Talking Catholic

Talking Catholic
  • 4.5 (20)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Co-hosts Mike Walsh, Jennifer Mauro, Marianela Nunez, Kari Janisse and Mike Bress interview Catholic leaders from in and around the Diocese of Camden about what brought them to where they are now and how they are bringing the faith to their communities.

  1. Bringing the Young to Holy Communion

    3D AGO

    Bringing the Young to Holy Communion

    This week on the Talking Catholic, cohosts Kari Janisse and Mike Bress explore the beauty and meaning of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the important role our Catholic schools and parishes play in preparing children to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Joining the conversation are first grade teacher, Julianne LaRosa; second grade teacher, Mackenzie McNelia; and advancement director, Jackie Kern from St. Mary School in Williamstown, who share how they help young students grow in faith, understand the significance of the sacrament, and prepare spiritually for their First Holy Communion. The group discusses the different classroom lessons the students participate in throughout the school year to prepare, the experience of the first time the receive the Eucharist, and what it feels like to now be included in this special part of the Catholic faith and Mass. 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.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    55 min
  2. Walking Together: How Catholic Universities Are Shaping Synodality

    MAY 4

    Walking Together: How Catholic Universities Are Shaping Synodality

    On this episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro welcome back Michael Canaris and Maureen O'Connell of the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago to discuss their leadership in the national Catholic Education Network to Enact and Resource Synodality (CENTERS) initiative—an ambitious collaboration helping Catholics across the United States take a more active role in the life and leadership of the Church.  Supported by a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and involving 16 Catholic colleges and universities, CENTERS strengthens listening, dialogue, and shared discernment in the Church by forming pastoral leaders, supporting local projects, hosting regional trainings and national assemblies, and launching the Adsumus Fellowship for emerging ministry leaders. The initiative builds on Pope Francis’ call for a more participatory, missionary Church and invites Catholics at every level to help shape its future together. Canaris and O’Connell reflect on how Catholic higher education is uniquely positioned to accompany the Church’s synodal journey—and how partnerships among universities, dioceses, and lay leaders are already creating new pathways for formation, collaboration, and shared responsibility across the country. Listeners interested in supporting this important work are encouraged to learn more about CENTERS and consider making a contribution to sustain its mission of forming the next generation of Church leaders - https://www.luc.edu/ips/centerssynodality.  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.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    54 min
  3. The Gift of Belonging: Autism Awareness and the Church’s Call to Welcome

    APR 27

    The Gift of Belonging: Autism Awareness and the Church’s Call to Welcome

    As April marks Autism Awareness Month, the Talking Catholic podcast travels to Ocean City to highlight a powerful example of welcome in action at Saint Damien Parish’s Mass of Welcome and Inclusion. Cohosts Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh are joined by Chris Devaney, who brings nearly 50 years of experience serving special needs individuals, and Nicole Keefer, Executive Director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services for the Diocese of Camden. Together, they share how this growing ministry helps individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and other special needs fully participate in parish life—including receiving the sacraments and serving in liturgical roles. The conversation explores how accompaniment, creativity, and a committed parish community have opened doors for families who once felt isolated from church life—and how this model can inspire other parishes to do the same. As Chris notes, the most powerful message families carry home from these celebrations is simple but profound: you are welcome here. 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.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    55 min
  4. Walking with Those Who Struggle: Bishop John Dolan’s Vision for Mental Health Ministry

    APR 20

    Walking with Those Who Struggle: Bishop John Dolan’s Vision for Mental Health Ministry

    How can the Church and her people better meet the mental health needs of others? Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix graciously shares his time and insight with cohosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro on this deeply moving episode of Talking Catholic. Bishop Dolan, who was instrumental in founding the first diocesan Office of Mental Health Ministry in the United States, has made supporting mental health a key component of his ministry. As a survivor of suicide loss, he discusses how mental health is not simply “mind over matter,” and the critical roles science and faith play. Bishop Dolan will serve as the keynote speaker for the upcoming one-day conference, “From Isolation to Belonging, Mental Health and the Catholic Church.” The program will be held May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Saint John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. Registration is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at www.njconf.com. Read all about the New Jersey Catholic Mental Health Conference. Don’t miss it, register today! 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.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    54 min
  5. Easter Joy and the Wisdom of St. Francis with Fr. Jason Rocks

    APR 13

    Easter Joy and the Wisdom of St. Francis with Fr. Jason Rocks

    During the Easter season, the Church celebrates not just a single day, but 50 days of resurrection joy, and what better guide for living that joy than St. Francis of Assisi? On this episode of Talking Catholic, cohosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro welcome Fr. Jason Rocks, Chancellor of the Diocese of Camden and pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish, for a conversation on how Catholics can live the Easter season more intentionally; and how the witness of St. Francis still speaks powerfully to the Church today. Father Rocks reflects on the meaning of the 50 days of Easter as a time to continue walking with the risen Christ through prayer, Scripture, Eucharist, and community life. He also explores what made St. Francis such a transformative figure, not simply his poverty or love of nature, but the fact that “Jesus was the reality he lived by.” That same call, he explains, remains at the heart of the Christian life today. The conversation also touches on listening as a spiritual practice, recognizing “threshold moments” for evangelization, finding holiness in ordinary work, and responding to God’s grace in everyday life. Whether you’re looking for practical ways to deepen your Easter faith or fresh inspiration from Franciscan spirituality, this episode offers encouragement to become a light of Christ in the world right where you are. 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.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    55 min
  6. Sacred Art with Jim Dessicino (replay)

    APR 6

    Sacred Art with Jim Dessicino (replay)

    As you’ll hear in our intro for this episode, it’s been a busy Lent and Holy Week for us, so we’re taking a short break from recording a new episode, but we wanted to feature last year’s conversation with Jim Dessicino as he opens up his new project Cappella Studio in Atlantic city this Spring - cappellastudio.org.  [Originally released February 24, 2025] 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. Join us as Dessicino takes listeners on a captivating journey through sacred art, uncovering its pivotal role in Church history, faith, and the pursuit of truth and goodness. Don’t miss this enlightening episode 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.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    56 min
  7. Catholic Charities USA’s AIDE Training

    MAR 30

    Catholic Charities USA’s AIDE Training

    On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, host Mike Walsh welcomes leaders from Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Operations team to reflect on the impact and purpose of the Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence (AIDE), the organization’s national training that prepares Catholic Charities agencies and partners to respond effectively to disasters across the country. Joining the conversation are Jennifer L. Dyer, Director of Capacity Building; Melissa Hruska, Director of Disaster Case Management; Abby Qualliotine, Senior Manager of Outreach and Support; and Daniel Altenau, Director of Communications and Disaster Services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. Together, they explore how AIDE equips participants with practical skills in preparedness, response, recovery, and communications—while also strengthening relationships across the Catholic Charities network. The group also discusses new presentations offered this year on disaster communications and the ethical use of artificial intelligence, as well as the hands-on tabletop exercises that help participants apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the deeply spiritual foundation of disaster response work and how the Gospel call of Matthew 25 continues to guide Catholic Charities’ mission to serve those most vulnerable in times of crisis. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    55 min
  8. Alyce Lehman

    MAR 23

    Alyce Lehman

    Pope Leo recently said that sport is “a shared activity, open to all and salutary for both body and spirit.” That is on full display this week as Talking Catholic takes a field trip to Bishop Eustace Preparatory School to talk with senior Alyce Lehman – a record-breaking swimmer, Stanford University commit, very likely future Olympian, and all-around joyful and spiritual student-athlete. “Before I race, I’m like, ‘God, I’m going to leave this up to you – whatever is in your will is going to happen. I know you will help me, and I have to do my part,’” says Alyce, one of New Jersey’s top swimmers who recently won her first state title. “I think having that mentality has helped me to do well – and knowing that God is with me and that he still loves me no matter how the results come out.” Join co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro as they not only welcome Alyce, but ace sports reporter Mark Zimmaro, too! Tune in as this fab foursome talk faith, swimming, sports and more. Plus, Alyce’s joy is contagious – we dare you not to have a smile the whole way through! Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

    56 min
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4.5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Co-hosts Mike Walsh, Jennifer Mauro, Marianela Nunez, Kari Janisse and Mike Bress interview Catholic leaders from in and around the Diocese of Camden about what brought them to where they are now and how they are bringing the faith to their communities.

Information

  • Creator
    Talking Catholic
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    573
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Talking Catholic
  • Show Website
    Talking Catholic

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