Some of us are formed in the faith from a young age, while others come into the Church later in life. Behind it all are faithful staff and volunteers at parishes helping guide others to the truth of the faith and ultimately a relationship with Jesus. Behind them is Laura Nelson, diocesan Director of Faith Formation and OCIA and our guest for this episode. She talks about how she dove deeper into her faith and how the diocese encourages others to do the same.
In this special episode, actress and writer Siobhan Fallon Hogan reflects on how her Irish Catholic upbringing and strong, lifelong faith shape her family life, career choices, and creative work—including her play "Mother’s Farewell" and the films "Rushed" and "Shelter in Solitude," which blend serious themes with Catholic moral vision. She also discusses involving her children in both faith and film, her new EWTN podcast "Catholics and Cappuccino", and the growing network of Catholic and Christian storytellers in the entertainment industry.
This episode features Carlos Zamora, a cradle Catholic who shares how he drifted from the faith and then returned through a deep encounter with the Eucharist, confession, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. He and host Sissel talk about his Catholic rap ministry, speaking and performing for youth (including incarcerated teens), and his passion for using his creative gifts—and devotion to Mary—to draw people back to the sacraments and a living relationship with Jesus.
In this special edition of Lights, Catholic, Action! Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection, reflects on a faith-formed life—spanning social work, military service, and the permanent diaconate—and explains how the Charter (with audits, training, background checks, and zero-tolerance norms) has shaped a nationwide culture of safeguarding across dioceses and continues to evolve. Dcn. Bernie also emphasizes survivor accompaniment, collaboration with experts and global Church bodies, practical parish-level vigilance amid sobering abuse statistics, and a hope rooted in renewed family and ecclesial commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
From Texas A&M pre-med student to Director of Youth Ministry, follow Annette Calderon's path to discovering a deeper faith through St. Mary’s Catholic Center and the National Eucharistic Congress. Now, she builds a family-style community through small groups, service, and praise-and-worship rooted in Adoration. Along the way, she reflects on growing up in the Diocese of Fort Worth, discerning her vocation, the pressures teens face (social media, isolation), and offers young women advice to embrace surrender, resist comparison, and trust Jesus.
Host Sissel Anderson interviews self-taught Catholic artist John Andrew Sustaita, who shares how grief, the Camino de Santiago, and a love of Japanese culture led him from opera to sacred art — most notably his painting of the “Samurai Saint,” Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, which ultimately reached the Vatican. Sustaita also outlines several current evangelization projects focused on Japan—inviting support to rekindle awareness of Catholicism there.
Fr. Dan Pattee, TOR— pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Fort Worth —recounts a faith-rooted childhood in Minnesota, a vocational pivot from pre-med to the Franciscan Third Order Regular, years teaching systematic theology at Franciscan University, and what distinguishes the TOR order from others. He spotlights St. Andrew’s forthcoming “Our Lady, Star of the Sea” center, urges college students (including nearby TCU) to “listen” for God’s call, and shares a Marian devotion and favorite verse—Proverbs 24:16—as anchors for living the Gospel in real time.
Spotlighting “Dr. Phil” — Dr. Philomena Ikowe — whose Nigerian roots, deep devotion to St. Philomena, and vibrant service at St. Joseph Parish reveal how everyday love, prayer, and Eucharistic ministry can turn ordinary moments into mission. She shares how founding a health-and-education nonprofit in her late father’s honor, offering free screenings abroad, and simple neighborly acts (like daily rides to Mass for an elderly friend) show that true evangelization begins at home and radiates to the world.
Terri Schauf, the Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Fort Worth, shares how the Church’s efforts to advance the culture of life have grown stronger and more proactive over the years.
Have you ever had a coach for a Theology teacher? Inspiring students to integrate faith into every aspect of life, Lauren Sajewich is a Theology teacher at Nolan Catholic High School and the assistant coach for the school's women's soccer program. In this episode, she shares her journey from growing up in Chicago to playing soccer at TCU, competing overseas in Denmark, and ultimately returning to Fort Worth. She reflects on how her faith deepened through sports, study, and community,
Hear the history, training, and daily life of the Swiss Guard. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action on location, we chat with a former member of the Swiss Guard, Rento Peter, who shares his journey from growing up on a Swiss farm to serving at the Vatican.
From a non-denominational Christian upbringing to entering Catholic seminary. Robert Weisberg, a seminarian for the Diocese of Fort Worth, reflects on the challenges of conversion, the role of the Eucharist and Church history in his faith, and his ongoing discernment of the priesthood while serving at a local parish during his pastoral year.
This episode of Lights, Catholic, Action! features Pat Pelletier, who shares her and her late husband Chuck’s powerful journey of faith, resilience, and dedication to the pro-life movement. From surviving the hardships of Chuck’s Vietnam service and paralysis to founding Mother and Unborn Baby Care in Fort Worth, Pat reflects on God’s providence and the ongoing mission to support women, children, and families in need.
In this episode, La’Wonda Peoples shares her journey of faith, from growing up in Selma, Alabama, during the Civil Rights era to finding a spiritual home at Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Fort Worth. She reflects on the power of Catholic community, the importance of service, and her hope for the parish’s vibrant future.
In this special edition of Lights, Catholic, Action! (on Location), North Texas Catholic Editor Susan Moses chats with Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, a well-known speaker, author, and theologian, about his journey to the faith, as well as his latest project: working with his son, director Anthony D'Ambrosio, on a new feature film about St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Angie Vo, a Fort Worth native and child of Vietnamese refugees, shares her journey of faith, community, and leadership. Hear about her involvement in the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, her passion for research and teaching, and how she integrates faith, culture, and service to empower the next generation of Catholics.
Season two of Lights, Catholic, Action! kicks off with Clint Weber, who shares his journey from Marine fighter pilot to president of Nolan Catholic High School. He reflects on faith, perseverance, and the importance of Catholic education in forming future generations.
In this episode, Cheyenne Marrinan shares her journey from rural youth ministry to serving as the Tribunal Office Manager for the Diocese of Fort Worth. She demystifies how the tribunal works to uphold canon law in matters like marriage, annulments, and convalidations. Hear her reflect on the personal impact of her work, and the deep joy of helping people return to full communion with the Church.
Michael Wanigasekera shares his powerful story of serving in the Peace Corps in Cambodia, where he faced extreme poverty, cultural challenges, and spiritual growth. Through projects like building libraries and water wells, Michael transformed communities and hearts. Now back at St. Martin de Porres in Prosper, he continues his mission through the Knights of Columbus. This episode is a testament to how one person’s faith and courage can ripple across continents.
Helping neighbors in need is the mission, and Victor Craig is leading the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Fort Worth Diocese in serving neighbors in need through personal outreach, home visits, and practical support. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action!, he emphasizes the urgent need for volunteers, donations, and greater awareness of local poverty—reminding listeners that serving others is a direct way to live out the Gospel. See how you can get involved. http://www.svdpfw.org/