Catholic Conversations

Holy Week is a journey through the depths of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. A time filled with profound sorrow and immense joy. In this special Holy Week episode, Bishop Lucia reflects on the significance of each day of the Triduum, his personal insights on navigating the emotions of this sacred time, and how we can continue to celebrate the joy of the Easter season all the way to...

In this week's episode, we welcome Father Joe O'Connor to explore the sacrament of confession and the mercy found in the heart of the Father. Why is confession essential to our faith? How can it deepen our relationship with God? Father O'Connor answers these questions and more, offering encouragement for those hesitant to go to confession and sharing the spiritual benefits of this sacr...

This week, we explore the power of music in the liturgy with Josh Corcoran and Tom Andino. Join us as we discuss how music enhances worship, deepens our faith, and unites the Church in prayer. Whether you're in the pews or the choir loft, this conversation will inspire you to experience the Mass in a whole new way!

In celebration of Women's History Month, we welcome Sister Katie Eiffe, Vicar for Religious, to discuss the vocation to religious sisterhood. She shares her own journey, the diverse orders of religious sisters, and the impact they continue to have in the Church and our communities today. Whether you're curious about religious life or want to support the sisters in your community, this episode offe...

St. Marianne Cope answered the call to serve the most vulnerable—those suffering from Hansen's disease (leprosy) in Hawaii—bringing dignity, compassion, and unwavering faith to those cast aside by society. In this week's episode, we welcome Kristin Barrett-Anderson, Director of the St. Marianne Cope Museum & Shrine in Syracuse, to share the inspiring story of this beloved saint. Join u...

In this week's episode, we explore the true meaning of stewardship with Beth Hoey, Director of the Foundation Office for the Diocese of Syracuse. Often misunderstood as just financial giving, stewardship is a way of life rooted in the belief that everything we have comes from God. Beth breaks down the four pillars of stewardship, shares how individuals and families can live out this calling da...

Mardi Gras: a time for celebration, king cake, and... deep spiritual reflection? In this week's episode, Deacon Tom Cuskey takes the host's seat while our usual host, Joelle Zarnowski, switches roles as the guest! Joelle shares her firsthand experience of kicking off the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans last year - yes, there were parades, and yes, there was a lot of food. But there's more to Mard...

This week, we welcome Father John Manno, Vicar for Priests and Pastor of Holy Family in Fairmount, as the Diocese prepares to engage in the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) survey across all parishes. Father Manno explains how the survey will invite parishioners to reflect on their discipleship journey, how the results will help parish leadership make data-driven decisions, and why every voice matters i...

This week, we're joined by Nick Calaprico, High School Youth Minister for the parishes in Baldwinsville, NY. Nick shares insights on what makes a great teen leader, how the thresholds of discipleship help mentors guide teens in their faith journey, and how experiences like the Steubenville Youth Conference and Totus Tuus summer program can inspire young disciples. 

As we celebrate World Marriage Week, we welcome Kristin and Eric Dievendorf, a married couple dedicated to mentoring engaged couples as they prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony. They share their experiences as mentors, discuss the importance of faith in marriage, and offer insights into how couples can build a strong foundation for a lifelong, Christ-centered union. Whether you're engaged,...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Melara, CEO of Catholic Charities, to discuss their vital work supporting refugees. We explore the challenges they face due to recent policy changes, the impact on refugee resettlement in our community, and how we can all help in this mission of welcome and compassion. To learn more about Catholic Charities and the work they do, visit  www.ccoc.us  or  www.sy...

Join us as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Amy Sansone, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Syracuse! In this episode, we discuss the impact of Catholic education, the unique opportunities it provides for students and families, and how faith and academic excellence go hand in hand. 

This week, we welcome Deacon Jeff Dixe, Director of Adult & Ministerial Formation for the Diocese. Deacon Jeff shares insights into the vital role of the laity in the Church and how their contributions shape parish life. He also introduces the Formation for Ministry program, a transformative opportunity for those seeking to deepen their faith and serve in various ministries. Whether you're con...

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can grow closer to Christ and deepen our faith. In this episode, we’re joined by Father John Rose to explore spiritual resolutions that can transform our relationship with God and guide us in living out our Catholic faith more fully.

As we prepare to welcome the new year, Bishop Douglas Lucia joins us for a reflective look back on the past year in the diocese. From key moments and lessons learned to hopes for the future, Bishop Lucia shares his insights and vision as we journey toward the 2025 Jubilee Year. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on faith, hope, and renewal as we embrace the opportunities and challenges of the y...

In this special Christmas Eve episode, Bishop Douglas Lucia joins us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Together, we explore the profound joy and hope found in the Nativity story, offering insights on how to keep Christ at the center of the holiday. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, this episode invites listeners to embrace the true heart of the season and carry its light into the...

In this episode, we explore the beautiful tradition of Las Posadas with Father Brendan Foley. Father Brendan shares the history and significance of this beloved Advent celebration, which reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Discover how this vibrant tradition fosters faith and community, and learn how a parish in our diocese will celebrate Las Posadas this year. Join us as we reflect o...

In this episode, we explore the profound significance of the Immaculate Conception. We sit down with our guest, Father Christopher Seibt, and dive into the doctrine of Mary's Immaculate Conception, her unique role in salvation history, and what it means to honor her as our diocesan patroness. Father Seibt also sheds light on a recent change to the Holy Day of Obligation and the annual Immaculata A...

 In this first episode of Catholic Conversations, join host Joelle Zarnowski as she sits down with Gabby Pattwell to discuss the vision behind the podcast. You'll learn about the purpose of Catholic Conversations, how the faithful can engage with the diocese across digital platforms, and hear what's in store for upcoming episodes. This podcast will be your go-to resource for exploring and deepenin...

Welcome to Catholic Conversations! The official podcast of the Diocese of Syracuse. Subscribe now and join us starting December 3rd as we embark on this faith-filled journey together! New episodes release every Tuesday.