Lights, Catholic, Action!

Have you ever heard of the Knights of Peter Claver? In this episode, Michael Barks takes us inside this historic Catholic organization and its mission of service, charity, and brotherhood. He shares his journey of living out his Catholic faith through the Knights at Our Mother of Mercy parish and reflects on how service strengthens community.

Canon law can sound complicated—but at its heart, it’s about people and their relationship with God. In this episode, Dr. Sara Paglialunga takes us inside her remarkable journey from studying Latin in Rome to helping Catholics navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.  She shares how faith shaped her calling and what canon law teaches us about truth, mercy, and the salvation of souls.

Sacred music doesn’t just teach notes—it forms hearts. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action, we’re joined by Ashley Ratcliff, choir director at St. John the Apostle Catholic School and leader of the parish music ministry. Ashley shares how God prepared her heart and guided her journey into music ministry, an unexpected path that led to teaching sacred music and helping young voices make a joyful noise unto the Lord. From parish choir to Catholic school classrooms, she reflects on trusting God’s timing, answering His call, and allowing praise to become a path of healing and renewal.

In this episode, meet the Robovikes—Nolan Catholic High School’s robotics team—who race against the clock each season to design, build, and compete with a 130-pound robot while learning real-world engineering, teamwork, and leadership along the way. From the workshop to international competitions, these students share how robotics is shaping their futures in STEM and showing how faith, creativity, and perseverance can power innovation.

Born and raised in Colombia, Paola Quintero-Araujo never imagined that a journey that began in dental school would lead her to help form future deacons for the Church—but along the way, God quietly redirected her path through unexpected encounters, ministry, and a call to serve. In this episode, she shares her powerful faith journey and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how men discern and prepare for the permanent diaconate, revealing the deep spiritual formation behind this sometimes-misunderstood vocation.

Heather Reynolds, CCFW CEO and President, and Beth Kwasny, CCFW board member, share how Catholic Charities Fort Worth is transforming lives across 28 counties—not just by meeting urgent needs, but by walking with families for years on their journey out of poverty. From innovative research partnerships to hands-on case management and parish collaboration, they reveal why fighting poverty is far more complex than it seems—and how every Catholic has a role to play.

In this episode, Detective Maria Orand of the Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force shares what it’s really like to confront modern-day slavery in our own backyard—and how daily prayer helps her see the image of God in both victims and offenders. From the front lines of some of Fort Worth’s darkest cases to serving faithfully in her parish, Detective Maria reveals how faith, service, and courage come together in a calling that’s as heartbreaking as it is hope-filled.

In this episode, Dr. Scott Hahn reflects on 40 years of Catholic faith, sharing how Scripture, the Eucharist, and a renewed hunger for the Bible are transforming hearts across the Church. From the explosive growth of biblical literacy to the joy of welcoming his 26th grandchild, Hahn offers a hopeful, deeply personal look at why now may be one of the most exciting times to be Catholic.

From building massive glass installations around the world to creating Christmas traditions for local families, this episode reveals how art can draw people closer to meaning, wonder, and God. A glassblower, architect, and devout Catholic, David Gappa shares how molten glass, daily prayer, and family life came together to shape a vocation that blends faith, beauty, and craftsmanship in unexpected ways.  Learn more about David's work at https://vetroartglass.com/

'Memento mori', what does that mean? Estate-planning attorney Jenna Lusk—raised Catholic and formed at Texas A&M’s St. Mary community — explains how Memento Mori and good preparation (wills, powers of attorney, clear communication) spare families real heartache and reflect a life of faith. She also shares ways young adults can build Catholic community in Fort Worth (from personal invitations to post-Mass hangouts and monthly potlucks).