Talking Saints - St. Miniato

This week, Talking Catholic welcomes a first-time guest and some familiar voices to explore that very topic! Father Joseph Szolack, director of vocations for the Diocese of Camden, and Father Stephen Robbins and Father Thomas Piro, associate directors of vocations, join cohost Jen Mauro for a conversation during National Vocation Awareness Week, which was Nov. 1-7. Hear about Father Szolack’s journey to the priesthood - and how he went from wanting to be a veterinarian and working with horses to becoming a dean at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and current parish pastor of Our Lady of Hope in Blackwood. All three priests talk about exploring a call to serve the Lord, the beauty and challenges of the priesthood, and some of the common misconceptions of vocations. What is for certain: Vocations don't grow in isolation - they grow through prayer, encouragement and support! 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

From listener to guest to co-host! This week on Talking Catholic, Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro welcome Dr. Vinnie Mancuso back to the podcast with some exciting news: he’s joining our team of co-hosts.With a background in cell and molecular biology, Vinnie found his calling in teaching and service after being inspired by a Talking Catholic interview with former Catholic Charities executive director Kevin Hickey, he volunteered to help refugees and immigrants learn English. Years later, he continues that work at Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s English Learning Center, helping newcomers build confidence, communicate and navigate daily life. He also shares how family life and his involvement in parish ministry have deepened his faith.Now, Vinnie hopes to offer listeners the same encouragement that first brought him through Catholic Charities’ doors. Guided by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, his future episodes will spotlight people putting their faith into action by feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers and serving neighbors in need. Through their stories, he’ll explore what draws people to service, what keeps them going and how those encounters change their lives.Join us for a conversation about faith, family and the possibilities that open up when we take that first step to help someone else — with plenty of the familiar Talking Catholic laughter along the way.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

In this episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Marianela Núñez and Mike Bress welcome María del Amo, Director of Hispanic and Latino Engagement at the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), for an inspiring conversation about faith, culture, and the future of Catholic education.Together, they explore the growing importance of Hispanic and Latino families in Catholic schools, the challenges and opportunities surrounding enrollment and engagement, and how schools can move beyond simply welcoming families to creating a true sense of belonging. María also highlights NCEA's Sueños & Success Hispanic Heritage Month initiative and shares how Catholic schools can celebrate and support Hispanic communities throughout the year.Tune in for an insightful conversation about building stronger, more inclusive Catholic school communities rooted in faith, family, and a shared mission.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

On the latest episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie learn a new word: cephalophore.  This term describes a martyred saint who is depicted carrying their own head.  Such was the case for St. Miniato, the first martyr of Florence.  Join the co-hosts as they discuss the extraordinary legend of this 3rd century saint and the century-old Basilica that bears his name.  Photo courtesy of Gabriel Akre.Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be found and on the Talking Catholic website https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/talking-saints/. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

This week’s Talking Catholic podcast features a special crossover episode as EmmaLee Italia, of the “Better Together” radio show on Domestic Church Media, joins cohost Jen Mauro.Inspired by the upcoming Oct. 24 “Feminine Genius Brunch,” author, speaker and podcaster Danielle Bean joins Jen and EmmaLee to discuss how God works through the joys, challenges, transitions and unexpected moments of a woman’s life.Danielle encourages women to recognize their inherent dignity, embrace their unique vocations and discover how their gifts can enrich their families, friendships, parishes and communities. Whether navigating young adulthood, marriage, motherhood, professional life, changing family roles or later stages of life, women are invited to see each chapter as an opportunity to grow closer to God.Danielle will present “Discovering God’s Purpose in the Different Seasons of a Woman’s Life” at the Feminine Genius Brunch on Oct. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway. For more information, visit www.diometuchen.org/humanlifeanddignity.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

On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, two Secular Franciscans from the Diocese of Camden stop by to visit with cohosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro.Kathy Agosto, OFS, of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Collings Lakes, and Daniela Lim,  director of religious education at Saint Teresa of Calcutta in Collingswood, discuss the Secular Franciscan Order and the community support it fosters, Franciscan spirituality and their call to live a life of humility, charity and service.Learn how you can discern if this order might be for you, and more about the two Franciscan fraternities in the Diocese of Camden – Christ the King at Christ the King Parish, Haddonfield, and Divine Mercy at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Absecon. The Divine Mercy  fraternity is bilingual – Spanish and English.More information is available at https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org.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

What do Catholicism, science and our furry – and feathered or scaly – friends have in common? More than you might think!On this episode of Talking Catholic, veterinarian Dr. Emily King joins hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro for a fun and fascinating conversation about faith, science and the animals who bring so much joy to our lives. You may already know Dr. King – the veterinarian from Indianna is also a social media influencer!There’s an added bonus guest, too, as Catholic Star Herald assistant editor/photographer Lori Nichols joins the show. A veterinary receptionist at Atlantic Animal Health Center in Galloway for years, Lori has a big heart for fostering or adopting special needs cats. She’s currently the parent to 10!From exploring what our Catholic faith says about creation to the science behind our beloved pets, this episode is sure to make you think, smile and maybe give your pet an extra treat!Follow Dr. King on Instagram @Dremilyking and TikTok @dr.emily.king, and visit her website at www.all-starvet.com. You can also read her recent appearance in the Catholic Star Herald article, “Pets give us another opportunity to look beyond ourselves.”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

For veterans facing homelessness or struggling to regain stability, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.This week, Jen and Mike speak with Susan Stevens, regional program coordinator for Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), along with Catholic Charities Executive Director Dr. Maria Elena Hallion and diocesan Director of Development Stacy Napolitano.Susan explains how SSVF helps veterans and their families secure or maintain housing while connecting them with the benefits, employment resources and community support they have earned through their service. From rental and utility assistance to help navigating the VA system, finding work and addressing the practical barriers that can keep a family from becoming self-sufficient, the program walks alongside veterans with dignity and compassion.The conversation also looks ahead to the Catholic Charities Annual Dinner, which raises funds to assist veterans and other clients with needs that grant-funded programs cannot cover. This year, Catholic Charities will present its Saint John Neumann Award to Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. A retired Navy chaplain, Bishop Coffey served for 28 years and continues to provide pastoral care and sacramental support to veterans across the nation.Veterans and families in need of assistance can learn more about Supportive Services for Veteran Families or call 856-340-9242.To learn more about the Catholic Charities Annual Dinner, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/ccad.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

For more than a decade, VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services has cared for the health of body, mind and spirit throughout South Jersey - and this fall, that mission continues with a full calendar of opportunities for connection, accompaniment and prayer.Mike Walsh sits down with VITALity Executive Director Nicole Keefer and Christine Willard, director of Senior Ministries and Marketing, to discuss the ministry’s work to combat loneliness and isolation through parish senior day centers, Calls of Joy, and Stephen Ministry. They also preview upcoming events, including the Stephen Ministry 50th anniversary celebration, the annual Mass honoring Catholics age 80 and older, and the White Mass celebrating healthcare professionals.Along the way, Nicole and Christine reflect on VITALity’s 10th anniversary, the memorable Way of Saint James Walk with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and the many staff members, volunteers and parish partners who make its mission possible. Learn how you can participate, volunteer or connect someone you love with VITALity’s services at vitality.camdendiocese.org.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

“The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host.”  Laurie and Pete are excited for this month’s Talking Saints, as they discuss the upcoming beatification of Venerable Fulton Sheen, an American, Catholic media pioneer known for his humor, wisdom and relatability.  The two share how the bishop and Emmy winner captivated millions each week and the vital role that the Blessed Mother and Blessed Sacrament played in cultivating his evangelical heart. Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez everywhere podcasts can be found and on the Talking Catholic website https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/talking-saints/. Follow us using our @TalkingCatholic handle on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X