Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph

In this episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph's, Father Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger explore the Catholic understanding of chastity, modesty, human dignity, virtue, Theology of the Body, and why these teachings remain just as relevant today as ever. They discuss Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, the importance of rightly ordered love, freedom, shame, adverti...

Jamie and Mary Ramos have spent decades serving St. Joseph's Parish in Kings Park through music ministry, faith, and a remarkable witness to Catholic marriage. In this inspiring episode of Catholic Conversations, Fr. Peter Dugandzic sits down with Jamie and Mary to discuss their 36-year marriage, how God brought them together, the challenges of raising children in today's culture, trusting...

What does it really mean to put Jesus first — even before comfort, convenience, family expectations, and our own plans? In this episode of Catholic Conversations, Father Peter and Randi reflect on Jesus’ challenging words about taking up the cross and loving Him above all things. As part of the parish message series The Burden That Sets Us Free, they explore why discipleship is not about doing wha...

What does Jesus mean when He tells us not to be afraid? How can carrying a cross actually lead to freedom? And why do so many Catholics struggle to move from simply receiving the faith to actively living and sharing it? In this episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph's, Father Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger continue the message series "The Burden That Sets Us Free." T...

What is it like to be a young Catholic navigating high school, social media, artificial intelligence, and the transition to college? In this episode of Catholic Conversations, Fr. Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger sit down with St. Joseph parishioner Thania Carrera, a graduating senior from Kings Park High School who completed her Sacraments just a few years ago and is preparing to begin her...

As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Fr. Peter is joined by his classmate and fellow priest, Fr. Robert Armato, for a thoughtful conversation about the greatest gift Christ has given His Church: the Holy Eucharist. Together they explore the Church's teaching on the Real Presence, the history behind the Feast of Corpus Christi, the development of Eucharistic doctrine, and t...

In this episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s, Father Peter and Randi reconnect for a wide-ranging discussion on faith, technology, and what it means to be truly human in today’s world. As the parish wraps up a grace-filled Pentecost weekend filled with confirmations, OCIA celebrations, and community events, the conversation turns toward the new homily series, Closer Than We Realize. R...

In this powerful Pentecost episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s, Father Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger sit down with Jovany Labossiere, a 13-year-old preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. What begins as a conversation about confirmation quickly becomes a moving reflection on faith, leadership, sportsmanship, family, social media, and what it means to become a “so...

n this episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph's Parish, Father Peter and Randi reflect on the legacy of Father Francis as the parish prepares to celebrate his decades of faithful service and priestly ministry. They discuss the deep spiritual bonds formed within a parish community, the unique “grandfatherly” presence Father Francis brought to generations of parishioners, and why his im...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s, Fr. Peter and Randi sit down with Lola Klis, a young cradle Catholic mother of three. Lola shares how becoming a mother transformed her faith — helping her understand God’s love in a new way and giving her the desire to pass on the beauty of the Catholic faith to her children. They discuss:- The true history of Mother’...

In this moving episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s, Father Peter and Randi sit down with parishioner Megan Cahill Assenza as she shares the remarkable story of her return to the Catholic faith. Megan reflects on how childhood fear and misunderstanding of religion led her away from the Church, and how years later, through anxiety, searching, and an unexpected encounter with a Catholic...

After an intense and grace-filled Holy Week and Easter, Father Peter and Randi return for a reflective and wide-ranging conversation on what it all means for parish life—and for you. From the beauty and “whirlwind” of the Triduum to the surprising quiet of the Easter Octave, they explore how easily we can miss the deeper invitation of this season: not just to celebrate the Resurrection, but to be...

In this powerful episode of Catholic Conversations, Fr. Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger sit down with longtime parishioner Tony Leteri to explore a life shaped by deep faith, enduring love, and unmistakable moments of grace. From his childhood in Queens—where his grandmother formed his understanding of the Gospel—to a 50+ year marriage that began with a bold “forever” promise, Tony shares h...

This week on Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph, Fr. Peter, Randi, and a special guest, Nicole Alimario, sit down for what seems like a fun, slightly chaotic conversation—just days before Nicole’s wedding. But what unfolds is much more than that. From friendship and faith journeys to grief, doubt, and the tension between science and belief… this conversation dives into what it actually looks lik...

What does it mean to truly come home to the Catholic Church? In this powerful Easter episode of  Catholic Conversations , Fr. Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger sit down with Lou Foller, a parishioner journeying through OCIA, as he prepares to receive the Eucharist for the first time. Lou shares his inspiring story—from being baptized as a child with little formation, to rediscovering faith as...

In this powerful Lenten episode of Catholic Conversations, Fr. Peter sits down with parishioner Patricia Higgins to explore her inspiring journey of faith—from growing up Catholic in the Philippines to rediscovering Christ in New York. Patricia shares how her early formation, a period of spiritual dryness, and a pivotal moment of being challenged about her beliefs led her back to a deeper relation...

In this powerful episode of Catholic Conversations, Fr. Peter sits down with parishioner Steven Borella to discuss faith, family life, and raising Catholic children in today’s challenging world. As a husband, father of four, and devoted parishioner, Steven shares his journey of faith—from childhood influences to rediscovering God through marriage and parenthood. Together, they explore the importan...

In this episode of  Catholic Conversations  from  St. Joseph's Parish  in  Kings Park, New York ,  Fr. Peter Dugandzic  sits down with parishioner Jim Johnson to share a powerful story of faith, conversion, and service. Jim describes how a simple invitation to Daily Mass transformed his spiritual life and led him to deeper prayer, Bible study, and active ministry. They discuss the impact of th...

In this special Lenten episode of Catholic Conversations, Fr. Peter speaks with Joanne Leonardi, lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Kings Park and Regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Joanne shares her powerful journey of faith—from public school teacher to parish leader—reflecting on prayer, adoration, and hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. They discuss 40 Days for Life,...

In this powerful new episode of  Catholic Conversations , Fr. Peter sits down with lifelong parishioner Samantha Frontario to explore faith, prayer, and vocation in today’s world. Samantha has been part of the parish since birth, singing in the choir since childhood, and is now preparing for marriage in the Church while navigating the demanding life of a medical student. Together, they reflect on...

In this episode of  Catholic Conversations , Fr. Peter sits down with Mr. Gene Fennell for a meaningful and inspiring discussion rooted in faith, service, and renewal. Gene shares his personal journey and involvement with the  Knights of Columbus , reflecting on how fraternity, charity, and service shape Catholic life and parish community. The conversation turns toward Lent, as Gene recalls powerf...

In this episode of  Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph , Fr. Peter and Randi explore the power and responsibility of  social media as a tool for evangelization and communication  in today’s digital world. How can Catholics use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to spread the Gospel, build authentic community, and witness to the truth with charity? They dive into the opportunities—an...

In this latest episode of  Catholic Conversations , Fr. Melwin joins Randi for a lively and faith-filled discussion that begins with a first-ever experience of snow and quickly moves into deeper spiritual territory. As they reflect on the fourth installment of the message series  On Purpose , the conversation explores how God’s design for our lives is revealed through vocation, sacrifice, and dail...

In this powerful episode of  Catholic Conversations , Fr. Peter and Randi reflect on the March for Life and key pro-life issues, emphasizing the Church’s unwavering commitment to the dignity of every human person from conception to natural death. They connect this witness to the third installment of the message series  On Purpose , rooted in this weekend’s Gospel and the Beatitudes, which reveal C...

In this latest episode of  Catholic Conversations , Randi and Fr. Monson continue the powerful message series  On Purpose , diving into the second installment that explores how God’s intentional design shapes our faith, vocation, and daily discipleship. They reflect on what it means to live with spiritual purpose, clarity, and mission in today’s world. Fr. Monson also shares exciting updates about...