Catholic Conversations

What happens when the wounds we carry aren’t ones we chose? In this episode, Erin Miller and Kyle Stapleton join us to explore the Life-Giving Wounds Retreat through the personal experiences of those who have attended. From what to expect over the course of the weekend to the moments that leave a lasting impact, this conversation offers an honest look at healing, faith, and taking that first step, even when you’re not sure you’re ready. To learn more about the retreat or register, visit: https://lifegivingwounds.org/events-retreats

What does it look like to say “yes” to the call to serve as a deacon today? In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Andino and Dc. Tim Stedman as we take a closer look at the renewed formation program for the permanent diaconate; why these changes were made and how they are already shaping those in formation. We reflect on the early fruits of this new approach and the long-term vision for strengthening the Church’s ministry. If you or someone you know may be feeling called, this conversation offers a hopeful place to begin.

In this episode, we’re joined by Joanne Brusa and Karen Hoole to talk about the Mothers of Lu and the powerful role of family in fostering vocations. Together, we reflect on what it means to support a son’s “yes” to God and how all of us can help create a culture where vocations can grow. We also share ways our diocesan community can come together in prayer and encouragement. As we prepare for the Annual Holy Hour for Vocations, this conversation is an invitation to be part of that mission. To learn more about the St. Thomas Aquinas Fund, visit: https://syracusediocese.org/st-thomas-aquinas-fund

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re joined by Safe Environment facilitators Jackie Adams and Julie Netzband for an important conversation about protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. Jackie shares her experience volunteering for this work in our Diocese since 2004, while Julie offers insight from her time working in Child Advocacy Centers and the vital role these centers play in supporting children and families. Together, we explore how awareness leads to action, and how each of us has a role in creating safe, supportive environments for all. To learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit: childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth/ To learn more about Child Advocacy Centers in New York State, visit: https://ocfs.ny.gov/directories/cac.php

Join us as we sit down with Joelle Milea of the Samaritan Center to learn more about their mission to serve those in need in our community. Rooted in compassion and dignity, the Samaritan Center provides essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity and hardship. We also highlight their upcoming Good Samaritan Event, an opportunity to come together in support of this vital ministry. Join us as we explore how we are all called to be the Good Samaritan in our own lives. To learn more or get involved, visit: https://samcenter.org/

This week, Bishop Lucia reflects on the meaning and importance of the Triduum, the powerful traditions of Holy Thursday, and how full participation in these sacred days can renew both our personal faith and the life of our parish communities. As we journey from the Upper Room to the empty tomb, we are reminded that the Cross is not the end of the story; Resurrection hope awaits.

Kevin Frank from the Brady Faith Center joins us this week to share how their ministry walks alongside individuals and families in the community, meeting people where they are and offering support for the whole person; body, mind, and spirit. We also take a closer look at Brady Farm, as they celebrate 10 years of ministry providing fresh food, education, and meaningful work to nourish the wider community. To learn more about the Brady Faith Center and how you can get involved, visit bradyfaithcenter.org

This week, Father Chris Celentano joins us to reflect on the lives of the saints, as we prepare to celebrate the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph. While their stories are extraordinary, the saints themselves were ordinary people who trusted God in their daily lives. In our conversation, we explore how the saints can be companions on our own journey of faith, offering inspiration, encouragement, and guidance as we grow closer to Christ.

In this week’s episode, Sister Katie Eiffe, CSJ, Director of Synodal Planning, join us to talk about the next phase of the Synod and what it means for the Diocese of Syracuse. We talk about parish listening sessions and how each of us can take part in shaping the future of our local Church.

Father Dennis Walker and Father Brendan Foley join us as they step into their new roles as Director and Associate Director of the Office of Vocation Promotion. Having personally benefited from the support of vocation ministry, they share why continuing this work felt like the natural next “yes” to God’s call. During our conversation, they reflect on what it means to create a culture of vocations in our parishes, and how each of us can play a role in encouraging the next generation to listen for God’s voice. Learn more about vocations in our diocese at vocations-syracuse.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vocationssyracuse

Dating back centuries, the tradition of visiting churches on Holy Thursday invites the faithful to keep vigil with Jesus during His final hours. In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Long to explore the spiritual roots of the 7 Churches Visitation and how it can become a powerful, prayerful pilgrimage across our diocese. Emily shares how she’s organized this tradition as a retreat-style experience for the Frassati Fellowship group, helping participants enter more deeply into the mystery of Holy Thursday as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Lent is a season many of us recognize, but do we fully understand what makes it different? In this episode, Josh Corcoran and Tom Andino join us to explore Lent through a liturgical lens, unpacking how the Church’s prayer, music, Scripture, and rituals change during these weeks of preparation. Together, we reflect on how Lent invites us into deeper conversion and helps prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.

This week we are joined by Mike Pastrana, a sophomore at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, member of their men’s baseball team, and an active participant in their Koinonia Companions (KC) men’s group which is offered through Campus Ministry. Mike shares what it’s like to live out his faith as a student-athlete, the importance of faith-filled community during the college years, and his recent experience attending the NYS Discernment Retreat for young adult men discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

In this episode of Catholic Conversations, we sit down with Joe and Abby Gill, a newly married couple, to talk about the vocation of marriage and the early days of married life. They share their experience of marriage preparation, what it’s like navigating life together as a young Catholic couple, and how their shared faith and relationship with Jesus form the foundation of their marriage. A timely and hopeful conversation as we prepare to celebrate National Marriage Week.

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, we’re joined by Sherri Stone, Principal of Most Holy Rosary Elementary School, and Addie, the school’s Student Council President, for a conversation about what makes their school more than just a place of learning. Together, they reflect on bringing two school communities together, the importance of faith and leadership in school life, and how students experience belonging beyond the classroom. Their shared stories offer a beautiful glimpse into how Catholic schools form not only minds, but strong, faith-filled communities.

This week, we welcome back Kristin Barrett-Anderson from the St. Marianne Cope Museum & Shrine to discuss the upcoming publication Sunshine, and Shadow, a collection of never-before-published journals from Saint Marianne Cope and Sister Leopoldina Burns. Spanning their years of ministry in Hawaiʻi, these writings offer a rare and personal glimpse into faith, perseverance, and shared mission. Kristin reflects on the significance of these journals, introduces listeners to Sister Leopoldina, and explores what these voices still have to teach us today. Learn more and get your copy of the book when it releases at saintmarianne.org

In this week's episode, we’re joined by Keith Cieplicki, who oversees Jail Ministry of Onondaga County. Keith shares how he was personally called to this work and offers insight into the mission of Jail Ministry, the programs they provide, and the importance of presence, dignity, and mercy for those who are incarcerated. It’s a powerful conversation about faith in action and meeting Christ in often unseen places. Learn more about their ministry at jailministrysyr.org.

This week, we’re joined by Deacon Bob Fangio to talk about Amaus Dental and Vision Services, ministries providing free dental and vision care to individuals with little or no insurance in our community. Drawing on his lifelong career as a dentist, Deacon Bob shares how this outreach has become a powerful expression of the Church’s call to serve with compassion, dignity, and hope.

As we close out 2025, Lucia joins us for a year-end conversation reflecting on the graces, challenges, and moments of hope that shaped our diocesan family. We look back on the Jubilee Year and the life of our parishes and ministries. Together, we also look ahead to 2026 and the beginning of the Diocese of Syracuse’s 140th year of faith and service. Tune in for a message of gratitude, reflection, and hope as we prepare for a new year in Christ.

In the final episode of our Advent cultural series, we’re joined by Fanny Villareal as she shares the rich traditions of Hispanic culture during the Advent and Christmas seasons. From the celebration of Las Posadas to the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fanny reflects on the faith, family, and community traditions that help prepare hearts for the coming of Christ.

Father Andrew Baranski and Ivona Popiel join us to share beloved Polish Advent and Christmas traditions. They reflect on childhood memories of Roraty and the Feast of St. Nicholas, explain the rich symbolism of the Wigilia Christmas Eve celebration, and offer insight into Koleda, the traditional blessing of homes between Christmas Eve and February 2nd. This conversation highlights the beauty and meaning behind customs that continue to shape Polish Catholic life today.

In part two of our Advent series highlighting the diverse cultures within our diocesan family, we welcome Fidelis and Jecinta Nwaezeapu, who share the rich traditions, faith practices, and stories that have shaped their Catholic experience. They share the deep joy they experience through their African Christian spirituality, and the gratitude that inspires their desire to give back to God and His Church.

In the first of our four-part Advent series, we sit down with Mike Huynh to explore the beauty of Vietnamese Catholic traditions during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Fresh from a family trip to Vietnam, Mike shares stories of faith, community, and celebration, from his experiences abroad to the cultural practices his family keeps alive here in the United States. Join us as we begin our Advent journey by discovering how Catholics from different cultural backgrounds practice their faith and prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re focusing on gratitude and on the ways our community comes together to care for one another. We welcome Murray Gould from St. Lucy’s Food Pantry to share how their ministry is responding to a growing need in their community. Murray reflects on the people they serve, the grace and gratitude they witness every day, and how the generosity of donors and volunteers makes it possible to feed their neighbors with dignity and compassion. It’s a reminder that even in challenging times, hope is multiplied when we give from the heart.

During Safe Environment Week, we’re joined by Christine and Vince Larkin — two dedicated professionals who have spent their careers protecting children and the most vulnerable in our communities. With years of experience working at our local Child Advocacy Center, Christine serves as a facilitator for the Diocese of Syracuse’s Safe Environment program, while Vince brings years of experience from law enforcement. Together, they share how their Catholic faith has sustained them in the face of challenging work, their perspective on the Church’s commitment to protecting those entrusted to our care, and practical ways each of us can help build a culture of safety, compassion, and hope.

In this special Veterans Day episode, Father Zach Miller shares how his years in the military helped shape his vocation and deepened his faith. He reflects on what it means to bring Christ’s presence to those who serve, the parallels between military and spiritual service, and how we, as a Church, can honor and support our veterans year-round.

God calls each of us by name. During National Vocation Awareness Week, Father Jason Hage, Director of Vocation Promotion for the Diocese of Syracuse, joins us to reflect on how we can recognize and respond to God’s call in our lives. He shares how the call to vocation often begins within the family and how the diocese is fostering a culture of vocations through opportunities for parents, teens, and young adult men and women discerning where God may be leading them.

As Respect Life Month comes to a close and we prepare to celebrate All Souls Day, we’re reminded that our call to honor the dignity of life extends beyond this world. In this episode, Deacon Dean Brainard from the Diocesan Family/Respect Life Office joins us to share how the Church accompanies those who are grieving through its bereavement ministry. Together, we reflect on the hope and healing found in our faith, the comfort of community, and the promise of eternal life that gives meaning to our mourning.

This week, Dr. Paul Sansone, a Catholic physician specializing in palliative medicine, joins us to discuss the sacred call to care for those facing serious illness and the importance of upholding human dignity at every stage of life. He shares how faith guides his practice, the challenges of working within a secular medical culture, and the hope found in seeing each person as created in the image of God.

As we continue celebrating Respect Life Month, we’re joined by Chiara and Anthony from Generation Life, a dynamic movement of young people committed to building a culture of life through the Pro-Life and Chastity messages. During their visit to our Catholic high schools, they’ve inspired students to see that every life is created in the image of God, and that authentic love begins with living out the virtue of chastity. Listen as they share their experiences, stories from the road, and their hope for a generation rooted in truth, freedom, and faith. Learn more about Generation Life and their mission at www.generationlife.org.

In this episode, we sit down with Gina Kulak and Buddy O’Malley to talk about the vibrant Respect Life groups in our Catholic schools. From prayerful witness to creative projects and student-led initiatives, these groups are forming young leaders who are passionate about upholding the dignity of human life. Our guests share what first inspired them to be part of this ministry, how students take ownership of their groups, and the impact these efforts have had on their peers, schools, and wider communities.

As we enter into Respect Life Month, we sit down with Lisa Hall and Lucienne Henneberry to discuss Project Rachel, the Church’s ministry of post-abortion healing. Rooted in mercy and reconciliation, Project Rachel offers both spiritual and professional support to help women move from pain and alienation to peace and renewed faith. Lisa and Lucienne share how this ministry walks with those carrying this silent burden, the importance of collaboration between pastoral care and counseling, and the transformative power of forgiveness for those they serve.

In this episode of Catholic Conversations, we talk with A.J. LaPoint, Director of FrancisCorps, and Friar Nader Ata, OFM Conv., Chaplain, about the mission and impact of this unique young adult volunteer program. Rooted in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare, FrancisCorps invites young adults to live in intentional community, serve those in need, and grow in faith through spiritual formation. A.J. and Friar Nader share how the program transforms both volunteers and the communities they serve, their hopes for the future, and what living the Gospel through FrancisCorps means for the young adult missionaries. Learn more at franciscorps.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @FrancisCorps.

From the home to the parish, catechesis is the foundation of how our faith is passed on. In this episode, Andrea Slaven unpacks the meaning of catechesis, the importance of Catechetical Sunday, and how families and catechists are rising to today’s challenges with creativity and hope.

What does it mean to be a synodal Church? In this episode, Sister Katie Eiffe joins us to reflect on the Synod process in our diocese and beyond. She shares what we’ve learned through parish listening sessions, how those voices connect to the wider Church, and what the next steps look like as we move from listening to action in our local pastoral planning.

In this special Back to School episode of Catholic Conversations, we sit down with Rick Hensel, Principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, to talk about the excitement of a new school year and the unique mission of Catholic education. Rick shares what sets Catholic schools apart, the values and traditions that define the Notre Dame community, and how Catholic education helps prepare students to navigate today’s world with faith and confidence.

In this week’s episode, Sheila Austin joins us to share the powerful mission of Road to Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse, Inc, a volunteer-led outreach serving the poor and homeless in Syracuse. Through stories of compassion, dignity, and encounter, Sheila reveals how Chris is present on the streets of Syracuse, and how the road to Emmaus is closer than we think. Learn more about Emmaus Ministry and their work by visiting: emmausministry.org

This week, Fr. Gerry Waterman, Catholic Chaplain at Syracuse University, shares the heart of campus ministry — what it means to walk with college students in their faith journey, and how the chapel and new Catholic center are creating sacred space in the midst of campus life. Discover how faith is flourishing in unexpected places and how you can support this vital mission. Check them out on Instagram: @sucatholic

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Kevin Reimer, author of Second-Hand Saints, an inspiring collection of real-life stories that highlight the quiet heroism and deep faith of everyday Christians. Kevin shares what led to gathering these moving testimonies of suffering, grace, and transformation, and how these stories can help shape our own faith journey. Grab a copy of the book today on Amazon or direct from the publisher at wipfandstock.com.

In this special episode, Bishop Lucia reflects on his six years as shepherd of the Diocese of Syracuse. He shares the moments that have been most meaningful, the joys and challenges of episcopal ministry, how the Holy Spirit has guided him through difficult times, and how his role has deepened his understanding of being a pastor in today’s Church. Looking ahead, he also offers his hopes for the future of the diocese and the people he serves.

What does it look like to share your faith with confidence in everyday life? In this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Garn and Allison Bracht, facilitators of the Genesis Mission—a seven-week experiential journey that equips Catholics with the tools to accompany others, listen deeply, and share the Gospel with trust in the Holy Spirit. Discover how this relational approach to evangelization is transforming lives and helping everyday disciples grow in mission and confidence.

In this week's episode, Emily Long and Danielle Landers join us to share the story of Frassati Fellowship, a vibrant young adult group in the Diocese of Syracuse inspired by the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Discover how this community of 18 to 39-year-olds is building authentic Catholic friendships through weekly gatherings, prayer, service, and shared adventures. Whether you're new to the area, looking for community, or just want to grow in your faith, Emily and Danielle explain why Frassati is more than just a group—it's a spiritual family. Be sure to check them out on Instagram: @syracusefrassatifellowship

This week, Josie and Noah, two teens who attended Franciscan LEAD and the Steubenville Youth Conference, share how a week away from distractions (and their phones) helped them grow closer to Christ and one another. Inspired by this year's theme, "Consumed", they reflect on how God showed up in powerful ways, what it was like to disconnect from social media, and how they're working to stay rooted in their relationship with God and their communities back home.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tami Scott, editor of The Catholic Sun and the quarterly magazine SOLIS, for an inside look at the ministry of Catholic journalism. Tami shares what makes The Catholic Sun unique, what readers can expect to find in each issue, and the vision behind launching SOLIS. She also reflects on the joys and challenges of editing faith-based publications and highlights the many contributors—staff and community members—who help bring these stories to life. Tune in to discover how you can support and engage more deeply with diocesan media.

In this episode of Catholic Conversations, Joe Gill shares his experience serving as a missionary with Totus Tuus, a dynamic summer program for youth rooted in faith, fun, and authentic Catholic witness. Joe reflects on what drew him to the program, what he loved about working with children and teens, and the moments where he saw young people encounter Christ in meaningful ways. He also offers insight into what parents can expect—from daily structure and activities to the unique balance of joyful fun and spiritual depth. Whether you're a parent exploring summer faith opportunities or simply curious about how the Church is forming its youth, this conversation highlights the lasting impact of a week spent growing in faith.

In this episode, Father Chris Ballard joins us to share the story behind the Spirit of Hope Catholic Community. Father Chris reflects on the vision that inspired the transition, the practical steps their leadership took to build unity, and how the parish communities responded. He speaks honestly about what they have learned, the joys and surprises that emerged along the way, and offers thoughtful advice for other pastors and parishioners navigating similar changes. Whether you're in parish leadership or simply sitting in the pews, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and hope.

In this special belated Father’s Day episode, Father Dennis Walker, and his dad, Mark Walker, join us for a heartfelt conversation about family, faith, and vocation. They share what it was like to walk the path to priesthood together, how their relationship has grown since ordination, and the meaningful moments they’ve experienced along the way. It’s a touching reminder of the vital role family plays in every vocation, and the unique bond between a father and his “Father.”

What’s it like growing into young adulthood and a career in the Catholic Church—and doing both in the midst of today’s pop culture? In this episode, Kateri Lickona joins us to talk about navigating young adulthood while working for the Church, and how her faith continues to evolve in a media-saturated world. She shares what feels authentic, what falls flat, and why these matter to young Catholics trying to stay grounded in their faith.

In this special episode of Catholic Conversations, we sit down with Deacon John Brusa III and Deacon Joseph Ryan as they prepare for their upcoming ordination to the priesthood! They share personal stories from their journey of discernment, the joys and challenges of seminary formation, and what they're most looking forward to as they step into priestly ministry. Join us for an inspiring conversation about faith, vocations, and saying "yes" to God's call.

In this week's episode, we sit down with local funeral director Ryan Smith to explore how his Catholic faith shapes his vocation. Ryan shares what led him to this unique profession, how he sees his work as a ministry, and the deep meaning behind the Catholic Funeral Mass. We also discuss the Church's teaching on cremation and offer helpful advice for families planning a funeral that honors both their loved one and their faith.