Prayers from the Anchor: Catholic Life at the US Naval Academy

Seminarian Erin "SeminErin" Donlon was a common and beloved presence at USNA during his pastoral year 2022-2023.  Recently ordained Deacon, he's looking forward to his priesthood ordination May '25.  Learn about his vocational journey and what he most looks forward to as a priest. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

CAPT Andrew Ledford is a US Navy SEAL, Chair of the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the Naval Academy - and a committed Catholic.  Hear how his faith has influenced his career and is integral to who he is today. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

Deacon and Mrs. Persinger are long time and much beloved servants of the Catholic community at USNA.  Listen to how they met, their reflections on the marital vocation and Deacon's call to the diaconate! The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

MIDN Luke Wagner is the incoming President of USNA's Catholic Midshipmen Club.  In addition to showing remarkable leadership qualities, in this podcast he also demonstrates exceptional honesty about his faith journey - his ups and downs, and why he has decided that walking with Christ is the only path to true happiness. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

Major Huss is a former seminarian who is now Staff Judge Advocate teaching NL400 at the Division of Leadership, Education and Development.  We learn how he decided to enter, and then leave the seminary, how he met his wife and the centrality of his faith to his life journey. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

Professor Dianne Luning-Prak has a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and teaches Chemistry at the US Naval Academy.  She is also a committed and daily-Mass-going Catholic.  Listen to her journey of faith, science...and the married life! The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

We get to know CAPT (sel) Mike Norton who is a former MH-60 pilot, has a PhD in sociology and holds the Associate Chair in the Leadership Ethics and Law at the LEAD Division at USNA.  He's also a hugely important part of the Catholic community at USNA.  Listen to how his Catholic faith has been essential to his career and marriage to another USNA grad. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

CAPT Luis Gonzalez is the Battalion Officer for First Battalion at the US Naval Academy.  He is a Surface Warfare Officer who last commanded USS Bulkeley (DDG 84).  Listen as he gives his vivid impressions of the intersection of his Catholic Faith with his career, marriage and kids. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

Retired Marine Lieutenant General Wissler speaks with Fr. Dwyer about how he does not regard his Catholic faith as "optional" to leadership.  Tune in for key lessons and great war stories! The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

Fr. Dwyer interviews CAPT Josh "Flipper" Sager, USNA's LEAD Division Director and former F-18 pilot with 4000 hours of flight time and almost 1000 carrier landings.  CAPT Sager talks about the centrality of his Catholic faith to his career, marriage, health scares and life highs & lows - and whether you can be both a good line officer AND a faithful Catholic. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.

Dr. Sean McGrath, CAPT, MC, USN is the Brigade Medical Officer (head doctor) for the United States Naval Academy.  He's also a faithful Catholic.  Here he speaks with Fr. Dwyer about his faith, his profession and how they intersect. The views ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast by individuals are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy, or Department of Defense.