Engaged By The Spirit

Fr. Peter sits down with his “little brother” in the priesthood, Fr. Justin Echevarria, for a wonderful conversation - and a couple good-humored pranks! Through their shared experiences, Fr. Justin and Fr. Peter provide a unique insight into the Catholic priesthood: the rigorous academics, mentors who help you to see yourself clearly, the humanity of the priest, and how priesthood is ultimately me...

Fr. Peter sits down for a chat with Jordan Salame, who worked as an intern in the Vocations Office and provided the incredible on-location footage seen at the beginning of every podcast episode! In this episode filmed last summer, they reflect on sharing the Gospel through media, how communication shapes culture, and how Jordan’s studies at Ave Maria University will help him do this. Fr. Peter and...

It’s time for Episode 6 of “Engaged by the Spirit!” You don’t want to miss our longest episode to-date, as our host Fr. Peter Julia has a fascinating conversation with Bishop Peter Smith, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. Among many other topics, Bishop Peter shares about his early life and military service in South Africa, his vocational journey through a religious commu...

 Episode 5 of “Engaged By The Spirit,” our host Fr. Peter Julia introduces us to his sister, Jennifer Coffey. The siblings have been close their entire lives, and give us an insight into how a normal phone conversation flows between them! Jennifer shares her experience as a mother raising a Catholic family and from her 27 years of teaching, including as a Dyslexia Specialist. She and Fr. Pete...

What is it like to have an uncle who is a priest – and to join him for a podcast episode? In this episode of “Engaged By The Spirit,” Fr. Peter talks with his nephew Dean Coffey during a recent visit to Oregon. Fr. Peter and Dean cover a wide range of topics: what it’s like to be going off to college, movies filmed in Oregon, how Gen Z views technology, the legacy of faith in their family, and not...

It’s time for the third episode of “Engaged By The Spirit,” where our host Fr. Peter Julia talks with Mater Dei Radio’s own Brenda Aikin. Brenda is the host of  “The Morning Blend” - broadcast live each weekday - and “View from the Pew,” which she hosts with her husband Deacon Scott. Brenda and Fr. Peter have an incredible discussion about her vocation as a wife and mother, the surprising pat...

The second episode of “Engaged By The Spirit” is here! Our host Fr. Peter Julia has a conversation with his good friend, Fr. Randy Hoang, who serves the Archdiocese of Portland as the Assistant Director of Divine Worship and as Priest Secretary to Archbishop Sample. Fr. Randy opens up about how his struggles early in life led to his vocation, the importance of knowing our identity, and why we need...

It’s finally here! Watch the VERY FIRST episode of “Engaged By The Spirit” as our host Fr. Peter Julia speaks with his guest Archbishop Alexander Sample, the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. Archbishop Sample shared insight into his vocation story, wounds he has experienced in his life, the judgement that bishops sometimes face, and his priorities for the local church. 🕊️🔥✈️ Abo...

Fr. Peter Julia is launching a new video podcast with Mater Dei Radio, and he's here to give you a preview before the first official episode drops! You won't want to miss his conversation with a very special guest, so make sure you are following along: Subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast platforms. Watch the full videos on Mater Dei Radio's YouTube Channel . Follow Mater Dei Radio's...