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Today's episode examines the painful but important topic of children who fall away from the Catholic faith, asking how parents can cope with this rejection and help their “prodigal children” return home to the Church. Host Genevieve Anatalio is joined by Celeste Behe, founder of the St. Monica Ministry, a global support community and prayer network for the families and friends of fallen-away Catholics. Behe shares her own testimony of having a son who left the faith, and how that heartbreaking decision spurred her toward learning about St. Monica and ultimately beginning the Ministry. Anatalio and Behe discuss how parents tend to react to their children’s decisions to leave the faith, and they agree that the example and intercession of St. Monica, who prayed for 17 years for the conversion of her own family, can offer great hope. Behe shares both spiritual and practical advice for parents and offers numerous resources and opportunities from the St. Monica Ministry. Specifically, Behe invites all listeners to a St. Monica Ministry Holy Hour of Petition and Hope on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 5:30pm at the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. The evening will include the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Rosary of Supplication for Our Prodigals, Vespers, and Benediction. Behe also mentions the Hands & Hearts program, which provides instruction and materials to make a St. Monica Ministry Rosary. For more details, visit the Hands & Hearts webpage. To support the Ministry, purchase the St. Monica Ministry Supplication Rosary Set, which includes a Rosary, prayer cards, and other meditation resources, on the Cottage of Christian Curios site. To receive digital resources, join the St. Monica Ministry newsletter, learn about starting a chapter, or share your testimony or questions about loved ones who have left the faith, email [email protected]. Learn more at www.allentowndiocese.org/st-monica-ministry. Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

Today, host Genevieve Anatalio is joined by Catholic author Kevin Wilson to explore devotion to the saints. First, Wilson shares some of his background. His journey from writing about WWII soldiers to sharing stories of modern saints shows the importance of having trust in God’s often surprising plans for our lives. Anatalio and Wilson then discuss how to make the saints relatable, combat common misconceptions, and guide children in choosing patron saints — especially for Confirmation. Wilson refers to his book “The Saint I Knew: Exciting ‘Encounters’ with Holiness” in the episode, a work which focuses on 20th- and 21st-century saints.  The book is a collection of fictional stories based in careful research that seek to make the saints real and relatable to youth. Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

Days before the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, host Genevieve Anatalio interviews Dr. Matthew Spalding. Spalding is the Kirby Professor in Constitutional Government and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College and oversees the Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship at Hillsdale’s Washington, D.C. campus. He was also appointed Executive Director of the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission, and he is currently a senior academic advisor for America250 projects. Also a faithful Catholic, father of two, and longtime Knight of Columbus, Spalding breaks down why Catholics — or anyone — should care about “America 250.”  Spalding explains how the foundational principles that animate the Declaration of Independence come from the natural law. Anatalio asks Spalding about his recent award-winning book, The Making of the American Mind: The Making of Our Declaration of Independence, and how breaking down the Declaration line-by-line can offer important points of reflection for Catholics 250 years later.  They reflect together on the universality and timelessness of these “self-evident” truths and agree that listeners should avoid separating things like Catholicism, natural law, and politics, but rather pursue the one, undying truth.  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this month's episode, host Genevieve Anatalio invites Father Matthew Kuna, Chaplain of St. Christopher Catholic Newman Center, Kutztown University and Berks Catholic High School, Reading, to dive into the topic of the Blessed Mother.  Father Kuna reminds listeners of Mary’s role in the universal Church, as well as her particular significance to the Diocese of Allentown in this 65th anniversary year. Anatalio asks about Mary’s role in the Domestic Church – the family – and they discuss how the Blessed Mother walks with families through joys, sorrows, and everything in between. The episode also offers some practical ideas for families and schools to foster greater devotion to the Blessed Mother, and both Anatalio and Father Kuna agree that incorporating the Rosary into a regular prayer routine can have powerful effects on families and individuals.  Last, Anatalio and Father Kuna talk about how Mary is the perfect intercessor for those discerning the big questions in life, sharing her impact on their own vocation stories.   With beautiful reflections and lighthearted anecdotes, the episode gives parents a lens for reflecting on and praying to the Blessed Mother. Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this month's episode, host Genevieve Anatalio meets with Josh Ditsky to discuss the college decision process. As the Director of College and Career Counseling at Berks Catholic High School for the past 19 years, in addition to his 15 years of college admissions experience, Ditsky has wisdom to offer parents and students alike when it comes to navigating the important decision of where to attend college.   Ditsky suggests that parents and students start by considering general necessities and the temperament and needs of the student, with intentional time set aside for the “college conversation.” He reminds parents that needs can vary dramatically, even among siblings.   For most questions regarding the college decision process, he admits that the best answer is “it depends on the student.” That said, he and Anatalio discuss some important factors that parents and students can consider. They also agree that, when it comes to cultivating faith, the Holy Spirit can work in a variety of different institutions.   Pivoting to the practical side of things, Ditsky shares his thoughts on the importance of standardized testing and how to maximize the chance of acceptance. The interview concludes with a word to 2026 high school seniors who need to pick their college in the next few days.   Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this month’s episode of “Ready, Willing, & Able,” host Genevieve Anatalio dives into the topic of parenting children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The principals of the Diocese of Allentown’s three special learning centers join her on the show, each offering unique insights into this beloved population.  Her first guest, Kaylee Simcik from John Paul II Center for Special Learning in Shillington, speaks about seeing children with special needs through a Catholic lens and encourages parents to advocate for their children’s participation in the Sacraments. Her second guest, Beth Grys from Mercy School for Special Learning in Allentown, highlights the deep faith present in people with disabilities and how it is both possible—and essential—to nurture that faith. Finally, Bob Giba from St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in Schuylkill Haven shares how his own journey of faith has been closely connected to his work with the special needs community.  Anatalio and her guests agree that while disabilities can present challenges for both children and parents, they need not be limitations in the faith. Rather, they can be extraordinary opportunities for grace. Listeners will also hear about the many offerings of the Diocese’s special learning centers, as each principal highlights what makes them most proud of their school.  Learn more about John Paul II Center here. Learn more about Mercy School here. Lear more about St. Joseph Center here.  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this episode, host Genevieve Anatalio explores the Sacrament of Baptism, adding depth to the familiar practice and helping families deepen their appreciation for the graces God gives through it.   Anatalio is joined by Katie Albright, Director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Allentown, to clarify what Baptism really does, what the faithful tend to underestimate about it, and ways parents and families can increase their appreciation for it. They emphasize the profound impact Baptism has not only on the person receiving the Sacrament, but on the entire family--and the entire Church.  The conversation illuminates many important points about Baptism but only scratches the surface of everything there is to learn. Albright has also shared some resources for diving deeper into this Sacrament and the Catholic Faith in general.  Books Love Unveiled, by Edward Sri (Love Unveiled: The Symbolon Book  God: What Every Catholic Should Know, by Elizabeth Klein (God)  Salvation: What Every Catholic Should Know, by Michael Barber (Salvation)  Jesus the Bridegroom, by Brant Pitre (Jesus the Bridegroom) Digital Media FORMED: This site has many videos on Baptism and countless other topics (formed.org). Podcast on Catholic Saints: St. John the Baptist (St. John the Baptist - Catholic Saints - Apple Podcasts)  Podcast on Catholic Saints: St. Josemaria Escriva (St. Josemaria Escriva - Catholic Saints - Apple Podcasts) Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this episode, host Genevieve Anatalio dives into the challenges and solutions for keeping children engaged in the Catholic faith throughout their lives.  Anatalio is joined by Dr. Michael Rota, a professor of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, to explore the factors leading to religious disaffiliation and the practical steps parents can take to nurture their children's faith. Dr. Rota describes how social scientists have identified numerous factors that challenge religious retention in modern day America, including lack of consensus and the digital age. However, he also shares data-supported points for what helps children believe and practice their faith for years to come. Anatalio and Rota agree on the importance of parental unity, religious activity, and supportive community in fostering a lasting faith. Read the original article that inspired the episode here.  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

Bishop Schlert announces that 2026 is a jubilee anniversary for the Diocese, marking 65 years after its institution. He and newly married host, Genevieve Anatalio, discuss ways to make this anniversary year especially holy, both specifically for the Allentown Diocese and for people across the country.  One initiative in Allentown will be centered around promoting a culture of Vocations. Bishop hopes the faithful will feel free to look for and reach out to young men and women who might have a vocation to the priesthood and religious life, citing studies that show how this outreach is instrumental in the discernment process of many priests.  Anatalio asks Bishop how the faithful, especially couples who are already married and parenting, might assist in this initiative surrounding religious vocations, as well as what advice he has for discerners. Bishop shares insight on promoting a faithful household and overcoming fear in discernment.  Finally, Bishop reminds listeners that a holy and successful 2026, and particularly a successful Vocations initiative, depends on devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, parishes in the Diocese of Allentown will have regular Eucharistic Adoration and opportunities to visit Jesus in the tabernacle throughout the coming year. He also underlines the importance of the Blessed Mother’s intercession as the Mother of Vocations and the model of a free “yes,” to God.  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this month’s episode, host Genevieve O’Connor dives into the topic of marriage in the Catholic Church, just days before her own wedding.  O’Connor speaks to the Allentown Diocese’s Director of Marriage and Family Life, Rhady Tulloch, and her husband David Tulloch. The couple share the ideals and expectations they had for their parenting roles going into their marriage, and how a strong scriptural foundation helped those ideas strengthen and develop when God blessed them with children.  The Tullochs help O’Connor break down the Catholic understanding of marriage as a Sacrament and a Vocation, and how these concepts deepen and inform one’s life as a parent. They insist that attention and care for one’s marriage have a huge impact on the way one parents, and they give some practical suggestions for how to “water the garden” of the relationship.  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

The Catholic Parents Podcast “Reading, Willing, and Able,” is coming up on its one-year anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, host Genevieve O’Connor MFA, MTS sits down again with her first ever guest, Dr. Mike St. Pierre. O’Connor and St. Pierre discuss the success of the podcast, noting its Honorable Mention from the Catholic Media Awards. But the real reason they do the show, they emphasize, is to serve Catholic parents in the Diocese of Allentown, and to help them see how faith is woven into every aspect of their lives. O’Connor and St. Pierre revisit some of their favorite episodes, highlighting key takeaways from Episode 4: Navigating Modesty with Lillian Fallon and Episode 9: Serve the Lord (and the Ball). O’Connor also reflects on the wealth of resources offered to parents from some of her previous guests, including reading material for kids in Episode 5: The Word Made Flesh and the Words We Read, and resources for activities, reading, and even crafts in Episode 3: Bringing Advent Alive with Bereits. O’Connor invites listeners to stay tuned for another great year and announces an exciting upcoming guest: Bishop Alfred Schlert! Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this month's episode, host Genevieve O'Connor M.F.A., M.T.S. invites the Diocese of Allentown’s Director of Vocations, Rev. John Maria, to speak about vocation and discernment as it pertains to parents and their kids. Some parents struggle to help and to trust during their children’s journey to discover their Vocation, so Fr. Maria offers the reminder that everyone is primarily called to holiness. He encourages parents to focus on instilling that call to holiness in their children, predicting that the next steps in discernment will then be more natural and less intimidating. Fr. Maria also adds a word of comfort to parents who fear "losing" their child to whatever their vocation may be. Lastly, Genevieve and Father talk through understanding the celibate vocation as the "higher" vocation, agreeing that both marriage and priesthood/religious life are beautiful and important, and while celibacy offers the heaven-like ability to be focused exclusively on the Lord, the important thing for all parents to remember is that everyone is called to sainthood. Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

This month's episode of Ready, Willing, & Able takes inspiration from Bethlehem Catholic High School's Baseball team's Bible Study, and explores how athletics and faith can feed and support each other. Host Genevieve O'Connor, MFA, MTS sits with the chair of the Bishop's Commission for Young Adults, John Pellosie, and Commission member Adrian Anatalio, DPT to discuss. The Commission for Young Adults has emphasized sports this summer, including a weekly volleyball game. Pellosie and Anatalio explain that the Commission's focus on athleticism attends to how the Catholic understanding of the human person is as a body and soul unity. Plus, they observe the powerful way that sports serve as lessons in virtue and can teach children the benefits of consistent hard work and discipline. Athletics can nourish a person physically, spiritually, and communally. O'Connor and her guests agree that faith can also improve one's sports, and not just vice versa. Anatalio also shares insights from his work as a physical therapist, noting how our physical limitations can teach us important lessons to pass on to our kids about God's grace.  Have an idea or question for the podcast? Submit your thoughts here! Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

In this month's episode, Genevieve O'Connor M.F.A, M.T.S. asks Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Zelenda Hodgskin, how to rescue our focus on faith when summer swoops in to ruin our routines. Hodgskin has lots of practical and anecdotal advice for how to keep the faith alive in our families through the summer, suggesting that parents host faith-themed movie nights and set aside special sacred spaces in the home. O'Connor also asks about keeping faith going when we are on vacation, noting that sometimes our beach trips involve leaving behind our worries and our prayer practices. Hodgskin shares that intentionally seeking out shrines and churches in new places can become beautiful opportunities for family bonding and faith building. When our Catholic Faith is truly the center of our lives, it will not fall to the back burner in the summer, but rather continue to animate all that we do.  Below are the websites that Hodgskin recommends to parents: For movies: WatchCredo and Formed. For researching saints: CatholicCulture and Catholic/Saints.  For activity inspiration: CatholicIcing and CatholicMom. For finding churches and shrines while traveling: TheCatholicTravelGuide  and MassTimes. Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.

Genevieve O'Connor, M.T.S., M.F.A meets with Maggie Riggins, Executive Director of Evangelization and Formation for the Diocese of Allentown, to talk about how  holiness is possible in any state in life. While some people worry that their lifestyle doesn't permit holiness (parents don't have time to spend 6 hours in prayer like a monk might!), Catholic Tradition reveals that EVERYONE is called to holiness. Riggins offers insight into how this holiness is possible by introducing "Salesian Spirituality." She explains that St. Francis de Sales, through his friendship and correspondence with St. Jane de Chantal, insisted that holiness is possible for all walks of life. Riggins describes a few of St. Francis' key suggestions for how to make our daily lives holy, including the "Direction of Intention," the "Salesian Preparation of the Day", and the "Little Virtues."  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form! God Bless.