Talking Catholic

As you’ll hear in our intro for this episode, it’s been a busy Lent and Holy Week for us, so we’re taking a short break from recording a new episode, but we wanted to feature last year’s conversation with Jim Dessicino as he opens up his new project Cappella Studio in Atlantic city this Spring - cappellastudio.org. [Originally released February 24, 2025] This week on Talking Catholic, we embark on an audio sacred art tour! Sculptor and art expert Jim Dessicino joins hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to explore the profound connection between artwork, beauty, and faith.A parish catechetical leader at the Parish of Saint Monica in Atlantic City, Dessicino is one of the few non-Italian to have led tours of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Closer to home, he also guides visitors through the historic Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Atlantic City.Join us as Dessicino takes listeners on a captivating journey through sacred art, uncovering its pivotal role in Church history, faith, and the pursuit of truth and good

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, host Mike Walsh welcomes leaders from Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Operations team to reflect on the impact and purpose of the Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence (AIDE), the organization’s national training that prepares Catholic Charities agencies and partners to respond effectively to disasters across the country.Joining the conversation are Jennifer L. Dyer, Director of Capacity Building; Melissa Hruska, Director of Disaster Case Management; Abby Qualliotine, Senior Manager of Outreach and Support; and Daniel Altenau, Director of Communications and Disaster Services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. Together, they explore how AIDE equips participants with practical skills in preparedness, response, recovery, and communications—while also strengthening relationships across the Catholic Charities network.The group also discusses new presentations offered this year on disaster communications and the ethical use of artificial intelligence,

Pope Leo recently said that sport is “a shared activity, open to all and salutary for both body and spirit.”That is on full display this week as Talking Catholic takes a field trip to Bishop Eustace Preparatory School to talk with senior Alyce Lehman – a record-breaking swimmer, Stanford University commit, very likely future Olympian, and all-around joyful and spiritual student-athlete.“Before I race, I’m like, ‘God, I’m going to leave this up to you – whatever is in your will is going to happen. I know you will help me, and I have to do my part,’” says Alyce, one of New Jersey’s top swimmers who recently won her first state title. “I think having that mentality has helped me to do well – and knowing that God is with me and that he still loves me no matter how the results come out.”Join co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro as they not only welcome Alyce, but ace sports reporter Mark Zimmaro, too! Tune in as this fab foursome talk faith, swimming, sports and more. Plus, Alyce’s joy is contagious – we dare you not

In this week’s episode, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome Head of School, Michael McGhee, and Advancement Director, Steve Normane, from Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, to discuss the school’s newly launched strategic plan and the vision guiding the school’s future.Michael and Steve share how the strategic planning process began, the goals that shaped it, and the strong emphasis on creating a student-focused roadmap for the years ahead. They also talk about the collaborative effort behind the plan, highlighting the important role played by the school’s board, faculty, and wider community in bringing the vision to life.Beyond the strategic plan, the conversation also turns to the season of Lent and how the Holy Spirit community has been marking it through prayer, service, and reflection. From meaningful school-wide activities to opportunities for students to grow in faith, Michael and Steve offer a glimpse into how the school integrates Catholic identity into daily life.Listen to Talking Catholic

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, cohosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro discuss how delegates from Diocese of Camden and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for legislation that promotes human dignity and the protection of religious workers. As Mike and Jen also were on the trip – led by Bishop Joseph Williams and including 13 parish leaders, clergy and religious – they recount the delegation meeting with U.S. Rep. Donald W. Norcross, (D-1st), U.S. Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-2nd), and a congressional staffer for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, (D-3rd).Among the issues the delegates were advocating for: immigration reform; respect for sensitive locations, especially houses of worship; the Religious Workforce Protection Act, DACA and recognition of Dreamers (those who were brought to the United States as children by their parents); and combating human trafficking.“The Gospel transcends party politics,” Bishop Joseph Williams said on the visit to Washington. “That’s why our team is

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome back Mrs. Jen Marisi, technology and STEM teacher at St. Peter School in Merchantville, to explore the intersection of faith, science, and education. Marisi reflects on her recent trip to the Vatican Observatory in Tucson as part of the Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education program, discusses her involvement with the Network for Emergent Socio-Scientific Thinking, and shares how the Office of Catholic Schools’ new A.R.I.S.E. leadership program is helping form the next generation of Catholic school leaders.Together, the conversation offers a compelling and enthusiastic look at how curiosity, innovation, passion and Catholic faith can inspire students to explore the wonders of God’s creation.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.orgFollow

“Do not bestow your love on the world.”Though it took this charming and spirited young saint years to turn away from worldly pursuits and embrace God’s will, St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows ultimately did so with remarkable zeal. Join Pete and Laurie as they explore the life and adventures of this young Passionist, tracing his inspiring journey from socialite to humble saint.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/. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Ever want to know more about the canonization process when it comes to Catholic saints? (Hint: You do!)On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, archivist Meg Paulino and Camden-based artist Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, stop by to discuss Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman. Both recently traveled to the Diocese of Jackson, Miss., for the closing of the diocesan phase of Sister Thea’s canonization cause.Meg, archivist for Sister Thea’s community, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Wisconsin, recently reached out to Brother Mickey, asking for some of his artwork to be placed into the boxes being sent to the Vatican in the cause for sainthood.Learn more about Sister Thea Bowman, one of six Black American Catholics up for sainthood, and how this gifted scholar and joy-filled evangelist became one of the most influential Black Catholic voices in America. Follow her journey and hear how she stood for civil rights, tolerance, faith and understanding.Visit https://www.fspa.org/content/about/sister-the

We’ve got a double-header episode of Talking Catholic today!First, Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh sit down with their colleague John Kalitz to preview the Diocese of Camden’s upcoming Journal Through Lent program. This daily digital companion will feature short videos and reflection questions designed to help participants encounter Jesus and prepare their hearts for Easter. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.camdendiocese.org/lent/Then, Mike and Kari Janisse welcome back a familiar voice — Johnna Averona of The Woodbury Station Café — along with some very special guests: her Uncle Fedele Folino, his mother Pat, and daughter Gia Nina. Together, they share the story behind Woodbury’s beloved Gia Nina’s restaurant (https://gianinas.com), a local favorite with deep roots and a lot of heart.Our favorite Catholic restaurateurs reflect on how Gia Nina’s began more than 25 years ago, the spiritual touches woven into the restaurant’s culture, and their deep love for the community they serve. Plus, there’s a surprising

What does Catholic life look like on a secular college campus—and how does God meet young adults right where they are?On this episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Kari Janisse and Mike Walsh begin with a conversation with Fr. Thomas Piro, newly ordained priest and parochial vicar at Saint Bridget University Parish, about his first months accompanying students at Rowan University’s Newman House. Fr. Piro reflects on the joy of campus ministry, the importance of priestly presence at a public university, and how everyday encounters—from rosaries on campus to spontaneous conversations in the student center—can open doors to evangelization, vocation discernment, and deeper faith.In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to a powerful “mountaintop” experience as Rowan Catholic Campus Ministry members Gloria Schulz and Joseph Midiri, joined by Fr. Stephen Robbins, share highlights from the FOCUS SEEK conference held in early January. Drawing thousands of young adults from across the country, SEEK offered day

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Kari Janisse and Mike Walsh welcome national pro-life speaker Jannique Stewart for a powerful and candid conversation following her recent presentation at Rowan University titled “Abortion: Is it a black and white moral issue, or is there a gray area?” Drawing from science, personal testimony, and years of experience speaking to high school and college students across the country, Stewart challenges common misconceptions about abortion and invites listeners to confront the issue with both truth and compassion.The discussion explores why abortion is not merely a political or emotional debate, but a profound moral question rooted in the dignity of human life. Stewart shares formative moments from her upbringing in Germany, the influence of her grandmother’s Holocaust witness, and the experiences that shaped her vocation as a pro-life advocate. Together, the hosts and guest reflect on engaging young people in difficult conversations, the role of apologetics and s

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: domesticch

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/. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

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.catho

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.orgFollow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Ins

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.orgFollow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

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/. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

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, compositio

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.orgFollow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X