Dramatic Catholics

What happens when we realize we’ve become comfortable in our faith?

In this episode, we talk about spiritual complacency, persistent prayer, trust in God, and the courage to go deeper. We reflect on Matthew 15:21–28 and the Canaanite woman’s persistent faith, asking what God might be inviting us to do when He seems silent.

Whether you are new to the faith, or have been a long time practicing Catholic, this one is for you! :)

Welcome to Season 4 of the Dramatic Catholics Podcast!

We're joined by one of our guest hosts, David Portugal, for a conversation on hearing God's voice, discernment, and how we can better prepare our hearts to grow in prayer. We kick off this new season on the feast day of St. John Vianney, and it's also our golden birthday!

A huge thank you to everyone who has generously supported the podcast. Your prayers and donations have made this ministry possible.

Finally, we're officially on video! It's a new adventure for us, so thank you...

⚠️ Fair warning: this episode’s audio quality is rough lol. We recorded this final episode without equipment, and honestly… it shows 😭

But we still wanted to sit down and reflect on this season with you all rather than skip the episode completely.

If you’ve supported the podcast, listened consistently, shared episodes, or believed in what we’re building, thank you. If you’d like to help us improve the quality of future episodes for Season 4, please consider donating. Your contributions would directly help us upgrade our audio setup and continue creating better content consistently.

DONATE HERE...

This week on Dramatic Catholics, we welcome Helena Heffernan, Western Region Ministry Coach for Life Teen International, for a fun, honest, and dramatic conversation on singleness, dating, identity, and why your life is not on pause while waiting for marriage. 👀💍

We talk about putting yourself out there, being real with God in seasons of waiting, and why the right relationship should bring peace—not chaos.

If you’re single, know someone single, dated someone single, or avoided texting someone back this week… this episode is for you. 😂

Share this episode with the single man or woman in...

This week on Dramatic Catholics, we’re joined by Mary Bakke and Cecilia Fritz—two of six COR members serving at Andre House of Hospitality.

COR is a “re-imagined” team living a year of service in community, serving the poor and diving deeper into the faith.

In this episode, we talk COR life, pushing through struggles in prayer, choosing God’s will, and walking alongside the sorrows of the guest they serve. We also challenge misconceptions about homelessness, reflect on true community, and what it means to step into the uncomfortable.

Plus, a slightly c...

Tune in this week with our SJV Lifeteen Core Team to get a behind-the-scenes look at life in youth ministry. From glory stories to meaningful moments, we’re talking about what it’s like to serve teens—and why we’re still doing it after all these years. Through laughter, honesty, and faith, we explore what it means to keep showing up for the next generation. Inspired by our mission at St. John Vianney, everything we do points back to one goal: to know Jesus and to make Him known.

Shout out to the fam that...

In this special episode of Dramatic Catholics, we say goodbye to an era as Delila records her final in-person episode before moving to South Bend, Indiana for her new position serving with the Holy Cross Mission Center.

Together, we reflect on Delila’s time at SJV—the memories, the people, and the ways God has moved throughout it all—while also looking ahead with hope to what’s to come. Though this chapter is closing, the mission continues, and so will the podcast! :)

This exciting transition means our show will look a little different, and it also m...

We often come to Jesus with the “big things” going on in our lives, but He invites us to bring every aspect of our lives to Him—both big and small. That includes our finances.

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Lorenz as we talk about what it means to steward money well, avoid making it the thing we chase, and instead trust that God, as a loving Father, knows what we need and desires what is best for us.

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Welcome to Dating vs. Dating—where we unpack the difference between casually dating… and dating with a view of marriage.

We’re talking boundaries, red flags, green flags, emotional chastity, and how to know when it’s time to take the next step—or take a step back.  And for those moments when you’ve crossed a line or fallen short? We talk about how to turn back to God, receive His mercy, and begin again. 

Let’s learn to date with a purpose 🧡🩷🧡

Disclaimer: This podcast includes conversations about sex and physical boundaries within relatio...

Disclaimer: This episode is not rated for children and addresses sensitive topics related to scandal in the Church. Listener discretion is advised. We strongly encourage listeners to engage with this conversation in its entirety, as it is shared with care, prayer, and necessary context—especially for this episode. We also want to sincerely acknowledge and apologize to all those who have been hurt by scandal within the Church. We hurt with you, and we hold you in our prayers.

Join Delila Baca, Esmeralda Gonzalez, and David Portugal, alongside special guest Rob Curtis, Director of Fa...

You asked, we answered! In this Q & A with the Padres edition, Fr. Brian and Fr. David dive into listener questions on faith, life, and everything in between. 

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering one week of your...

We’re kicking off the new year with a familiar face! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back our good friend Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C., now serving as the Associate Director of Vocations at the University of Notre Dame.

We catch up on all the new thangs—from Fr. Andrew’s new role, to Esme getting married, to reflecting on everything 2025 held. Plus, we look ahead to 2026 and share how we’re choosing our word of the year. Happy New Year, friends and many blessings to you and your families!

If you'd...

In this episode, we sit down with Chaplain Jeffrey Paparone of City of Hope Cancer Hospital to reflect on what it truly means to accompany those who are suffering. Through his experience walking with patients and families in moments of deep pain and hope, we explore the call to humility—learning when to speak, when to be silent, and how to simply be present. This conversation invites us to reconsider how Christ meets people in suffering and how we are called to do the same.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite yo...

Balancing exams, deadlines, and everyday life is no small task—especially when it starts to feel like your worth is tied to your GPA. This week, we’re joined by my studious sister, Eliana Baca, a doctorate student of biology & physical therapy, who shares her own experiences navigating academic pressure while holding onto her identity in Christ.

She dives into the real struggles of being a full-time student while reminding you of a deeper truth: you are first and foremost a beloved son or daughter of God. Share this with a student who needs to hear this :)

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Cannon from the Diocese of Phoenix’s Office of Mental Health Ministry to talk about mental health, faith, and how our parishes can better support those who are struggling. We touch on common misconceptions, when to seek help, and how to navigate the added stress of the holiday season—all through the lens of hope, community, and our Catholic faith.

In a crisis?Call or text 988 for immediate support.

24/7 Walk-In Mental Health Support:

The peak of Spooky SZN is upon us 👻— and we’re diving into the mystery behind what’s holy versus what’s counterfeit. Can Catholics celebrate Halloween? Where’s the line between faith and curiosity? What about spooky movies—harmless fun or spiritual danger? And is scattering our loved one's ashes okay? Join Fr. David Halm and Fr. Brian Kennedy as we uncover the truth behind the thrills and learn how to keep our hearts rooted in Christ this season.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this missio...

On this special release episode, we are welcomed by Don and Dina of the Dina Preston Band! Tune in as they share the amazing work they will be doing to raise money for Andre House.

Join the Dina Preston Band as they launch their 2026 “We’ve Been Everywhere” Tour on April 17, 2026 at ASU Kerr!

Support Andre House and secure a ticket to this event below! 

https://asukerr.com/event/dina-preston/

Check out the Dina Preston Band and their content: 

https://dot.card...

We weren’t made to walk this journey of faith alone. In this episode, we dive into what makes a friendship holy—from accountability and encouragement to challenging one another to grow deeper in love with Christ. Joined by David Portugal, Chilo, and Stephanie Salinas, we explore how authentic, Christ-centered friendships can transform the way we live and love.

If you’re 18 and up and looking for community, join us at The Well every first Friday of the month. Follow @thewellphx on Instagram for location and details!

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This week on Dramatic Catholics, we step into the heart of Church history as we recount the powerful canonizations of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Delila shares her unforgettable journey to Rome—walking the streets of the Eternal City, standing before the incorrupt body of St. Carlo, and being swept up in the breathtaking moment of seeing Pope Leo in person. From tears of joy to the fire of inspiration, this episode captures what it means to witness the Church raise two modern saints to the altars, and how their lives call us to live boldly, fai...

We felt called to have this conversation in light of the recent tragedies that have shaken our communities: the mass shootings at Annunciation Catholic School and Evergreen High School, the stabbing of a woman on a bus in North Carolina, and, most recently, the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

We are joined by Fr. David Halm, David Portugal, and Penelope Toscano as we reflect on these heavy realities. We come with hearts that grieve, but also hearts rooted in hope—because we know that in Jesus Christ, the victory has already been won.

Please tune in wi...

This week, we’re joined by two very special guests: Jeremiah and Valerie Salinas. From their early days serving the parish—Jeremiah in our very own 3MORE band and Valerie as a parish intern—to their journey of growing up as cradle Catholics, dating, supporting one another’s dreams in marriage, and raising their children in the faith, their story is full of joy and inspiration. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation with friends who have truly become family.

If you are a young adult looking for community, follow @thewellphx on instagram to get updates...

This week, we’re joined by my studious sister, Eliana Baca, doctorate student of biology & physical therapy for a deep dive into cultivating a healthy relationship with technology—yes, including social media. Esme and I also spill our favorite takeaways from the Catholic Creator Conference, where we explored a new frontier for evangelization: the digital world. 

This episode is an open invitation to rethink how we engage with media, and is the first of many conversations we will have as we try to figure out alongside all of you how to navigate the wild, wild...

We’re kicking off Season 3 of Dramatic Catholics! In this premiere episode, we’re joined by David Portugal (Director of Evangelization), Delila Baca (Director of Religious Education), and Esmeralda Avila (Youth Minister) as we reflect on the power of remembering.

Our lives are not random — they are part of a greater story, His story. We share how we've seen God move in our own lives and in ministry, witnessing firsthand the drama of salvation. When we remember rightly, we respond boldly. Living dramatically means living as people who remember, witness, and proclaim the God who still moves.

...

In this season finale, we return to the heart of it all: worship. What does true reverence look like? How does piety go deeper than appearances? Tune in for the end of season two with special guest, Fr. Brian Kennedy, C.S.C.

Want to dive deeper into prayer?

Check out the Laudate app today!

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful...

Evangelization isn’t just standing on a soapbox and Bible thumping 😂

In this episode of Dramatic Catholics, we’re joined by Paul Lorenz and David Portugal to explore what it really means to live out Jesus’ call to evangelize. From everyday encounters to bold witness, we talk about how to share the Gospel in a world that desperately needs it—and how it all starts with love.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support wil...

Habemus Papam! In this episode, we welcome Pope Leo XIV, our new Holy Father. We talk about the meaning behind his name, his first words to the faithful, and what his election might signal for the future of the Church. Join us as we unpack the moment the white smoke rose, the joy of a new beginning, and what it means to say: Our New Papa.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your...

This is it...Join us this week as we conclude our Sacrament Series with a deep dive into Holy Orders—and say farewell to our beloved friend, Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C. As he steps into his new role as Associate Director of Vocations at Notre Dame, we reminisce on his time with us, the impact he’s had, and the witness of his priesthood. This episode is a sendoff, a celebration, and a reminder that every vocation begins with a yes.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be p...

What really happens when the doors close and the world waits for white smoke? With the conclave beginning May 7th, we’re joined by Fr. David Halm to break down the history, process, and spiritual weight of choosing the next pope.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment ne...

In this episode of Dramatic Catholics, Sr. Mary Fidelis of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Tonopah, AZ joins us alongside Fr. Brian Kennedy, C.S.C. for a powerful conversation on monastic life, discernment, and the hidden beauty of the cloister. From daily rhythms of prayer to the drama of vocation, this is a glimpse into a life radically given to God.

Interested in getting to know more about the Poor Clares? Check out desertnuns.com !

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to b...

In this episode of Dramatic Catholics, we dive deep into the 7 Sacraments—the sacred channels of grace that shape our journey of faith. From Baptism to Holy Orders, these sacraments aren’t just rituals; they’re powerful encounters with Christ that transform our souls. But what do they really mean? Why did Jesus establish them? And how do they impact our daily lives?

Join us as we break down each sacrament, uncover their biblical foundations, and explore how they draw us closer to God

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Another uncut episode where we get real about praying through spiritual dryness. We’re unpacking the struggle, the silence, and why staying faithful in prayer—even when it feels empty—still matters.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the equipment needed to move forward. If you’re able, consider offering...

This week we are joined by Fr. Brian Kennedy, C.S.C. as he explores the power and grace of the Anointing of the Sick. Through scripture, real-life stories, and pastoral insights, discover how this sacrament brings healing, comfort, and hope in times of illness and suffering.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we...

What really happens inside the confessional? In this episode of Dramatic Catholics, we take a deep dive into the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Joining us are Fr. Brian Kennedy, C.S.C., and Fr. David Halm, C.S.C., who share their experiences from the other side of the screen—what it’s like to hear confessions and be instruments of God’s forgiveness. We’ll also hear from lay Catholics about their own struggles and breakthroughs in the confessional.

Whether you frequent confession, fear it, or haven’t been in years...

As requested to upload more often, we will be periodically releasing special uncut and unedited episodes of Dramatic Catholics outside of our regularly scheduled biweekly podcasts. This week, we use ChatGPT to “play some rounds of a Catholic edition of “Would You Rather.” We hope you enjoy!

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of Apr...

Dating as a Catholic in today’s culture comes with unique challenges, but dating with our faith in mind makes all the difference. In this episode, we are joined by David Portugal and St. Thomas the Apostle’s Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, AJ Carter as we discuss how to date with a purpose. Whether you're single, dating, or discerning marriage, this one's for you!

(Listener discretion is advised for younger listeners)

Interested in attending a young adult event at St. Thomas the Apostle?

Next Wine and Wisd...

In this episode of Dramatic Catholics, we explore Marian apparitions like Our Lady of Guadalupe and the powerful titles of the Blessed Mother. Joining us is special guest Penelope Toscano, our Mental and Relationship Health Minister, to discuss how a relationship with Mary can strengthen our relationship with Jesus.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of...

As we step into 2025, we reflect on the word/phrase God has placed on our hearts to guide and inspire us this new year. Join us as we share the significance of our chosen word, and we encourage all of our listeners to do the same!

Word of the Year Generator:

http://www.wordoftheyear.me

We'd love to hear from you! Comment Below!

What word or phrase did you choose for 2025?

Saint of the Year?

Scripture of the Year?

...

Join us for part four, our final episode of a special series with Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C. This week, we are answering questions from our very own listeners!

Looking for your own missal for Mass? Purchase a Magnificat here: https://paulinestore.com/magnificat-monthly-missal-7255-108809.html

Need Help Finding a Mass time?

Download the Mass Times App or click the link below: 

https://masstimes.org/map?lat=33.448&lng=-112.076&SearchQueryTerm=Phoenix,%20Arizonato

Want to assist us at mass? DM, Email, or comment below and we w...

Join us for part three of a special series with Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C., as we explore the questions and confusion surrounding the Mass. This week, we are breaking down the second half, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Tune in next episode for part four of our Mass Series with a

Q & A with Padre!

If you would like to come back to listen to this episode as you learn more about the Mass, we time-stamped where we discuss the order of the Mass below:<...

Join us for part two of a special series with Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C., as we explore the questions and confusion surrounding the Mass. This week, we are breaking down the first half of Mass, the Liturgy of the Word.

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If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conversations and bringing the hope of the Gospel to more hearts. As of April 20, 2026, we are working to secure the...