Lights, Catholic, Action!

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.