The Catholic Echo Podcast

Episode 115: Women of Faith in the Diocese of Youngstown On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with new Diocesan Pastoral Associate Erica Galvin on her new role at Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Boardman. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 114: Voice of Hope and Eagle of the Cross Award Winners 2026  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with Eagle of the Cross Award winner Very Rev. William Kraynak, and Terence Guerriero, on behalf of the Knights of Columbus Ashtabula Council #360. Dennis will also interview one of the winners of the annual student Eagle of the Cross Award.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 113: Saint Rose K-8 Middle School Esports Program:  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with Saint Rose Catholic School in Girard Principal Anthony Catale, and Esports instructors Evan Davis and Michael Corso about their new program, competition and plans for a future gaming facility. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 112  We get Bishop David J. Bonnar’s Easter Message On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with Bishop David J. Bonnar on the Easter season and his message for the Diocese of Youngstown.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 111  We learn the history of St. Philip Neri Church in Dungannon. On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with Joan Lawson and Dr. Kelly Darney on the history of St. Philip Neri Church in Dungannon.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 110  Meet our two new Permanent Deacons in the Diocese of Youngstown On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with Deacon Richard Hull and Deacon Matthew Richards on their recent Ordination to the Diaconate.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 109: Diocesan Director of Extern Priests and Rogationist Fathers On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with the Diocesan Director of Extern Priests Father Benson Okpara and Rogationist Priests Father. Bryan Tutas, RCJ and Father Silvestre Robinol, RCJ, parochial vicars of Guardian Angels Parish in Canton. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 108:  Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with Fr. Frassati Davis OP and Fr. Charles Rooney OP from St. Dominic Parish on Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 107: Three Principles of Catholic Social Teachings, Part III: Subsidiarity On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with the Diocesan Director of Peace and Justice R.J. Mangan in part three of a three part series on the Principles of Catholic Social Teachings. This episode focuses on Subsidiarity. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 106: Three Principles of Catholic Social Teachings, Part II: Solidarity On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with the Diocesan Director of Peace and Justice R.J. Mangan in part two of a three part series on the Principles of Catholic Social Teachings. This episode focuses on Solidarity. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 105: Three Principles of Catholic Social Teachings, Part I: Human Dignity On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano speaks with the Diocesan Director of Peace and Justice R.J. Mangan in part one of a three part series on the Principles of Catholic Social Teachings. This episode focuses on Human Dignity. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 104: Year in Review Episode  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Bishop David J. Bonnar on his top five stories of the year. He will also speak with the Diocesan Communications team who discuss their favorite moments and top stories from 2025. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 103: Christmas Episode  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Bishop David J. Bonnar, who reflects upon the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, his pilgrimage to Rome and gives his Christmas message to parishioners of the Diocese of Youngstown. Bishop Bonnar also touches on U.S. Bishops approving the consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2026.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 102: Recap of the Community Day of Hope On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Catholic Charities Director Rachel Hrbolich, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Pastor Father Christopher Cicero and others. It serves as a recap for the first annual Day of Hope Event, which took place November 15.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 101: St. Joseph Maximo 175th anniversary and Archives Center Update On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Andrew Conrad, a parishioner and historian at Saint Joseph Maximo Church on the parish’s 175th Anniversary. The Diocesan Chancellor Joan Lawson will also speak on the progress of the All Saints Diocesan Archives Center on the property of the former Saints Cyril and Methodius Church.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 100: How do you pray the rosary  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Sister Martha Reed on the history of the rosary and how you pray the rosary.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 99: Spanish Ministry in the Diocese of Youngstown On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Paulina Montaldo on her career and her new project SOMOS.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 98: Vocations Month, Part II  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Sister Regina Rogers, Father Matt Roehrig, Parochial Vicar of Saint Paul Monastery and Diocesan Pastoral Associate Deacon Greg Wood. This is the second part of a two part series on Vocations Month.   Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.  

Episode 97: Vocations Month, Part I On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano talks with Bishop David Bonnar, Seminarian Daniel LaPolla, Father Frassati Davis, pastor of Saint Dominic Parish and Deacon William Bancroft, Diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate. This is part one of a two part series.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.  

Episode 96: An in depth look at The Most Holy Trinity and remembering Father David Bridling.  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano interviews John Charlillo on his film documentary on the Most Holy Trinity as well as remembering one of the contributors Father David Bridling. Our guest is John Charlillo from the Bach Project.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 95: Find out what the Buzz is about in The Diocese of Youngstown.  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano checks out Glory Bee Ministry, a faith based community committed to the love of nature in Portage County. Our guest is Aimee Crane from Glory Bee Ministry.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 94: A discussion on church music with Ralph Holtzhauser, Part III.  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Collin Vogt concludes his interview with the Diocesan Director of Music and Cathedral Musician Ralph Holtzhauser. This is part three of a three part series. Our guest is Ralph Holtzhauser from Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 93: How is the Diocese of Youngstown helping local farmers?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano explores how the Diocese of Youngstown is helping local farmers by restarting the Office of Rural Life and Ministry. Our guests are Father Thomas Dyer, Office of Rural Life and Ministry and Kristy Pero, owner of Pero Dairy Farm.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 92: A discussion on church music with Ralph Holtzhauser, Part II.  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Collin Vogt continues his interview with the Diocesan Director of Music and Cathedral Musician Ralph Holtzhauser. This is part two of a three part series. Our guest is Ralph Holtzhauser from Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown.    Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 91: March of the Eucharist update publication  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Collin Vogt gives us an update on the upcoming release of the “March of the Eucharist” magazine publication. Our guest is Father John-Michael Lavelle, the Diocese Vicar for Missionary Discipleship.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 90: The Diocese of Youngstown catches up with our diocese representative with special assignments, Sister Joyce Candidi and Father Shawn Conoboy   On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano chats with the general counselor of female religious and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Our guests include Sister Joyce Candidi and Father Shawn Conoboy.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 89: How do you recognize a Deacon and what is proper etiquette during a funeral?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano explores how you recognize a Deacon and what the proper etiquette is during a funeral with Deacon Sylvester Frazzini and Deacon William Bancroft. Our guests are Deacon Sylvester Frazzini & Deacon William Bancroft, Permanent Deacons at Saint Columba Cathedral Parish in Youngstown.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 88: A discussion on church music with Ralph Holtzhauser, Part I.  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Collin Vogt talks with the Diocesan Director of Music and Cathedral Musician Ralph Holtzhauser. This is part one of a three part series. Our guest is Ralph Holtzhauser from Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown.    Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 87: The Diocese is preparing for the 3rd Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic. On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano checks out preparations for the 3rd Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic. Our guests include Bishop David Bonnar and Father William Wainio. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 86 What is happening at the Catholic Media Conference?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Denis Biviano gives us an update on the upcoming Catholic Media Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.  Our guests include CMA Executive Director Rob DeFrancesco and Diocesan staff Meagan Farrell and Katie Wagner.

Episode 85: The Diocese of Youngstown celebrates Priest Retirements.  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano chats with three Diocesan priests who are retiring in July. Our guests include Msgr. Michael Cariglio, Father Stephen Wassie and Father David Merzweiler. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 84: What have we learned from Archbishop Fulton Sheen?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Dennis Biviano explores the teachings of Archbishop Fulton Sheen with Father Jim Korda and Diocesan Chancellor and Archivist Joan Lawson’ Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 83: Where are some Parish Festivals this summer?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Collin Vogt checks out some Parish festivals in the Diocese of Youngstown this summer. Our guests include Debbie Kruis from St. Joseph in Mantua and Scott Schulick from The Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel     Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 82  What is the “Care for Creation” Action Plan  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal we’re talking about the newly released “Care for Creation” Action Plan. Our Catholic faith teaches that we are to respect our environment and care for God’s creation. The action plan is based on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (2015) and Laudate Deum (2023). Our guests include Bishop David J. Bonnar and Diocese of Youngstown Director of Peace and Justice, RJ Mangan.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 81: The Ordination of Travis Seagraves  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, we’re talking about the upcoming ordination of Deacon Travis Seagraves. Deacon Seagraves is the only priest to be ordained in the Diocese of Youngstown in 2025. He has spent the past year as a Transitional Deacon at Mount Carmel Church of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Ashtabula. Our guests include Deacon Travis Seagraves and his mentor, Father Raymond Thomas, who retired in 2024 after 52 years as a priest.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 80: How are Catholic Schools using media and podcasting platforms?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, Collin Vogt speaks with Superintendent of Catholic Schools Steven Jones as well as former journalist and diocesan translator Paulina Montaldo.  Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 79: The Diocese of Youngstown Remembers Monsignor James Kolp  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal, we’re talking about the memory and legacy of Monsignor James Kolp, who passed away on February 6 at 99 years old. Kolp spent nearly 75 years as a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Our guests include Father Jim Korda and Auxiliary Bishop Neal Buckon from the Archdiocese for the Military Services.   Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 78  Who are the winners of the Voice of Hope, Eagle of the Cross and Golden Apple Awards? On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking with The various recipients of the The Voice of Hope, Golden Apple, and Eagle of the Cross Awards. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 77  What is the importance of Easter Sunday?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about Easter Sunday with Bishop David Bonnar and Father Will Wainio. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 76 How does the Diocese of Youngstown celebrate Chrism Mass and Holy Week?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown,  brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about Chrism Mass and Holy Week with Father Michael Balash. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 75  What has changed in 20 years of the Catholic Church since Pope John Paul II death?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about  Pope John Paul II and Bishop Elect John Keehner with Father John-Michael Lavelle, Father Jim Korda and Bishop Elect John Keehner. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 74  How does the Diocese of Youngstown celebrate Jubilee Celebrations for Vowed Religious?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking  about Jubilee Celebrations with Bishop David Bonnar, Sr. Martha Cadden, CDS and Sr. Jane Fulton, CDS. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 73  What is the importance of The Annual Diocesan Appeal? On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking  about The Annual Diocesan Appeal with Father John-Michael Lavelle and Michael Houy. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 72 What is the importance of The Light is on For You?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about The Light is on For You with Bishop David Bonnar, Father Chad Johnson and Karen Nelsen. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 71 How does the Diocese of Youngstown celebrate Catholic Sisters Week?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown,  brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about Catholic Sisters Week with Sr. Karen Lindenberger, Sr. Ellen Marie Schlueter and Sr. Martha Reed. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 70  Where can we find Parish Fish Fries and Lenten programming?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about Parish Fish Fries and Lenten programming with ChoirBishop Anthony Spinosa and Gloria Stack. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 69  What is the history of Stained Glass Windows in the Catholic Church? On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking  about Stained Glass Windows in the Catholic Church with Father John-Michael Lavelle, Joan Lawson and Michael Irwin.

Episode 68 What is the importance of Catholic Charities Month?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about Catholic Charities Month with Rachel Hrbolich. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 67 How does the Diocese of Youngstown celebrate National Marriage Week?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown,  brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about  National Marriage Week with Father John Sheridan, Miros and Theresa Maszczak, Madeleine Francisco and Hannah Shaw. Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.

Episode 66  Who or what can be blessed in the Catholic Church?  On this episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast from the Diocese of Youngstown, brought to you by the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Cumulus Radio Youngstown, we’re talking about Who or what can be blessed in the Catholic Church? With Father John-Michael Lavelle, Meagen Farrell and Deacon Syl Frazzini    Find more about this episode’s topic, including articles from The Catholic Echo, at www.catholicecho.org/podcast/.