Podcasts about on mission

For the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on growth in the Lord. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on growth in the Lord. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on truly hearing Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on truly hearing Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

We are called to bring Christ's love and peace to all whom we meet in every situation. The Pallottine Fathers and brothers dedicate themselves, under the inspiration of St. Vincent Pallotti, to work for greater peace and charity in our world. This blogcast explores “Instruments of Peace and Love" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. and read by Jonathan Harrison.Homily for July 10, 2024“Grant us to be instruments of peace and love, reflecting the love of Christ in every situation” The theme for our reflection and prayer today is, once again, taken from the Prayer in Preparation for the UAC General Congress. It is a very sincere prayer from our hearts: “Grant us to be instruments of peace and love, reflecting the love of Christ in every situation.” Every Pallottine is called to be an instrument of peace and love, by reflecting the love of Christ in every possible situation.This prayer reminds of the famous prayer of the great Saint Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” It is a timeless expression of humility, love, and service to others. The prayer captures St. Francis's commitment to peace, love and compassion, emphasizing virtues like forgiveness, understanding, and selflessness. It is also a reminder for all the members of the Union that they have to be genuinely involved in the affairs of the world. They have to be instruments of peace and love, fraternal communion and solidarity, through the exercise of forgiveness and compassion. They have to be healers and protectors of the widows and orphans. But all these things are to be done not on their own merit; they have to only reflect the love of Christ in every situation.The first reading from the book of Hosea reminds us that we can cease to be instruments of peace and love. Israel became like a luxuriant vine producing a lot of fruit. “The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; the richer his land became, the richer he made the sacred pillars. Theirs is a divided heart; now they will have to pay for it. He himself will hack down their altars and wreck their sacred pillars.” (Hosea 10:1-2) God destroyed the arrogance and the symbols of immortality.“Sow saving justice for yourselves, reap a harvest of faithful love; break up your fallow ground: it is time to seek out Yahweh until he comes to rain saving justice down on you.” (Hosea 10:12) Hence the invitation is to reap a harvest of love. In the Gospel passage of today, we see Jesus empowering the twelve disciples to reap the harvest of love, and proclaim the Kingdom of justice and love. “He summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to drive them out and to cure all kinds of disease and all kinds of illness.” (Matthew 10: 1-7) Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, the source of division and conflicts. The Kingdom of God will be marked by the values of communion, justice and peace. In this context the words of Saint Pope VI in Populorum Progressio (n.76) are very appropriate:“When we fight poverty and oppose the unfair conditions of the present, we are not just promoting human well-being; we are also furthering man's spiritual and moral development, and hence we are benefiting the whole human race. For peace is not simply the absence of warfare, based on a precarious balance of power; it is fashioned by efforts directed day after day toward the establishment of the ordered universe willed by God, with a more perfect form of justice among men.”Speaking of the mission of the Union of Catholic Apostolate in cooperation with all people of good will, living images of charity itself, n.16 of the General Statute identifies a number of areas for our engagement with the world, such as: protecting the values of human life and the family, working for the promotion of justice, solidarity, peace and protection of creation, encouraging inter-religious dialogue, and caring for the poor and needy. We have innumerable examples of our commitment to the needs of the people of God in our Pallottine Family. What we do for the poor and needy will be most meritorious before God. Without genuine commitment to acts of fraternal charity, the Union will always remain just a concept without flesh and blood. I conclude with these words of hope expressed by Pope Francis in his Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti: “I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope 'speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile.' Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope.” (n.55) Amen. Author:Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. is the UAC President Resources:Listen to On Mission: Pallottine Fathers and BrothersRead and learn about Fratelli TuttiRead the Ad Infinitum blogLearn about St. Vincent Pallotti Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

What does it really mean to live your life On Mission? We are joined by guest speaker Kenny Hufnagle, visiting from Chicago, who shares a raw and powerful testimony of how God transformed his life from a cycle of addiction and crime into a global ministry reaching West Africa.In this message, Kenny reminds us that the church is not just a building, but a body of surrendered vessels called to bring life to their communities. He breaks down the difference between the authority we have been given as believers and the supernatural power, or Dunamis, that enables us to fulfill our calling. If you have been feeling weary or tempted to throw in the towel, this word is for you. Discover why opposition is often a sign of obedience and why quitting takes no faith, but staying on the mission requires a deep, daily intimacy with Jesus. It is time to stop settling for "granola bar Christianity" and start walking in the fire and purpose God has for your life.

For the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank reflects on how we can learn about true peace. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank reflects on how we can learn about true peace. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

On this episode of the Son Rise Morning Show, Fr. Frank Donio of the Catholic Apostolate Center continues a mini-series on Evangelii Gaudium, exploring the communal and societal dimensions of evangelization. Drawing on Pope Leo's recent consistory homily and his new encyclical, Fr. Frank unpacks why the Church's mission has never been just about private belief — proclaiming the Gospel has always meant standing for human dignity, from the unborn to the elderly to the voiceless in society. The discussion traces this thread through history, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the collapse of communism under Pope St. John Paul II, showing how the Church's witness has repeatedly outlasted regimes that sought to silence it. Fr. Frank also addresses a common misconception — that faith and public life should stay separate — arguing instead that authentic evangelization always shapes society, while the real boundary is keeping the state out of the Church, not the Church out of the world. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

For the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank reflects on going forth for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank reflects on going forth for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Access Collaboration in Ministry resources On Mission: Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples From the Ad Infinitum blog: Laborers in the Vineyard Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More blogs about Collaboration Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Summertime typically offers a more relaxes schedule and opportunities to break from the routine. This season should also be a time to deepen one's faith and grow in love and relationship with Christ, finding that balance between work and leisure. This blogcast explores “Summertime Spirituality" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Erin Donn and read by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.It seems that there is something innate in our yearning for summer. As a child and student, I longed for the last day of school when I could trade in my early morning alarms and textbooks for sleeping in and spending time with friends. While summers in adulthood do not usher in quite the same change of schedule or freedom from responsibilities, I nonetheless eagerly await them. What is it that stirs this desire for summertime within us? What lessons of summertime can we bring into our spiritual lives?In the bustle of daily life it can be hard to find time for any rest, let alone that which truly restores and invigorates us. It is good that we work and labor, but we were not created for that alone. Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can find this rest firstly in times of silence and prayer with our Lord. And, I think we can also find it in the long days of summer. The extra hours of sunlight or the extra days of vacation provide opportunities to lay our burdens of busyness down at the Lord's feet. Far from eschewing or running away from responsibilities, these times of rest create opportunities to live out the rhythm of work and rest God desires for us. If summer affords you a bit more time to slow down, take some of these moments to reflect on how you can reorder your days to find a balance of work and rest to live throughout the year. How is the Lord calling you to deeper rest this summer?For many people the shorter, colder days of winter can be difficult to endure. The desire for the  light of summer is tinged with a spiritual longing for a reprieve from the dreariness of winter. We can lift our faces to the sun after months of bundling up and hunching our shoulders against the cold. As composites of body and soul, these changes in the seasons do not just affect our activities, but translate to our emotional and spiritual lives too. While winter may have lent itself to a quiet reflectiveness or melancholy, the light of summer can incline our spirits towards a renewed levity. Even in the heaviest days of winter we know that summer will indeed come; just as in the heavy days of life we know that Christ's promises of joy will be fulfilled. Have you noticed that your mood or prayer shifts with the seasons? What hopes are you bringing from the winter depths into this new season of light and warmth?In all the seasons we experience, whether naturally or interiorly, we are invited to praise and give thanks to God: a task we all know is easier said than done. One beauty of warm, sunny days is that they make that praise a bit easier to offer. It seems to me that we do not have to look quite as far to find joy as we may in the colder months. Summer wells up in us an awareness of God's goodness. We can simply listen to the waves crashing at the beach, take in a perfect summer sunset, or revel in an afternoon spent outside with good friends. While the earth sings its summer song to the Lord, we can sing our song to Him too (see Psalm 96). As we continue through the summer months, take time to slow down and praise God in the goodness of the season. In what splendors of summer do you receive God's love and glimpse His care for you?Despite all our longings for summer, it can often feel like it slips by too fast. This summer, which only just began seven days ago, I invite you to slow down and rest, shed the layers of life that can weigh us down, and open your heart to notice and receive all the goodness the Lord has in store for you in this season. Author:Erin Donn serves as the parish missionary at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, DC. Resources:Listen to On Mission podcast Catholic Feast Days AppRead the Ad Infinitum blog  Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

For the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on living in the light of Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on living in the light of Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Access Collaboration in Ministry resources On Mission: Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples From the Ad Infinitum blog: Laborers in the Vineyard Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More blogs about Collaboration Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

On "Mission of Mercy," his fourth solo album, he and his backing band establish their own unique identity while honoring Tom Petty's legacy.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

For the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on being sent as an apostle of Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on being sent as an apostle of Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode of the On Mission podcast, Founding Director Father Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Sarah Scalfaro, Director of Administration, are joined by Project Coordinator Brian Rhude to discuss the U.S. bishops' decision to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary, this dedication offers a moment to reflect on religious freedom and reorient the nation toward Christ amidst ongoing turmoil. Father Frank highlights the historical context, noting the devotion's connection to Pope Pius XI's 1925 institution of the Feast of Christ the King to acknowledge Christ's kingship amid global oppression. The conversation emphasizes that this consecration reminds the Church and laity to serve the Lord and sanctify the temporal order, rather than focusing on political control.   Topics discussed also include the Sacred Heart portrayed in art, and devotions in history including Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. This episode also provides simple ways to develop a personal devotion to the Sacred Heart, as well as discussions of prayer practices to deepen it.     From the Ad Infinitum blog: The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Image of God's Infinite Love The Transformative Power of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Evangelization Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank's weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Jesus is reliable and trust worthy. As God, he knows us better than we know ourselves and will always provide what we need and will draw us closer to himself. This blogcast explores “Relying on Jesus" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written and read by Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.God provides. Relying on Jesus means that we trust that God provides. Provides what? Not everything we want, the way we want it, and when we want it. No, God provides what we need, the way we need it, and when we need it, even if we cannot see it at the time. Living life for a length of time often teaches us to see and trust in this way. The alternative is simply reliance on self which can lead to bitterness and damage to ourselves and others.Relying on Jesus means that we trust that he, as God, is working 100%, offering us the grace to persevere, even during times of great challenge. He laid down his life for us on the Cross, so that we might experience the fullness of God providing for us, the opportunity for Eternal Life. We are called to trust in God who provides.While presented here as seemingly simple, it is not. We like to feel as if we are in control of our lives and destiny. It is hard to surrender ourselves to Christ and rely on him. Faith gives us the ability to do it. The charity of Christ offers us the grace of faith, since God always wills our good in ways that we often do not expect or imagine. God provides. Let us rely on Jesus Christ.May the charity of Christ urge us on! Author:Fr. Frank S. Donio, S.A.C., D.Min. is Founding Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). He is also Executive Director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men of the United States (CMSM). Resources:Listen to weekly reflections by Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C.Resources on Prayer and CatechesisBrowse the Saints and Feast Day SiteRead the Ad Infinitum blog Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

For the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the communion with Christ and the Church through the Eucharist. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the communion with Christ and the Church through the Eucharist. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the love of God. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the love of God. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

We currently live in the age of the Church after Pentecost where we are called to be missionary disciples and spread the Good News to the end of the earth. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment of the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, about our role as apostles in our daily lives. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church where the Apostles, endowed with the Holy Spirit, began professing Jesus Christ and helping people encounter him. That continues to this day in our daily lives where we are called to go forth for Christ on mission.  “A second point is that the Spirit of the risen One is the Spirit of mission: “As the Father has sent me,” says the Lord, “so I send you” (Jn 20:21). We are consequently drawn into Jesus' mission, the mission of the one who proceeds from God and returns to God through the power of the Spirit — who in turn proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is worshiped and glorified with them as one God. The Holy Spirit is the living charity of Christ that fills us, spurs us on and sustains us in our mission (cf. 2 Cor 5:14). While bestowing on the Apostles the power to preach (cf. Acts 2:4), the same Spirit teaches humanity the word of salvation. Now that the Apostles have received the breath of the risen One within themselves, this proclamation pours from their lips, borne by the voice of Peter and of those who are with him. On the very day of Pentecost, the Apostles began to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen. In other words, the “mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) are summed up in redemption, which begins with faith. Indeed, the first work of the Holy Spirit in us is the faith with which we profess: “Jesus is Lord!” (1 Cor 12:3). This faith lives and is expressed in every good deed, in every act of mercy and virtue. The work of God, therefore, is each one of us, who came here today from all parts of the world, invited to the Lord's table, gathered to listen to his word and called to bear witness to it everywhere.” Pope Leo Pentecost Homily: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2026/documents/20260524-pentecoste.html   Notes: Access Missionary Disciple Resources On Mission: Cenacle Spirituality More episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Laborers in the Vineyard From Encounter to Action More blogs about Living as Missionary Disciples Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Saint Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist, is best known for his First Apology, which documents Christian worship and beliefs in the first century. This blogcast explores “St. Justin Martyr's Lessons in Christianity" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Erin Donn and read by Brian Rhude.Have you ever considered what it would have been like to be a member of the Church in the first few centuries? Jesus would have been fresh in peoples' memories, but the rich Christian tradition we have today would have only just been taking shape. Those early followers of Christ would have been interpreting what Jesus' teachings meant and figuring out how to live them out in their daily lives, both individually and communally. It was in this context that St. Justin Martyr, an early Christian convert and apologist who lived in modern day Israel from about 100-165 AD, lived. St. Justin is well known for his First Apology, which he wrote to the Roman emperor, Antoninus Titus, as a defense and explanation of Christianity. This text not only gives us insight to what it was like when the Church was taking shape, but it also provides a rich insight into how we can live as Christians to this day.1) Being Christians in name and deedSt. Justin knew as well as anyone today that it is much easier to say you are a Christian than it is to truly live as one. He wanted the emperor to truly understand what Christianity was and Who it was founded upon, to not base his opinions on the popular zeitgeist: “For from a name neither praise nor punishment could reasonably spring, unless something excellent or base in action be proved.” (Ch. IV) For us today, we live in a world where the name “Christian” can carry so many different connotations. It depends on each of us to “prove something excellent” in our actions. Besides claiming the name Christian, are we living and worshiping in a way that reflects this privileged name?2) How to live as ChristiansWhether Christians in the first century or in the 21st century, we are called to live for God and His eternal kingdom above all else. With his eyes focused on Heaven, St. Justin was able to accept persecutions because he understood that his earthly life was temporary. He encouraged others to “imitate the excellences which reside in [God], temperance, and justice, and philanthropy.” (Ch. X) Rather than the material offerings sacrificed at the time, St. Justin wanted to make an offering of his life by setting aside his own will and taking up God's ways. Rather than imitating the pagan gods, he wanted to become deified by “living near to God in holiness and virtue.” (Ch. XXIII) While our settings may be different today, we can still practice the patience, love, and charity towards others that St. Justin encouraged.3) Christian CommunityThroughout the Apology, St. Justin is not just preaching about individual Christians, but the whole Christian community. From the beginning, the necessity of community was always understood. It was through one another that they would receive the faith, be converted, and persevere in the faith. Rather than worship alone, the early Christians understood the need to come together. The faithful would gather to offer prayers for one another to be “found good citizens and keepers of the commandments.” (Ch LXV) They would celebrate the Eucharist in remembrance of Christ's passion and for their own nourishment. They would collect money to be distributed for the needs among them. Rather than seeing this early form of the Mass as a Sunday obligation, it was the fitting response to their new life in Christ. We too can embrace this view of community as the place we offer God fitting worship and truly practice our faith.While today most of us are blessed to not fear extreme persecution or martyrdom, we do still have the freedom and responsibility to make the choice for God and the good daily. Through the intercession of St. Justin, may we be strengthened to boldly profess and live out our faith. Author:Erin Donn serves as the parish missionary at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, DC. Resources:Listen to On Mission: The SaintsResources on the Eucharistic RevivalBrowse the Saints and Feast Day SiteRead the Ad Infinitum blog Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Cenacle spirituality refers to the collaborative and prayerful attitude of the Apostles in the Upper Room awaiting Pentecost and how modern church ministries and emulate that same posture in their operations. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how parish ministries and non-profits can adopt the prayerful and collaborative approach of the Apostles in making their own decisions as an organization.The Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary gathered in the Cenacle, or Upper Room, to collaborate with each other and the Holy Spirit as they made decision and implemented their actions. This model of prayer and collaboration in union with the Holy Spirit should be emulated at all levels of the Church today, including within parish ministries. There are seven keys to effective Christ-centered collaboration in the Church: 1) Christ—we must recognize that Christ is the center of all that we do, 2) Cenacle—referring to how the Apostles and the Blessed Mother Mary gathered in prayer, discernment, and action, 3) Communio—communion is the core of collaboration and provides the sense of togetherness, 4) Cooperation—we must work together to understand perspectives and care for those in need, 5) Communication—effective communication ensures that collaboration moves efficiently and effectively to achieve the ministerial goals, 6) Compassion—when things don't go according to plan, ensure that those involved in the work of the ministry are cared for with charity as well, 7) Co-responsibility—we all share in the mission of Christ and his church, it is each of our roles to preach the Gospel.  Related On Mission episodes:On Mission: Collaboration and Co-ResponsibilityMore episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples From the Ad Infinitum blog:Laborers in the VineyardCollaboration and Co-ResponsibilityMore blogs about Collaboration Check out the main Saints and Feast Days websiteDownload the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank's weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Solemnity of Pentecost, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on being sent by Christ into the world as bearer of peace. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Solemnity of Pentecost, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on being sent by Christ into the world as bearer of peace. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Co-responsibility means that the members of the parish pastoral council share in the evangelization efforts of the Church. Parish pastoral councils allow a collaboration between the pastor and the people of the parish to generate effective ministry to the community. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment of the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, about parish pastoral councils. “Consensus is not the practice of negotiation, or compromise, or coming around to Father's way of thinking. Good consensus as practiced by a parish council is the fruit of prayer, discernment, and discussion. It is the mark of fidelity of a community committed to responding to the movement of the Spirit within the community.” ~ Dr. Susan Timoney in In Service to the Parish and Church: A Formation Series for Parish Pastoral Councils. Parish pastoral councils are a consultative body in a Catholic parish that advises the pastor on pastoral matters, helping to plan, coordinate, and review activities related to the parish's mission, such as evangelization, worship, and service. It acts as a representative body, assisting in setting goals and fostering unity, ensuring the parish responds effectively to the needs of its community. As part of its renewal to the Church, the Council called for a number of new structures to promote active involvement and collaboration in the mission of the Church. After the Council, a new structure was proposed by the Church to call forth in an orderly fashion the insights and cooperation of persons at the level of the local community. That structure is the parish pastoral council. The rationale for the parish pastoral council may be found in the Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church: “By reason of the knowledge, competence, or pre-eminence which they have, the laity are empowered indeed sometimes obliged to manifest their opinion on those things which pertain to the good of the Church. If the occasion should arise this should be done through the institutions established by the Church for that purpose and always with truth, courage and prudence and with reverence and charity towards those who, by reason of their office represent the person of Christ.” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)   Notes: Access Collaboration in Ministry resources On Mission: Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Laborers in the Vineyard Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More blogs about Collaboration Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Key Outcomes Scott Sullivan and John Spencer (Discipleship Team Leader at Sherwood Baptist  Church in Albany, GA) introduced FORMED, A Discipleship Culture Blueprint, a new resource developed over 2.5 years to help Georgia Baptist churches create disciple-making cultures rather than programs. This resource addresses the core question: How do we reach new people, connect them to the church, move them to spiritual maturity,  and launch them to multiply. Resource Overview FORMED Structure: • Four core elements: Real Relationships, Transformational Teaching, Disciple Making Environments, and Intentional Multiplication • Built from dozens of pastor roundtables identifying common church struggles. • Developed by Scott Sullivan, Ray Sullivan (now Pastor at First Waycross), and PJ  Dunn (overseeing Revitalization at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board) • Will be taught through six regional cohorts led by trained leaders, including John. Key Definitions: • Culture: The shared expression of beliefs, values, and rhythms that define an  organization's identity; "how it feels" rather than just mission or vision• Disciple (Georgia Baptist definition): A committed, passionate follower of Jesus  Christ, based on 2 Timothy 2:1-7's four generations of disciples and three-word pictures (soldier, athlete, farmer) Critical Leadership Questions Three essential questions every pastor should answer: • Do we have a culture of discipleship, and is it working? • Do you have a definition of a biblical disciple for your people? • Does the culture and success of the ministry depend solely on you as the leader? Core Principle: "I hope so is not a strategy" - churches cannot keep running the same play if it's not helping them win. Real Relationships Framework Foundation: Jesus invited disciples into a relationship ("follow me"), not a program - discipleship happens best within relational contexts. The Rebar Principle:• Like rebar tied together before concrete is poured creates tensile strength,  intentionally tied relationships provide reinforcement when storms come • Without tied relationships, ministry cracks under pressure • You cannot pour ministry on top of relationships you never tied together 2:00 AM Friendships: • Deep, loyal, hesed-type Old Testament connections that never walk away • Many mature believers lack these foundational relationships Sherwood Church Model Disciple Definition at Sherwood: Know Christ, Love God, Unite with Believers, Serve the World, and Entrust the Gospel - visible everywhere (classrooms, atrium, new member materials) to maintain cultural focus. Sherwood on Mission Class: • Equips members to live gospel-centered lives daily, not just share gospel facts • Most valuable component: hearing stories of others interacting with people in their  zones (work, home, neighborhood) • Available to share with other churches upon request Practical Implementation: • Michael Catt established Wednesday morning Cracker Barrel group with 5-6 men  who could speak candidly into his leadership • Prayer walking neighborhoods with an online sign-up chart tracking coverage across  Albany • Daily Bible reading groups (using MacArthur Daily Bible) meeting at 6:00 AM Overcoming Barriers to Connection Common Church Barriers: • Poor or insufficient signage around campus • Greeters who overwhelm rather than read people appropriately • "Holy huddles" that look inward rather than outward • Inadequate nursery facilities that parents don't trust • Inefficient processes (coffee stations, check-in) that create frustration. Key Insight: Confused people don't move; they wander - clear signage and processes are essential. Cultural Shift Required: • People want to be noticed, not just noted (Luke 19 - Jesus didn't just see  Zacchaeus, he went to his house) • New member classes must set expectations: "Your job as a disciple-maker is to  welcome people to your life, not just your seat." • Tell stories constantly - in baptisms, classrooms, social media, pulpit - to inspire and  give ideas Intentionality Over RandomnessMinistry Trap Warning: The managerial trap of settling to manage people rather than shepherd and disciple them - easier to manage groups than invest intimately in messy lives. Personal Disciplines for Leaders: • Start with personal abiding - "I can't lead what I don't do." • Distinguish between being in the Bible for your people (sermon prep) versus being in  the Bible for yourself • Pray specifically: "Lord, who do I invite in?" • Most successful ministry comes from one-on-one, one-on-two investments over time. Example: John invested ten years in a man who came hungover most mornings; now that man is leading a college ministry. Multiplication Mindset: • Invite younger leaders into discipleship groups to pass the torch • Equip them to replicate: "Now you go find some guys." • Story: A man moving to North Carolina took extra MacArthur Daily Bibles to start  groups there Practical Opportunities Beyond Sunday Services: • Partner with existing community services (food banks, deliveries) • Prayer walks in neighborhoods • Student car washes • Leverage natural contexts (pickleball example: introvert wife built new friendships,  led couple to church, provided support during medical crisis) Church Facility Design: North Metro Church built a massive foyer/mall effect holding 500 people, transforming culture by giving space for pre-service connection rather than herding people like cattle. Action Items • Georgia Baptist Mission Board Discipleship Team: Launch FORMED resource by the end of April, release four podcast episodes every two weeks for cohesive learning • Regional leaders (including John): Prepare to lead cohorts using  an overview/introduction approach (Matthew Gibb's piece to be distributed) • Churches interested in Sherwood's On Mission materials: Contact John Spencer at johns@sherwoodbaptist.net for manual/digital copies Closing Principle "A church that is easy to attend but hard to connect in will always struggle to multiply.  Bet the farm on relationships - Jesus did."

For the Ascension of the Lord and the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on going forth on mission for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Ascension of the Lord and the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on going forth on mission for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Consensus of the parish pastoral council permits greater discernment of God's will. Parish pastoral councils allow a collaboration between the pastor and the people of the parish to generate effective ministry to the community. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment of the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, about parish pastoral councils. “Consensus is not the practice of negotiation, or compromise, or coming around to Father's way of thinking. Good consensus as practiced by a parish council is the fruit of prayer, discernment, and discussion. It is the mark of fidelity of a community committed to responding to the movement of the Spirit within the community.” ~ Dr. Susan Timoney in In Service to the Parish and Church: A Formation Series for Parish Pastoral Councils. Parish pastoral councils are a consultative body in a Catholic parish that advises the pastor on pastoral matters, helping to plan, coordinate, and review activities related to the parish's mission, such as evangelization, worship, and service. It acts as a representative body, assisting in setting goals and fostering unity, ensuring the parish responds effectively to the needs of its community. As part of its renewal to the Church, the Council called for a number of new structures to promote active involvement and collaboration in the mission of the Church. After the Council, a new structure was proposed by the Church to call forth in an orderly fashion the insights and cooperation of persons at the level of the local community. That structure is the parish pastoral council. The rationale for the parish pastoral council may be found in the Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church: “By reason of the knowledge, competence, or pre-eminence which they have, the laity are empowered indeed sometimes obliged to manifest their opinion on those things which pertain to the good of the Church. If the occasion should arise this should be done through the institutions established by the Church for that purpose and always with truth, courage and prudence and with reverence and charity towards those who, by reason of their office represent the person of Christ.” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)   Notes: Access Collaboration in Ministry resources On Mission: Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Laborers in the Vineyard Collaboration and Co-Responsibility More blogs about Collaboration Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Church history demonstrates the various ways evangelization encountered cultures in different times and places. These cultural contexts show how the same message of Christ, unchanging throughout the centuries, can be continually applied to allow Christ to encounter his people in their particular context. This blogcast explores “Pastoral Care in the Context of Church History" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Christian Bordak-Roseman read by Monica Thom Konschnik.“This [the Feast of Pentecost] was to show that just as God in creating man had, as Holy Scripture expresses it, breathed into him the breath of life, so too in communicating a new life to his disciples to live only by grace, he breathed into them his divine Spirit to give them some share in his own divine life. The Spirit of God also ought to come and to rest upon you on this sacred day, to make it possible for you to live and to act only by the Spirit's action in you. Draw him within you by offering him a well-disposed heart.” — St. John Baptist De LaSalle, Meditation 43.1Every year at Pentecost, the Church celebrates its birthday, and this year — assuming Christ died in 33 A.D. — the Church will be celebrating its 1,991st birthday. That is 1,991 years of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care for the many and diverse people of God. Each day, I work with ninth and tenth graders in a Catholic high school, teaching them about Sacred Scripture and the Catholic Church. While teaching my sophomores about Church History, I continually receive similar questions: “How did the Church care for its people?” “Why did the Church do that when it seems so wrong by today's standards?” These questions got me thinking about the Church's choices in caring for the people of God across history and led me to teach Church history by contextualizing Pastoral Decisions within the historical context of the time period. This led my students to a deeper understanding of the ancient, medieval, and modern ages of the Church.I began this blog post with a quote from St. John Baptist de LaSalle on the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to the Apostles at Pentecost because the same Spirit and gifts have guided the Church since that day. In the early Church, the Holy Spirit guided the Apostles to go out from Jerusalem and preach to the people where they were already living their daily lives. Acts of the Apostles discusses Peter and other Apostles preaching in the Temple in Jerusalem, entering the homes of Gentiles, and traveling to cities across the Roman Empire to speak in public spaces. These first missions sought to bring Jesus's Gospel message to people in their own cultural context, made possible by the Holy Spirit's gift of being able to speak various languages from Pentecost. The early Church focused its sacramental life on the “breaking of the bread” or Mass, most likely occurring in people's homes and dining areas in their preferred language, as seen in the Road to Emmaus story. These personal invitations to the Faith yielded great results and the founding of Christian communities across the Roman Empire. These localized communities, however, soon began to consolidate with new pastoral goals and programs in the aftermath of Constantine's Edict of Milan which legalized Christian worship, and the subsequent shift of Roman religion from paganism to Catholicism.With Catholicism becoming the state religion of the Roman Empire, the Church gradually became a more established institution. Part of this was the adoption of the use of Latin in public liturgy. Since Catholics could now worship in newly founded Basilicas and Churches, a common liturgical language was needed to cater to all members of Roman society. Additionally, when the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 A.D., effectively breaking up the empire into states ruled by different ethnic groups across Europe, the Church stepped in as a stabilizing institution to help govern and rule a fractured continent. The necessities of common liturgical practices and a united Faith leadership led the Church to influence secular medieval and Renaissance rulers. Many in society today — including my students — look at this era of the Church as the height of Catholic control and corruption, and there were several corrupt leaders within the Church. Nevertheless, when shown as a unifying agent of society — with positive and influential leaders like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Dominic Guzman, and St. Thomas Aquinas — the Church's evangelization and catechesis efforts come to the forefront. Even today, the Church references the documents and principles of medieval and Renaissance theologians to explain how the Church continues to live its authentic witness to the Gospel in the modern age.The Church of the modern age has naturally progressed from its ancient, medieval, and Renaissance roots. The Holy Spirit continues to guide Pope Francis, the Bishops, and lay leadership across the Church to pastorally respond to the modern needs of the Body of Christ. One of the most notable moments of a pastoral shift in the modern era was the Second Vatican Council, allowing greater expression of cultural diversity in the Church, Liturgy, and personal spirituality. Each Pope since Vatican II has continued to further explain and open the documents of the council for consideration and application among the faithful. In 2019, in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation to Young People in the Church, Pope Francis challenges the reader to “above all, in one way or another, fight for the common good, serve the poor, be protagonists of the revolution of charity and service, capable of resisting the pathologies of consumerism and superficial individualism” (Christus Vivit, No. 174). While addressed to young people to be agents of change in society, this is one of many challenges of Pope Francis that beg the faithful to continue witnessing to the Truth of the Gospel and Jesus's Mission in their own life. Similar messages have been given throughout the long history of the Church, with the only difference being in language and historical context. The singular unifying agent of the Church's Pastoral Care throughout history has been the Holy Spirit. Today, we must continue to ask the Holy Spirit for help and inspiration in our daily life to help us go forward with the love of Christ to be positive witnesses of the Church today. Author:Christian Bordak-Roseman serves as a Religion Teacher at St. John's College High School in Washington DC. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History, minoring in Theology, and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education at The Catholic University of America. Informed by the Lasallian charism of St. John's and the Pallottine charism of the Catholic Apostolate Center, Christian works to witness Christ's mission of love by living as an apostle at school as a teacher and at home as a husband. Resources:Listen to On Mission: Parish Pastoral CouncilsBrowse Living as Missionary Disciples ResourcesRead the Ad Infinitum blog Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Many saints in the history of the Church have referred to the Church as mother, calling it, for example, Holy Mother Church. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss why many refer to the Church and in what ways the Church acts like a mother to all the faithful. Further, they discuss how the Virgin Mary is Mother of the Church and how she fulfills that role.The Church is our mother because she spiritually gives birth to each of the faithful through the Sacrament of Baptism. Because of Baptism, we are given the opportunity to be reborn into eternity. While we live on this side of life, we are nourished by the Church through the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Like any mother, the Church provides a warm home and comfort for their children. Additionally, the Church teaches us how to pray and live a life worthy of Jesus' call. The Church is also the Bride of Christ and it models her behavior after the model of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Related On Mission episodes:Mary as Mother of the Church and Mothers as Our Primary TeachersThe Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas SeasonThe 12 ApostlesBaptism  From the Ad Infinitum blog:Mother's Day ReflectionMore posts about Motherhood Check out the main Saints and Feast Days websiteDownload the App on the App Store or Google Play Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank's weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on observing the commandments of Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on observing the commandments of Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on showing Christ to others as the way, the truth, and the life. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on showing Christ to others as the way, the truth, and the life. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on recognizing the voice of Jesus Christ in the midst of other voices. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

01 JEFFREY SUTORIUS & Magic Sound - Cyclus 02 Korolova - Another Life 03 Kosheen & KASIA - Catch 04 Sick Individuals - Sunrise 05 Deaf Jules - Say Say Say 06 Vion Konger - Got My Swag 07 Jaxx inc. - On Mission 08 TELYKAST & Saksham Feat. sadHAPPY - Echoes 09 Icona Pop - Dance To This 10 02 Amber Broos - Pressure 11 Dirty Signal - Powerhouse 12 Midnight in Amsterdam x Sebastian Wibe - Under The Moon 13 Blasterjaxx X Kate Ryan - Désenchantée 3000 14 HIFEER - Lucid Desire 15 G-Spott & Divasi - No Comment 16 John Summit - Lights Go Out 17 AVAO - Bounce To The Beat 18 Trentemøller - Moan

01 JEFFREY SUTORIUS & Magic Sound - Cyclus 02 Korolova - Another Life 03 Kosheen & KASIA - Catch 04 Sick Individuals - Sunrise 05 Deaf Jules - Say Say Say 06 Vion Konger - Got My Swag 07 Jaxx inc. - On Mission 08 TELYKAST & Saksham Feat. sadHAPPY - Echoes 09 Icona Pop - Dance To This 10 02 Amber Broos - Pressure 11 Dirty Signal - Powerhouse 12 Midnight in Amsterdam x Sebastian Wibe - Under The Moon 13 Blasterjaxx X Kate Ryan - Désenchantée 3000 14 HIFEER - Lucid Desire 15 G-Spott & Divasi - No Comment 16 John Summit - Lights Go Out 17 AVAO - Bounce To The Beat 18 Trentemøller - Moan

For the Third Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the Risen Christ accompanying us in times of seeming despair, offering us hope so that we can share in his mission. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.