On Mission
Welcome to On Mission, a podcast by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Here you will find feature-length podcast episodes about various topics relevant to living as Catholics in today’s world. Each episode features discussion with Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. as they offer their unique perspectives and insights.
Thanksgiving and Faith Recast
In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Center colleague Sarah Harrigan, Manager of Communications and Special Programs, to discuss the connections between the Thanksgiving holiday and our call to be in thanksgiving in and through the Faith.
Pallottine Fathers and Brothers
In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, founded St. Vincent Pallotti.
Liturgy of the Hours
In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Ryan Corey and John Cardillo, Summer Associates at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss the Liturgy of the Hours and how to incorporate the prayer of the Church in daily life.
Community Life
In this episode of On Mission, Sarah Harrigan Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Ryan Corey and John Cardillo, Summer Associates at the Catholic Apostolate Center, to discuss their experiences living in a faith community while ministering to peers at The Catholic University of America.
On Mission 111: Year of Prayer
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Amy Cardin, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C., are joined by Dr. Susan Timoney, Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies at the Catholic University of America, to discuss the Year of Prayer proclaimed by Pope Francis for 2024 ahead of the Year of Jubilee in 2025.
On Mission 44: Recast: Music
In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Emily Lomnitzer, a professional vocalist and diocesan youth choir director, to discuss the role of Sacred Music in Liturgy and personal prayer.
On Mission 57: Recast: The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season
In this episode of On Mission, Brian Rhude, Project Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center, joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss the Solemnity of Mary and Christmas Season celebrations.
On Mission 96: Lectio Divina
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss Lectio Divina, which is Latin for “Divine Reading”: what it is, how to pray with scripture, and how it can be a time of conversation with God. Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of Biblical and scriptural reading, prayer, and meditation and contemplation with roots pertaining to St. Benedict and the Benedictines. Five steps one could use in Lectio Divina is: 1. Invoke the Holy Spirit to guide this time of prayer, 2. Read the scripture passages, slowly and meditatively, 3. Meditate and listen for the voice of God, 4. Pray and speak to God, 5. Contemplate and spend time in the presence of God.
On Mission 95: Maintain Prayer Routines During Summer Vacation
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined Christian Bordak-Roseman, a graduate of the Catholic University of America and former peer minister, to discuss how one can continue to pray and encounter Christ while on vacation and away from one’s typical routine. Prayer on vacation doesn’t need to be complex. Be sure to invite St. Christopher, the patron Saint of travelers. Some methods of praying away from home is to make Mass a priority, to keep a journal, utilize a prayer app, bring a spiritual book, listen to a religious podcast, spent quiet moments in contemplative prayer and thank God for the day.
On Mission 94: Spiritual Growth During Collegiate Years
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Fr. Andrew St. Hilaire, Director of Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University, and Christian Bordak-Roseman, a graduate of the Catholic University of America and former peer minister, to discuss opportunities available to university students to grow in their faith while they earn their degree. Some resources include Catholic groups and clubs such as Newman centers, campus ministry, and peer ministry.
On Mission 93: Spirituality and Prayer Through Religious Charism
In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Kate Fowler, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. are joined by Dr. David Rohrer Budiash, Director of Programs with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and Managing Editor, Review for Religious, to discuss the various religious charisms that can inform one’s prayer, spirituality, and the work one does in their day to day life. Religious charisms are gifts that God gives to members of the Church, through the Holy Spirit and are particularly lived out in religious and consecrated communities.
On Mission 88: Palm Sunday
In this episode of On Mission, Joe Basalla, a Catholic School Teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and the Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Joe Basalla discusses how Palm Sunday takes place in the Gospels and the experience of the liturgy where the faithful receive palms and take place in a procession, signifying Christ’s triumphant, yet peaceful--as represented by the donkey--arrival to the holy city of Jerusalem where just a few days later, the people will command that Jesus be put to death like a common thief.
On Mission 86: Shrines
In this episode of On Mission, Alex Cranstoun, Assistant to the Director of Pilgrimages and Communications Specialist at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., joins William Tishuk and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss Alex’s work at the Basilica and what role shrines play in popular devotion of the Church’s members and as sacred places, which can hold relics of saints, commemorate famous apparitions, and are where people can encounter Christ and his Church’s redeeming work through the sacraments, particularly, Reconciliation and Eucharist.
On Mission 85: Parents Introducing the Faith to Their Young Children
In this episode of On Mission, Tom Carani, collaborator with the Center, and William Tishuk, Production Associate with the Center, joins Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss their experiences of introducing the Catholic Faith, beginning with Baptism, to even their youngest children by incorporating the Faith into everyday family experiences through the rhythms of the Liturgical Year, the Sacraments, Sunday Mass, personal witness, and daily prayers as well as the importance of community support--the village--and the particular witness of the Saints as one raises children.
On Mission 81: Spiritual Works of Mercy
In this episode of On Mission, as a companion to the Corporal Works of Mercy episode, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Spiritual Works of Mercy and offer some guidance for performing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
On Mission 80: Corporal Works of Mercy
In this episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Corporal Works of Mercy and how one can perform these acts of mercy amidst their daily lives.
On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.