Talking Catholic

Kari’s back! Kicking off her first recording of 2025, she returns just in time for Lent—a season that brings with it the cherished tradition of retreats. This week, she and Mike are recording from Rowan University’s Newman House, joined by E-Board members and recent Fall retreat leaders: Donovan Kenny, President of Rowan Catholic, and Stephen McClain, Treasurer of Rowan Catholic. Together, Kari, D...

This week on Talking Catholic , we embark on an audio sacred art tour! Sculptor and art expert Jim Dessicino joins hosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to explore the profound connection between artwork, beauty, and faith. A parish catechetical leader at the Parish of Saint Monica in Atlantic City, Dessicino is one of the few non-Italian to have led tours of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Closer to hom...

It has been said of St. Peter Damian that "his genius was to exhort and impel to the heroic...an extraordinary force burns in all that he wrote."  Join Pete and Laurie as they explore the life of this 11th century Benedictine monk, bishop and reformer, who left his monastery to lead much needed renewal in the Church.  Saint Peter Damian, pray for us!  Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie...

Join us for a love-filled episode this week (except for any time when Mike Walsh spoke) as we celebrate National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 9)! Both are opportunities to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme is "Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue...

Each May, the Office of Catholic Education hosts the elementary and high school principals from across the Diocese of Camden for a special event to celebrate the end of another successful school year. As part of the event, the team invites guest speakers to talk with the principals and offer insights and motivation to bring back to their faculties. For the 2024 meeting, Tom Burgoyne and Evan Marcu...

Catholic Schools Week is celebrated around the country this week, giving communities the opportunity to share what makes Catholic education and their school truly a gift of a lifetime!   To help honor the week, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Michael Bress were joined by three guests who balance being a parent and Catholic school employee. Ana Caria, Advance Director at Resurrection Catholic School; K...

"Be who you are and be that well."  On today's feast of Saint Francis de Sales, Talking Saints hosts, Pete Sanchez and Laurie Power, uncover the life of this 16th century bishop and doctor of the Church, who was known for his gentle way and wise spiritual counsel.  By his writing and witness, Saint Francis helped those in all walks of life understand and live God's universal call...

The Diocese of Camden’s Director of the Office of Life & Justice, Mike Sims, Th. D., joins us this week to chat about a number of social justice activities that are soon approaching in 2025, including several pro-life events, immigration reform activities, and opportunities for spiritual enrichment.  Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarhe...

The Catholic Church is celebrating some milestones in 2025 – starting with the Jubilee Year, which has begun in the Diocese of Camden and across the world!   This week, Father Joseph Wallace visits with Talking Catholic cohosts Mike Walsh and Jen Mauro to discuss the history of Jubilee Years, their purpose and how they have evolved over time.   Father Wallace, diocesan director of Ecumenical and I...

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special co-host and four inspiring guests who left a lasting impression on Mike in 2024. Joining us as co-host is Jennifer Dyer, past guest and Catholic Charities USA’s Director for Capacity Building in Disaster Operations. Jennifer’s expertise adds depth to our conversation with four extraordinary case managers—Katie Otterlei, Abby Mebrahtu, Roxanne Giron, and Makayl...

For our last episode of 2024 we brought together almost all of our podcast hosts for a chat about Christmas, our favorite memories, what brings us Christmas joy and the foods & songs we look forward to each season.  This week’s episode includes hosts Mike Walsh, Kari Janisse, Pete Sanchez, Jen Mauro, Marianela Nunez and Mike “Greg” Bress.  Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be...

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re already turning our eyes toward 2025 and the much-anticipated Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church—a tradition celebrated every 25 years. In this special episode, we’re joined by returning guests Fr. Robert Hughes, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Camden, and Dr. Lee DelleMonache, Director of Religious Education, to explore what this extrao...

In this week’s episode, cohosts Pete Sanchez and Mike Bress welcome back Fr. Adam Cichoski for an enlightening and engaging discussion on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Together, they explore the rich history and theological significance of this beloved feast day, its deep connection to the Advent season, and Mary’s pivotal role in the life of Jesus and Catholic faith. The con...

This month on Talking Saints , Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez break new ground by revisiting a beloved subject—Saint Nicholas. On his feast day, they dive deeper into the life of this 4th-century Greek bishop renowned for his charity and dedication to protecting youth. Join our hosts for an expanded discussion on this Advent saint, exploring his global devotions, rich legacy, and enduring significa...

As Advent begins, marking the start of our preparation for Christmas, it’s easy to get swept up in the season’s hustle and bustle and lose sight of its true meaning: the coming of Christ. On this week’s episode of Talking Catholic , Father Steven Bertonazzi, Administrator of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Collingswood, joins co-hosts Kari Janisse and Pete Sanchez to refocus our hearts and mind...

“Chivalric.” That’s how Msgr. Louis Marucci describes the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the vocation of the men & women who have dedicated themselves to the Christian presence in the Holy Land.   This week, Msgr. Marucci, diocesan chaplain/coordinator of the order, visits Talking Catholic along with fellow knight Father Allain Caparas of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish,...

On this month's edition of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie offer some saintly gift suggestions for the upcoming Christmas season.  From saint inspired ties for the men in your life to a cookbook with recipes for your favorite saint's feast day, there's something for everyone on your Christmas list.  They will even share some saint toys for the kids!  Listen now and share your devotion to the saint...

November is the Month of Remembrance in the Catholic Church, a time to recall and pray for those who have died. With that in mind, we invited Thomas Hickey, a funeral director at Falco, Caruso and Leonard Funeral Home , Camden and Pennsauken, on the show. But don’t worry! This is not a bummer of an episode – in fact, it’s quite the opposite! Not only is Thomas a fascinating man (and the best-dress...

Reading is the cornerstone of education, essential for mastering subjects like history, science, and religion. Yet, with the rise of technology and social media, students face growing challenges in reading and comprehension. In response, schools and dioceses nationwide are turning to the science of reading for solutions. This week on Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome...

This week we’re celebrating vocations to the priesthood by exploring the journey of seminarian discernment. Join us for a meaningful discussion with Bishop James Massa, rector of Saint Joseph’s Seminary at Dunwoodie in Yonkers, NY; and Fr. Adam Cichoski, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden. Each of our learned guests brings unique expertise and insights into how they guide men in disco...

It’s an impromptu crossover episode this week as we welcome the prodigal Talking Saints hosts, Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez, on to the show to discuss the upcoming holy day of obligation, the Feast of All Saints on November 1. We also chat a bit about the Feast of All Souls and Mike Walsh gets a brand new bread recipe to try out!   Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at h...

We have a great show this week as Mike Walsh suppresses his competitive nature and welcomes a fellow podcaster on to the show, Michael Matulewicz, the host of the soon to be released podcast “Pierogi to Prayer.” Michael is a member of the Polish Apostolate of Saint Joseph Polish Church in Camden, NJ and is looking forward to using his monthly podcast to showcase the impressive Catholic faith and s...

It’s another Catholic entrepreneur visit as we pop in to the hottest new business in South Jersey, Dolce Vita Gelateria. The family-owned gelato destination opened just a year ago and quickly grew a rabid following. We sat down with co-owner Kim Corso to discuss the family’s path to first-time entrepreneurship, her husband Nick’s rise to fame as an Italian-trained gelato maestro, and their daughte...

This week we welcome on to the show the leadership team of the Catholic Charities of South Jersey Annual Dinner - Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, Ed O’Malley, Sylvia Loumeau and Stacy Napolitano - to discuss the 20th anniversary of the annual fundraiser, how it helps Catholic Charities work in the region, and the services the organization provides.  To learn more about the annual dinner and to get ticket...

When it comes to educating the faithful, “We are not alone in this work.” Such were the words of Dr. Bill Watson, superintendent of Catholic schools, who joins this week’s Talking Catholic episode along with Dr. Lee Mirenda DelleMonache, director of religious education, who are leading the process in the Diocese of Camden to rethink catechetical accompaniment.    The two talk with hosts Mike Walsh...