Candid Catholic Convos
Diocese of Harrisburg
Candid Catholic Convos is a weekly program brought to you by the Diocese of Harrisburg. Our mission is to humanize the Church, and to help our listeners grow in their faith, love and understanding. Each month, we will explore a theme related to our faith, and each week, we will dive deeper into that theme with Saint Spotlights, Scripture Readings, powerful stories and practical conversations that meet you wherever you are on your faith journey.
Episodes
A Journey Home: Dori and Dale Ludwig's Conversion
Faith is a journey, and for Dori and Dale Ludwig, that journey to Catholicism lasted over 30 years! Listen as they share their experiences with Catholic education, the Catholic faith, and the home they found at Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra.SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:17-20SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Augustine of Hippo
The Unexpected Ways Fashion Can Enhance Your Spiritual Journey
In this episode, Mary Harper shares how faith and fashion intertwine through the lens of liturgical style, the significance of textiles and colors in scripture, and how saints' clothing reveals their virtues. Discover practical tips for intentional dressing and how to see everyday fashion as a form of prayer and encounter with God.SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:12SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Carlo AcutisRESOURCES:Website - https://www.liturgicalstyle.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liturgicalstyle
Creating a Culture of Vocations: Bishop Senior's Pastoral Vision
In this week’s episode, our producer/director of communications, Rachel Bryson, joins Bishop Timothy Senior to continue our deep dive into his Pastoral Vision for the Diocese, this time focusing on vocations.RESOURCES: Pastoral-Letter-Digital-Booklet.pdf
Catholicism and Vampires?
In this week's episode, we're joined by Sr. Allison Regina Gliot, a daughter of St. Paul and author of the In Aeternum trilogy that has taken the literary world by storm. She has a unique connection to the Diocese of Harrisburg and an even more unique way to evangelize: with Vampire novels.SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinithians 12:4-5SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. John of the CrossRESOURCES: Website:https://gliot.pauline.org/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadXuteLMs8AQ42l94FujBFLqOxqxiQcnYqJ1NDTDrwsWHjcmlcDFg-0zP7lTg_aem_Yy8ConQUr9VBqOFP9yn8ZgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sister_allison/?hl=en
Padre Pio is Coming to Harrisburg?
In this week's episode, Father John Bateman, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg, dives deep into the ordinary life of the extraordinary Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (a.k.a Padre Pio) and why his first-class relic's arrival as a permanent installation in St. Joseph Parish matters for Catholics today.SCRIPTURE REFLECTION: Galatians 2:20RESOURCES: The presentation of the Chapel of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and a Mass in honor of Saint Pio will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Senior on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 PM. All are welcome! Details on the chapel and the Mass are available at stjosephmech.org/chapel-of-saint-pio.
The One Prayer Practice Busy People Can Actually Keep
In this episode, Anne Kertz Kernion (speaker at this year’s Diocesan Women’s Conference) explains why small daily habits matter more than chasing extraordinary spiritual experiences, and she offers simple ways busy parents, teachers, and working adults can stay aware of God throughout the day.SCRIPTURE REFLECTION: Matthew 6:6SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Saint Brother LawrenceRESOURCES:Registration is NOW OPEN! Save the date! The 2026 Women’s Conference will be on Saturday, October 17. This year’s theme is “Look to the Lord.” The day will feature speakers (including Anne!), Adoration, lunch, the Holy Mass, and more! For details, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/womens-conference/
Healing Family Wounds with Faith and Therapy
In this episode, Teri Love shares her journey from Nevada to Pennsylvania, her conversion to Catholicism, and how her faith influences her approach to therapy. We explore the integration of faith and mental health, the importance of prayer alongside professional counseling, and practical steps for healing family wounds.SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:7SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Zelie Martin Resources:Registration is NOW OPEN! Save the date! The 2026 Women’s Conference will be on Saturday, October 17. This year’s theme is “Look to the Lord.” The day will feature speakers (including Teri!), Adoration, lunch, the Holy Mass, and more! For details, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/womens-conference/
Is AI Making Us Less Human? Catholicism, Pope Leo XIV & the Fight for Human Dignity with Eliza Monts
In this week's episode, Eliza Monts discusses the intersection of Catholic faith and technology, focusing on AI, digital discipleship, and how to navigate online life responsibly. She shares insights from her upcoming book and Pope Leo's recent encyclical, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and virtue in the digital age.SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:33-34SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. IsidoreRESOURCES: Eliza Monts - Substack - https://elizamonts.substack.comEliza Monts - Upcoming Book - https://penguinrandomhouse.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/elizamonts
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Back to School
Bishop Senior joins our Director of Communications, Rachel Bryson, to discuss the education section of his Pastoral Letter, Stir Into Flame, and has a message for all our students, parents and educators heading back to school.SCRIPTURE: James 1:5SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. John Baptist de La Salle
Living Holiness Daily: Insights from Lisa Lickona
Join us as Lisa Lickona shares her journey through faith, her favorite saints, and practical insights on living a holy life in everyday moments. Discover how to embrace your unique call to holiness and deepen your spiritual life.SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:12-14SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Servant of God Chiara Corbella PetrilloSave the date! The 2026 Women’s Conference will be on Saturday, October 17 where Lisa will be speaking! This year’s theme is “Look to the Lord.” The day will feature speakers, Adoration, lunch, the Holy Mass, and more! For details, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/womens-conference/
Faith and Filmmaking: A Journey of Evangelization
In this episode, Rob Kaczmark, founder and CEO of Spirit Juice Studios, shares his journey from faith to filmmaking, exploring how film can be a powerful tool for evangelization and cultural influence. We discuss the impact of movies, maintaining faith in the industry, and advice for aspiring Catholic filmmakers.SCRIPTURE: Wisdom 13:1-5SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Fra AngelicoRESOURCES:Catholic Video Production | Spirit Juice StudiosSpirit Juice Studios - YouTubeHeart of a ServantInstagram
How Social Media Is Transforming Catholic Evangelization
In this episode, Desiree Sifuentes, aka @UncatechizedCatholic, shares her journey from being poorly catechized to becoming a passionate advocate for authentic faith formation online. We explore the importance of genuine catechesis, how social media can serve as a mission field, and practical tips for deepening your faith.SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:14-16SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Philip NeriRESOURCES:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncatechizedcatholic/Formed Streaming Platform - https://formed.org/Word on Fire Gospels - https://wordonfire.org/products/gospel-reflectionsIgnatius Catholic Study Bible - https://ignatius.com/products/ignatius-catholic-study-bibleCatholic Answers - https://www.catholic.com/
How Daily Mass Can Transform Your Faith Life
In this episode, Eve Rosemary shares her journey with prayer, the importance of vulnerability in building a relationship with Christ, and practical tips for deepening your prayer life through daily Mass, silence, and reading scripture.SCRIPTURE: PS 27:8SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Elizabeth of the TrinityRESOURCES: The Everyday Saint Podcast - https://www.theeverydaysaint.com/theeverydaysaintpodcastEve Rosemary on Instagram - https://instagram.com/theeverosemaryTheEverydaySaint.com - https://www.theeverydaysaint.com
From Hobby to Charism: Nicholas Higgins' Faith-Driven Musical Journey
Musician and missionary summary Nicholas A. Higgins shares his journey of integrating music and faith, the importance of doing creative work for God, and practical advice for Catholic artists. SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:6SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Hildegard of BingenNicholas Higgins - Official Website - https://nicholashiggins.com Tour Schedule- https://nicholasahiggins.wordpress.com/music/Social - Instagram
Faith and Freedom: Celebrating 250 Years of American Democracy
In this episode, Bishop Timothy Senior discusses the significance of religious freedom, patriotism, and the role of faith in shaping our nation. He emphasizes the importance of practicing the faith during summer and highlights his pastoral letter, Stir Into Flame, with his vision for the future of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
From Skeptic to Believer: Chase Lear's Story
Chase Lear shares his inspiring journey from skepticism to faith, highlighting the importance of the sacraments, the ongoing process of conversion, and the beauty of the Catholic Church. Discover how personal experiences and authentic searching can lead to a profound spiritual transformation.SCRIPTURE: John 4:13-14SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
The Intersection of Faith and Business
Deacon John Rogers, vice president at Prenger Solutions group and ordained permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, joins us to discuss how Catholics can integrate their faith with their professional lives and leverage social media for evangelization.SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 3:5-6SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin ResourcesCatholic Social Media - https://catholicsocialmedia.com/St. Paul, Minnesota Diocese - https://www.archspm.org/
Reviving Catholic Masculinity: Practical Steps for Men and Families
Part Two of our discussion with Dr. John Bishop, founder of FORGE, as we continue to discuss the crisis of masculinity in the Catholic Church, the importance of authentic Catholic masculinity, and practical ways men can lead their families in faith. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:13-15SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Thomas MoreRESOURCES:New Adam: God's Plan for Men - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XYZ1234Website - https://forge.org/johnbishop
The Crisis of Masculinity in the Catholic Church: How to Lead with Faith
Dr. John Bishop, founder and executive director of FORGE, discusses the crisis of masculinity in the Catholic Church, the importance of authentic Catholic masculinity, and practical ways men can lead their families in faith.ResourcesNew Adam: God's Plan for Men by Dr. John Bishop - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XYZ1234Website - https://forge.org/johnbishop
The Year of St. Francis: How This Saint Continues to Make an Impact 800 years later
We live in a time of constant noise. Constant consumption. Constant comparison. Most people are overwhelmed by information, pressured to perform, and stretched thin by busyness. Even spiritually, it can be easy to approach faith as just another thing to manage or optimize. And yet Saint Francis offers us something strikingly different. Today we’re chatting with Father Michael Heine, the minister provincial of the Franciscan Friars Conventual of Our Lady of Angels in Maryland, to talk about how the spirit of St. Francis continues to shape the Church, challenge modern believers in deeply practical ways and why he continues to resonate with people who are searching for something deeper during this year of Saint Francis.SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:23SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Clare of Assisi
Come, Holy Spirit
Fr. Chiedozie Ononuju (Fr. Dozy), parochial vicar of St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle, joins us today to chat about the quiet ways God directs our lives and how we can work on our relationship with Him.SCRIPTURE: John 15:4SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Francis de Sales
Science and the Seventh Sunday of Easter: How Faith and Science Co-exist in Ordinary Time
Easter Sunday may be over but the Easter Season is only just now coming to an end. While the Church calls this Ordinary time, there's nothing 'ordinary' about living as Resurrection people in a world driven by science, technology, questions and uncertainty. Today we're diving into this beautiful tension - and harmony - with Monsignor Frank Karwacki, pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and former science teacher.SCRIPTURE: John 10:10SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Albert the Great
If Mary Had a Podcast...
Today we're exploring the idea of Mary not just as our mother, but as our friend who's walked this path with us, sharing her wisdom, her faith, and pointing us to our ultimate goal, her Son. Amanda Snyder - convert, mom and co-facilitator of the An Investment in Motherhood group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish - joins us today to explore how our blessed mother might advise us as we navigate our modern motherhood.SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:38-45SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Louis de Montfort
Reconciliation as a Radical Act
Today we're exploring what many nowadays would consider a radical act: the sacrament of Confession. Donna Giberti joins us to unpack how reconciliation can be a radical act for us Catholics, and indeed, very punk rock.SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:23-24SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Josephine Bahkita
From Wounds to Witness: Living the Risen Life
To anyone who’s unfamiliar, the Catholic observance of relics might seem a bit creepy. And if Jesus conquered death at Easter, why do we do it at all? Today we’re joined by Father Matt Cannon, pastor at St Paul the Apostle church in Annville, to share with us how the saints provide an example for us of a faith that shows up in real life, and why venerating their relics can be an integral part of our faith.SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:36-48SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Maria Goretti
Faith and War: Understanding the Church’s Just War Teaching
How do we reconcile our Catholic Faith and Current events? Today we're joined by Father John Bateman, Pastor at St. Joe's Parish in Mechanicsburg and chaplain in the PA Air National Guard with a degree in Canon Law who's uniquely qualified to help us comprehend current events from all sides: as a civilian, as a soldier, and as a Catholic.SCRIPTURE: John 15:13SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Venerable Emil Kapaun
Hearts Burning on the Road
The disciples couldn't recognize Jesus walking with them on the road to Emmaus - what hope is there for us to recognize Him when we are so distracted by modern day living? Donna Giberti, spiritual director for the Diocese of Harrisburg, joins us to share some ways we can practice recognizing Christ in our every day.SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:28:35SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Ignatius of Loyola
A Look Ahead into the Easter Season
Part 2 of our conversation with Bishop Senior and WHP 580’s Michael Parks where they will discuss upcoming events in the Diocese of Harrisburg.SCRIPTURE: John 20:1-9SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Mary Magdalene
A Reflection on Holy Week with Bishop Senior and WHP 580's Michael Parks
WHP 580's Michael Parks joins Bishop Senior for our annual Easter Episode.
Hosanna and Heartache: How Music and Silence Shape Our Faith
Music is the universal language - it can reflect all the aspects of how we’re feeling throughout life, in particular when it comes to our faith and the powerful moments of Holy Week. Today we're excited to welcome Father Maximilian Mary Dean, a hermit priest of our Diocese and award-winning Catholic musician who uses his gift to give Glory to God in unique and powerful ways.SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:38SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Saint CeceliaSONG: "I Will Lead You into Solitude" by Fr. Maximilian Mary Deanwww.fathermaxmusic.com
Discipleship is a Way of the Cross
Sometimes the most meaningful parts of the Christian life don’t happen in grand gestures or dramatic moments. They show up in the quiet decisions we make each day — how we respond to challenges, how we treat the people around us, and how we choose to walk with Christ in the middle of ordinary life. What does that look like for those of us in the 21st century. What does it mean to be a modern-day disciple of Christ? Father Matt Canon, pastor at Saint Paul the Apostle Church in Annville, joins us to chat about some tactile ways we can grow in our discipleship, really take up our cross, and follow Christ.Scripture: Luke 9:23Saint Spotlight: St. Matthew
Living Lent: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving, and the Radical Witness of the Catholic Worker Movement
Prayer. Fasting. Almsgiving. These three practices define Lent—but what happens when they become a way of life? Renee and James from the St. Martin de Porres house in Harrisburg join us today from our local Catholic Worker movement, to discuss how it’s message and each Lenten Season continue to challenge us in the Church today.SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Servant of God Dorothy Day
Lent for the Wounded Heart
What if we're in a period of our lives where just surviving feels hard enough? How can we do Lent properly if we're struggling with our own woundedness? Father Dan Powell, Pastor of Saint John Neumann Parish in Lancaster, joins us for a Lenten Reframe for those of us who are grieving, hurting or emotionally exhuasted during this season.SCRIPTURE: Psalm 34:18SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Saint John of the Cross
Ash Wednesday: Begin Again
The beginning of Lent is the perfect time to create the space God needs to speak to us. Today we're joined by Tanya Janoski, mother, relationship educator at A Woman's Concern, volunteer at St. Jame Parish and spiritual director for the Diocese of Harrisburg to talk about how Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season are a great opportunity to lean into surrender and begin again.SCRIPTURE: Psalm 51:17SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Ignatius of Loyola
Finding Faith After Disappointment
Its inevitable that we will experience seasons of disappointment or disillusionmnet throughout our faith journey, but how we handle it determines everything. Father Ted Keating, pastor at Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Mount Joy joins us to unpack what to do when we find ourselves in a fog.SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:32SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Augustine of Hippo
Pursuing a Purposeful Prayer Life
To create more space to sit at Jesus' feet and do ordinary things with extraordinary love, what do we need to do at the most basic level? Today we welcome back Deacon Scott Root, Senior Theology teacher at Trinity High School, who serves at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Mechanicsburg where he's also the director of religious education, to chat with us about our prayer life, and what that can look like in our very busy, everyday lives.SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Therese of Liseux
Building Better Bible Habits
Deacon Scott Root, senior theology teacher at Trinity High school who serves at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Mechanicsburg where he’s also the director of religious education, is back to help us build better Bible reading habits to meet all our mental and spiritual goals this year and beyond.SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:105SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Anthony of the Desert
Christian Unity: Restored for Mission
Have you ever felt the weight of your life and thought 'I want a break - I need a break.' Did you know rest and renewal are both necessary for our faith to evolve? Kevin Cicak, CYO Director for the Diocese of Harrisburg and frequent retreat facilitator, joins us today to talk about how retreats are the perfect opportunity to engage in both.SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:35SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Mary Magdalene
Christian Unity: Hope in a Hurting World
It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the suffering in the world. War, illness, loneliness, and injustice —it can start to feel like too much. And sometimes the temptation isn’t to stop caring, but to stop hoping. But just because we experience or witness suffering doesn’t mean it’s random or without purpose, as it so often feels, so to help us out, we’ve invited Renee and James from the St Martin de Porres Catholic Worker House in Harrisburg, to help us reframe and respond to suffering as Catholics. SCRIPTURE: John 16:33SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Josephine BahkitaLearn more about the St. Martin de Porres House: https://stmartindeporrescw.org/Learn more about the Catholic Worker Movement: https://catholicworker.org/
Annual Christmas Special feat. Bishop Timothy Senior and Michael Parks, WHP580
With Christmas just around the corner, Bishop Senior joins WHP580's Michael Parks for our annual holiday episode.
Advent Encounters: Themes of the Season
Today we're joined by Father Bill Forrey of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Harrisburg, Father Kevin Key of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey and Father Stephen Logue of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Lancaster to discuss the themes of Advent: Hope, Peace and Joy.SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 5:6SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Saint Joseph
Advent Encounters: An Encounter with Mary
Today we're chatting with Amanda Snyder, parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and one of the leaders of their An Investment in Motherhood (AIM) group about how her journey through motherhood has led her closer to Mary, and in turn, Jesus.An Investment in Motherhood Group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish: [email protected]: Luke 1:26-38SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Gianna Molla
Advent Encounters: An Encounter with Hope
While the holidays are a joyous time for the church, for many it can be a stark reminder of grief and loss. Dr. Kirsten Tollefson, psychiatrist and program director for Catholic Charities' Labre Mental Health Clinic, joins us to talk about some tangible ways we can lean into hope this season, even if it feels out of reach.SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 64:1SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Jude Thaddeus
Called By Name: Consecrated Life, Modern Witness
Pathways to Purpose is our brand-new video series launching on YouTube in January, and today we're privileged to hear from several of the nuns and sisters who will be featured in this series about their journey, the apostolates they've served, and their advice for young women discerning a call to religious life.SCRIPTURE: John 15:16SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Therese of Liseux
Called By Name: When God Redirects
Have you ever had your life all mapped out only for God to completely reroute your plans? Today we're chatting with Joseph Gonzales, Youth Minister and Development Director for St. John the Baptist Parish in New Freedom, about his big plot twist moment in life that led him to follow God's call much differently than he imagined.SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 16:9SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Francis of Assisi
Called By Name: Preparing for Priesthood
Deacon Drew Heidelbaugh sits down with us to discuss how he discerned his vocation and the mental gymnastics that went along with it.Scripture: John 21:15-17Saint Spotlight: St. John Vianney
Living the Gospel Out Loud: Catholicism in Pop Culture
Open any social media app and you’ll find Catholics and non catholics alike arguing over whether or not to celebrate this holiday because, unfortunately, it has been long associated with spirituality and the occult. So many people are convinced of Halloween’s pagan origins, and with the abundance of violence, gore, sensuality, occultism, and demonic aspects now associated with Halloween, it’s hard not to. But is Halloween a pagan holiday or is it a hijacked holy day? How does the Catholic church feel about it? And since we’re talking about ghosts, are they even real and is believing in them in accordance with our Catholic faith?Today we're excited to welcome back to the program Father Jonathan Sawicki, pastor at Saint Theresa’s Parish in New Cumberland to talk through the history of this fascinating holiday and find out if it’s all, in fact, just a bunch of hocus pocus.Scripture: John 1:5Saint Spotlight: St. Lucy
Living the Gospel Out Loud: Catholic Creators on the Rise
Our art and our faith actually can work in concert with one another. Today we're excited to introduce you to James from Saint Joseph Catholic School in Danville and his teacher, Kurt Eck, together known and the duo behind the podcast, Fun Fact Times with James D. What started as a little experiment has grown into two full seasons of episodes with guests ranging from students and teachers to priests and even Bishop Senior.SCRIPTURE: Exodus 35:31-32SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Catherine of BolognaListen to James' interview with Rachel on Fun Fact Times: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0QGTEIlgGtGSDDg17KqfgM?si=OfnRUzyNQuuuwQVE_heUXA
Living the Gospel Out Loud: Can you be Catholic and Eco-Conscious?
Today we're chatting with Sean Domencic about how our faith calls us to be stewards of creation and some tactile ways we can incorporate change in our daily lives.SCRIPTURE: Psalm 24:1SAINT SPOTLIGHT: Servant of God Dorothy Day
Living the Gospel Out Loud: Saints & Social Justice
Today we’re chatting with the incomparable Eric Failing. Eric is the executive director of the PA Catholic Conference, the public affairs arm of the Catholic church that advocates and lobbies for Catholic Education, faith & politics, health care, life and dignity, marriage and family, religious liberty and social justice. SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 31:8-9SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Oscar Romero