For our last episode of 2024 we brought together almost all of our podcast hosts for a chat about Christmas, our favorite memories, what brings us Christmas joy and the foods & songs we look forward to each season. This week’s episode includes hosts Mike Walsh, Kari Janisse, Pete Sanchez, Jen Mauro, Marianela Nunez and Mike “Greg” Bress. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic , or catch us on Domestic Church Med...
Dec 23, 2024•55 min•Ep. 414
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re already turning our eyes toward 2025 and the much-anticipated Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church—a tradition celebrated every 25 years. In this special episode, we’re joined by returning guests Fr. Robert Hughes, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Camden, and Dr. Lee DelleMonache, Director of Religious Education, to explore what this extraordinary year means for Catholics worldwide and in South Jersey. Together, they guide Mike and Jen th...
Dec 16, 2024•55 min•Ep. 413
In this week’s episode, cohosts Pete Sanchez and Mike Bress welcome back Fr. Adam Cichoski for an enlightening and engaging discussion on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Together, they explore the rich history and theological significance of this beloved feast day, its deep connection to the Advent season, and Mary’s pivotal role in the life of Jesus and Catholic faith. The conversation takes a creative turn as they examine how Mary is portrayed in pop culture, from books and...
Dec 09, 2024•56 min•Ep. 413
This month on Talking Saints , Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez break new ground by revisiting a beloved subject—Saint Nicholas. On his feast day, they dive deeper into the life of this 4th-century Greek bishop renowned for his charity and dedication to protecting youth. Join our hosts for an expanded discussion on this Advent saint, exploring his global devotions, rich legacy, and enduring significance during the season of giving. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywh...
Dec 06, 2024•24 min
As Advent begins, marking the start of our preparation for Christmas, it’s easy to get swept up in the season’s hustle and bustle and lose sight of its true meaning: the coming of Christ. On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic , Father Steven Bertonazzi, Administrator of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Collingswood, joins co-hosts Kari Janisse and Pete Sanchez to refocus our hearts and minds on what truly matters during these sacred weeks. Together, they explore the season’s liturgical re...
Dec 02, 2024•55 min•Ep. 411
“Chivalric.” That’s how Msgr. Louis Marucci describes the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the vocation of the men & women who have dedicated themselves to the Christian presence in the Holy Land. This week, Msgr. Marucci, diocesan chaplain/coordinator of the order, visits Talking Catholic along with fellow knight Father Allain Caparas of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, Glassboro; Dame Meryl Cerana; and (listener favorite/Mike frienemy) Dame Donna Ottaviano-Britt. Togeth...
Nov 25, 2024•55 min•Ep. 411
On this month's edition of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie offer some saintly gift suggestions for the upcoming Christmas season. From saint inspired ties for the men in your life to a cookbook with recipes for your favorite saint's feast day, there's something for everyone on your Christmas list. They will even share some saint toys for the kids! Listen now and share your devotion to the saints this season. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez on the Talking Catholic chan...
Nov 22, 2024•27 min
November is the Month of Remembrance in the Catholic Church, a time to recall and pray for those who have died. With that in mind, we invited Thomas Hickey, a funeral director at Falco, Caruso and Leonard Funeral Home , Camden and Pennsauken, on the show. But don’t worry! This is not a bummer of an episode – in fact, it’s quite the opposite! Not only is Thomas a fascinating man (and the best-dressed guest ever to enter The Vault), he entered fully into the Catholic Church last Spring! So tune in...
Nov 18, 2024•56 min•Ep. 410
Reading is the cornerstone of education, essential for mastering subjects like history, science, and religion. Yet, with the rise of technology and social media, students face growing challenges in reading and comprehension. In response, schools and dioceses nationwide are turning to the science of reading for solutions. This week on Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome Dr. Bobby Lockwood and Dr. Sarah Kerins, Assistant Superintendents in the Diocese of Camden, to exp...
Nov 11, 2024•56 min•Ep. 409
This week we’re celebrating vocations to the priesthood by exploring the journey of seminarian discernment. Join us for a meaningful discussion with Bishop James Massa, rector of Saint Joseph’s Seminary at Dunwoodie in Yonkers, NY; and Fr. Adam Cichoski, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden. Each of our learned guests brings unique expertise and insights into how they guide men in discovering and pursuing their call to the priesthood. Enjoy these two great conversations as we uncover ...
Nov 04, 2024•54 min•Ep. 408
It’s an impromptu crossover episode this week as we welcome the prodigal Talking Saints hosts, Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez, on to the show to discuss the upcoming holy day of obligation, the Feast of All Saints on November 1. We also chat a bit about the Feast of All Souls and Mike Walsh gets a brand new bread recipe to try out! Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic , or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio ( ...
Oct 28, 2024•55 min•Ep. 407
We have a great show this week as Mike Walsh suppresses his competitive nature and welcomes a fellow podcaster on to the show, Michael Matulewicz, the host of the soon to be released podcast “Pierogi to Prayer.” Michael is a member of the Polish Apostolate of Saint Joseph Polish Church in Camden, NJ and is looking forward to using his monthly podcast to showcase the impressive Catholic faith and saints of the Polish people. It’s a great chat, though to be fair, our chat with Michael had to be cu...
Oct 21, 2024•55 min•Ep. 406
It’s another Catholic entrepreneur visit as we pop in to the hottest new business in South Jersey, Dolce Vita Gelateria. The family-owned gelato destination opened just a year ago and quickly grew a rabid following. We sat down with co-owner Kim Corso to discuss the family’s path to first-time entrepreneurship, her husband Nick’s rise to fame as an Italian-trained gelato maestro, and their daughter Alyssa’s work following in her father’s footsteps pushing the boundaries of gelato creations. And ...
Oct 14, 2024•56 min•Ep. 404
This week we welcome on to the show the leadership team of the Catholic Charities of South Jersey Annual Dinner - Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, Ed O’Malley, Sylvia Loumeau and Stacy Napolitano - to discuss the 20th anniversary of the annual fundraiser, how it helps Catholic Charities work in the region, and the services the organization provides. To learn more about the annual dinner and to get tickets or sponsorship information, go to: https://catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/ccad. Listen to Talking...
Oct 07, 2024•55 min•Ep. 403
When it comes to educating the faithful, “We are not alone in this work.” Such were the words of Dr. Bill Watson, superintendent of Catholic schools, who joins this week’s Talking Catholic episode along with Dr. Lee Mirenda DelleMonache, director of religious education, who are leading the process in the Diocese of Camden to rethink catechetical accompaniment. The two talk with hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro about how their work to improve the elements of parish-based religious education led the...
Sep 30, 2024•56 min•Ep. 403
International trips for high school students can be a formative time, full of opportunities to explore the world and expand their education with real world experiences. On today’s episode, co-hosts Marianela Nunez and Michael Bress are joined by French teacher, Giovina Hans-DaGruz, from Paul VI High School, and world languages teacher, Joya Oasin, from Camden Catholic High School, to learn more their experiences as the leaders of their respective schools’ various international trips. The group d...
Sep 23, 2024•56 min•Ep. 402
This week’s episode is a true celebration as we welcome to the show the Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D., the 8th Bishop of Camden, in honor of his 20th anniversary of episcopal consecration. Join hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro as they engage in a heartfelt conversation with Bishop Sullivan about his journey from his early days as a priest in the Archdiocese of New York, where he later served as an auxiliary bishop for 9 years, to his impactful 11 years leading the Diocese of Camden. Disco...
Sep 16, 2024•58 min•Ep. 401
Episode 400 is here, but we're not celebrating that milestone—we're marking a historic moment in the Diocese of Camden as this week we warmly welcome our first coadjutor bishop, and future 9th bishop, Most Reverend Joseph A. Williams. To guide us through the traditions and spiritual significance of these events, Fr. Jason Rocks, the diocesan chancellor, will join us on The Vault. He’ll shed light on the rich rituals and their deep connection to our faith. Both the vespers and Mass of Welcome are...
Sep 09, 2024•56 min•Ep. 400
With another school year upon us… fall sports are back! On today’s episode, cohosts Mike Bress and Pete Sanchez welcome back Catholic Star Herald sports writer, Mark Zimmaro, to talk about the high school fall sports landscape, as well as Mark embarking on his latest adventure… teaching. Throughout the podcast, the group discusses the potential breakout stars and teams for all of the fall sports, the landscape of new coaches (including some school alumni), and how sports reporting has changed ov...
Sep 02, 2024•56 min•Ep. 399
For this month's episode, Laurie and Pete change things up by discussing not one, but four saints, with one thing in common: their intense love for the Eucharist. In this time of Eucharistic revival, be inspired by the fervor of these holy witnesses: St. Tarcisius, St. Peter Julian Eymard, Blessed Imelda Lambertini and Blessed Carlo Acutis. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez on the Talking Catholic channel at Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Al...
Aug 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 66
We welcome back to the show, Nicole Keefer, now the newly minted executive director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services. This is her first visit since she took on the new role leading one of largest and most consequential ministries of the Diocese of Camden, overseeing a department that provides healthcare-related support throughout South Jersey. We discuss her new role, her decades of experience as a healthcare professional, and how her Catholic faith is intwined with her duty to serve. To...
Aug 26, 2024•56 min•Ep. 368
For many of us, summer memories include the fun of Vacation Bible School, a week where young children and dedicated volunteers embrace the joyful intersection of faith and fun. Kari Janisse and Mike Walsh welcome two long-time VBS experts on to the show today to highlight their recent successes leading weeks of these ministries, Julie LaRosa and Laurie Power. The duo give a lot of great tips on how to begin a Vacation Bible School in your parish or how to expand on your preexisting ministry, and...
Aug 19, 2024•56 min•Ep. 397
It’s another summer restaurant review and Catholic entrepreneur showcase! Kari Janisse and Mike Walsh traveled down to Wildwood Crest at the height of the summer beach season to chat with Deb John who operates Royal Grill with her husband and executive chef Phil John. Also joining us for this show is Notre Dame de la Mer pastor Fr. Cadmus Mazzarella and Kari’s husband Phil and son JP. The group sampled some of the great meal choices and chatted with Deb about her 45 year career in the restaurant...
Aug 12, 2024•56 min•Ep. 396
Only a few weeks removed from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, we’ve invited four Diocese of Camden pilgrims on to the podcast to reflect on their journey. Joining us this week are Evelyn Cuttino, Holy Eucharist Parish, Cherry Hill Laurie Power, award winning host of Talking Saints Sister Cecilia Nanni, FMIJ Judy Marino, Catholic Community of Christ our Light, Cherry Hill Our guests recap the four-day pilgrimage, how they’ve been processing their renewed connection to the Eucha...
Aug 05, 2024•55 min•Ep. 395
Mike welcomes Catholic Charities of South Jersey Executive Director Maria Elena Hallion, PhD., on to the show this week to chat about taking over the reigns of the social service organization that serves tens of thousands of clients throughout the year. We discuss the work of Catholic Charities, her path to leadership of the organization, her spirituality, and how her years in academia were great training for this new career. Mike and Maria Elena also highlight the Catholic Charities of South An...
Jul 29, 2024•55 min
"Saints Joachim and Anne were part of a long chain of people who had transmitted their faith and love for God, expressed in the warmth and love of family life, down to Mary..." - Pope Francis Though not mentioned in the Bible, Saints Joachim and Anne are revered as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus. On this month's episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie share what tradition has passed down to us about this holy couple, who built a strong foundation of faith as ...
Jul 26, 2024•22 min
STEAL AN IDEA ALERT. Mike and Jen headed down the shore (adjacent) this week to chat with a group of young folks who have helped develop an event every parish should be using!!! The Dream On Youth Festival set for July 19 at Saint Katharine Drexel Church, Egg Harbor Township is a brilliant youth-focused event that even in its inaugural year is getting a ton of attention - all from the minds of young folks who have planned a fun evening of games, live music, inspirational witness talks, and more ...
Jul 14, 2024•55 min
As you may have heard, Mike Walsh was recently at the Catholic Media Association’s annual conference. While there he took the opportunity to actually meet new people. His efforts were abundantly rewarded and he brought two members of that bounty on the podcast this week to showcase the incredible talent of the current crop of young Catholic professionals. Joining him this week are 29-year-old Montie Chavez, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, and 25-year-old Moira Greane...
Jul 08, 2024•56 min
It’s summertime, which can only mean it’s time for a Kari Janisse classic episode, on the road and eating! This time she and Mike Walsh visit with local Catholic entrepreneur Anthony Bongiovanni, owner of Lena’s Water Ice & Custard in Lindenwold, NJ. They discuss his path into the food service world and his dedication to high-quality treats. This episode is also a bit of a crossover with special guest Fr. Peter Gallagher, host of the Scoops & Saints instagram account dedicated to checkin...
Jul 01, 2024•55 min
Summer is officially here, and that can only mean one thing: It’s time for a “Talking Catholic” hostful episode! With co-host Mike Walsh away at the Catholic Media Association Conference in Atlanta, the “TC” crew busted into the vault and got into the recording equipment. Join hosts Kari Janisse, Mike Bress, Marianela Nunez, Jen Mauro and Peter G. Sánchez of “Talking Saints” fame as they discuss not only what’s popping in the Diocese this summer, but what books they’re taking to the beach, conce...
Jun 24, 2024•56 min
