Lights, Catholic, Action!

How did four students stumbling through Bible studies turn into a thriving ministry with 70+ students and standing-room-only Masses? Meet Nathan Mena, Tarleton State’s first-ever full-time Catholic campus minister, whose journey to campus ministry is filled with real talk, hilarious stories, and powerful purpose. He shares how faith, food, and fearless outreach are bringing students back to Christ—one Rosary, retreat, and plate of spaghetti at a time.

Join us on this inaugural episode of Lights, Catholic, Action! (On Location)! Guest host Susan Moses, editor of the North Texas Catholic, talks with Luciano Lamonarca, a devotee of Saint Padre Pio and founder of the Saint Pio Foundation. Discover what inspired his devotion to Saint Padre Pio and the story behind the recent donation of a first-class relic to the Diocese of Fort Worth.

As a teen new to North Texas and far from home, Karla Silva walked 20 minutes to Mass each week—drawn by a deep desire for community and faith, even before she fully understood the language. Now a vibrant leader in Hispanic young adult ministry, Karla shares how small acts of “yes” led to big transformations, lasting friendships, and a passion for helping others grow in their Catholic faith.

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.

Host Sissel Anderson welcomes the first deacon guest on the show, Deacon Juan Molina, who shares his remarkable spiritual journey from an early calling to ministry to his eventual ordination as a deacon. A moving testament to the power of saying “yes” to God’s call, even when the path is long and uncertain. From volunteering as a communion minister and catechist to preaching in Spanish, Deacon Juan repeatedly says "yes" to opportunities to serve, believing that God will provide what’s needed.

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!