On Mission

Incorporating Liturgical Living into New Year's Resolutions

Podcast Evangelization

Lectio Divina

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Ring in the Year with Mary

Looking Forward to Easter

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Easter is the climax to the Liturgical Year and is rich in beauty and symbolic liturgies. As one prepares for Easter through observing Lent, we should also take care to prepare to celebrate Easter though studying the Liturgies, customs, and celebrations in the week leading to and from Easter Sunday. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. explore the Holy Week liturgies and how they celebrate Easter in their homes and with their families.

Holy Week’s rich liturgies include Palm Sunday, Chrism Mass, Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord. When we are prepared to celebrate these liturgies, they add to the grandeur and solemnity of Easter Sunday and enable you to enter more deeply into the celebration. Outside of the liturgies, we can celebrate it within our homes with traditional meals and with family. Incorporating some Easter specific traditions can further elevate the joy of the occasion.

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Moments of Return: Creating Welcoming Parishes During Key Moments of the Year

Palm Sunday

Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions

Fifty Days of Easter

The Three Days

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Lessons From Holy Week

Prayer Basics

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Prayer can certainly seem overwhelming and overly complicated. However, prayer is simply a conversation with God and raising our minds to the things of Heaven. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. share how simple prayer can be and how to grow more fruit from prayer.

Prayer is the basis of our relationship with God and it’s important to remember the basics. Remembering the basics keeps prayer as simple as a conversation between two friends, God and yourself. We can look to more formal prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary as a basis for how our prayer can be, but there’s no replacement from speaking from the heart and allowing our Lord to respond. We can use the acronym ACTS to help model our prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

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Maintain Prayer Routines During Summer Vacation

Prayerful Parenthood

The Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions

Lectio Divina

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

The Fruit of Prayer

How to Make a Good Confession

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Confession, known as the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, allows us to be forgiven of our sins and bestows on us graces to grow in our spiritual life. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that you can prepare and participate in the Sacrament.

If you’ve been away from the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for some time, embrace Jesus’ invitation to draw closer to him through this Sacrament--be not afraid. When preparing to go to Confession, it is customary for the person to examine their conscience, reflecting on the sins they committed since their last confession. The participant asks for the grace to make a good confession and resolves to amend their lives. Once in the confessional, the person can ask for help confessing their sins or follow the standard rubric. Next comes the act of contrition, absolution, and sometimes to do the assigned penance.

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From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Spiritual Decluttering

Conscience Reclaimed

How should we prepare for the upcoming Lent?

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Lent quickly approaches and many Catholics pick up penances of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, but what exactly should we do? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can choose what Lenten penances to undertake and what to do when we inevitably fail.

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three pillars to Lent, guide us through the 40 days so that we can be ready to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. In Scripture, we read that Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in the desert as a preparation for his public ministry. Likewise, Christians around the world ‘enter the desert’, so to speak, during Lent as a means of growing closer to Christ and neighbor.

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From the Ad Infinitum blog:

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Moments of Return: Creating Welcoming Parishes During Key Moments of the Year with Paul Jarzembowski

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Ash Wednesday and other holy days like Christmas and Easter are popular days in the liturgical calendar where parishes see an increase in the number of people attending Mass. Many may be there for the first time or for the first time in a long time. How can parishes create a welcoming environment that helps bring these individuals closer to Christ? In this episode of On Mission, Paul Jarzembowski joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss what times of the year parishes can expect an increase in attendance and how best to accommodate and welcome the newcomers.

Many parishes offer extra Masses and times for Confession close to Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and Easter expecting a large number of new people to attend these services. With proper preparation and consideration, parishes can turn who would be one time attendees into active and involved members of the community. Paul Jarzembowski, author of Hope for the Holidays and Hope from the Ashes, shares tips and strategies for parishes who experience an influx in attendance around key moments in the liturgical year.

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The Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions

On Lent

Webinars with Paul Jarzembowski:

Sparks from Ashes: Lent and Ash Wednesday as Moments of Evangelization

Hope For the Holidays: Finding Light at the Darkest Times of the Year

Hope from the Ashes: Preparing for an Evangelizing Lent

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Accompanying Others Throughout Lent

St. Blaise and the Blessing of Throats

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

On February 3rd every year, Christians flock to their local parish churches to receive a blessing of throats with blessed candles in honor of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss who St. Blaise was, what blessings are, and why we receive blessings on his feast day.

St. Blaise was Bishop of Sebaste, modern day Turkey, in the beginning of the 4th century before his martyrdom in 316. He was a physician who was known for his miraculous healings, particularly healings involving the throat. This lead to the tradition of blessing throats on his feast day. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, being invoked against throat illnesses. “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

A blessing is an extension of the sacramental grace offered to us through the Sacraments. When we receive a blessing or get an object blessed, God’s graces are bestowed on us through the blessing as a medium. When we receive the blessing of the throat on St. Blaise’s feast day, we receive graces from God through the the blessing from the merit of the Sacraments that aid us in our infirmities.

Related On Mission episodes:

All Saints and All Souls Days

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

New Year’s Resolutions for Catholics

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 2 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Every year, many make resolutions to guide their new year plans. For Catholics, we can make resolutions to help guide our spiritual growth and inform our daily tasks. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can take advantage of the New Year, 2026.

With the dawn of a New Year we have fresh opportunities and a new hope for what we can expect in the months ahead. A key for success is having a plan and managing expectations. If we bite off more than we can chew, we get overwhelmed and don’t make any progress. If we don’t have any idea of how we will accomplish our goals, then we are not any more likely to accomplish them. Some New Year’s resolutions for Catholics may include: attending daily Mass, going to Confession more regularly, daily prayer, and partaking in charity work, to name a few. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more!

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Incorporating Liturgical Living into New Year's Resolutions

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Ring in the Year with Mary

Where Does the Christmas Tree Come From? And Other Traditions

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered where the Christmas Tree comes from? Or are you wondering what the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the traditions in our homes that we can so easily take for granted and shares the context and religious symbolism behind the traditions.

Every year, we set up Christmas trees, we put up lights, we wrap gifts, and we put out a nativity scene, but do we ever consider where these practices come from? For example, the Christmas tree’s origin comes from St. Boniface who said the tree reminds us of eternal life, the Trinity, and our orientation to live for eternity. These and other traditions have been handed on to us, like the crèche. The crèche is said to have been developed by St. Francis and now finds its way into our living rooms each year. Even St. Peter’s Square in Rome sets up a nativity scene and a Christmas tree. It was Pope St. John Paul II who started the tradition of placing a nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. And a nativity scene commissioned by St. Vincent Pallotti was in use for a number of years. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more!

View our Advent Resources page

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Christmas

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How to Not Get Wrapped Up in Christmas Stress

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 5 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Christmas comes with a lot of expectations and obligations. Without managing these expectations and setting some sort of boundaries or limits, we can easily get enveloped in stress. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss what we can do to manage the busiest and most joyful time of year: Christmas.

There’s a lot for families to do between Thanksgiving and Christmas to prepare to celebrate Christmas in addition to their typical routines. We know that the time of Advent should be one of peaceful waiting, but that still leaves the practical elements of Christmas preparation to take care of. How do we practice self-care to prepare and celebrate Christmas without allowing the stress to overwhelm us? Firstly, we can manage our expectations for what the season will be like and not allow unexpected events to get us upset. Secondly, with all the gift-giving, we can set a reasonable budget and plan to whom we will give gifts for. Third, while all the “to-dos” need to be done, it is, more importantly meant to be enjoyed. You can find Christ in the midst of our to-dos and offer up the duties to him and find more spiritual fulfillment in the midst of Christmas. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more!

View our Advent Resources page

Self-Care Resources page

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Advent Preparations

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

With Advent upcoming, we can make the most of the liturgical season as a means to prepare for the celebrations of Christmas. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how we can use Advent as a means to spiritually and practically prepare for Christmas.

Christmas quickly approaches and with it Advent. With the fast-paced nature of the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Advent can simply pass by. But if we intentionally use the four weeks of Advent, we can find more spiritual fulfillment when Christmas arrives. Advent is often considered the little Lent. What Lent like practices can we incorporate into our Advent observances? For example, we can emphasize more charitable works within our communities, we can fast, and we can take up certain prayer practices to help us pave the way for the Lord.

View our Advent Resources page

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A Light in Darkness

Beyond a Twinkle

Works of Mercy at Thanksgiving

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 7 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving quickly approaches and many look to engage in more acts of charity, like working in a food panty or visiting sick families members. What are some concrete ways we can live the Catholic works of mercy this Thanksgiving? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how we can live out the works of mercy at the Thanksgiving table and beyond.

Over Thanksgiving, we have particular opportunities to put the works of mercy into practice. For example, we can engage in ministries that help feed the hungry, visit the sick, or prison ministry. Even around the dinner table we can accompany others by counseling the doubtful, praying for the living and the dead, and forgiving injuries that other family members or friends may have caused us.

The Catechism tells us that “When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice" (CCC 2446). As Catholics, we are called by the Church to exercise the virtue of justice and give others what they are due through works of mercy. This is lived out through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Mercy is the unmerited, unwarranted love which is poured out regardless of whether or not it is accepted. This love is perfected and continuously given to humanity through God, who is love. All of salvation history is the story of God showering mercy on humanity even in the face of rejection, and showing that there are no limits to the mercy offered–to the point of sending His only begotten Son to die on the cross for us. This mercy which is “endless” and “inexhaustible”, as St. Faustina describes, invites us to not only receive the fullness of it, but to allow mercy to overflow out of us and into others. When we receive God’s mercy, the only response we can have is to share it with others, and this is done through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

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Affirming Your Faith on Vacation

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

We’ve all been there: we are traveling and someone notices that we are Christian and/or Catholic and they start a conversation with us. What do we do when strangers ask us about our Catholic Faith when in public? Whenever we travel and embrace our Catholic faith, we may find ourselves publicly witnessing Christ and could turn into moments of evangelization with those whom we encounter. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss how we can live the Faith on vacation and be ready to answer questions about Catholicism while we travel.

The Faith does not take a vacation, even if we are away from home traveling to Disney, the beach, or other countries. When we are intentional with practicing the Faith, we find ourselves attending Mass in new parishes or having faith-based conversations with people we may not know. We can embrace these seemingly random events as moments God has purposely put in our way to help other people to know him better. Never be shy to pray before eating at a restaurant, or reading a Christian book in the airport, or even showing explicit kindness to strangers because we never know how God will use our actions to bring about a greater world.

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Showing Hospitality to Priests

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Offering hospitality is a great way to show appreciation and be welcoming to the priests in your life. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss what are some methods people can use to help their priests feel more welcomed and a part of the larger community.

Our priests do so much to take care of us and we can show our gratitude by inviting them over for dinner, remembering their ordination anniversaries, and collaborating in the ministries they are a part of. We as Christians are all journeying to Heaven together and our priests are part of our family of faith. Incorporating priests in our family life helps them feel a part of the larger community. If there are priests from other countries, then we can recognize that they may feel home sick at times. These moments are excellent opportunities to cook a meal for them to eat in the rectory during the busy times of the year. When we remember that priests and laity are all children of the Heavenly Father, we can collaborate with them more effectively and treat them as extended members of our family.

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National Vocation Awareness Week: Vocational Discernment

Faith, Family, and Food: Italian-American Catholics

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Italian-American immigrants have shaped cultural Catholicism in the United States for generations. These families embraced their traditions and practices inherited from Italy to create a distinct home life that blends faith with family life and excellent cuisine as common touch stones. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share how their families practice Catholicism and the particular traditions that Italian-American Catholics have in common.

Italian-American Catholics are notable for their close-knit families where the Faith pervades all aspects of the family culture and the larger community’s culture. Common practices include Sunday dinners, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, devotions to the Saints, and sacred art within and around the home. Chris, Sarah, and Fr. Frank share personal reflections on their upbringings in Italian-American Catholic households.

Browse Saints from Italy on the Saints and Feast Day site

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From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Summertime is a Time for Processions

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The Newest Saints: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati are now canonized Saints and their simple, yet profound witness provides the Church, and in particular its younger members, inspiration to grow in holiness and draw others to Christ through their personal example. Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share what what the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati mean for the Church.

Pope Leo XIV canonized St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati in a ceremony on September 7, 2025. Carlo Acutis was 15 years old when he died of leukemia in a hospital in Monza, Italy in 2006. Carlo is remembered as a normal, joyful teenager who strived to be the best version of himself, living the ordinary in an extraordinary way. Carlo was generous to the poor of his community, many of whom came to pay their respects at his funeral. Carlo's passion for the Eucharist ultimately led to his mother's conversion.

Living a life of similar joy and witness to the Gospel, Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in Italy in 1901. From an early age, Frassati was interested in helping others however he could. When he was 21, he became a professed member of the Third Order of St. Dominic and began to lead groups of people in works of mercy in the model of Rerum novarum. Frassati was also an avid outdoorsman, especially mountaineering. Frassati contracted polio in 1925 and died when he was just 24. Many of the poor of Turin who he had helped showed up to his funeral, shocking his parents who did not know of his charitable works.

Visit the St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati feast day pages.

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Pallottine Fathers and Brothers

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Pallottine Charism and Saint Vincent Pallotti

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

St. Vincent Pallotti founded the Union of Catholic Apostolate and the later developed Pallottine Fathers and Brothers to encourage collaboration between clergy, religious, and lay people to evangelize in every day life. Connor Combs and Sebastian Fernandez, Summer Associates at the Catholic Apostolate Center, join this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share what they’ve learned about St. Vincent Pallotti and the Pallottine charism.

St. Vincent Pallotti founded the Union of Catholic Apostolate, an association of lay people, religious, and clergy to spread the call of the universal apostolate in society. Later, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers), developed. During Vatican II, his ideas were affirmed in the documents of the Council and the call of all to missionary discipleship, as the late Pope Francis would speak about. If you would like to learn more about the Pallottines, the Union of Catholic Apostolate, and the charism of St. Vincent Pallotti, the Catholic Apostolate Center, as a ministry of the Immaculate Conception Province of the Priests and Brothers, has many resources and information about the life and ministry of Pallotti.

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Saint Vincent Pallotti

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Pallottines

Living Faith on a Secular Campus

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Friends Help You Stay Catholic in College

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

College provides young adults opportunities to explore the larger world and get to know new people and experience new things. With that, many students drift away from the Catholic Faith while in school. However, a group of peers to hold each other accountable and provide motivation to grow in relationship with Jesus can help students thrive in college and go deeper in their faith. Connor Combs and Sebastian Fernandez, Summer Associates at the Catholic Apostolate Center, join this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share how friends and accountability helped them remain and grow in their Catholic faith while studying in college.

When arriving on a college campus, Catholic students usually have a choice: go to Mass or don’t go to Mass? For many, this is the first time they will have this question posed to them. Connor and Sebastian share from their experience encountering that same question and what means were available to them that allowed them to grow in faith. For example, a good group of friends provided motivation and accountability to go to Mass, frequent the sacraments, and live a prayerful student experience. Making the conscious choice to attend a more religious institution helped maintain them in the context of the Catholic Faith.

View Synod on Young People resources

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From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Student Life

Friendship

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Social Media Practices for Catholic Ministries and Apostolates

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 1 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Social media is a powerful tool for Catholic ministries and evangelizers to spread the message of the Gospel, build community, and dialogue with others. Ministries, apostolates, and non-profits must keep in mind that serves the purpose of drawing people into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus in and through the Church, most particularly through the Sacraments. Grady Connolly, founder of Social Thomist, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share how ministries can employ social media for Christ and his Church.

With the amount of information and media available to us, Grady recommends to be intentional with how we post to social media and what we consume on social media. Some recommendations could be to take notes about what you’re consuming or set personal limits. Regardless of how we consume, the reality of the true, the good, and the beautiful unfolding in front of us surpasses anything we can engage with online.

View Social Media Resources

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Podcast Evangelization

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Basilica Bucket List with Grady Connolly

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Basilicas are churches in the Catholic Church that receive the honorific title by the pope. There are four major basilicas in Rome and the others worldwide are minor basilicas. Grady Connolly, founder of Social Thomist, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share his experiences taking pilgrimages around the United States to visit all 93 minor basilicas.

The Romans used basilicas as a gathering place and the seat of the local ruling official. After Christianity was legalized, the early Christians gathered in the basilicas for Mass and Sacraments. Today, the Pope is responsible for declaring a church a basilica, which distinguishes the church from others as a particular place of pilgrimage, sacraments, and liturgical beauty. Grady Connolly has visited over 60 of the basilicas in the US and plans to visit all of the basilicas and document his findings in an upcoming book.

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Papal History

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Prayerful Parenthood

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 4 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Parents experience shifts in their prayer routines after welcoming children into the world. As single people, one can experience long stretches of time without interruption to say their prayers. After welcoming a child, a parent needs to adjust. Meg Ferguson, Curriculum Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share her journey to adapting her prayer life to being a parent and developing a more personal and intimate relationship with God in the process.

Prayer is the life-line for all Christians. It keeps us rooted in God and enables us to be in communion with him throughout the day. Becoming a parent requires learning how to adjust a prayer routine. But this challenge opens up the parent to new graces and a deeper intimacy with God that the parent may not have known prior.

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Accompaniment

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Parents

View Prayer and Catechesis resources

Retreat Experiences and Accompaniment

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Prepared to Accompany: A Practical Instructional Workshop Course

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Accompaniment allows people of faith to mutually assist each other’s spiritual growth and provides a pathway for less experienced people to learn and grow through an intentional relationship. The Catholic Apostolate Center recently developed an online course that will be available soon to equip people with the basics and how-to of accompaniment. Meg Ferguson, Curriculum Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share her inspiration and development of the virtual Accompaniment Course.

Missionary discipleship is most fruitful through the witness of the baptized. Many are profoundly moved, particularly by the witness of young people. People often comment on who is not active in the life of faith. How often do we put our attention on those who are? These are the people, including many young people, who live their faith and go forth daily as missionary disciples of Christ.

Pope Francis teaches that “missionary disciples accompany missionary disciples” (Evangelii Gaudium, 175). The baptized do not become missionary disciples on their own, they need accompaniment. This is true for young people and true for all. Young people do need accompaniment toward missionary discipleship, but that can only happen if others are well-formed disciples. Part of this formation includes learning more about ministry with young people, particularly young adults.

Many young people evangelize others through their witness of faith in word and deed. Sometimes this is a story that is not told. They live well their faith through missionary discipleship and have brought others to Christ and his Church. They need our support, accompaniment, and prayers.

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Accompaniment

View Collaboration in Ministry resources

Dr. Timoney on Parish Pastoral Councils

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Finance Councils

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 6 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Finance Councils in parishes are an advisory group of parishioners who can provide the pastor with financial advice and guidance for operating the parish. Kathy McKinless, of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share her experience in the finance field and within dioceses and parishes.

Finance councils are required by Canon Law to advise the pastor on financial matters within the parish. Their responsibilities can include budgeting, strategic planning, running financial reports, and maintaining the integrity of internal operations. Kathy also provides practical advice to members of finance councils and to individuals who are interested in joining their parish’s finance council. A finance council’s collaboration with the parish’s pastoral council is integral to smooth operation of the parish as a whole.

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View Collaboration in Ministry resources

Purchase the book In Service to the Parish and the Church: A Formation Series for Parish Pastoral Councils

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Papal History

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 23 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The Pope as the leader of the Catholic Church finds it's origins the New Testament when Jesus chose Peter as the first pope. Through history, there have been various ways to choose the pope. A conclave is the current form of electing a new pope where cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel and cast their votes. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Fr. Conrad Murphy, Chaplain at the University of Maryland Catholic Student Center and host of the Habemus Papam podcast, to discuss the history and role of the pope from St. Peter to Pope Francis.

The Papacy, established by Christ when he declared to St. Peter: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The papacy, is the office and jurisdiction of the bishop of Rome and is the head of the Catholic Church. The current pope is Pope Francis who became pope in 2013 and succeeded Pope Benedict XVI.

Related Episodes:

Pop Culture and Catholic Expression

Forming Leaders

Media

Resources:

Listen to Habemus Papam

Pope Benedict XVI Portal

Catholic Media

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Retreat Experiences and Accompaniment

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 9 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Retreats are an ancient practice for Catholics to get away from the day-to-day life and allow God to work in their hearts in a deeply intimate way. Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center and Campus Minister for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.

Whether one goes on a day retreat or a weeklong silent retreat, retreats are a means to grow closer to Christ and to reinvigorate one’s spiritual and prayer life. Engaged couples go on retreats to prepare for marriage. And other lay men and women take annual weekend retreats to enter deeper prayer. Many priests and religious, too, go on retreat to recharge their relationship with God in a profound way. Some religious orders’ charism provides retreat experiences for people. Brian Rhude explains the many different kinds of retreats and how one can take their experiences home with them and allow the Lord to continually speak to them. The simplest retreat one can do every day is spending time with Jesus in daily prayer.

Related On Mission episodes:

The Eucharist and the Eucharistic Revival

Shrines and Pilgrimages

Marriage Preparation

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Making the Most of Summer with Your Church

Retreats

Read Art of Accompaniment and Living as Missionary Disciples Resources

Download the App on the App Store or Google Play

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Jubilee Year

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, William Tishuk, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, STD, Associate Professor of Practice at the Catholic University of America, to discuss the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope, 2025.

The Church has an excellent opportunity to strengthen its hope in the Lord as we prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Year whose theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Pope Francis has invited the Church to prepare for this time of Jubilee with a Year of Prayer. Prayerful preparation for the Jubilee allows us to discern how we can witness the hope that comes from Christ the Lord. Pope Francis in the Bull on Indiction for the Jubilee says that “hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross” (Spes Non Confundit, 3).

In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year’ was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation. The first Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII on 22nd February 1300 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), to mark the beginning of that century. He later recommended it occurring every 100 years. This year the Church celebrates the Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope.

Related On Mission episodes:

The Eucharist and the Eucharistic Revival

Eucharistic Revival: Diocesan Phase

Eucharistic Revival: Year of Mission

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Strengthen Our Hope in the Lord

Jubilee blog posts

Families at Mass

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Krissy Pierno and Kate Fowler to discuss their experiences when bringing their families to Mass.

Parents with young children understand how getting to Mass and getting through Mass can offer specific challenges. Kate and Krissy offer tips and advice for why bringing children to Mass is so important and how you can make the experience more manageable and more engaging for the children.

Bringing children to Mass is the greatest gift parents can offer their children. So, those families need support and encouragement when they arrive at Mass. Listen to this episode to learn more about bringing your family and young children to Mass and how to make the most of the experience.

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Sharing the Faith with Young Children

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Lessons I've Learned from my Toddler

Blogs relating to families

Read more about Marriage and Family Resources

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Eucharistic Revival: Year of Mission

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Deacon Mark Krejci of the Diocese of Crookston to discuss the third year of the Eucharistic Revival, Year of Mission.

This is an exciting new season of the Revival movement. The Holy Spirit has enkindled a missionary fire in the heart of our nation, and now he is sending out every member of the Church to spread the Good News—sharing the gift of our Eucharistic Lord with those on the margins. And YOU are invited to be a part of it! Download the Year of Mission Playbook here.

We are all called to evangelize, and thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are well-equipped for this mission. It may not mean spreading the Gospel in a foreign land or going door-to-door with the Good News—and it may require overcoming some fears—but the Lord is asking each of us to step out of our comfort zone and evangelize one-on-one.

There is someone in your life right now whom Jesus longs to call to himself. He wants to spark a relationship with them and bless them with his sacraments. In this Year of Mission, Catholics across the U.S. are saying “yes” to a special form of heart-to-heart accompaniment called the Walk With One initiative. This is your opportunity to be God’s instrument in the life of another person. Imagine how our families, neighborhoods, and country will be transformed if every active Catholic answers this call!

Related On Mission episodes:

The Eucharist and the Eucharistic Revival

Eucharistic Revival: Diocesan Phase

Pilgrimage and the Eucharist as Food for the Journey

The Diaconate w/ Deacon Mark Krejci

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Working with High School Students

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Christian Bordak-Roseman, a high school theology teacher from the Washington, D.C. area, to discuss his experience accompanying students through high school.

High school is a pivotal time in a person’s life. Students face a lot of pressures from academic success to extracurricular success. Knowing the fundamentals of accompaniment can aid students navigate their high school careers and come to know Christ more personally.

Related On Mission episodes:

Accompanying Teens in Youth Ministry

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Catholic Hospitality

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Monica Thom Konschnik, Management Consultant for the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss hospitality practices at parishes.

Catholic hospitality is a virtue and a gift that involves welcoming others and serving them in the name of Christ. It's a way to share the gospel, and is considered a hallmark of Christian stewardship. Some ideas to show hospitality to other at the parish: 1) smile, 2) host a doughnuts and coffee gathering after Mass, 3) introduce yourself to new attendees.

Related On Mission episodes:

Community Life

Stewardship

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Reflections on St. Benedict

Living Faith on a Secular Campus

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Meghan Abando, Coordinator of Events and Special Programs, to discuss her experience of living the faith and evangelizing on secular college campuses.

College is a pivotal time in a young adult’s life. Often times, this is the first time a person is out of the house on their own. Students look for moments of encounter with Jesus through faith based events and Sacraments available to them. Meghan explains how students can grow in faith while still on a secular campus. For example, they can attend Mass regularly, join a bible study group, and live out the works of mercy in the community.

Related On Mission episodes:

Community Life

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Catholic Feast Days App: A New App from the Catholic Apostolate Center

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the Catholic Feast Days app, the latest app from the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Download the app on the App Store or on the Google Play Store to receive notifications and explore new saints. The app features profiles of saints and blesseds, special devotions in the church including Marian devotions, and other important events in the liturgical calendar. For each feast, you will find a short biography or description, the patronage of the saint, a short video, and various tags about the time period, vocation, and country of the saint.

Related On Mission episodes:

Marriage Part 2: Accompanying Couples

The 12 Apostles

Bl. Carlo Acutis

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Marriage Preparation

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss their experiences preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage and the importance it has to build a fruitful lifetime for the couple.

Because Christian marriage is a sacrament, the Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared. Dioceses and parishes offer marriage preparation to help couples develop a better understanding of the sacrament; to evaluate and deepen their readiness to live married life, and to gain insights into themselves as individuals and as a couple.

Marriage preparation programs take different forms. Some couples attend a weekend retreat; others are matched with a "sponsor couple"; and others participate in a series of marriage preparation classes offered by their parish or diocese. The important thing for engaged couples to keep in mind as they check numerous items off their pre-wedding "to-do" list is the well-known adage, "Your wedding lasts a day, but your marriage lasts a lifetime." The Church encourages couples to invest time and energy into the all-important work of preparing for their married life together.

Related On Mission episodes:

Marriage Part 1

Parents Introducing the Faith to Their Young Children

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

About Marriage

Read Marriage and Family Resources

Watch Marriage Accompaniment Webinar with Dr. Steven Serafin

Click here for Vocational Discernment Resources

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Athletics and Faith

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 3 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The connection between athletics / sport and faith has been made at least since the first century where St. Paul repeatedly compares our spiritual lives to races and athleticism. They both require discipline and perseverance through challenging moments. And still more, they both have a goal and victory as our aim. Well known saints like Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati and John Paul II are known for their love of sport.

"Sport, properly directed, develops character, makes a man courageous, a generous loser, and a gracious victor; it refines the senses, gives intellectual penetration, and steels the will to endurance. It is not merely a physical development then. Sport, rightly understood, is an occupation of the whole man, and while perfecting the body as an instrument of the mind, it also makes the mind itself a more refined instrument for the search and communication of truth and helps man to achieve that end to which all others must be subservient, the service and praise of his Creator."

– Pope Pius XII, Sport at the Service of the Spirit July 29, 1945

Scripture references:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: 24 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25 Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. 26 So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; 27 but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.

Hebrews 12:1: 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,[a] and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

2 Timothy 2:5: 5 And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.

Related On Mission episodes:

Sharing the Faith With Young Children

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

About Athletics and Faith

Learn about the Catholic Athletes for Christ

Click here for Vocational Discernment Resources

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Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Pedro Camilo Simoes, S.A.C. to discuss his book, Divine Threads, and how God has been quietly present throughout his life.

Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings is the life story of Father Pedro Camilo Simoes, SAC. Father Camilo, as he is best known, grew up in the Indian state of Goa. At a very young age, he responded to the call to become a priest. At that time, he was introduced to the Pallottine Fathers and began a long journey to his day of Ordination. Father Camilo’s story includes his service to the mission parishes in India as well as his nine-year tenure as a provincial for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province of the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers in Bengaluru, India.

Father Camilo has traveled extensively bringing the love, dedication, and support of the Pallottines to distant lands. Discover, through Father Camilo’s story, the history of the Pallottine Fathers and the impact they have on our world today.

Father Camilo presents a sense of gratitude, despite the many ups and downs of his life. In all things, he acknowledges the presence of God. Through his writing, you, too, will experience a sense of gratitude and recognition for God’s goodness.

Purchase Divine Threads on Amazon here.

Related On Mission episodes:

Pallottine Fathers and Brothers

St. Andrew: What We Can Learn From The "Hidden Apostle" In Evangelization

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

About the Pallottines blog posts

Read about St. Vincent Pallotti

Click here for Vocational Discernment Resources

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Thanksgiving and Faith Recast

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 6 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Center colleague Sarah Harrigan, Manager of Communications and Special Programs, to discuss the connections between the Thanksgiving holiday and our call to be in thanksgiving in and through the Faith.

Click here to access the Center’s prayer resource page.

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The 12 Apostles

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Joe Basalla to discuss who the Twelve Apostles were, the role they served, and their memory in today’s church.

The twelve apostles are Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddeus, Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (who betrayed Jesus and Matthias replaced him). After Jesus’ Ascension, these men became the first bishops of the Church and traveled the known world spreading the Gospel. Most of them were martyred for the faith. Their witness is an example to us to carry the same zeal in our lives to bring Christ and his message to all that we meet.

Some Saints Mentioned:

Related Episodes:

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

The Apostles blogs

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Young Saints

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 8 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the lives and witness of young saints like Bl. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasatti, and Bl. Chiara Badano.

Title: On Mission 120: Young Saints

Description:

The unique witness of recent saints and historical saints who passed away at a young age provides all the faithful an example of how to persevere through difficulty and that all are called to follow Christ at any stage of life. They should inspire us to grow our relationship with Christ today.

Bl. Carlo Acutis was 15 years old when he died of leukemia in a hospital in Monza, Italy in 2006. Carlo is remembered as a normal, joyful teenager who strived to be the best version of himself, living the ordinary in an extraordinary way. Carlo was generous to the poor of his community, many of whom came to pay their respects at his funeral. Carlo's passion for the Eucharist ultimately led to his mother's conversion. Two quotes epitomize the holiness of Carlo in his young life: "each person reflects the light of God" and “sadness is looking at oneself, happiness is looking at God. Conversion is nothing but a movement of the eyes." -Bl. Carlo Acutis

Bl. Chiara Badano was born in Italy in 1971. At nine years old, she became actively involved with her faith, joining a local community in hoping to grow in faith. In her teenage years she attended many retreats and other faith formation events, always hoping to grow closer to Christ throughout everyday life. She wished to deepen her relationship with Jesus in everything that she did, including normal teenage activities like dancing and tennis. When she was seventeen, she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Even through the immense suffering she experienced during treatment, her focus remained on others, especially her parents, and on growing closer to Jesus. She died in 1990, just before her nineteenth birthday, and she is one of the patron saints of young people.

Some Saints Mentioned:

- Bl. Carlo Acutis

- Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

- St. Thérèse of Lisieux

- St. Kateri Tekakwitha

- Bl. Chiara Badano

- St. Joan of Arc

Related Episodes:

Bl. Carlo Acutis

Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment

Resources:

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Young Adult blogs

10 Ways to Remain Active in Your Faith Life During College

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Green Hill: Home of the Catholic Apostolate Center

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the home of Catholic Apostolate Center: Green Hill.

Green Hill has a storied history dating back to before the American Revolution with a land grant from King George III. Since then, the property passed through families and is now home to the Pallottine Seminary and the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Green Hill is available for day programming by Catholic entities and organizations. Located in West Hyattsville, Maryland on 14 landscaped acres, Green Hill features outdoor and indoor spaces for prayer, meditation, and collaboration with your group. The historic and recently renovated house offers small groups (fewer than 35) a place of refreshment, peace, and tranquility. It is perfect for meetings and day retreats.

Click here to book Green Hill for your next event.

Related Episodes:

Union of Catholic Apostolate 4th General Congress

Ten Year Retrospective

Resources:

Pallotti Portal

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

The Importance of Retreat Spaces

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Hispanic / Latino Spirituality

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess, Resource Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, discuss Hispanic and Latino Spirituality in the Catholic Church.

Fatima demonstrates how the culture and spirituality of Hispanic/Latino populations contributes to the welfare of the Universal Church. She also discusses some best practices for ministering to this community that has many different cultural practices. Fatima shows how within these communities, there are special moments of encounters with one another where individuals share common values and get to know each other more personally.

On June 16, 2023, the US bishops approved a National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. The Plan refers to Hispanics/Latinos as a blessing from God, as a missionary and prophetic presence that revitalizes the church in the United States. A few of these graces include an abiding love for family and community, a rich practice of Catholic traditions, an authentic Marian devotion, and vibrant ecclesial movements.

For the past four decades, Hispanic/Latino ministry has flourished in thousands of parishes across the country. Such ministries have produced many fruits as millions of Hispanic/Latino families have been able to live and celebrate their Catholic faith. Building on that growth, the Plan calls for a synodal church that is more welcoming, evangelizing, and missionary at all levels; a church that can build vibrant parish communities with our Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters, in the context of a culturally diverse society.

Related Episodes:

Dr. Timoney on the Synod on Synodality

Synod on Synodality

Parish Faith Formation

Resources:

USCCB: Hispanic/Latino Affairs

National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry Resources

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

The Fruits of Being Bicultural

Tricultural Blessings: How My Cultures Have Shaped My Faith

Día de Muertos and the Meaning of Christian Death

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Pallottine Fathers and Brothers

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, founded St. Vincent Pallotti.

Founded by St. Vincent Pallotti, the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers seek to revive faith and rekindle charity in the hearts of all members of the faithful. Pallottines minister wherever the Church is in need and can be found in parishes, schools, universities, missions, and other Catholic organizations. The Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province are located throughout the eastern United States and Peru.

Inspired by Saint Vincent Pallotti's motto, taken from St. Paul, "The charity of Christ urges us on," the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (the Pallottines) works throughout the world to further the Catholic Church's mission to renew faith and rekindle charity. As part of the Union of Catholic Apostolate, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate is a group of priests and brothers known as the Pallottines. Pallottine priests and brothers are a group of men who share a life of community, prayer, and apostolic work. They follow the charism and spirituality of their founder, St. Vincent Pallotti, who wanted to reawaken faith and love among Catholics and share the Gospel of Christ with all. Pallottines work to instill in others a deep conviction of their personal call to live as apostles of Jesus Christ.

To remain faithful to St. Vincent Pallotti's call to "revive faith and rekindle charity," Pallottine priests and brothers promise the Society chastity, poverty, obedience, perseverance, the sharing of resources, and spirit of service. These promises are a sign of the desire to live in a community devoted to service to the people of God. St. Vincent Pallotti saw ministry as having two purposes: to love God and to shower God's love on others.

Related Episodes:

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season

Union of the Catholic Apostolate

Religious Brothers

Resources:

What is a Saint? (St. Vincent Pallotti video)

Pallotti Portal

With Christ, Our Hope (blog)

St. Vincent Pallotti and the Union of Catholic Apostolate (webinar)

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Union of Catholic Apostolate 4th General Congress

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 6 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, Jonathan Sitko, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the history of the Union of Catholic Apostolate, founded by St. Vincent Pallotti.

St. Vincent Pallotti’s foundation had a very remarkable history. Having all people united as apostles of Christ was the dream of St. Vincent Pallotti and from the beginning this group took on a new form of an “Association” and immediately in 1835 it received the approval of the competent ecclesiastical authority. It is a community, which unites priests, religious, lay people and takes the name “Catholic Apostolate”. This community started many new initiatives answering to the many needs of the Church (Foreign Missions, Local Missions, Retreat Work) and in the city of Rome (evening schools, a soup kitchen, orphanage – Pia Casa di Carità, etc.).

But the new ideas soon met with suspicion, many people could not understand his ideas and Vincent Pallotti had to defend his vision and his foundation again and again. After his death the name of his foundation of priests and brothers was changed into “Pious Mission Society” and there remained only this community and one of sisters. But the members of these communities never forgot that the idea of Pallotti was more than their present realization.

Now, in the new millennium, St. Vincent Pallotti's idea has become a living reality again. On October 28, 2003, the Union of the Catholic Apostolate received the official approval and blessing of the universal Church from the Pontifical Council of the Laity. This happened only after much study of St. Vincent's charism and reformulation of their individual guidelines by the various Pallottine groups that have continued to hold St. Vincent as their founder. Hence, the reason for the name -- Union of Catholic Apostolate. And the Union is simply -- men and women, lay, religious and priests -- working together for the glory of God and working to spread the name of Jesus while fostering His love among all peoples.

Related Episodes:

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season

Religious Brothers

Resources:

IV International Congress of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate

What is a Saint? (St. Vincent Pallotti video)

Pallotti Portal

With Christ, Our Hope (blog)

St. Vincent Pallotti and the Union of Catholic Apostolate (webinar)

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Liturgy of the Hours

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:27:50 +0000

Related Episodes:

The Rosary

Prayer and Catechesis Resources

Resources:

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Community Life

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 9 Aug 2024 13:28:11 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Ryan Corey and John Cardillo, Summer Associates at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss their experiences living in a faith community while ministering to peers at The Catholic University of America.

At Catholic University, students have the opportunity to engage in ministry, serving their peers. Through this program, student ministers live in community with one another. Student Ministry aims to support the work of the Office of Campus Ministry in its mission of serving The Catholic University of America. This mission can only be accomplished by the work of many students, faculty and staff. Student Ministry leaders play an integral role in helping students grow in their faith at Catholic University. Through prayer, study and service, Student Ministry brings together all corners of campus to encounter Jesus Christ in the Catholic faith.

Student Ministry has expanded to include a wide range of opportunities for students to be faith leaders at Catholic University. The Student Minister's role is shifting to be more residence hall-focused, with renewed missionary and evangelistic emphasis.

Related Episodes:

Vocational Discernment Resources

Resources:

Collaboration in Ministry

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Talking to Children About Suffering

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Dr. Kristin Witte joins Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss why and how to talk to children about suffering and loss in life.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness' resources can be accessed by clicking here.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 24/7 and it's toll-free and can be called at 1-800-273-8255 or resources can be accessed online here.

Click here to access the Center's Self-Care for Ministry Resources.

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Marriage Part 1

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Vocation to the married life and the Sacrament of Marriage, one of the seven sacraments, and how it is a spiritual and physical bond between the man and wife where the two become one flesh for the good of the couple and the procreation of children.

They discuss in this episode the sacramental grace available to couples to draw from over the course of their marriage and the indissoluble nature of marriage. They make reference to the USCCB document Called to the Joy of Love is the national pastoral framework for marriage and family life ministry. In the Bible, Jesus and his mother Mary are present at the Wedding Feast at Cana and he turns the water into wine (John 2:1-12). With Jesus’ attendance, he blessed their union, and by coming to their aid when the wine ran out, he offered his support. The marriage of a man and wife symbolizes the love that Christ has for his Church.

Notes:

Marriage and Family Resources by Catholic Apostolate Center

Vocational Discernment Resources.

Marriage on the Ad Infinitum blog.

Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. on Called to the Joy of Love series.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Father’s Day and other episodes about fathers

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Priestly Ministry Beyond the Parish

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 13:18:21 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Harrigan, Monica Thom Konschnik, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., discuss various types of priestly ministry and the distinction between diocesan priests and religious priests.

Most people may be familiar with the ministries and role of the parish priest. There are also priests who are not directly associated with parishes. Some may be part of a religious community, although religious communties adminster parishes as well. Sometimes priests have ministries associated at shrines, hospitals, or schools, among other places. Fr. Frank discusses his experience as a religious priest and his roles at St. Jude Shrine, as a teacher, and in other ministries. Religious communities typically are involved in apostolic work that reflects their particular charism.

Related Episodes:

The Diaconate

Vocational Discernment Resources

Resources:

Collaboration in Ministry

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Blessed Carlo Acutis

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Harrigan, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Jonathan Harrison, Program Associate at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the life and witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Blessed Carlo Acutis is scheduled to become a Saint either as soon as this October or in 2025, during the Jubilee Year. Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession in a decree on May 23, 2024. The miracle involved the healing of a 21-year-old girl from Costa Rica named Valeria Valverde, who was near death after seriously injuring her head in a bicycle accident while studying in Florence in 2022.

Related Episodes:

Finding Faith in Adolecense

Podcast Evangelization

Resources:

Learn more about Bl. Carlo Acutis

Prayer Resources

Synod on Youth

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The Theological Virtues

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 31 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Theological Virtues—Faith, Hope, and Charity—and how they contribute to a virtuous life.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available for reference on the Catholic Apostolate Center website.

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The Cardinal Virtues

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Cardinal Virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—and how one can lead a virtuous life.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available for reference on the Catholic Apostolate Center website.

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Year of Prayer

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 3 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies at the Catholic University of America, to discuss the Year of Prayer proclaimed by Pope Francis for 2024 ahead of the Year of Jubilee in 2025.

In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year 'Pilgrims of Hope', 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and this presents us with the opportunity to go back to the basics of prayer. Take time in this upcoming year to rediscover a personal relationship with our God and Father through prayer. Dr. Timoney offers some small tips on making the most of the year ahead.

Related Episodes:

Spirituality and Prayer through Religious Charism

The Papacy

Vacation Prayer Routines

Resources:

Prayer Resources

Pope Benedict XVI Portal

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The Papacy

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Fr. Conrad Murphy, Chaplain at the University of Maryland Catholic Student Center and host of the Habemus Papam podcast, to discuss the history and role of the pope from St. Peter to Pope Francis.

Related Episodes:

Pop Culture and Catholic Expression

Forming Leaders

Media

Resources:

Listen to Habemus Papam

Pop Culture and Catholic Expression

Pope Benedict XVI Portal

Catholic Media

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Recast: Liturgical Vestments

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 5 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and special guest, Joseph Basalla, as they discuss the history of liturgical vestments and the evolution of the garments worn by priests and deacons.

In the liturgical calendar, the color for each day corresponds to that day's main liturgical celebration, even though Optional Memorials (perhaps with a different color) might be chosen instead. The four main colors shown are:

White – Christmas Time and Easter Time; celebrations of the Lord (except of his Passion), of Mary, of the Angels, and of Saints who were not Martyrs; solemnities of the Most Holy Trinity (Sun. after Pentecost), of All Saints (Nov. 1), and of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24); feasts of the Conversion of St. Paul (Jan. 25), of the Chair of St. Peter (Feb. 22), and of St. John (Dec. 27); also permitted in the United States at Masses for the Dead

Red – Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Pentecost Sunday; celebrations of the Lord's Passion, of Apostles, and of Evangelists; celebrations of Martyrs

Green – Ordinary Time

Violet – Advent and Lent; Masses for the Dead

Other liturgical colors not represented on this calendar include rose (Third Sun. of Advent and Fourth Sun. of Lent), black (Masses for the Dead), and gold or silver (permitted in the United States for more solemn occasions).

Related Episodes:

Resources:

Vocational Discernment

Blogs about Liturgy

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Recast: Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Jim Sabak, O.F.M., Director of Worship for the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, to discuss the Easter Vigil Liturgy, the Vigil's symbolism, and Easter traditions.

The rubrics of the Missale Romanum remind us that this "mother of all vigils" is the "greatest and most noble of all solemnities and it is to be unique in every single Church" ( Missale Romanum, "Rubrics for the Easter Vigil" (EV), no.2). On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. It is the turning point of the Triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ's passage from death to life. Therefore, the Easter Vigil does not correspond to the usual Saturday evening Mass and its character is unique in the cycle of the liturgical year.

The Vigil, by its very nature, "ought to take place at night" (EV, no. 3). It is not begun before nightfall 1 and should end before daybreak on Easter Sunday. The celebration of the Easter Vigil takes the place of the Office of Readings (EV, no. 5).

The role of the deacon assisting the priest is highlighted in the new Missale, although it is noted that in his absence his duties may be exercised by the priest celebrant himself or by a concelebrant (EV, no. 6).

For more resources about Easter, please visit the Lent and Easter Resource page.

Click here to learn more about Fr. Jim Sabak's book, Vigilemus et Oremus.

Read blog posts about the Easter Vigil and the Easter Season

Related On Mission Episodes:

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Podcast Evangelization

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 8 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Jonathan Sitko, Director of Programs at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss podcasts and how they are an important evangelization medium in the 21st century.

Podcasts are one of the most popular media outlets and the Church capitalizes on the number of people consuming podcasts. Throughout time, the Church has used the current technology to reach people and help them come to know Christ more fully and enrich their spiritual life. Faith and spirituality podcast consumption makes up a large number of podcasts. The Church is able to share homilies, reflections, and scripture studies, which allow people to come together as a community. There is a podcast for everyone.

Related Episodes:

Music

Media

Social Media Crash Course

Resources:

Click here for resources on New Evangelization

Catholic Media

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Finding Faith in Adolescence

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Sarah Harrigan, Assistant Director of Administration at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss faith formation in their adolescent years.

The adolescent years are formational in a child’s faith journey. During this time a child may come to understand their faith as a significant part of their life and that they belong in the faith community. Youth group gives adolescents the opportunity to learn their faith and have faith experiences that help the faith take deep root. Having a common faith among young people allows the adolescents to bond on a deeper level and pilgrimages allow for tangible faith experiences that can help the faith feel real in adolescents lives, which may help the young people to feel as though they belong.

Related Episodes:

Parents Introducing the Faith to Young Children

Fatherhood: Teenagers and Young Adults

Resources:

Click here for resources on New Evangelization

Synod on Young People

World Youth Day 2023

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Promoting the Good on Social Media

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 9 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., discuss how social media offers us an opportunity to spread positivity and Christ’s good news.

Social media offers plenty of opportunities to communicate with people all over the world. With that opportunity one can use it to evangelize and spread peace in our lives. Sometimes social media content lacks charity, so when we engage on social media we must be mindful that there are real people on the other side of the screen and that our posts can be seen by anyone. We can ask ourselves: what if this post is the only one that someone sees, how does that reflect Christ’s message? Some ways to promote Christ on social media: post Bible verses; share Sacramental milestones (e.g. Baptism, Communion, etc.); a current religious book you’re reading.

Related Episodes:

Engaging Those Who are not Connected with the Church

Mental Health and Spirituality

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the Christmas Season

Resources:

Click here for more social media resources.

Click here for Catholic Media resources

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Christmas Peace

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., discuss the peace that Christmas offers and how we are called to bring that peace into our lives throughout the entirety of the year.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, people are most joyful and can be extra generous. However, there is no reason why generosity and peace cannot be brought into our lives in the entirety of the year. As Christians, Christ--the Prince of Peace--gives us his peace in our relationship with him so that we can share his message and his peace with all whom we encounter.

Related Episodes:

Advent Resources

Read Catholic Apostolate Center Blogs about music.

Resources:

Click here for Advent and Christmas resources.

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Recast: Music

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Emily Lomnitzer, a professional vocalist and diocesan youth choir director, to discuss the role of Sacred Music in Liturgy and personal prayer.

Sacred music, or religious music, is music that is set apart from daily use and is used in the various rites and liturgies in the Church, such as Mass. It has been used in the Church's liturgical celebration for centuries. It is an integral part of the worship and sacrifice taken place during the Mass. It has been said, "he who sings, prays twice." Some examples of sacred music may include: the Ave Maria, the Magnificat, Te Deum, the Gloria, Salve Regina, among others. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is a famous composer of sacred music from the late Renaissance period and the Missa Papae Marcelli is one of his most renowned pieces.

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Recast: The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss the Solemnity of Mary and Christmas Season celebrations.

View Advent resources provided by the Catholic Apostolate Center. The season of Advent is the Church’s liturgical season of preparation for Christmas. It is often referred to as “the Little Lent”. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th, and continues for four weeks and concludes with midnight Mass on Christmas. Families prepare for Christmas in advent in a variety of ways, such as setting up and Advent wreath on the dining room table or using a Jesse tree. One can also use the season to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance and observe silence as a means of preparing for Christmas.

Notes:

Christmas Blogs

Advent Blogs

Advent Resources

On Mission: Advent Resources

On Mission: The Feasts of Advent

On Mission: Advent

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Sharing the Faith with Young Children

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., discuss practical ways that parents and educators can share the Catholic Faith with young children on a daily basis.

Some practical ways may include daily and routine opportunities of prayer, for example, before meals and before bed, utilize holy water on a periodic basis, start every morning with a hymn. One can introduce the Faith to even their youngest children by incorporating the Faith into everyday family experiences through the rhythms of the Liturgical Year, the Sacraments, Sunday Mass, personal witness, and daily prayers as well as the importance of community support--the village--and the particular witness of the Saints as one raises children.

Related Episodes:

Parents Introducing the Faith to Their Young Children

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Family as the Domestic Church

Resources:

Click here to visit the Center’s Marriage and Family resource page.

Click here to visit the Prayer & Catechesis resource page on the Center’s website.

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Forming Leaders

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 1 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Monica Thom Konschnik, Director of Administration at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss a forthcoming eformation resource designed for leaders within the Catholic Church of short-term service immersion experiences.

At one point in a leader’s journey, they were following and being formed by another. The purpose of this formation program is to provide leaders of of short-term service immersion experiences with a retreat-like opportunity to pray and reflect on 1) their own encounter with Christ, 2) their own experience of accompaniment by Christ, 3) formation of a community in Christ, and 4) their own experience of being sent on mission by Christ.

This eformation resources is done in collaboration with the Catholic Apostolate Center and Catholic Volunteer Network. Catholic Volunteer Network fosters and promotes full-time domestic and international faith-based volunteer service opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skills. As the leading membership organization of Christian volunteer and mission programs, we support and enhance the work of our members through volunteer recruitment, training and resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy.

Related Episodes:

Lay Missioners

eFormation

Resources:

Lay Ministry and Apostolate Resources

Art of Accompaniment Resources

To view the Catholic Apostolate Center’s online course catalogue click here.

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The Diaconate

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Deacon Mark Krejci, the Director of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, to discuss the diaconate and its role within the Church.

The word deacon means “servant”. The diaconate has its origins in the Old Testament with Ancient Israel and one of the first deacons of the Church was St. Stephen in the first century. Jesus modeled the deacon when he washed the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper. The deacon's ministry has three dimensions: liturgy, word and service. At the liturgy, he assists the bishop and priests. At the Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, may be invited to preach the homily, and assists at the altar. A deacon is meant to proclaim the Gospel in every area of his life. All are called to do the same in their own particular Vocation in life.

On Mission Episodes with Deacon Mark:

Engaging Those Who Are Not Connected with the Church

Related Episodes:

Discernment

Resources:

Vocational Discernment Resources

Lay Ministry and Apostolate Resources

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Parish Faith Formation

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 3 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Leonard Wathen, Director of Religious Education at St. Aloysius Church in Leonardtown, Maryland, to discuss faith formation within the parish and how to overcome various challenges.

Faith Formation primarily focuses on deepening initial conversion to faith. It incorporates the catechetical, liturgical, and pastoral ministries. Because it is a form of evangelization, Faith Formation is a lifelong process. Six tasks through which catechesis seeks to achieve its endeavours include: knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, formation in prayer and methods of prayer, education for community life and missionary initiation. Parents are the primary educators of their children and parents must be involved and model the Faith for their children to follow.

Leonard Wathen is the Director of Religious Education at St. Aloysius Church. He holds a master's degree in theology from Christendom College and an Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma from the Holy See. He is the author of three books - Who Do You Say That I Am?: Scriptural Reflections on Becoming a Disciple of Jesus, Follow Me: Scriptural Reflections on Living as a Disciple of Jesus, and Remain in Me: Scriptural Reflections on Growing as a Disciple of Jesus. Leonard is a Secular Carmelite in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secular Community in Port Tobacco, Maryland.

Leonard and his wife, Nicole are natives of St. Mary's County and live in Callaway with their four children.

Resources:

Catechesis Resources

New Evangelization Resources

Lay Ministry and Apostolate Resources

Related On Mission Episodes:

Church Management

Parish Pastoral Councils

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Stewardship

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Jonathan Sitko discuss stewardship in relation to the Church, the parish, and daily life. The group also discusses how we are called to be stewards of God’s gifts and to use these gifts to serve and bless the community around us.

The biblical concept of stewardship is first seen when Jesus tells the parable of talents and our responsibility to use them well (Matthew 25:14-30). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (USCCB) definition of stewardship is: “As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.”

The four pillars of stewardship in the Catholic Church are: hospitality, prayer, formation, and service. You can learn more about stewardship in the USCCB Living as Missionary Disciples video series here.

Notes:

Video Series

Stewardship Video

Related On Mission Episodes:

Church Management

Parish Pastoral Councils

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On Mission

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 6 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Jonathan Sitko, Director of Programs at Catholic Apostolate Center, celebrate one-hundred episodes of On Mission.

They discuss how the podcast came to be what it is today and in what ways we are all called to be on mission as apostles or Missionary Disciples. They reflect on how much the Internet and Catholic Content on the Internet has changed since they began podcasting. And they also discuss some of their favorite episodes that they recorded, which include: Church Management, Liturgical Vestments, and the 14 Holy Helpers.

Art of Accompaniment Resources.

Living as Missionary Disciples Resources.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Church Management

The Synod on Synodality: Introduction

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Dr. Timoney on the Synod on Synodality

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, S.T.D. who is the Associate Professor of Practice in Pastoral Studies, Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies, Director of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America to discuss the Synod on Synodality. Dr. Timoney recaps what has happened in the synodal process and what is to come. She emphasizes how this synod is a slow, discerning process, guided by the Holy Spirit where we need to be open to the Spirit’s promptings.

The Synod on Synodality was called by Pope Francis and is a three year process and is rooted in the Holy Spirit. The three themese of the Synod is: communion, participation, and mission. You can learn more on the Synod website. You can also listen to the previous On Mission episode about the Synod on Synodality.

Art of Accompaniment Resources.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Engaging Those Who are Not Connected to the Church

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Marriage Part 2: Accompanying Couples

Fri, 8 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this follow up to Marriage Part 1, in this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Vocation to the married life and the Sacrament of Marriage, one of the seven sacraments, and how on going accompaniment in a couple’s relationship is vital.

They make reference to the USCCB document Called to the Joy of Love is the national pastoral framework for marriage and family life ministry. Accompaniment can be done among family members, friends, the parish, and the community at large. In the Bible, Jesus and his mother Mary are present at the Wedding Feast at Cana and he turns the water into wine (John 2:1-12). With Jesus’ attendance, he blessed their union, and by coming to their aid when the wine ran out, he offered his support. The marriage of a man and wife symbolizes the love that Christ has for his Church.

Notes:

Marriage and Family Resources by Catholic Apostolate Center

Vocational Discernment Resources.

Art of Accompaniment Resources.

Marriage on the Ad Infinitum blog.

Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. on Called to the Joy of Love series.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Marriage Part 1

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Father’s Day and other episodes about fathers

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Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

As the feast of St. Monica (feast day August 27th) approaches, the mother of St. Augustine (feast day August 28th), who is known for her intercessory prayer for her son's conversion, please enjoy this episode about Mary as our Mother and the connection between her spiritual motherhood and the mothers in our lives with Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. who are joined by Krissy Pierno to discuss Mary's role as Mother of the Church and the role of mothers in the lives of their children.

Click here for more Center resources about marriage and family life.

Click here to learn more about St. Augustine and Other Saints.

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Marian Apparitions

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

As the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven approaches, please enjoy this recast episode of On Mission where Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our Lady of Fatima.

Click here to view more information about Mary and Her Feast Days.

Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Guadalupe

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Marriage Part 1

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:09:35 +0000

Notes:

Marriage and Family Resources by Catholic Apostolate Center

Vocational Discernment Resources.

Marriage on the Ad Infinitum blog.

Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. on Called to the Joy of Love series.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary Teachers

Father’s Day and other episodes about fathers

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Lectio Divina

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss Lectio Divina, which is Latin for “Divine Reading”: what it is, how to pray with scripture, and how it can be a time of conversation with God. Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of Biblical and scriptural reading, prayer, and meditation and contemplation with roots pertaining to St. Benedict and the Benedictines. Five steps one could use in Lectio Divina is: 1. Invoke the Holy Spirit to guide this time of prayer, 2. Read the scripture passages, slowly and meditatively, 3. Meditate and listen for the voice of God, 4. Pray and speak to God, 5. Contemplate and spend time in the presence of God.

If prayer is a topic that interests you, be sure to listen to other on mission episodes about, maintaining prayer during vacation, spirituality and prayer through charism, prayer, work, and life balance, extemporaneous prayer, and The Rosary.

You can also read Ad Infinitum blog posts about Lectio Divina.

Notes:

Prayer and Catechesis Resources by Catholic Apostolate Center

Lectio Divina on the Ad Infinitum blog.

Related On Mission Episodes:

Maintaining Prayer During Summer Vacation

Spirituality and prayer through Religious Charism

Extemporaneous Prayer

The Rosary

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Maintain Prayer Routines During Summer Vacation

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined Christian Bordak-Roseman, a graduate of the Catholic University of America and former peer minister, to discuss how one can continue to pray and encounter Christ while on vacation and away from one’s typical routine. Prayer on vacation doesn’t need to be complex. Be sure to invite St. Christopher, the patron Saint of travelers. Some methods of praying away from home is to make Mass a priority, to keep a journal, utilize a prayer app, bring a spiritual book, listen to a religious podcast, spent quiet moments in contemplative prayer and thank God for the day.

Read an Ad Infinitum blog: Vacation and Faith Refreshers.

Read: Summer Reading, Catholic Style

Prayer and Catechisis Resources.

Listen to the On Mission episode about Pilgrimages

On Mission: Shrines

On Mission: Ordinary Time

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Spiritual Growth During Collegiate Years

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Andrew St. Hilaire, Director of Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University, and Christian Bordak-Roseman, a graduate of the Catholic University of America and former peer minister, to discuss opportunities available to university students to grow in their faith while they earn their degree. Some resources include Catholic groups and clubs such as Newman centers, campus ministry, and peer ministry.

Read an Ad Infinitum blog: 10 Ways to Remain Active in Your Faith Life During College.

View Vocational Discernment Resources here.

Resources on Accompaniment.

Prayer and Catechisis Resources.

Listen to the On Mission episode about Spiritual Direction

On Mission: Prayer, Work, and Life Balance

On Mission: Transitions

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Spirituality and Prayer Through Religious Charism

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 2 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. David Rohrer Budiash, Director of Programs with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and Managing Editor, Review for Religious, to discuss the various religious charisms that can inform one’s prayer, spirituality, and the work one does in their day to day life. Religious charisms are gifts that God gives to members of the Church, through the Holy Spirit and are particularly lived out in religious and consecrated communities.

View Vocational Discernment Resources here.

Listen to the On Mission episode about Lay Missioners.

Listen to the On Mission episode about Religious Brothers.

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Laudato Si’

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 19 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. David Rohrer Budiash, Director of Programs with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and Managing Editor, Review for Religious, to discuss one of Pope Francis’ first encyclicals, Laudato Si’, translated to “Praised be,” and published in 2015. In Laudato Si’ , Pope Francis critiques materialism, consumerism, and a disregard for the care our common home for economic or personal gain and a disregard for the poor and the suffering in the world. Laudato Si’ also explores the relationship between God, humans, and the Earth.

Read Laudato Si’ here.

Visit the Center’s Laudato Si’ Resource page here.

Learn more about Pope Francis on the Center’s resource page here.

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Baptism

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 5 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the first sacrament of initiation: Baptism, which is a washing away of Original Sin and a welcoming of the candidate into the family of God, marked by the washing with water, while invoking the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, along with anointing the individual with chrism oil. Baptism, then, brings all of the Baptized into the roles of priest, prophet, and king within Christ’s church. The baptized individual is given godparents to serve as witnesses and guides in the Faith. In scripture, Jesus was baptized by John, a baptism of repentance, and Jesus commissioned his apostles to baptize.

Click here to view the Marriage and Family resource page.

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World Youth Day: Lisbon

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Jonathan Sitko, Director of Programs at Catholic Apostolate Center, joins Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss World Youth Day (WYD) and what can be expected in Lisbon, Portugal on August 1 to August 6, 2023. World Youth Day is an international gathering every 2-3 years for Catholic young adults from ages 16-35 and focused around the Mass, prayer, and a personal encounter with Christ and the previous World Youth Day was held in Panama in 2019. The theme for World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 is “Mary arose and went with haste” (LK 1:39). Jonathan Sitko offers virtual resources for those who may not be able to attend World Youth Day Lisbon in person.

Visit the Lisbon 2023 main website here.

To learn more about the Center’s resources, click here.

Visit the World Youth Day website here.

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Remembering Pope Benedict XVI

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 7 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Joe Basalla, a Catholic School Teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss the life and the legacy of Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), born April 16, 1927 in Bavaria, Germany. Pope Benedict XVI, known for his profound theological understanding and teaching, departed into eternal life on December 31, 2022. Joe Basalla discusses Ratzinger’s role in developing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and worked closely with Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II before being elected pope himself.

To view more Resources on Pope Benedict XVI, click here.

Listen to other On Mission episodes featuring Joe Basalla:

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Palm Sunday

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Joe Basalla, a Catholic School Teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and the Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Joe Basalla discusses how Palm Sunday takes place in the Gospels and the experience of the liturgy where the faithful receive palms and take place in a procession, signifying Christ’s triumphant, yet peaceful--as represented by the donkey--arrival to the holy city of Jerusalem where just a few days later, the people will command that Jesus be put to death like a common thief.

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Pilgrimages

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Alex Cranstoun, Assistant to the Director of Pilgrimages and Communications Specialist at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., joins William Tishuk and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss Alex’s work at the Basilica, planning pilgrimages to the Shrine, and how pilgrimages are distinct from a vacation or a trip and are an analogy of the pursuit of Heaven on the Earthly journey and are means by which the faithful experience God in a unique way through a departure, travel, a visit to a holy or devotional site, and the return to one’s every day life, having been transformed.

To learn more about the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Click Here.

Click here to access the Center’s Feast Day website and discover your favorite saints.

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Shrines

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Alex Cranstoun, Assistant to the Director of Pilgrimages and Communications Specialist at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., joins William Tishuk and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss Alex’s work at the Basilica and what role shrines play in popular devotion of the Church’s members and as sacred places, which can hold relics of saints, commemorate famous apparitions, and are where people can encounter Christ and his Church’s redeeming work through the sacraments, particularly, Reconciliation and Eucharist.

To learn more about the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Click Here.

Click here to access the Center’s Feast Day website and discover your favorite saints.

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Parents Introducing the Faith to Their Young Children

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Tom Carani, collaborator with the Center, and William Tishuk, Production Associate with the Center, joins Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss their experiences of introducing the Catholic Faith, beginning with Baptism, to even their youngest children by incorporating the Faith into everyday family experiences through the rhythms of the Liturgical Year, the Sacraments, Sunday Mass, personal witness, and daily prayers as well as the importance of community support--the village--and the particular witness of the Saints as one raises children.

Click here to visit the Center’s Marriage and Family resource page.

Click here to visit the Prayer & Catechesis resource page on the Center’s website.

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eFormation

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Tom Carani, from Catholic Faith Technologies, and Jonathan Sitko, Director of Programs at the Center, joins Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss Catholic online formation as a tool for individuals, parishes, and dioceses to share the Faith and the Gospel, to provide formation opportunities and courses to earn certifications for anyone all over the globe.

To view the Catholic Apostolate Center’s online course catalogue click here.

To learn more about Catholic Faith Technologies click here.

Read the Art of Accompaniment online.

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Engaging Those Who are Not Connected With the Church

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Deacon Mark Krejci from the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota joins Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss practical tips for accompanying friends and loved ones back into the Church.

To learn more about the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, click here.

Click here to access the Art of Accompaniment resource page.

Click here to access the Living as Missionary Disciples resource page.

Click here to access the Marriage and Family resource page.

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Parish Evangelization

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Deacon Mark Krejci from the Diocese of Crookston to discuss missionary discipleship and accompaniment at the diocesan and parish levels.

To learn more about the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, click here.

Click here to access the Art of Accompaniment resource page.

Click here to access the Living as Missionary Disciples resource page.

Click here to access the Collaboration in Ministry resource page.

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Spiritual Works of Mercy

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

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Corporal Works of Mercy

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 2 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

In this 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.

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Advent Resources

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Center colleague, Sarah Harrigan, Manager of Communications and Special Programs, joins Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share about her work on new resources for Advent by the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Notes:

Click here to access the Center’s Advent Resource Page.

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Thanksgiving and Faith

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 4 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Click here to access the Center’s prayer resource page.

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10th Anniversary Wrap Up

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined again by Center colleague, Monica Thom Konschnik, Director of Administration, to reminisce about the Center’s growth in the past ten years and what has exceeded their expectations.

Click here to learn more about The Catholic Apostolate Center.

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Lay Missioners

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 7 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Center colleague, Monica Thom Konschnik, Director of Administration and a member of the Board for the Catholic Volunteer Network, to discuss her experience in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and her work with the Catholic Volunteer Network.

Click here to learn more about the Catholic Volunteer Network.

Click here to learn more about the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Click here to access the Center’s Lay Ministry and Catholic Social Teaching resource pages.

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Eucharistic Revival: Diocesan Phase

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Marilyn Santos, Associate Director of the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, joins Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to provide further details about the Diocesan Phase of the Eucharistic Revival and what it means for the Church in the United States and worldwide.

Click here to access the Eucharistic Revival’s website and to fill out their newsletter.

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Prayer, Work, and Life Balance

admin@catholicapostolatecenter.org (Catholic Apostolate Center) — Fri, 9 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the challenges of making time for prayer in the midst of daily responsibilities and offer tips and advice for finding a balance.

Click here to access the Center's Prayer Resource Page.

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