Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Father Stephen DeLacy, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia whose infectious joy and positivity light up every room he enters. I’ve known Father Steve for years, and I can honestly say he’s one of the most uplifting people I’ve ever met—always wearing a smile, always radiating happiness, as if he’s never had a bad day in his life! Born and raised in Delaware County, Father DeLacy’s journey to the priesthood is a story of faith, resistance, and surrender to God’s call. From his days as a CYO kid and high school athlete to earning an accounting degree at West Chester University, coaching championship volleyball teams, and serving as a youth minister, he tried to outrun God’s plan but eventually answered the call. Ordained in 2004, he’s served in parishes, led retreats, ministered in high schools, and spent eight years as Vocation Director before becoming the Vicar for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults in 2021. Known for his legendary ice breakers and surprising knack for beer pong—don’t worry, with water—Father DeLacy is a true gift to our faith community. Let’s dive into his incredible story!

Office for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults

https://offyya.org/

The Well

A Conference for Young Adults

https://phillyyam.org/thewell/

Who is Father Bill Atkinson

https://www.bonnerprendie.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1234151&type=d&pREC_ID=1465153

Steps to Spontaneous Prayer:

Praise

List an attribute of God

Ask for Something

Thank God

End in His Name

Who do I have to talk to?

Click here to tell me! https://forms.gle/woa5aZY4EmkY3xj7A

Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Father Stephen DeLacy, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia whose infectious joy and positivity light up every room he enters. I’ve known Father Steve for years, and I can honestly say he’s one of the most uplifting people I’ve ever met—always wearing a smile, always radiating happiness, as if he’s never had a bad day in his life! Born and raised in Delaware County, Father DeLacy’s journey to the priesthood is a story of faith, resistance, and surrender to God’s call. From his days as a CYO kid and high school athlete to earning an accounting degree at West Chester University, coaching championship volleyball teams, and serving as a youth minister, he tried to outrun God’s plan but eventually answered the call. Ordained in 2004, he’s served in parishes, led retreats, ministered in high schools, and spent eight years as Vocation Director before becoming the Vicar for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults in 2021. Known for his legendary ice breakers and surprising knack for beer pong—don’t worry, with water—Father DeLacy is a true gift to our faith community. Let’s dive into his incredible story!

Office for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults

https://offyya.org/

The Well

A Conference for Young Adults

https://phillyyam.org/thewell/

Steps to Spontaneous Prayer:

Praise

List an attribute of God

Ask for Something

Thank God

End in His Name

Who do I have to talk to?

Click here to tell me! https://forms.gle/agQwf3VTP6RKbLVD8

Today, I’m beyond excited to introduce my guest, Joseph Rogers, from Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, Pennsylvania. Joe is a rising star in Catholic education, and I proudly call him my “work son” because our bond is that tight—expect some laughs, some heartfelt moments, and maybe a little friendly ribbing! Joe’s journey has taken him through multiple Catholic schools in a short time, each one shaping his love for the mission of Catholic education. He’s got a deep appreciation for the Christian Brothers from his high school days and his time at La Salle University, as well as the Augustinians from his stint at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. Today, we’re putting Joe in the Holy Hot Seat for a lively, faith-filled conversation about his experiences, his inspirations, and what makes Catholic education so special. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!

Pope John Paul II High School

https://www.pjphs.org/

LaSalle University

https://www.lasalle.edu/

Who do I have to talk to?

Click here to tell me! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7R21Jw2CfIMf8OkOgK0r4yNpebutKKs6iMSagLXxssRvxTw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107231281139549892880

Welcome to a special episode of The GRACES of Catholic Education! Today, we’re on location at Our Mother of Consolation School in Philadelphia, celebrating a monumental moment—the grand reopening of this beloved institution after a devastating fire displaced its community for three and a half years. Join us as we tour the stunning new building, a breathtaking blend of preserved historical elements and modern architectural brilliance, showcasing the unwavering faith and dedication of the school’s administration, teachers, staff, families, and parish community. In this episode, we’ll also sit down with the new principal and the first-grade teacher to hear their inspiring vision for the future of Catholic education. This rebuild is a testament to resilience, legacy, and the enduring commitment to fostering faith-filled learning in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Let’s step inside and witness the grace of this remarkable moment!

Our Mother of Consolation School

https://www.omcschool.com/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Philly Faith Legends, a series celebrating the heart and soul of Catholic education in Philadelphia. As a proud alumnus of Archbishop Carroll High School, I’m thrilled to launch this series with two men whose lives are shining examples of the enduring legacy of Philly Catholic education: Barry Kirsch and Joe DeBarberie. In this city, Catholic schools are more than institutions—they’re communities built on faith, service, and shaping young minds and hearts for generations. We’re honored to feature Barry Kirsch, my former teacher and a true Carroll icon, who taught and coached at Carroll for 50 years, leading basketball teams and the Pro-Life Club with unmatched dedication, leaving a legacy that defines Archbishop Carroll. Joining him is Joe DeBarberie, also a Carroll alumnus, class of 1973, taught by Barry Kirsch, who went on to become a legendary head baseball coach at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast, even earning himself a place in Bonner’s Hall of Fame for his transformative leadership. These men, connected through Carroll’s legacy, have dedicated decades to teaching, coaching, and mentoring, showing that whether in a classroom, on a field or on a court, , the mission remains the same: to form student-athletes who excel in character, faith, and service. Their lives are a testament to the lasting impact of Catholic education in Philadelphia, inspiring generations of students, athletes, and educators. Join us as we dive into their stories, their faith, and the profound legacy they’ve built in our Catholic education community.

Pro-Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmpKwjjmFx0&t=81s

Archbishop Carroll Alumni: https://www.jcarroll.org/apps/pages/hof

Monsignor Bonner Alumni: https://www.bonnerprendie.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1234128&type=d&pREC_ID=1465122

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Patti O’Donnell, Principal of St. Patrick’s School in Malvern. Patti is a champion of inclusion, a participant in Notre Dame’s ACE programs and Principal Leadership Academy, and a leader in our Project GRACES. She’s one of the kindest, funniest, and most faithful people I know, with a love for Notre Dame, the beach, and her dog Irish. We’ll explore her vision for inclusive education, her work with Project GRACES, and have some fun with on our Holy Hot Seat segment.

St. Patrick’s: https://www.saintpatrickmalvern.org/

Alliance for Catholic Education @ University of Notre Dame: https://ace.nd.edu/

Program for Inclusive Education @ University of Notre Dame: https://ace.nd.edu/programs/inclusion

The Mary Anne Remick Leadership Program @ University of Notre Dame: https://ace.nd.edu/programs/leadership

ACE Principal Academy @ University of Notre Dame: https://ace.nd.edu/programs/transform

Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Christopher Pugliese with us. I’ve known Chris for years through his dedicated involvement with the Bonner & Prendie golf team, where he’s been a coach since 2020 and even accompanied the team, including my son Tommy, on an unforgettable trip to Ireland two years ago. A product of Archdiocesan Schools himself, Chris spent nearly three decades in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district director before returning to his roots in 2023 to teach History and Psychology at his alma mater, Bonner & Prendie. Now, he’s taken on an exciting new role as the principal of Saint Dominic School in Philadelphia. Known for his easygoing nature, Chris is a remarkable role model for students and athletes alike, with a deep commitment to faith, family, and community service. His volunteer work supports under-resourced neighborhoods and youth sports programs that emphasize character and career readiness. We’re excited to dive into his journey, his vision for Saint Dominic’s, and how his faith shapes his leadership.

St. Dominic School: https://sdsphila.org/

Alleluia, Give the Glory: Alleluia! Give the Glory

I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Sister Rachael Wilson, IHM. Sister Rachael is a second-grade teacher at Queen of Angels Catholic School, where she guides her students through the beautiful milestone of their First Holy Communion. She’s also preparing to profess her final vows as a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary—how inspiring is that? On top of that, she’s a key member of the curriculum committee led by Bonnie Delciotto and a passionate participant in my own Project GRACES, which focuses on inclusion in Catholic education. I chose Sister Rachael as a guest because her work embodies the transformative power of teaching with faith and welcoming every student as part of God’s family. In this episode, we’ll explore her vocation journey, the joy of teaching a sacramental year, her contributions to Queen of Angels, her commitment to inclusion, and even a fun rapid-fire round to get to know her Philly roots—cheesesteak included! So, grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a hoagie—and let’s get started with Sister Rachael Wilson!

Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School https://www.qoaschool.org/

Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary https://ihmimmaculata.org/

Today I’m thrilled to sit down with someone I’ve known for over two decades, a true leader in education and a champion for inclusion—Dr. Andrew McLaughlin, the Secretary for Elementary Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Andrew McLaughlin and I go way back to the late ’90s when we worked together at Owen J. Roberts School District. He was my principal at French Creek Elementary, leading an incredible staff that made school feel like a place of creativity and belonging. I’ll never forget how Andrew gave us the freedom to try fun, innovative things, all rooted in our shared belief that every student—every single one—belongs. From those days, our paths took us in different directions—Andrew to Unionville-Chadds Ford, me to Delaware County for more intensive special education work—but his journey eventually led him to the Archdiocese, where he’s now shaping the future of 102 elementary schools.

In this episode, we’re diving into Andrew’s remarkable career, from his roots as a special education teacher to his leap of faith into Catholic education. We’ll explore his philosophy on inclusion, his passion for forming missionary disciples in Christ, and, of course, his humorous side—because if you know Andrew, you know he’s got stories that’ll make you laugh out loud. Plus, we’ll hear about his life with his wife, Brig, from Ireland, his two daughters, and his grandchildren who call him “Doc,” not to mention his adventures sailing and settling into a new vacation home in St. Michaels, Maryland. And, as always, we’ll wrap up with our fan-favorite Holy Hot Seat rapid-fire questions, an ending with Andrew’s advice for every Catholic educator shaping future saints.

The GRACES of Catholic Education podcast, is a place where grace shapes Catholic education one future saint at a time. The mission of this podcast is to build a faith-filled place for Philly’s Catholic educators to share their faith, hear innovative practices for today’s challenging classrooms, and be inspired by others who are tackling this wild and blessed ride of Catholic education.”

Today, I’m sharing my story, why I started this podcast, and what you can expect—especially if you’re part of our incredible Philly Catholic community.