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In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Root, Executive Director of House of Mercy, to talk about serving those in need with dignity, the growing demand in her community, and how faith fuels this mission of mercy in action. Link in Show: House of Mercy Food Pantry in Manassas VA

Today's guest, Dr. Lisa Gulino, is a lay ecclesial minister with over 30 years' experience in pastoral ministry and teaching in higher education.  She has served in Diocesan Ministries for a total of 22 years—Diocese of Fall River and Diocese of Providence.  Additionally, she has several years in Parish Ministry.     Lisa received her Doctorate in Ministry from the Catholic University of America in Spiritual Formation with emphasis in evangelization and catechesis. She wrote her dissertation on the spiritual and faith formation of the domestic church.   Since 2007 Lisa has served as an adjunct professor at St. Joseph College for both theology and pastoral ministry courses. Her work with the Congregation of Holy Cross began in 2018 as a facilitator and advisor with the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame's STEP Program.  And she also serves as a faculty member for the Permanent Diaconate program for the Diocese of Fall River.   Lisa grew up in Attleboro, Massachusetts in the shadow of our Lady's Mantle as she lived close to Lasalette Shrine and visited often with her family. She is the fifth of six children.  She is the proud aunt of 11 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews.    Links: The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life Links to the Research

Today we're joined by Barbara "Babs" Costello of Brunch with Babs, sharing the kind of wisdom that feels like a hug from your grandma. We talk about her unexpected second act and her sweet new children's book, Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?, a gentle, updated take on the sayings many of us grew up hearing.   Links for this Episode:  Did Your Mother Ever Tell You? Babs Costello, aka @BrunchwithBabs brunchwithbabs.com

Maria Morera Johnson, Allison Gingras, and Father Charlie McCoy get together to talk about Easter season films, inspired by an earlier show about Pope Leo's  favorite films. Maria, Allison, and Fr. Charlie brief chat about Pope Leo's favorite movies and launch into a discussion about Esater movies, including a little foray into the land of Veggie tales.   Links for this Episode:  Pope Leo's Top Four Movie Pics Momcast 381: Poep Leo's Favorite Films

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Cathy Daub, co-founder (with husband Andrew) of Team Iron Will, who shares how her family's search for support after their son Will's diagnosis led to a mission of walking alongside and uplifting other families with children with Down syndrome. In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Cathy, founder of Team Iron Will, who shares the story behind a mission born from love, need, and deep faith. After navigating the early days of raising a child with Down syndrome and struggling to find the right resources, Cathy and her family felt called to ensure other families wouldn't have to walk that road alone. Named in honor of their son Will, Team Iron Will exists to accompany, support, and uplift families on a similar journey—offering not just resources, but real hope and community along the way. Links in Show: Team Iron Will

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Scott Anthony and discuss the Apostolate of Family consecration at Familyland in Ohio. The Apostolate for Family Consecration® (AFC℠) founded Catholic Familyland® (CFL℠) over 30 years ago as a place for families like yours to let go and let God be part of your family vacation. Today, over 1,000 families each year enjoy a Holy Family Fest summer vacation, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, fun activities, dynamic programs, and abundant prayer opportunities. Links for this Episode:  Catholic Familyland Apostolate for Family Consecration

Maria Morera Johnson and contributor Kristina Talbot discuss the spirit of competition in sports and other activities. Maria Johnson and Kristina Talbot discuss the spirit of competition in sports and in other activities. 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

Maria Morera Johnson welcomes Pete Burak, author of Man on Purpose (Ave Maria Press). Pete Burak is a Catholic speaker, author, and Vice President of Renewal Ministries. He's the co-host of The Renewal Podcast and a frequent speaker on discipleship and evangelization. Pete is the author of A Man on Purpose, published by Ave Maria Press, and a husband and father whose own journey deeply informs his ministry. Links in Show: Man on Purpose (Ave Maria Press) Renewal Ministries

In this week's episode we're joined by Beth Knobbe of Catholic Relief Services to dive into Operation Rice Bowl, CRS's annual Lenten program that invites Catholics across the United States to live out the season through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Rooted in a tradition that began in 1975, Operation Rice Bowl equips families and faith communities with resources like daily reflections, "Stories of Hope," meatless recipes and a simple rice bowl to collect alms to deepen our connection to the global Church and support those facing hunger and poverty. Seventy-five percent of donations go to CRS development work around the world, and 25% stays in local dioceses to address needs in our own communities. Join us to learn how your Lenten sacrifices can help change lives in more than 100 countries and right here in the United States. Link in Episode: Operation Rice Bowl

Maria Morera Johnson and Inés Mersch have caych up with either on Ash Wednesday. 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 Maria Morera Johnson

Maria and Allison talk about the ways they have approach Lent in the past, and share their goals for this Lent.   Links for this Episode:  Read all articles by Allison Gingras Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson

Maria Johnson and Kristina Talbot discuss the changing role of motherhood when parenting children in different age groups. They invite the lister into an intimate conversation about what changes and what stays the same as children grow older, how prayer and the domestic church move within these season, and looking ahead to developing trust in the Lord as the children enter young adulthood and graduation. Kristina offers a heartfelt piece of advice for her younger self, 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

Maria and Allison have an intimate conversation about friendship, including disappointments and encouragement for seeking true friendship.   Links for this Episode:  The Importance of True and Holy Friendships On Christian Friendship

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Meigs Turgeon, Special Assistant to the President at Holy Cross Family Ministries, about the important priest and brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Meigs Turgeon, 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.   Link in Show: Holy Cross Family Ministries

Maria Morera Johnson and Inés Mersch have a conversation about the post-holidays yearning for peace. 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 Maria Morera Johnson