Living as a Missionary Disciple: Fulton Sheen’s Legacy with Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.: Son Rise Morning Show 09/23/2026
Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. explores the legacy of Venerable Fulton Sheen and his impact on the Church’s understanding of the lay apostolate, highlighting Ad Gentes and the universal call to mission. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. share more in this segment of the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio about how every baptized person is called to active witness in daily life.
On this episode of the Son Rise Morning Show, Fr. Frank Donio of the Catholic Apostolate Center discusses the role and empowering mission of the laity through the lens of Venerable Fulton Sheen. Fr. Frank highlights Sheen’s tenure as national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and his influential role at the Second Vatican Council on the decree on missionary activity, Ad Gentes. He notes Sheen’s emphasis that mission is defined not merely by what it is, but where it occurs—underscoring that all the baptized are called to be missionaries in their everyday lives.
The conversation also explores the true meaning of the lay apostolate, correcting misconceptions that lay involvement is limited to liturgical roles within church walls. Reminding listeners that the Church cannot become a closed "club," Fr. Frank and host Matt emphasize that the laity are sent forth from Mass to witness Christ in the workplace, schools, and secular corners of the world where clergy cannot easily go. Fr. Frank connects this outward mission to the legacy of St. Vincent Pallotti, pointing out that every modern pope has reaffirmed this essential calling of lay people to show the face of Christ to the world.
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Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.
