Capitol Compass: Recent Episodes
NYS Catholic Conference
Capitol Compass is the official podcast of the New York State Catholic Conference. On the show we dive into public policy debates in Albany and Washington, D.C., of concern to the Church, as well as subjects related to Catholic social teaching. New episodes air every other Wednesday.
In episode 40, Gillian chats with Father Kevin Creagh, C.M., vice president for mission integration at Catholic Health. They discuss what differentiates Catholic Health from secular medical institutions and their advocacy work.
Learn more about Catholic Health: https://www.catholichealthli.org/
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
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In episode 39, Gillian chats with Max Rodriguez, manager of government affairs for the Center for Disability Rights. They discuss the dangers of the physician assisted suicide legislation and why everyone should be concerned about it.
Learn more about the Center for Disability Rights: https://cdrnys.org/
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In episode 38, Gillian chats with Shannon Kelly, executive director of Catholic Charities for Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. They discuss the opioid epidemic and the different treatment and prevention programs offered by Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.
Learn more about Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster: https://www.cccsos.org/
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In episode 37, Gillian chats with Mother Mary Concepta and Sister Virginia Joy. They discuss the mission of the Sisters of Life and their ministries.
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In episode 36, Gillian chats with Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio from the Diocese of Brooklyn. They discuss the current migrant crisis and how we can respond as Catholics.
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In episode 35, Gillian chats with Principal Philip Heide from St. Michael's Catholic Academy in Flushing, Queens. They discuss the school's dual language program and Catholic School's Week.
St. Michael's Catholic AcademyWebsite: https://stmichaelsca.org/
Address: 136-58 41st Ave Flushing NY 11355
Phone: (718) 961-0246 (English / Spanish)
Alternate Phone: (347) 399-8500 (English / Chinese)
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In episode 34, Gillian chats with Bishop Edward Scharfenberger from the Diocese of Albany. They discuss the horrific terrorist attack in Israel, the ensuing war against Hamas in Gaza, and the stain of anti-Semitism emerging here and abroad.
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In episode 33, Gillian chats with Sister Mary de Paul, O.P. from the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. They discuss Respect Life Month and her order’s ministry of caring for those with incurable cancer at the end of their lives.
Learn more about the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne: https://hawthorne-dominicans.org/index.html
Learn about Rosary Hill Home: https://www.rosaryhillhome.org/
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In episode 32, Gillian chats with Father Tom Colucci from Most Precious Blood Parish in Walden, NY. They discuss his journey from a 9/11 firefighter to becoming a priest.
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Learn what has been happening in Albany during the month of June 2023.
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In episode 31, Gillian chats with Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Colacicco from the Archdiocese of New York. They discuss the meaning of the Eucharist, the National Eucharistic Revival in Indianapolis, and the NYS Eucharistic Congress in Auriesville.
- Learn more about the NYS Eucharistic Congress: https://nyseucharisticcongress.org/
- Learn more about the National Eucharistic Revival: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/
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Learn what has been happening in Albany during the month of May 2023.
Take action against physician assisted suicide: https://www.votervoice.net/NYSCATHOLIC/campaigns/100173/respond
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In episode 30, Gillian chats with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Espaillat from the Archdiocese of New York. They discuss his appointment as a bishop, youth ministry, and the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
- Learn more about the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal: https://www.centrobronx.com/
- Pentecost Vigil Procession: https://www.centrobronx.com/27mayo
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Learn what has been happening in Albany during the month of April 2023.
Tell Governor Hochul you oppose her abortion expansion plans: https://www.votervoice.net/NYSCATHOLIC/campaigns/103840/respond
Our full memo of opposition on providing abortion pills on SUNY/CUNY campuses: https://www.nyscatholic.org/abortion-pill-access-on-college-campuses/
Take Action:
- Contact NYS Assembly Member to oppose providing abortion pills on SUNY/CUNY campuses
- Contact your NYS Senator to oppose providing abortion pills on SUNY/CUNY campuses
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In episode 29, Gillian chats with Michael La Civita, director of communications for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). They discuss CNEWA's response to the earthquakes in Syria and their other efforts to support the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Learn more about CNEWA: https://cnewa.org/
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/ , or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
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Learn what has been happening in Albany during the month of March 2023.
Radical Solidarity: https://www.nyscatholic.org/radical-solidarity/
Additional Resources
- Help for Moms: https://www.nyscatholic.org/helpformoms/
- Abortion: Public Policy and Catholic Teaching Resources: https://www.nyscatholic.org/abortion-public-policy-and-catholic-teaching-resources/
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In episode 28, Gillian chats with Dr. Catherine Ferrier, a Canadian physician and president of the Physicians Alliance Against Euthanasia. They discuss why NY and other states should look at Canada as an example of why assisted suicide should NOT be legalized.
Take action against assisted suicide in NY: https://www.votervoice.net/NYSCATHOLIC/campaigns/100173/respond
Proposed NY Legislation:
A995/S2445
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/ , or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
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Learn what has been happening in Albany during the month of February 2023.
Our statement on lifting the charter school cap: https://www.nyscatholic.org/statement-charter-school-cap/
Our testimony regarding the 2023-2024 elementary and secondary education budget: https://www.nyscatholic.org/elementary-and-secondary-education-budget/
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In episode 27, Gillian chats with Joe Zalot, an ethicist from the National Catholic Bioethics Center. We discuss the dangers of abortion pills and currently proposed NY legislation.
Proposed NY Legislation:
A1135: Defining the human embryo as “tissue”S.1066-A : Prescribing Abortion Medication via Telehealth
S9444-A: Relates to requiring SUNY and CUNY to offer abortion by medication techniques at all on-campus student health centers
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Learn what has been happening in Albany during the month of January 2023.
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In episode 26, Gillian chats with Auxiliary Bishop Richard Henning from the Diocese of Rockville Centre. We discuss his new appointment as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island.
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In episode 25, Gillian chats with Deacon Matt Hens from the Diocese of Buffalo. We discuss the importance of prison ministry and restorative justice.
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In episode 24, Gillian chats with Fr. Mark Reilly from St. Peter's Parish in Massena, NY, in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. We discuss his service as a Marine Corps veteran, parish priest and military chaplain.
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In episode 23, Gillian chats with Bishop Douglas Lucia from the Diocese of Syracuse. We discuss Catholicism, politics, and our moral and civic duty to be active in the political arena.
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In episode 22, Gillian chats with Molly Sheahan, associate director for life and family advocacy at the California Catholic Conference. We discuss California’s Proposition 1 and how could set precedence for other states, as well as, being pro-life In blue states.
California Catholic Conference: https://cacatholic.org/
California Catholic Conference on Proposition 1: https://cacatholic.org/prop1
Respect Life Resources:
- Abortion: Public Policy and Catholic Teaching Resources… https://www.nyscatholic.org/abortion-public-policy-and-catholic-teaching-resources/
- Help for Moms for Women in Crisis Pregnancies or New Parents… https://www.nyscatholic.org/helpformoms/
- Assisted Suicide… https://www.nyscatholic.org/stop-assisted-suicide/
- Catholic End of Life… https://www.catholicendoflife.org/
- Pursuing Justice: Catholic Social Teaching and Issues in Contemporary Society… https://www.nyscatholic.org/pursuing-justice-catholic-social-teaching-and-issues-in-contemporary-society/
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In episode 21, Gillian chats with Paulist Father Larry Rice, chaplain for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). We discuss campus ministry and young adult involvement in the Church.
Rensselaer Newman: https://rensselaernewman.org/
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In episode 20, Gillian chats with Beatriz Diaz Taveras, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services of the Archdiocese of New York. We discuss migrants at the border coming to New York City and what Catholic Charities has done to step up and help those in need.
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After a brief summer hiatus Capitol Compass is back! In episode 19, Gillian chats with Bishop John O. Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. We discuss Labor Day and the spirituality of work.
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In episode 18, Gillian chats with Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference. We discuss the end of the 2022 legislative session and bills of interest to the Conference.
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In episode 17, Gillian chats with Cheryl Calire, executive director of pro-life ministries for the Diocese of Buffalo. We discuss alternatives to abortion and the Mother Teresa Home in Buffalo's East Side.
NYS Bishops Statement on a Pro-Life Future in the Empire State: https://www.nyscatholic.org/nys-bishops-prolife/
NYSCC Help for Moms Resources: https://www.nyscatholic.org/helpformoms/
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode 16, Gillian chats with Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charies for the Archdiocese of New York. We discuss his recent trip to visit Ukrainian refugees with Cardinal Dolan and an Archdiocese of New York delegation.
Donate to Ukraine through CNEWA: https://cnewa.org/campaigns/ukraine/
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode 15, Gillian chats with Dan Misleh, founder of the Catholic Climate Covenant. We discuss the Catholic Climate Covenant and how to combat climate change through Care for Creation.
To learn more about the Catholic Climate Covenant, visit their website, https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode 14, Gillian chats with Dr. Thomas Carroll, general internal and palliative care doctor, and associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry. We discuss doctor-assisted suicide, common misconceptions, and more.
To learn more about Catholic end-of-life decision making and your legal options visit: https://www.catholicendoflife.org/
More resources:
- Finger Lakes Catholic Medical Association: https://www.fingerlakescma.org/
- Finger Lakes CMA on Physician-Assisted-Suicided: https://www.fingerlakescma.org/category/physician-assisted-suicide/
- Catholic Medical Association: https://www.cathmed.org/
- The Completed Life Initiative: https://completedlife.org/
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode 13, Gillian chats with Lauren McCormack, Executive Director for the Office of Government Relations at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). We chat about Catholic advocacy on the federal level.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
Warning: the discussions in this episode may be triggering for some survivors of abuse.
In episode 12, Gillian chats with Edward Mechmann, the Director of Public Policy and Director of Safe Environment with the Archdiocese of New York. We discuss the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, how the Church has responded in terms of protection of children and vulnerable adults today, and how we move forward in the future.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode 11, Gillian chats with Dan Jason, the founder of EF3 LIFE, a company based in using education, faith, fitness and finance to improve ourselves and the lives of others, and author of "The Saint Next Door." We discuss young adult involvement in the Church, specifically mission trips, and his new book "The Saint Next Door."
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode 10, Gillian chats with Bishop Robert J. Brennan, the newly appointed bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. We discuss his return to New York and stepping into his new role.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode nine, Gillian chats with Giovanni Virgiglio, Diocesan Chancellor and Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Albany. We discuss the importance of Catholic education and Catholic Schools Week (January 31, 2022 - February 5, 2022).
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode eight, Gillian chats with Kathleen Gallagher, Director for Pro-Life Activities, and Kristen Curran, Director of Government Relations, from the NYS Catholic Conference. We discuss Catholic advocacy in the public square.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode seven, Gillian chats with Jim Cultrara, the Director of Education for the NYS Catholic Conference. We discuss the Conference's role in education and how Catholic schools coped throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode six, Gillian chats with special guest His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Dolan. We reflect on the past year and discuss the Advent and Christmas seasons.
Cardinal Dolan's Christmas Midnight Mass airs on the Catholic Channel on Sirius XM, on channel 129, and on WPIX in the New York City metro area
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In episode five, Gillian chats with Alexis Carra-Tracey, attorney for the offices of Public Policy & Safe Environment at the Archdiocese of New York. We discuss the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, including common misconceptions of the case and possible outcomes.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode four, Gillian chats with Laura Cassell, the Executive Director/CEO of Catholic Charities of Long Island. We discuss the "hidden" needs in Long Island, pandemic challenges, and the upcoming holiday season.
To get involved with Catholic Charities of Long Island, visit their website, https://www.catholiccharities.cc/, or call them at (516) 733-7000.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode three, Gillian chats with Kathy Gallagher, the Director for Pro-Life Activities for the NYS Catholic Conference. We discuss the Conference's role in pro-life activities.
Sign up for the Catholic Action Network (CAN) by going to our website, nyscatholic.org/action-center/, or texting 'CAN' to 50457.
In episode two, Gillian chats with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger of the Diocese of Albany about his recent mission trip to Mexico City.
The sponsor of Bishop Ed's pilgrimage was Hope of the Poor. Read the Bishop's weekly articles in the Evangelist at https://evangelist.org/Content/Bishop/Columns/17/79
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In our first episode we chat with Dennis Poust, the Executive Director of the New York State Catholic Conference. He explains who we are as an organization, our goals for the podcast, and why Catholics should be involved in public policy.
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