Shows
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 361: Mom HacksMaria Morera Johnson and CatholicMom.com contributor Samantha Stephenson have a discuss habits that help us be present to our children in the midst of demanding chores and duties. Samantha Stephenson is a Catholic convert, bioethicist, and author of Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad, the Mama Prays devotional, and the forthcoming books The Bellbind Letters and Grow Where You’re Planted. Samantha homeschools her four children and homesteads with her family on a third of an acre nestled in the heart of Idaho's Snake River Valley. You can find her at www.snstephenson.com. Li...
2025-08-2726 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 44: The Sacraments with Father Chris AlarMaria Morera Johnson and Father Chris Alar, MIC, author of Understanding the Sacraments: God's Grace Guaranteed! Fr. Chris Alar, MIC is a Marian Father of the Immaculate Conception and a familiar face to many Catholics through his talks, books, and EWTN’s Living Divine Mercy. Known for his down-to-earth way of breaking down big topics, Fr. Chris has a heart for helping people really understand their faith and experience God’s mercy. His latest book, Understanding the Sacraments: God’s Grace Guaranteed, takes us deeper into the seven sacraments—showing how they’re not just rituals we do, but rea...
2025-08-2517 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 360: Adventures with BlueyMaria Morera Johnson and Father Charlie McCoy, C.S.C., discuss Bluey, a family-oriented animated series that speaks to the whole family. Born and raised in the greater Chicago area, Father Charlie McCoy, C.S.C., made his final vows in 2008 and was ordained in 2009. For most of his life in Holy Cross, he has served as a professor and a pastoral resident in a men's hall at the University of Portland in Oregon. Since Father Charlie comes from a lively, close-knit family, and since devotion to the Rosary stretches back generations among his relatives, he feels...
2025-08-2022 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 359: Embracing the RosaryMaria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras discuss summer serenity and embracing the Rosary. Maria and Allison discuss the winding down of summer and looking forward to a Fall reset while embracing the beauty of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Links for this Episode: Read all articles by Allison Gingras Allison's new book, Jesus Heals Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson Maria's new book, A Beautiful Second Act
2025-08-1330 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 358: Tik Tok's Sister LisaMaria Morera Johnson interviews Tik Tok influencer Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch, author of A Rome for Restless Hearts. In A Rome for Restless Hearts, Sr. Lisa takes readers through some of the most common questions and concerns about Catholicism, including the veneration of Mary and the role of women in the Church. With her characteristic wit, Sr. Lisa shares with readers her own questions, misunderstandings, and reluctance about Catholicism, and how she discovered that the Catholic faith was already offering her soul what it was seeking: a deeper relationship with Jesus. Links in Show: A Ro...
2025-08-0625 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 357: Recharging in Christ Maria Morera Johnson and Inés Mersch talk about tending to our spiritual and physical needs. Inés Huber Mersch is a faithful Catholic wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Mobile, Alabama. Her strong attraction to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led to her being invited to participate in the steering committee that brought Perpetual Adoration to the Archdiocese of Mobile and continues as one of the schedulers. She has also been a guest writer at Catholic Mom. Links in Show: Broken By Me by Inés Huber Mersch Read all articles by M...
2025-07-3018 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 356: Mothering through Milestone YearsMaria Morera Johnson and contributor Kristina Talbot discuss the joys and challenges of mothering our children through milestones. Kristina Talbot is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and native Floridian who loves that her engineer husband enjoys Karaoke, and her four children enjoy carpool line with the music up. Kristina is the owner and founder of ARISE Mental Health Consulting Services and has a ridiculous amount of knowledge about football. You can follow Kristina on Facebook and Instagram @arisemhc. Links for this Episode: Read all articles by Kristina Talbot
2025-07-2318 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 43: Praying with AppsMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton talk about using prayer apps as spiritual aids. Heidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She is also senior acquisitions editor for Ave Maria Press. She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her adventures on Life on the Road Less Traveled. Maria Morera Johnson, author of A Beautiful Second Act:, My Badass Book of Saints, Super Girls an...
2025-07-2125 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 355: Jubilee Year of HopeMaria and Allison take a mid-year check0in for the Jubilee Year of Hope, and introduce the new series on Catholic Mom: A Reason for Our Hope Links for this Episode: A Reason for Our Hope Read all articles by Allison Gingras Allison's new book, Jesus Heals Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson Maria's new book, A Beautiful Second Act
2025-07-1622 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Mom 354: Summer Reading PicksMaria Johnson interviews Liz Lantigua, founder of Good News! Book Fair, and Leslea Wahl, author of A Summer to Treasure. Good News! Book Fair for an Agenda-Free Alternative Good News! Book Fair started in 2014. They are headquartered in Florida with a second distribution center in Ohio and are now a program of Literacy Advocates USA, a nonprofit organization. Good News! Boof Fair emphasizes how important it is for parents and educators to instill the joy of reading in children and provide fun, wholesome, inspiring books, promoting good entertainment collaborating with Family Theatre Productions and Angel Stu...
2025-07-0930 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 353: Fruits of the SpiritMaria Morera Johnson is joined by Inés Huber Mersch for a conversation about the Fruits of the Spirit, and how we can cultivate the virtues in our family. Inés Huber Mersch is a faithful Catholic wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Mobile, Alabama. Her strong attraction to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led to her being invited to participate in the steering committee that brought Perpetual Adoration to the Archdiocese of Mobile and continues as one of the schedulers. She has also been a guest writer at Catholic Mom. Links in Show...
2025-07-0221 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 42: Mary's MotherhoodMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton talk about the Blessed Mother as a model for our motherhood. Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton talk about the Blessed Mother as a model for our motherhood. Heidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She is also senior acquisitions editor for Ave Maria Press. She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her...
2025-06-3017 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 352: Musician Cristina BernalMaria Morera Johnson interviews musician Cristina Bernal in an intimate conversation about faith, sacrifice, values, and surrendering her gifts to God. CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, Cristina Bernal shares briefly about exposure to immoral practices in the music industry that led to her awakening in the faith. Caution is recommended, especially when young listeners may be present. from CristinaBernalMusic.com: Growing up in the music industry Cristina always knew she wanted to do something big with her gifts and talents. After leaving what would have been her second record deal in 2011, Cristina got...
2025-06-2537 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 351: Pausing BusynessMaria and Allison catch up with each other. Life sometimes comes at us in seasons of heavy activity and having strategies for focus and grounding in the faith are essential. Links for this Episode: Read all articles by Allison Gingras Allison's new book, Jesus Heals Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson Maria's new book, A Beautiful Second Act
2025-06-1824 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 350: Real Life with Mary Book Club Week 3Our May 2025 Book Club selection is a book honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary! Kelsey Gillespy, in her new book, Real Life with Mary: Growing in Virtue to Magnify the Lord, encourages moms to grow in friendship with Mary and learn from her how to walk the daily path to holiness. This book is written for all of us! Kelsey observed during this session that the book is a call to discipleship, a call to fellowship, and a call to sainthood. She acknowledged that when we look at the saints we see all the glamor, and it can se...
2025-06-1233 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 349: Cooking with the KidsMaria Morera Johnson and Barb Szyszkiewicz have a lively conversation about cooking with the family, offering some Mom hacks for encouraging young chefs. Barb Szyszkiewicz, senior editor at CatholicMom.com, is a wife, mom of 3 young adults, and a Secular Franciscan. Barb enjoys writing, cooking, and reading, and is a music minister at her parish. Find her blog at FranciscanMom and her family’s favorite recipes with nutrition information at Cook and Count. Barb is the author of The Handy Little Guide to Prayer and The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours, available from Our Sunday Visi...
2025-06-1118 min
Catholic MomcastCatholicMom Prayercast 41: Hopeful ParentingHeidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She is also senior acquisitions editor for Ave Maria Press. She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her adventures on Life on the Road Less Traveled. Maria Morera Johnson, author of A Beautiful Second Act:, My Badass Book of Saints, Super Girls and Halo, and Our Lady of Charity: How a Cuban Devotion to Mary Helped Me Grow in Faith a...
2025-06-0921 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 348: Real Life with Mary Book Club Week 2Our May 2025 Book Club selection is a book honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary! Kelsey Gillespy, in her new book, Real Life with Mary: Growing in Virtue to Magnify the Lord, encourages moms to grow in friendship with Mary and learn from her how to walk the daily path to holiness. This book is written for all of us! Kelsey observed during this session that the book is a call to discipleship, a call to fellowship, and a call to sainthood. She acknowledged that when we look at the saints we see all the glamor, and it can se...
2025-06-0529 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 347: Graduation SeasonMaria Morera Johnson and Margaret Dwyer Hogan discuss graduations and the transitions in the home. Maria Morera Johnson and Margaret Dwyer Hogan have a lively and fun conversation about the different seasons of graduation and launching our children.
2025-06-0415 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 346: Book Club Real Life with Mary Week 1Our May 2025 Book Club selection is a book honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary! Kelsey Gillespy, in her new book, Real Life with Mary: Growing in Virtue to Magnify the Lord, encourages moms to grow in friendship with Mary and learn from her how to walk the daily path to holiness. This book is written for all of us! Kelsey observed during this session that the book is a call to discipleship, a call to fellowship, and a call to sainthood. She acknowledged that when we look at the saints we see all the glamor, and it can...
2025-05-2959 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 345: Summer's Almost HereMaria and Allison have a heartfelt conversation about summer memories and dive into the archives for summer ideas for the family, including some mom hacks for young children. Links for this episode: Read all articles by Allison Gingras Allison's new book, Jesus Heals Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson Maria's new book, A Beautiful Second Act
2025-05-2826 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 40: Home Altars and DevotionsMaria Morera Johnson and Inés Huber Mersch discuss ways they integrate tangible expressions of faith in their homes. Inés Huber Mersch is a faithful Catholic wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Mobile, Alabama. Her strong attraction to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led to her being invited to participate in the steering committee that brought Perpetual Adoration to the Archdiocese of Mobile and continues as one of the schedulers. She has also been a guest writer at Catholic Mom. Links in Episode: - Broken By Me by Inés Mersch - Ca...
2025-05-2619 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 344: Piety and TemperamentMaria Morera Johnson interviews Rosemary McGuire Berry, author of Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints (TAN Books). Rosemary McGuire Berry is a lifelong Catholic reader, storyteller, writer and traveler who homeschools the younger of her two daughters. When she’s not leading international pilgrimages with her husband and family to visit shrines and saints, she resides with her family in Colorado. Links for this Show: TAN Books: Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints. Author website: Paths to His Heart: Traveling with the Saints Free Handout about the Saints & their Temperaments here! ...
2025-05-2124 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 343: Meet Roxane SalonenMaria Morera Johnson interviews CatholicMom.com contributor Roxane B. Salonen, award-winning children’s author and freelance writer, and a radio host, speaker, and podcaster. Roxane B. Salonen, Fargo, North Dakota (“You betcha!”), is a wife and mother of a literal, mostly-grown handful, an award-winning children’s author and freelance writer, and a radio host, speaker, and podcaster (“Matters of Soul Importance”). Roxane co-authored “What Would Monica Do?” to bring hope to those bearing an all-too-common cross. Her diocesan column, “Sidewalk Stories,” shares insights from her prolife sidewalk ministry. Visit roxanesalonen.com. Links for this Show: Read al...
2025-05-1418 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 39: Month of MaryMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton talk about their love of the Blessed Mother. Heidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She is also senior acquisitions editor for Ave Maria Press. She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her adventures on Life on the Road Less Traveled. Maria Morera Johnson, author of A Beautiful Second Act:, My Badass Book of Saints, Super Girls and...
2025-05-1216 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 342: Meet Allison AuthMaria Morera Johnson interviews CatholicMom.com contributor Allison Auth, author of Baby and Beyond: Overcoming Those Post-Childbirth Woes (Sophia Institute Press). Allison Auth lives with her woodworker husband and 5 children in the Denver area, where she homeschools her kids. She is the author of Baby and Beyond: Overcoming Those Post-Childbirth Woes (Sophia Institute Press) and contributes regularly to the Denver Catholic. She is active in her parish and homeschooling communities. Learn more about her work at AllisonAuth.com. Links for the Show: Read all articles by Allison Auth AllisonAuth.com. Baby and Beyond: O...
2025-05-0715 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 341: When Worry OverwhelmsMaria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras discuss how worry shows up in every season of motherhood, from sleepless nights with newborns to the silent prayers for grown kids, and how to find peace and purpose through it all. Maria and Allison discuss how worry is a constant companion in motherhood. In this heartfelt episode, we explore how anxiety shifts across each season of raising children and how faith, community, and practical wisdom can help us anchor our hearts in peace. Tune in for this reminder that you're never alone on this journey. Links for t...
2025-04-3031 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 38: Praying for Each OtherMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton talk about their special prayer devotions and pray for Catholic Momcast and Prayercast listeners. Heidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She is also senior acquisitions editor for Ave Maria Press. She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her adventures on Life on the Road Less Traveled. Maria Morera Johnson, author of A Beautiful Second Act: My Badas...
2025-04-2821 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 340: Adult Children with Special NeedsDavid and Mercedes write and speak from a faith perspective as parents of a child with autism. They are available to speak, and have appeared on radio and other media. Visit DavidAndMercedesRizzo.com to learn more. Follow them on Facebook at Autism With The Rizzos. Authors of Praying For Your Special Needs Child, (Word Among Us Press) and Spiritually Able and The Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit (Loyola Press). Links for this Episode: DavidAndMercedesRizzo.com Autism With The Rizzos Praying For Your Special Needs Child, (Word Among Us Press) Spiritually Able and The Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation...
2025-04-2314 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 339: Jennifer ThomasMaria Morera Johnson interviews CatholicMom.com contributor, Jennifer Thomas. As a Catholic wife and mom to three children, Jennifer earned her masters degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and recently reverted back to her Catholic faith. Jennifer is an avid stationery enthusiast who enjoys finding unique and beautiful stationery to send to her friends and family. She also enjoys researching ways to instill Catholic traditions within her family while finishing her first book. Show Links: Read all articles by Jennifer Thomas Mourning Glory Podcast
2025-04-1610 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 338: A Beautiful Second Act Book Club Week 3 (Part 2)Listen to the podcast playback or watch the video from Week 3 of the Catholic Mom Book Club featuring A Beautiful Second Act by Maria Morera Johnson. Maria and host Allison Gingras discuss Chapters 9 and 10 of our Book Club selection, chatting about the fascinating women profiled in this book and what we can learn from their successes and their difficulties. You have plenty of time to catch up on the reading if you're just getting started with this beautiful book. What's the book about? In A Beautiful Second Act, bestselling author Maria Morera Johnson exp...
2025-04-1020 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 337: Bishop Fulton Sheen with Cheryl HughesMaria Morera Johnson interviews Cheryl Hughes, mom, convert, and author of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker. Cheryl C. D. Hughes holds a Ph.D. in historical theology from Durham University in England. Her books include Katharine Drexel: The Riches-to-Rags Story of an American Catholic Saint (2014) and Crossing Boundaries and Confounding Identity: Chinese Women in Literature, Art, and Film (2023). She and her husband live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Links in Show: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker
2025-04-0922 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 336: A Beautiful Second Act Book Club Week 3 (Part 1)Listen to the podcast playback or watch the video from Week 3 of the Catholic Mom Book Club featuring A Beautiful Second Act by Maria Morera Johnson. Maria and host Allison Gingras discuss Chapters 7 and 8 of our Book Club selection, chatting about the fascinating women profiled in this book and what we can learn from their successes and their difficulties. You have plenty of time to catch up on the reading if you're just getting started with this beautiful book. What's the book about? In A Beautiful Second Act, bestselling author Maria Morera Johnson e...
2025-04-0319 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 335: Retreat Mom Nancy SmithMaria Johnson interviews Nancy Smith, O.F.S., Director of Holy Cross Retreat House in North Easton, Massachusetts. from the Holy Cross Retreat House intro: Launched in 1964 in a converted cow barn, the Retreat House has been a spiritual haven for thousands who have passed through its welcoming doors. It is located in Easton, Massachusetts, adjacent to Stonehill College, also founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Retreat House is operated solely on private donations and retreat fees, and receives no state or federal funding. Among retreat houses in the Bo...
2025-04-0215 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 334: A Beautiful Second Act Book Club Week 2The March 2025 Book Club features Catholic Mom media editor Maria Morera Johnson and her new book, A Beautiful Second Act: Saints and Soul Sisters who Taught Me to Be a Badass Age with Grace, published by Ave Maria Press. What's the book about? In A Beautiful Second Act, bestselling author Maria Morera Johnson explores the adventure of life’s second half, drawing inspiration from twenty saints and “soul sisters” who faced these challenges with courage. As advancements in health and medicine extend our lifespan, women of the sandwich generation — those balancing the needs of both child...
2025-03-2737 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 333: Great and Small with Meg HerriotMaria Morera Johnson interviews Catholicmom.com contributor Meg Herriot at the Catholic Mom Contributor retreat. Meg Herriot is a veterinarian and Third Order Dominican. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and pets and blogging at All Creatures Great and Crazy about being a veterinarian, mother, wife and most of all a Catholic trying to grow closer to God in a chaotic world. Link in Show: Read all articles by Meg Herriot All Creatures Great and Crazy
2025-03-2612 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 332: A Beautiful Second Act Book Club Week 1The March 2025 Book Club features Catholic Mom media editor Maria Morera Johnson and her new book, A Beautiful Second Act: Saints and Soul Sisters who Taught Me to Be a Badass Age with Grace, published by Ave Maria Press. What's the book about? In A Beautiful Second Act, bestselling author Maria Morera Johnson explores the adventure of life’s second half, drawing inspiration from twenty saints and “soul sisters” who faced these challenges with courage. As advancements in health and medicine extend our lifespan, women of the sandwich generation — those balancing the needs of both c...
2025-03-2038 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 331: Meatless Recipes with Elizabeth VargaMaria Morera Johnson and Barb Szyszkiewicz interview Elizabeth Varga, founder of At Elizabeth's Table, a recipe blog that exolores the intersection of food and the Catholic faith. Elizabeth Varga is the founder of At Elizabeth’s Table, a plant-based recipe blog that explores the relationship between food and the Catholic faith. With a passion for healthy living, she is a full-time food blogger and food photographer. When not in the kitchen, Elizabeth enjoys drinking coffee, working out, listening to podcasts, and going on long walks. Follow along with her blog at AtElizabethsTable.com. Links in Sh...
2025-03-1920 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 330: Heart of VinesMaria Morera Johnson interviews Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Walking with Purpose (WWP), a Catholic women's ministry, and the new book for young women, Heart of Vines. Lisa Brenninkmeyer is the Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Walking with Purpose (WWP), a Catholic women's ministry. Lisa has authored 19 WWP Bible study courses, two devotionals, BLAZE and Sisters of Strength resources for Catholic tween/teens, and a guided prayer journal, and Heart of Vines for young adults — all of which lead women and young girls to a closer relationship with the Lord. After hea...
2025-03-1225 min
Catholic MomcastCatholicMom Prayercast 37: Joan WatsonHeidi Hess Saxton and Maria Morera Johnson interview Joan Watson, author of Opening the Holy Doors: Hope-Filled Scripture Reflections from St. Peter's Basilica. In Opening the Holy Door, scripture teacher and seasoned tour guide Joan Watson takes you on a journey through the sixteen panels of the Jubilee Holy Door. With her knack for storytelling and love for scripture, she invites you to pause, pray, and reflect on the deeper meaning behind these stunning images. Using a blend of scripture and imaginative prayer, Joan helps you see each panel not just as art, but as a doorway i...
2025-03-1020 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 329: Ash Wednesday ThoughtsMaria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras discuss Ash Wednesday and practices for Lent. Allison and Maria dive into the traditions of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, exploring both time-honored devotions and some non-traditional practices that can deepen our faith. Their lively banter mixes humor and heart while sharing stories and dipping intpo the Catholic Mom vault to rediscover articles. Links in Show: Jump Start Your Lent by Tina Mayeux Catholic Central: Ash Wednesday
2025-03-0526 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 328: Meet Meigs TurgeonMaria Morera Johnson interviews Meigs Sturgeon, Special Assistant to the President at Holy Cross Family Ministries. Meet Meigs Sturgeon, Special Assistant to the President, Fr. Fred Jenga, C.S.C., at Holy Cross Family Ministries. Meigs joined HCFM from Austin, Texas where he most recently served as Assistant Director of the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University and Adjunct Professor of Christian Theology. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Duke University; is an expert in Holy Cross Charism and Spirituality, a prolific writer and speaker on different faith-based topics. Lin...
2025-02-2613 min
Catholic MomcastCatholicMom Prayercast 36: Morella Carta Heidi Hess Saxton and Maria Morera Johnson interview Morella Carta, founder of St. Jospeh's Little Stars in Jinga, Uganda. Morella Carta is the founder of “St. Joseph’s Little Stars” in Jinga, Uganda. Born in Venezuela and educated in New York City, Morella retired from corporate life in order to dedicate her life to service, most recently abused and abandoned children. In three years of operations, StarsUganda has saved the lives of 40 children and supported over 100 children in the community. They were recently granted two acres of property by the Diocese of Jinga, and are in the...
2025-02-2426 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 327: Contributor Tami UrciaMaria Morera Johnson interviews CatholicMom.com contributor Tami Urcia. Tami is a Western Michigander who spent early adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her bachelor’s degree in Western Kentucky. She loves finding fun ways to keep her five kiddos occupied and quiet conversation with the hubby. Tami works at Diocesan and does Spanish/English translations and guest blogs. Links in Show: Read all articles by Tami Urcia.
2025-02-1914 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 326: Be My ValentineLooking for faith-filled ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Maria Johnson and Allison Gingras have a fun conversation about love languages and romantic love, and being God's beloved. And you get a peek at A Beautiful Second Act (Ave Maria Press), which will be featured in the March Catholic Mom Book Club. Love isn’t just for one day—it’s a call we live daily as Catholic moms. Links Discussed in Show: Simple Ways to Connect with Your Spouse This Valentine's Day Love: Scriptures to Pray This Valentine's Day St.Valentine's Day Prepares Us to Love
2025-02-1227 min
Catholic MomcastCatholicmom Prayercast 035: Second ActsHeidi Hess Saxton and Maria Morera Johnson discuss the transitions in the second half of life and how praying with the saints accompanies us in that change. Maria Morera Johnson is an award-winning author, speaker, and digital missionary passionate about encouraging women to embrace the beauty and purpose of midlife and beyond. Her books, including A Beautiful Second Act and My Badass Book of Saints, inspire readers to deepen their faith and live with boldness and joy. A lifelong educator and storyteller, Maria brings humor, wisdom, and a deep love for her Catholic faith to her writing, s...
2025-02-1022 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 325: Contributor Kimberly Novak and the Fruits of the SpiritMaria Morera Johnson interviews Catholic Mom contributor Kimberly Novak, author of Bella's Beautiful Miracle. Kimberly Novak is a wife, mother, author, and spiritual director. Her passion for inspiring and motivating those on a spiritual journey has bloomed into various ministries. Kimberly’s mission is to enhance each journey by guiding others where the light of strength is…God’s love. Find out more about Kimberly’s life and work at KimberlyNovak.com. Additionally, Kimberly welcomes prayer requests at A Little God Time. Links in Show: Author of Bella's Beautiful Miracle, A Caterpillar's Journey www.kimberlynova...
2025-02-0513 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 324: DetachmentMaria Morera Johnson, and guest Inés Huber Mersch sit down for a chat about the busy-ness of our lives and living for God's will in our lives. Links for Today's Show: The Grace of Yes by Lisa Hendey
2025-01-2925 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 323: Selfless CaregiversMaria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras open up about their personal journeys as caregivers, sharing the joys, struggles, and unexpected graces they’ve encountered while caring for their loved ones. Drawing inspiration from articles in the Catholic Mom archives, they explore practical tips, spiritual insights, and the unique challenges that come with this loving responsibility. Links in Show: The Seven Sorrows Rosary for Caregivers by Barb Szyszkiewicz Mom, Grandmother, Caregiver: It's Not Easy by Amanda Lauer Better than Self-Care by Kate Moreland
2025-01-2226 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 322: Snow DaysMaria Morera Johnson and CatholicMom.com contributor Karen Estep talk about the joys and challenges of snow days. Karen Estep is a Catholic speaker and writer who brings wisdom and humor to her reflections on faith, life, and the unexpected moments in between. Today's conversation reminisces about snow days, eating snow cream, and avoiding cabin fever. Links in Show: - Instagram: Stand, Kneel, Now What? - Stand, Kneel, Now What Podcast on Spotify - Read all articles by Karen Estep
2025-01-1523 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 34: Praying for Our Marriage and Family with Beth SriMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton welcome Beth Sri, co-author of The Good, the Messy, and the beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life. Beth Sri is a Catholic speaker, author, and mentor passionate about helping women embrace the joys (and chaos) of marriage and motherhood. She and her husband, Dr. Edward Sri, co-authored The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life. They live in Colorado with their eight kids—where Beth balances writing, leading retreats, cooking Italian meals, and cheering on her kids at soccer games. Sh...
2025-01-1322 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 321: ResolutionsMaria Johnson and Allison Gingras talk about resolutions and anti-resolutions, sprinkling a little wisdom in the mix. Maria Johnson and Allison Gingras catch up after the holidays and have a good laugh about resolutions and the efficacy of setting goals instead. Links in the Show: Style Savvy: Rethinking Resolutions by Lisa Hess Strings Attached by Amanda Lawrence Failed Resolutions by Sarah Reinhard
2025-01-0830 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 33: Praying with the ChurchFr. Edward Looney was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Green Bay June 6, 2015, and currently serves as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawano, WI and Priest Celebrant of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Cecil, WI. Links for the Show: Link to Praying with the Church Through Advent Fr. Edward Looney Books
2024-12-2319 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 320: Navigating Dating with Dana NygaardIn this episode of the Catholic Momcast, hosts Maria Johnson, Victoria Hassan, and Stephen Driscoll welcome relationship coach Dana Nygaard to discuss navigating dating for young people. Dana shares practical advice rooted in faith, emphasizing the importance of self-worth, clear boundaries, and open communication. Together, they explore how parents can guide their children through the challenges of modern dating with grace and wisdom. Links in Show: https://clarityplease.com/ https://www.dananygaard.com/ https://www.christiancomfortcounseling.com/
2024-12-1825 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 319: Advent Check-In with Allison and MariaIn this episode, Maria Johnson and Allison Gingras catch up on their Advent experiences and recap some recent Advent articles by contributors. Links in Show: Slow Down and Embrace the Advent Season by Tina Mayeaux Prepare for Rest This Season: It CAN Happen by MaryBeth Eberhard A Declaration of Hope by Kathryn Pasker Ineck
2024-12-1128 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 32: Praying with Joan of ArcMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton welcome Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, author of Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc. Jaymie Wolfe is a veteran editor and author, and Joan of Arc fan girl! Her latest book, Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc, is available through Ave Maria Press. Links for the Show: Link to Jaymie’s Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc Pray the St Joan of Arc Novena with the Pray app
2024-12-0923 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 318: Advent with the GrabillsIn this episode, Maria Johnson is joined by Catholic Mom contributor, Charlene Rack, for a lovely conversation with Rebecca and Stephen Grabill, authors of The Joy of Advent. Links in Show: The Joy of Advent Rebecca Grabill website Review by Charlene Rack: The Joy of Advent
2024-12-0231 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 31: Shannon SchmidtMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton welcome Shannon Schmidt, co-author of Fat Luther, Slim Pickin's. excerpt from the author profile at Ave Maria Press Shannon Wimp Schmidt is the content director of the ecumenical youth ministry collaboration TENx10, coauthor of Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s: A Black Catholic Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Diversity, cohost of the Plaid Skirts and Basic Black podcast, and a founding member of Catholics United for Black Lives. Links for the Show: Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s Plaid Skirts and Basic Black podcast
2024-11-2542 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 317: Fall 2024 Book Club with Julianne Stanz: Week 3Catch up on the Week 3 video with author Julianne Stanz for the Fall 2024 Book Club: Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace. Our Book Club selection for Fall 2024 is Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace by Julianne Stanz, published by Loyola Press. Special Book Club offer! Use promo code BRAVING to receive 30% off the cover price of Braving the Thin Places when you purchase your copy direct from the publisher. Does not include shipping and handling. This coupon code expires November 20, 2024. Bonus...
2024-11-211h 00
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 316: Advent with the Catholic Mom TeamJoin Catholic Mom team members Maria Johnson, Barb Szyszkiewicz, Allison Gingras, and Victoria Hassan for a round robin conversation about Advent traditions and practices. Links in Show: Advent sweatshirt from Catholic artist Nichole Lanthier on Etsy Kelly Guest article: "Prepare for Advent Prayer: Now is the time!" Barb Szyszkiewicz book review, "3 Books to Buy Before Advent" Advent Playlist Follow CatholicMomCommunity on Instagram for Snap Advent
2024-11-2020 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 315: Fall 2024 Book Club with Julianne Stanz: Week 2Catch up on the Week 2 video with author Julianne Stanz for the Fall 2024 Book Club: Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace. Our Book Club selection for Fall 2024 is Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace by Julianne Stanz, published by Loyola Press. This week, author Julianne Stanz and our own Allison Gingras discuss the concept of a "crossing the threshold" and how that relates to our relationship with God, prayer, sharing faith with our children, four ways to combat despair, and the importance of en...
2024-11-131h 00
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 30: Scranton Rosary RallyMary Clare Hallman serves as the Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life in the Diocese of Scranton, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering vibrant parish communities. With a background rooted in both pastoral ministry and organizational leadership, Mary Clare oversees a wide range of initiatives designed to support parish vitality, enhance liturgical and sacramental life, and strengthen ministries within the diocese. excerpt from the Diocese of Scranton website: The Catholic Church dedicates the month of October to the Holy Rosary. This year, this month takes on added significance because parishes in...
2024-11-1225 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 314: Walking the Camino with Sherry Hayes-PeirceMaria Johnson welcomes contributor Sherry Hayes-Peirce for an enlightening conversation about the Camino of Santiago and the power of pilgrimage. Catholic Mom contributor Sherry Hayes-Peirce shares her experience of walking the Way of St. James, also known as the Camino of Santiago de Compostela, a 9th century walking pilgrimage to the city of Compostela where the remains St. James, son of Zebedee, are believed to be. Many routes leading to Compostela exist, originating in France, Portugal, or within Spain. Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic social media strategist, blogger, conference speaker, podcast guest and contributing author...
2024-11-0632 min
Catholic MomcastCatholicMom Prayercast 29: Unexpected Answers to PrayersHeidi and Maria have a lively discussion about miracles and unexpected answers to prayers. Links in Episode: The Hidden Life of Angels by Heidi Hess Saxton Pre-Order Maria Johnson's new book, A Beautiful Second Act
2024-11-0421 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 313: Fall 2024 Book Club with Julianne Stanz: Week 1Our Book Club selection for Fall 2024 is Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace by Julianne Stanz, published by Loyola Press. This week, author Julianne Stanz and our own Allison Gingras discuss the concept of a "thin place" and how that relates to our spiritual life, as well as what nourishes us as women and how being together is valuable to us. It's important to remember that there is no perfect balance. Special Book Club offer! Use promo code BRAVING to receive 30% off the cover price of Braving the Thi...
2024-10-3058 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 28: Jerome's Tears with David BonaguraMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton David G. Bonagura, Jr. about his new book, Jerome's Tears (Sophia Institute Press). from our guest's website: David G. Bonagura, Jr. is an adjunct professor of classical languages at St. Joseph's Seminary, New York, and adjunct professor of theology at Catholic Distance University. He serves as Religion Editor of The University Bookman, the flagship publication of the Russell Kirk Center. He is the 2023-2024 Cardinal Newman Society Fellow for Eucharistic Education. He is the author of Steadfast in Faith: Catholicism and the Challenges of Secularism (Cluny Me...
2024-10-2821 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 312: Meet the O'BriensMaria Johnson and Barb Szyszkiewicz welcome Gretchen and Bill O'Brien from Room Two Productions, for a lively conversation about sound editing, music, and Fr. Patrick Peyton. Room 2 Productions helps Catholic Mom bring our stories to life through expert podcast production, audio storytelling, and digital media services. They offer personalized support from concept development to final editing, dedicated to the technical details so the Catholic Mom team can focus on great content from our guests. Links in Show: RoomTwoProductions.com YouTube: William R O'Brien Spotify: William R O'Brien Amazon Music: William R O'Brien
2024-10-2336 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 311: Rosary RalliesMaria Johnson is joined by Andrew MacDonald, Director of Mission Advancement for Holy Cross Family Ministries, to interview Chris and Michael Flood, co-founders of Family Rosary Rallies. Chris and Michael Flood are co-founders of FamilyRosaryRallies.org. Links for the Show: Family Rosary Rallies Fr. Patrick Peyton Rallies Instagram-- Family Rosary Rallies
2024-10-1628 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 310: Blue Baby, A Film About Boys TownMaria Johnson and Catholic Mom contributor, Kristina Talbot interview the mother and son filmmakers behind the powerful film about Boys Town, Blue Baby. Matters Media announces the new feature documentary film BLUE BABY that follows eight boys through Fr. Edward J. Flanagan’s Boys Town, a prison alternative established in Omaha, Nebraska in 1917. With unprecedented access, filmmakers take the audience inside Boys Town to a world that challenges what people have believed about problem behavior for thousands of years. This is a film that goes beyond the heart of a Catholic priest, and into the real-world impact of wh...
2024-10-0926 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 27: Seven Sorrows of MaryMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton discuss praying the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Pray the Seven Sorrows of Mary Learn about this powerful devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary and pray the mysteries along with meditations from the Family Rosary team. Heidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her adventures on Life on the...
2024-10-0720 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 309: Fall FunMaria Johnson and Barb Szyszkiewicz are joined by Catholic Mom contributor and author, Karen Estep, for a fun conversation about Fall memories and traditions. Barb Szyszkiewicz, senior editor at CatholicMom.com, is a wife, mom of 3 young adults, and a Secular Franciscan. Barb enjoys writing, cooking, and reading, and is a music minister at her parish. Find her blog at FranciscanMom and her family’s favorite recipes with nutrition information at Cook and Count. Barb is the author of The Handy Little Guide to Prayer and The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours, available from Our Sund...
2024-10-0219 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 308: Meet Contributor Kathryn SwegartMaria Johnson and Barb Szyszkiewicz welcome Catholic Mom contributor Kathryn Swegart for a lively conversation in our series show-casing our contributors. Kathryn Griffin Swegart is an award-winning author of Catholic books for children. Kathryn and her husband raised three children on a small farm in rural Maine. She is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order and contributor to Magnificat. Visit her website at KathrynSwegart.com. Links in Show: Read all articles by Kathryn Swegart. KathrynSwegart.com Magnificat Magazine
2024-09-2523 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast #307: Shadows Visible and InvisibleMaria Morera Johnson interviews authors Leslea Wahl and Antony Kolenc about their newly released anthology, Shadows: Visible and Invisible. Shadows: Visible & Invisible is a collection of short stories by 7 different authors, Leslea Wahl, Carolyn Astfalk, Corinna Turner, Antony B. Kolenc, Theresa Linden, Marie Keiser, T. M. Gaouette. and is centered around the All Hallowtide Triduum of All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. These fictional stories are meant to help teens learn more about the history of these important days on the Church calendar through engaging tales. Links in Show: Shadow...
2024-09-1829 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 306: Separated and Divorced Ministry with Janelle PeregoyMaria Morera Johnson interviews Catholicmom.com contributor, Janelle Peregoy, Associate Director in the Office of Family Life & Spirituality at the Diocese of San Diego for an important discussion on separation and divorce. Janelle Peregoy, M.Div, is an Associate Director in the Office of Family Life & Spirituality at the Diocese of San Diego. So yes, she has found one of the few positions where it is professionally acceptable to contemplate the spirituality of potty training. A Pope Francis bobble-head sits on her desk for inspiration. See more from Janelle on her blog, Faithfully Irreverent. Besides C...
2024-09-1128 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 26: Praying for Each OtherMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton discuss praying for others as a beautiful act of love. Heidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She is also senior acquisitions editor for Ave Maria Press. She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her adventures on Life on the Road Less Traveled. Maria Morera Johnson, author of My Badass Book of Saints, Super Girls and Halo, an...
2024-09-0921 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 305: Meet Contributor Rebecca MartinMaria Morera Johnson and Barb Szyszkiewicz welcome Catholicmom.com contributor Rebecca Martin, author of Love in the Eternal City. Rebecca W. Martin, a trade book Acquisitions Editor for Our Sunday Visitor and Assistant Editor at Chrism Press, lives in Michigan with her husband and too many cats. A perpetually professed Lay Dominican, Rebecca serves as editor for Veritas, a quarterly Lay Dominican publication. Her children’s book Meet Sister Mary Margaret will release in fall 2023 from OSV Kids. Links in the Show: Love in the Eternal City Meet Sister Mary Margaret Read all articles by...
2024-09-0421 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 304: Meet Contributor Deanna BartaliniMaria Morera Johnson and Margaret Dwyer Hogan welcome Catholicmom.com contributor, Deanna Bartalini, editor of the Sunday Gospel Activities, host of Not Lukewarm Podcast, and a spiritual director. Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. She is the founder of the LiveNotLukewarm.com online community, a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith through live, interactive faith studies. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life. Links for the Show:
2024-08-2825 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 303: Summer 2024 Family Book Club with Colleen Pressprich Week 4This summer, we're excited to bring you a family-friendly book club cohosted by our own Allison Gingras and a longtime friend of Catholic Mom, Colleen Pressprich. We’ll be featuring both Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children and Colleen's newest offering, God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families. And we'll be praying together to consecrate our families to Jesus through Mary as we explore these books each week. God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families uses Scripture to invite and encourage children to learn more about God and to...
2024-08-2330 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 302: Meet Contributor Karen EstepMaria Morera Johnson and Bayleigh Marquis welcome Catholicmom.com contributor, Karen Estep, for a lively conversation about motherhood. Karen Estep is the host of the podcast Stand, Kneel, Now What? In coming home to the Catholic faith as an adult she hopes to share her love of the Church on a daily basis. Karen has been shown many graces through the Sacraments even through all of her blunders. She hopes to help other adults navigate their faith journey as well. Links for this Show: Read all articles by Karen Estep Stand, Kneel, Now What?
2024-08-2130 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 301: Summer 2024 Family Book Club with Colleen Pressprich Week 3This summer, we're excited to bring you a family-friendly book club cohosted by our own Allison Gingras and a longtime friend of Catholic Mom, Colleen Pressprich. We’ll be featuring both Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children and Colleen's newest offering, God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families. And we'll be praying together to consecrate our families to Jesus through Mary as we explore these books each week. God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families uses Scripture to invite and encourage children to learn more about God and to...
2024-08-1529 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 300: Meet the Catholic Moms!Meet the Catholic moms who work behind the scenes at Catholicmom.com: Allison Gingras, Margaret Dwyer Hogan, Barb Szyszkiewicz, Bayleigh Marquis, victoria Hassan, and Maria Morera Johnson. In this special 300th episode of Catholic Momcast, we meet the women who work to bring over 140 contributors, podcast guests, and special events to our readers and listeners. Join us in our celebration! Link for this Show: Who We Are
2024-08-1424 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 25: Novenas with Allison GingrasMaria Morera Johnson and Gabriella Ribeiro discuss novenas with Allison Gingras, author of The Handy Little Guide to Novenas. Allison Gingras (ReconciledToYou.com) considers herself a new media evangelist. Authoring The Handy Little Guide to Novenas (OSV), Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press) and the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (Our Sunday Visitor), which includes a new title in 2025, Jesus Heals. Allison is Director of Digital Evangelization for Holy Cross Family Ministries. Links in Episode: The Handy Little Guide to Novenas (OSV) Allison's author page Read all articles by Allison Gingras.
2024-08-1221 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 299: Summer 2024 Family Book Club with Colleen Pressprich Week 2A Catholic Mom Book Club for the Whole Family This summer, we're excited to bring you a family-friendly book club cohosted by our own Allison Gingras and a longtime friend of Catholic Mom, Colleen Pressprich. We’ll be featuring both Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children and Colleen's newest offering, God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families. And we'll be praying together to consecrate our families to Jesus through Mary as we explore these books each week. God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families uses Scrip...
2024-08-0830 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 298: Ann Koshute of Springs in the DesertMaria Johnson interviews Ann Koshute, co-founder and Executive Director of Springs in the Desert, a Catholic infertility ministry. Ann Koshute holds a Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. She is co-founder and Executive Director of Springs in the Desert, a Catholic infertility ministry. She and her husband Keith are Byzantine Catholics, who married in 2011 and live in Central Pennsylvania. Links in Show: Springs in the Desert Facebook – Springs in the Desert Instagram - @springsinthedesert_ The Springs in the Desert Podcast, found wherever you li...
2024-08-0729 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 297: Introducing the Catholic Mom Summer 2024 Family Book Club with Colleen PressprichA Catholic Mom Book Club for the Whole Family This summer, we're excited to bring you a family-friendly book club cohosted by our own Allison Gingras and a longtime friend of Catholic Mom, Colleen Pressprich. We’ll be featuring both Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children and Colleen's newest offering, God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families. And we'll be praying together to consecrate our families to Jesus through Mary as we explore these books each week. God the Father’s Love: A Journey Through Scripture for Catholic Families uses S...
2024-08-0129 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 296: Amy Cattapan and Sherry Hayes-PeirceMaria Morera Johnson interviews Catholicmom.com contributors Amy J. Cattapan and Sherry Hayes-Peirce from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. A.J. Cattapan, DM, Ed.D., is an award-winning author, speaker, and teacher. Her YA novel Angelhood and her middle grade book Seven Riddles to Nowhere have won multiple awards. She is also the author of Sweet Jesus, Is It June Yet?, a book on combatting teacher burnout (Ave Maria Press). Follow her at AJCattapan.com. Read all articles by Amy j. Cattapan A Saint Squad for Teachers: 45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You through...
2024-07-3122 min
Catholic MomcastCatholicmom Prayercast 24: Eucharistic Congress RecapMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton have an animated conversation about their experiences at the 2024 Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Links in Episode: - Heidi's Author Page - Stories of the Eucharist - Maria's Author Page
2024-07-2926 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 295: Family Theater Productions with Chris Sariego Maria Morera Johnson Interviews Chris A. Sariego, PR & Marketing Director at Family Theater Productions, at the Catholic Media Conference in Atlanta. Chris Sariego is the award-winning PR & Marketing Director at Family Theater Productions. Over a 30-year career, Chris developed deep experience in documentaries, feature films, and TV production, as well as in positions as a PR, communications, and marketing director. Previously, Chris was PR & Marketing Director for St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles, a Catholic charity serving the poor and homeless of Southern California, where he won a Gabriel Award for a documentary on the Society...
2024-07-2412 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 23: Shine the Light of ChristMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton have an intimate conversation about faith and prayer around St. Catherine of Siena's writings, particularly on the subject of light. Links in Episode: - Heidi's Author Page - Stories of the Eucharist - Maria's Author Page
2024-07-2220 minCatholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 294: A Joyful Noise with Marie MillerMarie Miller is an accomplished singer/songwriter whose music has played on both Christian and pop radio through the years. Among her accomplishments, she has played for Pope Francis, opened for the Backstreet Boys, and toured with Five For Fighting. Her new album The Way of Love dropped on May 31st. The album includes a total of five songs. Four songs are written by Marie with the addition of her own folk-pop rendition of the classic Take Lord Receive that will help listeners surrender to God with a joyful spirit. The title song of the album, The Way of Love, was Inspire...
2024-07-1715 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast 293: Jesus in Space with Cecilia CiconeMaria Morera Johnson interviews Cecilia Cicone, award-winning author of Jesus in Space: A True Story That's Out of This World, from the floor of the Catholic Media Conference in Atlanta. Cecilia Cicone is the award-winning author of Jesus in Space: A True Story That's Out of This World, the true story of astronaut Tom Jones and his journey into space with the Blessed Sacrament, participating in a Communion service in space! Cecilia earned a degree from the Catholic University of America and currently works in ministry in Northwest Indiana. Links in Show: Jesus in S...
2024-07-1018 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast 22: Daughters of Mary with Inés MerschMaria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton interview Inés Huber Mersch, a faithful Catholic wife, mother, and grandmother in love with the Lord and sharing her joy. Inés Huber Mersch is a faithful Catholic wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Mobile, Alabama. Her strong attraction to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led to her being invited to participate in the steering committee that brought Perpetual Adoration to the Archdiocese of Mobile and continues as one of the schedulers. She has also been a guest writer at Catholic Mom.
2024-07-0831 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast #292: Work and Family Balance with Paulina GuzikMaria Morera Johnson interviews Paulina Kuzik, international editor for OSV, about her work as a journalist from the floor of the Catholic Media Conference in Atlanta. Paulina Guzik, is an award-winning journalist and a professor at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow. she is currently the international editor for Our Sunday Visitor (OSV). Links in Show Notes: Paulina's recent articles
2024-07-0319 min
Catholic MomcastCatholic Momcast #291: Vocations and Writing with Sr. Margaret Kerry, FSPMaria Morera Johnson interviews Catholic Mom contributor Sr. Margaret Kerry, FSP, about vocations, writing for Catholic Mom, and praying through her painting. A Daughter of St. Paul for 50 years, Sr. Margaret continues to pursue new ways to proclaim the Gospel: sharing the Pauline Charism with the laity, writing books (St. Anthony of Padua: Fire & Light; Strength in Darkness: John of the Cross; Prayers for the New Evangelization), and through direct evangelization. She is available for workshops on the Vocation & Mission of the Laity, Media Literacy, and The New Evangelization. Links in Show: Read all a...
2024-06-2621 minCatholic MomcastBaby Loss and Miscarriage with Theoni Bell #290Theoni Bell has been fascinated with Our Lady of Champion for a decade. Her historical fiction novel The Woman in the Trees: a novel about America's first approved Marian apparition was published in 2021 by TAN Books. In 2024, Theoni was added as a “witness” to the Libellus requesting permission from the Vatican to initiate the cause for the canonization of the seer Adele Brise. Theoni has spent years sifting through archival documents and corresponding with members of the shrine staff, historians in Belgium, and descendants of the community in which the apparition took place. She collects the stories of people who...
2024-06-1930 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast: Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus #21Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton interview Emily Jaminet, author of The Secrets of the Sacred Heart. Emily Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, wife, and mother of seven children and Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network (www.welcomeHisHeart.com) and co-founder of www.InspiretheFaith.com. She co-authored the award-winning book, Divine Mercy for Moms and The Friendship Project, PrayFully, and Our Friend Faustina and her most recent book is The Secrets of the Sacred Heart. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference and The Jo...
2024-06-1722 min
Catholic MomcastJoyful Transitions #289Hosts Maria Morera Johnson, Sarah Reinhard, and Barb Szyszkiewicz make an exciting announcement about Lisa Hendey's new role as Catholic Mom Ambassador, and then go all fan-girl. Lisa Hendey founded Catholic Mom in 1999 when she discovered there were few resources for Catholic Moms on the internet. She created a website where she could post activities to help other moms with small children who were looking for resources, too. Eventually, it grew into a kind of crowd-sourced resource, where Lisa invited other moms to share their strategies and resources, and the beautiful Catholic Mom Contributors team w...
2024-06-1234 min
Catholic MomcastPrayercast: Jesus Thirsts with Oscar Delgado #20Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton interview Oscar Delgado, actor, producer, and philanthropist, at the red carpet premiere of Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist. Oscar Delgado is a distinguished Hollywood producer, philanthropist, and former NBC war correspondent whose career showcases a commitment to storytelling and humanitarian causes. Beginning with NBC News, Delgado rose from Mexico City Bureau Chief to Latin American Bureau Chief, eventually serving as Senior War Producer/Correspondent. His fearless reporting from conflict zones provided audiences with in-depth insights into critical global situations. Transitioning to film production, Delgado has made...
2024-06-0314 min
Catholic MomcastJesus Thirsts with Deacon Steve Greco #288Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton interview Deacon Steve Greco, permanent deacon of the Dioces of Orange at the red carpet premiere of Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist. Deacon Steve Greco is a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Orange and Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange. He is founder of Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry, and host of Empowered by the Spirit, and a key contributor to the film, Jesus, Thirsts. Welcome Deacon Steve! Links in Episode: - Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist
2024-05-2913 min
Catholic MomcastJesus Thirsts Film with Tim Moriarty #287Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton interview Tim Moriarty, actor and founder of Castletown Media, at the red carpet premiere of Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist. Tim Moriarty, founder of Castletown Media, earned his Master’s degree in Philosophy from Boston College and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Louisiana State University. Tim’s acting career includes roles in popular television shows such as Blue Bloods, House of Cards, and Manifest. As the executive director of Castletown Media, he has produced nearly a dozen Catholic documentary films and TV series. Notab...
2024-05-2216 min