With Mike Walsh out of town for the Catholic Media Conference, co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro take the Talking Catholic show on the road to visit with some of the Diocese of Camden’s seminarians! Father Joshua Nevitt, assistant director of vocations for the Diocese, and seminarians Michael Leason, Theodore Deluhery and Domenic DeStefano welcomed Jen and Mike to the former Saint Mary’s Convent in Cherry Hill. This is where the majority of the seminarians are living this summer, along with Fath...
Jun 30, 2025•55 min
“Our Lord is calling us to sanctify the ordinary tasks of every day, for the perfection of the Christian is to be found precisely there.” In today's episode of Talking Catholic, Laurie and Pete explore the life of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei and “the saint of ordinary life.” From humble beginnings in Spain to the worldwide spread of Opus Dei, learn how he spent his life witnessing to the idea that every person, in every walk of life, is called to be a saint. Listen to Talking Sain...
Jun 26, 2025•21 min
In this week’s Talking Catholic episode, cohosts Marianela Núñez and Mike Bress sit down with two beloved Catholic school principals retiring after decades of faithful service: Patti Paulsen of Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury and Deacon Joseph Rafferty of St. Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights. With warmth, humor, and deep sincerity, Patti and Deacon Joe reflect on the joys and challenges of Catholic school leadership, including navigating the pandemic, nurturing school communities ro...
Jun 23, 2025•56 min
We’ve had hostful episodes. We’ve even had guestful ones. But this week? It’s a priestful one! In this episode of Talking Catholic , hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro — joined by their occasional frienemy, Donna Ottaviano-Britt — sit down with five priests of the Diocese of Camden to talk about a unique leadership development program designed specifically for clergy. Priests both seasoned and new-ish share how a recently developed program for clergy is helping them grow as leaders, deepen their voc...
Jun 16, 2025•55 min
After several weeks on the road, our Talking Catholic hosts finally found themselves in the same place at the same time — and then hit record. In this fast-paced (and blessedly brief) episode, Mike (Greg) Bress, Jen Mauro, Pete Sanchez, and Mike Walsh catch up on a few diocesan moments: a recent retirement, upcoming events we’re looking forward to, and highlights from this year’s Catholic high school graduations. Join us for some laughs, reflections, and the usual mix of wit and wisdom(?). Learn...
Jun 09, 2025•34 min
The ability to choose where your child is educated — commonly known as school choice — has long been a hot-button issue at the state level. But with a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving a virtual Catholic school in Oklahoma and the introduction of the Educational Choice for Children Act in the U.S. Senate, the debate has a revived national focus. In this week’s episode, cohosts Mike Walsh and Mike Bress (yes, we know — double the Mikes, double the confusion) sit down with the Diocese of Ca...
Jun 02, 2025•55 min
This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and we’re kicking things off with a delicious new installment of our Faith & Food series! Join hosts Kari and Mike — along with special guest Father Peter Gallagher — as they sit down with Johnna Averona, of the beloved Woodbury Station Café, nestled in a beautifully restored 140+ year-old train station in the heart of downtown Woodbury, NJ. Johnna, from a lifelong South Jersey restauranteur family, shares how her deep faith and passion for ...
May 26, 2025•56 min
“In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory." In this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie dive into the inspiring life of St. Bernardine of Siena—a Franciscan preacher and fearless evangelist known as the “Apostle of Italy.” Discover how his love for the Holy Name of Jesus, deep humility, and boundless energy helped revive the Catholic faith across 15th-century Italy. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be ...
May 20, 2025•18 min
This week on Talking Catholic , we sit down with Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of South Jersey , to reflect on her first year leading the organization. Dr. Hallion offers insight into what’s new and what’s next for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Camden — from strengthening volunteer outreach and internship opportunities to improving internal communications and expanding essential services. In this candid conversation, we talk about the behind-the-scenes ...
May 19, 2025•55 min
No, you’re not hearing a rerun — Fr. Josh Nevitt is back with us! But this time, he’s not here to talk about Pope Francis or Pope Leo XIII. Instead, we’re diving into his day job as Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden. With an ordination to the transitional diaconate and two priesthood ordinations happening in South Jersey over the next two weekends, there’s no better time to talk vocations. Fr. Nevitt offers insightful and practical wisdom on how vocations are nurtured, th...
May 12, 2025•56 min
Habemus Papam! We have a pope! It’s a breaking news Talking Catholic episode, as Father Joshua Nevitt, associate director of vocations, joins Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to discuss Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, being elected pope. Father Nevitt talks about the new pope’s name, Pope Leo XIV, his “urbi et orbi” blessing, background as an Augustinian missionary and more. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic . And, catch ...
May 08, 2025•20 min
In this week’s episode of Talking Catholic , cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome Dr. Lee DelleMonache, Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Camden, and Kathy O’Callaghan, Principal of St. Peter School in Merchantville. Together, they explore how Catholic identity is being renewed and strengthened in South Jersey Catholic schools. The conversation centers on the “Required, Inspired, and Desired” framework—an innovative model developed by the Office of Catholic Education t...
May 05, 2025•56 min
With the passing of Pope Francis, the world now turns its attention to two of the most extraordinary events in both religious and secular history: a papal funeral and a conclave. To help us better understand these deeply significant moments, we're joined by Father Josh Nevitt, Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden, who has been preparing to provide on-air analysis for Fox 29 Philadelphia. In this episode, Father Nevitt offers a thoughtful reflection on the funeral rites for P...
Apr 28, 2025•56 min
In this heartfelt episode of Talking Catholic , we shine a spotlight on Joe & Jackie Kern, a devoted couple whose unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church has touched countless lives at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Williamstown, NJ. For more than three decades, Joe & Jackie have exemplified the spirit of volunteerism, dedicating their time and talents to various ministries and parish activities. From organizing community events to mentoring youth, their selfless service has been a cor...
Apr 20, 2025•56 min
It’s Holy Week, and to help us enter more deeply into this sacred time, we’re joined by a beloved voice from the Catholic Star Herald —columnist Father Edward Kolla, retired priest of the Diocese of Camden. In this special episode, Father Kolla offers a thoughtful reflection on the solemn days of Holy Week and the profound spiritual beauty they hold. He shares why participating in these liturgies—from Palm Sunday through the Easter Vigil—can enhance our celebration of the Resurrection and refres...
Apr 14, 2025•56 min
There are great professionals. There are great Catholic professionals. And then there’s Stacy Napolitano —a powerhouse in Catholic fundraising and the Director of Development for the Diocese of Camden. Stacy has built a top-tier team that drives the success of critical ministries and services at both the diocesan and parish levels. Known for her warmth, energy, and visionary leadership, Stacy has spearheaded major campaigns like the South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal and the Spring Sprint f...
Apr 07, 2025•55 min
This week on Talking Catholic , cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress sit down with Brendan Schneider—author, blogger, podcaster, and nationally recognized marketing consultant—to explore the evolving world of school marketing and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the field. With nearly three decades of experience in school marketing and admissions, Brendan shares valuable insights on what makes a great school marketer, why online reviews matter more than ever, and how schools...
Mar 31, 2025•56 min
Behind Every Thriving Catholic School Is a Passionate Advancement Director. Catholic school advancement directors are the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to ensure our schools stay strong, vibrant, and accessible. They juggle multiple roles—communicators, fundraisers, enrollment managers—and wear more hats than most people realize. In this episode of Talking Catholic , co-hosts Marianela Núñez and Mike Bress sit down with Marcie Voight, longtime advancement director at Guardian Angels Re...
Mar 24, 2025•56 min
Parish Mission Season is Here! Lent is a time for renewal, reflection, and deepening our Catholic faith. One of the first parish missions of the season kicked off last week at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Somers Point , led by Donna Ottaviano-Britt , Director of the Office of Discipleship and Leadership for the Diocese of Camden. She joins us this week to chat about her two-night presentation, “Living in the Apostolic Age: My Life as Messenger,” which challenged attendees to explore the intersection...
Mar 17, 2025•56 min
We’re bringing back two fan favorites this week—Nicole Keefer, Executive Director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, and Christine Willard, Manager of Parish-Based Senior Programs. These passionate leaders join Jen and Mike for an insightful discussion on upcoming VITALity initiatives designed to support seniors and caregivers in South Jersey. Nicole and Christine highlight key events, including the Caregiving for Parents with Dementia presentation ( learn more ) and the annual Way of Sai...
Mar 10, 2025•56 min
Kari’s back! Kicking off her first recording of 2025, she returns just in time for Lent—a season that brings with it the cherished tradition of retreats. This week, she and Mike are recording from Rowan University’s Newman House, joined by E-Board members and recent Fall retreat leaders: Donovan Kenny, President of Rowan Catholic, and Stephen McClain, Treasurer of Rowan Catholic. Together, Kari, Donovan, and Stephen dive into what goes into planning a retreat, the benefits for both the hosts and...
Mar 03, 2025•55 min
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....
Feb 24, 2025•55 min
It has been said of St. Peter Damian that "his genius was to exhort and impel to the heroic...an extraordinary force burns in all that he wrote." Join Pete and Laurie as they explore the life of this 11th century Benedictine monk, bishop and reformer, who left his monastery to lead much needed renewal in the Church. Saint Peter Damian, pray for us! Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be found and on the Talking Catholic website https://talking.cath...
Feb 21, 2025•19 min
Join us for a love-filled episode this week (except for any time when Mike Walsh spoke) as we celebrate National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 9)! Both are opportunities to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme is "Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!" Jen Mauro brought on one of her favorite couples, Joe Britt and Donna Ottaviano-Britt, to r...
Feb 10, 2025•55 min
Each May, the Office of Catholic Education hosts the elementary and high school principals from across the Diocese of Camden for a special event to celebrate the end of another successful school year. As part of the event, the team invites guest speakers to talk with the principals and offer insights and motivation to bring back to their faculties. For the 2024 meeting, Tom Burgoyne and Evan Marcus, motivational speakers and authors of the book Pheel the Love , were invited to speak, along with ...
Feb 03, 2025•55 min
Catholic Schools Week is celebrated around the country this week, giving communities the opportunity to share what makes Catholic education and their school truly a gift of a lifetime! To help honor the week, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Michael Bress were joined by three guests who balance being a parent and Catholic school employee. Ana Caria, Advance Director at Resurrection Catholic School; Kate Bieg, Senior Director of Marketing at Camden Catholic High School; and Megan Lafferty, Advance Dir...
Jan 27, 2025•56 min
"Be who you are and be that well." On today's feast of Saint Francis de Sales, Talking Saints hosts, Pete Sanchez and Laurie Power, uncover the life of this 16th century bishop and doctor of the Church, who was known for his gentle way and wise spiritual counsel. By his writing and witness, Saint Francis helped those in all walks of life understand and live God's universal call to holiness. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be found and on the Ta...
Jan 24, 2025•26 min
The Diocese of Camden’s Director of the Office of Life & Justice, Mike Sims, Th.D., joins us this week to chat about a number of social justice activities that are soon approaching in 2025, including several pro-life events, immigration reform activities, and opportunities for spiritual enrichment. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic , or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio ( https://domesticchurchmedia.o...
Jan 20, 2025•56 min•Ep. 416
The Catholic Church is celebrating some milestones in 2025 – starting with the Jubilee Year, which has begun in the Diocese of Camden and across the world! This week, Father Joseph Wallace visits with Talking Catholic cohosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to discuss the history of Jubilee Years, their purpose and how they have evolved over time. Father Wallace, diocesan director of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs and pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish in Atco, also takes listeners on a fasci...
Jan 12, 2025•55 min•Ep. 415
We’re kicking off 2025 with a special co-host and four inspiring guests who left a lasting impression on Mike in 2024. Joining us as co-host is Jennifer Dyer, past guest and Catholic Charities USA’s Director for Capacity Building in Disaster Operations. Jennifer’s expertise adds depth to our conversation with four extraordinary case managers—Katie Otterlei, Abby Mebrahtu, Roxanne Giron, and Makayla Berlier—of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS). These dedicated professionals have bee...
Jan 06, 2025•56 min•Ep. 414
