Insights and Encounters

In today's episode of Living is When Dignity Meets Care, we're joined by Dr. Ramona Coelho , a family physician from London, Ontario, whose practice centers on patients living with disability, poverty, mental health challenges, and other forms of vulnerability. Dr. Coelho shares how her own biases and fears about suffering and disability were reshaped through life-changing relationships with her p...

In this final episode of the series, CCAT Executive Director,  Agnes Thomas, sits down with Stephen Hurley to review what we've heard in this series.  Drawing from the variety of perspectives brought by our series guests—from Ignatian spirituality to simple moments of gratitude and wonder—they discuss the integral role of silence, relationship, and communal prayer in building resilience and hope i...

In this episode we catch up with Fr. Joe Schner, Jesuit priest and retired professor of psychology at Regis College, to explore Ignatian spirituality and the practice of finding God in all things. Fr. Joe Schner shares insights from his personal journey and decades of spiritual direction, discussing how prayer evolves over a lifetime, the significance of imagination in Ignatian prayer, and the tra...

In this episode of we welcome Karina Nytko, the 2024 recipient of the CCAT Father Paul Lennon/Doreen Cullen Social Work Scholarship, and a social work student at York University. Karina shares her powerful journey, reflecting on how finding faith and purpose radically changed her life—from growing up in foster care, to transformative experiences at World Youth Day in Portugal and the Jubilee pilgr...

In this episode we are joined by Brother Emile of the Taizé community in France. We explore the essence and experience of prayer, delving into the power of silence, the importance of community, and how faith traditions can shape personal spirituality. Brother Emile shares wisdom from his life in Taizé and offers practical advice for deepening one's prayer life through all seasons of the year. Disc...

In this episode, host Stephen Hurley welcomes Julia Kozak, a member of the Nisg'a Nation, artist, storyteller, and the first Indigenous person to design vestments for a pope. Julia Kozak shares her journey of weaving together her Catholic and Indigenous roots, reflecting on the importance of prayer, gratitude, and relationality in her daily life. Listen as she discusses the profound connections be...

In this episode we welcome the Reverend Dr. Glenn McCullough—an ordained Presbyterian minister, registered psychotherapist, and professor at Emmanuel and Knox Colleges in Toronto. We take a  deep dive into the transformative power of prayer, exploring how contemplative practices and vivid dream experiences have shaped Dr. McCullough’s spiritual journey and ministry. The conversation spans childhoo...

In this episode of  Voices of Faith , we welcomes Sr. Sarah Rudolph for an enriching conversation about her journey to religious life, the power and practice of prayer, and the deep influence of Ignatian spirituality on her daily routine. Sr. Sarah Rudolph shares her personal story of discerning her vocation, the challenges and surprises along the way, and how prayer has become the foundation of h...

In the final episode of the "Guided by Faith, Leading with Grace" series, host Stephen Hurley welcomes back Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT). Together, they reflect on the lessons and insights gathered throughout the series on faith-based leadership, exploring what truly sets faith-rooted service apart and how leaders are called to serve a...

In this episode host Stephen Hurley sits down with Dr. Andrew Simone to explore the transformative journey of faith, humility, and service. Dr. Simone shares the story of his early struggles with self-esteem, his awakening through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and the radical decision he and his wife made to dedicate their lives to helping the poor. Listeners will hear how these experiences le...

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Leading with Grace we sit down with Fr. Dr. Matthew Durham, Executive Director of Hospice, Palliative Care, and Community Development at St. Elizabeth Health. Father Durham shares his personal journey to ministry, the formative experiences that shaped his commitment to social justice, and his work leading the Journey Home Hospice for people facing homelessness a...

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Leading with Grace host Stephen Hurley sits down with Reverend Jim Harbell, a United Church minister and one of the founding directors of Restorative Justice Housing Ontario (RJHO). Together, they explore Jim’s journey towards faith-based leadership, diving into his personal “nudges” and “niggles” from the Spirit, his legal background, and his deep commitment to...

In this episode of  Guided By Faith, Leading With Grace , host Stephen Hurley sits down with Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA). Kerry shares her deeply personal journey of faith and leadership, rooted in a family legacy of service and philanthropy that spans five generations.  Through moving stories and reflections, she explores the foundational values of Cat...

In this final episode of the series, we reconnect with Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Agnes reflects on the CCAT podcast series’ exploration of hope, especially during the jubilee year, and shares personal insights on what it means to be a beacon of hope through faith, compassion, and everyday encounters.

In this episode, we speak with Father Trevor Scott, Executive Director of the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice and Noah McDonald, a member of the Michipicoten First Nation, a canon lawyer with the Archdiocese of Toronto, and PhD student in theology. Together, they explore what hope means in the context of truth and reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Indigenous communities in C...

In this episode, we speak with Brother Yvon Paquin, a Brother Priest with the Order of St. John of God, who serves as part of the pastoral team at Good Shepherd Ministries in Toronto. Brother Yvon and his team are dedicated to being present with the city’s homeless and most vulnerable, providing not only essential services but also inspiring hope in lives that are often overlooked. For more about...

In this episode, we speak with Natalie Appleyard, the Socio-Economic Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice. Natalie shares insights from her work tackling issues such as poverty, climate justice, and refugee rights in Canada, and reflects on the transformative role hope plays—individually, collectively, and politically. Find out more about Natalie's work at CPJ: https://cpj.ca

In this episode, we speak with Natalie Appleyard, Public Justice Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). Natalie joins host Stephen Hurley to explore the complex question of labour and its intersection with poverty, affordability, and policy in Canada. The series, Political Action Rooted in Discernment  is produced in partnership with Catholic Chariities of the Archdiocese of Toronto,...

In this episode, we speak with Maryo Wahba, Climate Justice Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). Drawing on global experience and local expertise, Maryo explores the intersection of climate action, social justice, and public policy in Canada, offering listeners actionable insight during a crucial pre-election period. The series, Political Action Rooted in Discernment  is produced i...

In this episode, we speak with Natalie Appleyard, a socioeconomic policy analyst for Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). Natalie delves into the affordability crisis and CPJ’s efforts in advocating for systemic changes to alleviate poverty and increase social equity. The series, Political Action Rooted in Discernment  is produced in partnership with Catholic Chariities of the Archdiocese of Toronto...

In this episode, we speak with Brian Harris, the Executive Director of the St. Felix Centre in downtown Toronto. Brian shares insights into the organization's mission to offer compassionate care to some of the city's most marginalized communities. FInd out more about the St. Felix Centre:  https://stfelixcentre.org/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the newest CCAT Podcast Series, Hope in Action,  where we explore inspiring stories of individuals leading with hope in their communities. In today's episode, host  Stephen Hurley invites Terry Smith, the founder of the Just Socks Foundation, to share her remarkable journey. Terry reveals how a simple radio broadcast about the need for socks among homeless indiv...

In this episode, we speak with Agnes Thomas, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Agnes shares insightful reflections on the theme of compassion, illustrating how it serves as a powerful thread to transformation and the manifestation of love. Key Takeaways The Essence of Compassion Agnes defines compassion as reaching out with humanity to touch the humanities...

In this episode we speak with The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and, currently, the Chancellor of the University of St. Thomas. Graydon shares his profound journey and insights on Indigenous healing and dialogue, focusing on the vital role of truth and reconciliation. Key Takeaways Impact of Early Evangelization...

In this episode, we speak with Deacon Robert Kinghorn a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Deacon Kinghorn shares his journey into ministry and his compelling experiences walking among Toronto’s most vulnerable populations, demonstrating the essence of compassion in action. Key Takeaways A Minister's Journey: Deacon Kinghorn began his ministry journey in 1971, engaging in prison minis...