Goodbyes, Gratitude and What’s Next

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad reflect on the month of October, traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and the importance of developing a consistent habit of prayer. Dad shares his own love for the Rosary and how praying it daily has shaped his relationship with God, especially as it has become a regular part of his everyday routine.Fr. Steven offers a perspective from the priesthood, where prayer is built into the rhythm of daily life through the Liturgy of the Hours. For the laity, however, developing a regular prayer life often requires a more intentional effort. Together, Fr. Steven and Dad discuss the temptation to treat God like a vending machine, turning to Him only when we need something, rather than cultivating a relationship with Him through faithful, habitual prayer.The conversation explores the many beautiful traditions and practices of prayer that the Church offers, from the Rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours to other forms of daily devotion. Ultimately, Fr. Steven and Dad reflect on how prayer isn’t simply something we do when we feel inspired, but a commitment to spending time with the Lord, whether we feel like it or not. Over time, these small acts of faithfulness can bear tremendous fruit, transforming our hearts and drawing us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad talk about one of the ways Fr. Steven has been getting to know the people of his new parish: dinner! Fr. Steven has been inviting parishioners to welcome him into their homes, but with a catch. Rather than having dinner with just one family, he asks his hosts to invite a few other families as well, including at least one family they don’t know very well.Fr. Steven shares how powerful these evenings have been as he begins his ministry in a new parish. Around the dinner table, he has had the opportunity to hear stories about the communities that came together to form the new parish, learn about their histories and traditions, and, most importantly, get to know the people God has entrusted to his care.But these dinners aren’t only about helping a new priest meet his parishioners. They’re also an opportunity for parishioners to meet one another and begin forming new relationships across the parish community. Fr. Steven and Dad reflect on the simple but powerful role that hospitality, conversation, and a shared meal can play in transforming a collection of people into a true parish family.

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad take the podcast on the road for their first-ever live recording at the Diocese of Gary’s Emmaus Missionary Discipleship Conference!Joined by a live audience, Fr. Steven and Dad go back to the beginnings of Father & Dad and the experiences that first inspired the podcast. They reflect on Fr. Steven’s discernment of the priesthood and the journey their family shared as he entered seminary. Along the way, they discuss a question that has been at the heart of the podcast from the beginning: how can families accompany and support their sons and daughters who are discerning and living vocations to the priesthood and religious life?Fr. Steven and Dad also reflect on some of the fruits of the Emmaus Conference, especially the joy of fellowship rooted in a shared faith and the hope that comes from seeing Catholics from across the diocese gathered around the mission of Jesus Christ.Finally, they open the conversation to the audience, taking questions and reflecting together on how the Church is responding to Jesus’ call to evangelize and what that mission looks like in our own lives.A special thank you to Fr. Declan McNicholas and the entire Emmaus Conference team for welcoming Father & Dad, as well as George Jurincie, our producer, Amber Strain, our showrunner, and Mom, our “Q&A microphone specialist” for making this special live episode possible.

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad discuss another summer spent at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, where Fr. Steven is continuing his studies toward a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) with a specialization in the New Evangelization. Fr. Steven explains what an STL degree is, what the Church means by the “New Evangelization,” and how the Second Vatican Council and the Church’s teaching in the decades that followed have shaped this renewed missionary vision.The conversation offers a glimpse into Fr. Steven’s coursework, including a class entitled Models of Evangelization, where he has been studying and evaluating practical initiatives that have helped countless people encounter Jesus Christ. Along the way, he shares one of his favorite recommendations for anyone interested in parish renewal and evangelization: Divine Renovation by Fr. James Mallon.Fr. Steven and Dad also remind listeners that Father & Dad will be recording a live episode at the Emmaus Conference on August 22. They hope to see many of you there as they continue the conversation about faith, family, and following Christ together.If you’d like to read Divine Renovation, you can find it here: https://a.co/d/023jsqd7You can also learn more about the Emmaus Conference on the Diocese of Gary Emmaus Conference website⁠: https://dcgary.org/

Recorded shortly after Fr. Steven celebrated his final Mass at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Fr. Steven and Dad take time to reflect on transitions, gratitude, and the many graces of the past two years in Merrillville. Looking back on his time at OLQM, Fr. Steven shares memories of the people he encountered, the lessons he learned, and the blessings he both received and was privileged to give in priestly ministry.Dad offers a unique perspective of his own, speaking about what it has been like to be the father of a priest and how blessed he has been to share life with the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Together, they reflect on the relationships formed, the joy of parish life, and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye.The episode concludes with an exciting announcement: Father & Dad will be recording a live podcast at the Emmaus Conference for the Diocese of Gary on August 22 at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso. As one chapter closes and another begins, Fr. Steven and Dad invite listeners to continue walking this journey of faith with them, trusting that God’s grace is present in every transition.The website for the Emmaus Conference is: https://emmaus.dcgary.org/

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven shares the news of his new assignment as administrator of Holy Spirit in Winfield, St. Helen in Hebron, and St. Mary in Kouts, beginning July 1st. Sitting down with Dad, the conversation unfolds through a series of thoughtful questions that open a window into this important transition in priestly life.Fr. Steven reflects on the prayer and discernment that led him to accept this new role, as well as the formation and experiences that have helped prepare him for this moment. He speaks candidly about the reality he is stepping into—both the challenges and the opportunities—and what it means to shepherd multiple parish communities at once.Together, they look ahead with hope, discussing Fr. Steven’s vision for the future and his desire to serve these communities faithfully. Rooted in trust in God’s providence, this episode offers a personal glimpse into the heart of a priest embracing a new mission and the grace that comes with saying “yes” to where God calls.

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad explore the difference between being a “force of nature” and a “force multiplier” in parish life and leadership. Drawing from Fr. Steven’s recent work with parish leadership coach Ron Huntley, they reflect on the intentional effort underway to build a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and mutual support within the parish staff.Rather than relying on one person to carry the weight of ministry, Fr. Steven shares how this shift invites priests and parish leaders to empower others, unlocking the gifts already present in the community. The conversation also acknowledges the natural resistance that can arise when change is introduced, especially when it challenges long-standing habits or expectations.Together, they highlight how embracing a “force multiplier” mindset not only strengthens the parish but also creates space for individuals to grow in holiness, take initiative, and become more proactive in living out their faith. In the end, this approach reflects a deeper trust in how God works through the whole Body of Christ, not just a single leader.

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad reflect on the major announcements heard across the Diocese of Gary regarding the future pastoral planning process and the restructuring of parishes. With many communities facing change, they speak candidly about both the challenges and the opportunities that come with this moment in the life of the Church.Fr. Steven offers firsthand perspective from the Merrillville Catholic Churches, sharing how their own merging experience has unfolded and why he believes it can serve as a beacon of hope for other parishes preparing for similar transitions. Together, he and Dad discuss the spiritual dimension of these changes, describing the pastoral process as a kind of “white martyrdom”—a real sacrifice that, when embraced with faith, can become fertile ground for renewal.Ultimately, they encourage listeners to see this season not simply as loss or restructuring, but as an invitation. When offered well, moments of sacrifice and surrender can become the seedbed for deeper conversion, stronger unity, and a more vibrant witness to the Gospel.

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad talk about an important transition at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs as Fr. Ted begins a five-month priestly sabbatical from January through June 2026. Fr. Steven explains what a sabbatical is, why it exists in the Diocese of Gary, and how it serves as a vital opportunity for spiritual renewal that priests are invited into roughly every fifteen years.The conversation explores what this particular sabbatical will look like, including Fr. Ted’s time in Rome followed by a month-long silent retreat. Fr. Steven then reflects on his own role during this season, sharing how he remains the associate pastor while also carrying the authority and responsibilities of the pastor in Fr. Ted’s absence.Fr. Steven offers honest insight into his initial experiences of leading the parish during this time—what has surprised him, what has challenged him, and what gives him hope. Together, he and Dad reflect on how seasons of rest, trust, and transition can be moments of grace not only for priests, but for entire parish communities.

In this warm and reflective Christmas episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad talk about the joy of celebrating Christmas in the parish, especially the gift of seeing so many people gathered for Mass—some who may only come a few times a year. Rather than judgment, they reflect on this moment as a sign of hope and an open door for deeper connection.The conversation turns to an important reminder: being Catholic is about more than simply showing up for Mass. While the Eucharist is central, faith is lived within a community, and salvation is not a solo endeavor. Fr. Steven and Dad talk about how parish life is strengthened when people participate beyond Sunday worship—through shared meals, fish fries, pancake breakfasts, and the simple act of being present to one another.Dad also shares his joy in leading OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children), walking alongside elementary school students as they prepare to receive their First Holy Communion. Together, they reflect on how Christmas renews not only our faith, but our call to belong, participate, and grow together as the Body of Christ.