On Mission

Catholic Apostolate Center
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  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

On Mission is a podcast from the Catholic Apostolate Center. Join members of the Catholic Apostolate Center team as they discuss contemporary topics related to the Catholic Church, faith formation, evangelization, Church history, and more!

  1. 3H AGO

    How should we prepare for the upcoming Lent?

    Lent quickly approaches and many Catholics pick up penances of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, but what exactly should we do? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can choose what Lenten penances to undertake and what to do when we inevitably fail. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three pillars to Lent, guide us through the 40 days so that we can be ready to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. In Scripture, we read that Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in the desert as a preparation for his public ministry. Likewise, Christians around the world ‘enter the desert’, so to speak, during Lent as a means of growing closer to Christ and neighbor.   Related On Mission episodes: Ash Wednesday The Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions On Lent   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Am I Ready for Lent? More posts about Lent   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    25 min

  2. JAN 30

    Moments of Return: Creating Welcoming Parishes During Key Moments of the Year with Paul Jarzembowski

    Ash Wednesday and other holy days like Christmas and Easter are popular days in the liturgical calendar where parishes see an increase in the number of people attending Mass. Many may be there for the first time or for the first time in a long time. How can parishes create a welcoming environment that helps bring these individuals closer to Christ? In this episode of On Mission, Paul Jarzembowski joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss what times of the year parishes can expect an increase in attendance and how best to accommodate and welcome the newcomers. Many parishes offer extra Masses and times for Confession close to Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and Easter expecting a large number of new people to attend these services. With proper preparation and consideration, parishes can turn who would be one time attendees into active and involved members of the community. Paul Jarzembowski, author of Hope for the Holidays and Hope from the Ashes, shares tips and strategies for parishes who experience an influx in attendance around key moments in the liturgical year.   Related On Mission episodes: Ash Wednesday The Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions On Lent   Webinars with Paul Jarzembowski: Sparks from Ashes: Lent and Ash Wednesday as Moments of Evangelization Hope For the Holidays: Finding Light at the Darkest Times of the Year Hope from the Ashes: Preparing for an Evangelizing Lent     From the Ad Infinitum blog: Accompanying Others Throughout Lent More posts about Lent   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    36 min

  3. JAN 16

    St. Blaise and the Blessing of Throats

    On February 3rd every year, Christians flock to their local parish churches to receive a blessing of throats with blessed candles in honor of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss who St. Blaise was, what blessings are, and why we receive blessings on his feast day. St. Blaise was Bishop of Sebaste, modern day Turkey, in the beginning of the 4th century before his martyrdom in 316. He was a physician who was known for his miraculous healings, particularly healings involving the throat. This lead to the tradition of blessing throats on his feast day. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, being invoked against throat illnesses. “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”   A blessing is an extension of the sacramental grace offered to us through the Sacraments. When we receive a blessing or get an object blessed, God’s graces are bestowed on us through the blessing as a medium. When we receive the blessing of the throat on St. Blaise’s feast day, we receive graces from God through the the blessing from the merit of the Sacraments that aid us in our infirmities.   Related On Mission episodes: The 14 Holy Helpers All Saints and All Souls Days The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season   From the Ad Infinitum blog: The 14 Holy Helpers More posts about the Saints   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play   Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    21 min

  4. JAN 2

    New Year’s Resolutions for Catholics

    Every year, many make resolutions to guide their new year plans. For Catholics, we can make resolutions to help guide our spiritual growth and inform our daily tasks. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can take advantage of the New Year, 2026. With the dawn of a New Year we have fresh opportunities and a new hope for what we can expect in the months ahead. A key for success is having a plan and managing expectations. If we bite off more than we can chew, we get overwhelmed and don’t make any progress. If we don’t have any idea of how we will accomplish our goals, then we are not any more likely to accomplish them. Some New Year’s resolutions for Catholics may include: attending daily Mass, going to Confession more regularly, daily prayer, and partaking in charity work, to name a few. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more!   Related On Mission episodes: Promoting the Good on Social Media Maintain Prayer Routines During Summer Vacation Corporal Works of Mercy   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Incorporating Liturgical Living into New Year's Resolutions Ring in the Year with Mary More posts about the New Year   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    24 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    Where Does the Christmas Tree Come From? And Other Traditions

    Have you ever wondered where the Christmas Tree comes from? Or are you wondering what the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the traditions in our homes that we can so easily take for granted and shares the context and religious symbolism behind the traditions. Every year, we set up Christmas trees, we put up lights, we wrap gifts, and we put out a nativity scene, but do we ever consider where these practices come from? For example, the Christmas tree’s origin comes from St. Boniface who said the tree reminds us of eternal life, the Trinity, and our orientation to live for eternity. These and other traditions have been handed on to us, like the crèche. The crèche is said to have been developed by St. Francis and now finds its way into our living rooms each year. Even St. Peter’s Square in Rome sets up a nativity scene and a Christmas tree. It was Pope St. John Paul II who started the tradition of placing a nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. And a nativity scene commissioned by St. Vincent Pallotti was in use for a number of years. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more!   View our Advent Resources page   Related On Mission episodes: Christmas Peace The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season Christmas   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Look Up, Set Out, and Give The Great Light of Christmas More posts about Christmas   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    36 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    How to Not Get Wrapped Up in Christmas Stress

    Christmas comes with a lot of expectations and obligations. Without managing these expectations and setting some sort of boundaries or limits, we can easily get enveloped in stress. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss what we can do to manage the busiest and most joyful time of year: Christmas. There’s a lot for families to do between Thanksgiving and Christmas to prepare to celebrate Christmas in addition to their typical routines. We know that the time of Advent should be one of peaceful waiting, but that still leaves the practical elements of Christmas preparation to take care of. How do we practice self-care to prepare and celebrate Christmas without allowing the stress to overwhelm us? Firstly, we can manage our expectations for what the season will be like and not allow unexpected events to get us upset. Secondly, with all the gift-giving, we can set a reasonable budget and plan to whom we will give gifts for. Third, while all the “to-dos” need to be done, it is, more importantly meant to be enjoyed. You can find Christ in the midst of our to-dos and offer up the duties to him and find more spiritual fulfillment in the midst of Christmas. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more!   View our Advent Resources page Self-Care Resources page   Related On Mission episodes: Christmas Peace The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season Christmas   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Look Up, Set Out, and Give The Great Light of Christmas More posts about Christmas   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    26 min

  7. 11/21/2025

    Advent Preparations

    With Advent upcoming, we can make the most of the liturgical season as a means to prepare for the celebrations of Christmas. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how we can use Advent as a means to spiritually and practically prepare for Christmas. Christmas quickly approaches and with it Advent. With the fast-paced nature of the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Advent can simply pass by. But if we intentionally use the four weeks of Advent, we can find more spiritual fulfillment when Christmas arrives. Advent is often considered the little Lent. What Lent like practices can we incorporate into our Advent observances? For example, we can emphasize more charitable works within our communities, we can fast, and we can take up certain prayer practices to help us pave the way for the Lord.   View our Advent Resources page   Related On Mission episodes: Feasts of Advent Advent Resources Advent   From the Ad Infinitum blog: A Light in Darkness Beyond a Twinkle More posts about the Advent   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play   Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    23 min

  8. 11/07/2025

    Works of Mercy at Thanksgiving

    Thanksgiving quickly approaches and many look to engage in more acts of charity, like working in a food panty or visiting sick families members. What are some concrete ways we can live the Catholic works of mercy this Thanksgiving? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how we can live out the works of mercy at the Thanksgiving table and beyond. Over Thanksgiving, we have particular opportunities to put the works of mercy into practice. For example, we can engage in ministries that help feed the hungry, visit the sick, or prison ministry. Even around the dinner table we can accompany others by counseling the doubtful, praying for the living and the dead, and forgiving injuries that other family members or friends may have caused us.   ​The Catechism tells us that “When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice" (CCC 2446). As Catholics, we are called by the Church to exercise the virtue of justice and give others what they are due through works of mercy. This is lived out through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.   Mercy is the unmerited, unwarranted love which is poured out regardless of whether or not it is accepted. This love is perfected and continuously given to humanity through God, who is love. All of salvation history is the story of God showering mercy on humanity even in the face of rejection, and showing that there are no limits to the mercy offered–to the point of sending His only begotten Son to die on the cross for us. This mercy which is “endless” and “inexhaustible”, as St. Faustina describes, invites us to not only receive the fullness of it, but to allow mercy to overflow out of us and into others. When we receive God’s mercy, the only response we can have is to share it with others, and this is done through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.   Related On Mission episodes: Thanksgiving and Faith Spiritual Works of Mercy Corporal Works of Mercy   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Women of Faith Living Divine Mercy More posts about the Works of Mercy   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify  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 Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

    28 min
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4.9
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About

On Mission is a podcast from the Catholic Apostolate Center. Join members of the Catholic Apostolate Center team as they discuss contemporary topics related to the Catholic Church, faith formation, evangelization, Church history, and more!

Information

  • Creator
    Catholic Apostolate Center
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    On Mission

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