Send us a Text Message.The Catholic community in Akron and beyond came together to celebrate faith and unity at a bilingual Mass in Akron's Canal Park, commemorating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Despite weather setbacks in the past, this event was a resounding success with over 900 attendees. We highlight the importance of this celebration for the Puerto Rican community Church Search: The stunning architecture and recent renovations at our host parish, St. Bernard Church, where...

Send us a Text Message.What if the way you respond when someone comes out to you could be a turning point in both their life and yours? In today's episode of "Question of Faith," we unpack the delicate art of responding with empathy and genuine love when someone shares intimate information. Deacon Mike Hayes, Father Damian Ference, and Maria Wancata bring their own heartfelt stories and wise counsel to the table. We discuss the powerful role of body language and initial reactions, offering gu...

Send us a Text Message.How can you carve out more time for God this summer? Uncover practical tips from Father Damian, Deacon Mike, and special guest Hortensia Rodriguez that will help you disconnect from the constant buzz of technology and focus on your spiritual growth. Register for our Ballpark MassFather Damian shares his retreat experience of turning off his phone to open up conversation with the divine. Deacon Mike offers actionable steps to silence notifications during prayer if ...

Send us a Text Message.Join Deacon Mike and Fr. Eric Garris, Vocation Director for the diocese of Cleveland, as they dive into the particulars around "XLT" in the Catholic faith—an inspiring blend of prayer, praise, and adoration that has captivated young hearts and minds. They unravel the evolution of both Life Teen and new practices in Eucharistic Adoration from the late 1990s to the present explaining how the shift towards worship-centric songs has revolutionized participation and en...

Send us a Text Message.Trigger Warning: The Episode contains references to Suicide and Sudden Death. What happens when faith leaders are faced with challenging moments on which they must preach? Join us on this heartfelt episode of "Question of Faith" as Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference open up about the profound and often difficult experiences of delivering homilies on sensitive topics. From the poignant eulogy for a dear friend to navigating the delicate subject ...

Send us a Text Message.Gazing up at the sky, the moment the sun hid behind the moon, something shifted within us—a connection that went beyond a scientifc phenomenon into a moment of prayer. Deacon Mike, Father Damian and Father Eric Garris unpack this celestial spectacle they shared together in Cleveland, and its profound effect on each of them. Aligning with the Feast of the Annunciation, our hearts and minds were opened as we learned the subtle yet powerful distinction be...

Send us a Text Message.Meet Gianna Koser, not your everyday teenager, but a Catholic whose soulful testament to spirituality and heritage has earned her the Christus Vivit National Youth Award. In a heartfelt conversation, she shares her aspirations, the cultural tapestry of her Slovenian and Lebanese lineage, and how these threads weave into the fabric of her devotion. Gianna's story is a crescendo of youthful exuberance and pious dedication, a narrative that will inspire as she stands on th...

Send us a Text Message.The newly ordained Deacon Mike Hayes along with Fr. Damian Ference unpack Mike's ordination to the permanent diaconate. Mike explores many of the highlights of the day as we explain what the indelible mark that priests and deacons receive in the sacrament of Holy Orders as they are ontologically changed in the sacrament.If you'd like to see for yourself:Mike's OrdinationMike's Mass of Thanksgiving at St Christopher Parish in Rocky River, OHWe'll even talk about the sock...

Send us a Text Message.Del Sherman, a candidate for the diaconate and one of Mike's classmates joins us this week. Del runs a family drive-in movie theater. He opens up about his journey from being a nominal Catholic to a devoted candidate in the Deaconate Formation Program. We navigate through the biblical history of a deacon's role, delving into St. Stephen's early role as the first deacon. While service defines a deacon's call in ministry they also have a role in the litu...

Send us a Text Message.Discover the sacred intricacies of the Catholic Mass as Mary Hrich, our Director of the Office for Worship, discusses what happens to the Precious Blood after Communion. From reverent consumption to the purification of vessels, Mary guides us through the liturgical protocols. Church Search goes to Sacred Heart in Wadsworth.Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter.We invite you to be part of our next episode by contributing your burning questions about liturgy and music a...