Lights, Catholic, Action!

This episode features Carlos Zamora, a cradle Catholic who shares how he drifted from the faith and then returned through a deep encounter with the Eucharist, confession, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. He and host Sissel talk about his Catholic rap ministry, speaking and performing for youth (including incarcerated teens), and his passion for using his creative gifts—and devotion to...

In this special edition of Lights, Catholic, Action! Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection, reflects on a faith-formed life—spanning social work, military service, and the permanent diaconate—and explains how the Charter (with audits, training, background checks, and zero-tolerance norms) has shaped a nationwide culture of safeguarding...

From Texas A&M pre-med student to Director of Youth Ministry, follow Annette Calderon's path to discovering a deeper faith through St. Mary’s Catholic Center and the National Eucharistic Congress. Now, she builds a family-style community through small groups, service, and praise-and-worship rooted in Adoration. Along the way, she reflects on growing up in the Diocese of Fort Worth, discerning...

Host Sissel Anderson interviews self-taught Catholic artist John Andrew Sustaita, who shares how grief, the Camino de Santiago, and a love of Japanese culture led him from opera to sacred art — most notably his painting of the “Samurai Saint,” Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, which ultimately reached the Vatican. Sustaita also outlines several current evangelization projects focused on Japan—inviting...

Fr. Dan Pattee, TOR— pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Fort Worth —recounts a faith-rooted childhood in Minnesota, a vocational pivot from pre-med to the Franciscan Third Order Regular, years teaching systematic theology at Franciscan University, and what distinguishes the TOR order from others. He spotlights St. Andrew’s forthcoming “Our Lady, Star of the Sea” center, urges college students (includi...

Spotlighting “Dr. Phil” — Dr. Philomena Ikowe — whose Nigerian roots, deep devotion to St. Philomena, and vibrant service at St. Joseph Parish reveal how everyday love, prayer, and Eucharistic ministry can turn ordinary moments into mission. She shares how founding a health-and-education nonprofit in her late father’s honor, offering free screenings abroad, and simple neighborly acts (like daily r...

Terri Schauf, the Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Fort Worth, shares how the Church’s efforts to advance the culture of life have grown stronger and more proactive over the years.

Have you ever had a coach for a Theology teacher? Inspiring students to integrate faith into every aspect of life, Lauren Sajewich is a Theology teacher at Nolan Catholic High School and the assistant coach for the school's women's soccer program. In this episode, she shares her journey from growing up in Chicago to playing soccer at TCU, competing overseas in Denmark, and ultimately returning to...

Hear the history, training, and daily life of the Swiss Guard. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action on location, we chat with a former member of the Swiss Guard, Rento Peter, who shares his journey from growing up on a Swiss farm to serving at the Vatican. 

From a non-denominational Christian upbringing to entering Catholic seminary. Robert Weisberg, a seminarian for the Diocese of Fort Worth, reflects on the challenges of conversion, the role of the Eucharist and Church history in his faith, and his ongoing discernment of the priesthood while serving at a local parish during his pastoral year. 

This episode of Lights, Catholic, Action! features Pat Pelletier, who shares her and her late husband Chuck’s powerful journey of faith, resilience, and dedication to the pro-life movement. From surviving the hardships of Chuck’s Vietnam service and paralysis to founding Mother and Unborn Baby Care in Fort Worth, Pat reflects on God’s providence and the ongoing mission to support women, children,...

In this episode, La’Wonda Peoples shares her journey of faith, from growing up in Selma, Alabama, during the Civil Rights era to finding a spiritual home at Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Fort Worth. She reflects on the power of Catholic community, the importance of service, and her hope for the parish’s vibrant future.

In this special edition of Lights, Catholic, Action! (on Location), North Texas Catholic Editor Susan Moses chats with Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, a well-known speaker, author, and theologian, about his journey to the faith, as well as his latest project: working with his son, director Anthony D'Ambrosio, on a new feature film about St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Angie Vo, a Fort Worth native and child of Vietnamese refugees, shares her journey of faith, community, and leadership. Hear about her involvement in the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, her passion for research and teaching, and how she integrates faith, culture, and service to empower the next generation of Catholics.

Season two of Lights, Catholic, Action! kicks off with Clint Weber, who shares his journey from Marine fighter pilot to president of Nolan Catholic High School. He reflects on faith, perseverance, and the importance of Catholic education in forming future generations.

In this episode, Cheyenne Marrinan shares her journey from rural youth ministry to serving as the Tribunal Office Manager for the Diocese of Fort Worth. She demystifies how the tribunal works to uphold canon law in matters like marriage, annulments, and convalidations. Hear her reflect on the personal impact of her work, and the deep joy of helping people return to full communion with the Church.

Michael Wanigasekera shares his powerful story of serving in the Peace Corps in Cambodia, where he faced extreme poverty, cultural challenges, and spiritual growth. Through projects like building libraries and water wells, Michael transformed communities and hearts. Now back at St. Martin de Porres in Prosper, he continues his mission through the Knights of Columbus. This episode is a testament to...

Helping neighbors in need is the mission, and Victor Craig is leading the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Fort Worth Diocese in serving neighbors in need through personal outreach, home visits, and practical support. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action!, he emphasizes the urgent need for volunteers, donations, and greater awareness of local poverty—reminding listeners that serving other...

What inspires a young woman in college to leave behind her own plans and embrace the vows of religious life? In this episode, Sr. Anne Frances Ai Le, OP, shares her journey of discernment—how she wrestled with the idea of becoming a sister, leaned on prayer and community, and eventually found deep peace in saying “yes” to God. With humility and a good dose of humor, she reflects on the joys and ch...

When should a child start using a smartphone? Patrice Hall, Regional Director for Smart Families, offers advice based on the Smart Families program that Catholic schools in Fort Worth are implementing. She shares her journey in Catholic education and discusses how the Smart Families program aims to help parents and schools work together to delay smartphone use among children. You'll hear how the p...

In this special "on-location" episode of Lights, Catholic, Action! North Texas Catholic Editor Susan Moses chats with Father Mike Schmitz - nationally renowned host of the "Bible in Year" and "Catechism in a Year" podcasts, and chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He talks about parables, the importance of community, and his upcoming Parables Tour.   Learn more abo...

Hollywood veteran. Catholic filmmaker. Culture warrior. In this powerful episode, Tony Sands shares his journey from special effects on Titanic and Space Jam to producing bold, faith-filled films like Unplanned and Nefarious. Hear how a cradle Catholic rediscovered his faith, ditched the Hollywood grind, and is now helping lead a media movement that actually changes hearts, saves lives, and brings...

How did four students stumbling through Bible studies turn into a thriving ministry with 70+ students and standing-room-only Masses? Meet Nathan Mena, Tarleton State’s first-ever full-time Catholic campus minister, whose journey to campus ministry is filled with real talk, hilarious stories, and powerful purpose. He shares how faith, food, and fearless outreach are bringing students back to Christ...

Join us on this inaugural episode of Lights, Catholic, Action! (On Location)! Guest host Susan Moses, editor of the North Texas Catholic, talks with Luciano Lamonarca, a devotee of Saint Padre Pio and founder of the Saint Pio Foundation. Discover what inspired his devotion to Saint Padre Pio and the story behind the recent donation of a first-class relic to the Diocese of Fort Worth.

As a teen new to North Texas and far from home, Karla Silva walked 20 minutes to Mass each week—drawn by a deep desire for community and faith, even before she fully understood the language. Now a vibrant leader in Hispanic young adult ministry, Karla shares how small acts of “yes” led to big transformations, lasting friendships, and a passion for helping others grow in their Catholic faith.