Extracurricular activities like sports, theater, and clubs are essential part of the Catholic school experience. These teams and clubs help build students into good leaders, employees, team members and faithful Catholics. This is especially true when the school has the right program to build these future leaders. This week, host Marianela Nunez and co-host Mike Bress explore this topic with two local administrators who have implemented such a program at their school. Sr. Marianne McCann, former ...
Jun 11, 2023•56 min
On Corpus Christi Sunday, June 11, the Parish Phase of the National Eucharistic Revival will begin. After a year of diocesan-wide events, it’s now time for the parishes to facilitate the message of the revival for the faithful throughout this next year. To give us an idea of what parishes are doing, we brought Donna Ottaviano-Britt, Diocese of Camden Secretary for Pastoral Outreach; Father Vincent Guest, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Camden; and Deacon Bob Dooley from Saint Brendan the Naviga...
Jun 05, 2023•55 min
One of the keys to any thriving Catholic church or community is fellowship, which can take a myriad of forms. During spring in South Jersey, it takes the form of a diocesan co-ed softball league. The decade old league currently boasts teams from 8 parishes in the region (and is always open to adding more), it brings together young and old alike, oftentimes from within families. Today Kari and Mike sit down with family members from two teams, Saint Charles’ Shaun Walsh, Sr. and Shaun Walsh, Jr., ...
May 28, 2023•56 min
Hosts Jen Mauro and Michael Bress focus on the South Jersey Scholarship Fund with board vice-president Christine Messina and Stacy Napolitano, Associate Director of Major Gifts and Stewardship for the Office of Development for the Diocese of Camden. The group discuss the details of the scholarship fund, its benefits to South Jersey Catholic Schools, and the importance of Catholic education in general. The conversation also takes a thoughtful journey through Christine’s family history, its impact...
May 22, 2023•55 min
This week, in anticipation of World Communications Day on Sunday, May 21, we’ve gathered some of the most notable Catholic communicators in New jersey for this podcast. Joining Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh are: Maria Margiotta, Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Newark Jai Agnish, Director of Communications, Diocese of Paterson, Editor of the Beacon Newspaper Gerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations, Diocese of Metuchen Marianne Hartman, Director, Multimed...
May 14, 2023•56 min
“Love the poor and honor them as you would honor Christ Himself”. As the Catholic Church celebrates today the feast of Saint Louise de Marillac, the latest Talking Saints dives into the life of 17th century founder of the Daughters of Charity, still going strong today in many countries to serve the poor. As well, hosts Laurie and Pete discuss her friendship with Saint Vincent de Paul, and the discipline and dedication to doing good that drove her life, and can inspire us today. Listen to Talking...
May 09, 2023•15 min
We have another podcast crossover this week, but Mike won’t be bristling about this one. Joining us today is the host of Camden Catholic High School’s “Between Bells” podcast, junior Trish Escarrilla, and her teacher adviser, Mr. Jeff Bruckner. We have a great conversation about the genesis of the podcast that is focused on “the people that make up the school community and what they’re truly like between one day’s dismissal bell and the next day’s homeroom bell,” Trish’s delightful & infecti...
May 07, 2023•58 min
One of our favorite guests joins us this week all the way from Rome and he brings along one his charges to tell the story of seminarians from the Pontifical North American College visiting Catholic Relief Service locations in Ethiopia. Father Michael Romano, PNAC Director of Admissions, and seminarian Deacon Zane Langenbrunner, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, were astounded at the hospitality they received despite the great need in the African country, which CRS is working to address....
May 01, 2023•56 min
Today, we introduce a new voice to the podcast, one who will surely become a regular guest. The new Director of Life & Justice Ministries for the Diocese of Camden, Michael Sims, Th.D., joins us to discuss his perspective on the pro-life and social justice movements that he will be supporting, as well as his rich history of Catholic teaching and academia, which has given provided him with a well-formed Catholic point of view. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at ht...
Apr 24, 2023•56 min
Earlier this year, staff from Catholic Charities of South Jersey deployed to the Diocese of Venice in Florida to assist their sister agency with disaster recovery from Hurricane Ian. Mike Walsh and new co-host Katie Hagan, marketing manager of Catholic Charities of South Jersey, sit down with the team to learn about the deployment. Joining them are disaster recovery responders Melissa Hruska, Janita Eason, and Jenecia Powell-Jennings who discuss the eye-opening experience of their first disaster...
Apr 16, 2023•56 min
On March 25th, the Diocese of Camden held their Eucharistic Congress before several thousand attendees. The event included three talks by Fr. Patrick Hyde, OP, Saint Paul Catholic Center pastor & director of Campus Ministry at Indiana University and Eucharistic Preacher for the national revival. After a brief introduction by Mike Walsh and Donna Ottaviano-Britt, all three talks on the Eucharist and its relevance in our lives are included in this episode, in their entirety. Listen to Talking ...
Apr 10, 2023•56 min
“You can do more with the grace of God than you think.” On Good Friday, we remember Saint John Baptist de la Salle, who died on this day in 1719. Hosts Laurie and Pete explore the life of this 17th century Frenchman, influential in the guidance and education of youth and teachers as the founder of what we now call the Christian Brothers. Saint John Baptist de la Salle reminds us that even when God’s plans differ from our own, we find fulfillment in trusting Him. Listen to Talking Saints with Lau...
Apr 07, 2023•19 min
Much to Mike Walsh’s chagrin, we’re promoting a different podcast this week. Kari Janisse, Donna Ottaviano-Britt and Rowan University student Roxanne McDevitt have commandeered this show to talk about Fr. Mike Schmitz’s newest podcast series, Catechism In A Year. Fear not loyal listeners, it’s not all Fr. Schmitz fandom, we have a great discussion about the Catechism itself. There’s also a really great conversation about Holy Week at the beginning of the episode, too! Listen to Talking Catholic ...
Apr 03, 2023•56 min
One of the great South Jersey events is only a month away, iRace4Vocations 2023! Fr. Adam Cichoski, Diocese of Camden Director of Vocations and Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, NJ, joins us today to talk about the event and his work in vocations. And here’s how you know this is a must listen podcast… Kari actually drove up to join Mike in The Vault for this one. That almost NEVER happens! iRace4Vocations is a free annual event that welcomes people of all ages to ru...
Mar 27, 2023•56 min
Teachers are essential members of the school community. They are with students each and every day, and can affect real change in the children’s lives. But, how are they trained properly to be school leaders? What makes an ideal Catholic school teacher? And, really, what do they actually do on in-service days, when students are given the day off? Host Marianela Nunez and guest host Mike Bress bring in their colleagues from the Office of Catholic Education – Dr. Bill Watson, Dr. Bobby Lockwood, an...
Mar 20, 2023•57 min
Caught up in the crises of the early Church, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem stood firm in the faith despite being exiled three times in the span of twenty years. On his feast today, March 18, Talking Saints hosts Laurie and Pete unpack the life of this 4th century Bishop, and discuss how his pastoral manner and instructions on the faith can guide all to live fearlessly for the Lord. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez on the Talking Catholic channel at Apple Podcasts, Google Pl...
Mar 18, 2023•20 min
Jen and crew did a great job while Mike was away on pilgrimage, but now he’s back and Jen gives him a good grilling to see if what he saw in Israel and Italy actually had an affect on him. If it did, then we’re recommending 206 Tours for all your jaded PR people! If you’re interested in going on a similar journey, check out https://www.pilgrimages.com/frhughes/ for upcoming opportunities. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/...
Mar 12, 2023•56 min
Last month, Talking Catholic co-host Jen Mauro was asked to facilitate a discussion among the state’s five Catholic Charities executive directors and CEOs. The discussion, which also included input from James King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, was video-recorded in front of about 40 Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden staff. As such, the panel answered some questions from the audience. Tune in to hear how Catholic Charities aids our local communities, what services ...
Mar 06, 2023•54 min
“How rare is it for most people to go somewhere where our hope and our future are not marked by confusion, pain or division, but by the unity and joy that comes from following Jesus.” Such are the sentiments of Father Patrick Hyde, OP, who joined Talking Catholic’s Jen Mauro and her co-host, Donna Ottaviano-Britt, to chat about the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress planned for March 25 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden. Father Hyde is one of two National Eucharistic preachers who will be visi...
Feb 27, 2023•55 min
This week, Talking Catholic’s Jen Mauro is joined by Pete Sánchez, co-host of the Talking Saints podcast! With Mike Walsh on pilgrimage in the Holy Land with Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Vicar General Father Robert Hughes and dozens more, Jen snagged her Catholic Star Herald colleague to talk Lent, which starts Feb. 22, Ash Wednesday. It’s a lively and spiritual conversation – filled with some whimsy to keep Mike happy – as Pete and Jen welcome Father Joshua Nevitt, the Bishop’s priest-secretary and ...
Feb 20, 2023•56 min
A few years ago, we decided to expand the podcast onto video platforms by bringing on board some great hosts to highlight areas of Catholicism they are passionate about. This month begins season SEVEN of our video series! To celebrate and promote some of our upcoming shows, we’re joined by Young Adult Ministry Insights’ Kari Janisse, Joyful Disciples’ Donna Ottaviano-Britt, and Changing With The Tides’ Lex Keefer. They all have big plans for the next few months and a few high profile guests they...
Feb 13, 2023•56 min
On the 50th episode of Talking Saints, meet one of the “Twin Saints,” Scholastica, a 5th and 6th century Italian nun known for her piety to God and devotion to her brother, Saint Benedict. Laurie and Pete unpack the faithful and mystical life of this religious community foundress, and how she prolonged her last earthly meeting with Benedict. Saint Scholastica, Patron Saint of cloistered nuns, pray for us! Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez on the Talking Catholic channel...
Feb 10, 2023•19 min
You’ve heard Mike mention it in previous podcasts, but it’s almost here, his first pilgrimage abroad! While he’s there, he’s going to be providing daily travelogues on the Catholic Star Herald and Talking Catholic social media platforms. But before he goes, it seemed like a good idea to prepare people for what they’ll be seeing from the Holy Land, so we brought in our pilgrimage expert, Fr. Robert Hughes, Vicar General of the Diocese of Camden, to go over what Mike and his fellow pilgrims will b...
Feb 06, 2023•56 min
Being a principal at a Catholic school is all about relationships. You must have a good relationship with your students, your families, your parish and, of course, your teachers. Our guests today, Joan Dollinger from Assumption Regional Catholic School, and Gerry Janasky from Resurrection Catholic School, know the importance of a good principal/teacher relationship. Joan was Gerry’s principal and mentor for 5 years at Assumption. As you will hear in the conversation, it was also Joan who inspire...
Jan 30, 2023•56 min
Today Talking Saints remembers the feast of Saints Timothy and Titus, friends and companions of Saint Paul, and recipients of three of Paul’s Biblical letters. From our hosts Laurie and Pete, learn about these two men’s roles in the early Church as Bishops, their travels with Paul, and his advice to them. Saints Timothy and Titus, pray for us! Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez on the Talking Catholic channel at Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud,...
Jan 26, 2023•21 min
Our beloved host Jen Mauro was sitting in Mass last weekend and was blown away by the homily she heard from the priest. She was so amazed she had to whip out her reporters' notebook. The topic: Ordinary Time. We’ve done episodes on the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, but never an episode on Ordinary Times, since, you know, it’s ordinary. However, as Jen learned and we share with you today, according to Father Jon Thomas ordinary time is really anything but ordinary. Take a listen ...
Jan 22, 2023•56 min
With the March for Life around the corner – Jan. 20 – this week’s Talking Catholic focuses on the Respect Life movement in this post-Dobbs’ America. Joining hosts Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh are Donna Ottaviano-Britt, secretariat for the Diocese of Camden’s Pastoral Outreach, and Ann Marie Ours, the office’s administrative assistant, as well as Rachel Hendricks, coordinator of Respect Life Ministries, Diocese of Trenton. Together, they discuss how Respect Life advocates are continuing to support th...
Jan 16, 2023•56 min
After a two-week hiatus, we’re back! Hosts Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh usher in the new year by welcoming back a Talking Catholic favorite, Father Jason Rocks, Chancellor of the Diocese of Camden. This week’s episode centers on the life and legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, recorded on the day the retired pope was laid to rest at the Vatican. Father Rocks, who is also pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish, Cherry Hill, talks about the legacy of the late pontiff, his writings, the life of then-Cardina...
Jan 09, 2023•56 min
"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” As the Catholic Church celebrates Christmastide, the life of Saint John the Evangelist is chronicled in this latest Talking Saints. On his feast day, Laurie and Pete discuss this disciple whom Jesus loved,” including his penning of the Gospel and Book of Revelation; his devotion to the Blessed Mother; and how, through his example, we can give witness to the Savior. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez on th...
Dec 26, 2022•17 min
Recently, Mike had the honor of co-presenting a talk at Catholic Charities USA’s annual Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence (AIDE) on the topic of crises communications. It was such a great experience that he and Jen brought on two great people from the institute, Jennifer Dyer, Director, Capacity Building for Disaster Operations at Catholic Charities USA and Daniel Altenau, Director of Communications & Disaster Services, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. Dan was the far mo...
Dec 19, 2022•56 min
