Podcasts about Catholic charities

We're joined by Aimee MacIver, Catholic author, provides parents with guidance on what it means to be the primary educators of their children in the faith. Deacon Martin Gutierrez, vice president of mission and community engagement at Catholic Charities, provides monthly update and tips on hurricane preparedness.

Christina Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what's up first? Warren Last Friday, just days before the Southern Baptist Convention gathered for its annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, SBC megachurch Pastor Jack Graham said in a social media post that the SBC has never had a “systematic sexual abuse crisis” and described what prompted a 2021 independent investigation by Guidepost Solutions as a “reckless hoax.” Christina Speaking of reckless, given all the evidence for serious issues in the SBC, that seems a pretty reckless thing to say. Warren Agreed. I have met Jack Graham a few times, and he seemed like a normal guy. I clearly missed the signs. This statement is so dislocated from reality as to make my head swim. Christina The Houston Chronicle documented nearly 400 cases of sexual abuse in Texas alone. The Guidepost Report on the SBC found hundreds more. Warren Graham's view seems to be that the problem was not systematic and was instead a function of how large the SBC is (“a few bad apples”). Even if that was true (and I do not think it was), the failure to respond quickly and adequately to survivors was surely systematic, a product of the culture of the SBC. That said, the SBC has, in recent years, taken solid steps toward reform. I applaud the denomination for that. But Graham's comments are not helping. Christina While we're on the subject of the Southern Baptist Convention, the SBC has released new demographic information, and Ryan Burge has analyzed it. Warren Here's a passage from one of his recent weekly newsletters: “I've said this on many occasions, but the rise of the SBC from 1945 through 1990 will never ever be replicated again in the history of American religion.” The SBC peaked at $16.2 million in 2006. Today it has about 12.3 million. This 25 percent decline in a generation is due to a lot of factors, including a general secularization of culture. But to claim that the sex abuse scandals played no role strains credulity. Christina The Southern Baptist Convention is meeting this week, but the SBC is not the only thing in the news. Warren That's right. A new study is out from Communio and the Institute for Family Studies. Among the findings: “Children raised in homes where faith is discussed regularly are more than twice as likely to attend church and say religion is very important to them when they become adults.” The study is called Passing the Torch: How Faith Moves Across Generations, and it claims to be the “most comprehensive examination to date of how parents successfully pass on faith to the next generation.” The report also found that when both parents attend church weekly, 41 percent of children do the same in adulthood, compared to 29 percent when only one parent attends. Children who report a strong relationship with both parents are 97 percent more likely of believing in God as adults than those with weaker parental relationships. Christina We do not often cover the Catholic Church, but a story from our hometown of Charlotte caught your attention this week. Warren Prosecutors say a Catholic Charities employee in Charlotte embezzled and laundered money by using a business credit card. The damage was more than $13,000. Leah Stewart, age 46, was arrested in late April. She faces felony charges over the unauthorized credit card charges. We do not cover Catholic charities much, but this one was in my hometown, so I could not help but notice. Also, it gives me another opportunity to note that we can learn from this situation. To find out how your organization can put safeguards in place to avoid financial fraud, click here. Christina And our last story is a bit of good news. Warren That's right. There's so much news about people doing bad things, it's nice sometimes to catch people doing good things, especially when they happen to be friends. Christina And one of them is right here in Charlotte. Warren That would be Rod Culbertson. He has “graduated” to emeritus status at Reformed Theological Seminary here in Charlotte after a long and distinguished career as a pastor, campus minister with Reformed University Fellowship, and a longtime professor at RTS. “Emeritus” is what you call someone who has retired but who does not believe in retirement as a biblical category! Christina And who's the other one. Maria Montserrat Alvarado, the current president and COO of U.S.-based Catholic media giant EWTN News, will lead the Vatican's communication office, the Vatican announced Tuesday (June 2). Montse, as I know her, is not yet 40 years of age, and she will be the youngest person to lead a Vatican dicastery in recent memory and the first woman who is not a religious sister to be a Vatican prefect, a task historically reserved for cardinals. When I first met Montse, nearly 20 years ago, she was barely in her 20s and working for The Becket Fund, the religious liberty legal organization. We have reported on their work often here at MinistryWatch. It was clear even then she was a rising star. Indeed, in 2017 she became the Executive Director there. So, Montse and Rod, I will be praying for you both as you enter news seasons of life and ministry. Christina Warren, we need to wrap things up here. Any final thoughts before we go? Warren I'm in Colorado Springs and Denver this week. I'll be doing a reader lunch in the Springs on Thursday and in Denver on Friday. Let me know if you would like to join us. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. I also want to mention that June is the end of our fiscal year. We've had a good year, so far, but we still have about $45,000 that we need to raise between now and June 30. If that number sounds huge, I'd like to remind you that the average gift to MinistryWatch is less than $100. But they add up. If you have been listening to us here on the podcast for a while, but have never given, I'd like to ask you to consider a gift so MinistryWatch can continue our work. Just go to www.MinistryWatch.com/donate Christina That brings to a close this EXTRA episode of the podcast. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I hope you'll join Warren and me again on Friday. We'll be bringing you the news of the week, from a MinistryWatch perspective. Until next time, may God bless you.

Crisis aid keeps the lights on this month. The THRIVE Project is built to make sure there isn't a next crisis. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down at the United Way office with longtime friend Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP, to talk about the most ambitious project of her CCAP tenure — a multi-agency, grant-funded initiative that will take up to 50 ALICE-population clients through a year of intensive support (case management, therapy, life coaching, financial literacy, job training) and follow them for a second year to see if it sticks. Andrea walks through the small-scale pilots that got her here — five clients, then ten, with results so strong they convinced funders to back a $112,000 expansion — and the partner agencies who said yes to building it together: Connected Communities, I'm Just ME, United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, Horizon Goodwill, and Family Promise. Plus a much bigger argument about how nonprofits in this community actually do collaborate, and why "too many nonprofits, too much overlap" is the wrong story to tell about the people doing this work. Plus details on two upcoming CCAP fundraisers: An Evening of Enchantment (June 18th) and the 6th Annual Benefit Bike Ride (August 22nd). IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) Why this conversation is happening at the United Way office (it'll make sense in a minute) (00:30) CCAP's history — founded 1974 to help the population we now call ALICE (01:00) Why preventing homelessness is cheaper than fixing it (01:30) What CCAP's financial aid actually covers — rent, mortgage, utilities, heating, car repair (02:00) Why CCAP is, by design, a Band-Aid — and why a Band-Aid isn't enough (02:30) The origin story: a Legacy Wellness therapist, a life coach, a conference, and $1,000 (03:00) The first five clients — and what "wildly successful" really meant (03:30) The story of the man who came to CCAP every day, and now hasn't been seen in two years (03:30) The woman who won the Park Ranger Wheelbarrow Olympics at Great Meadows (04:30) Round two: 10 clients, 10 successes, and a $112,000 grant package (04:30) Why this can't be a one-agency program — and who said yes (05:30) Why the program follows clients for a second year (the real test) (06:30) The Valley Health Foundation and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grants (07:00) What clients actually do — Get on Board job boot camp, financial literacy, mentoring (07:30) The forklift-certified couple, the substance-abuse and DV story, and the volunteers they became (08:30) The drug-court client who came back to teach CPR classes (09:00) Who the program is for — ALICE: asset-limited, income-constrained, employed  (09:30) The Winchester paradox — beautiful downtown, 19% food insecurity, 50% on some benefit (10:30) Trauma-informed decisions and the myth that fast food is cheaper (11:30) The week-by-week structure — case manager, therapist, life coach, classes, all of it (12:30) "Room to dream" — the single father who didn't know how to go back to college (13:30) Why nobody taught most of us how to do a family budget (Janet included) (15:30) The first meeting — Andrea, the partners, and a ground rule for letting go (16:30) Logistics: release-of-information forms, intake, referrals, who does what (17:00) Kim Wilt's policy magic — and the dream of replicating THRIVE in other communities (18:00) "They're not my clients — they're citizens who need help" (19:30) The City of Winchester visit and what workforce partnerships could look like (20:30) The 6th Annual Benefit Bike Ride — August 22 at the Wellness Center (21:00) Why people fly in from Germany, England, Florida, and Ohio for it (21:30) An Evening of Enchantment — Thursday, June 18 with New Eve Maternity Home (22:00) Silent auction, live auction, Gore Cabin staycation, Vic the magician (22:30) The hot water heater story (and why it outsold the jewelry) (23:00) Why "too many nonprofits, no collaboration" is the wrong story (24:30) How CCAP's $200/household actually works in partnership with others (25:30) The food-pantry schedule across town — Mondays at CCAP, Tuesdays at Highland, Saturdays at the Merriman's Lane church (25:30) The $50,000 United Way grant that pushed 50,000 pounds of produce across the region (26:30) The Nonprofit Collaborative and the case for citizens, not clients (27:30) What happens when Church World Services loses funding — and why CCAP feels it indirectly ABOUT THE THRIVE PROJECT A new multi-agency program led by Winchester CCAP and backed by $112,000 in initial grant funding. Designed to take up to 50 ALICE-population clients through a structured year of services — case management, therapy, life coaching, financial literacy classes, Horizon Goodwill's "Get on Board" job boot camp — followed by a second year of check-ins to measure durable change. Built around the premise that crisis aid alone won't break the poverty cycle, and that no single agency can deliver everything one person needs. THE PARTNERS • Winchester CCAP (lead) • Connected Communities • I'm Just ME • United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley (fiscal agent) • Horizon Goodwill • Family Promise Winchester Area CCAP FUNDRAISERS COMING UP An Evening of Enchantment — Thursday, June 18, 2026 • Joint fundraiser with New Eve Maternity Home • Silent auction, live auction (including a Gore Cabin staycation with dinner at Violino's), entertainment by Vic the Magician, emcee by Janet Michael • 120 tickets remaining — register at CCAPwinchester.org 6th Annual Benefit Bike Ride — Friday, August 22, 2026 8:00 AM start at the Wellness Center, 105 Campus Boulevard • ~270 riders expected, drawing participants from across the country and abroad • Volunteers still needed — contact Jessica Leonard • Register at CCAPwinchester.org LINKS & RESOURCES • Winchester CCAP: CCAPwinchester.org (new website by Wild Ember) • United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (THRIVE fiscal agent) • Partner organizations: Connected Communities, I'm Just ME, Horizon Goodwill, Family Promise Winchester Area • Local food pantry network mentioned: Highland Food Pantry, Hope Again Food Pantry, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, New Life Church, Love In Action • Workforce training partner: Laurel Ridge Community College • Funders: Valley Health Foundation, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

On this edition of Catholic Forum, Joanne Varnes, Program Manager at Catholic Charities joins the show to discuss the Food Assistance Program she manages with Catholic Charities and the ongoing need for donations to the food pantries around the diocese. Joanne discusses how grateful she is to be involved in the work of Catholic Charities and what it means to be able to serve her neighbors in need. To find out more about the work of Catholic Charities and the Food Assistance or Diaper Bank Programs, you can visit ccwilm.org and get in touch with Joanne. And we're back with a video interview this week so head over to youtube.com/dioceseofwilm to watch the interview with Joanne!  Each week you can listen to The Catholic Forum podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music podcasts and youtube.com/dioceseofwilm every Wednesday; and on Relevant Radio 640 every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 for those in the Delmarva/South Jersey region. More information is available at cdow.org/CatholicForum and Facebook.com/CatholicForum. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington (supported by the Faith and Charity Appeal!) Please like, subscribe and share.

Catholic Charities New Hampshire responds to those in need with programs that heal, comfort, and empower. The organization supports individuals and families of all backgrounds and beliefs across the state. Some of their focus areas include poverty and hunger, homelessness and veterans, mental health, seniors, and immigration. So many non-profits fall under Catholic Charities that you might not even be aware of. Today, I speak with Michael McDonough, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. This is a jam-packed episode full of lots of great information about the incredible work Catholic Charities is doing in the state. I hope you enjoy learning more about them.For more information, please visit https://www.cc-nh.org/You can also visit https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesnh/For more on the Dose of Good Podcast, visithttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@doseofgoodpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@DoseOfGoodPodcastYou can also email doseofgoodpodcast@gmail.com

Send us a text and chime in!This week, Catholic Charities' North Star Youth Partnership held an awards ceremony to honor 15 area students who received a total of more than ,000 in Grant McKee and Robert Caldwell Service & Leadership Scholarships. In addition, a local community member was honored with the annual Youth Advocate of the Year Award. Prescott, Ariz. (May 8, 2026): Catholic Charities' North Star Youth Partnership has awarded 15 Prescott-area students with Grant McKee and Robert Caldwell Service & Leadership Scholarships. One student from Bagdad High School, three students from Prescott High School, and 11 students from Tri-City College Prep have been granted...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/scholarships-awarded-to-prescott-area-students/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Dan discusses the disconnect between physical and moral courage, specifically highlighting the cases of Jason Crow and Mark Kelly, two politicians who served heroically in the military but now advocate for policies that undermine national interests. Dan also touches on the recent US Supreme Court decision that allows freight brokers to be sued for negligent hiring, which he believes will save lives. Additionally, he addresses the work of Catholic Charities and the misconception that they support illegal immigration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill is buzzing about Commonwealth Catholic Charities ... specifically its vital role welcoming to our communities some of the most incredible and inspiring people you'll ever meet, though they're increasingly under attack by our very government: immigrants and refugees. Michael chats with the nonprofit's Khalefia Dungee, volunteer extraordinaire Beth Ruffing, and Samim Noorzad, whose amazing journey from his native Afghanistan to Roanoke, Virginia, is sure to uplift you. Learn more about an upcoming CCC event for which Michael is providing some ... buzz!

We're joined by Dr. Mark Williams, superintendent of catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux talks about the end of the school year. David Dawson Jr., Catholic husband and father, talks about why it's difficult to be grateful for God giving us our basic needs. Angela Ponivas, division director of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, will be speaking about the Therapeutic Family Services Program.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Il Papa alle Catholic Charities: non scoraggiarsi nella cura dei poveri, trovare soluzioni a situazioni disumane Medio oriente: Trump annuncia il programma per liberare le navi dallo stretto di Hormuz. Nuovi attacchi israeliani nel sud del Libano 50 anni fa il terremoto che sconvolse il Friuli. La Caritas di Udine ricorda l'impegno dei volontari

When did the Pope become a political consultant?This week Chad dives into the Trump-Pope feud, the politics of immigration, the incentives behind Catholic Charities, selective pacifism toward Iran, and the argument that institutions drift when they protect incentives over truth.Featuring:The Holy Border Industrial Complex“Christianity Never Taught Surrender as a Sacrament”Audit the Altar Before You Audit AmericaReagan, John Paul II, and moral courageOne of the sharpest Wacky Wednesdays yet.CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold Open — When Did The Pope Become a Political Consultant?04:49 The Holy Border Industrial Complex14:12 Follow the Money: Catholic Charities & Immigration Incentives18:43 Minnesota Fraud & Resettlement Failure26:02 Selective Pacifism and The Ayatollah Problem30:38 Christianity Never Taught Surrender as a Sacrament37:39 Audit the Altar Before You Audit America51:57 Institutions Drift When Incentives Replace Mission59:04 Reagan Reminder: John Paul II and Moral Courage1:04:00 And THAT Was Common SenseHASHTAGS #WackyWednesday#Pope#Trump#CatholicChurch#Immigration#Iran#ChristianPersecution#ConservativePodcast#CommonSenseWithChadLaw#Politics

Matt Swaim shares highlights from tonight's The Journey Home on EWTN. The Most Reverend Daniel Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo OH, discusses his letter of support safeguarding women from chemical abortion. Plus, Matt Lamb talks pro life med student choices, and Kevin Brennan of Catholic Charities talks over their new ad campaign promoting volunteerism.

The feud between Donald John and Pope Leo escalates as VP JD Vance attempts to pontificate to the pope about God's support of wars (seriously) and the Trump administration cancelled an approximately $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. 

Large-Scale Spending Allegation Claims California spent approximately $1 billion to bring or support 400,000 undocumented immigrants. Attributes these figures to a report allegedly from the Manhattan Institute. Use of Public Funds Asserts state and federal tax dollars were directed to nonprofit organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, immigrant legal groups). Frames this funding as political kickbacks rather than humanitarian or service-based grants. Political Organizing Accusations Claims immigrant-advocacy organizations function as political machines: Organizing protests Producing political messaging Monitoring ICE activities Alleges coordination with Democratic political goals. Social and Economic Impact Narrative Argues mass immigration: Depresses wages Increases housing costs Strains public services Drives longtime residents out of California Uses anecdotal housing examples to emphasize overcrowding and rent inflation. Historical and Ideological Framing Compares modern Democratic immigration policies to 19th-century political machines (e.g., Tammany Hall). Frames migrants as: Economic tools Long-term welfare recipients Future Democratic voters Uses language suggesting exploitation and dependency. Criticism of Sanctuary Policies Strongly opposes sanctuary city laws. Frames limits on immigration enforcement as: Encouraging illegality Undermining public safety Blocking federal authority Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined by Stephanie Sterling, executive director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, talks about an initiative to raise awareness of what they do in our local communities. David Dawson Jr., Catholic husband and father, talks about getting into the habit of preparing meals for the delight of our family rather than just to get it done. Jason Angelette, director of Faith and Marriage for the Willwoods Community, talks about upcoming retreats.

Brahler Tire and Auto Center hosts the show to highlight Catholic Charities ahead of Saturday's fundraiser as Area Director Patrick McConnell and Community Relations Committee Chairman Michael Stannard visit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catholic Charities is the focus at Brahler Tire and Auto Center at Sixth and Laurel streets as Francis Taylor, chef and kitchen manager at St. John's Breadline, Diocesan Director Steven Roach, Springfield Catholic Charities Area Director Patrick McConnell and Community Relations Committee Chairman Michael Stannard talk about the agency and Saturday's fundraiser at Knights of Columbus Council 364 on Meadowbrook Road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catholic Charities is the focus of today's show hosted by Brahler Tire and Auto Center as Mark Selvaggio of title sponsor Selvaggio Steel talks about the agency and Dennis Langley visits with Sam about the Holy Family Food Pantry and St. John's Breadline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel & Lebanon announce ceasefire — but Netanyahu says troops stay while hardliners push for "Greater Israel" south of the Litani River Trump invites Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House (first talks in 34 years) Pope Leo goes to war with the Trump administration — JD Vance, Tom Homan, and Catholic Charities funding cuts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's unhinged Pentagon press conference: compares the Iran war to Jesus, calls journalists modern-day Pharisees, and channels his controversial Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson The brutal reality of America's war with Iran: Strait of Hormuz blockade, exploding oil prices, running out of missiles, low public support, and mounting casualties Plus: RFK Jr.'s raccoon genitalia story, Marjorie Taylor Greene's death-threat call with Trump, John Eastman disbarred, record April heat wave, and more cabinet scandals

Look Forward breaks down the week Trump posted an AI image of himself as Jesus then claimed "I'm a doctor, and the news is fake," escalated his unprecedented feud with Pope Leo XIV by calling him "WEAK on Crime," and slashed Catholic Charities funding in apparent retaliation. Plus: Viktor Orban loses Hungary's election despite JD Vance flying to Budapest to campaign for him days before the vote, while Trump secretly conducts performance reviews of his VP and shops for 2028 replacements.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reads a prayer at a Pentagon worship service that turns out to be the fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction to justify the Iran war. FBI Director Kash Patel faces explosive allegations of excessive drinking and unexplained absences, prompting a $250 million defamation lawsuit. A new whistleblower book reveals DOGE officials thought USAID "just did abortions" before gutting the 10,000-person agency. Trump promises preemptive mass pardons for his staff, FIFA asks him not to arrest World Cup attendees, and Trump blockades the Strait of Hormuz to force Iran to stop blocking it.We cover Trump's Pope war, Orban's collapse, Hegseth's Tarantino theology, DOGE's stunning incompetence, and the week's accelerating corruption and chaos.Look Forward is a weekly progressive political podcast covering U.S. politics, government policy, Democratic strategy, elections, voting rights, Supreme Court rulings, and political news. Featuring progressive commentary, political analysis, and unapologetic opinions on the fight for democracy. Hosted by Jay and Brad. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

WAKE UP AMERICA, RISE AND FREEDOM. The left did not just change adoption policy. It burned down the most effective child welfare infrastructure in American history and called it progress. Faith-based agencies with decades of track records, waiting lists of qualified Christian families, and placement rates the government could never replicate were given a simple choice: violate your beliefs or disappear. Most of them disappeared. Three thousand children in Illinois alone were displaced. Not because the agencies failed the kids. Because the ideology failed to tolerate anyone who disagreed with it. Today we ask the question the mainstream press refuses to print: if this was really about the children, why did the children pay the price? And the Swalwell collapse is not slowing down. It is accelerating. Five accusers. A formal criminal investigation in Los Angeles County. A forensic analysis placing him in a Las Vegas hotel room at five in the morning. An Ethics Committee probe he resigned just ahead of. And standing next to all of it, freshly scrubbed and deeply saddened, is Ruben Gallego -- the man who called Swalwell his best friend in the world in November, defended him publicly in April, and only discovered his conscience the afternoon CNN published four women's accounts. We are done treating that timeline as complicated. It is not complicated. It is a portrait of how Democratic power protects itself until the moment it cannot.

Socrates Savage opens by invoking the street-philosopher Socrates of Ancient Athens. He then exposes Religion Incorporated,  including Catholic Charities, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and Lutheran Family Services for corruption. He praises President Trump for cutting funds. He rails against the nation sliding into chaos—culturally, politically, and morally. He blasts media "degeneracy," taking aim at the HBO show "Euphoria." Trump, NATO, Canada, California, and rising crime. He lightens the mood with a show recommendation—"Diary of a Ditched Girl."   Call (855) GOLD-099 or go to GetSavageGold.com right now. Talk to precious metals specialists who understand the Great Gold Reset. Don't let the establishment steal this opportunity from you. Get your free quote at https://www.ethos.com/savage

Patrick kicks off the hour reflecting on listener feedback and the challenge of sorting through strong opinions. As questions pour in about morality in military life, politics, and tangled ethical choices, Patrick fields them with clarity and candor. Audio: Astronaut Reid Wiseman, who says he is not religious, says he broke down in tears when he saw the Cross after getting back to Earth. - https://x.com/collinrugg/status/2044854475920466089?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ (02:36) David (13-years-old) - I am thinking about going into the military. Is it sin to be in the war if the Pope says it is unjust? (06:06) Alane (email) – California is going to need a miracle to get a Republican governor. California is in a miserable state. (11:21) Teresa from Minnesoooota (email) - Patrick you asked for prayers and I am praying for you, my friend. I was thinking about sending Father Rocky a message asking if maybe you could get combat pay for the next couple weeks. Take care. Have a wonderful weekend. What a wonderful time to be alive. God choose us to be here right now! GLORIOUS! Jim - Will President Trump's recent comments against the Pope have a negative effect on the conservative movement? (20:36) Lydia - Why are we still looking for Democrats or Republicans to solve the problems of society? (24:11) Carlo – What is the difference between things that are moral, ethical and legal? (27:51) Truth or Consequences? What resorting to a “harmless” lie reveals about your character – By Patrick Madrid - https://patrickmadrid.substack.com/p/truth-or-consequences Jill - Trump taking Catholic Charities funding was decided two weeks ago because there are fewer children crossing the border (40:13) Trump strips Miami charity of funding to house migrant kids - https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article315410233.html

Patrick answers questions on topics ranging from diabolical possession to parish registration, Catholic charities, and immigration through Aquinas’s lens, always keeping the conversation candid and current. He draws a line between spiritual and psychological explanations, addresses ethical concerns about workplace expenses, and examines boundaries in youth ministry when it comes to praying over minors. Throughout, Patrick weighs unrest about Islam’s growth, political upheaval involving the Pope, and patriotism’s place beneath a Catholic identity, urging honesty, faith, and discernment over outrage. Ty – Is there a paranormal aspect to 'gang-stalking'? (00:56) Mary - I think Catholic Charities is not under the Catholic Church. What did Thomas Aquinas say about immigration? We need to follow immigration laws. (07:41) Pete - I worked for Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities was never sold. There are 160 different agencies that all serve a diocese. (15:24) Kirby (email) - A good portion of your callers are delusional (21:14) Tim (email) - Companies do things all the time that are illegal and/or immoral, so personally, I wouldn't use them as my moral compass. Tom - Pope Leo said that Muslims and Christians should live together side by side in peace. Does he understand who Muslims are? The Islam religion is wrong. It’s the only religion where you can get murdered for leaving the faith. (26:10) Paul - Do we have authority to pray over teens in Confirmation class? (33:21) Jared – How, as an American Catholic, do I handle being discouraged by the current administration?

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we talked with Miami's Roman Catholic Archbishop Thomas Wenski about the Trump Administration's erasure of a program to aid unaccompanied child migrants — and the papal-presidential quarrel behind it [01:07]. We also examined a growing movement on Florida college campuses to rescind cooperation deals with federal immigration agencies [19:43]. And we discussed a new WLRN documentary that casts South Florida as a national climate resilience model [35:35].

The conversation continues at Team Calhoun's as Michael Stannard and Bob Mizeur preview next Saturday's Catholic Charities fundraiser on the Hickory Point Bank Community Invested segment, and Griffin Kopecky talks about the flooring options available at Calhoun's. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick answers calls about the Eucharist, second baptisms, church funding controversies, smart TVs spying from living rooms, and persistent myths linking Catholicism with ancient pagan rituals. Stories pop, advice flows, and moments of levity land between practical guidance and personal anecdotes. Audio: Pilots meow and bark over emergency aviation frequency - https://x.com/rawsalerts/status/2044576195153424597 72nHQ (00:22) Robert (email) - Being re-Baptized Joshua - What if Pope talked to Trump as a head of state instead of talking to him as the Pope? Would that work? (09:16) Mary - Is it true that Trump cancelled funding for Catholic Charities in Miami? (12:43) Yollie - My neighbor has someone in her family struggling on drugs. What would be a good place for him to go that has Catholic values? (16:29) Gwen (email) – I texted my grandson factual info about the Catholic Church being the original Christian Church started by Jesus. His mother said I was overstepping because he didn’t ask me. (21:32) Bill (email) – What is the origin of the words the Roman Centurion said? Mariam (email) - Mithraism and the Catholic Church (28:26) Your Smart TV Is Secretly Spying on You—Here’s How to Get It to Stop (44:04)

Bishop Michael Burbidge discusses his Pastoral Letter: The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing. Dr. Michael Horne continues the conversation as the Director of Clinical Support for Catholic Charities. T's Two Sense talks surrender with regard to Saint Augustine. Plus, Newman Guide News with Kelly Salomon features an important conversation with the President of the University of Dallas, Dr Jonathan J. Sanford

April 10th, 2026 - We welcome back Dr. Anthony Stine to discuss Pope Leo's moves on The Order Of Malta. Then, we welcome back Michael Hichborn to discuss Catholic Charities of Santa Fe promoting Planned Parenthood and transgenderism. TheStationOfTheCross.com/ACT

Catholic Charities in Gainesville is holding the Spirit of Charity on-line auction through Saturday 4-11. Regional Director Denise Fanning on what Catholic Charities does locally, and details on great packages available in the auction

Here's a fun lawyer joke: Why does New Jersey have so many toxic waste dumps and Washington, DC have so many lawyers? Because New Jersey got the first pick. The stereotype about dishonest, soulless, ambulance-chasing lawyers who put their own wallets ahead of the needs of their clients might have some basis in reality. But the legal profession can be a great way to promote justice and work for the common good. This episode's guest is one of these sorts of lawyers who has dedicated his whole career to making the world a more just place. Kevin Walsh is the former acting state comptroller for the state of New Jersey. In that role, to which he was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy, Kevin's job was to lead a team that investigated fraud and abuse within government systems and government-funded programs. Before that job, Kevin led a public interest nonprofit that fought for the construction of more affordable housing in the state. And while doing that job, he was one of the lawyers who spearheaded the successful movement to get rid of the death penalty in New Jersey. Kevin's Jesuit connection is that he is a proud alumnus of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. After his first year of law school, he took a year off to serve with JVC in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked as a volunteer with legal aid. His experience that year set him on his path of using a legal career for public service, work he's now been at for more than a quarter century. Host Mike Jordan Laskey first met Kevin when Mike worked for the Diocese of Camden in southern New Jersey, where Kevin served on the board of the local Catholic Charities agency and on a bunch of other committees. And as Kevin just finished his term working as a state government watchdog, Mike wanted to ask him about the experience and if fraud and corruption in government are as bad as they sometimes seem. Mike also asked him to reflect on the other good fights he's been part of as an attorney. Kevin's doggedness and total commitment to using the law for the public interest are hugely inspiring, and we think you'll notice his passion and energy come through clearly throughout the interview. More about Kevin Walsh: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/12/kevin-walsh-new-jersey-political-class-00181187 AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Media Lab, which is a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

Christoph Gorder In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter sits down with Christoph Gorder, leader of Airbnb.org, to explore how Airbnb has built a social impact model that looks very different from a traditional corporate foundation. As an independent 501(c)(3), Airbnb.org operates separately from Airbnb while still leveraging the company's technology, host network, and infrastructure to provide emergency housing for people displaced by disasters and other crises. Christoph shares how Airbnb.org is rethinking disaster response by using millions of available homes around the world to provide fast, flexible, dignified shelter for families in need. He also talks about leadership, scaling nonprofit impact, the role of AI and technology in modern nonprofit operations, and why strategic partnerships are essential for responding effectively in moments of crisis. This conversation is packed with insights for nonprofit leaders who want to innovate, collaborate, and maximize their mission impact. Key Topics Include: How Airbnb.org is structured as an independent 501(c)(3) with its own board and mission Why Airbnb.org's model is different from a traditional corporate social responsibility or philanthropic arm How the organization scaled from responding to 8 disasters in 2023 to 78 disasters two years later What nonprofit leaders can learn about focus, standardization, and scaling wisely How Airbnb.org used local partnerships like 211LA and Catholic Charities to respond quickly during the Los Angeles wildfires Why giving displaced families choice and control is such an important part of effective disaster housing How AI, technology, and collaboration can help nonprofits become more efficient and responsive Mentioned in This Episode: Airbnb.org This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob's website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Please join me as I continue my conversation with mother of loss to adoption Cindy Shultz. We talk about how the loss of a child can lead to substance use, and how the love of a child can lead to sobriety. Cindy Shultz is a mother of church-coerced child loss who transforms lived experience into advocacy. Raised in the shadow of poverty and stigma, Cindy was a mother in crisis when Catholic Charities pressured her into relinquishing her son in a process she felt powerless to stop. This experience of unnecessary child loss is the foundation of her mission to support the systematically oppressed.As the founder of Cindy's Family Preservation Alliance and a volunteer for Saving Our Sisters, she provides pregnant women the education and resource navigation she was once denied. Professionally, Cindy serves as a Wellness and Services coordinator at two local shelters, providing holistic case management for unhoused women. She is a certified Holistic Life Coach, Recovery Coach and Laughter Yoga Leader creating healing centered environments that honor the intersections of trauma, substance use, and family separation. Her work is a living testament that healing is possible and that family preservation is a fundamental human right that must be protected. If you are interested in Coaching or the healing power of Laughter Yoga, join her free Skool community Love Our Laughter.https://www.facebook.com/familypreservationalliance/https://www.skool.com/love-our-laughter-wellness-5520/abouthttps://savingoursistersadoption.org/Mentioned in the episodehttps://www.aa.org/https://sherecovers.org/https://recoverydharma.org/https://celiacenter.org/https://mentalhealthhotline.org/The opinions of the host and the guest are just that, our opinions. The host is not a lawyer, a therapist or an adoption professionalThank you for listening!

On this episode of Catholic Forum, Faces of Impact in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington returns with a continuation of the discussion on Msgr. Thomas Reese and the Annual Tribute Dinner. In this episode Abigail Klous is joined by Ellen Barrosse, a recipient of the Reese Award, to reflect on the importance of the Tribute Dinner in supporting the work of Catholic Charities. The Tribute Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15th at the Chase Center, you can get tickets and find out more about this year's Reese Award recipient, Stephen Hyde on the Catholic Charities website: https://www.ccwilm.org/events/cc-dinner/ On this special Easter episode, in addition to the Faces of Impact interview, and the usual news update from the Dialog, you'll also hear a seasonal Easter music interlude, and Bishop William Koenig's Easter Message for 2026.  As always, listen to the complete audio version of Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Amazon Music podcasts. If you're in Delmarva or South Jersey you can also listen on Saturdays at 1:30 PM on Relevant Radio 640. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington (supported by the Faith and Charity Appeal!) Please like, subscribe and share.

We're joined by Paul McCusker is the Senior Director of Creative Content for the Augustine Institute, talks about “Welcome to Hope Springs,” a Screen-Free Audio Adventure for Families. Stephanie Sterling, Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, talk about the Way of the Cross in downtown Baton Rouge on Good Friday. Laura Kelly Fanucci, author of Living Easter 50 Days to Practice Resurrection, joins us.

Two explosive First Amendment cases from the Ninth Circuit show how culture-war flashpoints are reshaping speech doctrine and judicial decorum. In B.B. v. Capistrano Unified, the court held that elementary students have enforceable free speech rights under Tinker, vacating summary judgment after a first grader was disciplined for giving a classmate a pro-BLM drawing. Meanwhile, in Olympus Spa v. Armstrong, a divided panel upheld Washington's requirement that a women-only Korean spa admit pre-operative transgender women, prompting Judge VanDyke to open his dissent with "This is a case about swinging dicks," drawing a rebuke from 28 judges and igniting a firestorm over judicial rhetoric, religious liberty, and whether civility in opinions masks ideological outcomes.Key points:Olympus Spa + judicial rhetoric: VanDyke's vulgar disentail drew a “barroom talk” rebuke; defenders say it was an alarm about what “civil” language hides. • Rule-of-law theme: Majority applied rational basis; dissents argued Tandon strict scrutiny and denominational discrimination under Catholic Charities.B.B. v. Capistrano: Ninth Circuit confirms elementary students have Tinker rights, with age as a factor, not a cutoff.Why it goes back: Disputed facts over intent, impact, and discipline (including recess) made summary judgment improper.AI hallucination fallout: Campos/Munoz sanctions an attorney for fake citations; Westlaw's blue-link formatting can still mislead.Tune in to hear why these cases expose judicial composition, not doctrine, as the real variable, and why the fight over whether a judge can write "swinging dicks" may matter more than the legal tests themselves.

Miriam Sammartino is the Director of Catholic Charities and Social Concerns 

On this episode of Catholic Forum, another episode of the Faces of Impact series in partnership with Catholic Charities. Abigail Klous is joined by Diocesan Archivist Susan Kirk Ryan to discuss the life of Msgr. Thomas J. Reese who built many of the programs we know today as Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington. To learn more about Catholic Charities and their work to to empower people, support families and transform communities by bringing God's message of love and hope to all, with a particular emphasis on the poor and marginalized visit https://www.ccwilm.org/. Information about the 2026 Annual Tribute Dinner and this year's honoree of the Msgr. Thomas J. Reese Award visit https://www.ccwilm.org/events/cc-dinner/ As always, listen to the complete audio version of Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Amazon Music podcasts. If you're in Delmarva or South Jersey you can also listen on Saturdays at 1:30 PM on Relevant Radio 640. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington (supported by the Faith and Charity Appeal!) Learn more at cdow.org/catholicforum or cdow.org. Please like, subscribe and share.

Msgr. Jason Gray joins Patrick to discuss Lessons from Bishop Fulton Sheen Msgr. Gray’s background (4:40) who was Bishop Fulton Sheen and what is his legacy? (9:34) Nick - Part of Militia of Immaculata. Headquarters was in Peoria until it moved. Tomb of Bp Sheen is there and adoration chapel. He had a saying...those who leave do it for what they think it is. He taught me how to love and learn the faith and serve the Lord. It's so intertwined. Stall in beatification. We know when that happens...it's good because Satan wants to mess things up. What were some challenges of the beatification of Fulton Sheen? (16:27) Ken - I was raised in a Catholic/Protestant home. Father was protestant and would listen to Bp Fulton Sheen with mom. He was impressed by Sheen and would laugh at some comments. When I started listening to RR, I can hear my father's laughter. (21:02) Break 1 How do you get canonized? (25:35) Art - When I was a boy in the 60's, my parents used to watch his program. I remember it was always brighter (we only had black and white). Always wondered why that was. I realized it was the holy spirit. Found that fascinating. Very blessed man. Regina - Received a minor miracle for surgery. Had bad cataracts. Didn't have health insurance at the time. I remember watching his program. Talked about angels. At the hospital, the surgeon was kind enough to get me an angel grant to pay for the surgery. (35:03) Break 2 (37:50) Dorothy - I missed him in the 50's. anecdote to share...his style. I worked in Catholic Charities. I didn't know the society of the propagation of the faith was a competitor of ours. Went to a performance and he was there. He had such a fun style. He asked me what I do...told him I was a secretary with CC...flung the cape over his shoulder almost in dismay. Had such a twinkle and fun personality. (40:41) Janine - My father was protestant, mom was catholic. Mom loved to watch him. Dad would watch with her. Made one wall black flocked wallpaper. We lived in uptown Chicago. To this day, I believe it had such an influence on dad because he did finally receive communion. I think it was Bp Sheen. Mary - I think Americans need to make a pilgrimage to some places. Champion to Peoria to Bp Sheen, and then to Quincy to Fr. Tolton. Resources: Fulton J. Sheen Foundation: https://www.celebratesheen.com/ Treasure in Clay https://ignatius.com/treasure-in-clay-tclayp/ The Priest Is Not His Own https://ignatius.com/the-priest-is-not-his-own-pnhop/

Please join me as I talk with mom Cindy Shultz about her experience with open adoption. Cindy Shultz is a mother of church-coerced child loss who transforms lived experience into advocacy. Raised in the shadow of poverty and stigma, Cindy was a mother in crisis when Catholic Charities pressured her into relinquishing her son in a process she felt powerless to stop. This experience of unnecessary child loss is the foundation of her mission to support the systematically oppressed. As the founder of Cindy's Family Preservation Alliance and a volunteer for Saving Our Sisters, she provides pregnant women the education and resource navigation she was once denied. Professionally, Cindy serves as a Wellness and Services coordinator at two local shelters, providing holistic case management for unhoused women. She is a certified Holistic Life Coach, Recovery Coach and Laughter Yoga Leader creating healing centered environments that honor the intersections of trauma, substance use, and family separation. Her work is a living testament that healing is possible and that family preservation is a fundamental human right that must be protected. If you are interested in Coaching or the healing power of Laughter Yoga, join her free Skool community Love Our Laughter. https://www.facebook.com/familypreservationalliance/https://www.skool.com/love-our-laughter-wellness-5520/abouthttps://savingoursistersadoption.org/The opinions of the host and their guest(s) are just that, our opinions. The host is not a lawyer, therapist or adoption professional. All resources shared are shared as a courtesy to the podcasts guests. The host encourages everyone to vet resources for themselves. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Camden and I cover: Starting early: Camden's “self-starter” drive—and the mentors who helped him learn fast (including Kathleen Walsh, President/CEO of the Metro North YMCA). Beyond the Crisis: how watching families in the Boston area wait in long lines for food during COVID sparked an “Uber Eats-style” nonprofit distribution model—and how they partnered with Catholic Charities of Boston. Momentum and credibility: how the charity's visibility led to major exposure and new relationships (including appearances on CBS, Bloomberg, PBS, the Drew Barrymore Show, and even White House conferences). NomadAI: why Camden believes travel is a perfect industry for AI disruption—and how NomadAI aims to build itineraries and handle planning like a “24/7 assistant in your back pocket.” Meridian Capital Partners: a founder-focused “hub” that invests very early stage in college founders—especially people who don't have the usual resume or network. The hard parts: being misunderstood in a high-pressure prep school environment, dealing with racism, isolation, and having to finish part of high school online. The turning point: Universe taking three years to get funded, losing an early investor, and Camden's “dark night of the soul” moment—where he had to stop chasing comparison and decide what he's actually committed to. The mission behind Universe: Camden's focus on helping Gen Z navigate a brutal job/internship market—and building something that serves them in a way he feels LinkedIn doesn't.   A few lines worth remembering Camden on mission: “I'm really committed to making a difference and solving problems and connecting people.” Camden on perseverance: after setbacks and many calls, they found an accredited investor who put six figures in because he saw the MVP—and the dream. Camden to Gen Z builders: if you're in a tough season, keep going—try new things—persevere.   Links / Resources Mentioned NomadAI: NomadAI.io Universe (waitlist): UniverseApp.com   About Camden Francis (from this episode) Camden Francis is a Gen Z founder based in the Boston area. He co-founded: Beyond the Crisis, a COVID-era food distribution charity that moved ~$100,000 in food/resources with partners like Catholic Charities of Boston NomadAI, an AI-assisted travel planning and itinerary platform He's also building Universe, a career/network platform aimed at helping Gen Z navigate internships and jobs.   -----   Camden Francis, a dynamic 21-year-old currently pursuing a degree in Finance and Business Management, seamlessly blends academic prowess with an entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond the confines of his desk, Camden revels in the exhilaration of sports, cherishes quality moments with family and friends, and takes leisurely strolls with his beloved Goldendoodle, Brooks. His summers are often punctuated with escapes to Cape Cod, where he finds solace and inspiration. At the core of Camden's ethos is his commitment to making a positive impact. In 2020, he founded Beyond the Crisis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community. Under his leadership, the organization diligently distributes food and resources to housing communities and homeless shelters. Camden's visionary approach extends to the research team at Beyond the Crisis, which collaborates with major organizations to strategically combat food insecurity and enhance nutritional health at a national level. Not content with just one venture, Camden is also the visionary force behind "Univerze," a tech company that has birthed a professional networking mobile application. His multifaceted abilities extend beyond the boardroom; Camden is a captivating public speaker, having appeared on renowned platforms such as the Drew Barrymore Show, CBS, PBS, Bloomberg, and NPR. His insights on entrepreneurship have been shared with a broader audience through various podcasts, while his recently published book further underscores his commitment to knowledge dissemination. Looking ahead, Camden is set to expand his horizons. He envisions penning another influential book, venturing into real estate, and strategically growing his investment portfolio. For interviews or business inquiries, Camden Francis invites you to connect with him at info@camdenfrancis.com. Embrace the opportunity to engage with a young luminary whose charisma, innovation, and commitment to positive change define his journey.   --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

From a volunteer-run initiative in the 1980s to a regional continuum of care in 2026: On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Claude Martin, CEO of AcadianaCares, to talk about what it looks like when a community builds an institution out of necessity, and then keeps rebuilding it for four decades. AcadianaCares began (originally as “Lafayette CARES”) in 1985, during the earliest, scariest years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when fear and stigma shut down many traditional systems of response. “CARES” stood for “Concern for AIDS Relief, Education and Support.” Claude remembers those first years in deeply personal terms: “I got involved with this work, HIV work in the early 80s when our community started to get sick.” He describes a time when an HIV diagnosis in Louisiana carried a terrifying prognosis saying, “the life expectancy was about nine months.” The uncertainty felt like a public-health free fall. When we talk about how frightening those early days were, Claude agrees without hesitation: “Very similar to the fear and confusion many of us felt during COVID. Who's going to get it? and what do we do now?” Claude explains that what became AcadianaCares wasn't a government-created program; it was community members stepping in when institutions froze. “It was a groundswell of people saying, I have to do something. We have to do something.” For years, it ran on sheer willpower. “We were volunteers, running it out of our houses. We all had full-time jobs.” Claude's own job then was far from nonprofit administration as he worked as a landscaper. And while the organization was being built, people were dying. Claude doesn't sanitize that reality. “Sometimes they came to a couple of meetings and then they were in the hospital; within a month they were dead. They were gone.” In those first ten years, he says, “We really were concentrating on helping people to die. We were there.” He describes practical, human-scale solutions built by ordinary people: a hotline routed into volunteers' homes, partnerships for training, and a “Buddy program” where volunteers went into homes to help with the basic tasks of living: cleaning an apartment, getting to appointments, answering desperate late-night questions from people who felt helpless. From there, the story becomes one of evolution, not away from HIV care, but outward from it. Claude explains that in the early 2000s, AcadianaCares started asking a different question: if HIV is the core mission, what are the destabilizing forces that make people more vulnerable in the first place? In his words: “Mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse are three of the big areas that really do destabilize people's lives.” That mindset shaped the modern AcadianaCares model: a system designed so that someone can enter through one doorway to have access to housing, clinic, and recovery, and then be “wrapped around” with the rest. The medical reality has changed — and AcadianaCares is trying to reach the whole community Claude also walks us through the medical transformation he's witnessed across the decades. “The pharmaceutical industry has developed all of these medications so that now life expectancy is open ended.” He explains how viral load suppression changes both individual health and transmission risk. When treatment is working, people are no longer infectious. He points to PrEP as a powerful prevention tool: “PrEP is about 99%” effective in preventing acquisition. The goal he lays out is ambitious and clear: get people living with HIV to an undetectable viral load and get people at risk onto PrEP. “Conceivably, we will get to the point where we have no new infections.” Claude shares the regional scope, then and now. He remembers: “There were 11 people in Lafayette Parish that were living with HIV in 85.” Today, he says, “we have 2000 people that are living with HIV in our region,” with about 75 to 100 new infections every year in the seven parish area. Expansion on the northside: “whole-person care in one place” We also discuss AcadianaCares’ expansion of clinical services on Lafayette's northside. Claude explains that the clinic model exists because they were seeing people newly diagnosed with HIV struggling to get into care quickly. “We were having a really hard time getting people into care once we found out that they were positive.” So they built a system where patients could be seen and started on care faster. AcadianaCares purchased and renovated Pride Plaza at Willow and Pierce, turning it into a primary care clinic open to the public. The clinic has a staff of 32 in its 8,900 square-foot space offers a full spectrum of primary care and mental health services available to both insured and non-insured patients. Dr. Clinton Young is at the clinic specializing in sleep medicine and complex sleep-related disorders. Moving clinic services into Pride Plaza also created room on the main campus for expanded substance-abuse programming. AcadianaCares developed Seasons of Serenity (SOS), a network of residential, outpatient, and sober living recovery programs. Clients in SOS transition from dependency to self-sufficiency through structured phases in a safe and caring environment that is free from discrimination. AcadianaCares celebrating its 40th anniversary and opening of the new Primary Care Mental Care and Pharmacy in February 2026. In our conversation, Claude describes the wraparound approach inside the clinic, not just medical appointments, but navigation help: “Our clinic patients have access to navigators who help them apply for insurance… everything from food stamps to finding other agencies.” He contrasts that with many healthcare settings: “A lot of people go to a provider, but they don't have the social services support or the wraparound support.” The MLK campus: housing + recovery, built over time One of the most substantive parts of our conversation is Claude's description of the Acadiana CARES campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in North Lafayette: housing and recovery programs built through long-term planning, grants, and renovation. The site is located at 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in North Lafayette. “We have housing there and about 80 people live on the property.” The site originally housed the Lafayette Guest House, formerly a 206-bed nursing facility with an inpatient psychiatric hospital, Oceans Behavior Healthcare, was donated to AcadianaCares by its owners, Jerrine Harrell, Donna McPherson, and John Wright. The owners made the decision to donate the property, valued at approximately $3.5 million, in order to do something good for the community and also be able to claim a charitable donation on taxes. Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s Kim Boudreaux James is the niece of Wright and she helped identify AcadianaCares as the best fit for the donation. (For a comprehensive story of the background of this donation and how it transformed AcadianaCares, see https://theind.com/articles/842/. ) He walks through the arc of development: a major donated property, then years of grants and fundraising to renovate and convert spaces into apartments, and then major investments in addiction treatment. He explains that their Seasons of recovery program now offers “the whole continuum of care,” describing transitions from detox, to a 28-day program, to a 90-day residential program, then outpatient services, and supportive apartment options designed to help people stabilize, work, save money, and re-enter independent life. Claude shares one of the concrete, practical details people often want to know: the outpatient apartment option is “$416” and includes “three meals a day, seven days a week.” He explains the program design goal plainly: “in six months, you ought to be able to save enough money to be independent.” AcadianaCares’ Seasons of Serenity receive referrals statewide: “We get referrals from all over the state,” and adds, “we get probably 7 to 10 referrals a day.” The reality is capacity: “All of our programs are usually at capacity.” Growth that still comes back to one measuring stick Claude has led AcadianaCares through extraordinary growth. He recalls the first state grant: “$34,000.” Today, he says, “our board just approved a $34 million budget.” He notes scale: “We have about 100 employees here, and we help an average of 4000 people a year.” In 2025, 2,495 unique patients received care through its wellness clinic. Its reach is across 25 zip codes in Lafayette, Acadiana, Evangeline, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes. Claude Martin joined AcadianaCares in 1998, after serving as an original volunteer in its early days. “I felt called to do the work. In the early 90s, I went back to school and got a graduate degree in rehabilitation therapy. All my work was focused on getting people living with HIV and having that treated as the same thing that’s a head injury or a substance abuse issue or a mental health issue that would debilitate someone. That degree is designed to help as a life changing experience. to move them through that process and get them back into this life.” But one of the most telling moments in our conversation is his personal standard for quality and dignity. The question he asks himself when planning services and facilities: “Would I let my mother or my sister receive services here?” He connects that directly to the mission: bringing high-quality care to people who often don't have choices, and who may have been neglected for years. Advice for families facing addiction Near the end, Claude offers direct advice to families navigating substance use disorder. His first recommendation is simple and specific: “Join an Al-Anon group.” He explains why: “It's realizing that it's a family disease,” and stresses that the work includes shifting attention toward self-care: “take the focus off of the alcoholic and look at taking care of yourself.” And yes — he shows standard poodles Claude also shares a surprising personal and fun detail that gives listeners as we wound down the interview: “I show dogs. I breed standard poodles.” He competes nationally, and he says, “We won at the nationals last year; Tallulah won the best standard poodle.” It's a reminder that even people carrying enormous community responsibility have a life and identity beyond the mission, and sometimes a very competitive hobby. Claude Martin’s young standard poodle, Talulah, being shown by handler, Kay Peiser, at the Poodle Club of America’s 2025 nationals competition. She won “Best Standard Poodle.” Connect with AcadianaCares Main Office: (337) 233-2437AcadianaCares : (337) 704-0787Pharmacy: (337) 216-1013Locations: 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Lafayette, and 850 North Pierce Street (Pride Plaza Clinic / Pharmacy area), Lafayette For more information, visit https://www.acadianacares.org/

Dr. Tom Curran interviews Bp. Frank Schuster, Auxiliary Bishop for Archdiocese of Seattle, about the PREPARES Open Your Heart Appeal and their mission to support women with pregnancy and parenting support. Tom interviews Eddie Trask, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Idaho, to testify to the impact of CCI on the local community for people in crisis.

We're joined by Fr. Tat Hoang, pastor at St. Gerard Majella in Baton Rouge with parish update. Deacon Martin Gutierrez, Vice-President Mission & Community Engagement of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans joins us. Dr. Luke Arredondo, Executive Director of the St. Brendan Center for Evangelization and Spirituality in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee with Catholic 101 segment on Lent-  should we count Sundays in our Lenten fast?

As we journey through Lent, we are called to spend time in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  St. Francis of Assisi is a great example to us of giving of ourselves in service to others, and as a parish we have an opportunity to help those in need through Catholic Charities.   Give to the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal: https://www.catholiccommunity.org/support/catholic-charities/catholic-charities-appeal  Come, follow us: Parish Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Spotify Music

Erin Oldfield joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in November 2017 and takes immense pride in the Thunder's community initiatives that impact thousands of Oklahomans every year. Erin has a dual-leadership position, providing exceptional vision, operational excellence, and the ability to align multiple entities under a shared commitment to purpose-driven initiatives. Erin leads the team's extensive community outreach efforts. The Thunder Cares platform supports the community 365 days a year by investing in Education, Healthy and Vibrant Communities, Workforce Development and Basic Needs. Beyond the organization's charitable priorities, she works closely with basketball operations to better understand each player's areas of interest and helps align them with causes they are passionate about to enable them to personally impact their community. Prior to the Thunder, Erin was the Director of Education and Public Programming at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center where she played a key role in the strategic planning and fundraising for a $26M arts campus in downtown Oklahoma City. Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Oklahoma and has earned multiple certifications in leadership, sports philanthropy, and management. Erin is involved in the community beyond the Thunders' efforts, serving on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, Latino Community Development Agency, Oklahoma City Public School Foundation and serves on the Development and Outreach Committee at Catholic Charities. Erin resides in Oklahoma City with her husband Ryan. They have two sons, both attending Oklahoma State University. Huge thank you to our sponsors. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof The Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. www.chickasaw.net Dog House OKC - When it comes to furry four-legged care, our 24/7 supervised cage free play and overnight boarding services make The Dog House OKC in Oklahoma City the best place to be, at least, when they're not in their own backyard. With over 6,000 square feet of combined indoor/outdoor play areas our dog daycare enriches spirit, increases social skills, builds confidence, and offers hours of exercise and stimulation for your dog http://www.thedoghouseokc.com  #ThisisOklahoma 

February 3rd, 2026 - We welcome back Mike McCormick to discuss the one thing that Cardinal Tobin and Jeffery Epstein have in common. In the second half hour, Michael Hichborn returns to the show to examine the relationship between Jeffery Epstein, Catholic Charities, and the Vatican bank. TheStationOfTheCross.com/ACT

Stephanie Manson, President: FMOL Health/ Our Lady of Lourdes, joins Discover Lafayette to talk about leadership, mission-driven Catholic healthcare, and the most significant hospital expansions Lafayette has seen in years. Stephanie shares her deeply personal journey into healthcare administration, her love for Louisiana and Lafayette, and how Our Lady of Lourdes is expanding capacity, technology, and compassionate care through the Advancing Acadiana initiative, while staying grounded in a values-based mission that puts people first. Stephanie has dedicated her professional life to Catholic health care and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. She began her career as an administrative resident at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge and steadily progressed through leadership roles, including serving as the first administrator of Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital and later as Chief Operating Officer from 2018 to 2023. In March 2023, she joined Our Lady of Lourdes, continuing her work in Louisiana communities she deeply values. “I grew up in Houma, Louisiana, so I'm a Louisiana girl, and it was important to me to give back to Louisiana.” Stephanie holds dual master's degrees in Business Administration and Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from LSU. She describes her path into health care administration as a blend of service and business, exactly the balance she set out to find. “I set out to find a career that balanced service and business; 100% of healthcare administration checked those boxes. I’ve still not touched a patient. Sometimes I try to help and I get told, no, please don’t do that. You’re going to mess us up. But to see the work we do carried out through the work of our team, that’s extremely fulfilling. It is why I’ve kept going in this ministry for so long.” A Health System Serving Acadiana The Our Lady of Lourdes system includes three hospitals, approximately 2,800 team members, and more than 200 employed providers, including physicians and nurse practitioners. Stephanie oversees a rapidly growing regional footprint that now offers comprehensive care from birth through end of life. “We offer comprehensive services from birth until end of life care. And that's important for the community to be able to have access to that.” The system includes: Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, the legacy acute care campus located at 4801 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette LA 70508; Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, featuring a 32-bed inpatient unit and advanced cardiovascular care, located at 1105 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette LA 70508; and Our Lady of Lourdes Women's & Children's Hospital, acquired in 2019, expanding services for mothers, babies, and pediatric patients, located at 4600 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette LA 70508. Stephanie emphasizes that growth has never been about size—it has always been about mission. “It was never about growth or being the biggest. It's about delivering Catholic health care in the communities that need it.” Advancing Acadiana One of the most significant initiatives underway is Advancing Acadiana, a multi-campus investment focused on expanding access, improving patient flow, and ensuring the hospital can say “yes” to more patients who need specialized care. Projects include: Expansion of inpatient capacity at the Regional Medical Center (approximately 20 additional beds) Emergency department expansion to improve access and efficiency A new electrophysiology lab and additional inpatient beds and operating rooms at the Heart Hospital Major upgrades at Women's & Children's, including approximately 20 private NICU family suites, a refreshed exterior, and a new chapel Our Lady of Lourdes’ Women's and Children's Hospital is undergoing $100 million in improvements. At the heart of the Advancing Acadiana project is the expansion of the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, featuring significant exterior upgrades and private suites, each with a full bathroom and a dedicated family area within the room. The NICU will expand from 51 to 60 beds and will feature 19 new private suites. “Talk about a sacred moment and a tender moment… a private opportunity for them to be together as a family is so important. Leadership as a Climb Toward Excellence Stephanie Manson describes her leadership philosophy using a Mount Everest metaphor, introduced by President and Chief Executive Officer and leader of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System E.J. Kuiper, with five “camps” on the climb toward excellence. “The idea is that the foundation or the base of the mountain is our mission, and that everything we do should be grounded in our mission. That’s why we’re here. And that’s really what the sisters ask of us every day, to perpetuate the mission, to always do more for those most in need, with particular regard to the poor and the underserved. And so many of our services, such as the Saint Bernadette Clinic and Northside High, some of our free health screenings are all about the mission. It’s important to us that you can feel that difference and that mission at work. The best time is when you think nobody’s watching and we catch you doing good.“ From mission, the climb moves through: Being the best place to work and practice medicine Delivering an exceptional patient experience Ensuring strong quality of care Achieving sustainable market share and finances that allow reinvestment in the community “We measure all of these things… team member engagement, turnover, patient experience, quality results.” The summit, she says, is aspirational. “I don't know that we'll ever get there… we're never quite done with progress and being better.” Caring for the Caregivers Stephanie speaks with deep respect for physicians, nurses, and advanced practice professionals. “None of us (in administration) can admit a patient. We really rely on the physicians trusting us to care for the patients.” She shares a moving moment involving a nurse practitioner grieving alongside a family transitioning to hospice care, who was apologizing for her emotions. “I said, no, please. I think this is beautiful because it means after all these years, you care.’ We can never stop caring.” That human connection, she says, is irreplaceable—even as technology advances. Innovation, Technology, and Early Detection Stephanie highlights investments in robotic surgery, advanced imaging, and lung cancer detection technologies. “We recently invested in a da Vinci 5 robot… our patients recover faster, there are better health outcomes.” She also discusses robotic bronchoscopy and early lung cancer detection. “What we've seen is that we're able to detect cancer a lot earlier… and hopefully that leads to survivorship.” Community screenings, often offered free of charge, are another key part of preventive care. “Utopia is that fewer people need us because we're healthier.” Mission in Action Stephanie underscores Lourdes' unwavering commitment to caring for all patients, regardless of insurance. “In our emergency departments, we care for the patient first. You can worry about insurance later.” She points to the Saint Bernadette Clinic, adjacent to Catholic Charities on St. John Street, as a living example of mission-driven care. “Regardless of ability to pay, you come into Saint Bernadette Clinic. We don't charge….ever.” Life Beyond the Hospital At home, Stephanie treasures family, experiences, and balance. She and her husband, Briggs, have been married 26 years and are proud parents to Anna Claire, a graduate student in health care administration, and Lily, a college sophomore. Their dog, Scout, acquired after a persuasive PowerPoint business plan presentation by her daughters, remains a beloved part of their family story. She loves music, travel, sports (especially football), fantasy football, and watching people do their best.“My kids said, ‘Mom, you like experiences.' And I think that's it. Any type of competition and the ability to watch people excel, whether that’s live music or a sporting event, I'm in.” A Guiding Principle In her office hangs a sign passed down from her grandfather who had worked in leadership with the Lafourche Police Department, to her mother, and then to Stephanie: “It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.” “My grandparents and my parents, instilled a lot of the values of who I am at the core in terms of caring for people, a strong work ethic. There is an awful amount of authority in leadership and you can lose your way and your grounding and believe maybe that you’re more important than you are. I think the most important thing is how do we treat people? How do I interact with people every day? There are important decisions to be made. Remember how you made them feel. That’s what’s most important to me. And so even if it’s a difficult conversation, we can do that with dignity and kindness. The sign is a reminder of those tenets of being a good person first.” Stephanie Manson leads with humility, clarity of purpose, and a deep respect for the people who make health care possible. Her vision for Lourdes, and for Acadiana, is rooted in mission, measured progress, and compassion that never loses its human touch.

“A predator's paradise.” That's how attorney Liz Yore describes the U.S. border system that has funneled over 450,000 unaccompanied minors into the shadows, many placed through Catholic Charities with no safeguards, no follow-up, and no way home. Liz Yore, a lifelong child advocate, details how children are being trafficked, abused, and lost with institutional complicity. Even more devastating, she reveals the silence of the U.S. bishops and Pope Leo, who have failed to use their moral authority despite knowing the truth. Yore connects this failure to Pope Leo's own mishandling of an abuse case in Peru, warning of a church that has not learned its lessons. This interview is a cry for the voiceless and a demand for the Church to choose protection over politics.HELP SUPPORT WORK LIKE THIS: https://give.lifesitenews.com/?utm_source=CH25_videoU.S. residents! Create a will with LifeSiteNews: https://www.mylegacywill.com/lifesitenews ****PROTECT Your Wealth with gold, silver, and precious metals: https://sjp.stjosephpartners.com/lifesitenews +++SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ ****Download the all-new LSNTV App now, available on iPhone and Android!LSNTV Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lsntv/id6469105564 LSNTV Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifesitenews.app +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenewsJohn-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.