Lights, Catholic, Action!

Seminarian Trent Barton opens up about his journey from small-town Texas and college football coaching to discerning the priesthood. With humor, humility, and heart, Trent offers a personal look into what it means to follow a vocational call. He shares how his strong Catholic upbringing, deepening faith in college, and the quiet nudge of God led him to pursue seminary life.

In this episode, you'll get a look at one man's "yes" to faith in action. Danny Apodaca shares how his faith was reignited through an ACTS retreat, leading him into deep involvement with the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club. He opens up about supporting seminarians, the importance of vocations, and why we all need to pray for future priests.

A near-death experience set Dr. Kim Robinson on an unexpected path to becoming a psychologist and advocate for human trafficking survivors. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action!, the conversation dives into how trafficking happens—especially online—and gives practical advice for parents on how to spot red flags and keep kids safe.

In this episode of "Lights, Catholic Action," Sissel Anderson chats with Catherine Ochoa, an opera-trained vocalist turned vibrant campus minister at Texas Christian University. Catherine shares her faith journey, including her discernment between religious life and marriage, and how she now leads a thriving Catholic ministry with over 800 students attending Ash Wednesday Mass and a booming discipleship program.

A story of heart, hope, and perseverance. Follow along as Catholic singer Carolina Imperial shares how music led her to faith, healing, and purpose. From undocumented beginnings to performing at the Vatican, her story is a testament to God's faithfulness. Bonus: Listen to Carolina's song "Jamas Dejaste Mi Lado" on Spotify, Apple Music, and on YouTube.

In this special pre-conclave episode, Most Rev. Michael F. Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, joins the podcast for a powerful pre-conclave conversation that sets the stage for what’s to come. His pastoral depth resonates with this significant moment in the Church. Don’t miss his insightful reflections filled with wisdom and clarity leading into the big moment!

In this episode, Mike Short, Director of Security for the Diocese of Fort Worth, shares how his law enforcement background led him to create the Guardian Ministry, a volunteer-based program providing layered security at parishes and schools. He discusses how the ministry has drawn many men into active service within the Church and looks ahead at its continuing growth across the diocese.

What do IT, cemeteries, and finance have in common? If you are Kevin O’Brien, Director of Parish and School Services for the Diocese of Fort Worth, what they have in common is you! Kevin shares his journey to his unique career and discusses the challenges and joys of managing such varied responsibilities, emphasizing subsidiarity and adaptability to parish needs.

Frank Perez reflects on his journey to becoming the Associate Superintendent for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fort Worth and shares insights of his time in the role as he works to support the mission of forming young hearts and minds in the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the faith.

Waiting can be the hardest. In this episode, UTA Catholic Campus Minister Jeff Hedglen shares his powerful journey of faith, reflects on moments of stillness and struggle that shaped his relationship with God, and offers practical ways to feed one’s spiritual hunger.

Our next guest shares how an interest in learning ASL paved the way for an essential faith-based program that ministers to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Discover how the program is growing and making worship services with sign language interpreters accessible to individuals and their families.

Discussing his conversion from Southern Baptist to Catholicism, Jason Whitehead, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis in the Diocese of Fort Worth chats with host Sissel Anderson on embracing Lent, his work in catechesis and faith formation, and the importance of properly transmitting Catholic teachings.

Tune in to hear Fr. Metzler share his unique call to the priesthood while on a jet ski and other adventures. Host Sissel Anderson chats with him on discernment, faith, and Lent, and offers advice to those exploring vocations.

Tune in to discover how visuals are shaping faith-based narratives and amplifying diverse voices. Host Sissel Anderson chats with Juan Guajardo, the Creative Services Director for the Diocese of Fort Worth. From freelance photographer to leading visual media projects, Juan shares his journey and insights into the evolving landscape of storytelling in church communications.

 LISTEN to the first episode! The director of the Safe Environment program in the Diocese of Fort Worth shares exclusive insights into how the program protects and empowers communities. Plus, an inside look at the program’s history, its role in preventing abuse, evolving challenges, and ongoing initiatives to educate and protect community members.