On Mission

In this episode of the On Mission podcast, Founding Director Father Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Sarah Scalfaro, Director of Administration, are joined by Project Coordinator Brian Rhude to discuss the U.S. bishops' decision to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary, this dedication offers a moment to reflect on religious freedom and reorien...

Cenacle spirituality refers to the collaborative and prayerful attitude of the Apostles in the Upper Room awaiting Pentecost and how modern church ministries and emulate that same posture in their operations. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how parish ministries and non-profits can adopt the prayerful and collaborative approach of t...

Many saints in the history of the Church have referred to the Church as mother, calling it, for example, Holy Mother Church. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss why many refer to the Church and in what ways the Church acts like a mother to all the faithful. Further, they discuss how the Virgin Mary is Mother of the Church and how she fu...

The Sacrament of Confirmation bestows on the recipient the same grace and spirit given to the Apostles at Pentecost. Confirmation prepares us to go forth and help spread the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how Confirmation equips us for engaging in Christ’s mission more fully. Confirmation deepens ou...

As we consider our new resolutions, we should consider ways for us to grow spiritually in our faith. Without being overwhelming, small resolutions that can be done daily will ensure that 2026 ends with a closer relationship to Christ. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can grow their faith through small daily devoti...

Easter is the climax to the Liturgical Year and is rich in beauty and symbolic liturgies. As one prepares for Easter through observing Lent, we should also take care to prepare to celebrate Easter though studying the Liturgies, customs, and celebrations in the week leading to and from Easter Sunday. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. explore t...

Prayer can certainly seem overwhelming and overly complicated. However, prayer is simply a conversation with God and raising our minds to the things of Heaven. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. share how simple prayer can be and how to grow more fruit from prayer. Prayer is the basis of our relationship with God and it’s important to remember...

Confession, known as the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, allows us to be forgiven of our sins and bestows on us graces to grow in our spiritual life. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that you can prepare and participate in the Sacrament. If you’ve been away from the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for some time,...

Lent quickly approaches and many Catholics pick up penances of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, but what exactly should we do? In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can choose what Lenten penances to undertake and what to do when we inevitably fail. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three pillars to Lent, guide us t...

Ash Wednesday and other holy days like Christmas and Easter are popular days in the liturgical calendar where parishes see an increase in the number of people attending Mass. Many may be there for the first time or for the first time in a long time. How can parishes create a welcoming environment that helps bring these individuals closer to Christ? In this episode of On Mission , Paul Jarzembowski...

On February 3rd every year, Christians flock to their local parish churches to receive a blessing of throats with blessed candles in honor of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss who St. Blaise was, what blessings are, and why we receive blessings on his feast day. St. Blaise was Bishop of Sebaste, modern d...

Every year, many make resolutions to guide their new year plans. For Catholics, we can make resolutions to help guide our spiritual growth and inform our daily tasks. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can take advantage of the New Year, 2026. With the dawn of a New Year we have fresh opportunities and a new hope fo...

Have you ever wondered where the Christmas Tree comes from? Or are you wondering what the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is? In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the traditions in our homes that we can so easily take for granted and shares the context and religious symbolism behind the traditions. Every year, we set up Christ...

Christmas comes with a lot of expectations and obligations. Without managing these expectations and setting some sort of boundaries or limits, we can easily get enveloped in stress. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss what we can do to manage the busiest and most joyful time of year: Christmas. There’s a lot for families to do between T...

With Advent upcoming, we can make the most of the liturgical season as a means to prepare for the celebrations of Christmas. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how we can use Advent as a means to spiritually and practically prepare for Christmas. Christmas quickly approaches and with it Advent . With the fast-paced nature of the time b...

Thanksgiving quickly approaches and many look to engage in more acts of charity, like working in a food panty or visiting sick families members. What are some concrete ways we can live the Catholic works of mercy this Thanksgiving? In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how we can live out the works of mercy at the Thanksgiving table and b...

We’ve all been there: we are traveling and someone notices that we are Christian and/or Catholic and they start a conversation with us. What do we do when strangers ask us about our Catholic Faith when in public? Whenever we travel and embrace our Catholic faith, we may find ourselves publicly witnessing Christ and could turn into moments of evangelization with those whom we encounter. In this epi...

Offering hospitality is a great way to show appreciation and be welcoming to the priests in your life. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by William Tishuk, Production Coordinator at Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss what are some methods people can use to help their priests feel more welcomed and a part of the larger community...

Italian-American immigrants have shaped cultural Catholicism in the United States for generations. These families embraced their traditions and practices inherited from Italy to create a distinct home life that blends faith with family life and excellent cuisine as common touch stones. In this episode of On Mission , Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share how their fami...

St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati are now canonized Saints and their simple, yet profound witness provides the Church, and in particular its younger members, inspiration to grow in holiness and draw others to Christ through their personal example. Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and...

St. Vincent Pallotti founded the Union of Catholic Apostolate and the later developed Pallottine Fathers and Brothers to encourage collaboration between clergy, religious, and lay people to evangelize in every day life. Connor Combs and Sebastian Fernandez, Summer Associates at the Catholic Apostolate Center, join this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S...

College provides young adults opportunities to explore the larger world and get to know new people and experience new things. With that, many students drift away from the Catholic Faith while in school. However, a group of peers to hold each other accountable and provide motivation to grow in relationship with Jesus can help students thrive in college and go deeper in their faith. Connor Combs and...

Social media is a powerful tool for Catholic ministries and evangelizers to spread the message of the Gospel, build community, and dialogue with others. Ministries, apostolates, and non-profits must keep in mind that serves the purpose of drawing people into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus in and through the Church, most particularly through the Sacraments. Grady Connolly, founder...

Basilicas are churches in the Catholic Church that receive the honorific title by the pope. There are four major basilicas in Rome and the others worldwide are minor basilicas. Grady Connolly, founder of Social Thomist, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share his experiences taking pilgrimages around the United States to visit all 93...

Parents experience shifts in their prayer routines after welcoming children into the world. As single people, one can experience long stretches of time without interruption to say their prayers. After welcoming a child, a parent needs to adjust. Meg Ferguson, Curriculum Coordinator at the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to...