As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re focusing on gratitude and on the ways our community comes together to care for one another. We welcome Murray Gould from St. Lucy’s Food Pantry to share how their ministry is responding to a growing need in their community. Murray reflects on the people they serve, the grace and gratitude they witness every day, and how the generosity of donors and volunteers makes it possible to feed their neighbors with dignity and compassion. It’s a reminder that even in challenging times, hope is multiplied when we give from the heart.
During Safe Environment Week, we’re joined by Christine and Vince Larkin — two dedicated professionals who have spent their careers protecting children and the most vulnerable in our communities. With years of experience working at our local Child Advocacy Center, Christine serves as a facilitator for the Diocese of Syracuse’s Safe Environment program, while Vince brings years of experience from law enforcement. Together, they share how their Catholic faith has sustained them in the face of challenging work, their perspective on the Church’s commitment to protecting those entrusted to our care, and practical ways each of us can help build a culture of safety, compassion, and hope.
In this special Veterans Day episode, Father Zach Miller shares how his years in the military helped shape his vocation and deepened his faith. He reflects on what it means to bring Christ’s presence to those who serve, the parallels between military and spiritual service, and how we, as a Church, can honor and support our veterans year-round.
God calls each of us by name. During National Vocation Awareness Week, Father Jason Hage, Director of Vocation Promotion for the Diocese of Syracuse, joins us to reflect on how we can recognize and respond to God’s call in our lives. He shares how the call to vocation often begins within the family and how the diocese is fostering a culture of vocations through opportunities for parents, teens, and young adult men and women discerning where God may be leading them.
As Respect Life Month comes to a close and we prepare to celebrate All Souls Day, we’re reminded that our call to honor the dignity of life extends beyond this world. In this episode, Deacon Dean Brainard from the Diocesan Family/Respect Life Office joins us to share how the Church accompanies those who are grieving through its bereavement ministry. Together, we reflect on the hope and healing found in our faith, the comfort of community, and the promise of eternal life that gives meaning to our mourning.
This week, Dr. Paul Sansone, a Catholic physician specializing in palliative medicine, joins us to discuss the sacred call to care for those facing serious illness and the importance of upholding human dignity at every stage of life. He shares how faith guides his practice, the challenges of working within a secular medical culture, and the hope found in seeing each person as created in the image of God.
As we continue celebrating Respect Life Month, we’re joined by Chiara and Anthony from Generation Life, a dynamic movement of young people committed to building a culture of life through the Pro-Life and Chastity messages. During their visit to our Catholic high schools, they’ve inspired students to see that every life is created in the image of God, and that authentic love begins with living out the virtue of chastity. Listen as they share their experiences, stories from the road, and their hope for a generation rooted in truth, freedom, and faith. Learn more about Generation Life and their mission at www.generationlife.org.
In this episode, we sit down with Gina Kulak and Buddy O’Malley to talk about the vibrant Respect Life groups in our Catholic schools. From prayerful witness to creative projects and student-led initiatives, these groups are forming young leaders who are passionate about upholding the dignity of human life. Our guests share what first inspired them to be part of this ministry, how students take ownership of their groups, and the impact these efforts have had on their peers, schools, and wider communities.
As we enter into Respect Life Month, we sit down with Lisa Hall and Lucienne Henneberry to discuss Project Rachel, the Church’s ministry of post-abortion healing. Rooted in mercy and reconciliation, Project Rachel offers both spiritual and professional support to help women move from pain and alienation to peace and renewed faith. Lisa and Lucienne share how this ministry walks with those carrying this silent burden, the importance of collaboration between pastoral care and counseling, and the transformative power of forgiveness for those they serve.
In this episode of Catholic Conversations, we talk with A.J. LaPoint, Director of FrancisCorps, and Friar Nader Ata, OFM Conv., Chaplain, about the mission and impact of this unique young adult volunteer program. Rooted in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare, FrancisCorps invites young adults to live in intentional community, serve those in need, and grow in faith through spiritual formation. A.J. and Friar Nader share how the program transforms both volunteers and the communities they serve, their hopes for the future, and what living the Gospel through FrancisCorps means for the young adult missionaries. Learn more at franciscorps.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @FrancisCorps.
From the home to the parish, catechesis is the foundation of how our faith is passed on. In this episode, Andrea Slaven unpacks the meaning of catechesis, the importance of Catechetical Sunday, and how families and catechists are rising to today’s challenges with creativity and hope.
What does it mean to be a synodal Church? In this episode, Sister Katie Eiffe joins us to reflect on the Synod process in our diocese and beyond. She shares what we’ve learned through parish listening sessions, how those voices connect to the wider Church, and what the next steps look like as we move from listening to action in our local pastoral planning.
In this special Back to School episode of Catholic Conversations, we sit down with Rick Hensel, Principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, to talk about the excitement of a new school year and the unique mission of Catholic education. Rick shares what sets Catholic schools apart, the values and traditions that define the Notre Dame community, and how Catholic education helps prepare students to navigate today’s world with faith and confidence.
In this week’s episode, Sheila Austin joins us to share the powerful mission of Road to Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse, Inc, a volunteer-led outreach serving the poor and homeless in Syracuse. Through stories of compassion, dignity, and encounter, Sheila reveals how Chris is present on the streets of Syracuse, and how the road to Emmaus is closer than we think. Learn more about Emmaus Ministry and their work by visiting: emmausministry.org
This week, Fr. Gerry Waterman, Catholic Chaplain at Syracuse University, shares the heart of campus ministry — what it means to walk with college students in their faith journey, and how the chapel and new Catholic center are creating sacred space in the midst of campus life. Discover how faith is flourishing in unexpected places and how you can support this vital mission. Check them out on Instagram: @sucatholic
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Kevin Reimer, author of Second-Hand Saints, an inspiring collection of real-life stories that highlight the quiet heroism and deep faith of everyday Christians. Kevin shares what led to gathering these moving testimonies of suffering, grace, and transformation, and how these stories can help shape our own faith journey. Grab a copy of the book today on Amazon or direct from the publisher at wipfandstock.com.
In this special episode, Bishop Lucia reflects on his six years as shepherd of the Diocese of Syracuse. He shares the moments that have been most meaningful, the joys and challenges of episcopal ministry, how the Holy Spirit has guided him through difficult times, and how his role has deepened his understanding of being a pastor in today’s Church. Looking ahead, he also offers his hopes for the future of the diocese and the people he serves.
What does it look like to share your faith with confidence in everyday life? In this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Garn and Allison Bracht, facilitators of the Genesis Mission—a seven-week experiential journey that equips Catholics with the tools to accompany others, listen deeply, and share the Gospel with trust in the Holy Spirit. Discover how this relational approach to evangelization is transforming lives and helping everyday disciples grow in mission and confidence.
In this week's episode, Emily Long and Danielle Landers join us to share the story of Frassati Fellowship, a vibrant young adult group in the Diocese of Syracuse inspired by the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Discover how this community of 18 to 39-year-olds is building authentic Catholic friendships through weekly gatherings, prayer, service, and shared adventures. Whether you're new to the area, looking for community, or just want to grow in your faith, Emily and Danielle explain why Frassati is more than just a group—it's a spiritual family. Be sure to check them out on Instagram: @syracusefrassatifellowship
This week, Josie and Noah, two teens who attended Franciscan LEAD and the Steubenville Youth Conference, share how a week away from distractions (and their phones) helped them grow closer to Christ and one another. Inspired by this year's theme, "Consumed", they reflect on how God showed up in powerful ways, what it was like to disconnect from social media, and how they're working to stay rooted in their relationship with God and their communities back home.