This episode features Carlos Zamora, a cradle Catholic who shares how he drifted from the faith and then returned through a deep encounter with the Eucharist, confession, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. He and host Sissel talk about his Catholic rap ministry, speaking and performing for youth (including incarcerated teens), and his passion for using his creative gifts—and devotion to Mary—to draw people back to the sacraments and a living relationship with Jesus.

In this special edition of Lights, Catholic, Action! Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection, reflects on a faith-formed life—spanning social work, military service, and the permanent diaconate—and explains how the Charter (with audits, training, background checks, and zero-tolerance norms) has shaped a nationwide culture of safeguarding across dioceses and continues to evolve. Dcn. Bernie also emphasizes survivor accompaniment, collaboration with experts and global Church bodies, practical parish-level vigilance amid sobering abuse statistics, and a hope rooted in renewed family and ecclesial commitment to protecting the vulnerable.

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.

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.