseph Williams, Father Jon Thomas, Vicar General, and the Diocese’s seven secretaries — Andrés Arango (Evangelization and Hispanic Ministry), Dr. Maria Elena Hallion (Catholic Charities of South Jersey), Nicole Keefer (VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services), Laura Montgomery (Administration and Finance), Donna Ottaviano-Britt (Discipleship and Leadership), Michael Walsh (Communication), and Dr. Bill Watson (Catholic Education).

Hear firsthand how the Vatican discussions deepened their understanding of synodality, collaboration, and leadership in the local Church — and what they brought home to South Jersey.

For more on the Jubilee Synod, visit https://www.synod.va/en/highlights/jubilee-of-synodal-teams-and-participatory-bodies.html. 

Read the full story in the Catholic Star Herald: catholicstarherald.org/camden-delegation-joins-synodal-gathering-at-vatican.

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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“Your life has meaning.”

That’s one of the important messages this week’s guests have for Talking Catholic’s listeners.

On this week’s episode, Father Tom Piro and Father Stephen Robbins – who are both associate directors for the Office of Vocations – talk about the Diocese’s newest initiative: “Called by Name.”

This November, every parishioner is being asked to prayerfully consider young men, from high school through age 39, who show the qualities of a good priest. On the weekend of Nov. 1-2, you’ll find “Called by Name” cards in the church pews. Take one home, or after Mass, write down the name of a young man you think could make a good priest. Return the card to the collection basket. The vocations team will do the rest!

“God wants to invite you to help build up His Kingdom,” the priests tell Jen Mauro and her co-host this week, Catholic Star Herald Reporter Pete Sanchez.

Learn about the program, how to listen for God’s call in your life, and pick up on some spiritual advice from these young priests!

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, Marianela Núñez and cohost Mike Bress celebrate a century of faith, family, and Ram pride at Gloucester Catholic High School. They’re joined by Tom Iacovone, Principal, and Kathy Dougherty, Director of Marketing, to reflect on 100 years of tradition, community, and Catholic education in South Jersey.

From the halls that shaped generations to the alumni who carry Ram spirit far and wide, it’s a conversation full of memories, laughter—and even Marianela’s heartfelt “call for gray hairs” as we honor the legacy and future of this beloved school.

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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Each year, the Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Camden brings together elementary and high school principals for a two-day conference in Ocean City. The gathering covers a range of important topics while also providing opportunities for fellowship among colleagues.

On this week’s episode, cohosts Marianela Nuñez and Mike Bress speak with two new elementary school principals — Bill Hennessy of Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury and Dr. Deirdre Rood of St. Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights — about their first conference experience.

Together, they walk through the conference’s agenda, sharing their personal takeaways from each session, how the event encouraged deeper connections with fellow principals, and which elements they hope to bring back to their own school communities. The conversation also highlights the uplifting atmosphere of the event — from the beautiful weather and delicious food to the sense of renewal it provided after a busy September.

To learn more about South Jersey Catholic Schools, visit southjerseycatholicschools.org  

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 episode of Talking Catholic, we sit down with two distinguished members of Legatus, the national organization of Catholic business leaders committed to living and sharing their faith in the corporate world. Joining the conversation are BJ Kraemer, Managing Principal of MCFA, and Greg Passanante, CEO and Northeast Market Administrator for Shriners Children’s Philadelphia.

Together, they share how their Catholic faith informs their professional lives, the unique mission of Legatus in forming Catholic executives to be ambassadors for Christ, and the ways their careers intersect with service, leadership, and witness in the community. Whether it’s shaping strategy in business or ensuring compassionate healthcare for children, BJ and Greg reflect on what it means to bring the Gospel into boardrooms and beyond.

And make sure to check out BJ’s podcast, Leadership Blueprints. 

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

Follow Legatus on social media through their @LegatusHQ handle and follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, host Mike Walsh is joined by guest co-host Lisa Lauria for a conversation about the upcoming Catholic Charities of South Jersey Annual Dinner. Their guests are Executive Director Maria Elena Hallion, Ph.D., and Stacy Napolitano, Director of Development for the Diocese of Camden.

Together, they highlight this year’s Saint John Neumann Award honoree, Eustace Mita, celebrate the local Disciples of Mercy Award winners, and share how the Annual Dinner directly supports the life-changing work of Catholic Charities staff and volunteers across South Jersey. From feeding families to walking alongside those in crisis, this event fuels the mission of compassion and service in our communities.

Learn more about the Annual Dinner and the work of Catholic Charities at: catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/ccad.

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, two well-respected pro-life advocates join us to talk about the upcoming Mass for Life, rally and march taking place Sept. 25 in Trenton.

Jennifer Ruggiero, director of human life and dignity for the Diocese of Metuchen, and Rachel Hendricks, coordinator of the Respect Life Ministry in the Diocese of Trenton, discuss the misinformation being spread and health risks of abortion; the beauty of coming together statewide as a faith community, and how the march at the State House is especially important in this election year for New Jersey.

The second annual event begins at 9:30 a.m. with Mass in Saint Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. The Mass will be followed at 11 a.m. by a rally at the Statehouse Annex a few blocks from the Cathedral. The march starts at noon.

To learn more, go to: https://njcatholic.org/new-jersey-march-for-life-registration-1 

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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