Father and Dad

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad take the podcast on the road for their first-ever live recording at the Diocese of Gary’s Emmaus Missionary Discipleship Conference! Joined by a live audience, Fr. Steven and Dad go back to the beginnings of Father & Dad and the experiences that first inspired the podcast. They reflect on Fr. Steven’s discernment of the priesthood and the journey their family shared as he entered seminary. Along the way, they discuss a question that ...

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad discuss another summer spent at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, where Fr. Steven is continuing his studies toward a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) with a specialization in the New Evangelization. Fr. Steven explains what an STL degree is, what the Church means by the “New Evangelization,” and how the Second Vatican Council and the Church’s teaching in the decades that followed have shaped this renewed missionary vision. The...

Recorded shortly after Fr. Steven celebrated his final Mass at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Fr. Steven and Dad take time to reflect on transitions, gratitude, and the many graces of the past two years in Merrillville. Looking back on his time at OLQM, Fr. Steven shares memories of the people he encountered, the lessons he learned, and the blessings he both received and was privileged to give in priestly ministry. Dad offers a unique perspective of his own, speaking about what it has been like t...

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven shares the news of his new assignment as administrator of Holy Spirit in Winfield, St. Helen in Hebron, and St. Mary in Kouts, beginning July 1st. Sitting down with Dad, the conversation unfolds through a series of thoughtful questions that open a window into this important transition in priestly life. Fr. Steven reflects on the prayer and discernment that led him to accept this new role, as well as the formation and experiences that have helpe...

In this episode of Father & Dad, Fr. Steven and Dad explore the difference between being a “force of nature” and a “force multiplier” in parish life and leadership. Drawing from Fr. Steven’s recent work with parish leadership coach Ron Huntley, they reflect on the intentional effort underway to build a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and mutual support within the parish staff. Rather than relying on one person to carry the weight of ministry, Fr. Steven shares how this s...