On Mission

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by John Grosso, Associate Director of Communications at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss how communications can be used to proclaim the gospel. They explore the current state of Catholic communications in a polarized digital environment and share effective practices for digital discernment. The conversation also covers practical tips for parishes and dioceses to improve their digital hospitality, the importance of authenticity and vulnerability online, and what church communicators can learn from influencer culture.  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.

Hosts Chris Pierno, Father Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Sarah Scalfaro are joined by John Grosso, Associate Director of Communications for the Catholic Apostolate Center, for a wide-ranging conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping parish life. They explore the Church's evolving relationship with AI — from the novelty phase of AI-generated bulletins and flyers to deeper questions of ethics, human dignity, and authentic encounter. The discussion covers Pope Leo's encyclical Magnificat Humanitas and its framework for evaluating AI through the lens of our shared humanity, the pitfalls of outsourcing outward-facing communications to algorithms, and practical, behind-the-scenes uses where AI can genuinely help overworked parish staff — from database management to brainstorming and accessibility tools. The episode also previews an upcoming webinar, Where Does AI Belong in Parish Life? A Framework for Discernment and Decision-Making.To register for the 10/7 webinar: https://app.livestorm.co/p/c86cd4fc-280a-47bd-aab3-47f56ceb4b52  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.

St. Francis is not just the patron of animals and ecology—he is a roadmap for peace, prayer, poverty, and a radical way of following Jesus in a world still marked by violence. Father Frank Donio S.A.C and Sarah Scalfero sit down with Brian Rhude to unpack why the Church is marking a special 800-year Jubilee for St. Francis, what’s happening in Assisi, and why this moment matters now. Brian shares how Francis moved from wealth and ambition to a life shaped by the crucified Christ, how the famous command to “rebuild my church” became a call to spiritual renewal, and why his witness still gathers pilgrims by the tens of thousands. You’ll discover the deeper meaning behind Francis’s love for creation, the poor, and the Liturgy of the Hours, plus the surprising story of how he helped broker peace in Assisi through prayer, humility, and the Canticle of the Creatures. We also break down the plenary indulgence available during this Jubilee year—what it actually is, who can receive it, and the practical steps involved. Along the way, Brian explains what makes the Franciscan charism so enduring across the Conventuals, Capuchins, and OFMs, and why the heart of Franciscan spirituality is not sentimentality, but Christ-centered conversion. This episode is essential listening if you want to understand St. Francis beyond the birds and flowers. If you’ve ever wanted a concrete, hopeful path toward prayer, peace, and evangelization, this conversation gives you exactly that. Follow us: - The Catholic Apostolate Center - The Center's podcast website - Instagram - Facebook - Apple Podcasts - Spotify 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.

In this episode of On Mission, as a companion to the Corporal Works of Mercy episode, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Spiritual Works of Mercy and offer some guidance for performing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.   Click here to access the Center’s Works of Mercy Resource Page. Click here to listen to the Corporal Works of Mercy episode.   Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify 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.

In this recast episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Corporal Works of Mercy and how one can perform these acts of mercy amidst their daily lives. Click here to access the Center’s Works of Mercy Resource Page.   Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify   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.

In this episode of the On Mission podcast, Founding Director Father Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Sarah Scalfaro, Director of Administration, are joined by Project Coordinator Brian Rhude to discuss the U.S. bishops' decision to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary, this dedication offers a moment to reflect on religious freedom and reorient the nation toward Christ amidst ongoing turmoil. Father Frank highlights the historical context, noting the devotion's connection to Pope Pius XI's 1925 institution of the Feast of Christ the King to acknowledge Christ's kingship amid global oppression. The conversation emphasizes that this consecration reminds the Church and laity to serve the Lord and sanctify the temporal order, rather than focusing on political control.   Topics discussed also include the Sacred Heart portrayed in art, and devotions in history including Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. This episode also provides simple ways to develop a personal devotion to the Sacred Heart, as well as discussions of prayer practices to deepen it.     From the Ad Infinitum blog: The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Image of God’s Infinite Love The Transformative Power of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Evangelization 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.

Cenacle spirituality refers to the collaborative and prayerful attitude of the Apostles in the Upper Room awaiting Pentecost and how modern church ministries and emulate that same posture in their operations. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how parish ministries and non-profits can adopt the prayerful and collaborative approach of the Apostles in making their own decisions as an organization.The Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary gathered in the Cenacle, or Upper Room, to collaborate with each other and the Holy Spirit as they made decision and implemented their actions. This model of prayer and collaboration in union with the Holy Spirit should be emulated at all levels of the Church today, including within parish ministries. There are seven keys to effective Christ-centered collaboration in the Church: 1) Christ—we must recognize that Christ is the center of all that we do, 2) Cenacle—referring to how the Apostles and the Blessed Mother Mary gathered in prayer, discernment, and action, 3) Communio—communion is the core of collaboration and provides the sense of togetherness, 4) Cooperation—we must work together to understand perspectives and care for those in need, 5) Communication—effective communication ensures that collaboration moves efficiently and effectively to achieve the ministerial goals, 6) Compassion—when things don’t go according to plan, ensure that those involved in the work of the ministry are cared for with charity as well, 7) Co-responsibility—we all share in the mission of Christ and his church, it is each of our roles to preach the Gospel.  Related On Mission episodes:On Mission: Collaboration and Co-ResponsibilityMore episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples From the Ad Infinitum blog:Laborers in the VineyardCollaboration and Co-ResponsibilityMore blogs about Collaboration Check out the main Saints and Feast Days websiteDownload 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.

Many saints in the history of the Church have referred to the Church as mother, calling it, for example, Holy Mother Church. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss why many refer to the Church and in what ways the Church acts like a mother to all the faithful. Further, they discuss how the Virgin Mary is Mother of the Church and how she fulfills that role.The Church is our mother because she spiritually gives birth to each of the faithful through the Sacrament of Baptism. Because of Baptism, we are given the opportunity to be reborn into eternity. While we live on this side of life, we are nourished by the Church through the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Like any mother, the Church provides a warm home and comfort for their children. Additionally, the Church teaches us how to pray and live a life worthy of Jesus’ call. The Church is also the Bride of Christ and it models her behavior after the model of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Related On Mission episodes:Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary TeachersThe Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas SeasonThe 12 ApostlesBaptism  From the Ad Infinitum blog:Mother’s Day ReflectionMore posts about Motherhood Check out the main Saints and Feast Days websiteDownload 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.

The Sacrament of Confirmation bestows on the recipient the same grace and spirit given to the Apostles at Pentecost. Confirmation prepares us to go forth and help spread the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how Confirmation equips us for engaging in Christ’s mission more fully.Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. . . . We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service. (from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults). Recipients of Confirmation often choose saints as patrons. Check out our Saints and Feast Days website to discover your next favorite saint. Related On Mission episodes:The 12 ApostlesBaptismConfirmationOn First Holy Communion From the Ad Infinitum blog:Pentecost as a Personal ConfirmationMore posts about Confirmation Check out the main Saints and Feast Days websiteDownload 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.

As we consider our new resolutions, we should consider ways for us to grow spiritually in our faith. Without being overwhelming, small resolutions that can be done daily will ensure that 2026 ends with a closer relationship to Christ. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can grow their faith through small daily devotions in 2026.Whether it’s a New Year or not, there are so many ways for Catholics to grow in their faith. But with all the options available, one can easily get overwhelmed. Perhaps one needs small daily devotionals that will guide their spiritual growth in the year ahead. Some examples of small ways to grow in faith include: attend daily Mass, listen to a Catholic podcast read the daily scripture readings read at Mass, and learning about the Saint or feast day of the day. Related On Mission episodes:Promoting the Good on Social MediaPodcast EvangelizationLectio Divina From the Ad Infinitum blog:Incorporating Liturgical Living into New Year's ResolutionsRing in the Year with MaryMore posts about the New Year Check out the main Saints and Feast Days websiteDownload 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.