Lights, Catholic, Action!

In our final episode of Season 2, guest host Christina Benavides chats with Catholic speaker and evangelist Ali Hoffman, a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena in Carrollton. Hoffman shares how a shy introvert became a joyful missionary disciple— traveling the world, encouraging thousands online, and helping others discover a real, personal relationship with Jesus. From viral family dance videos...

In this episode, retired Fort Worth police officer and Knight of Columbus Pat Henz shares unforgettable stories from decades in law enforcement—and how faith, family, and prayer carried him through some of the darkest moments imaginable. From crime scenes and high-speed pursuits to the powerful legacy of his mother’s “Shield a Badge with Prayer” ministry, Pat reveals what it truly means to serve a...

In this episode, University of Dallas president Dr. Jonathan Sanford shares how one Catholic university in North Texas is forming students to become leaders, thinkers, and faithful witnesses in a culture hungry for truth and purpose. From the power of a true liberal arts education to the challenge of AI and modern culture, he explains why forming the whole person—not just training for a job—may be...

In this episode, Catholic leadership coach BJ McKay breaks down how real influence doesn’t come from authority, but from mastering self-awareness, detachment, and confidence rooted in Christ. Through practical, real-life examples, he reveals how small daily habits can transform your faith—and quietly impact the people around you in ways you may never expect.

In this episode, Kasey Whitley shares her powerful journey from having no faith background to becoming Catholic—and how that path led her to champion adoption as a life-giving mission for vulnerable children and families. With insight from her work at the Gladney Center for Adoption, she unpacks common misconceptions and reveals the deeply human, hope-filled reality behind modern adoption.

In this episode, leaders from the Diocese of Fort Worth’s Catholic Scouting program reveal how scouting is shaping young people into leaders of faith, service, and character—both on the trail and in everyday life. From a unique “10 Commandments Hike” to stories of faith rediscovered through scouting, they share why this growing movement is helping families reconnect with God in a hands-on, unforge...

In this episode, Diego Campos shares how a childhood love of filmmaking grew into a powerful documentary capturing the real spiritual journeys of college students—and the surprising ways faith comes alive in the middle of campus life. Through creativity, loss, and deep friendships, he reveals how storytelling can become a mission of hope, showing that even in a culture drifting from faith, Christ...

Have you ever heard of the Knights of Peter Claver? In this episode, Michael Barks takes us inside this historic Catholic organization and its mission of service, charity, and brotherhood. He shares his journey of living out his Catholic faith through the Knights at Our Mother of Mercy parish and reflects on how service strengthens community.

Canon law can sound complicated—but at its heart, it’s about people and their relationship with God. In this episode, Dr. Sara Paglialunga takes us inside her remarkable journey from studying Latin in Rome to helping Catholics navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.  She shares how faith shaped her calling and what canon law teaches us about truth, mercy, and the salvation of souls.

Sacred music doesn’t just teach notes—it forms hearts. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action, we’re joined by Ashley Ratcliff, choir director at St. John the Apostle Catholic School and leader of the parish music ministry. Ashley shares how God prepared her heart and guided her journey into music ministry, an unexpected path that led to teaching sacred music and helping young voices make a j...

In this episode, meet the Robovikes—Nolan Catholic High School’s robotics team—who race against the clock each season to design, build, and compete with a 130-pound robot while learning real-world engineering, teamwork, and leadership along the way. From the workshop to international competitions, these students share how robotics is shaping their futures in STEM and showing how faith, creativity,...

Born and raised in Colombia, Paola Quintero-Araujo never imagined that a journey that began in dental school would lead her to help form future deacons for the Church—but along the way, God quietly redirected her path through unexpected encounters, ministry, and a call to serve. In this episode, she shares her powerful faith journey and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how men discern and prepare...

Heather Reynolds, CCFW CEO and President, and Beth Kwasny, CCFW board member, share how Catholic Charities Fort Worth is transforming lives across 28 counties—not just by meeting urgent needs, but by walking with families for years on their journey out of poverty. From innovative research partnerships to hands-on case management and parish collaboration, they reveal why fighting poverty is far mor...

In this episode, Detective Maria Orand of the Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force shares what it’s really like to confront modern-day slavery in our own backyard—and how daily prayer helps her see the image of God in both victims and offenders. From the front lines of some of Fort Worth’s darkest cases to serving faithfully in her parish, Detective Maria reveals how faith, service, and cou...

In this episode, Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on 40 years of Catholic faith, sharing how Scripture, the Eucharist, and a renewed hunger for the Bible are transforming hearts across the Church. From the explosive growth of biblical literacy to the joy of welcoming his 26th grandchild, Hahn offers a hopeful, deeply personal look at why now may be one of the most exciting times to be Catholic.

From building massive glass installations around the world to creating Christmas traditions for local families, this episode reveals how art can draw people closer to meaning, wonder, and God. A glassblower, architect, and devout Catholic, David Gappa shares how molten glass, daily prayer, and family life came together to shape a vocation that blends faith, beauty, and craftsmanship in unexpected...

'Memento mori', what does that mean? Estate-planning attorney Jenna Lusk—raised Catholic and formed at Texas A&M’s St. Mary community — explains how Memento Mori and good preparation (wills, powers of attorney, clear communication) spare families real heartache and reflect a life of faith. She also shares ways young adults can build Catholic community in Fort Worth (from personal invitations t...

A lesson in relentless prayer. Author and speaker Tim Francis shares how his mother’s relentless prayers pulled him from addiction and a reversion to the Catholic Church. Through hard evidence, debates in his living room, and a startling documentary on modern miracles, his belief in the Eucharist was ignited. Now a nationwide speaker, he explains practical ways to “pray the Mass,” why daily sacram...

What if your Catholic high school sent you to work in corporate America one day a week while preparing you for college and deepening your faith? Cristo Rey Fort Worth President Dani Ray Barton shares how the school has grown since its 2018 launch. The school has over 300 students, 75 corporate partners, a new STEAM center, and alumni have landed full-time offers and generous scholarships. Addition...

From a haunting childhood tale in Honduras to an unexpected conversion at the University of Dallas, Oscar Ortiz—now the Diocese of Fort Worth’s Executive Director of Strategic Outreach and Educational Access—shares a riveting journey that reframes faith as “the strangeness of life” and sets the stage for why he believes wonder leads to Christ. He then lays out how Catholic education forms that won...

Sharing her journey from public-school educator to diocesan leader, Dr. Melissa Millard is a champion for Catholic schools as places that form joyful disciples—not just strong students—by weaving faith into every moment of the day. In her new role, she focuses on growing enrollment and funding (especially tuition support and safety), so more North Texas families can access Catholic education and “...

From flaming batons and Miss America pageants to breaking some of DFW’s biggest stories, CBS 11 reporter Amelia Mugavero shares how God used rejection, late nights, and even the Dallas police ambush to lead her into a vocation of telling hard stories with courage and compassion. Hear how her Catholic faith sustains her through tragic events like the Kerrville flooding, the pressures of social medi...

Growing up in a lively Catholic family of seven, siblings Julia and Michael Marincel share how their parents’ late conversion, homeschooling, vibrant Maronite parish life, and quirky traditions (like epic Easter confetti-egg wars) formed them into a sign-language interpreter for the Deaf community and a seminarian for the Diocese of Fort Worth. Hear how they wrestled with college, vocation, commun...

Some of us are formed in the faith from a young age, while others come into the Church later in life. Behind it all are faithful staff and volunteers at parishes helping guide others to the truth of the faith and ultimately a relationship with Jesus. Behind them is Laura Nelson, diocesan Director of Faith Formation and OCIA and our guest for this episode. She talks about how she dove deeper into h...

In this special episode, actress and writer Siobhan Fallon Hogan reflects on how her Irish Catholic upbringing and strong, lifelong faith shape her family life, career choices, and creative work—including her play "Mother’s Farewell" and the films "Rushed" and "Shelter in Solitude," which blend serious themes with Catholic moral vision. She also discusses involving her children in both faith and f...