Helping Parishes Build Better Youth Ministries (Guest: Everett Fritz)

Everett Fritz is a leading expert in small group discipleship and an advocate for quality youth ministry. He is the author of 4 books, including The Art of Forming Young Disciples and One Disciple at a Time.

Everett has been serving in the trenches of youth ministry for over 15 years. He holds a BA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and an MA in Theology with concentrations in catechesis and evangelization from the Augustine Institute.

Everett Fritz has been a featured speaker on EWTN, Catholic Answers Live, NCYC, Formed, and in dioceses, parishes, universities and schools all over the world.

Everett Fritz founded Andrew Ministries in 2015 After throwing out the program playbook and rebuilding his youth ministry on discipleship small groups, Everett saw a 80% increase in students who stayed Catholic in college. Now he helps ministries all over the country stop spinning their wheels and build ministries that actually work.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Helping Parishes Build Better Youth Ministries (Guest: Everett Fritz)

Strengthening Men’s Souls (Guest: Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM)

 Join us as we dive into Fr. Wade Menezes’s powerful new devotional for men, packed with daily insights and practical advice. Discover how Scripture and saintly wisdom can equip you to tackle life’s challenges, strengthen your faith, and live out your true purpose. Ready to elevate your spiritual journey? Tune in!

Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM is a member of the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary preaching Religious Congregation based in Auburn, Kentucky. Ordained a priest during the Great Jubilee Year 2000, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Catholic Thought from the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Toronto, Canada and his dual Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Degrees in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. His secular college degrees are in journalism and communications.

https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/stand-firm-be-strong/p/BKEPUB84112

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Strengthening Men’s Souls (Guest: Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM)

Hope in the Streets (Guest: Bob Lesnefsky)

Join us as we sit down with Bob Lesnefsky, founder of Vagabond Missions, to uncover the stories behind his journey. From the streets of New York to cities across the U.S., Bob shares powerful insights on bringing faith, hope, and transformation to inner-city teens.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Hope in the Streets (Guest: Bob Lesnefsky)

On the Demonic (Guest: Fr. Dave Tomaszycki)

In 1974, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen expressed his intention to write a book on the demonic, but the project never materialized. Fr. Dave Tomaszycki, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and current priest-secretary to Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, took on the task of compiling and editing Sheen's intended work, using Sheen's own words to bring the vision to life.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · On the Demonic (Guest: Fr. Dave Tomaszycki)

The Natural Law in Our Culture (Guest: Dr. Jemy Gatdula)

Dr. Jemy Gatdula is the dean of the Institute of Law of the University of Asia and the Pacific and is a Philippine Judicial Academy lecturer for constitutional philosophy and jurisprudence. He read international law at the University of Cambridge.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · The Natural Law in Our Culture (Guest: Dr. Jemy Gatdula)

Remember the Unborn (Guest: Dr. Pat Castle)

 Dr. Pat Castle is the founder of Life Runners, the world’s largest Pro-Life team with 24,200+ teammates who wear “Remember The Unborn” jerseys as a public witness in 3,500+ cities. Pat is an inspiring Pro-Life force through faith, activism, and education.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Remember the Unborn (Guest: Dr. Pat Castle)

The Biblical Case for the Catholic Church (Guest: Tom Nash)

Thomas J. Nash is a Contributing Apologist and Speaker for Catholic Answers and a Contributing Blogger for the National Catholic Register. He is the author of What Did Jesus Do?: The Biblical Roots of the Catholic Church, The Biblical Roots of the Mass, To Whom Shall We Go?: The Biblical Case for the Catholic Church (Emmaus Road, 2024), and the Catholic Answers booklet 20 Answers: The Rosary. He has served the Catholic Church professionally for more than 35 years, including as a Theology Advisor for the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · The Biblical Case for the Catholic Church (Guest: Tom Nash)

Insight into the Life of Blessed Carlo Acutis (Guest: Courtney Mares)

Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees. She is the author of “Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint in Sneakers.”

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Insight into the Life of Blessed Carlo Acutis (Guest: Courtney Mares)

What is Madonna House? (Guest: Veronica Ferri)

Meet Veronica Ferri from the Madonna House, a lay apostolate founded by Catherine Doherty in Canada.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · What is Madonna House? (Guest: Veronica Ferri)

What is Madonna House? (Guests: Victoria Fausto & Jeremiah Barker)

Meet Victoria Fausto and Jeremiah Barker from the Madonna House, a lay apostolate founded by Catherine Doherty in Canada.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · What is Madonna House? (Guests: Victoria Fausto & Jeremiah Barker)

Addressing Moral Confusion (Guest: Rich May)

A former Air Force pilot, Rich May is a retired aerospace engineer by profession. He has a BA in Pastoral Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston and an MA in theology from the Franciscan University in Steubenville Ohio. With an approbation from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, he speaks locally and nationally. He has 35 years experience teaching catechesis at all levels and has authored several booklets. Currently he is teaching the youth how to courageously respond to the counter-culture.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Addressing Moral Confusion (Guest: Rich May)

The Church Fathers (Guest: Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.)

Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P. grew up as the youngest of ten children on a Kansas farm. He entered the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in 1995 and professed simple vows the following year. He made his profession of solemn vows in the Great Jubilee Year of 2000, and was ordained a deacon in 2001 and a priest in 2002. 

His assignments have included serving as a parochial vicar in Rhode Island, a missionary in Kenya, a doctoral student at the University of Notre Dame, a formator at the Dominican House of Studies, a member of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, and a formator at St. Dominic Priory in Washington. Since the fall of 2021, he has been the editor of the journal The Thomist, for which he previously was book review editor.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · The Church Fathers (Guest: Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.)

The Church in the 1960s, Renewal, and the Spiritual Life (Guest: Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR)

Fr. Glenn is one of the eight founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, founded in the spring of 1987. The apostolic mission of the Community is to save the materially poor, especially the destitute and homeless. Presently, the Community has over 120 members and 15 friaries around the world. Father Glenn Sudano is from Brooklyn, and briefly pursued a career in television before entering the Capuchins in 1978 with the encouragement of Father Benedict Groeschel.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · The Church in the 1960s, Renewal, and the Spiritual Life (Guest: Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR)

The Vital Role of Motherhood (Guest: Colleen McDanald)

Fr. Mark speaks to Colleen McDanald, the Lady National President of the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers. The Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers is a pious association intended for mothers, which has for its special object the promotion of the good Christian and Catholic education of their children. The members join their hearts in love with the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of Sorrows, and unite under her patronage in mutual prayer and solicitude for the welfare of their children and families.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · The Vital Role of Motherhood (Guest: Colleen McDanald)

A Conversation While Driving to the National Eucharistic Congress (Guest: Fr. Joseph Mary, MFVA)

We're heading to Indianapolis for the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years! Join Fr. Joseph and Fr. Mark for a conversation about this week’s event, Eucharistic revival, Mother Angelica, and much more!

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · A Conversation While Driving to the National Eucharistic Congress (Guest: Fr. Joseph Mary, MFVA)

From Papua New Guinea to the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers (Guest: Fr. Joseph Tucson, OFM Cap.)

Fr. Joseph Tuscon was born in Columbus, OH, in 1967 and was raised in Canton, OH. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 1989 from Borromeo College Seminary. In 1990, he professed his first vows as a Capuchin Franciscan friar. Making his Perpetual vows in 1993, he went on to earn his Master's degree in theology in 1995 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1997.

His first assignment after ordination was in Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific where he served for four years. Returning to the US in 2001, he has ministered in various capacities as a parochial vicar and pastor, as well as a military and hospital chaplain; he also served in our Province's Custody of Puerto Rico.

He currently serves as the national director of the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers and in full-time preaching ministry for the Capuchin Province of St. Augustine, offering retreats and reflection days for parishes, Religious and Priests.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · From Papua New Guinea to the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers (Guest: Fr. Joseph Tucson)

Sexual Identity (Guest: Dr. John Finley)

Dr. John Finley is a professor at Thomas Aquinas College.  He has authored several publications on philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, phenomenology, and Ancient and Medieval philosophy. Dr. Finley received his masters and doctorate in philosophy from the University of Dallas and his Bachelor of Arts from Thomas Aquinas College. In 2016 he was awarded a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to pursue collaborative research on the human person from the standpoints of science, medicine, philosophy, and theology.

Dr. Finley is the co-author and editor of Sexual Identity: The Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Sexual Identity (Guest: Dr. John Finley)

Conversion Stories of Hollywood Legends (Guest: Mary Claire Kendall)

Mary Claire Kendall is a Washington-based writer, producer, TV and radio personality, and public speaker. In her book, “Oasis: Conversion Stories of Hollywood Legends” she highlights stories of recovery and conversion in the lives of Hollywood legends we know so well.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Conversion Stories of Hollywood Legends (Guest: Mary Claire Kendall)

Sacramental Marriage, NFP, and more (Guest: Megan Murphy)

Megan Murphy carries the message of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body to dioceses through marriage preparation and natural family planning classes, and numerous youth and young adult programs and retreats. Megan resides with her husband of 20 years, Neal, in Dunmore PA where she homeschools their four beautiful daughters.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Sacramental Marriage, NFP, and more (Guest: Megan Murphy)

Teaching Children about Jesus in the Holy Eucharist (Guest: Jean Prather)

Jean Prather talks to Fr. Mark about Catholic Kids 101. See how it started and how it helps educate children on important matters of the faith in a fun and engaging way, especially a guided Eucharistic Holy Hour for children.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Teaching Children about Jesus in the Holy Eucharist (Guest: Jean Prather)

Places of Grace (Guest: Fr. Edward Looney)

Catholic travel, or what we call pilgrimage, has been important in the life of Fr. Edward Looney. His first pilgrimage was with his parish on a local bus trip to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion when he was in eighth grade. Since then, he has boarded planes, rented cars, and traveled the world to see sites of Marian apparition, shrines of saints, and other spiritual sites and places along the way. Some of the places he visits are popular and attract many visitors. Others are hidden sites, off the beaten path. In Places of Grace, Fr. Looney recounts his experiences at shrines, chapels, monasteries, and graves, naming a grace he received from the Lord at each site. That grace will be different for each person.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Places of Grace (Guest: Fr. Edward Looney)

Dating, Love, & Culture (Guest: Brendan McCauley)

Brendan McCauley was born and raised in Olympia, WA and currently resides in Nashville, TN where he is President & Co-Founder of Humanum Project, writer, and international speaker for the Theology of the Body Institute. He holds a Masters in Theological Studies for Marriage and Family from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington D.C. and is certified from the Theology of the Body Institute in Quarryville, PA. For the past six years, Brendan has been giving presentations to all ages on topics related to identity, two of which reached over 100,000 people from 160 countries online.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Dating, Love, & Culture (Guest: Brendan McCauley)

The Transformative Power of Confession (Guest: Fr. Kevin Peek)

Fr. Kevin Peek is the parochial vicar at St. Monica in Duluth, GA a suburb of Atlanta. He is also the airport chaplain at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport where he worked to open at 24/7 Eucharistic Chapel.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · The Transformative Power of Confession (Guest: Fr. Kevin Peek)

The Feminine Genius (Guest: Kris McGregor)

Kris McGregor is the founder of DiscerningHearts.com, an online resource for the best in contemporary Catholic spirituality.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · The Feminine Genius (Guest: Kris McGregor)

Healing the Epidemic of Homlessness (Guest: Jess Echeverry)

Jess Echeverry is a women and family advocate, speaker, author and podcaster. She has survived parental divorce and alcoholism, as well as emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Her testimony includes dark times of physical and sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, years of homelessness, abortion, same sex attraction and two attempts at suicide. In 1997 she met the man she would eventually marry; this man would help her create an environment of authentic love that enabled her healing journey, her relationship with Jesus Christ and her eventual forgiveness and love for her attackers. She converted to Catholicism in 2008. Jess is the Founder and Executive Director of SOFESA, a 501c(3) non-profit ministry that has been accompanying Southern California homeless families since 1999.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Healing the Epidemic of Homlessness (Guest: Jess Echeverry)

Providing Clean, Safe Water in Developing Countries (Guest: Jacob Niemeier)

Jacob Niemeier is the founder and executive director of Vera Aqua Vera Vita, an organization that works to bring life-giving clean water and sanitation solutions to those in need.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Providing Clean, Safe Water in Developing Countries (Guest: Jacob Niemeier)

Offering Shelter and Christ to the Needy (Guest: Bob Nowak)

Bob Nowak joins Fr. Mark, after filming an episode of Life on the Rock, to discuss his missionary work at Brother House and the Legion of Mary. The charitable organizations focus on offering shelter and Christ to the needy.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Offering Shelter and Christ to the Needy (Guest: Bob Nowak)

Debunking the Top Gay Myths (Guest: Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse)

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse is the founder of the Ruth Institute, an interfaith international coalition to defend the family and build a Civilization of Love. Dr. Morse was a campaign spokeswoman for California’s winning Proposition 8 campaign, defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. She has authored or co-authored six books and spoken around the globe on marriage, family and human sexuality. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Rochester and taught economics at Yale and George Mason Universities.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Debunking the Top Gay Myths (Guest: Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse)

Restoring Confidence in Marriage and Family Life (Guest: Monica & Renzo Ortega)

Renzo and Monica Ortega are Catholic ministry leaders, authors, speakers, and content creators. They host the popular marriage podcast, Two Become Family, and are co-authors of the children’s devotional, Go To Joseph for Children. Renzo is also the author of the men’s devotional, Go To Joseph. Their online marriage apostolate, Two Become Family, has been featured in the National Catholic Register and their conversion story has been featured in the documentary St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father. Renzo holds a MA in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. The Ortegas live in CT with their 5 children where they facilitate youth ministry and marriage prep ministry.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Restoring Confidence in Marriage and Family Life (Guests: Monica & Renzo Ortega)

Serving Impoverished Children & Single Parents in Ethiopia (Guest: Kim Zember)

 Kim moved to Ethiopia when she was 23 years old and by God’s loving hand created Unforgotten Faces. UF is an organization dedicated to supporting impoverished children and single parents in Ethiopia for 17+ years!

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Serving Impoverished Children & Single Parents in Ethiopia (Guest: Kim Zember)

Are you a Child of Divorce? (Guest: Beth Sri)

Life Giving Sounds is a Catholic ministry to adult children or divorce or separation. They offer Christ-centered healing through retreats, support groups, community, spiritual formation, resources and more.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Are you a Child of Divorce? (Guest: Beth Sri)

Ministering to those with Same-Sex Attraction or Gender Dysphoria (Guest: Anna Carter)

Anna Carter is the co-founder and president of Eden Invitation, a Catholic ministry that seeks to provide community, accompaniment and resources for people who experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria and who want to follow Christ and Catholic Church teaching. Growing up, her tenacious faith in Jesus predated awareness of her same sex desires. Her passion for catechesis and evangelization brought her to the Franciscan University of Steubenville, NET Ministries, and the high school classroom. She’s passionate about helping the Church serve unmet needs and about helping her friends find good books to read.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Ministering to those with Same-Sex Attraction or Gender Dysphoria (Guest: Anna Carter)

Reflections on the March for Life and what lies ahead? (Guest: Jeanne Mancini)

Jeanne Mancini is the President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. In this capacity she proudly directs the small non-profit organization committed to restoring a culture of life in the United States, most notably through the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word · Reflections on the March for Life and what lies ahead? (Guest: Jeanne Mancini)