The GRACES of Catholic Education

We're starting a new feature on the podcast...Join myself and my summer co-host, Joe Rogers for a relaxing book club. We're diving into Amy Cattapan's, Sweet Jesus...Is it June Yet? Spend time with us over the summer rejuvenating and re-filling your GRACE Tank!

I’m honored to introduce my guest, Andrew McCloskey, President of the Ambassador’s Fund for Catholic Education, a transformative force in our region for nearly six decades. Founded in 1967 by Andrew’s great-grandfather, Matthew H. McCloskey Jr., a renowned building contractor and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, the fund began with a $500,000 gift to strengthen secondary education rooted in Catholic fa...

today we're honored to have a true embodiment of faithful service with us—Jerry Parsons. Jerry is the Chairman of CTDI, a leading international electronics services company he co-founded in 1975 with his father Don and brother Richard. Under his visionary leadership, CTDI has grown into a global powerhouse in the communications industry, pioneering innovative test systems, automation, and robotics...

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce William "Bill" Gennaro, principal of my alma mater, Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania. A St. Joseph’s Prep graduate, Bill embodies the Jesuit charism of a "man for others," a principle that has guided his eight-year journey at Carroll as a teacher, department chair, Assistant Principal of Student Services, Assistant Principal for Academic...

This episode is based on another podcast from Christy Wriight @ Get Your Hopes Up with Christy Wright. I have found many of her episodes thought provoking, uplifting, and joyful. I used Christy's 5 signs and put them in the context of so many things I hear teachers say everyday. I hope you enjoy this bonus episode as much as I did making it!

Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Father Stephen DeLacy, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia whose infectious joy and positivity light up every room he enters. I’ve known Father Steve for years, and I can honestly say he’s one of the most uplifting people I’ve ever met—always wearing a smile, always radiating happiness, as if he’s never had a bad day in his life! Born and raised in Dela...

Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Father Stephen DeLacy, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia whose infectious joy and positivity light up every room he enters. I’ve known Father Steve for years, and I can honestly say he’s one of the most uplifting people I’ve ever met—always wearing a smile, always radiating happiness, as if he’s never had a bad day in his life! Born and raised in Dela...

Today, I’m beyond excited to introduce my guest, Joseph Rogers, from Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, Pennsylvania. Joe is a rising star in Catholic education, and I proudly call him my “work son” because our bond is that tight—expect some laughs, some heartfelt moments, and maybe a little friendly ribbing! Joe’s journey has taken him through multiple Catholic schools in a short time,...

Welcome to a special episode of The GRACES of Catholic Education! Today, we’re on location at Our Mother of Consolation School in Philadelphia, celebrating a monumental moment—the grand reopening of this beloved institution after a devastating fire displaced its community for three and a half years. Join us as we tour the stunning new building, a breathtaking blend of preserved historical elements...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Philly Faith Legends, a series celebrating the heart and soul of Catholic education in Philadelphia. As a proud alumnus of Archbishop Carroll High School, I’m thrilled to launch this series with two men whose lives are shining examples of the enduring legacy of Philly Catholic education: Barry Kirsch and Joe DeBarberie. In this city, Catholic schools are more th...

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Patti O’Donnell, Principal of St. Patrick’s School in Malvern. Patti is a champion of inclusion, a participant in Notre Dame’s ACE programs and Principal Leadership Academy, and a leader in our Project GRACES. She’s one of the kindest, funniest, and most faithful people I know, with a love for Notre Dame, the beach, and her dog Irish. We’ll explore her vision for in...

Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Christopher Pugliese with us. I’ve known Chris for years through his dedicated involvement with the Bonner & Prendie golf team, where he’s been a coach since 2020 and even accompanied the team, including my son Tommy, on an unforgettable trip to Ireland two years ago. A product of Archdiocesan Schools himself, Chris spent nearly three decades in public education a...

I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Sister Rachael Wilson, IHM. Sister Rachael is a second-grade teacher at Queen of Angels Catholic School, where she guides her students through the beautiful milestone of their First Holy Communion. She’s also preparing to profess her final vows as a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary—how inspiring is that? On top of that, she’s a key member of the curriculu...

Today I’m thrilled to sit down with someone I’ve known for over two decades, a true leader in education and a champion for inclusion—Dr. Andrew McLaughlin, the Secretary for Elementary Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Andrew McLaughlin and I go way back to the late ’90s when we worked together at Owen J. Roberts School District. He was my principal at French Creek Elementary, leading...

The GRACES of Catholic Education podcast, is a place where grace shapes Catholic education one future saint at a time. The mission of this podcast is to build a faith-filled place for Philly’s Catholic educators to share their faith, hear innovative practices for today’s challenging classrooms, and be inspired by others who are tackling this wild and blessed ride of Catholic education.” Today, I’m...