Catholic Conversations

This week, Bishop Lucia reflects on the meaning and importance of the Triduum, the powerful traditions of Holy Thursday, and how full participation in these sacred days can renew both our personal faith and the life of our parish communities. As we journey from the Upper Room to the empty tomb, we are reminded that the Cross is not the end of the story; Resurrection hope awaits.

Kevin Frank from the Brady Faith Center joins us this week to share how their ministry walks alongside individuals and families in the community, meeting people where they are and offering support for the whole person; body, mind, and spirit. We also take a closer look at Brady Farm, as they celebrate 10 years of ministry providing fresh food, education, and meaningful work to nourish the wider co...

This week, Father Chris Celentano joins us to reflect on the lives of the saints, as we prepare to celebrate the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph. While their stories are extraordinary, the saints themselves were ordinary people who trusted God in their daily lives. In our conversation, we explore how the saints can be companions on our own journey of faith, offering inspiration, encouragement...

In this week’s episode, Sister Katie Eiffe, CSJ, Director of Synodal Planning, join us to talk about the next phase of the Synod and what it means for the Diocese of Syracuse. We talk about parish listening sessions and how each of us can take part in shaping the future of our local Church.

Father Dennis Walker and Father Brendan Foley join us as they step into their new roles as Director and Associate Director of the Office of Vocation Promotion. Having personally benefited from the support of vocation ministry, they share why continuing this work felt like the natural next “yes” to God’s call. During our conversation, they reflect on what it means to create a culture of vocations i...

Dating back centuries, the tradition of visiting churches on Holy Thursday invites the faithful to keep vigil with Jesus during His final hours. In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Long to explore the spiritual roots of the 7 Churches Visitation and how it can become a powerful, prayerful pilgrimage across our diocese. Emily shares how she’s organized this tradition as a retreat-style experienc...

Lent is a season many of us recognize, but do we fully understand what makes it different? In this episode, Josh Corcoran and Tom Andino join us to explore Lent through a liturgical lens, unpacking how the Church’s prayer, music, Scripture, and rituals change during these weeks of preparation. Together, we reflect on how Lent invites us into deeper conversion and helps prepare our hearts for the j...

This week we are joined by Mike Pastrana, a sophomore at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, member of their men’s baseball team, and an active participant in their Koinonia Companions (KC) men’s group which is offered through Campus Ministry. Mike shares what it’s like to live out his faith as a student-athlete, the importance of faith-filled community during the college years, and his recent experienc...

In this episode of Catholic Conversations, we sit down with Joe and Abby Gill, a newly married couple, to talk about the vocation of marriage and the early days of married life. They share their experience of marriage preparation, what it’s like navigating life together as a young Catholic couple, and how their shared faith and relationship with Jesus form the foundation of their marriage. A timel...

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, we’re joined by Sherri Stone, Principal of Most Holy Rosary Elementary School, and Addie, the school’s Student Council President, for a conversation about what makes their school more than just a place of learning. Together, they reflect on bringing two school communities together, the importance of faith and leadership in school life, and how students expe...

This week, we welcome back Kristin Barrett-Anderson from the St. Marianne Cope Museum & Shrine to discuss the upcoming publication Sunshine, and Shadow, a collection of never-before-published journals from Saint Marianne Cope and Sister Leopoldina Burns. Spanning their years of ministry in Hawaiʻi, these writings offer a rare and personal glimpse into faith, perseverance, and shared mission. K...

In this week's episode, we’re joined by Keith Cieplicki, who oversees Jail Ministry of Onondaga County. Keith shares how he was personally called to this work and offers insight into the mission of Jail Ministry, the programs they provide, and the importance of presence, dignity, and mercy for those who are incarcerated. It’s a powerful conversation about faith in action and meeting Christ in...

This week, we’re joined by Deacon Bob Fangio to talk about Amaus Dental and Vision Services, ministries providing free dental and vision care to individuals with little or no insurance in our community. Drawing on his lifelong career as a dentist, Deacon Bob shares how this outreach has become a powerful expression of the Church’s call to serve with compassion, dignity, and hope.

As we close out 2025, Lucia joins us for a year-end conversation reflecting on the graces, challenges, and moments of hope that shaped our diocesan family. We look back on the Jubilee Year and the life of our parishes and ministries. Together, we also look ahead to 2026 and the beginning of the Diocese of Syracuse’s 140th year of faith and service. Tune in for a message of gratitude, reflection, a...

In the final episode of our Advent cultural series, we’re joined by Fanny Villareal as she shares the rich traditions of Hispanic culture during the Advent and Christmas seasons. From the celebration of Las Posadas to the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fanny reflects on the faith, family, and community traditions that help prepare hearts for the coming of Christ.

Father Andrew Baranski and Ivona Popiel join us to share beloved Polish Advent and Christmas traditions. They reflect on childhood memories of Roraty and the Feast of St. Nicholas, explain the rich symbolism of the Wigilia Christmas Eve celebration, and offer insight into Koleda, the traditional blessing of homes between Christmas Eve and February 2nd. This conversation highlights the beauty and m...

In part two of our Advent series highlighting the diverse cultures within our diocesan family, we welcome Fidelis and Jecinta Nwaezeapu, who share the rich traditions, faith practices, and stories that have shaped their Catholic experience. They share the deep joy they experience through their African Christian spirituality, and the gratitude that inspires their desire to give back to God and His...

In the first of our four-part Advent series, we sit down with Mike Huynh to explore the beauty of Vietnamese Catholic traditions during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Fresh from a family trip to Vietnam, Mike shares stories of faith, community, and celebration, from his experiences abroad to the cultural practices his family keeps alive here in the United States. Join us as we begin our Advent...

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re focusing on gratitude and on the ways our community comes together to care for one another. We welcome Murray Gould from St. Lucy’s Food Pantry to share how their ministry is responding to a growing need in their community. Murray reflects on the people they serve, the grace and gratitude they witness every day, and how the generosity of donors and volunteers make...

During Safe Environment Week, we’re joined by Christine and Vince Larkin — two dedicated professionals who have spent their careers protecting children and the most vulnerable in our communities. With years of experience working at our local Child Advocacy Center, Christine serves as a facilitator for the Diocese of Syracuse’s Safe Environment program, while Vince brings years of experience from l...

In this special Veterans Day episode, Father Zach Miller shares how his years in the military helped shape his vocation and deepened his faith. He reflects on what it means to bring Christ’s presence to those who serve, the parallels between military and spiritual service, and how we, as a Church, can honor and support our veterans year-round.

God calls each of us by name. During National Vocation Awareness Week, Father Jason Hage, Director of Vocation Promotion for the Diocese of Syracuse, joins us to reflect on how we can recognize and respond to God’s call in our lives. He shares how the call to vocation often begins within the family and how the diocese is fostering a culture of vocations through opportunities for parents, teens, an...

As Respect Life Month comes to a close and we prepare to celebrate All Souls Day, we’re reminded that our call to honor the dignity of life extends beyond this world. In this episode, Deacon Dean Brainard from the Diocesan Family/Respect Life Office joins us to share how the Church accompanies those who are grieving through its bereavement ministry. Together, we reflect on the hope and healing fou...

This week, Dr. Paul Sansone, a Catholic physician specializing in palliative medicine, joins us to discuss the sacred call to care for those facing serious illness and the importance of upholding human dignity at every stage of life. He shares how faith guides his practice, the challenges of working within a secular medical culture, and the hope found in seeing each person as created in the image...

As we continue celebrating Respect Life Month, we’re joined by Chiara and Anthony from Generation Life, a dynamic movement of young people committed to building a culture of life through the Pro-Life and Chastity messages. During their visit to our Catholic high schools, they’ve inspired students to see that every life is created in the image of God, and that authentic love begins with living out...