Catholic Pore Over

In this episode, Maria and Fr. Damian sit down with Fr. Joe Mamich, pastor of the Cathedral and Vicar for Clergy and Religious in the Diocese of Cleveland, to discuss his work as a chaplain for the Strongsville police and fire departments. Fr. Joe talks about some of the difficult aspects of this work, but highlights how edifying it has been for him and the people he serves as he strives to share...

In this episode, Walsh Jesuit High School theology teacher Mary Kate Glowe discusses how she engages her students into forming community among themselves and invites them into a deeper relationship with God, most notably through an optional 24-hour silent retreat. Mary Kate highlights some of the challenges facing not only Generation Z, but this generation's parents as they navigate growing isolat...

In this episode, Deacon Mark Tomecko talks about his call to the diaconate and his work as the Director of Mission and Formation at Holy Name High School at Parma Heights. Deacon Mark touches on how both paths were not something he originally planned for himself, but God led him to these things and allowed him to experience a truly fruit-filled ministry. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube: ⁠youtu...

On today's episode of Catholic Pore Over, Maria and Fr. Damian speak with Fr. Mark Ott about what the first year of seminary looks like in the Diocese of Cleveland. Called the "Propaedeutic Immersion," this year follows a new model of introducing young men to discernment in the seminary, focusing on personal formation and development. Young men in this stage of seminary formation are...

On this week's episode of Catholic Pore Over, Maria and Fr. Damian interview Jerilynn Koehler, a rising senior and volleyball player at Cleveland State University who was baptized and received into the Catholic Church this past Easter. Jerilynn talks about growing up in a non-religious household and finding peace and comfort in her relationship with Christ throughout her journey in becoming Ca...

On today's episode of Catholic Pore Over, Maria and Fr. Damian interview Deacon Chuck Cairnie who will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cleveland. Deacon Chuck shares his not-so-straightforward path to the seminary and reflects on the way Christ called him to faithfulness at different periods in his life. Priestly ordinations for the Diocese of Cleveland will take place on Saturday, May...

Chances are you know someone who has started making sourdough or recently got into canning food -- maybe that person is you! The growing popularity of more traditional practices and the retreat into rural life reflects a desire for a lost part of our industrial culture. In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria chat with Tim Cermak of the Catholic Land Movement to discuss the great physical, social, a...

In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria sit down with Fr. Patrick Schultz to reflect on the importance of Holy Week and how to enter into it more reverently. Find more of Fr. Patrick's homilies and reflections on Slaking Thirsts .Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover Subscribe to our channel on YouTube:  youtube.com/@catholicporeover Recorded and edited by Black Val...

Pope Leo XIV has established 2026 as the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the death of the saint. In this episode, Maria and Fr. Damian sit down with Fr. David Domanski, OFM Cap. to talk about the Franciscan charism and the ministry that the order provides to the Church. Learn more about the Capuchin Friars of the Province of St. Augustine here: https://www.capuc...

Leading his team to the school's first national championship, Fernando Mendoza has made headlines as a player of integrity and tenacity. In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria discuss Fernando Mendoza's example of discipline, perseverance, and faith on the field and in his personal life. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover Subscribe to our channel on YouTube:...

In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria are joined by Mother Natalia of the Christ the Bridegroom Monastery and host of the podcast "What God is Not" to discuss the ins and outs of fasting. Mother Natalia addresses how fasting helps us form a spirit of detachment from material goods, so that we can become more attached to the Lord. Tune in for this edifying discussion on deepening your Len...

Many young women have been sold a lie that they can "have it all" -- that children and a career can seamlessly fit together without tension. But the demands of children do not follow a 9-5 schedule, and the biological reality that babies and young children require more from their mothers cannot be ignored. In her new book, "The Dignity of Dependence", Leah Libresco Sargeant hig...

In this episode, Maria and Fr. Damian discuss the corresponding themes of memory, free will, friendship, and mercy in both the last season of Stranger Things and the latest installment in the Knives Out movie franchise. Spoilers ahead! Subscribe to our channel on Youtube: youtube.com/@catholicporeover Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover/ Recorded and edited by Black...

In this special bonus episode, Fr. Damian and Maria interview Matt Maher and Sarah Kroger about their reflections on the past year and hopes for the year to come. Tune in to hear more about the value of creativity, trusting your gut (and the Holy Spirit), and the importance of identifying first as a child of God. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube: youtube.com/@catholicporeover Follow us on Insta...

When was the last time you watched a film in the theater? It seems in many places that cinemas are becoming less popular, and films in general are in competition with series that can be more accessible on various streaming platforms. In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria discuss Pope Leo XIV's recent address to filmmakers, actors, and directors, highlighting how his praise of the artform is im...

In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria discuss the conversion of Neeza Powers. From identifying as a transgender woman to surrendering himself to Christ and His Church and following the steps to become Catholic, Neeza has sparked conversations and controversy on all sides of political and religious spectrums. Tune in to hear about an inspiring story of grace and hope and how we should reflect on th...

Should you listen to Christmas music before Christmas? When should the tree go up? While secular culture may ditch the pumpkin spice for candy canes and gingerbread on November 1, Christians are called to enter into the season of Advent with prayer, perhaps forgoing some of the festive traditions that are better suited to the actual celebration of Christmas. Join us for this episode as we discuss...

These days, there are countless resources and opinions about Catholic teaching at our fingertips. But how do we discern which figures to listen to, and how much influence should they actually have over our lives? Join us for this episode as Maria and Fr. Damian discuss the impact of Catholic influencers and highlight some of the good work they accomplish, while emphasizing our particular obligatio...

When a loved one dies, it is not out of the ordinary to keep certain items that belonged to him as a way to be reminded of him and feel close to him when he is no longer with us. Relics are like that -- and they also help us to reflect on our own death and mortality. We begin the month of November celebrating the Saints in Heaven and praying for the souls in Purgatory. If you are local to Clevelan...

"As we forgive those who trespass against us..." These lines in the prayer Jesus taught us are difficult to follow, especially following terrible tragedy. In this episode, Maria & Fr. Damian discuss Erika Kirk's moving witness to forgiveness as she publicly forgave her husband's assassin. Join us as we talk about how though it often seems impossible, offering forgiveness is n...

Most artists sing about romantic relationships; few talk about deep, meaningful friendships. In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria discuss the importance of friendships with persons of the same sex, highlighting the contributions Bruce Springsteen has made in his songs about male friendships. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube: youtube.com/@CatholicPoreOver Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.in...

In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria discuss Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement and the excitement around it from fans. In a culture that often discourages making commitments too soon, Taylor and Travis are making a statement that marriage still matters. Join us as we dive into the idolization of celebrity relationships and address the true meaning of marriage from a Catholic perspect...

A quick glance at the roster of films released this summer will show that audiences love sequels and remakes -- or, at least studios love to make them. Making a franchise out of a film is rather common, and it almost seems unusual if a box office hit doesn't get a second, third, or fourth installment. Today's episode discusses the pull of nostalgia and familiarity and to what extent we can get too...

We've all been there -- we experience some hardship or suffering and wish we could erase the memory of it. But what if there was another way? Fr. Damian Ference and Maria Wancata discuss memories and our relationships with one another as portrayed in the music videos for Ariana Grande's "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" and "brighter days ahead". Drawn heav...