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 joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss what times of the year parishes can expect an increase in attendance and how best to accommodate and welcome the newcomers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 beyond.

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 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 how we can live the Faith on vacation and be ready to answer questions about Catholicism while we travel.

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 families practice Catholicism and the particular traditions that Italian-American Catholics have in common.

For the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on living the Beatitudes.

For the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on following Christ.

For the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on following Christ.

For the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Fr. Frank reflects on our call to live the mission of Christ.

For The Epiphany of the Lord, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on following Christ.

For the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on Christ dwelling among us.

For the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, God-with-us.

For the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on how we are called to more in Christ.

For the Second Sunday of Advent, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on what we need to clear away in order to live more fully for Christ.

For the First Sunday of Advent, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on Christ coming at the end of time and coming into our lives each day.

St Francis de Sales is a popular Saint and Doctor of the Church who promoted the universal call to holiness and encouraged lay people to grow in holiness in their current state of life. This blogcast explores “St. Francis de Sales: The Doctor of Divine Love" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Erin Donn and read by Brian Rhude.

St. John Bosco is known for his ministry and work with young people. This work finds its success in seeing the young people as infinitely loved by the Father and worthy of his love. This sentiment brought the young people to know Christ more personally. This blogcast explores “St. John Bosco and the Power of Receptivity" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Danielle Schmitz and read by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.

Christmas welcomes the coming of Jesus Christ into the world at his birth in Bethlehem. This Christmas season reminds us of Jesus as the Light of the World and how we are called to bring Jesus to others. This blogcast explores “Beyond a Twinkle" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Don McCrabb, D. Min. and read by Meghan Abando.

The Holy Family’s trust in the Lord at various times of their lives is a prime example of how we are called to trust in the Lord and reflect on their witness this Advent Season. The Holy Family certainly faced challenges and difficulties, but their faith and trust never wavered. This blogcast explores “Leaning on the Example of the Holy Family this Advent" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written and read by Sarah Scalfaro.

Gratitude helps us to appreciate God’s blessings in our life an enables us to recognize the ways he works and how he loves us. This blogcast explores “Realizing We Are Abundantly Blessed" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Jay Schaefer and read by Meg Ferguson.

Saints, even the most holy, needed the assistance of others, mentors, to help them grow in holiness and guide them in the Faith. Today, young people especially need the guidance of mentors to educate them and accompany them on their journey of holiness and sanctity. This blogcast explores “Mentors for Saints" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Brendan Burtis and read by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.

St. Jude offers us an example of how we are to become dwelling places of the Lord Jesus. When we follow his commands, Jesus resides in us and our love overflows and we must share his love with those who do not yet know him, like St. Jude. This blogcast explores “A Dwelling Place" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Victor David and read by Sarah Scalfaro.

Eucharistic devotion can be spread through social media. Many people can come to a deeper relationship with Christ through the posts they encounter. Such an evangelization medium must be approached responsibly with genuine posts. This blogcast explores “Eucharistic Encounters Through Social Media" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Patrick Laorden and read by Monica Thom Konschnik.

Laughter and joy are typical characteristics of those who are close to Christ and experience the love of the Holy Spirit. We are called to witness Christ’s joy and love in our lives. By being joyful and sowing laughter, we can help bring people closer to Christ and serve the Lord through that. This blogcast explores “Serve the Lord with Laughter" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Kate Fowler and read by Sarah Scalfaro.

Love is present around us as long as we open our eyes to enjoy and revel in it. Despite life’s set backs, we experiences God’s love in the midst of our suffering, we just need to be open to receiving the Gift of Jesus’ love. This blogcast explores “Love All Around" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written and read by Brian Rhude.