Talking Catholic

As the 2025–26 school year approaches, Catholic schools across the Diocese of Camden are preparing for another year of academic excellence—freshly cleaned classrooms, updated technology, and new beginnings. But at Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury, NJ, one change stands out above the rest: a bold transition to a classical Catholic curriculum. This week on Talking Catholic , cohosts Marianela...

This week on Talking Catholic , we explore a deeply personal and universal topic: addiction. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, food, media, pornography, or other compulsions, addiction touches countless lives — often disrupting health, relationships, and spiritual well-being. Joining co-hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro are two guests with firsthand experience in the healing journey: Jen Drees , a Calix S...

This week on Talking Catholic , we welcome two vibrant voices in Catholic communications: cousins Mary Kate Haliskoe and Jerry Wutkowski. With deep roots in both faith and family, Mary Kate and Jerry share what it’s like to work together in the world of Church media, reflect on the joys and quirks of collaborating as relatives, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at their roles supporting the missi...

“My dear Jesus, I ask You in grace that, through the merit of Your Most Holy Name, You make me a lover of the Cross."  On this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie, unpack the extraordinary life of St. Veronica Giuliani-mystic, stigmatist, and victim soul.  Discover how her profound love for Christ, detailed in her 22,000 page spiritual diary, offers a model for each of us in embracing...

In this episode of Talking Catholic , Mike Walsh chats with Kerry Weber, executive editor of America Media and newly elected president of the Catholic Media Association. Their conversation centers on Kerry’s life within Catholic journalism, her commitment to ethical storytelling, and the importance of building a stronger, more connected Catholic media community. She also discusses the changing med...

With Mike Walsh out of town for the Catholic Media Conference, co-hosts Mike Bress and Jen Mauro take the Talking Catholic show on the road to visit with some of the Diocese of Camden’s seminarians! Father Joshua Nevitt, assistant director of vocations for the Diocese, and seminarians Michael Leason, Theodore Deluhery and Domenic DeStefano welcomed Jen and Mike to the former Saint Mary’s Convent i...

“Our Lord is calling us to sanctify the ordinary tasks of every day, for the perfection of the Christian is to be found precisely there.”  In today's episode of Talking Catholic, Laurie and Pete explore the life of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei and “the saint of ordinary life.”   From humble beginnings in Spain to the worldwide spread of Opus Dei, learn how he spent his life witnessin...

In this week’s Talking Catholic episode, cohosts Marianela Núñez and Mike Bress sit down with two beloved Catholic school principals retiring after decades of faithful service: Patti Paulsen of Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury and Deacon Joseph Rafferty of St. Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights. With warmth, humor, and deep sincerity, Patti and Deacon Joe reflect on the joys and challeng...

We’ve had hostful episodes. We’ve even had guestful ones. But this week? It’s a priestful one! In this episode of Talking Catholic , hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro — joined by their occasional frienemy, Donna Ottaviano-Britt — sit down with five priests of the Diocese of Camden to talk about a unique leadership development program designed specifically for clergy. Priests both seasoned and new-ish...

After several weeks on the road, our Talking Catholic hosts finally found themselves in the same place at the same time — and then hit record. In this fast-paced (and blessedly brief) episode, Mike (Greg) Bress, Jen Mauro, Pete Sanchez, and Mike Walsh catch up on a few diocesan moments: a recent retirement, upcoming events we’re looking forward to, and highlights from this year’s Catholic high sch...

The ability to choose where your child is educated — commonly known as school choice — has long been a hot-button issue at the state level. But with a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving a virtual Catholic school in Oklahoma and the introduction of the Educational Choice for Children Act in the U.S. Senate, the debate has a revived national focus. In this week’s episode, cohosts Mike Walsh an...

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and we’re kicking things off with a delicious new installment of our Faith & Food series! Join hosts Kari and Mike — along with special guest Father Peter Gallagher — as they sit down with Johnna Averona, of the beloved Woodbury Station Café, nestled in a beautifully restored 140+ year-old train station in the heart of downtown Woodbury, NJ. J...

“In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory."  In this episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie dive into the inspiring life of St. Bernardine of Siena—a Franciscan preacher and fearless evangelist known as the “Apostle of Italy.” Discover how his love for the Holy Name of Jesus, deep humility, and boundless energy helped revive the Catholic faith across 1...

This week on Talking Catholic , we sit down with Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of South Jersey , to reflect on her first year leading the organization. Dr. Hallion offers insight into what’s new and what’s next for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Camden — from strengthening volunteer outreach and internship opportunities to improving internal communications...

No, you’re not hearing a rerun — Fr. Josh Nevitt is back with us! But this time, he’s not here to talk about Pope Francis or Pope Leo XIII. Instead, we’re diving into his day job as Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden. With an ordination to the transitional diaconate and two priesthood ordinations happening in South Jersey over the next two weekends, there’s no better time to...

Habemus Papam! We have a pope!   It’s a breaking news Talking Catholic episode, as Father Joshua Nevitt, associate director of vocations, joins Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to discuss Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, being elected pope.   Father Nevitt talks about the new pope’s name, Pope Leo XIV, his “urbi et orbi” blessing, background as an Augustinian missionary and more. Listen to Talking Ca...

In this week’s episode of Talking Catholic , cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome Dr. Lee DelleMonache, Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Camden, and Kathy O’Callaghan, Principal of St. Peter School in Merchantville. Together, they explore how Catholic identity is being renewed and strengthened in South Jersey Catholic schools. The conversation centers on the “Required,...

With the passing of Pope Francis, the world now turns its attention to two of the most extraordinary events in both religious and secular history: a papal funeral and a conclave. To help us better understand these deeply significant moments, we're joined by Father Josh Nevitt, Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden, who has been preparing to provide on-air analysis for Fox 2...

In this heartfelt episode of Talking Catholic , we shine a spotlight on Joe & Jackie Kern, a devoted couple whose unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church has touched countless lives at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Williamstown, NJ.  For more than three decades, Joe & Jackie have exemplified the spirit of volunteerism, dedicating their time and talents to various ministries and parish a...

It’s Holy Week, and to help us enter more deeply into this sacred time, we’re joined by a beloved voice from the Catholic Star Herald —columnist Father Edward Kolla, retired priest of the Diocese of Camden. In this special episode, Father Kolla offers a thoughtful reflection on the solemn days of Holy Week and the profound spiritual beauty they hold. He shares why participating in these liturgies—...

There are great professionals. There are great Catholic professionals. And then there’s Stacy Napolitano —a powerhouse in Catholic fundraising and the Director of Development for the Diocese of Camden. Stacy has built a top-tier team that drives the success of critical ministries and services at both the diocesan and parish levels. Known for her warmth, energy, and visionary leadership, Stacy has...

This week on Talking Catholic , cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress sit down with Brendan Schneider—author, blogger, podcaster, and nationally recognized marketing consultant—to explore the evolving world of school marketing and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the field. With nearly three decades of experience in school marketing and admissions, Brendan shares valuable insig...

Behind Every Thriving Catholic School Is a Passionate Advancement Director. Catholic school advancement directors are the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to ensure our schools stay strong, vibrant, and accessible. They juggle multiple roles—communicators, fundraisers, enrollment managers—and wear more hats than most people realize. In this episode of Talking Catholic , co-hosts Marianela N...

Parish Mission Season is Here! Lent is a time for renewal, reflection, and deepening our Catholic faith. One of the first parish missions of the season kicked off last week at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Somers Point , led by Donna Ottaviano-Britt , Director of the Office of Discipleship and Leadership for the Diocese of Camden. She joins us this week to chat about her two-night presentation, “Living...

We’re bringing back two fan favorites this week—Nicole Keefer, Executive Director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, and Christine Willard, Manager of Parish-Based Senior Programs. These passionate leaders join Jen and Mike for an insightful discussion on upcoming VITALity initiatives designed to support seniors and caregivers in South Jersey. Nicole and Christine highlight key events, incl...