“So I have a meeting at the Vatican…”
That’s how this week’s episode begins — as members of the Diocese of Camden’s leadership reflect on their pilgrimage to Rome from Oct. 23–28 for the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies at the Vatican.
Joining us to share stories from this extraordinary experience are most of the delegation that included: Bishop Joseph Williams, Father Jon Thomas, Vicar General, and the Diocese’s seven secretaries — Andrés Arango (Evangelization and Hispanic Ministry), Dr. Maria Elena Hallion (Catholic Charities of South Jersey), Nicole Keefer (VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services), Laura Montgomery (Administration and Finance), Donna Ottaviano-Britt (Discipleship and Leadership), Michael Walsh (Communication), and Dr. Bill Watson (Catholic Education).
Hear firsthand how the Vatican discussions deepened their understanding of synodality, collaboration, and leadership in the local Church — and what they brought home to South Jersey.
For more on the Jubilee Synod, visit https://www.synod.va/en/highlights/jubilee-of-synodal-teams-and-participatory-bodies.html.
Read the full story in the Catholic Star Herald: catholicstarherald.org/camden-delegation-joins-synodal-gathering-at-vatican.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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“Your life has meaning.”
That’s one of the important messages this week’s guests have for Talking Catholic’s listeners.
On this week’s episode, Father Tom Piro and Father Stephen Robbins – who are both associate directors for the Office of Vocations – talk about the Diocese’s newest initiative: “Called by Name.”
This November, every parishioner is being asked to prayerfully consider young men, from high school through age 39, who show the qualities of a good priest. On the weekend of Nov. 1-2, you’ll find “Called by Name” cards in the church pews. Take one home, or after Mass, write down the name of a young man you think could make a good priest. Return the card to the collection basket. The vocations team will do the rest!
“God wants to invite you to help build up His Kingdom,” the priests tell Jen Mauro and her co-host this week, Catholic Star Herald Reporter Pete Sanchez.
Learn about the program, how to listen for God’s call in your life, and pick up on some spiritual advice from these young priests!
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This week on Talking Catholic, Marianela Núñez and cohost Mike Bress celebrate a century of faith, family, and Ram pride at Gloucester Catholic High School. They’re joined by Tom Iacovone, Principal, and Kathy Dougherty, Director of Marketing, to reflect on 100 years of tradition, community, and Catholic education in South Jersey.
From the halls that shaped generations to the alumni who carry Ram spirit far and wide, it’s a conversation full of memories, laughter—and even Marianela’s heartfelt “call for gray hairs” as we honor the legacy and future of this beloved school.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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Each year, the Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Camden brings together elementary and high school principals for a two-day conference in Ocean City. The gathering covers a range of important topics while also providing opportunities for fellowship among colleagues.
On this week’s episode, cohosts Marianela Nuñez and Mike Bress speak with two new elementary school principals — Bill Hennessy of Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury and Dr. Deirdre Rood of St. Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights — about their first conference experience.
Together, they walk through the conference’s agenda, sharing their personal takeaways from each session, how the event encouraged deeper connections with fellow principals, and which elements they hope to bring back to their own school communities. The conversation also highlights the uplifting atmosphere of the event — from the beautiful weather and delicious food to the sense of renewal it provided after a busy September.
To learn more about South Jersey Catholic Schools, visit southjerseycatholicschools.org
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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On this episode of Talking Catholic, we sit down with two distinguished members of Legatus, the national organization of Catholic business leaders committed to living and sharing their faith in the corporate world. Joining the conversation are BJ Kraemer, Managing Principal of MCFA, and Greg Passanante, CEO and Northeast Market Administrator for Shriners Children’s Philadelphia.
Together, they share how their Catholic faith informs their professional lives, the unique mission of Legatus in forming Catholic executives to be ambassadors for Christ, and the ways their careers intersect with service, leadership, and witness in the community. Whether it’s shaping strategy in business or ensuring compassionate healthcare for children, BJ and Greg reflect on what it means to bring the Gospel into boardrooms and beyond.
And make sure to check out BJ’s podcast, Leadership Blueprints.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, host Mike Walsh is joined by guest co-host Lisa Lauria for a conversation about the upcoming Catholic Charities of South Jersey Annual Dinner. Their guests are Executive Director Maria Elena Hallion, Ph.D., and Stacy Napolitano, Director of Development for the Diocese of Camden.
Together, they highlight this year’s Saint John Neumann Award honoree, Eustace Mita, celebrate the local Disciples of Mercy Award winners, and share how the Annual Dinner directly supports the life-changing work of Catholic Charities staff and volunteers across South Jersey. From feeding families to walking alongside those in crisis, this event fuels the mission of compassion and service in our communities.
Learn more about the Annual Dinner and the work of Catholic Charities at: catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/ccad.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, two well-respected pro-life advocates join us to talk about the upcoming Mass for Life, rally and march taking place Sept. 25 in Trenton.
Jennifer Ruggiero, director of human life and dignity for the Diocese of Metuchen, and Rachel Hendricks, coordinator of the Respect Life Ministry in the Diocese of Trenton, discuss the misinformation being spread and health risks of abortion; the beauty of coming together statewide as a faith community, and how the march at the State House is especially important in this election year for New Jersey.
The second annual event begins at 9:30 a.m. with Mass in Saint Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. The Mass will be followed at 11 a.m. by a rally at the Statehouse Annex a few blocks from the Cathedral. The march starts at noon.
To learn more, go to: https://njcatholic.org/new-jersey-march-for-life-registration-1
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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Join us for a deeply inspiring episode as Kari Janisse and Mike Walsh sit down with Rowan University’s Catholic Campus Ministry executive board members—Donovan Kenny, Anthony LaPiana, and Peter Romeo—fresh from their pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. These engineering seniors not only witnessed the global heartbeat of youth faith in action but brought their own stories of transformation, hope, and holiness.
Donovan shares his awe at the unity of young people from across the globe—some traveling 20 hours by bus just to kneel together before the Blessed Sacrament—and how that experience “lit a new fire” in him to be “a beacon of hope” for others. Anthony reflects on how witnessing diverse expressions of joy—songs, dances, cheers—while waiting in lines reminded him that “our hearts are on fire for Christ and the Church isn’t going anywhere.” And for Peter, this pilgrimage—his first—was an invitation to lean into trust, embrace the unexpected, and be consoled by Pope Leo XIV’s personal message of hope: “God is our good Father… we have nothing to fear.”
As noted in reporting in the Catholic Star Herald, tapping into broader themes from the Jubilee, the pilgrimage was a powerful affirmation: “We’re the Church of today,” not just tomorrow. Pilgrims processing with relics of youth saints—including Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis—underscored that holiness is not only possible, it’s vibrant and accessible in everyday life.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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This week we spotlight a special presentation series hosted by Saint Joseph’s Polish Apostolate of the Diocese of Camden titled: “With God in Camden.”
The series explores the extraordinary life of Servant of God, Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J.—a Pennsylvania-born Jesuit missionary who endured decades of imprisonment and hard labor in Soviet Russia for his Catholic faith. His remarkable story of survival and trust in God is told in his powerful memoir, With God in Russia, a modern spiritual classic that continues to inspire countless faithful today.
Joining Mike Walsh for this episode are Fr. Adam Cichoski, rector of the Cathedral Parish of the Immaculate Conception; Michael Matulewicz, organizer of the presentation series; and Sue Ann Leighty, grandniece of Fr. Ciszek and one of the featured presenters. Together, they discuss Fr. Ciszek’s witness of faith, the continuing cause for his canonization, and what participants can expect from this event.
The “With God in Camden” series begins September 15th both as a Zoom presentation and in person at Saint Joseph’s Church in Camden. Speakers include clergy, religious, scholars, and family members who will share insights into Fr. Ciszek’s enduring legacy.
To register and learn more, visit withgodincamden.info.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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On this episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro are joined by Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez, co-hosts of our sibling monthly podcast Talking Saints, for a conversation about the upcoming canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Together, they explore the extraordinary lives of these two soon-to-be saints, the virtues that made them powerful witnesses of faith, and the miracles attributed to them. The discussion also walks listeners through the process of canonization in the Catholic Church—what it takes to go from Servant of God to Saint—and why their stories resonate so strongly with Catholics today.
Whether you’re curious about the lives of Carlo and Pier Giorgio or want to better understand how the Church recognizes saints, this episode offers both inspiration and insight.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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In this episode of Talking Catholic, hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro sit down with Fr. Jason Rocks, Chancellor of the Diocese of Camden, to look back at the first 100 days of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. From his calm, unifying tone and revival of beloved papal traditions to his bold engagement with modern issues like artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV has set a distinctive course for the Church and the world. Fr. Rocks shares insights on the pope’s pastoral style, his embrace of pilgrims, his theological grounding in St. Augustine, and the moments—both quiet and bold—that are shaping this new papacy.
Listen in for a thoughtful conversation that blends faith, leadership, and the unique perspective of someone closely following the Vatican’s early days under Pope Leo XIV.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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Graphic image - Pope Leo XIV smiles at the conclusion of his first Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 13, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
As Catholic schools prepare to kick off another academic year, excitement is building not only in the classrooms but also on the fields. This week, co-hosts Jen Mauro and Mike Bress sit down with longtime Catholic Star Herald sports reporter Mark Zimmaro for a deep dive into the upcoming high school sports season.
Mark shares insights on standout athletes to watch, programs on the rise, and the unique energy that surrounds fall sports in South Jersey’s Catholic schools. He also reflects on his own work in journalism—from covering local stories to teaching high school students the craft—and the growing opportunities for young people to engage with media.
Whether you’re a parent, alum, or just a fan of Friday night lights, this conversation captures the passion, community, and tradition that make Catholic school sports so special.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic, two young women on fire for the Lord share their experiences and wisdom on how they built the Young Adult Group at Saint Peter Parish, Merchantville.
Bella DeFeo and Nadia Foster, close friends in their 20s, often heard their peers express a desire to grow deeper in faith beyond Sunday services. After lots of prayer, talks with the pastor, planning and late-night conversations, they launched the Young Adult Group.
Listen as Bella and Nadia share how they have had success with the group’s structure, which includes discussions around real-life issues like career stress, school and relationships – while grounding each conversation in Scripture and prayer.
Their leadership isn’t about preaching, but about walking alongside others in their faith journeys.
To learn more about the group, go to their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/spyag_/
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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“Do all you can with the means at your disposal and leave all the rest calmly to God.” In today’s podcast, Pete and Laurie dive into the life and legacy of St. Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, a woman of unwavering compassion, tenacious faith, and deep humility. While excommunication is not often part of the story of a saint, learn how her faithfulness and patience in the face of injustice led her to sainthood.
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/.
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As the 2025–26 school year approaches, Catholic schools across the Diocese of Camden are preparing for another year of academic excellence—freshly cleaned classrooms, updated technology, and new beginnings. But at Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury, NJ, one change stands out above the rest: a bold transition to a classical Catholic curriculum.
This week on Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress sit down with Father Joseph Byerley, pastor of Holy Angels Parish; Matthew Soldano, the school’s Director of Curriculum; and new principal William Hennessy to explore what this exciting shift means for students, teachers, and the broader school community.
Together, they unpack how classical education—rooted in timeless wisdom and the Catholic intellectual tradition—can help form young minds into virtuous, faith-filled citizens of the world. They also discuss the reasons behind the change, what the transition entails, and the vision guiding Holy Angels into a new era of learning.
Learn more about Holy Angels Catholic School at holyangelswoodbury.org
Discover other Catholic schools in South Jersey at southjerseycatholicschools.org
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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This week on Talking Catholic, we explore a deeply personal and universal topic: addiction.
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, food, media, pornography, or other compulsions, addiction touches countless lives — often disrupting health, relationships, and spiritual well-being.
Joining co-hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro are two guests with firsthand experience in the healing journey: Jen Drees, a Calix Society facilitator at Church of the Incarnation in Mantua, and Jo Anne Farrell, Addictions Healing Services coordinator for Catholic Charities of South Jersey. Together, they discuss the upcoming faith-based Zoom retreat on August 2 — open to anyone impacted by addiction. Register here »
The episode also introduces listeners to the Calix Society (www.calixsociety.org), a Catholic recovery organization that helps individuals maintain sobriety through faith and a 12-step program.
Listen in for a compassionate, hope-filled conversation about recovery, spiritual support, and the path toward healing.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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This week on Talking Catholic, we welcome two vibrant voices in Catholic communications: cousins Mary Kate Haliskoe and Jerry Wutkowski. With deep roots in both faith and family, Mary Kate and Jerry share what it’s like to work together in the world of Church media, reflect on the joys and quirks of collaborating as relatives, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at their roles supporting the mission of the Church through storytelling in their new roles with the Archdiocese of New York.
Plus, there’s a recap of the recent Catholic Media Conference and a promise to bring this lively crew back together again soon.
Whether you're in Catholic communications or just love a good family story, this episode is a joyful celebration of faith, media, and the bonds that tie us together.
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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“My dear Jesus, I ask You in grace that, through the merit of Your Most Holy Name, You make me a lover of the Cross." On this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie, unpack the extraordinary life of St. Veronica Giuliani-mystic, stigmatist, and victim soul. Discover how her profound love for Christ, detailed in her 22,000 page spiritual diary, offers a model for each of us in embracing our daily struggles in union with Christ.
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/.
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In this episode of Talking Catholic, Mike Walsh chats with Kerry Weber, executive editor of America Media and newly elected president of the Catholic Media Association. Their conversation centers on Kerry’s life within Catholic journalism, her commitment to ethical storytelling, and the importance of building a stronger, more connected Catholic media community. She also discusses the changing media landscape and the vital role Catholic journalists play in helping people make sense of complex moral and cultural issues through a faith-based lens.
Her thoughtful reflections remind listeners that Catholic media work is more than a profession—it’s a vocation rooted in service, trust, and a desire to communicate the Gospel effectively in today’s world.
Also, if you ever wondered what it would sound like for Mike to do a normal, professional interview, this is the episode for you!
For further insight into Kerry and her vision, check out her recent America Media interview: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/06/30/kerry-weber-president-catholic-media-association-251037
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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With Mike Walsh out of town for the Catholic Media Conference, co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro take the Talking Catholic show on the road to visit with some of the Diocese of Camden’s seminarians!
Father Joshua Nevitt, assistant director of vocations for the Diocese, and seminarians Michael Leason, Theodore Deluhery and Domenic DeStefano welcomed Jen and Mike to the former Saint Mary’s Convent in Cherry Hill. This is where the majority of the seminarians are living this summer, along with Father Nevitt.
Learn why Bishop Joseph Williams wanted the men to spend the summer together growing in formation, missionary discipleship and evangelization – and the true brotherhood they’ve grown into along the way.
Plus, get a lot of laughs from hearing how the seminarians are adjusting to their surroundings, enjoying having the Diocese’s priests as “guest chefs” and pulling a prank or two!
Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts are found or at talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic. And, catch us on Domestic Church Media Radio Sundays at 11 AM | Mondays at 4 PM: domesticchurchmedia.org
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