Ready, Willing, & Able

Dialogue, Faith, and SAT Scores: Choosing a College in 2026

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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMkpfvmznfEtkmoizJdEH-8g_XWRNH1WiFJV7zI69u1_tpbA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102892008490932109710]! God Bless.

Special Needs and Sainthood

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 [https://johnpauliicenter.org/]. Learn more about Mercy School here. [https://www.mercyschool.org/] Lear more about St. Joseph Center here. [https://stjosephctr.com/]  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMkpfvmznfEtkmoizJdEH-8g_XWRNH1WiFJV7zI69u1_tpbA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102892008490932109710]! God Bless.

What's the Big Deal about Baptism?

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 [https://ignatius.com/love-unveiled-the-symbolon-book-5cfep/?searchid=0&search_query=love+unveiled]  God: What Every Catholic Should Know, by Elizabeth Klein (God [https://ignatius.com/god-gwckp/?searchid=4296510&search_query=god+elizabeth])  Salvation: What Every Catholic Should Know, by Michael Barber (Salvation [https://ignatius.com/salvation-swckp/?searchid=0&search_query=salvation+michael+barber])  Jesus the Bridegroom, by Brant Pitre (Jesus the Bridegroom [https://ignatius.com/jesus-the-bridegroom-jbgp/]) Digital Media FORMED: This site has many videos on Baptism and countless other topics (formed.org [https://formed.org/]). Podcast on Catholic Saints: St. John the Baptist (St. John the Baptist - Catholic Saints - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/st-john-the-baptist/id1597828386?i=1000617532148])  Podcast on Catholic Saints: St. Josemaria Escriva (St. Josemaria Escriva - Catholic Saints - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/st-josemaria-escriva/id1597828386?i=1000714636716]) Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMkpfvmznfEtkmoizJdEH-8g_XWRNH1WiFJV7zI69u1_tpbA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102892008490932109710]! God Bless.

Keeping Your Kids Catholic with Dr. Michael Rota

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 [https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/a-solution-to-the-churchs-biggest-problem/].  Want to suggest a topic for the podcast? Fill out this form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMkpfvmznfEtkmoizJdEH-8g_XWRNH1WiFJV7zI69u1_tpbA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102892008490932109710]! God Bless.

Make 2026 Your Holiest Year Yet! Featuring Bishop Schlert

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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMkpfvmznfEtkmoizJdEH-8g_XWRNH1WiFJV7zI69u1_tpbA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102892008490932109710]! God Bless.