Retreats are an ancient practice for Catholics to get away from the day-to-day life and allow God to work in their hearts in a deeply intimate way. Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center and Campus Minister for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. Whether one goes on a day retreat or a weeklong silent retreat, retreats are a means to grow closer to Christ and to reinvigorate one’s...
May 09, 2025•38 min•Ep. 131
In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, William Tishuk, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, STD, Associate Professor of Practice at the Catholic University of America, to discuss the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope , 2025. The Church has an excellent opportunity to strengthen its hope in the Lord as we prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Year whose theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Pope Francis has invited the Church to prepare for this time of Jubilee with a Year of Prayer. Pr...
Apr 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 130
In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Krissy Pierno and Kate Fowler to discuss their experiences when bringing their families to Mass. Parents with young children understand how getting to Mass and getting through Mass can offer specific challenges. Kate and Krissy offer tips and advice for why bringing children to Mass is so important and how you can make the experience more manageable and more engaging for the children. Bringing...
Apr 11, 2025•43 min•Ep. 130
In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Deacon Mark Krejci of the Diocese of Crookston to discuss the third year of the Eucharistic Revival, Year of Mission. This is an exciting new season of the Revival movement . The Holy Spirit has enkindled a missionary fire in the heart of our nation, and now he is sending out every member of the Church to spread the Good News—sharing the gift of our Eucharistic Lord with those on the m...
Mar 28, 2025•28 min•Ep. 129
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Christian Bordak-Roseman, a high school theology teacher from the Washington, D.C. area, to discuss his experience accompanying students through high school. High school is a pivotal time in a person’s life. Students face a lot of pressures from academic success to extracurricular success. Knowing the fundamentals of accompaniment can aid students navigate their high school careers an...
Mar 14, 2025•41 min•Ep. 128
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Monica Thom Konschnik, Management Consultant for the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss hospitality practices at parishes. Catholic hospitality is a virtue and a gift that involves welcoming others and serving them in the name of Christ. It's a way to share the gospel, and is considered a hallmark of Christian stewardship. Some ideas to show hospitality to other at the parish: 1) ...
Feb 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 127
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Meghan Abando, Coordinator of Events and Special Programs, to discuss her experience of living the faith and evangelizing on secular college campuses. College is a pivotal time in a young adult’s life. Often times, this is the first time a person is out of the house on their own. Students look for moments of encounter with Jesus through faith based events and Sacraments available to t...
Feb 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 126
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the Catholic Feast Days app, the latest app from the Catholic Apostolate Center. Download the app on the App Store or on the Google Play Store to receive notifications and explore new saints. The app features profiles of saints and blesseds , special devotions in the church including Marian devotions,...
Jan 31, 2025•22 min•Ep. 125
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss their experiences preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage and the importance it has to build a fruitful lifetime for the couple. Because Christian marriage is a sacrament, the Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared. Dioceses and parishes offer marriage preparation to help couples develop a better understanding of the sacrament; to evaluate and deepen their readiness to live marri...
Jan 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 124
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the connection between athletics and our faith. The connection between athletics / sport and faith has been made at least since the first century where St. Paul repeatedly compares our spiritual lives to races and athleticism. They both require discipline and perseverance through challenging moments. ...
Jan 03, 2025•22 min•Ep. 123
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Pedro Camilo Simoes, S.A.C. to discuss his book, Divine Threads, and how God has been quietly present throughout his life. Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings is the life story of Father Pedro Camilo Simoes, SAC. Father Camilo, as he is best known, grew up in the Indian state of Goa. At a very young age, he responded to the call to become a priest. At that time, he w...
Dec 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 122
In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Center colleague Sarah Harrigan, Manager of Communications and Special Programs, to discuss the connections between the Thanksgiving holiday and our call to be in thanksgiving in and through the Faith. Click here to access the Center’s prayer resource page . Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify On Mission is produce...
Dec 06, 2024•28 min•Ep. 117
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Joe Basalla to discuss who the Twelve Apostles were, the role they served, and their memory in today’s church. The twelve apostles are Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddeus, Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (who betrayed Jesus and Matthias replaced him). After Jesus’ Ascension, these men became the first bisho...
Nov 22, 2024•32 min•Ep. 121
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the lives and witness of young saints like Bl. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasatti, and Bl. Chiara Badano. Title: On Mission 120: Young Saints Description: In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Cente...
Nov 08, 2024•36 min•Ep. 120
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the home of Catholic Apostolate Center: Green Hill. Green Hill has a storied history dating back to before the American Revolution with a land grant from King George III. Since then, the property passed through families and is now home to the Pallottine Seminary and the Catholic Apostolate Center. Green Hill is available for day programming by Catholic entities and organizations. Located in...
Oct 25, 2024•23 min•Ep. 119
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess, Resource Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, discuss Hispanic and Latino Spirituality in the Catholic Church. Fatima demonstrates how the culture and spirituality of Hispanic/Latino populations contributes to the welfare of the Universal Church. She also discusses some best practices for ministering to this community that has many different cultur...
Oct 11, 2024•29 min•Ep. 118
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, founded St. Vincent Pallotti. Founded by St. Vincent Pallotti , the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers seek to revive faith and rekindle charity in the hearts of all members of the faithful. Pallottines minister wherever the Church is in need and can be found in parishes, schools, universities, missions, and other Cat...
Sep 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 117
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, Jonathan Sitko, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the history of the Union of Catholic Apostolate , founded by St. Vincent Pallotti. St. Vincent Pallotti’s foundation had a very remarkable history. Having all people united as apostles of Christ was the dream of St. Vincent Pallotti and from the beginning this group took on a new form of an “Association” and immediately in 1835 it received the approval of the competent eccle...
Sep 06, 2024•28 min•Ep. 116
Related Episodes: Year of Prayer The Rosary Spiritual Growth During Collegiate Years Spirituality and Prayer Through Religious Charism Resources: Prayer and Catechesis Resources Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center . Follow the Center on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts . Listen to ...
Aug 26, 2024•25 min•Ep. 115
In this episode of On Mission , Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Ryan Corey and John Cardillo, Summer Associates at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss their experiences living in a faith community while ministering to peers at The Catholic University of America. At Catholic University , students have the opportunity to engage in ministry, serving their peers. Through this program, student ministers live in community with one another. Student Ministry aim...
Aug 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 114
In this episode of On Mission, Dr. Kristin Witte joins Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss why and how to talk to children about suffering and loss in life. The National Alliance on Mental Illness' resources can be accessed by clicking here . The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 24/7 and it's toll-free and can be called at 1-800-273-8255 or resources can be accessed online here . Click here to access the Center's Self-Care for Ministry Resources. Follow us: The Catholic Ap...
Jul 26, 2024•46 min•Ep. 71
In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Vocation to the married life and the Sacrament of Marriage , one of the seven sacraments, and how it is a spiritual and physical bond between the man and wife where the two become one flesh for the good of the couple and the procreation of children. They discuss in this episode the sacramental grace available to couples to draw from over the course of their marriage and the indissoluble nature of m...
Jul 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 97
In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Harrigan, Monica Thom Konschnik, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., discuss various types of priestly ministry and the distinction between diocesan priests and religious priests. Most people may be familiar with the ministries and role of the parish priest. There are also priests who are not directly associated with parishes. Some may be part of a religious community, although religious communties adminster parishes as well. Sometimes priests have mi...
Jun 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 113
In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Harrigan, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Jonathan Harrison, Program Associate at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the life and witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Bl. Carlo Acutis was 15 years old when he died of leukemia in a hospital in Monza, Italy in 2006. Carlo is remembered as a normal, joyful teenager who strived to be the best version of himself, living the ordinary in an extraordinary way. Carlo was generous to the p...
Jun 14, 2024•28 min•Ep. 112
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Theological Virtues—Faith, Hope, and Charity—and how they contribute to a virtuous life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available for reference on the Catholic Apostolate Center website . Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify On Mission is produced by ...
May 31, 2024•34 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Cardinal Virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—and how one can lead a virtuous life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available for reference on the Catholic Apostolate Center website. Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify On Mission is pr...
May 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 59
In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies at the Catholic University of America, to discuss the Year of Prayer proclaimed by Pope Francis for 2024 ahead of the Year of Jubilee in 2025. In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year 'Pilgrims of Hope', 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and this presents us w...
May 03, 2024•32 min•Ep. 111
In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Fr. Conrad Murphy, Chaplain at the University of Maryland Catholic Student Center and host of the Habemus Papam podcast, to discuss the history and role of the pope from St. Peter to Pope Francis. The Papacy, established by Christ when he declared to St. Peter: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:...
Apr 19, 2024•32 min•Ep. 110
In this episode of On Mission, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and special guest, Joseph Basalla, as they discuss the history of liturgical vestments and the evolution of the garments worn by priests and deacons. In the liturgical calendar, the color for each day corresponds to that day's main liturgical celebration, even though Optional Memorials (perhaps with a different color) might be chosen instead. The four main colors shown are: White – Christmas Time and Easter Time; ...
Apr 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Jim Sabak, O.F.M., Director of Worship for the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, to discuss the Easter Vigil Liturgy, the Vigil's symbolism, and Easter traditions. The rubrics of the Missale Romanum remind us that this "mother of all vigils " is the "greatest and most noble of all solemnities and it is to be unique in every single Church" ( Missale Romanum , "Rubrics for the Easter Vigil" (E...
Mar 22, 2024•51 min•Ep. 64
