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Hosts Chris Pierno, Father Frank Donio, S.A.C., and Sarah Scalfaro are joined by John Grosso, Associate Director of Communications for the Catholic Apostolate Center, for a wide-ranging conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping parish life. They explore the Church's evolving relationship with AI — from the novelty phase of AI-generated bulletins and flyers to deeper questions of ethics, human dignity, and authentic encounter. The discussion covers Pope Leo's encyclical Magnificat Humanitas and its framework for evaluating AI through the lens of our shared humanity, the pitfalls of outsourcing outward-facing communications to algorithms, and practical, behind-the-scenes uses where AI can genuinely help overworked parish staff — from database management to brainstorming and accessibility tools. The episode also previews an upcoming webinar, Where Does AI Belong in Parish Life? A Framework for Discernment and Decision-Making.To register for the 10/7 webinar: https://app.livestorm.co/p/c86cd4fc-280a-47bd-aab3-47f56ceb4b52  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.

St. Francis is not just the patron of animals and ecology—he is a roadmap for peace, prayer, poverty, and a radical way of following Jesus in a world still marked by violence. Father Frank Donio S.A.C and Sarah Scalfero sit down with Brian Rhude to unpack why the Church is marking a special 800-year Jubilee for St. Francis, what’s happening in Assisi, and why this moment matters now. Brian shares how Francis moved from wealth and ambition to a life shaped by the crucified Christ, how the famous command to “rebuild my church” became a call to spiritual renewal, and why his witness still gathers pilgrims by the tens of thousands. You’ll discover the deeper meaning behind Francis’s love for creation, the poor, and the Liturgy of the Hours, plus the surprising story of how he helped broker peace in Assisi through prayer, humility, and the Canticle of the Creatures. We also break down the plenary indulgence available during this Jubilee year—what it actually is, who can receive it, and the practical steps involved. Along the way, Brian explains what makes the Franciscan charism so enduring across the Conventuals, Capuchins, and OFMs, and why the heart of Franciscan spirituality is not sentimentality, but Christ-centered conversion. This episode is essential listening if you want to understand St. Francis beyond the birds and flowers. If you’ve ever wanted a concrete, hopeful path toward prayer, peace, and evangelization, this conversation gives you exactly that. Follow us: - The Catholic Apostolate Center - The Center's podcast website - Instagram - Facebook - Apple Podcasts - Spotify 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.

In this episode of On Mission, as a companion to the Corporal Works of Mercy episode, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Spiritual Works of Mercy and offer some guidance for performing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.   Click here to access the Center’s Works of Mercy Resource Page. Click here to listen to the Corporal Works of Mercy episode.   Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify 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.

In this recast episode of On Mission, Kate Fowler, Chris Pierno, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the Corporal Works of Mercy and how one can perform these acts of mercy amidst their daily lives. Click here to access the Center’s Works of Mercy Resource Page.   Follow us: The Catholic Apostolate Center The Center's podcast website Instagram Facebook Apple Podcasts Spotify   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.

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.

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-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   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

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 Teachers The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season The 12 Apostles Baptism     From the Ad Infinitum blog: Mother’s Day Reflection More posts about Motherhood   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

The Sacrament of Confirmation bestows on the recipient the same grace and spirit given to the Apostles at Pentecost. Confirmation prepares us to go forth and help spread the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss how Confirmation equips us for engaging in Christ’s mission more fully. Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. . . . We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service. (from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults).   Recipients of Confirmation often choose saints as patrons. Check out our Saints and Feast Days website to discover your next favorite saint.   Related On Mission episodes: The 12 Apostles Baptism Confirmation On First Holy Communion   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Pentecost as a Personal Confirmation More posts about Confirmation   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

As we consider our new resolutions, we should consider ways for us to grow spiritually in our faith. Without being overwhelming, small resolutions that can be done daily will ensure that 2026 ends with a closer relationship to Christ. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can grow their faith through small daily devotions in 2026. Whether it’s a New Year or not, there are so many ways for Catholics to grow in their faith. But with all the options available, one can easily get overwhelmed. Perhaps one needs small daily devotionals that will guide their spiritual growth in the year ahead. Some examples of small ways to grow in faith include: attend daily Mass, listen to a Catholic podcast read the daily scripture readings read at Mass, and learning about the Saint or feast day of the day.   Related On Mission episodes: Promoting the Good on Social Media Podcast Evangelization Lectio Divina   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Incorporating Liturgical Living into New Year's Resolutions Ring in the Year with Mary More posts about the New Year   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

Easter is the climax to the Liturgical Year and is rich in beauty and symbolic liturgies. As one prepares for Easter through observing Lent, we should also take care to prepare to celebrate Easter though studying the Liturgies, customs, and celebrations in the week leading to and from Easter Sunday. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. explore the Holy Week liturgies and how they celebrate Easter in their homes and with their families. Holy Week’s rich liturgies include Palm Sunday, Chrism Mass, Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord. When we are prepared to celebrate these liturgies, they add to the grandeur and solemnity of Easter Sunday and enable you to enter more deeply into the celebration. Outside of the liturgies, we can celebrate it within our homes with traditional meals and with family. Incorporating some Easter specific traditions can further elevate the joy of the occasion.   Related On Mission episodes: Moments of Return: Creating Welcoming Parishes During Key Moments of the Year Palm Sunday Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions Fifty Days of Easter The Three Days   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Lessons From Holy Week More posts about Holy Week   View Lent and Easter Resources   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

Prayer can certainly seem overwhelming and overly complicated. However, prayer is simply a conversation with God and raising our minds to the things of Heaven. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. share how simple prayer can be and how to grow more fruit from prayer. Prayer is the basis of our relationship with God and it’s important to remember the basics. Remembering the basics keeps prayer as simple as a conversation between two friends, God and yourself. We can look to more formal prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary as a basis for how our prayer can be, but there’s no replacement from speaking from the heart and allowing our Lord to respond. We can use the acronym ACTS to help model our prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.   Related On Mission episodes: Maintain Prayer Routines During Summer Vacation Prayerful Parenthood Year of Prayer Lectio Divina   From the Ad Infinitum blog: The Fruit of Prayer More posts about Prayer   Year of Prayer Resources Prayer Resources   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

Confession, known as the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, allows us to be forgiven of our sins and bestows on us graces to grow in our spiritual life. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that you can prepare and participate in the Sacrament. If you’ve been away from the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for some time, embrace Jesus’ invitation to draw closer to him through this Sacrament--be not afraid. When preparing to go to Confession, it is customary for the person to examine their conscience, reflecting on the sins they committed since their last confession. The participant asks for the grace to make a good confession and resolves to amend their lives. Once in the confessional, the person can ask for help confessing their sins or follow the standard rubric. Next comes the act of contrition, absolution, and sometimes to do the assigned penance.   Related On Mission episodes: Baptism Spiritual Direction   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Spiritual Decluttering Conscience Reclaimed More posts about Confession   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

Lent quickly approaches and many Catholics pick up penances of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, but what exactly should we do? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss ways that Catholics can choose what Lenten penances to undertake and what to do when we inevitably fail. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three pillars to Lent, guide us through the 40 days so that we can be ready to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. In Scripture, we read that Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in the desert as a preparation for his public ministry. Likewise, Christians around the world ‘enter the desert’, so to speak, during Lent as a means of growing closer to Christ and neighbor.   Related On Mission episodes: Ash Wednesday The Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions On Lent   From the Ad Infinitum blog: Am I Ready for Lent? More posts about Lent   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

Ash Wednesday and other holy days like Christmas and Easter are popular days in the liturgical calendar where parishes see an increase in the number of people attending Mass. Many may be there for the first time or for the first time in a long time. How can parishes create a welcoming environment that helps bring these individuals closer to Christ? In this episode of On Mission, Paul Jarzembowski joins Chris Pierno and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to discuss what times of the year parishes can expect an increase in attendance and how best to accommodate and welcome the newcomers. Many parishes offer extra Masses and times for Confession close to Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and Easter expecting a large number of new people to attend these services. With proper preparation and consideration, parishes can turn who would be one time attendees into active and involved members of the community. Paul Jarzembowski, author of Hope for the Holidays and Hope from the Ashes, shares tips and strategies for parishes who experience an influx in attendance around key moments in the liturgical year.   Related On Mission episodes: Ash Wednesday The Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions On Lent   Webinars with Paul Jarzembowski: Sparks from Ashes: Lent and Ash Wednesday as Moments of Evangelization Hope For the Holidays: Finding Light at the Darkest Times of the Year Hope from the Ashes: Preparing for an Evangelizing Lent     From the Ad Infinitum blog: Accompanying Others Throughout Lent More posts about Lent   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.

On February 3rd every year, Christians flock to their local parish churches to receive a blessing of throats with blessed candles in honor of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss who St. Blaise was, what blessings are, and why we receive blessings on his feast day. St. Blaise was Bishop of Sebaste, modern day Turkey, in the beginning of the 4th century before his martyrdom in 316. He was a physician who was known for his miraculous healings, particularly healings involving the throat. This lead to the tradition of blessing throats on his feast day. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, being invoked against throat illnesses. “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”   A blessing is an extension of the sacramental grace offered to us through the Sacraments. When we receive a blessing or get an object blessed, God’s graces are bestowed on us through the blessing as a medium. When we receive the blessing of the throat on St. Blaise’s feast day, we receive graces from God through the the blessing from the merit of the Sacraments that aid us in our infirmities.   Related On Mission episodes: The 14 Holy Helpers All Saints and All Souls Days The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season   From the Ad Infinitum blog: The 14 Holy Helpers More posts about the Saints   Check out the main Saints and Feast Days website Download 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.