Skip to content
Insights and Encounters podcast artwork

PODCAST · religion

Insights and Encounters

by About Faith Network

A podcast featuring the voices and stories of member agencies that form CCAT—Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. In this series of podcasts you will hear their origin stories, the challenges and opportunities that have inspired their growth and how each agency is looking into the future. For more information about CCAT, visit their website.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 12, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Shaping Hope: From Individual Suffering to Collective Responsibility in Care

    As Canada prepares to expand medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to include those suffering solely from mental illness, this final episode episode of the series explores some of the main themes and questions that have emerged over the first three conversations—questions about surrounding autonomy,...

  2. Embracing Compassion: Community Care and the Power of Presence

    In this episode, we catch up with Kathy Matusiak Costa, Executive Director of Compassionate Community Care, an organization dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and accompanying elderly, sick, disabled, and vulnerable individuals—especially those feeling isolated or facing end-of-life...

  3. Help Not Harm: Raising Awareness on Mental Illness and Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada

    As Canada considers expanding medical assistance in dying (MAID) to include those struggling solely with mental illness, we sit down with Neil MacCarthy, Director of Public Relations and Communication for the Archdiocese of Toronto to discuss pressing questions about autonomy, vulnerability, and...

  4. Life, Death, and Hope: Dr. Ramona Coelho on MAID and Community Solutions

    In today's episode of Living is When Dignity Meets Care, we're joined by Dr. Ramona Coelho, a family physician from London, Ontario, whose practice centers on patients living with disability, poverty, mental health challenges, and other forms of vulnerability. Dr. Coelho shares how her own biases...

  5. Encountering the Divine - Prayer, Reflection and Community in Modern Life

    In this final episode of the series, CCAT Executive Director, Agnes Thomas, sits down with Stephen Hurley to review what we've heard in this series. Drawing from the variety of perspectives brought by our series guests—from Ignatian spirituality to simple moments of gratitude and wonder—they...

  6. Ignatian Prayer in Modern Life - Fr. Joe Schner's Approach to Finding God Everywhere

    In this episode we catch up with Fr. Joe Schner, Jesuit priest and retired professor of psychology at Regis College, to explore Ignatian spirituality and the practice of finding God in all things. Fr. Joe Schner shares insights from his personal journey and decades of spiritual direction,...

  7. Finding Purpose: Karina’s Path from Foster Care to Prayerful Living

    In this episode of we welcome Karina Nytko, the 2024 recipient of the CCAT Father Paul Lennon/Doreen Cullen Social Work Scholarship, and a social work student at York University. Karina shares her powerful journey, reflecting on how finding faith and purpose radically changed her life—from…

    more
  8. From Silence to Song: Prayer and Community at Taizé

    In this episode we are joined by Brother Emile of the Taizé community in France. We explore the essence and experience of prayer, delving into the power of silence, the importance of community, and how faith traditions can shape personal spirituality. Brother Emile shares wisdom from his life in...

  9. Embracing Prayer and Tradition: Indigenous Spirituality and Catholic Faith

    In this episode, host Stephen Hurley welcomes Julia Kozak, a member of the Nisg'a Nation, artist, storyteller, and the first Indigenous person to design vestments for a pope. Julia Kozak shares her journey of weaving together her Catholic and Indigenous roots, reflecting on the importance of...

  10. Navigating Faith and Healing Through Prayer and Dreams

    In this episode we welcome the Reverend Dr. Glenn McCullough—an ordained Presbyterian minister, registered psychotherapist, and professor at Emmanuel and Knox Colleges in Toronto. We take a deep dive into the transformative power of prayer, exploring how contemplative practices and vivid dream...

  11. Making Space for Prayer in a Distracted World - with Sr. Sarah Rudolph CJ

    In this episode of Voices of Faith, we welcomes Sr. Sarah Rudolph for an enriching conversation about her journey to religious life, the power and practice of prayer, and the deep influence of Ignatian spirituality on her daily routine. Sr. Sarah Rudolph shares her personal story of discerning…

    more
  12. The Power of Listening, Presence, and Purpose in Service

    In the final episode of the "Guided by Faith, Leading with Grace" series, host Stephen Hurley welcomes back Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT). Together, they reflect on the lessons and insights gathered throughout the series on faith-based...

  13. Charity, Challenge, and Conviction: The Story of Dr. Andrew Simone

    In this episode host Stephen Hurley sits down with Dr. Andrew Simone to explore the transformative journey of faith, humility, and service. Dr. Simone shares the story of his early struggles with self-esteem, his awakening through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and the radical decision he and...

  14. Accompaniment and Humility: Leading with Grace in Healthcare

    In this episode of Guided by Faith, Leading with Grace we sit down with Fr. Dr. Matthew Durham, Executive Director of Hospice, Palliative Care, and Community Development at St. Elizabeth Health. Father Durham shares his personal journey to ministry, the formative experiences that shaped his...

  15. Creating Community: The Power of Faith in Restorative Justice

    In this episode of Guided by Faith, Leading with Grace host Stephen Hurley sits down with Reverend Jim Harbell, a United Church minister and one of the founding directors of Restorative Justice Housing Ontario (RJHO). Together, they explore Jim’s journey towards faith-based leadership, diving…

    more
  16. Joyful Leadership: Embracing Faith in Challenging Times

    In this episode of Guided By Faith, Leading With Grace, host Stephen Hurley sits down with Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA). Kerry shares her deeply personal journey of faith and leadership, rooted in a family legacy of service and philanthropy that spans...

  17. Everyday Encounters of Hope and Compassion in Challenging Times

    In this final episode of the series, we reconnect with Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Agnes reflects on the CCAT podcast series’ exploration of hope, especially during the jubilee year, and shares personal insights on what it means to be a...

  18. Hope in Action: Truth and Reconciliation with Father Trevor Scott and Noah McDonald

    In this episode, we speak with Father Trevor Scott, Executive Director of the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice and Noah McDonald, a member of the Michipicoten First Nation, a canon lawyer with the Archdiocese of Toronto, and PhD student in theology. Together, they explore what hope means...

  19. The Power of Presence- Sharing Hope at Good Shepherd Ministries

    In this episode, we speak with Brother Yvon Paquin, a Brother Priest with the Order of St. John of God, who serves as part of the pastoral team at Good Shepherd Ministries in Toronto. Brother Yvon and his team are dedicated to being present with the city’s homeless and most vulnerable, providing...

  20. From Despair to Action: Exploring Hope in Policy with Natalie Appleyard

    In this episode, we speak with Natalie Appleyard, the Socio-Economic Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice. Natalie shares insights from her work tackling issues such as poverty, climate justice, and refugee rights in Canada, and reflects on the transformative role hope…

    more
  21. The Question of Labour- Why Employment Alone Isn’t Enough to Escape Poverty with Natalie Appleyard

    In this episode, we speak with Natalie Appleyard, Public Justice Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). Natalie joins host Stephen Hurley to explore the complex question of labour and its intersection with poverty, affordability, and policy in Canada. The series, Political Action...

  22. The True Price of Climate Inaction: Insights and Pathways with Maryo Wahba

    In this episode, we speak with Maryo Wahba, Climate Justice Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). Drawing on global experience and local expertise, Maryo explores the intersection of climate action, social justice, and public policy in Canada, offering listeners actionable insight...

  23. How Faith and Policy Intersect- A Conversation with Natalie Appleyard

    In this episode, we speak with Natalie Appleyard, a socioeconomic policy analyst for Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). Natalie delves into the affordability crisis and CPJ’s efforts in advocating for systemic changes to alleviate poverty and increase social equity. The series, Political Action...

  24. Community and Hope- How St. Felix Centre Makes a Difference in Toronto

    In this episode, we speak with Brian Harris, the Executive Director of the St. Felix Centre in downtown Toronto. Brian shares insights into the organization's mission to offer compassionate care to some of the city's most marginalized communities. FInd out more about the St. Felix Centre:...

  25. Terry Smith - Just Socks Foundation

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of the newest CCAT Podcast Series, Hope in Action, where we explore inspiring stories of individuals leading with hope in their communities. In today's episode, host Stephen Hurley invites Terry Smith, the founder of the Just Socks Foundation, to share her...

  26. Understanding Compassion as a Thread to Transformation and Manifestation of Love

    In this episode, we speak with Agnes Thomas, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Agnes shares insightful reflections on the theme of compassion, illustrating how it serves as a powerful thread to transformation and the manifestation of love. Key Takeaways…

    more
  27. Bridging Past and Present- Graydon Nicholas on Indigenous Healing and Dialogue

    In this episode we speak with The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and, currently, the Chancellor of the University of St. Thomas. Graydon shares his profound journey and insights on Indigenous healing and…

    more
  28. Where is the Church? A Deacon's Walk Among Toronto's Most Vulnerable

    In this episode, we speak with Deacon Robert Kinghorn a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Deacon Kinghorn shares his journey into ministry and his compelling experiences walking among Toronto’s most vulnerable populations, demonstrating the essence of compassion in action. Key...

  29. Journey Home - From Service to Hospice through Trust and Dignity

    In this episode, we speak with Felicia Kontopidis, the Director of Care at Journey Home Hospice, a program of the St. Elizabeth Foundation. Felicia delves into the unique dynamics of providing compassionate, end-of-life care to individuals experiencing homelessness and structural vulnerability.…

    more
  30. Understanding Refugees- From Sponsorship to Friendship

    In this episode, we speak with Brian Joel, the Director of Brottier Refugee Services, a ministry of the Spiritans, along with Bob and Nancy McElhinney, dedicated volunteers who have worked closely with a refugee family as they learn English. Together, they shed light on the process of refugee...

  31. Honouring Uniqueness and Collective Growth- Nicholas Herd and John Guido's Journey in L'Arche

    In this episode, we speak with John Guido, a long-term leader within the L'Arche community, and Nicholas Herd, a passionate advocate and creative force at L'Arche. They share their experiences and insights into this vibrant and inclusive global community that celebrates people with and without...

  32. Exploring Catholic Social Teaching with CCAT's Executive Director Agnes Thomas

    In this episode, we speak with Dr. Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT). Dr. Thomas delves into her values-driven leadership, the historic roots of Catholic social teaching, and how these principles guide the work of CCAT and its member...

  33. Celebrating 130 Years- Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto with Priscilla Manful

    In this episode, we are joined by Priscilla Manful, Executive Director of Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto. Priscilla sheds light on the organization's rich history and unwavering commitment to serving children and families with compassion and care. Key Takeaways Shared Decision-Making…

    more
  34. The Legacy of Compassion at Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence with Pat Colucci

    In this episode, we speak with Pat Colucci, the Administrator of the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence, part of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Pat provides an insightful look into the history and ongoing mission of providing compassionate care to the most vulnerable…

    more
  35. St. Elizabeth Healthcare: A Century of Compassionate Community Care with Madonna Gallo

    In this episode we speak with Madonna Gallo, the Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Madonna highlights St. Elizabeth's historical roots and its ongoing mission to foster social change through healthcare services. Key Takeaways Origin and Mission of St....

  36. Leading the Compassionate Work of Catholic Family Services in Toronto with Brenda Spitzer

    In this episode we speak with Brenda Spitzer, Executive Director of Catholic Family Services of Toronto. Brenda shares the rich history and impactful work of the organization, which has been serving the community for over a century. 🔍 Three key takeaways from our conversation: Rooted in...

  37. Catholic Charities in a Changing World with Michael Fullan

    In part three of our conversation with former CCAT Executive Director, Michael Fullan, we discuss the challenges and evolution of charity work over the years, the power of collaboration among member agencies, calls for systemic change, and innovative approaches in the work of CCAT.. Our…

    more
  38. The Formative Years of Catholic Charities with Michael Fullan

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Michael Fullan, about the development of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto and its member agencies. We discuss the emergence of new social challenges in Toronto in the early 20th century, and how Catholic charities addressed these...

  39. Exploring the History and Legacy of Catholic Charities with Michael Fullan

    Join former CCAT executive director, Michael Fullan, as he takes us on a journey into the early days of Catholic Charities in the Archdioceses of Toronto. With a nod to history and a focus on the present, Fullan shares stories of compassion, community, and hope. Explore the origins of CCAT, the...

  40. EP 0 - At the Heart of Social Justice and Service — Our Journey Begins

    Join us as we begin a journey that a powerful vision for social justice and service, as expressed in the work of CCAT and it's member agenices. This inaugural episode sets the stage for future discussions on the pressing concerns and transformative practices aimed at promoting human dignity and...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

A podcast featuring the voices and stories of member agencies that form CCAT—Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. In this series of podcasts you will hear their origin stories, the challenges and opportunities that have inspired their growth and how each agency is looking into the future.

For more information about CCAT, visit their website.

HOSTED BY

About Faith Network

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Insights and Encounters have?

Insights and Encounters currently has 40 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Insights and Encounters about?

A podcast featuring the voices and stories of member agencies that form CCAT—Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. In this series of podcasts you will hear their origin stories, the challenges and opportunities that have inspired their growth and how each agency is looking into the...

How often does Insights and Encounters release new episodes?

Insights and Encounters has 40 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Insights and Encounters?

You can listen to Insights and Encounters on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Insights and Encounters?

Insights and Encounters is created and hosted by About Faith Network.
URL copied to clipboard!