Holy Banter: St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church Podcast

Christina Steele and Andrea Simpson sit down with Father Jacob Miller just days before his ordination to the priesthood. Father Jacob shares his inspiring journey from a small rural town in eastern Indiana to answering God's call to become a priest. He reflects on a powerful encounter with God's voice during his Confirmation, the years he spent discerning between marriage and priesthood, and the m...

Join us as Jenny Bryans shares her inspiring journey of faith, resilience, and community. Discover how moving across countries, caring for a sibling with disabilities, and a transformative Marian encounter deepened her spirituality. Jenny reveals the power of the rosary and adoration in overcoming life's challenges. Whether you're seeking inspiration or practical faith insights, this episode offer...

Join Christina Steele and Andrea Simpson as they chat with Kristi Powers, director of youth ministry at St. Alphonsus, about her faith journey, ministry, and balancing family life. Hear how growing up in Oklahoma's mission territory and experiences with youth ministry at a tiny parish shaped her passion for the catholic faith.  She shares unique stories about her Deacon Dad's assignment authentica...

This podcast explores the profound impact of COVID-19 on Clinton Bohm's faith journey, revealing the deep significance of the Eucharist and strengthening family bonds. Discover how a simple King's Hawaiian roll became a surprising opening to faith and transformation, illustrating how unexpected moments can reveal profound insights.

Most of us underestimate the transformative power of community in deepening faith. Daryl and Brenda's story reveals how authentic relationships—built on faith, vulnerability, and service—can anchor us through life's toughest storms and lead us to genuine spiritual renewal.  They explore how shared faith and small acts of kindness create a ripple effect that transforms individual lives and entire p...

Logan and Lauren Gauker’s story of discovering their vocations, faith and each other is a journey of purpose, prayer and perseverance that will inspire anyone wrestling with life’s big questions.

In this deeply moving episode, Anne Jones shares her powerful journey through unimaginable loss—including the deaths of her sister, mother, husband, and daughter—and how her faith carried her through it all. With honesty, wisdom, and even moments of humor, Anne reflects on the reality of grief, the importance of community, and the choice to run toward God instead of away from Him.

Jeff Franciskovich’s journey from heartbreak to hope is a powerful testament to resilience and divine mercy. After enduring a devastating divorce, Jeff found himself in his darkest moments, feeling alone and overwhelmed. However, a profound encounter with Christ during a retreat transformed his despair into unshakable faith, demonstrating that even in life's trials, God's presence offers peace and...

Andrea and Christina have a conversation with Marcellino D'Ambrosio, also known as Dr. Italy, about his journey from secular musician to passionate evangelist. He reveals how faith should be an adventure filled with joy and humor. Discover how a life-changing encounter with Jesus transformed his world, leading him from the club scene to the depths of faith. This episode is a call to live fully ali...

Husband and father Dan Nield shares how he discovered his calling to help others reach heaven through the unique gifts God gave him. He opens up about the transformative role community has played in his faith journey, why tithing has become central to his family's life and the surprisingly powerful impact of sharing faith in small, everyday moments.

St. Alphonsus parishioner Mary Stall, part of the first class of women admitted to the University of Notre Dame, shares the story of her return to the Catholic Church as an adult. Hear Mary's story of faith, the silent retreat that inspired her return and how she continues to grow in holiness today.

In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, the journey of faith can often be complex and deeply personal. In this episode of Holy Banter, Father Tyler Kreipke shares how a Zionsville Methodist kid became a Catholic priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross—through invitation, prayer, and the slow draw of grace. From engineering and Notre Dame to seminary and ministry in Portland, Oregon...

Kim Marks shares her deeply personal journey of faith—from growing up Catholic to encountering God in a more intimate, life-changing way through daily Mass, Scripture, the Eucharist, and surrender. Kim reflects on motherhood, suffering, trust, and courage, including walking with her daughter through anorexia, and how God continues to meet her in both the ordinary and the profound. A beautiful conv...

In this special episode of Holy Banter , we reflect with gratitude on our journey, with co-host Annie Sweeney sharing her final moments on the podcast. The conversation reflects on the friendships and God moments that have shaped Holy Banter . As we head into the new year, Christina joyfully s Holy Banter will return with a new episode on January 1, 2026.

Matt and Colleen Deryckere share the heartbreaking story of their firstborn son Ryan, whose short life changed everything. From an emergency delivery and time in the NICU at Riley, to planning a funeral no parent imagines, they talk honestly about anger, sorrow, and the slow work of healing. Along the way, they share how Ryan’s baptism, a late–night visit from a priest, and the love of their commu...

Fresh from hours of silence, Annie and Christina talk with Fr. Huemmer about discerning God’s voice, the beauty of Ignatian spirituality, and how retreats shape a deeper life of prayer. He reflects on his vocation story, the movements of the heart, and why moments of stillness can lead us closer to Christ.

Three longtime friends from St. Alphonsus—Penny Edmondson, Carol Pata, and Barbara Carpentier—sit down with Christina and Annie to share how faith and friendship have shaped their lives. From Bible study to daily Mass routines, pilgrimage bracelets to bereavement ministry, these “Soul Sisters” reveal how laughter, service, and total trust in God sustain them through joy and hardship. A warm, funny...

In this heartfelt episode of Holy Banter , Abby and Dexter share a moving story of faith, honest communication, joyful engagement, and the profound reality of love after loss. Abby reflects on how her late husband Kyle continues to shape her understanding of marriage, while Dexter embraces their new beginning with grace and steadfast commitment. Together, they remind us that one love doesn’t repla...

From their Youngstown courtship to a lifetime of serving others, these loving grandparents show how small, steady practices—prayer, presence, and humor—carry a marriage. Soft laughs, simple wisdom, and a gentle nudge to trust God’s plan.

In this episode, Fr. Matthew Kalu shares his remarkable journey from rural Nigeria to parish life in Indiana. He reflects on his upbringing during the Nigerian Civil War, the influence of Irish missionaries, and the communal culture that shaped his faith. Fr. Matthew discusses the challenges and blessings of ministering in a new country, the importance of catechists in passing on the faith, and th...

Join us for a conversation with Lauren Lawson , Director of Liturgical Music, as she shares how faith and music shape her ministry. From the joy of the Children’s Choir to the solemn beauty of the Service of Shadows , Lauren reflects on building community through worship, preparing for Holy Week , and the importance of hospitality in every liturgical moment.

In this heartfelt episode of Holy Banter, we sit down with Laura Shuler to explore her journey of faith, community, and parenting within the Catholic Church. Laura opens up about the joys and challenges of raising children while nurturing a deep connection to God. She shares how her empathy shapes her ministry in religious education, the importance of building emotional connections, and the ways c...

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Nield and Chuck Wright to explore That Man Is You , a dynamic new men's ministry launching at St. Alphonsus. Together, we unpack the power of brotherhood, the role of vulnerability in faith, and why authentic connection is essential for men seeking spiritual growth. Through honest conversation and shared personal journeys, Dan and Chuck reflect on the challeng...

In this episode of Holy Banter , Annie and Christina welcome guests Rachel Christianson, Emily Mason, and Tish Cronin to introduce She Shall Be Called Woman —a new Catholic women’s ministry rooted in community, hospitality, and spiritual growth. Together, they discuss the vision behind the ministry, its welcoming structure, and how it creates space for meaningful fellowship, prayer, and support am...

In this episode, Deacon Tim Perry shares insights from his lifelong faith journey, beginning with a spiritual awakening in college that shaped his call to serve. He reflects on the transformative power of silent retreats and pilgrimages, and how experiences in nature—like the Boundary Waters—cultivate gratitude and resilience. Deacon Perry also discusses the sacred responsibilities of a deacon, fr...