Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph

From Athlete to “Soldier of Christ” | Jovany's Confirmation Journey & Faith Story

In this powerful Pentecost episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s, Father Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger sit down with Jovany Labossiere, a 13-year-old preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.What begins as a conversation about confirmation quickly becomes a moving reflection on faith, leadership, sportsmanship, family, social media, and what it means to become a “soldier of Christ” in today’s world.Giovanni shares how his relationship with God deepened during middle school, leading him to become one of St. Joseph’s dedicated altar servers. Inspired by St. Maximilian Kolbe, Jovany speaks openly about prayer, peer pressure, athletics, adversity after a sports injury, and how faith guides him both on and off the field.Along the way, Father Peter and Randi reflect on:✝️ The true meaning of Confirmation🔥 Pentecost and the power of the Holy Spirit🏈 Faith and leadership through sports📱 Social media, algorithms, and Catholic content🙏 Forgiveness, prayer, and evangelization🌳 Why young people are rediscovering real life beyond screensThis episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and hope for young Catholics navigating faith in the modern world.Please keep all of our Confirmation candidates in your prayers as they prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.📍 St. Joseph’s Church – Kings Park, NY🔔 Like, Subscribe, and Share to support Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s🎧 Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts0:00 Introductions and Jovany’s Faith Journey3:10 Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation9:24 Faith in Sports and Leadership15:41 Living the Faith as a Young Person21:40 Technology, Social Media, and Real Life30:07 Pentecost and the Holy Spirit34:36 Parish Announcements and Closing38:58 Closing Prayer and BlessingParish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekpFollow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052426-Day

From Ascension to Pentecost: Father Francis, the Holy Spirit, and the Call to Glory

n this episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph's Parish, Father Peter and Randi reflect on the legacy of Father Francis as the parish prepares to celebrate his decades of faithful service and priestly ministry. They discuss the deep spiritual bonds formed within a parish community, the unique “grandfatherly” presence Father Francis brought to generations of parishioners, and why his impact continues to resonate so strongly.The conversation then turns toward the upcoming great feasts — Ascension, Pentecost, the Holy Trinity, and Corpus Christi — exploring how these celebrations reveal the dynamic relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Father Peter and Randi dive into the meaning of Ascension Thursday, the promise of the Holy Spirit, the importance of charisms in the life of the Church, and how every Christian is called to bring glory to God through their unique gifts and service.Along the way, they also discuss vocations, the importance of women religious in parish life, upcoming confirmations, First Communions, and the exciting events happening around the parish community.Join us for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation about discipleship, parish family life, hope, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.Topics include:- Honoring Father Francis and his legacy- The meaning of Ascension Thursday- Preparing for Pentecost- Charisms and the gifts of the Holy Spirit- Parish life and Catholic community- Vocations and religious life- The importance of prayer and evangelizationBe sure to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the Gospel and support the ministry of Catholic Conversations.0:00 Welcome and Fr. Francis Tribute0:53 The Legacy of Father Francis9:30 The Significance of Ascension Thursday12:53 Living a Life of Charisms and Purpose20:07 Scriptural Reflections and Upcoming Feasts25:43 Parish Life and Vocations31:10 The Role of Women Religious and Closing37:58 Final Prayer and Blessing Raffle - https://giving.myparishsoft.io/App/Form/6f6a3b95-a5a4-46e8-99f5-b63f4882d9adParish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekpFollow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051726-Sunday

Catholic Motherhood: How Becoming a Mom Deepened My Faith | Mother's Day Special

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s, Fr. Peter and Randi sit down with Lola Klis, a young cradle Catholic mother of three. Lola shares how becoming a mother transformed her faith — helping her understand God’s love in a new way and giving her the desire to pass on the beauty of the Catholic faith to her children.They discuss:- The true history of Mother’s Day and its contrast with the Church’s ancient “Mothering Sunday”- The Blessed Virgin Mary as the ultimate model and prototype for all mothers- Practical ways to raise children in the faith today — consistent family Mass attendance (even with toddlers!), prayer in the home, and making faith visible- Navigating public school vs. Catholic values, balancing sports/activities with Sunday Mass, and using trusted Catholic resources like FORMED, Hallow, and Catholic AI tools- The complementary roles of mothers and fathers, the importance of spousal unity, and building parish community support for young families- The challenges and joys of motherhood in a secular culture, and why “the family that prays together stays together”A heartfelt, encouraging conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and real-life encouragement for mothers (and all Catholics) striving to live their faith more deeply. Perfect for anyone navigating family life, faith formation, or seeking inspiration this Mother’s Day.0:00 Introduction and Mother's Day Context3:42 Growing Up in the Faith10:09 Raising Children in Today's World17:40 Prioritizing Faith Over ExtraCurriculars24:04 Tools for Modern Catholic Parenting34:45 Community and Spiritual Growth38:54 Finding Quiet Moments with the Blessed Sacrament48:04 Complementarity and Parish Announcements49:36 Mother and Father: A Complimentary Balance57:18 Final Advice and BlessingAcutis AI - https://www.acutisai.comTruthly AI - https://www.truthly.aiParish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekpFollow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051026.cfm

From Anxiety to Trust: Megan’s 10-Year Journey Back to the Catholic Faith

In this moving episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph’s, Father Peter and Randi sit down with parishioner Megan Cahill Assenza as she shares the remarkable story of her return to the Catholic faith. Megan reflects on how childhood fear and misunderstanding of religion led her away from the Church, and how years later, through anxiety, searching, and an unexpected encounter with a Catholic therapist, she began a life-changing spiritual journey. She opens up about discovering Jesus, developing a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, receiving her First Communion and Confirmation as an adult, and celebrating the 10th anniversary of what she calls her “rebirth.” The conversation also explores trust, surrender, discernment, prayer, adoration, daily Mass, and how God gently guided Megan into a vocation she never expected—teaching ESL students and sharing love through service. This is a powerful witness for anyone who has struggled with doubt, anxiety, feeling lost, or wondering if God is still calling them. Topics in this episode: - Returning to the Catholic faith as an adult - Anxiety, healing, and spiritual growth - Eucharist, Confirmation, and conversion - Marian devotion and the rosary - Hearing God’s voice in prayer - Trusting God’s plan when life feels uncertain - Discovering purpose through teaching and service If this conversation touched you, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who may need hope today. 0:00 Introduction and Megan’s 10th Anniversary 2:40 Childhood Fears and Spiritual Disconnection 4:43 The Search for Purpose and a Miraculous Encounter 13:54 Falling in Love with Christ and the Church 20:08 Spiritual Practices and Human Struggles 26:47 The Art of Surrender and Releasing Control 37:00 New Horizons: Becoming a Teacher 45:21 The Way, The Truth, and The Life 57:35 Parish Announcements and Closing Prayer Parish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateThe Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050326.cfm

From Holy Week to Mission: Let the Resurrection Change You | Catholic Conversations

After an intense and grace-filled Holy Week and Easter, Father Peter and Randi return for a reflective and wide-ranging conversation on what it all means for parish life—and for you. From the beauty and “whirlwind” of the Triduum to the surprising quiet of the Easter Octave, they explore how easily we can miss the deeper invitation of this season: not just to celebrate the Resurrection, but to be transformed by it.This episode dives into the meaning of Good Friday, the power of Divine Mercy Sunday, and the call of Good Shepherd Sunday—not just for priests, but for every Christian. Father Peter also introduces a new Easter series theme: “Now Let It Change You”—a challenge to move from simply believing in the Resurrection to living it through repentance, mission, and daily discipleship.They also address the growing reality of priest shortages, the need to pray for vocations, and what it means to truly support our shepherds. Plus, a look ahead at the busy and beautiful month of May in the parish: First Communions, May Crowning, Pentecost, and more.If you’ve ever felt the “post-Easter letdown” or wondered how to keep the fire of faith alive beyond the big celebrations, this conversation is for you.👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the message!0:00 👋 Introduction1:09 🌿 Recap of Holy Week and Easter6:20 ✝️ Why is it Called “Good” Friday9:09 ❤️ The Meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday11:34 🔥 …Now Let It Change You - New Message Series15:01 🐑 Good Shepherds21:54 ⛪ Dwindling Number of Ordained Shepherds27:43 🛌 Burnout and the Importance of Rest32:46 🙏 Pray for Vocations35:03 📅 May Sacraments and Events38:18 🕊️ Conclusion and Closing PrayerA Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 - https://a.co/d/08QdXdscIntegrated Life Foundation - https://integratedlifefoundation.comParish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekpFollow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042626.cfm