🌿 Spring 2026 Pledge Drive Episode with guests Fr. Mark White, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church (Washington, Ga.) and Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Thomason, Ga.) and Jeff Lukich, writer and endurance coach

Father Mark White and his parishioner, Jeff Lukich, share their respective Catholic journeys. Fr. Mark followed his sister from Protestantism, and Jeff returned to Catholicism after 40 years away. Father avidly declares God drew them to the “fullness of the Incarnation” found in Catholicism.

Jeff’s story echoes that of many fallen-away Catholics. Rather than leaving in anger, he drifted away in college. Then life took over, and he became busy pursuing his dreams. Establishing a wonderful career and family, Jeff was fulfilled….yet he felt lost. Today he believes every fallen-away Catholic wants to return, but doesn’t know how. This became the motive for his book, “The Long Way Home: A Catholic Return to Faith,” which is the book he needed when he first felt God calling him back to Catholicism. 

Acknowledging he felt God’s gentle nudge for about 10 years through Catholic resources like websites or videos, Jeff feels blessed to have found Fr. Mark when he was finally ready to hear God in 2021.

With resources like The Quest, today’s Catholics and seekers are indeed blessed with around-the-clock inspiration for their journeys.  Listen as these men point the way Home.

Guest biographies:
Originally from Atlanta, Fr. Mark grew up as a Protestant. He became interested in religion in his 30s and briefly attended an evangelical Christian seminary to learn more. After his sister converted to Catholicism, he felt the tug of something “deep and inexplicably unique” about Catholicism. Father attended seminary for the Archdiocese of Atlanta and was ordained on June 1, 2019. His first assignment was to the Cathedral of Christ the King in Buckhead.

Jeff Lukich is a writer and endurance coach. A graduate of Presbyterian College in South Carolina, he had a career for more than thirty years in public child welfare, retiring in 2018 as chief of staff for Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services. In 2022, Jeff returned to the Catholic Church after forty years away. Jeff and his wife, Mary Beth, live in Georgia, where they stay active in their parish and community.

RESOURCES:
Fr. Mark White’s parishes
Jeff Lukich's website

Guest: Louise Perrotta, writer, editor, wife, and mother

It was a quirky twist of fate which led Louise Perrotta to begin investigating the mystique of silent Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary. Uncovering a small statue which had been buried in the backyard of their new home, Louise immediately felt an attachment and placed him in her line of vision on the kitchen windowsill. As a woman who married a widower with six children, she had a special affection for this man who became the stepfather to God the Son. Who was this simple craftsman specifically chosen by God? With no blueprint to point the way, how could he accept this task? And yet, he did, learning to embrace the mysterious pregnancy of his betrothed and guiding young Jesus by faith. 

Journey with Louise as she unpacks this mysterious man who has been called the “Terror of Demons” and the “Guardian of the Universal Church.”  Her book, “St. Joseph, Tender Father: His Life and His Care for Us Today,” focuses on the different qualities of St. Joseph as portrayed through the Church fathers, Scripture, and the saints. Each chapter offers insight along with reflection questions and prayers to guide you through the life of this silent saint. 

Guest biography: Louise Perrotta is an independent writer and editor with many years’ experience in Catholic publishing. Her articles on saints, Scripture, prayer, and other aspects of Christian living have appeared in numerous publications, most especially in The Word Among Us magazine, where she served as features editor for fifteen years. Louise has written ten books, and, with her husband, Kevin, has co-authored five, including “Oneness: Jesus’ Vision of Marriage.” Louise lives in Michigan, is active in her Byzantine Catholic parish, and enjoys the growing family she inherited through her “surprised by joy,” late-in-life marriage to Kevin Perrotta, a widower and father of six now-adult children. Always looking for inspiration for her own life, she is currently researching a book on happily married saints and blesseds. And with Kevin, she is at work on another book, “My Beloved and I: A Seeker’s Guide to Married Love.”

Resources:
The Word Among Us Press website
“St. Joseph, Tender Father: His Life and His Care for Us Today” by Louise Perrotta
“Patris Corde: With a Father’s Heart” by Pope Francis

Guest: Christy Wilkens, Catholic wife, mother, nurse, and author

Christy Wilkens was a typical Catholic in many ways, checking the boxes as she dutifully raised her growing family. In what she later describes as faith with strings attached, Christy learned that God wanted something so much deeper from her. The birth of her sixth child became a turning point when her son, Oscar, became ill shortly after birth. After hearing life-limiting diagnoses for the next year, Christy railed at God, saying “I thought you loved me!  I’ve given everything to you!” 

It was an invitation from the Order of Malta ministry to attend their pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, where Christy’s candid prayers to God were answered. Rather than Oscar’s healing in the waters of Lourdes, though, Christy heard God say, “This is your cross, and I am not going to take it away from you. I will be with you, and I will help you, but it is yours to carry.” Oscar wasn’t healed, but Christy was.

Her book, “Awakening at Lourdes: How an Unanswered Prayer Healed Our Family and Restored Our Faith,” beautifully describes how God transformed her heart and her marriage. Christy teaches us the importance of developing faith that can be at peace, no matter our circumstances. 

Guest biography: Christy Wilkens earned her bachelor’s degree from Rice University, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and a nursing degree from Texas A&M University. Christy serves as a lector at her parish, a peer minister for Be Not Afraid, and a member of the Order of Malta's medical team and communications committee. She has appeared on Catholic Faith Network, Sirius XM's Catholic Channel, Many Hail Marys at a Time, Ave Maria Radio, and The Jennifer Fulwiler Show. Her writing has been featured at CatholicMom.com, Blessed Is She, and Accepting the Gift.

Resources:
Christy Wilkens' website
Christy Wilkens' book, “Awakening At Lourdes: How an Unanswered Prayer Healed Our Family and Restored Our Faith,” published by Ave Maria Press

Guest: Florencia Moynihan, nutritional therapy practitioner

Starting in early childhood, a woman’s body image is greatly impacted by her environment. How women see their own bodies will have a lasting effect on how they view themselves and their relationships. Florencia Moynihan, nutritional therapy practitioner and founder of The Catholic Nutritionist, imagined her body as a broken vase that was thrown together. Finally realizing this disordered body image is straight from the Enemy, Flo went back to school where she discovered God designed women as a harmonious synchronization of body, mind, and spirit. 

Her book, "Made Good: Overcoming the Lies that Keep Women at War with Their Bodies,” helps women uncover the strategic lies that have distorted and often destroyed their lives. Drawing from her own journey through disordered eating, chronic illness, and the silence of unanswered prayers, Flo lays out a roadmap to lasting transformation, grounded in God’s plan for women.

Her Nutritional Therapy practice, The Catholic Nutritionist, offers lab‑informed functional nutrition and coaching for Catholic women who feel exhausted, bloated, or hormonally ‘off’ and want a clear, practical plan to feel like themselves again.  Her podcast, Made Good, helps women confront the lies so they can be transformed, healed and restored. 

Guest biography: Florencia Moynihan runs a thriving nutritional therapy practice, The Catholic Nutritionist, dedicated to helping women heal through faith, bio-individual care, and the integration of body and soul. The practice offers lab‑informed functional nutrition and coaching for Catholic women who feel exhausted, bloated, or hormonally ‘off’ and want a clear, practical plan to feel like themselves again. Her podcast, Made Good, helps women confront the lies so they can be transformed, healed, and restored. Florencia is also a FEMM instructor and women’s health advocate.

Resources:
The Catholic Nutritionist website
The Made Good podcast
“Made Good: Overcoming the Lies That Keep Women at War With Their Bodies” by Florencia Moynihan
Episode of Catholic Women Now on Iowa Catholic Radio with Florencia Moynihan

Guest: Charlie McKinney, Publisher of Sophia Institute Press

More and more people are listening to audiobooks or ebooks. Recent studies report up to 50% of millennials read an ebook last year compared with 15% who read a physical book. Capitalizing on this growing trend, Sophia Institute Press has entered the digital book market with their new app, Saintifi. The app has quickly gained notoriety because of the low cost and vast selection, with over 250 audiobooks and 350 ebooks. Every new book published by Sophia will be duplicated on Saintifi, adding as many as 10 new, current titles to the library each month. Included are popular Catholic authors like Scott Hahn, Dan Burke, Fr. Spitzer, and Fr. Mike Schmitz. Sophia is also creating a digital library of classic books which were out of print and out of reach for most people.

Saintifi has a plethora of offerings, including popular Catholic podcasts and books on topics such as spiritual warfare and self-help, church history, marriage and family life, and much more. Whereas apps like Audible charge for every book you want to read, Saintifi seeks to make good, curated Catholic material available for the incredible price of just $9.99 per month. Imagine….unlimited Catholic audiobooks for one low price!

Guest biography: Charlie McKinney is the Publisher of Sophia Institute Press and President of Sophia Institute for Teachers, CatholicExchange.com, and CrisisMagazine.com. A proven innovator and business talent, Charlie has worked in politics and academia and appeared on numerous Catholic radio and television programs. Charlie and his wife, Carolyn, converted to Catholicism in 2008. They have five children and live in New Hampshire. 
Resources:
Saintifi website
Sophia Institute Press website
Sophia Institute for Teachers website
Catholic Exchange website
Crisis Magazine website

Guest: Bobby Fredericksen, digital missionary, podcaster, author

In our modern culture, "influencers" on social media are becoming more and more prevalent, even in the area of faith. But are they making the right impact? Bobby Fredericksen's article titled "Influencers vs. Saints: Why Teaching the Faith Requires Character, Formation, and Maturity" addresses how we're seeing a negative side of this digital age: influence without formation. Bobby shares how, when he first became Catholic, he was zealous but not formed or mature enough. He also didn't have the life experiences he's gained over the past 16 years since converting, experiences that have put him in a unique position to help other people like himself who are unchurched or far away from the Church or think the Church isn't for them. He says, "I was rescued; rescued people rescue people."

Bobby prefers the term "digital missionary" over "influencer" because that's how he sees his mission: committed to making disciples rather than having the goal of just becoming popular or going viral. He makes sure he stays grounded through things like active involvement in his parish, daily Mass, regular recitation of the rosary, and going to the Lord first in prayer before every post to ensure it's the Holy Spirit working through him.

Guest biography: Bobby Fredericksen experienced a miraculous conversion over 15 years ago after attending a midnight Mass—an encounter that forever changed his life. Bobby co-hosts The Catholic Couple Podcast and the Purposely Catholic Podcast. Bobby is happily married for 15 years and father to two great kids. He also leads a men’s group, bible study, and a connect group. His mission is to inspire others through his down-to-earth approach to Catholic living and normalizing Catholicism.

Resources:
Bobby's article on Catholic Exchange: "Influencers vs. Saints: Why Teaching the Faith Requires Character, Formation, and Maturity"
PurposelyCatholic.com - where you can find Bobby's articles, podcasts, blog, and more
Great Catholics who have influenced Bobby: Archbishop Fulton Sheen and especially his book, Life of Christ.
Dr. Peter Kreeft and especially his book, Jesus-Shock. C.S. Lewis, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. John of the Cross

Guest: Leslie Albizzatti, wife, mom, ministry leader, and author

Most of us walk right up to Ash Wednesday without any idea of the transformative power hidden in the 40 days of Lent.

As a young mother, Leslie Albizzatti began to understand her responsibility to pass her faith to her children, just as her mother and grandmother had for her. Familiar with the typical Catholic pattern of reciting prayers written by others, she was intrigued when she met a woman who wrote down what she felt God was teaching her. Called journaling, this method of prayer became Leslie’s preferred pattern and a conduit to a deeper understanding of God’s love for her. However, she realizes prayer can take many forms, including silence or walking in nature. There is no best way to pray; just a desire to develop a personal love language with God. Everyone’s path is unique. 

Leslie has collaborated with Ligouri on a series of books called The Sacred Pathways. In The Desert Walk: A Journey Through Lent with Jesus, she lays out forty different themes with quotes and Scripture to help readers reflect. Written as a devotional, this book can lead you into a much deeper relationship with God. 

Guest biography: Leslie Albizzatti is a Catholic Christian author and ministry leader based in Atlanta. A wife and  mom, she writes from a life shaped by prayer, Scripture, motherhood, and healing ministry to help others encounter God's presence daily. Leslie has her B.A. from Sweet Briar College and her MBA in International Business from the University of Miami. Leslie is also a board member of The Barnabas Initiative which seeks to introduce and support evangelistic and discipleship initiatives in the Atlanta area. She has an ardent heart for women's ministry, inner healing, and prayer groups. She shares weekly faith-based reflections and a monthly devotional newsletter at lesliealbizzatti.com. Leslie is blessed with a loving husband and three wonderful adult children.

Resources:
Leslie Albizzatti's website, where you can find her book and blog

Guest: Sylvia Dorham, wife, mother, and author

Stories teaching virtue and vice were foundational to most American children fifty years ago. Every family knew what you meant when you referenced “The boy who cried wolf” or “The tortoise and the hare.”  They were called “fables.” Realizing these beautifully-teachable stories were being lost to current generations, Sylvia Dorham set out to recapture the wonder and awe our youngsters experience through creative storytelling that expresses a concrete truth. 

Using rhyme and rhythm to help children remember, Sylvia shares lessons learned by a group of fictionalized monks in a monastery. Certain tenants of Christianity we should transmit to our children, such as “God will provide” became the book, The Monks' Daily Bread. The Monks' Stormy Night helps youngsters understand God will not abandon them. The Monks Stand Guard introduces taking your thoughts captive; how many adults allow our thoughts to carry us down negative paths before we even realize it?

The ubiquitous cell phone has been cleverly designed to entice idle minds, offering customized options based on our scrolling habits. These habits can become addictive. The early years are such a critical time of learning, and The Monk series will help guide children’s minds down healthier paths.

Guest biography: Sylvia Dorham grew up Protestant and, while attending the Naval Academy, heard an upper-classman was becoming Catholic and set about to convert him. She was convinced his journey into the Catholic Church destined him to Hell. This man became her husband, and their story is one of beautiful submission through compromise and listening to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. As the parents of 10 children, both adoptive and natural, and three grandchildren, their journey through different duty stations around the world brought them to the Melkite Catholic Church. Sylvia’s husband, Elias, is now a Melkite Catholic priest and pastor of St. John Chrysostom Melkite Church in Atlanta. 

Resources:
Sylvia Dorham’s books published by TAN Books
Information about the Melkite Catholic Church
St. John Chrysostom Melkite Catholic Church in Atlanta
The Family Room "Forgivness in Marriage" episode with Fr. Elias Dorham

Guest: Dr. Ray Guarendi, clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and national radio/television host

It was a plea for parenting help from a colleague which took Dr. Ray Guarendi’s career down a trajectory that has become his trademark: common-sense wisdom combined with self-deprecating humor. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Ray has written more than 20 books that give practical, no-nonsense guidance that helps people cut through the confusion of daily life.

His book, Drama-Free Discipline: Dr. Ray Coaches You to Parenting Success, lays out eighteen of the most common problems parents face with children between the ages of 2 and 18. As the father of 10 adopted children and with decades of hands-on clinical experience, Dr. Ray created humorous, believable scripts for each scenario, giving parents concrete examples of typical dialogue and ways to navigate these conversations down healthy paths. Understanding that each parent has different tolerance levels for specific behaviors, Dr. Ray gives parents techniques that complement one another rather than add to the chaos. No psychobabble. No gimmicks. Just clear communication. 

This book teaches parents how to diffuse sibling rivalries and settle incessant bickering, use “blackout” discipline to calmly establish authority, and build bedtime routines that actually bring peace. Parents learn to claim their rightful roles as calm, confident leaders in the home. 

Guest Biography: Dr. Ray's radio show, “The Doctor Is In,” can be heard on over 500 stations and SiriusXM® channel 130. His EWTN television series, “Living Right With Dr. Ray,” is in its 14th season and airs in 140 countries. Dr. Ray has given over 3,000 talks on various topics including parenting, marriage, family, and the Catholic faith. He captivates audiences with his compelling humor-laced presentations providing practical advice and proven techniques.

Resources:
Dr. Ray's website
Dr. Ray's podcast episodes of The Doctor is In
Books by Dr. Ray
EWTN television series, Living Right With Dr. Ray

Guest: Samantha Worthing, wife, mom, author, and nutritional therapist

Pope St. John Paul II described the unique spiritual, emotional, and intellectual strengths inherent in women as the “feminine genius.” It is their innate desire to bring the world and the family together which drew Samantha Worthing and her co-authors into a collaboration to create an authentic integration of wellness and faith in our fast-paced world. They realized that as we journey through nature’s cycles, our human spirits yearn for the simplified life, nourishing the body and tending to the soul. The Ember Journal, a beloved seasonal print magazine for women which provides holistic wellness through a Catholic lens, became the springboard for their book, Feast Faith Flourish:  Holistic Wellness in Light of Eternity.

From the desire to integrate the cyclical nature of the Church and the liturgical seasons, Samantha calls Feast, Faith and Flourish a “retreat in print” composed of carefully selected reflections from nearly four years’ worth of favorite entries in The Ember Journal. In these exquisite pages, you will enjoy delicious recipes made with high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients. Be uplifted by beautiful, full-color photos, original meditations on the great celebrations of the year, explorations on the mysteries of the Rosary, and inspiring quotes from the saints.

Guest biography: Samantha Worthing is a wife and mom of three young children, nutritional therapy practitioner, photographer, plant lady, and lover of all things wild and free. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with a city yard packed full of every kind of flower and growing thing she can get her hands on.

Resources:
Feast, Faith, Flourish:  Holistic Wellness in Light of Eternity, published by Sophia Institute Press
The Ember Collective website
The Ember Journal subscription
The Ember App
The Ember Collective Blog