Talking Catholic

In this week’s Talking Catholic episode, cohosts Marianela Núñez and Mike Bress sit down with two beloved Catholic school principals retiring after decades of faithful service: Patti Paulsen of Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury and Deacon Joseph Rafferty of St. Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights. With warmth, humor, and deep sincerity, Patti and Deacon Joe reflect on the joys and challeng...

We’ve had hostful episodes. We’ve even had guestful ones. But this week? It’s a priestful one! In this episode of Talking Catholic , hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro — joined by their occasional frienemy, Donna Ottaviano-Britt — sit down with five priests of the Diocese of Camden to talk about a unique leadership development program designed specifically for clergy. Priests both seasoned and new-ish...

After several weeks on the road, our Talking Catholic hosts finally found themselves in the same place at the same time — and then hit record. In this fast-paced (and blessedly brief) episode, Mike (Greg) Bress, Jen Mauro, Pete Sanchez, and Mike Walsh catch up on a few diocesan moments: a recent retirement, upcoming events we’re looking forward to, and highlights from this year’s Catholic high sch...

The ability to choose where your child is educated — commonly known as school choice — has long been a hot-button issue at the state level. But with a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving a virtual Catholic school in Oklahoma and the introduction of the Educational Choice for Children Act in the U.S. Senate, the debate has a revived national focus. In this week’s episode, cohosts Mike Walsh an...

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and we’re kicking things off with a delicious new installment of our Faith & Food series! Join hosts Kari and Mike — along with special guest Father Peter Gallagher — as they sit down with Johnna Averona, of the beloved Woodbury Station Café, nestled in a beautifully restored 140+ year-old train station in the heart of downtown Woodbury, NJ. J...

“In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory."  In this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie dive into the inspiring life of St. Bernardine of Siena—a Franciscan preacher and fearless evangelist known as the “Apostle of Italy.” Discover how his love for the Holy Name of Jesus, deep humility, and boundless energy helped revive the Catholic faith across 1...

This week on Talking Catholic , we sit down with Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of South Jersey , to reflect on her first year leading the organization. Dr. Hallion offers insight into what’s new and what’s next for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Camden — from strengthening volunteer outreach and internship opportunities to improving internal communications...

No, you’re not hearing a rerun — Fr. Josh Nevitt is back with us! But this time, he’s not here to talk about Pope Francis or Pope Leo XIII. Instead, we’re diving into his day job as Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden. With an ordination to the transitional diaconate and two priesthood ordinations happening in South Jersey over the next two weekends, there’s no better time to...

Habemus Papam! We have a pope!   It’s a breaking news Talking Catholic episode, as Father Joshua Nevitt, associate director of vocations, joins Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to discuss Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, being elected pope.   Father Nevitt talks about the new pope’s name, Pope Leo XIV, his “urbi et orbi” blessing, background as an Augustinian missionary and more. Listen to Talking Ca...

In this week’s episode of Talking Catholic , cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome Dr. Lee DelleMonache, Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Camden, and Kathy O’Callaghan, Principal of St. Peter School in Merchantville. Together, they explore how Catholic identity is being renewed and strengthened in South Jersey Catholic schools. The conversation centers on the “Required,...

With the passing of Pope Francis, the world now turns its attention to two of the most extraordinary events in both religious and secular history: a papal funeral and a conclave. To help us better understand these deeply significant moments, we're joined by Father Josh Nevitt, Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden, who has been preparing to provide on-air analysis for Fox 2...

In this heartfelt episode of Talking Catholic , we shine a spotlight on Joe & Jackie Kern, a devoted couple whose unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church has touched countless lives at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Williamstown, NJ.  For more than three decades, Joe & Jackie have exemplified the spirit of volunteerism, dedicating their time and talents to various ministries and parish a...

It’s Holy Week, and to help us enter more deeply into this sacred time, we’re joined by a beloved voice from the Catholic Star Herald —columnist Father Edward Kolla, retired priest of the Diocese of Camden. In this special episode, Father Kolla offers a thoughtful reflection on the solemn days of Holy Week and the profound spiritual beauty they hold. He shares why participating in these liturgies—...

There are great professionals. There are great Catholic professionals. And then there’s Stacy Napolitano —a powerhouse in Catholic fundraising and the Director of Development for the Diocese of Camden. Stacy has built a top-tier team that drives the success of critical ministries and services at both the diocesan and parish levels. Known for her warmth, energy, and visionary leadership, Stacy has...

This week on Talking Catholic , cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress sit down with Brendan Schneider—author, blogger, podcaster, and nationally recognized marketing consultant—to explore the evolving world of school marketing and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the field. With nearly three decades of experience in school marketing and admissions, Brendan shares valuable insig...

Behind Every Thriving Catholic School Is a Passionate Advancement Director. Catholic school advancement directors are the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to ensure our schools stay strong, vibrant, and accessible. They juggle multiple roles—communicators, fundraisers, enrollment managers—and wear more hats than most people realize. In this episode of Talking Catholic , co-hosts Marianela N...

Parish Mission Season is Here! Lent is a time for renewal, reflection, and deepening our Catholic faith. One of the first parish missions of the season kicked off last week at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Somers Point , led by Donna Ottaviano-Britt , Director of the Office of Discipleship and Leadership for the Diocese of Camden. She joins us this week to chat about her two-night presentation, “Living...

We’re bringing back two fan favorites this week—Nicole Keefer, Executive Director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, and Christine Willard, Manager of Parish-Based Senior Programs. These passionate leaders join Jen and Mike for an insightful discussion on upcoming VITALity initiatives designed to support seniors and caregivers in South Jersey. Nicole and Christine highlight key events, incl...

Kari’s back! Kicking off her first recording of 2025, she returns just in time for Lent—a season that brings with it the cherished tradition of retreats. This week, she and Mike are recording from Rowan University’s Newman House, joined by E-Board members and recent Fall retreat leaders: Donovan Kenny, President of Rowan Catholic, and Stephen McClain, Treasurer of Rowan Catholic. Together, Kari, D...

This week on Talking Catholic , we embark on an audio sacred art tour! Sculptor and art expert Jim Dessicino joins hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to explore the profound connection between artwork, beauty, and faith. A parish catechetical leader at the Parish of Saint Monica in Atlantic City, Dessicino is one of the few non-Italian to have led tours of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Closer to hom...

It has been said of St. Peter Damian that "his genius was to exhort and impel to the heroic...an extraordinary force burns in all that he wrote."  Join Pete and Laurie as they explore the life of this 11th century Benedictine monk, bishop and reformer, who left his monastery to lead much needed renewal in the Church.  Saint Peter Damian, pray for us!  Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie...

Join us for a love-filled episode this week (except for any time when Mike Walsh spoke) as we celebrate National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 9)! Both are opportunities to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme is "Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue...

Each May, the Office of Catholic Education hosts the elementary and high school principals from across the Diocese of Camden for a special event to celebrate the end of another successful school year. As part of the event, the team invites guest speakers to talk with the principals and offer insights and motivation to bring back to their faculties. For the 2024 meeting, Tom Burgoyne and Evan Marcu...

Catholic Schools Week is celebrated around the country this week, giving communities the opportunity to share what makes Catholic education and their school truly a gift of a lifetime!   To help honor the week, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Michael Bress were joined by three guests who balance being a parent and Catholic school employee. Ana Caria, Advance Director at Resurrection Catholic School; K...

"Be who you are and be that well."  On today's feast of Saint Francis de Sales, Talking Saints hosts, Pete Sanchez and Laurie Power, uncover the life of this 16th century bishop and doctor of the Church, who was known for his gentle way and wise spiritual counsel.  By his writing and witness, Saint Francis helped those in all walks of life understand and live God's universal call...