Deacons Pod

In this special episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates celebrate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who entered eternal life on April 21, 2025.

The Paulist Deacon Affiliates recorded this episode of Deacons Pod on Holy Saturday to discuss their consolations and desolations in Lent, 2025, and about how to continue nurturing hope in the Easter season. The deacons also chat about the past two prior Deacons Pod episodes in August, 2022, and October, 2023, featuring Judge Ester Salas, a U.S. District Court judge in New Jersey who has publicly forgiven the man who murdered her son and shot her husband in 2020. Judge Salas was recently interviewed on television about new menacing actions directed toward judges and their families.

"I don't have optimism, I have hope – which is a theological virtue. They can't touch my hope but my optimism is in short supply," says Deacon Dennis Dolan in this episode of Deacons Pod. Deacon Dennis and Deacon Drew Dickson, two of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates, host this episode that looks at both a memorable Gospel reading of Lent and troubling issues raised by recent actions of the U.S. federal government. This episode also includes Deacons Pod's first podcast crossover: The inclusion of a powerful interview from a recent episode of "The Francis Effect" podcast between Heidi Schlumpf and Meghan Clark, a professor of moral theology at St John's University in New York City. In the interview, Professor Clark outlines the devastating impact of the recent federal funding cuts for USAID and Catholic Relief Services.

Could we just skip Thanksgiving dinner when we don't want to talk to our relatives about politics? Do we really need to have that hard conversation with our boss or a coworker? How do we talk to grandpa when the time comes to take away his car keys? These are some of the examples mentioned in this special episode of Deacons Pod in which the Paulist Deacon Affiliates interview Bob Bordone, co-author of the new book "Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In." A longtime professor of law, Bob is founder of the Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program and founder of the Cambridge Negotiation Institute. He also is a member of the Paulist Center in Boston and a member of the advisory board for the Paulist Initiative on Polarization. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

In this episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates speak with Fr. Robin Ryan, CP, author of the new Paulist Press book "Life is Changed, Not Ended: An Introduction to Christian Eschatology." Christian eschatology is the study of the "last things" including death, immortality of the soul, resurrection, and the end of time. Fr. Ryan's book ends with a reflection on Julian of Norwich's teaching about hope grounded in the love of God as exemplified by the passion of Christ, and considering the mystery of suffering. A member of the Passionists, Fr. Ryan is professor of systematic theology and director of the Master of Arts in the theology program at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also is author of the Paulist Press books "God and the Mystery of Human Suffering" and "Gazing on the Face of Christ: A Christ-Centered Spirituality." ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Three of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates (Deacon Drew, Deacon Dennis, and Deacon Mark) discuss the Gospel readings for the Sundays of Lent 2025 in this episode of Deacons Pod. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Paulist Fr. Bruce Nieli is the guest on this episode of Deacons Pod about how threshold Catholics are dealing with issues ignited by the new presidential administration in Washington, D.C. Fr. Bruce discusses the status of refugees and migrants in the United States; the abrupt federal funding cuts for Catholic Relief Services; and how believers in non-violence should react when faced with political violence. He also considers how families might respond when some family members stop going to Church in the wake of the presidential election. Fr. Bruce is a Paulist missionary based in Austin, TX, who leads parish missions and retreats in both English and Spanish. Ordained a priest in 1973, he also is a Papal Missionary of Mercy. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Paulist Press' new graphic biography "Dorothy Day: Radical Devotion" is the subject of this special episode of Deacons Pod. This colorful, visual narrative tells the story of Servant of God Dorothy Day (1897 - 1980), founder of the Catholic Worker movement. The Paulist Deacon Affiliates are joined by author Jeffry Odell Korgen and illustrator Christopher Cardinale to discuss their book. The deacons are assisted in the interview by Professor Kevin Ahern, director of the Dorothy Day Center at Manhattan University and co-chair of the Dorothy Day Guild, which is promoting her cause for canonization. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Centering prayer is the topic of this special episode of Deacons Pod. The Paulist Deacon Affiliates' guest is Colleen Thomas, a spiritual director trained in the monastic arts of discernment, spiritual companionship, and retreat leadership, and a long-time practitioner of centering prayer. Colleen is Associate Program Director at Stillpoint: A Center for Christian Spirituality in Los Angeles. She also is Diversity Outreach Coordinator for Contemplative Outreach and host of the "Opening Minds, Opening Hearts" podcast. Colleen holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology and Art from Fuller Theological Seminary. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

In this special "Year In Review" episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates take a look back at how 2024 went for them personally, for their parish ministries, and for our podcast. The deacons chat about which of our episodes and guests over the past year resonated with them the most. They also consider the common themes that emerged from guests in 2024 as they answered our "threshold question": "What words of hope would you give to a person thinking about no longer going to Church or to a person thinking about returning after a time away?" ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Paulist Fr. Mark-David Janus joins the Paulist Deacon Affiliates for this special episode of Deacons Pod. They speak about Fr. Mark-David's wonderful new Paulist Press book "Comfort and Joy: Christmas for the Soul."  The book provides a reflection for each day of the season of Advent and the 12 days of Christmas. Ordained a priest in 1979, Fr. Mark-David also is a psychologist. He recently became Publisher Emeritus of Paulist Press after serving as President and Publisher of the company for 14 years. He also was a guest on Deacons Pod in 2023 to share details about his book "Mercy Not Sacrifice: Lenten Daily Reflections." ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Maggi Van Dorn is our guest on this special episode of Deacons Pod. She is the host of the wonderful podcast “Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols” from America Media. The Paulist Deacon Affiliates ask Maggi about the deep dive she takes into the history, music, and lyrics of one specific Christmas carol or hymn on each installment of "Hark!" released during Advent. As an example, Maggi tells the deacons about the history of "O Holy Night." Maggi shares that one of the upcoming hymns featured on "Hark!" will be "We Three Kings." The episode will include thoughts from Eric Vanden Eykel, author of "The Magi," who was a guest on Deacons Pod in December, 2022. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

What is the Church for? Does the Church have a mission? Or, does the mission have a Church? What is your understanding of God? Fr. Stephen Bevans, SVD, raises these questions in this week's edition of Deacons Pod. Fr. Bevens is author of the new book "Community of Missionary Disciples: The Continuing Creation of the Church" from Orbis Books. A professor emeritus at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Fr. Bevans is a missionary of the Society of the Divine Word. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

"Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey," a powerful new documentary film co-produced by Paulist Productions, will be in select theaters around the United States on November 8, 2024. In this episode of Deacons Pod, the deacons speak about the film with Paulist Fr. Tom Gibbons, vice president of Paulist Productions and an executive producer of "Fighting Spirit." The film shares the stories of multiple U.S. military chaplains who died while serving. It is framed by the story of Justin Roberts, a former U.S. Army chaplain, as he attends the long-delayed funeral in 2021 of Servant of God Emil Kapaun, a priest and U.S. Army chaplain from Kansas, who died in 1953 as prisoner of war in North Korea. “Fighting Spirit” was co-produced by the U.S. Army Chaplains Corps. Actor Chris Pratt also is an executive producer on the project. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Do today's Catholic leaders have the knowledge and understanding to help people become disciples of Jesus Christ? Do parish leaders have the empathy and relationship-building skills to create a culture of welcome? Those are two of the questions raised in this episode of Deacons Pod featuring an interview with Dan Pierson of Grand Rapids, MI. After decades of work in religious education, Dan established Faith Alive Books. During the interview, Dan shares details about Faith Alive Books' two new short books "A Joyful Journey with Pope Francis: Exploring Twelve Pivotal Documents" and "Exploring Vatican II Treasures: Actors, Events, Insights." Both were written by Maryknoll Fr. James Kroeger. Dan also speaks about the work of Gerard Straub, the author and former television producer who leads the Santa Chiara Children's Center in Haiti. Gerard was featured in a 2023 Deacons Pod episode. Dan is active at the Catholic Information Center and a parishioner at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, both of which are served by the Paulist Fathers in Grand Rapids. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The Paulist Deacon Affiliates speak with Dr. Steven Millies, author of the new Paulist Press book "A Consistent Ethic of Life: Navigating Catholic Engagement with U.S. Politics." Dr. Millies directs The Bernardin Center at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. On September 26, 2024, Dr. Millies gave a presentation on the Consistent Ethic of Life at Old St. Mary's Church, which is served by the Paulist Fathers in Chicago. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Is the emotion of fear abused in politics, advertising, and other parts of life? What is the difference between natural fears and unnatural fears? Can fear be narcissistic? Can fear be transformational? Is hope the antidote to fear? These are some of the questions posed by the Paulist Deacon Affiliates to Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, in this fascinating installment of Deacons Pod. Fr. Dan is author of the new Paulist Press book "Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured World." A Franciscan Friar, he also is director of the Center for the Study of Spirituality at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, and co-host of The Francis Effect podcast. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

In this rebroadcast of a 2022 episode of Deacons Pod, the deacons speak with Kevin Tuerff, the real-life “Kevin T.” portrayed in the Broadway musical “Come From Away” about the thousands of airplane passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. Kevin also is author of the book "Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11" and founder of Pay It Forward 9/11, an initiative that encourages people to carry out acts of kindness. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

It is often in unlikely individuals and places that we discover God's transforming love. That is a premise of "Why God?: Stories to Inspire Faith," the new Paulist Press book from Fr. Richard Leonard, a Jesuit priest, author, and film critic from Australia. Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey speaks with Fr. Richard in this great new episode of Deacons Pod. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

When a Catholic leaves their parish, should we call them and ask "why"? Should departing parishioners be asked to complete marketing-style exit surveys? Is the abuse crisis a factor for those leaving the Church? These are just some questions posed to Diane Blair in this episode of Deacons Pod. Diane recently served as Director of Pastoral Life at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans. Prior to that, she worked for 14 years in various roles at Loyola University New Orleans. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

In this special installment of Deacons Pod, five of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates share stories of sacred moments they experienced while traveling. The episode was inspired by this question: "What is the difference between pilgrimage and vacation?" ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Addressing racism in our nation and in our Church is the topic of this installment of Deacons Pod. The deacons speak with Matt Kappadakunnel, author of the Paulist Press book "The Catholic Church and the Struggle for Racial Justice." Matt is a Catholic of South Indian descent and a member of the Syro-Malabar Church. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Do our thoughts matter? Can we redirect "afflicted" thoughts like anger and dejection? What do the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers have to teach us about managing our thoughts? Those are some of the questions addressed in this episode of Deacons Pod featuring Sr. Mary Margaret Funk, OSB, a Benedictine nun of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, IN. Sr. Meg is author of "The Matters Series" and other books from Liturgical Press. She also is a leader in interreligious dialogue. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Meditation and contemplative prayer may help people take a break from the drama in their lives, and be a balm to polarization in our society. Those are just two of several takeaways from this special episode of Deacons Pod featuring Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB, a Benedictine monk and director of the World Community for Christian Meditation. Their conversation includes details on teaching meditation to children. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Heidi Busse, editor of the devotional periodical Give Us This Day, has a lively conversation with the Paulist Deacon Affiliates about Benedictine values, addressing polarization, and ministry with Catholics on the threshold. Published by Liturgical Press, Give Us This Day is a monthly booklet in a day-by-day format. It provides readers with the daily Mass readings, morning prayer, evening prayer, reflections, profiles of the saints and other inspiring individuals, and more. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Helen Osman, a longtime leader in faith-based communications, joins us for a conversation about providing hope for the Catholics at the threshold of the Church door; trends in Church media; and more. Helen is president of SIGNIS, the international association for Catholic communicators. A resident of Austin, TX, she also serves as a consultant to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication. She previously worked for eight years as Secretary of Communications for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

In this special episode, we compile responses from our several of our pod guests to our regular question: "What words of hope would you give to Catholics at the threshold of the Church door, both those who are thinking about returning to Church and those who are thinking about leaving?" ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

In this episode, the deacons have a wonderful conversation with Paulist Deacon Chris Lawton and Paulist Deacon Dan Macalinao. They are both Paulist seminarians and transitional deacons who are slated to be ordained priests on May 18, 2024. Deacon Chris and Deacon Dan both met the Paulist Fathers when they were parishioners at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City, where the Ordination Mass will be celebrated. Come, Holy Spirit! ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Heidi Schlumpf, senior correspondent at National Catholic Reporter, about trends in the Church, Catholic publishing, and more. This is a rebroadcast of an episode from October, 2022. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons have a great conversation with Jesuit Fr. James Martin, editor-at-large of America magazine, about his new book "Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus's Greatest Miracle." In the book, Fr. Jim takes a deep dive into the Gospel account of Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead. The deacons also speak with Fr. Jim about his service as a voting member at the Church's “Synod on Synodality,” the first session of which was held in October, 2023, at the Vatican. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons have a great conversation with Paulist Fr. Rich Andre, director of the Paulist Center in Boston, about his faith journey, his call to the priesthood, preaching styles, music, the intersection of faith and science, and ministry in Boston. During their conversation, Fr. Rich shares details about the lectionary guide he helped to create when he served at St. Austin Church in Austin, TX. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Deacon Dennis and Deacon Tom share thoughts and tips for navigating the sacred season of Lent. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Deacon Dennis and Deacon Tom speak with Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS, who served from 2004 to 2021 as executive director of the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and helped to organize the "Nuns on the Bus" lobbying tours around the country. Sr. Simone is a member of the Sisters of Social Service. At the beginning of the episode, Deacon Tom references an early member of the Sisters of Social Service: Blessed Sára Salkaházi, who was martyred in Budapest, Hungary, in 1944. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Diana Macalintal, co-founder and co-director of TeamRCIA, a resource for parishes and ministers working with adults who are becoming Catholic. She also is an author and speaker on topics related to liturgy, music, prayer, and intercultural ministry. Diana is an alumna of the University Catholic Center at UCLA. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons are joined by Jesuit Fr. Thomas Reese to discuss his essay "15 Hidden Gems in the Synod on Synodality Report" that appeared November 9, 2023, in the National Catholic Reporter. The essay looks at 15 aspects of the Synthesis Report that was issued after "Synod on Synodality" that was held October 4 to 29 at the Vatican. Fr. Tom is a senior analyst for Religion News Service. From 1998 to 2005, he was editor-in-chief of America magazine. Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Media literacy education, digital literacy skills, artificial intelligence, and the power of movies are topics in this first Deacons Pod episode of 2024. The deacons' wonderful guest is Sr. Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul, the founding director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, and a film critic. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, writer of the "Blessed Among Us" column in "Give Us This Day," and one-time managing editor of the Catholic Worker newspaper. The episode touches on Advent, Christmas, the future of Catholic book publishing, Servant of God Dorothy Day, Servant of God Isaac Hecker, and Robert's well-known father Daniel Ellsberg, who entered eternal life in June, 2023. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Joan Rosenhauer, President of Jesuit Refugee Service USA, an organization which serves and advocates on behalf of refugees and forcibly displaced people. Before joining JRS/USA in 2018, Joan spent nine years as Executive Vice President of Catholic Relief Services. Prior to that, she served at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department for Justice, Peace, and Human Development.   ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

How can the Church's evangelization efforts be more effective? Is World Youth Day having a lasting impact? Where can "threshold Catholics" or "seekers" find hope? These are some of the deacons' questions in this episode for Marilyn Santos, a veteran Catholic educator and youth minister. She serves today as Associate Director of the Secretariat of Evangelization & Catechesis at the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.  ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Deacon Dennis and Deacon Patrick speak with Cherylann and Len Gengel of the Be Like Brit Foundation, which operates a home and academy for children in Haiti. They began the foundation after their daughter Brit died while on a mission trip in Haiti during the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010. During the Saturday evening Mass on November 18, 2023, Cherylann and Len will be honored by the Paulist Center in Boston with an Isaac Hecker Award for Social Justice. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Nancy Klein Maguire, author of "An Infinity of Little Hours: Five Young Men and Their Trial of Faith in the Western World's Most Austere Monastic Order" and "The Monk's Widow: A Memoir of a Resilient Love and an Intimate Death." Before their conversation with Dr. Maguire, Deacon Mark, Deacon Dennis, and Deacon Drew discuss the different orders of Catholic monks and the varying levels of austerity among them. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas about her spiritual journey and the sense of peace she has found three years after her son Daniel, age 20, was shot and killed at their home in New Jersey. Judge Salas and her husband Mark (who also was shot during the attack) have publicly forgiven the assailant. She is the first Deacons Pod guest to make a return visit to the pod. New listeners may want to listen to her first conversation with the deacons in 2022. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

Chaplains for police departments, sheriff's offices, and other law enforcement agencies serve during some of life's worst moments. To explore the blessings and challenges of such roles, the deacons speak with Paulist Fr. Charlie Donahue and Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey (one of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates). They both serve as law enforcement chaplains in Knoxville, TN. Fr. Charlie is a chaplain with the city police department and Deacon Patrick is a chaplain with the county sheriff's office. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Deacon Bill Ditewig, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, linguist, professor, and author of several Paulist Press books about the diaconate. His most recent book is "Courageous Humility: Reflections on the Church, Diakonia, and Deacons." A deacon of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., he lives today in Florida. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Gerard Straub, an author, former television producer, and Secular Franciscan who leads the Santa Chiara Children's Center in Haiti. On September 28, 2023, he is slated to deliver the Annual Gallagher Talk at the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, MI.  ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Deacon Kevin Martin, a permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Boston, and author of "All Is Well: Life Lessons from a Preacher's Father." The book is a memoir of a parent's sudden passing from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), recalling life lessons learned, and regaining faith in the process. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Dr. Carmen Acevedo Butcher, translator of a "revolutionary" new translation of the spiritual classic "The Practice of the Presence of God" by French Carmelite Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (c. 1614 - 1691). Dr. Acevedo Butcher teaches at the University of California, Berkeley. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Dr. Kevin Ahern, a theological ethicist and public theologian. He is an associate professor of religious studies at Manhattan College in Bronx, NY. Dr. Ahern is author of "Structures of Grace: Catholic Organizations Serving the Global Common Good" and co-editor (with Paulist seminarian Chris Malano) of "God's Quad: Small Faith Communities on Campus and Beyond." He is a past president of both the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) and its sister organization, the International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs (ICMICA / "Pax Romana."). Dr. Ahern serves today as co-chair of The Dorothy Day Guild, an organization working for the canonization of Servant of God Dorothy Day. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Stephanie Clary, editor of "Earthbeat," the faith and climate project of the National Catholic Reporter. Their conversation looks at the environmental challenges our world faces and what people of faith can do to help address them. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Bob Carini, a one-time supervisor of counselors in a Connecticut prison. They speak about the Twelve-Step program, addiction, and more. Deacon Dennis and Deacon Tom met Bob when they served as prison ministers. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com

The deacons speak with Paulist Fr. Joe Ciccone, a veteran pastor and campus minister, about listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit when life takes us out of our comfort zones. Fr. Joe shares the story of his recent treatment for lymphoma and its impact on his ministry. A Brooklyn native, Fr. Joe worked in advertising on Madison Avenue before entering the seminary. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by Deacon Tom Casey, Deacon Drew Dickson, and Deacon Dennis Dolan, all permanent deacons who are Paulist Deacon Affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com