Catholic Conversations

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...

In this episode, we sit down with Gina Kulak and Buddy O’Malley to talk about the vibrant Respect Life groups in our Catholic schools. From prayerful witness to creative projects and student-led initiatives, these groups are forming young leaders who are passionate about upholding the dignity of human life. Our guests share what first inspired them to be part of this ministry, how students take ow...

As we enter into Respect Life Month, we sit down with Lisa Hall and Lucienne Henneberry to discuss Project Rachel, the Church’s ministry of post-abortion healing. Rooted in mercy and reconciliation, Project Rachel offers both spiritual and professional support to help women move from pain and alienation to peace and renewed faith. Lisa and Lucienne share how this ministry walks with those carrying...

In this episode of Catholic Conversations, we talk with A.J. LaPoint, Director of FrancisCorps, and Friar Nader Ata, OFM Conv., Chaplain, about the mission and impact of this unique young adult volunteer program. Rooted in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare, FrancisCorps invites young adults to live in intentional community, serve those in need, and grow in faith through spiritual formation....

From the home to the parish, catechesis is the foundation of how our faith is passed on. In this episode, Andrea Slaven unpacks the meaning of catechesis, the importance of Catechetical Sunday, and how families and catechists are rising to today’s challenges with creativity and hope.

What does it mean to be a synodal Church? In this episode, Sister Katie Eiffe joins us to reflect on the Synod process in our diocese and beyond. She shares what we’ve learned through parish listening sessions, how those voices connect to the wider Church, and what the next steps look like as we move from listening to action in our local pastoral planning.

In this special Back to School episode of Catholic Conversations , we sit down with Rick Hensel, Principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, to talk about the excitement of a new school year and the unique mission of Catholic education. Rick shares what sets Catholic schools apart, the values and traditions that define the Notre Dame community, and how Catholic education helps prepare students to...

In this week’s episode, Sheila Austin joins us to share the powerful mission of Road to Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse, Inc, a volunteer-led outreach serving the poor and homeless in Syracuse. Through stories of compassion, dignity, and encounter, Sheila reveals how Chris is present on the streets of Syracuse, and how the road to Emmaus is closer than we think. Learn more about Emmaus Ministry and th...

This week, Fr. Gerry Waterman, Catholic Chaplain at Syracuse University, shares the heart of campus ministry — what it means to walk with college students in their faith journey, and how the chapel and new Catholic center are creating sacred space in the midst of campus life. Discover how faith is flourishing in unexpected places and how you can support this vital mission. Check them out on Instag...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Kevin Reimer, author of Second-Hand Saints, an inspiring collection of real-life stories that highlight the quiet heroism and deep faith of everyday Christians. Kevin shares what led to gathering these moving testimonies of suffering, grace, and transformation, and how these stories can help shape our own faith journey. Grab a copy of the book today on Amazo...

In this special episode, Bishop Lucia reflects on his six years as shepherd of the Diocese of Syracuse. He shares the moments that have been most meaningful, the joys and challenges of episcopal ministry, how the Holy Spirit has guided him through difficult times, and how his role has deepened his understanding of being a pastor in today’s Church. Looking ahead, he also offers his hopes for the fu...

What does it look like to share your faith with confidence in everyday life? In this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Garn and Allison Bracht, facilitators of the Genesis Mission—a seven-week experiential journey that equips Catholics with the tools to accompany others, listen deeply, and share the Gospel with trust in the Holy Spirit. Discover how this relational approach to evangelization is t...