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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses Male Religious communities and the difference between Apostolic and Contemplative communities.

Apostolic communities are characterized by their work of charity in the world. They are sent out to care for those who are suffering and witness Christ. The contemplative communities emphasize the need to pray for the world and growing in a deeper relationship with God through their prayer.

“The religious state is a public and complete state of consecrated life….religious observe the three evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience. They bind themselves to observe these by means of vows, which are either perpetual or temporary but renewed when they expire (can. 607.2). These vows are always public vows, i.e. recognized as such by the Church (can. 1192.1). This religious state requires fraternal life in community and also a degree of separation from the world in conformity with the character and purpose of the individual institute (can. 607.2 and 607.3).” Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; See also Code of Canon Law, 607.2

“The life consecrated through the profession of the evangelical counsels [chastity, poverty, and obedience] is a stable form of living by which the faithful, following Christ more closely under the action of the Holy Spirit, are totally dedicated to God who is loved most of all…” – Code of Canon Law, 573.1

Notes:

Learn more about religious life here

Conference of Major Superiors of Men

Explore contemplative men's communities

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This blogcast explores “St. Therese and the Power of Intercession" written by Danielle Schmitz and read by Meghan Abando.

In this blog post, Danielle shares the intercessory power of St. Therese of Lisieux and how we are called to intercede for those in our lives, like St. Therese.

St. Therese realized that our prayer has power because it is the cry of children to their Father, a Father who can’t resist saying “yes” to His children. She saw prayer not as bargaining with God, but as uniting her will and desires to God’s and asking that the same happen for whoever she was interceding for. Approaching prayer in this way radically changes the way that we intercede for others. We can step out and ask for prayer boldly and with confidence, because we can trust that the prayers will help bring about God’s will in our lives, not our own.

Another key part of St. Therese’s model for intercession is that she saw intercession not as her own work, but as God’s work. St. Therese called her spirituality “the little way,” and it involves recognizing our own weakness and littleness before God and asking Him to sanctify us and bring us closer to Him through our littleness. One of the most fundamental keys to intercession is believing in the power of our prayers despite our littleness and imperfection. To understand the power of our prayer, we need to understand that God delights in us and desires to use us in our littleness. St. Therese explains that when we become little, we make room for God to work. If we apply this same principle to intercessory prayer, we see that no matter how small or simple the prayer, God wants to use it for His greater glory. God doesn’t ask us for a big complicated prayer but for the honest prayer of our hearts, no matter its size.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most important parts of Catholic life, but often it can be overlooked. Looking at the model of St. Therese and her little way, we can learn that intercessory prayer is a beautiful part of our lives. Further, we see that it can make a real, tangible difference in the natural and supernatural realities around us when we offer our prayers with full confidence in God’s providence despite our littleness. St. Therese, pray for us, and teach us how to intercede like you!

Author:

Danielle Schmitz is a Communications Associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center, where she assists in the updating and creation of social media content for new and ongoing projects at the Center.

Danielle is a student at the Catholic University of America studying Marketing and Theology. Originally from San Jose, California, Danielle is currently studying abroad in Gaming, Austria with Franciscan University of Steubenville.

St. Therese of Lisieux:

Famous for her autobiography, Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux was a 19th century French saint and a Doctor of the Church. She became a Carmelite nun in 1887 at the age of fifteen, though her life was cut short by tuberculosis at the age of 24. She embodied the power of prayer and, as a result, became a patron saint of missionaries, despite her status as a cloistered nun. Seeing herself as the “little flower of Jesus”, she famously quipped: "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses." Those with a devotion to St. Therese often report that roses appear when they ask for her intercession or guidance. St. Therese’s parents, Louis and Zelie Martin, are also saints.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses Women Religious with a focus on Apostolic and Contemplative Religious communities.

Apostolic communities are characterized by their work of charity in the world. They are sent out to care for those who are suffering and witness Christ. The contemplative communities emphasize the need to pray for the world and growing in a deeper relationship with God through their prayer.

Apostolic religious life is a form of consecrated life within the Church wherein the members profess vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience within a congregation or community approved by the Church. Shared community life is an integral part of this form of consecrated life. In professing vows and living within community, the members individually and as a whole witness to a life of communion with Christ, the Church, and one another.

The mystery of the contemplative life is woven tightly with the mystery of the Incarnation. This mystery finds an especially vivid expression in the life of a cloistered nun, when a woman chooses to spend her whole life within the walls of a monastery, hidden from the world for the sake of intimacy with God. The cloister is a shocking thing, and sometimes non-Christians (and Christians!) are scandalized by it. But even more shocking is the idea that an infinite God chose to take on a finite human nature, to confine Himself within the limits of the created world, which, to Him, must have seemed far, far smaller than the bounds of a cloistered monastery!

Notes:

Learn more about Apostolic Religious Life here.

Explore Contemplative Communities here.

Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

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This blogcast explores “The Power of a Name" written by Erin Donn and read by Tom Carani.

In this blog post, Erin reflects on the first title the child Jesus gave to Mary: Mom.

When we speak Mary’s name and call out to her as our spiritual mom, we are fulfilling St. Francis de Sales' words to “run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence.” We can give ourselves to Mary, like Jesus did, and she will in turn bring us closer to God. In the repetition of these Marian prayers and hymns we spiritually speak our mother Mary’s name and ask for her help from the depths of our hearts.

Just like our earthly mothers cherish the little gifts we give and imperfect efforts we make, Mary graciously receives and multiplies everything we call out to her from our heart. Mary doesn’t need us to come to her with perfect devotion, but with an honest desire to grow closer to Jesus through her. Day after day, we can speak her most holy name and call on her assistance with the confidence that she will come to our aid.

As we honor the Most Holy Name of Mary, we pray the Lord will enkindle in us a deeper trust and devotion to His mother. Let us speak Mary’s name with love and devotion, trusting in the power of her intercession and mediation for us. Mama Mary, pray for us!

Author:

Erin Donn serves as the parish missionary at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, DC.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses Consecrated Virgins and Hermits.

Consecrated virgins and hermits are officially recognized by the Church and the local Bishop. They devote their lives to prayer, penance, and intercession for the Church and the people of God. This is a particular Vocation discerned by the individual and the Church. The vocation of a hermit became most popular among early Christians, who, inspired by Old Testament saints such as Elijah and John the Baptist, desired to live a life set apart and therefore withdrew into the desert in order to live lives of prayer and penance. But the vocation is still a recognized calling in the Church today, and is about so much more than seemingly-odd ascetic practices and isolation.

The consecrated virgin remains in the secular state, providing completely for her own material needs, medical care, and retirement. At no time is the diocese financially responsible for her. The consecrated virgin does not wear habit or veil, nor use the title "Sister," nor write "OCV" after her name. She witnesses subtly, but publicly and powerfully, by her virginal life given exclusively to Jesus Christ. Consecrated virgins today wear their ring, but their comportment, modesty in dress, simplicity in lifestyle all betoken their living of the evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Notes:

Learn more about Consecrated Virgins here

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses Secular Institutes in the United States.

(from the United States Conference of Secular Institutes): We are a sign of the Church that loves to be among the people! Members of secular institutes are “in the world and not of the world, but for the world.” We live in whatever providential circumstances God gives us, but we wholly consecrate our lives to God through the evangelical counsels of poverty, obedience, and celibate-chastity. We are the newest vocation in the Catholic Church, and many say we are the vocation of the new millennium. Each secular institute bears the unique charism of its founders and traditions, and each celebrates its “communion” by annual retreats, meetings, common daily prayer, and friendships that evolve quite naturally from living a similar life in God despite differences in profession or work in the world. A web of connectedness grows over time, linking the members to one another inextricably. For all consecrated seculars, the vocation undergirds all they undertake because it becomes the essence of what they are in God’s eye.

On February 2, 1947, Pope Pius XII gave official approval to secular institutes as an original form of consecrated life within the Catholic Church. Members have the special mission “to work for the sanctification of the world from within” (Provida Mater Ecclesia).

Members of secular institutes belong to consecrated life. They profess a life of poverty, chastity and obedience, the evangelical counsels, so named because Jesus gave us this advice for happiness in the Gospels.

Poverty: means that we do not rely on material possessions for our happiness, but trust in God to provide what we need. We free ourselves from the excess baggage of worrying about accumulating money or possessions.

Chastity: is built on love, respect and concern for everyone we encounter. We are free from the exclusive love that marriage requires so that we can share our love more fully with many people.

Obedience: requires that we be available to do whatever God may ask of us. Obedience frees us from personal ambition.

Everyone should follow this advice, but consecrated persons make public promises to God and the Church to make this their full time career. Their main ministry is not a job; their main ministry is love

Members of secular institutes: where are they?

They are in the marketplace, tilling a field, in the home anywhere, everywhere who live fully for Christ. They are the heartbeat of the Church in everyday life. Consecrated seculars live like their co-workers, but their hearts belong first to the Lord who called them to total commitment and who sustains them in their jobs where they bring their love of the Lord to others.

Notes:

Click to view Living as Missionary Discipleship Resources

Vocational Discernment Resources

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This blogcast explores “The Practice of Wonder” written by Erin Donn and read by Tom Carani.

In this blog post, Erin encourages us to recognize the beauty and wonder that can be found all around us.

One of my favorite things about children is the sense of wonder that they naturally possess. Despite the ordinariness and repetition of their days, their lives are marked by wonder. As children go through the simple events that make up their days, they are able to see the awesome newness all around them: a colorful beetle in the garden, a new color made when mixing paints, sounding out a new word for the first time. It is true that as adults there may be fewer things for us to discover and learn; we've figured out how most things work and generally know what to expect from an event or situation. But, what if we still let ourselves be open to the wonder around us and approached situations with more curiosity? When we have conversations with friends, we can marvel at their goodness and how God is working in their lives. When we take the dog for a walk, we can leave our phone at home and soak in the sights and sounds around us. We can take time to cultivate a hobby or learn a new skill. These events might not be novel, but they can offer us an opportunity to slow down and see what newness God may be speaking into them.

This sense of wonder can be cultivated in our spiritual lives, too. God wants us to wonder at Him, to be captivated by Him, to enter the mystery of His presence among us. The great mysteries of the Church aren’t matters to be solved or rationally understood; rather, they are truths meant to be pondered ever more deeply. What better disposition than one of wonder with which to enter into these mysteries? We can give our “rapt attention” and “astonishment” to Jesus’ True Presence in the Eucharist or to contemplating the ways God has worked in the lives of people throughout scripture. Like children encountering the newness right in front of them, we can ask God to fill us with a spirit of wonder when we go to pray or experience the sacraments. In this way He can transform the parts of our spiritual lives that may just feel routine and ordinary into moving encounters of His perpetual newness.

Author:

Erin Donn serves as the parish missionary at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, DC.

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This blogcast explores “The Mother and Head” written by Victor David and read by John Cardillo.

In this blog post, Patrick reflects on his high school Mass experiences and the communion among mankind and God himself.

The full name of this particular church is the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist at the Lateran. What a mouthful! The Lateran Basilica is one of the “major or papal basilicas,” the four highest-ranking churches in Roman Catholicism, due to their historical significance. The other three are St. Peter’s in the Vatican, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. St. John Lateran (as it is commonly known) is the oldest of the four, the oldest public church in Rome, and houses the cathedra (seat) of the pope in his capacity as the Bishop of Rome. Because it houses the cathedra, the basilica is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. It is also the sole holder of the title “archbasilica,” demonstrating its ranking above every other church in the world.

An inscription on the façade of the building says, “Sacrosancta Lateranensis ecclesia omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput.” Translated, it means, “The Most Holy Lateran Church, mother and head of all the churches in the city and the world.” Today’s feast day celebrates not only the physical structure itself, but also what it symbolizes. As the seat of the Holy Father, it reminds our hearts and minds of the fidelity we show to the successor of St. Peter, an expression of unity that binds together all the faithful. Moreover, the physical edifice of the church calls to mind what the Catechism states, “The Church is the Body of Christ” (CCC 805). While the Lateran Basilica itself is a magnificent building, housing priceless works of art, in the end it is just a hollow shell. The faithful who enter it, pray in it, and celebrate the Eucharist inside it are what truly bring it to life and bring its purpose to fulfillment.

On this feast day, let us pray. Let us pray for the Holy Father, that he may continue to lead the faithful entrusted to his care. And let us pray for the Church, that her members may always work in unity to bring about Christ’s kingdom on earth.

Author:

Victor David is a Collaborator with the Catholic Apostolate Center and is a staff member at The Catholic University of America, his alma mater, in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the Catholic University Knights of Columbus.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the new resource, The Art of Mentorship, available now on the Catholic Apostolate Center website.

The Art of Mentorship is afree resource from the Catholic Apostolate Center to help those who are Young Adults learn the best processes and practices of mentorship. In it are helpful and practical tips on how to identify and work with a mentor in a spiritually fulfilling and joy filled journey. Whether you are seeking a mentor for a short or long time, finding someone to help young adults grow into their lifelong vocation is something all who believe in accompaniment will find valuable.

The Art of Accompaniment: Theological, Spiritual, and Practical Elements of Building a More Relational Church, is also a resource from the Catholic Apostolate Center which assists in the development of true accompaniment within the Church Today. Building on the Church's rich history of accompaniment, The Art of Accompaniment makes theological and practical elements come to life and easily attainable.

Notes:

Learn more about The Art of Mentorship

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Read Christus Vivit

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This blogcast explores “Reflections from One Week in Rome” written and read by Sarah Harrigan.

In this blog post, Sarah reflects on her travel experiences while in Rome for a leadership program where she encountered members of the Church from around the world.

Each day, we began with morning prayer, and we were encouraged to volunteer to share a prayer exercise with the group. One of my favorites was learning and participating in the Taize prayer. I have always enjoyed prayer through music, but I had never experienced this meditation technique. It was very calming and helped me to put my focus on the Lord. We ended each day with evening prayer followed by dinner, which we ate together as a group. Sharing meals together as a group and telling stories from our own experiences and backgrounds really helped to strengthen our bond as a group. Every meal was filled with inquisitive insight, laughter, and joy (as well as delicious home cooked Italian food!). I had never lived in a community before; I had lived in a dorm for several years in college, but I had never experienced community life like this. It was such a great experience! Everyone was so welcoming, warm, friendly, and always went out of their way to help one another. Whether it was helping me carry my suitcase to the fourth floor, filling up my glass at dinner, or lending me a bus ticket, I was struck by the selflessness of others.

In reflection, I experienced so much growth during this one week abroad. I grew in my confidence of solo travel, I grew in my professional life by learning various leadership skills, I grew in my personal life from meeting so many people of different cultural backgrounds, and I grew in my spiritual life through our studies of the saints. I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to attend the Summer Leadership Development Program and will continue to grow from the experience for years to come.

Author:

Sarah Harrigan is the Manager of Communications and Special Programs for the Catholic Apostolate Center where she coordinates the promotions and logistics of various groups and visitors coming to our Green Hill facility. She also assists with the day-to-day operations of Green Hill and other administrative duties and is responsible for the creation and publication of our Center newsletter.

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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In our final webinar of this three part series, Dr. Steven Serafin provides suggestions for successful models of marriage ministry. How to identify models that might work for you, as well as provide some insights in ways to grow your marriage ministry into a sustainable and successful one for your community.Follow us:- The Catholic Apostolate Center- The Center's podcast website- Instagram- Facebook- Apple Podcasts- Spotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, whichis produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen tohis weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook,Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latestCenter resources.

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This blogcast explores “Chosen to be in Communion" written by Annie Harton and read by Amy Cardin.

In this blog post, Annie reflects on her experience as an extra for the tv series, The Chosen.

One word that describes this show and the phenomenon that it’s generated is communion. During this Eucharistic Revival, it’s critical to draw our attention to the one-ness that Jesus desires for His Church:

“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:20-21

As a TV show, The Chosen has attracted viewers of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. The focus on the historical Jesus unites people because we can all share the experience of being human. In between takes on the hot Utah set, I sat in the air-conditioned tent with hundreds of background volunteers from around the world. Some lived down the street and others flew across oceans to come together for this experience. I met people from all denominations and know that not all were even believers. They were just intrigued by the community that has formed around the show.

During the last day of filming last week, the cast was required to strike in union with the Screen Actors Guild. Since the show itself is independent from Hollywood, production could continue with the background actors. It was strange to be on set without Jesus and the disciples, but it reminded me of the quote from St. Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body now but ours, no feet but ours.” My fellow background actors embraced this opportunity to carry the load on set for the cast who were missing us since they stayed home. While “TV actor Jesus” (Jonathan Roumie) was not visible, I believed that Jesus Christ was indeed present. At Mass, we may not see the historical Jesus with our eyes or hear him with our ears. And yet, the priest stands in persona Christi so Christ’s Word can be heard and His Body and Blood received.

Author:

Annie Harton is a proud alumna of Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker. Her self-published book, Single Truth: You Are More than Your Relationship Status, inspired her to start a business called You Are More. She specializes in helping singles and couples explore how they’re more than their diagnoses, their pasts, their jobs, and their relationship statuses while also reminding them that God is more than any problem they bring Him. You can find out more about Annie and inquire about working with her at youaremore.org and annieharton.com

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This blogcast explores “The Visitation: A Model for Walking with Women” written and read by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.

In this blog post, Fatima shares how the example of Mary’s visitation to her cousin Elizabeth is a way to accompany women in our communities.

I invite you to celebrate this feast day by imitating the example of Mary and taking the initiative to reach out to a woman in your community.

While this may involve going a bit outside our comfort zone, each of us, no matter where we are in life, can offer this much-needed kinship. We don’t have to be in the same boat as a woman in need or know her pain or experience firsthand. We are simply called to walk alongside her, providing support, friendship, and encouragement. Accompaniment does not mean taking on or attempting to fix someone’s problems. It means a willingness to listen, to be truly present to another, to offer reassurance, closeness, and compassion.

Reaching out to a woman in your community can take many forms, from working to enact systemic change (such as advocating for paid parental leave or working to ensure access to healthcare) to just grabbing a cup of coffee with a mom you know.

Other concrete ideas for living out the spirit of the Visitation include offering to babysit, donating to or volunteering with a local pregnancy center, starting or joining a mom’s group at your parish, organizing a diaper drive, or making a meal for a family. You may consider getting involved with Walking with Moms in Need, the Church’s nationwide initiative that helps Catholics form parish teams to identify resources in their local area and connect pregnant and parenting mothers with support and services.

For a woman struggling in her fertility journey, just lending an ear, offering to accompany her to a doctor’s appointment, or putting her in touch with someone else who has been there can make a huge difference.

In every gesture of closeness, we will find ourselves enriched and accompanied in return. May we strive to emulate authentically the spirit of the Visitation, so that every woman can come to feel the profound embrace of kinship!

Author:

Fatima Monterrubio Cruess is the Resource Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center. In this role, she assists in the creation and use of the Center's content and resources in both English and Spanish.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series on the Eucharistic Revival and discusses how we are all called to evangelize and help others come to know Christ more personally with inspiration from what Jesus says: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

The National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year initiative sponsored by the Bishops of the United States to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united, and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The Revival officially launched in June 2022, and its milestone event will be a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN, from July 17-21, 2024. The National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress are a direct response to the Holy Father’s call for a “pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are” so that the Church in the United States might be “permanently in a state of mission” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 25).

This eucharistic movement seeks to bring together clergy, religious, laity, apostolates, movements, and parish and diocesan leaders to spur momentum, collaboration, and lasting impact for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the U.S. over the next three years. Each year will have a strategic focus for formation and missionary discipleship.

Living as Missionary Disciples: A Resource for Evangelization serves as a road map for leaders and provides principles of evangelization and missionary discipleship, with resources designed for pastoral leaders to develop, enhance, and review their own local strategies to create an evangelizing parish.

Notes:

Click to view Living as Missionary Discipleship Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about the Eucharistic Revival

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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series on the Eucharistic Revival and discusses how we are called to a life of community with Christ, his Church, and how we are to participate in the Mass as the Body of Christ with inspiration from John 15:4.

The National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year initiative sponsored by the Bishops of the United States to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united, and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The Revival officially launched in June 2022, and its milestone event will be a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN, from July 17-21, 2024. The National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress are a direct response to the Holy Father’s call for a “pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are” so that the Church in the United States might be “permanently in a state of mission” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 25).

This eucharistic movement seeks to bring together clergy, religious, laity, apostolates, movements, and parish and diocesan leaders to spur momentum, collaboration, and lasting impact for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the U.S. over the next three years. Each year will have a strategic focus for formation and missionary discipleship.

Living as Missionary Disciples: A Resource for Evangelization serves as a road map for leaders and provides principles of evangelization and missionary discipleship, with resources designed for pastoral leaders to develop, enhance, and review their own local strategies to create an evangelizing parish.

Notes:

Click to view Living as Missionary Discipleship Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about the Eucharistic Revival

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “The Eucharist is Not About Us, But it Also Is” written by Patrick Hyland and read by John Cardillo.

In this blog post, Patrick reflects on his high school Mass experiences and the communion among mankind and God himself.

Considering this, I’d like to suggest three different levels on which we might view the Mass. At the end of the day, these are all describing the same Eucharistic mystery, but it may help us to truly appreciate what is going on when we go to Church. First, we witness up close the eternal worship of the Son given to the Father through the Holy Spirit. The powerful, mysterious, life-giving love of the Trinity is on display, which is quite simply mind-blowing. The God who spoke the stars into existence and took on flesh to save us has come close to show us His inner life. Secondly, we don’t simply watch all of this happen, but we actually get to receive it. This happens through the proclamation of the Scriptures, where we receive God’s word, and then through the reception of the Eucharist, where Jesus’s flesh and blood mingle with ours, and we receive the very life, love, and peace which we witness in the Trinity. Thirdly, we are gifted with the ability to experience all of this not just on our own, but alongside our brothers and sisters. Jesus came not just to reconcile humanity with God, but also to reconcile us with one another and with ourselves. So there is a level where God is relating to God, a level where God is relating to me, and finally a level where God is relating to all of us together, and we relate to one another.

So next time you go to Mass, ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to truly see the different layers of divine activity at play in the Eucharistic celebration. Ask for the grace to see that Mass is more than just a gathering of believers. Ask for the grace to see God’s jealous love poured out for you as an individual in the Eucharist. Ask for the grace to see how the Eucharist unites us as the Church. The Eucharist is not about us, but it also is. God desperately desires to draw us into His love and communion as one Church, and in the Eucharist, He has given us an incredible gift which does just that. May we let Him draw us in.

Author:

Patrick Hyland is a program associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center where he assists with new and existing resources on the Center’s website and contributes to the Center’s marketing and consultancy efforts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series on the Eucharistic Revival and discusses how we can accompany others on their journey to encounter Christ in the Eucharist with a focus on the call of St. Matthew, a tax collector, as read in Matthew 9:9.

The National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year initiative sponsored by the Bishops of the United States to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united, and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The Revival officially launched in June 2022, and its milestone event will be a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN, from July 17-21, 2024. The National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress are a direct response to the Holy Father’s call for a “pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are” so that the Church in the United States might be “permanently in a state of mission” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 25).

This eucharistic movement seeks to bring together clergy, religious, laity, apostolates, movements, and parish and diocesan leaders to spur momentum, collaboration, and lasting impact for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the U.S. over the next three years. Each year will have a strategic focus for formation and missionary discipleship.

Living as Missionary Disciples: A Resource for Evangelization serves as a road map for leaders and provides principles of evangelization and missionary discipleship, with resources designed for pastoral leaders to develop, enhance, and review their own local strategies to create an evangelizing parish.

Notes:

Click to view Living as Missionary Discipleship Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about the Eucharistic Revival

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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Continuing with May's presentation, join Steven Serafin and guest from his Marriage Formation project to discuss current trends in formation, as well as some best practices on ways to achieve success in marriage ministry.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series on the Eucharistic Revival and discusses encountering Christ in the Eucharist and helping others encounter Jesus Christ.

The National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year initiative sponsored by the Bishops of the United States to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united, and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The Revival officially launched in June 2022, and its milestone event will be a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN, from July 17-21, 2024. The National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress are a direct response to the Holy Father’s call for a “pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are” so that the Church in the United States might be “permanently in a state of mission” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 25).

This eucharistic movement seeks to bring together clergy, religious, laity, apostolates, movements, and parish and diocesan leaders to spur momentum, collaboration, and lasting impact for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the U.S. over the next three years. Each year will have a strategic focus for formation and missionary discipleship.

Living as Missionary Disciples: A Resource for Evangelization serves as a road map for leaders and provides principles of evangelization and missionary discipleship, with resources designed for pastoral leaders to develop, enhance, and review their own local strategies to create an evangelizing parish.

Notes:

Click to view Living as Missionary Discipleship Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about the Eucharistic Revival

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Finding Freedom in the Eucharist," written and read by Danielle Schmitz.

In this blog post, Danielle discusses the freedom and love one can encounter by receiving Christ in the Eucharist and spending time visiting with him in Adoration.

“Dear young people, the happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only He gives the fullness of life to humanity!” – Pope Benedict XVI

All of us, including You and I, are all seen by the Father as His beloved daughters and sons, and He desires to show us that truth and the love He holds for us in a real, tangible way through the Eucharist. Every time we receive Jesus into our bodies, every time we spend time gazing into His face in adoration, we give Him the opportunity to remind us of how unconditionally loved we are, how we belong with Him and nothing else. These truths give us the freedom to not fear what waits in the world, nor fear the chains of sin or worldliness. They help us recognize that there is no fear in the perfect love we experience living in Jesus Christ, and the only thing we have to worry about is following His will. When the world is not something to fear, we can recognize creation as the gift that it is and receive what the Lord has waiting for us.

The next time you go to Mass or adoration, recognize that Love Incarnate is entering you in order to prove just how far He’ll go to show that you belong with Him. Allow that truth of His unconditional love and your belonging in it to shape the way you live your life, embracing the freedom He has won and given to us.

Author:

Danielle Schmitz is a Communications Associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center, where she assists in the updating and creation of social media content for new and ongoing projects at the Center.

Danielle is a student at the Catholic University of America studying Marketing and Theology. Originally from San Jose, California, Danielle is currently studying abroad in Gaming, Austria with Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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Disaffiliation and lack of participation are significant issues impacting Catholic college campuses, parishes, and many other ministries nationwide. Discover the latest information, trends, and data aimed at increasing awareness and generating ideas to address and enhance these situations within our ministries. Join us for a presentation titled "Disaffiliation, Belonging, and Belief" by Founding Director, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. This presentation, which Fr. Donio previously delivered at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) in 2023.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. introduces a series on the Eucharistic Revival and Missionary Discipleship.

The National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year initiative sponsored by the Bishops of the United States to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united, and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The Revival officially launched in June 2022, and its milestone event will be a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN, from July 17-21, 2024. The National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress are a direct response to the Holy Father’s call for a “pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are” so that the Church in the United States might be “permanently in a state of mission” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 25).

This eucharistic movement seeks to bring together clergy, religious, laity, apostolates, movements, and parish and diocesan leaders to spur momentum, collaboration, and lasting impact for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the U.S. over the next three years. Each year will have a strategic focus for formation and missionary discipleship.

Living as Missionary Disciples: A Resource for Evangelization serves as a road map for leaders and provides principles of evangelization and missionary discipleship, with resources designed for pastoral leaders to develop, enhance, and review their own local strategies to create an evangelizing parish.

Notes:

Click to view Living as Missionary Discipleship Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about the Eucharistic Revival

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “The Importance of Retreat Spaces” written and read by Sarah Harrigan.

In this blog post, Sarah reflects on the spaces and places that she has experienced during different retreats she attended and how they impact the experience.

Here at the Pallottine Seminary at Green Hill, we offer a full events facility for day events and can accommodate groups (smaller than thirty-five adults) for retreats, board meetings, or other similar group meeting needs. Additionally, there is a chapel for Mass, prayer, and adoration, a dining room for group meals, and several outdoor locations for break out groups or just to walk around our manicured fourteen acre landscaping. Just walking around Green Hill is such a relaxing experience; it is so quiet and serene, and such an enjoyable place to visit. Green Hill is even fully equipped with an audio / visual studio! Here, guests can record podcasts, film videos, and even host webinars from our studio space, which includes a teleprompter, lighting, microphones, and other items you may need. Our dedicated meeting space, the Queen of Apostles Room, was recently renovated to include a brand-new camera, microphone, and speaker system allowing for ease of use for events with virtual participants. Truly, most any amenity you may need for your group, you can find here. It is our hope that Green Hill can help to facilitate all your needs and enhance any retreat or group meeting experience.

Retreats have the ability to be an experience that can be both connective and solitary. Through retreats, I found my spiritual life growing not just through my own words and thoughts, but through those of whom I was journeying with. We hope that Green Hill can be the backdrop for your next group meeting space and facilitate all the meaningful conversations to come for you and your ministry.

Author:

Sarah Harrigan is the Manager of Communications and Special Programs for the Catholic Apostolate Center where she coordinates the promotions and logistics of various groups and visitors coming to our Green Hill facility. She also assists with the day-to-day operations of Green Hill and other administrative duties and is responsible for the creation and publication of our Center newsletter.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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The first in a 3 part series of webinars by Dr. Steven Serafin discussing his work in continuing marriage ministry. In his studies and work, he has learned of the importance of ministry and supporting couples post marriage preparation as a way to continue lifelong and holy marriages. Please join him in this presentation to discuss the reasons for this and some considerations for couples in ministry.

Dr. Steven Serafin is currently the Pastoral Associate of St. Bartholomew’s in Scotch Plains, NJ, where he leads an initiative called the Emmaus Coalition of Life Long Formation. He is the creator of Endure: Marriage Enrichment Initiative through Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries. He graduated from Catholic University with a Doctor in Ministry in 2022, he has received a M.A in Theology with a focus in Evangelization and Catechesis from The University of Notre Dame’s Echo program and a B.A from Catholic University with a minor in Finance and Management. He has served in a number of ministerial positions: Associate Director for Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Newark, Director of Faith Formation, Campus Minister, and Teacher. His treatise focused on Accompanying the Next Generation of Newlyweds: A Parish Model for Perfecting the Love of Marriage Through a Peer Collaborative Dialogue.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the sending of the Holy Spirit and the sending of the apostles.

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus and 10 days after his ascension into heaven. Because Easter is a moveable feast without a fixed date, and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between May 10 and June 13.

The timing of these feasts is also where Catholics get the concept of the novena — nine days of prayer — because in Acts 1, Mary and the Apostles prayed together “continuously” for nine days after the Ascension leading up to Pentecost. Traditionally, the Church prays the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost.

The name of the day itself is derived from the Greek word “pentecoste,” meaning 50th.

Notes:

Click to view Resources

Learn more about Mary, Queen of Apostles

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent, Easter and Pentecost

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Queen of Apostles. The focus is on her as model of Christian life, as intercessor, mother, and queen. They also talk about the feast day itself (Saturday before Pentecost).

"The perfect example of this type of spiritual and apostolic life is the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, who while leading the life common to all here on earth, one filled with family concerns and labors, was always intimately united with her Son and in an entirely unique way cooperated in the work of the Savior. Having now been assumed into heaven, with her maternal charity she cares for these brothers of her Son who are still on their earthly pilgrimage and remain involved in dangers and difficulties until they are led into the happy fatherland. All should devoutly venerate her and commend their life and apostolate to her maternal care."

(Apostolicam Actuositatem, Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, 4)

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus and 10 days after his ascension into heaven. Because Easter is a moveable feast without a fixed date, and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between May 10 and June 13.

The timing of these feasts is also where Catholics get the concept of the novena — nine days of prayer — because in Acts 1, Mary and the Apostles prayed together “continuously” for nine days after the Ascension leading up to Pentecost. Traditionally, the Church prays the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost.

The name of the day itself is derived from the Greek word “pentecoste,” meaning 50th.

Notes:

Click to view Resources

Learn more about Mary, Queen of Apostles

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent, Easter and Pentecost

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “St. Kateri Tekakwitha: Lily of the Mohawks," written by Pat Fricchione and read by Sarah Harrigan.

“St. Kateri Tekakwitha: Lily of the Mohawks," by Pat Fricchione. In this Blogcast, Pat Fricchione, the author, describes the life of a World Youth Day Krakow patron Saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, was born in 1656 to a Mohawk father and a Christian Algonquin mother in modern upstate New York. She contracted smallpox in her youth, which led to poor eyesight. She learned about the Christian faith from Jesuit Father Jacques de Lamberville and received Baptism and First Holy Communion on Christmas day at the age of 21. She died on April 17, 1680 at the age of 24 and Pope Benedict XVI canonized her on October 21, 2012, made her patron of the environment, and her feast day is July 14. Pat Fricchione concludes his blog post with a reminder of the need to care for our common home as explained in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.

To learn more about St. Kateri Tekakwitha, click here.
For more information on World Youth Day 2016, click here.

Sarah Harrigan:

Sarah Harrigan is the Manager of Communications and Special Programs for the Catholic Apostolate Center where she coordinates the promotions and logistics of various groups and visitors coming to our Green Hill facility. She also assists with the day-to-day operations of Green Hill and other administrative duties and is responsible for the creation and publication of our Center newsletter.

Pat Fricchione:

Pat Fricchione is a collaborator with the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. the Upper Room, or Cenacle, and the formation in prayer the disciples undertook in this room.

The upper room is the place the disciples came together in the time leading up to Pentecost and is also the location of the Last Supper.

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus and 10 days after his ascension into heaven. Because Easter is a moveable feast without a fixed date, and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between May 10 and June 13.

The timing of these feasts is also where Catholics get the concept of the novena — nine days of prayer — because in Acts 1, Mary and the Apostles prayed together “continuously” for nine days after the Ascension leading up to Pentecost. Traditionally, the Church prays the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost.

The name of the day itself is derived from the Greek word “pentecoste,” meaning 50th.

Notes:

Click to view Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent, Easter and Pentecost

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Journeying with Christ in College," written by Christian Bordak-Roseman and read by Patrick Hyland.

“Journeying with Christ in College,” by Christian Bordak-Roseman. In his blog post, Christian describes how he grew in his faith and in relationship with Christ while he studied at university. He specifically recalls his experience of being accompanied by student ministers on campus. They are student who, while receiving a degree themselves, participate in ministry and help other students acclimate to university life and help students encounter Christ. Christian found more spiritual growth in spiritual direction and when he became a student minister himself. His time as a student minister during the COVID-19 pandemic was not without challenge, but he embraced the challenge and was still able to grow and help others to grow as well.

Links:

Click here to view the COVID-19 Resource Page.

View the Art of Accompaniment and Living as Missionary Disciples resource pages.

Listen to On Mission episodes about accompaniment, spiritual direction, and spiritual growth while in college.

Contributors:

Christian Bordak-Roseman is a Program Associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center, where he assists with new and ongoing projects for the Center. Christian is a student at The Catholic University of America seeking his Bachelor's degree in History and his Master’s degree in Secondary Education. He also works with the Campus Ministry Office at the Catholic University as a Student Minister.

Patrick Hyland is a program associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center where he assists with new and existing resources on the Center’s website and contributes to the Center’s marketing and consultancy efforts.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Patrick is a junior at The Catholic University of America pursuing a double major in Operations Management and Theology. On campus, Patrick is involved with the Office of Campus Ministry, planning events and accompanying undergraduate students as a Student Minister. Additionally, Patrick loves music, playing drums for various groups and working as a freelance DJ for weddings and other private events.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
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Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. begins a mini-series about the path from Easter to Pentecost.

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus and 10 days after his ascension into heaven. Because Easter is a moveable feast without a fixed date, and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between May 10 and June 13.

The timing of these feasts is also where Catholics get the concept of the novena — nine days of prayer — because in Acts 1, Mary and the Apostles prayed together “continuously” for nine days after the Ascension leading up to Pentecost. Traditionally, the Church prays the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost.

The name of the day itself is derived from the Greek word “pentecoste,” meaning 50th.

Notes:

Click to view Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent, Easter and Pentecost

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “What is My Life? - Reflections on Motherhood," written and read by Kate Fowler.

“What is My Life? - Reflections on Motherhood,” by Kate Fowler.

To read St. John Paul II’s Letter to Women, click here.

Author:

Kate Fowler is the Blog Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center. Her work includes: coordinating our Ad Infinitum blog, editing posts and resources for the Center, and co-hosting the OnMission podcast.

Follow us:

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The Center's podcast website

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Spotify

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the joy of Easter and the peace we receive from Jesus Christ.

Joy

“Holy joy and spiritual cheerfulness are distinctive characteristics of true servants of the Lord.” ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

Listen to the previous installments on Solitude, Sacrifice, Selflessness, Solitude, Self-Denial, Suffering, and Surrender

Lent is a special time to fast, increase prayer, and increase our almsgiving. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. The Easter Vigil is the "Mother of All Vigils" and Easter Sunday is the greatest of all Sundays. The season of Easter is the most important of all liturgical times, which Catholics celebrate as the Lord's resurrection from the dead, culminating in his Ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The octave of Easter comprises the eight days which stretch from the first to the second Sunday. It is a way of prolonging the joy of the initial day. There are 50 days of Easter from the first Sunday to Pentecost. It is characterized, above all, by the joy of glorified life and the victory over death expressed most fully in the great resounding cry of the Christian: Alleluia! All faith flows from faith in the resurrection: "If Christ has not been raised, then empty is our preaching; empty, too, is your faith." (1 Cor 15:14)

Notes:

Click to view Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent or Easter

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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Finding Faith in a New Parish," written by Christian Bordak-Roseman and read by Chris Pierno.

“Finding Faith in a New Parish,” by Christian Bordak-Roseman

To read Evangelii Gaudium, click here.

Author:

Christian Bordak-Roseman is a Program Associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center, where he assists with new and ongoing projects for the Center. Christian is a student at The Catholic University of America seeking his Bachelor's degree in History and his Master’s degree in Secondary Education. He also works with the Campus Ministry Office at the Catholic University as a Student Minister.

Reader:

Chris Pierno: With the Center since 2011, Chris Pierno is the Catholic Apostolate Center's Manager of Marketing & Consulting. In this role, he oversees the Center's marketing program and coordination of consulting services. He also supports the staff in areas of graphic design, advancement, public relations, administration, and strategic planning for the Center. Chris also is a co-host for the Center's premier podcast, OnMission.

He holds a master's degree in management, and a bachelor's degree in politics, with a minor in theology from The Catholic University of America. Chris also serves as President of the University's Alumni Association. In addition to his work for the Center, Chris is the Director of Operations at the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. He has also worked in marketing and fundraising, specializing in faith-based copywriting and design for both non-profit and higher education clients. In his free-time, Chris volunteers with the Knights of Columbus, where he holds several positions including State Deputy for the District of Columbia, Former District Deputy, and Past Grand Knight. He and his wife have a young son named Vincent, named in honor of St. Vincent Pallotti.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses surrendering our will and desires so that we can unite ourselves more closely to Christ.

Surrender

“You must long for food as you long for the cross and long for the cross as you long for food.” ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

Listen to the previous installments on Sacrifice, Selflessness, Solitude or on Self-Denial

Lent is a special time to fast, increase prayer, and increase our almsgiving. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Notes:

Click to view Lenten Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses suffering as seen by St. Vincent Pallotti as a time where God is particularly close.

Suffering

“Remember, God is found in suffering.” ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

Listen to the previous installments on Sacrifice, Selflessness, Solitude or on Self-Denial

Lent is a special time to fast, increase prayer, and increase our almsgiving. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Notes:

Click to view Lenten Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “From Servants to Servitude—Aloysius Gonzaga," written by Alex Cranstoun and read by Patrick Hyland.

“From Servants to Servitude—Aloysius Gonzaga,” by Alex Cranstoun. In his blog post, Alex describes the great witness of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, for whom the famous basketball school, Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, is named, and how he desired to spread the Gospel to far and away lands. However, St. Aloysius Gonzaga missioned in Rome, caring for the sick and the dying. Alex reflects that we do not need to go far to witness the love of Christ. We can care for those in our family, in our home, our neighborhood and greater community.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga was born as the eldest of seven children to an aristocratic family in Italy. At a young age, St. Gonzaga developed a deep spiritual life including devotions such as the Little Office of Our Lady and the psalms. After studying in Florence, St. Gonzaga returned to his hometown and received his first communion from the future St. Charles Borromeo. After receiving his first communion, he read a book on Jesuit spirituality and felt convicted to become a missionary. He joined the Jesuits and life an austere life. He died while still a scholastic.

Links:

Click here to learn more about St. Aloysius Gonzaga.

Learn more about other favorite saints.

Listen to On Mission episodes about accompaniment and corporal works of mercy.

Contributors:

Alex Cranstoun is the Production Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Patrick Hyland is a program associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center where he assists with new and existing resources on the Center’s website and contributes to the Center’s marketing and consultancy efforts.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Patrick is a junior at The Catholic University of America pursuing a double major in Operations Management and Theology. On campus, Patrick is involved with the Office of Campus Ministry, planning events and accompanying undergraduate students as a Student Minister. Additionally, Patrick loves music, playing drums for various groups and working as a freelance DJ for weddings and other private events.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Encountering God in the Ordinary," written by Conor Boland and read by Monica Thom Konschnik.

“Encountering God in the Ordinary,” by Conor Boland.

To learn more about seeing God in the ordinary, please visit our Prayer Resources page by clicking here.

Author:

Conor Boland is an undergraduate and Student Minister at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses St. Vincent Pallotti’s view of sacrifice and how our lives are to be lived for Christ and for others.

Sacrifice

“Through the spirit of sacrifice, one must live perfectly dead to the world and to himself, so that he may possess those spiritual dispositions which make him say: ‘The life I now live is not my own, it is Christ living in me.’” ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

Listen to the previous installments on Selflessness, Solitude or on Self-Denial

Lent is a special time to fast, increase prayer, and increase our almsgiving. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Notes:

Click to view Lenten Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses St. Vincent Pallotti’s view of selflessness and cooperating with God’s grace to reform our lives.

Selflessness

“My God, destroy me completely; do everything in me. My God, absorb me, destroy me, reform me, be all in me, now and forever.” ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

Listen to a previous installment on Solitude or on Self-Denial

Lent is a special time to fast, increase prayer, and increase our almsgiving. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Notes:

Click to view Lenten Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Persevering through the “Gray” Moments with Christ" written by Christian Bordak-Roseman and read by Tom Carani.

“Persevering through the ‘Gray’ Moments with Christ,” written by Christian Bordak-Roseman and read by Tom Carani.

In his blog post, Christian discusses that different life situations or transitions can lead to one feeling isolated or alone in relation with God and Jesus Christ. However, Christian reminds us that many Saints have experienced similar feelings, for example, St. Mother Teresa, whose feast day is September 5th and is patron saint of World Youth Day, and St. John of the Cross, whose feast day is December 14th and is the patron saint of mystics and contemplatives. These feelings of spiritual drought and doubting is referred to as the dark night of the soul. With these and other Saints as models, we are to trust in this dark night of the soul and persevere through it, knowing the Christ is with us through the midst of it and bright flows the river of God.

Links:

View St. Mother Teresa’s and St John of the Cross’ bios and other information on the Feast Day Site.

Listen to On Mission episodes about Self-Care, All Saints Day, Anointing of the Sick, Funerals, and Spirituality and Prayer Through Religious Charism.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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Apple Podcasts
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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses St. Vincent Pallotti’s view of self-denial as a means of growing closer to God and the Saints.

Self-Denial

“I intend always to offer the Lord the negation of my will, united and offered together with that of all the just, the saints, Mary, and Jesus.” ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

Listen to the previous installment on Solitude

Lent is a special time to fast, increase prayer, and increase our almsgiving. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Notes:

Click to view Lenten Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses St. Vincent Pallotti’s prioritization of solitude as a means of communicating with God and meditating on the mysteries of salvation.

Solitude

“For forty days and forty nights, Jesus prayed and fasted. He nevertheless condescended to teach us the practice of solitude, in order to speak to God alone.” ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

Lent is quickly approaching and is a special time to fast, increase prayer, and increase our almsgiving. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Notes:

Click to view Lenten Resources

Read Ad Infinitum Blog Posts about Lent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Men of Purpose," written and read by Krissy Pierno.

"Men of Purpose,” written by Krissy Pierno, is a reflection on the example of men Krissy has found inspiration from and how those men, who united their efforts to Jesus Christ and the Faith, have developed an unwavering faith in the Lord and can be a bedrock for the community around them amidst their daily tasks.

Krissy Pierno:

Krissy Pierno is a teacher for the Archdiocese of Washington.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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Apple Podcasts
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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Living Sickness in the Presence of God," written by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess and read by Patrick Hyland.

“Living Sickness in the Presence of God,” by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess. In her blog post, Fatima describes how there is a temptation in the midst of sickness to fall into despair, anguish, or self-absorption. However, whether it be common colds, Covid-19, or cancer, God offers us the grace, if we are open to that grace, we can turn that suffering into that contributes to the good of the People of God. Fatima draws the inspiration for this reflection from the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

St. Paul was known originally as Saul and was an opponent of the early Church. He persecuted Jews who believed in Jesus as the savior. Jesus stopped Saul from persecuting Christians and called him to his side, baptizing him with water and later with the blood of martyrdom. The account of the conversion of Saint Paul (Acts 9: 1-5) serves as an inspiration for those who criticize the Church. Through the example of Paul, Jesus touched the heart of the one who persecuted his people and can also touch ours.

Links:

Click here to learn more about the Conversion of St. Paul.

Learn more about other favorite saints.

To visit our COVID-19 Resource Page, please click here.

Listen to On Mission episodes about suffering, anointing of the sick, mental health, and funerals.

Contributors:

Fatima Monterrubio Cruess is the Resource Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Patrick Hyland is a program associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center where he assists with new and existing resources on the Center’s website and contributes to the Center’s marketing and consultancy efforts.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Patrick is a junior at The Catholic University of America pursuing a double major in Operations Management and Theology. On campus, Patrick is involved with the Office of Campus Ministry, planning events and accompanying undergraduate students as a Student Minister. Additionally, Patrick loves music, playing drums for various groups and working as a freelance DJ for weddings and other private events.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses Ordinary Time.

Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation, a time in which the mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ. This time, between Christmas and Lent, is particularly suited to meditate on Christ’s public ministry and as a means to prepare for Lent, including considering what one’s Lenten resolutions will be. The goal, toward which all of history is directed, is represented by the final Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Not by Blood, but by Love," written by Tyler Lomnitzer and read by Victor David.

"Not by Blood, but by Love,” written by Tyler Lomnitzer.

Tyler describes his ancestry coming from his grandfather who was left on a convent door step and was adopted into a family and Tyler reflects on the love that family showed to his grandfather and compares that to the Church.

Author:

Tyler Lomnitzer is Membership Engagement Manager for the Knights of Columbus. He holds a B.A. in English Literature from The Catholic University of America.

Victor David:

Victor David is the Interim Director of Residence Life at Catholic University. Originally from Joliet, Illinois, he graduated from Catholic University in 2014 with a B.A. in Politics, and in 2017 with his M.S. in Management. He is an avid fan of Downton Abbey, ABBA, Disney, and the Great British Bake Off. Victor and his wife, Greta, a fellow Catholic alum, enjoy exploring the city, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “What A Wonderful World," written and read by Kate Fowler.

"What A Wonderful World,” by Kate Fowler.

Author:

Kate Fowler is a staff member for the Catholic Apostolate Center. Her work includes: coordinating our Ad Infinitum blog, editing posts and resources for the Center, and co-hosting the On Mission podcast.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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Apple Podcasts
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The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses themes of Advent from St. Vincent Pallotti, specifically Hope in Christ.

Hope

"My Jesus, whoever does not love cannot live. May all the love of eternity and, if possible, of infinite eternities, be mine in every instance, for all eternity. My Jesus, my firm hope in you is my omnipotence." ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

View Advent resources provided by the Catholic Apostolate Center. The season of Advent is the Church’s liturgical season of preparation for Christmas. It is often referred to as “the Little Lent”. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th, and continues for four weeks and concludes with midnight Mass on Christmas. Families prepare for Christmas in advent in a variety of ways, such as setting up and Advent wreath on the dining room table or using a Jesse tree. One can also use the season to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance and observe silence as a means of preparing for Christmas.

Notes:

Advent Blogs

Advent Resources

On Mission: Advent Resources

On Mission: The Feasts of Advent

On Mission: Advent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses themes of Advent from St. Vincent Pallotti, specifically true joy from the Lord.

"Holy cheerfulness is a precious fruit of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and is thus the mark of a true servant of the Lord. So, in face, in looks, in reciprocal remarks and in a special way towards strangers, all must radiate holy cheerfulness and joy. It must be remembered that, if this characteristic is lacking, they will lead few people to God because they will not encourage many to feel enthusiastic about following Our Lord Jesus Christ. On the other hand, their example of cheerfulness and joy will help people to understand that the following of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the basis of a life of true happiness." ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

View Advent resources provided by the Catholic Apostolate Center. The season of Advent is the Church’s liturgical season of preparation for Christmas. It is often referred to as “the Little Lent”. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th, and continues for four weeks and concludes with midnight Mass on Christmas. Families prepare for Christmas in advent in a variety of ways, such as setting up and Advent wreath on the dining room table or using a Jesse tree. One can also use the season to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance and observe silence as a means of preparing for Christmas.

Notes:

Advent Blogs

Advent Resources

On Mission: Advent Resources

On Mission: The Feasts of Advent

On Mission: Advent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Bittersweetness," written and read by Krissy Pierno.

Summer transitions and switching jobs can be moments of stress and one may have the tendency to ignore any difficult emotions. “Bittersweetness,” written by Krissy Pierno, describes the phenomena of God’s grace allowing one to fully experience the sorrows during times of transition and in different seasons of life, which provides a unique “flavor” in our lives.

Krissy Pierno:

Krissy Pierno was a teacher for the Archdiocese of Washington.

Follow us:

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses themes of Advent from St. Vincent Pallotti, specifically prayer.

"Continue to pray with perseverance, often and as well as you possibly can. Do not worry if you fail to find any consolation. Persevere and act with confidence! You will receive the fruits without being conscious of them." ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

View Advent resources provided by the Catholic Apostolate Center. The season of Advent is the Church’s liturgical season of preparation for Christmas. It is often referred to as “the Little Lent”. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th, and continues for four weeks and concludes with midnight Mass on Christmas. Families prepare for Christmas in advent in a variety of ways, such as setting up and Advent wreath on the dining room table or using a Jesse tree. One can also use the season to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance and observe silence as a means of preparing for Christmas.

Notes:

Advent Blogs

Advent Resources

On Mission: Advent Resources

On Mission: The Feasts of Advent

On Mission: Advent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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The time of Advent and Christmas can be a period of hope and love, but it can also be a period of loneliness, sadness, or even overwhelming for those in the middle of it.

Paul Jarzembowski, author of Hope for the Holidays, discusses his book and ways to help minister to those who need the love of God shown to them during this prayerful and hopeful time.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses themes of Advent from St. Vincent Pallotti, specifically silence.

Silence

"The Incarnate Word, infinite Wisdom, to teach us the practice of silence, was born for us in the seclusion of a stable, in the still silence of the night as a little baby, which like all infants, could not speak. Therefore, we must understand that silence observed in order to converse more intimately with God, is a gift of God." ~ St. Vincent Pallotti

View Advent resources provided by the Catholic Apostolate Center. The season of Advent is the Church’s liturgical season of preparation for Christmas. It is often referred to as “the Little Lent”. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th, and continues for four weeks and concludes with midnight Mass on Christmas. Families prepare for Christmas in advent in a variety of ways, such as setting up and Advent wreath on the dining room table or using a Jesse tree. One can also use the season to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance and observe silence as a means of preparing for Christmas.

Notes:

Advent Blogs

Advent Resources

On Mission: Advent Resources

On Mission: The Feasts of Advent

On Mission: Advent

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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses Advent resources provided by the Catholic Apostolate Center.

The season of Advent is the Church’s liturgical season of preparation for Christmas. It is often referred to as “the Little Lent”. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th, and continues for four weeks and concludes with midnight Mass on Christmas. Families prepare for Christmas in advent in a variety of ways, such as setting up and Advent wreath on the dining room table or using a Jesse tree. One can also use the season to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance and observe silence as a means of preparing for Christmas.

Advent Blogs

Advent Resources

On Mission: Advent Resources

On Mission: The Feasts of Advent

On Mission: Advent

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Living the Liturgical Year at Home," written and read by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.

“Living the Liturgical Year at Home,” by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess. In her blog and with the onset of Advent, the beginning of a new Liturgical Year, approaching, Fatima gives ideas and advice for celebrating the important days and feast within your own family. These celebrations could be for liturgical feasts in the Church’s calendar, like saint feast days or anniversaries of sacraments, like Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. She also recommends accompanying your celebration with prayers specific to the celebration.

Click here to learn more about your favorite saints.

Click here to listen to the On Mission episode about Introducing the Faith to Young Children.

Listen to another blogcast about the Wedding Feast at Cana by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.

Fatima Monterrubio Cruess is the Resource Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center. In this role, she assists in the creation and use of the Center's content and resources in both English and Spanish.

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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

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The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Our Spiritual Love Story," written by Susan A. Fowler and read by Monica Thom Konschnik.

“Our Spiritual Love Story,” by Susan A. Fowler.

Author:

Susan A. Fowler was born and raised in Maryland and has been a lifelong Catholic actively involved in parish ministries for over 43 years. She has been married for 42 years, raised 6 children with her husband, and currently resides in Georgia.

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The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses vocations awareness week, focusing on the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. We are called to pray for vocations, but also to encourage those who are considering a vocation.

National Vocation Awareness Week, celebrated November 5-11, 2023, is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. NVAW began in 1976 when the U. S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for NVAW. In 1997, this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 13 in 2013. Beginning in 2014, NVAW was moved to the first full week of November.

Notes:

Prayer for Vocations (USCCB)

Vocational Discernment Resources

Art of Accompaniment Resources

Listen to the first part of the St. Vincent Pallotti series: on Apostolates and the Mission of the Laity

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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Living Faith Through Missionary Discipleship," written and read by Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.

“Living Faith Through Missionary Discipleship,” by Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.

In his blog post, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses how the baptized provide a profound witness to Jesus Christ through their actions as missionary disciples. Young people, in particular, have a unique witness that can guide others along the path of faith. Fr. Frank discusses the need missionary disciples have to be accompanied by other missionary disciples. To assist in accompaning young adults, the Catholic Apostolate Center provides an online course, Introduction to Young Adult Ministry Course.

Links:

Click here to view the Center’s E-Formation Platforms.

View the Art of Accompaniment and Living as Missionary Disciples resource pages.

Listen to On Mission episodes about accompaniment, spiritual direction, and eformation.

Contributors:

Fr. Frank S. Donio, S.A.C., D.Min. is Founding Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). He is also Executive Director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men of the United States (CMSM).

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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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Apple Podcasts
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the role of ministers and ministries within the Catholic Church and the differences between them and apostolates.

Fr. Frank continues a two-part series on the difference between apostolate and ministry. Pope St. John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council in 1962 and the Second Vatican Council affirmed the mission of the Laity to work collaboratively with religious and clergy of the Church to evangelize and spread the Gospel in our daily lives. The laity are called to bring faith, healing, and God’s mercy to others.

Notes:

Listen to the first part of this series: on Apostolates and the Mission of the Laity

Listen to the Series on St. Vincent Pallotti

View Lay Ministry and Apostolate Resources

View Living as Missionary Disciples Resources

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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Learning from a Life of Grace," written by Alyce Shields and read by Greta David.

“Learning from a Life of Grace,” by Alyce Shields.

Author:

Alyce Shields is a teacher in Washington, D.C.

Reader:

Greta grew up in Miami, FL and currently lives in Maryland. In May 2017, Greta completed her B.A. in Theology & Religious Studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. In December 2019, Greta completed her M.Ed. in College Student Personnel Administration at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. In addition to her role at the Center, Greta works at Catholic University as the Assistant Director for Campus Events in the Office of Campus Activities.

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The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the mission of the laity to be apostles by bringing the Faith into our daily lives and evangelize.

Fr. Frank begins a two-part series on the difference between Apostolates and ministries. Pope St. John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council in 1962 and the Second Vatican Council affirmed the mission of the Laity to work collaboratively with religious and clergy of the Church to evangelize and spread the Gospel in our daily lives. The laity are called to bring faith, healing, and God’s mercy to others.

Listen to the Series on St. Vincent Pallotti

View Lay Ministry and Apostolate Resources

View Living as Missionary Disciples Resources

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Saint Francis of Assisi and a True Love of Creation," written by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess and read by Tom Carani.

“Saint Francis of Assisi and a True Love of Creation," written by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess and read by Tom Carani.

In her blog post, Fatima discusses that St. Francis is commonly looked on as a person who simply loved animals. However, as described by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’: on care for our common home, St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order and his feast day is October 4th, is the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically. We are called by Pope Francis, with St. Francis as our model, to care for and respect our common home and care for our neighbors who are exploited by consumerism and the throw away culture. Laudato Si’ offers the examples of food waste while many go hungry, fishing communities harmed by the pollution of water and depletion of fishing reserves, the change in sea levels forcing impoverished coastal populations to migrate, as well as “the premature death of many of the poor, in conflicts sparked by the shortage of resources” (Laudato Si’, 48).

Links:

View St. Francis’ bio and other information on the Feast Day Site.

View the Pope Francis Portal, and Laudato Si’ resource pages.

Listen to On Mission episodes about Laudato Si’, All Saints Day, and Spirituality and Prayer Through Religious Charism.

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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series on the life and spirituality of St. Vincent Pallotti, the founder of the Pallottines and speaks about the lasting legacy and impact of St. Vincent Pallotti’s work in today’s world.

St. Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), a priest of the Diocese of Rome, founded in 1835 an association of lay people, religious, and clergy called the Union of Catholic Apostolate to assist the Church’s missionary work, revive the faith of Catholics, and engage in universal charity. From that association grew religious communities of men and women, including the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). Pallotti believed that all are called to be apostles of Jesus Christ in the Church and in the world.

You can listen to the first installment here.

Listen to the second installment here about Pallotti’s works of mercy.

Listen to the third installment about Pallotti as a mystic.

Catholic Apostolate Center St. Vincent Pallotti Portal

Catholic Apostolate Center Patron Saints

On Mission: St. Vincent Pallotti

Watch the What is a Saint? video

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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series on the life and spirituality of St. Vincent Pallotti, the founder of the Pallottines and speaks about Pallotti’s mystical experiences in a unique way because he was so active in his apostleship.

St. Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), a priest of the Diocese of Rome, founded in 1835 an association of lay people, religious, and clergy called the Union of Catholic Apostolate to assist the Church’s missionary work, revive the faith of Catholics, and engage in universal charity. From that association grew religious communities of men and women, including the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). Pallotti believed that all are called to be apostles of Jesus Christ in the Church and in the world.

You can listen to the first installment here.

Listen to the second installment here about Pallotti’s works of mercy.

Catholic Apostolate Center St. Vincent Pallotti Portal

Catholic Apostolate Center Patron Saints

On Mission: St. Vincent Pallotti

Watch the What is a Saint? video

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “St. Vincent de Paul, the Daughters of Charity, and a Visit to France," written by Dana Edwards Szigeti and read by Rachel Dugan Wood.

“St. Vincent de Paul, the Daughters of Charity, and a Visit to France," by Dana Edwards Szigeti. In her blog, Dana describes her moving journey through France where she discovered the tombs of St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Catherine Laboure. She reflects on the charitable works these Saints conducted and inspired others to perform and the religious group these saints formed: Daughters of Charity.

Click here to learn more about your favorite saints including St. Vincent de Paul and St. Catherine Laboure.

Click here to listen to the On Mission episode about Retreats.

Listen to another blogcast.

Dana Edwards Szigeti currently resides in Orlando, Florida, where she works as a senior communications representative for a local company. She moved to the city after getting married in May, and has been getting involved within her local parish community, Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.

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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
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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, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series on the life and spirituality of St. Vincent Pallotti, the founder of the Pallottines and speaks about the charitable works of mercy that Pallotti emphasized in his lifetime and how all Catholics are called to engage in those works today.

St. Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), a priest of the Diocese of Rome, founded in 1835 an association of lay people, religious, and clergy called the Union of Catholic Apostolate to assist the Church’s missionary work, revive the faith of Catholics, and engage in universal charity. From that association grew religious communities of men and women, including the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). Pallotti believed that all are called to be apostles of Jesus Christ in the Church and in the world.

Notes:

You can listen to the first installment here.

Catholic Apostolate Center St. Vincent Pallotti Portal

Catholic Apostolate Center Patron Saints

On Mission: St. Vincent Pallotti

Watch the What is a Saint? video

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. begins a series on the life and spirituality of St. Vincent Pallotti, the founder of the Pallottines.

St. Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), a priest of the Diocese of Rome, founded in 1835 an association of lay people, religious, and clergy called the Union of Catholic Apostolate to assist the Church’s missionary work, revive the faith of Catholics, and engage in universal charity. From that association grew religious communities of men and women, including the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). Pallotti believed that all are called to be apostles of Jesus Christ in the Church and in the world.

Notes:

Catholic Apostolate Center St. Vincent Pallotti Portal

Catholic Apostolate Center Patron Saints

On Mission: St. Vincent Pallotti

Watch the What is a Saint? video

The Catholic Apostolate Center
The Center's podcast website
Instagram
Facebook
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “A Heart Which Sees," written and read by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.

"A Heart Which Sees,” by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess. In this Blogcast, Fatima Monterrubio Cruess describes in her blog post the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feast day is September 15th, and the Seven Sorrows Our Lady Endured. The Seven Sorrows are: The First is Simeon's prophecy that speaks of a sword that will pierce her heart (see Lk 2:35). The second sorrow is the flight to Egypt to save her Son's life (see Mt 2:13-23). The third sorrow, those three days of anguish when the boy remained in the temple (see Lk 2:41-50). The fourth sorrow, when Our Lady meets Jesus on the way to Calvary (see Jn 19:25). The fifth sorrow of Our Lady is the death of Jesus, seeing her Son there, crucified, naked, dying. The sixth sorrow, Jesus’ descent from the cross, dead, when she takes Him in her arms as she held Him in her arms more than thirty years before in Bethlehem. The seventh sorrow is Jesus’ burial. Fatima also invites us to pray with the Stabat Mater.

Click here to learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows.

Click here to listen to the On Mission episode about Marian Apparitions.

Listen to another blogcast about the Wedding Feast at Cana by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.

Fatima Monterrubio Cruess is the Resource Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center. In this role, she assists in the creation and use of the Center's content and resources in both English and Spanish.

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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the transition students, military, and young adults generally undertake at the beginning of a new semester or new job and the decisions regarding faith they may make.

The young adult years are a time when people begin to branch out and may make new, more profound decisions for the first time. During these years of transition, young adults may embrace the Faith or step away. To foster spiritual growth in these seasons of life, Fr. Frank advises that students and young adults alike attend Sunday Mass on a regular basis and engaging with the local faith community.

Notes:

On Mission: Spiritual Growth During Collegiate Years

Maintaining Prayer Routines During Summer Vacation

View Catholic Apostolate Center resources on Prayer and Catechesis.

Resources on Vocation Discernment.

Living as Missionary Disciples Resources.

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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Learning and Life in the Liturgy," written by Braden Lynch and read by Victor David.

“Learning and Life in the Liturgy” by Braden Lynch.

Author:

Braden Lynch is a religion teacher at Pallotti High School (Laurel, MD) and former Summer Associate for the Catholic Apostolate Center.

Victor David:

Victor David is the Interim Director of Residence Life at Catholic University. Originally from Joliet, Illinois, he graduated from Catholic University in 2014 with a B.A. in Politics, and in 2017 with his M.S. in Management. He is an avid fan of Downton Abbey, ABBA, Disney, and the Great British Bake Off. Victor and his wife, Greta, a fellow Catholic alum, enjoy exploring the city, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

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“Communicating Like Chrysostom,” by Fr. Evan Ponton and read by Tom Carani.

In his blog post, Fr. Evan Ponton discusses practical tips for individuals looking to grow in their communication and public speaking skills as a means of evangelization like St. John Chrysostom, the patron Saint of preachers, orators, and speakers and his feast day is September 13. To help improve public speaking, Fr. Evan proposes four exercises: 1. Know your who, what, and why; 2. record and review your delivery; 3. examine how other eloquent public speakers deliver their speeches; and 4. be comfortable with yourself and your personal style.

Links:

View St. John Chrysostom bio and other information on the Feast Day Site.

View the Art of Accompaniment, New Evangelization, and Living as Missionary Disciples resource pages.

Listen to On Mission episodes about accompaniment, providing witness, and all Saints day

Contributors:

Tom Carani

Fr. Evan Ponton

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Blogcasts are 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 and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank’s weekly reflections, episodes of On Mission, and recent blogcasts.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses the Pillar of Advocacy in Called to the Joy of Love. Advocacy in the public square seeks to advance the truths of the human person, of marriage, and of the family enlightened by faith, reason, and two-thousand years of human experience.

The USCCB document Called to the Joy of Love is the national pastoral framework for marriage and family life ministry, which came out in 2021 and is inspired by Pope Francis’ 2016 encyclical Amoris Laetitiaaddressing the pastoral care of families, following the Synods on the Family in 2014 and 2015.

Called to the Joy of Love is meant for the marriage and family life directors in dioceses and is focused on the reality of family life today and how the Church can assist those who are to be married, those who are married, and those who are growing their family. The four pillars of this document are: prayer and relationship with Christ, formation, accompaniment, and advocacy within the public square.

Notes:

Listen to the first installment in the Called to the Joy of Love miniseries here.

Listen to the second installment here on prayer and relationship with Christ.

Listen to the third installment here on prayerful formation for marriage.

Listen to the fourth installment here on accompaniment through marriage preparation.

Listen to the fifth installment here on accompanying married couples in the early years of marriage.

Listen to the sixth installment here on accompanying married couples through times of crisis.

Listen to the seventh installment about accompanying couples who are separated or divorced

Listen to the eighth installment about accompanying parents as they raise children.

Listen to the ninth installment about accompanying couples who experience infertility.

Listen to the tenth installment about single adults.

Listen to the eleventh installment on accompanying widows and widowers.

Listen to the twelfth installment on grandparents.

Listen to the thirteenth insallment on complex or difficult situations.

View Catholic Apostolate Center resources on Marriage and Family Life Here.

Read Called to the Joy of Love here.

ReadAmoris Laetitia by Pope Francis here.

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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, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

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This blogcast explores “Become What You Behold," written and read by Kate Fowler.

"Become What You Behold,” by Kate Fowler.

Author:

Kate Fowler is the Blog Coordinator for the Catholic Apostolate Center. Her work includes: coordinating our Ad Infinitum blog, editing posts and resources for the Center, and co-hosting the On Mission podcast.

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In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses accompanying couples and families who experience complex or difficult situations: from addiction and violence to accompanying military families as in Called to the Joy of Love. The Church may not have the expertise in these issues, so it is important to refer families to professionals.