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 exp…

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. …

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 …

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 …

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…

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. …

Send us a Text Message. Delve into the sacred with Mary Hrich, the Diocese of Cleveland's Director for the Office for Worship, as we address the intricacies of the communion rite—is personalizing it with a communicant's name a move towards intimacy or a step away from the ritual's communal roots? As we unravel the layers of this debate, you'll gain…

Send us a Text Message. As Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference recount, there's something about an eclipse that brings both wonder and joy. The recent night sky's ballet was no different, and as it cast a surreal glow, they found themselves surrounded by friends, absorbed in the spellbinding moment. This episode takes you through their weekend jou…

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered how a simple invitation can transform someone's spiritual life? Join the three of us: Mike Hayes, Father Damian Ference and Christy Cabaniss, as we unravel the power of community and the art of welcoming others into our faith journey this Easter season. In our latest heartfelt discussion, we dive into …

Send us a Text Message. Fr. Eric Garris, Diocesan Vocations Director joins Mike and FD 0:45: Lent is busy for all. 1:15: It's like Finals Week 1:35: What is Holy Week like for the guys? 1:50: What is Shrove Tuesday? 2:15: Today is the Chrism Mass. 2:25: More on Shrove Tuesday and the Chrism Mass and the priests spending the day. 4:00: The priesthoo…

Send us a Text Message. Christa Alaburda from the Young Adult Advisory Board and parishioner at St Hilary's Parish in Fairlawn (1:05) Christa is a Godparent to her nephew. 1:25: What are the responsibilities and requirements to be a Godparent? 2:05: It's a gift! 2:20: To be a witness and accompany. 2:40: Did Christa have active Godparents? 3:20: Yo…

Send us a Text Message. Mary Hrich, Director for the Office for Worship joins us as Fr. Damian is travelling. 0:20: Mary is a longtime liturgical musician, so she talks about how she's gone about selecting music in parish life. 1:40: Music must be deemed worthy and liturgically approproate. 2:35: Music has different purposes: Sometimes it's the pra…

Send us a Text Message. Mary Hrich (pronounced "Rich") joins us. She is the Director of the Office for Worship for the Diocese of Cleveland. 0;20 Fr. Damian is on Spring Break 0:35: How did Mary get her job? 1:35: Mary took a straw poll of friends. 2:00: What does the GIRM say? 2:28: Can you subtract words? 2:50: An Ash Wednesday example on the Kyr…

Send us a Text Message. Lisa Leondarides, who is Bishop Malesic's personal assistant joins us. 2:00: Lisa's small group experience. 2:30: The USCCB's Video Series on the Eucharistic Revival. 3:50: How did Lisa start getting involved with these groups? 4:50: Small groups are important to be involved in so we can hear about the spirit working in peop…

Send us a Text Message. 0:23: What is Spiritual Direction? 0:48: Where did Mike get his training for Spiritual Direction? 1:48: How is Spiritual Direction different from Counseling, Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Care? 3:29: How is this different from a life coach? 4:29: Who's really directing in Spiritual Direction? 6:10: Does God have a secret …

Send us a Text Message. 0:30: Welcome back Fr. Damian, who was out sick this past week. 2:35: Valentine's Day or Ash Wednesday? Mike is clearly making adjustments to celebrate Valentine's Day? 3:15: FD notes Ss. Cyril and Methodius Day as well. 5:20: Notes on the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift. Reference to Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. 6:20: Usher …

Send us a Text Message. Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin joins Mike for this episode. Dr Lowes-Bolin's new book: Ignite! The Secret to Engaing Young Adults in the Church. Fr. Damian is under the weather! Pray for him! (0:45) Megan teaches at her alma mater, John Carroll University. (1:12) So what is the secret? (1:30) Megan also worked in a number of parishes…

Send us a Text Message. Maria Wancata, Lindsay Fullerman, and Desi Gould all join us from the Behold Retreat. 1:00 An Aside on Spiders! 3:15: How did they all join together to collaborate on this retreat and what parts are they playing? 4:00: Desi talks about her passion for Theology of the Body and talks about how we relate to each other as mother…

Send us a Text Message. It's coming up on Catholic Schools Week so this is an entire podcast on Catholic Schools week. Michael Suso, Director of Marketing for Cleveland Catholic Schools. Fred Roberts, Director of Development for Catholic Education for the Catholic Community Foundation. 0:45: Michael is only 6 months into the job. 1:14: How do we he…

Send us a Text Message. (0:40) Sr. Jane Nesmith, Director of the Office of Black Catholics joins us. (1:00) Sr. Jane reviews the past few days of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations in the Diocese of Cleveland. (1:52) Fr. John Judie, from the Archdiocese of Louisville, preached at the Cathedral yesterday. (4:25) We talk about the Diocesan Gosp…

Send us a Text Message. Maria Wancata joins us to talk about The Barbie Movie winning the Golden Globe Award and her and FD did a workshop on the movie at CLE 21:6. 1:35: We recap the movie a bit. And the tension between men and women and who should run the world? 2:40: The unresolved dilemma is that neither work well. 3:25: Review of the creation …

Send us a Text Message. WELCOME TO SEASON 2 0:00: We review FD's NPR voice. 1:25: Mike talks about his experience of doing Sports on NPR. 2:22: We talk about 2024 and our looking forward to this for many years. 3:00: We talk about Generations among ourselves. 3:30: The Catholic Project at Catholic U is the subject today . 4:20: Priests and the Orth…

Send us a Text Message. Fr. Eric Garris joins us for the year ender podcast. Fr. Damian does this episode in an NPR voice. 1:07: Fr. Garris talks about his highlight at the Seminary with the new seminarians. 2:15: Mike tries to do his highlight in a sportscaster voice (for a bit). 3:42: The old guy still got it. 4:07: FD recaps the Eucharistoc Revi…

Send us a Text Message. Christy Cabaniss, Director of Missionary Discipleship is our guest. 0:30: Mike and Christy are new to Cleveland (sorta)... 1:40: FD has almost never missed Christmas. 2:20: FD's going back to Rome during the Christmas season. 2:50: Marion's (Mike's wife) family Christmas Party. 3:25: Christy celebrates Christmas "day" differ…

Send us a Text Message. Calla Gill is Our Guest 0:40: Check out our Billboards on our YouTube Channel? 1:00: Mary isn't alone! 1:20: Anthony Van Ardsdale is the artist. 1:50: A bit on the Black Catholic Conference and how this all started. 3:50: Where are these billboards? 4:50: We had to get permission to use this image. 6:10: We're invited to kne…

Send us a Text Message. Christy Cabaniss , Director of Missionary Discipleship joins us. You can watch this podcast on our You Tube Channel now: https://www.youtube.com/@QuestionOfFaith Editor's Note: We likely will only publish select video clips in the future as opposed to the whole show---but chime in on our poll and let us know what you'd like …

Send us a Text Message. It's Podcast #100 FD and Mike look back on a number of Episodes from the past 100 (or so) shows. What have been our favorite episodes? (1:50) On Death and Dying with Tom Pussell from St. Rafael Parish. (3:30) The hysterical Halloween episode with Maria Wancata. (5:20) We became Swifties with Emily Ahlin and talked about reli…

Send us a Text Message. Fr Eric Garris joins us. 0:00 We talk a bunch of Thanksgiving... 3:30: Our Question....by the way...Why do we bless objects? 4:15: We make distinctions...what happens when we bless something? 5:00: Sacraments vs. Sacramentals 6:10: The strangest thing FD ever blessed is.... 7:10: We're participating in God's work... 7:35: Fr…

Send us a Text Message. Tom Pussel, Director of Outreach and Evangelization at St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village, OH joins us. (0:30) Tom has a lot of experience with accompanying the dying and their loved ones. (0:40) Tom is also a convert to Catholicism. (2:00) We refer to this news story about Boston Red Sox Pitcher Tim Wakefield and Curt Schill…

Send us a Text Message. Francine Costantini and Cari Reagan from the Youth Ministry Office joins us. 1:50 What is Cleveland Public Auditorium? 2:25: Cari Regan talks about Bishop Malesic and the musicians he mentioned that had played at Cleveland Public Auditorium and more of her thoughts. 4:20: When you're part of something bigger.... 5:20: What w…

Send us a Text Message. Mary Von Carlowicz from the Office of Human Life joins us. 0:45: Mary's office walks people through their entire life's journey? 1:00: Do you vote early? Mike Does! But he's in the minority apparently. 2:50: Fr. Damian is moving from the seminary residence to the chancery. 3:00: Violence is violence in the womb and on the st…

Send us a Text Message. (0:30) Maria Wancata takes up this question with us as we look at dressing up for Halloween? (1:10) FD's story about a young woman who Flannery O'Connor wrote an essay on. (1:55): FD never "played priest" but what did he dress for Halloween as? (2:35) Mike's parents had creative halloween ideas. (3:20) FD's politically incor…

Send us a Text Message. (0:00) Mike and FD discuss Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa's statement on the situation after the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent response. (0:10) Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa's has asked for us to unite with those suffering in the Middle East. (1:05) Article on Cardinal Pizzabolla's offer to exchange places w…

Send us a Text Message. (0:20): Administrative Assistant for the Office of Clergy, Christina Harrison joins us. (1:00): So what does Christina do in the chancery? (3:50): Christina's question came up in an RCIA group she led. (5:20) Mike's article on this question on the difference between the Cathedral and the Basilica. (5:50): Don't sit in the Bi…

Send us a Text Message. Joe Cronauer, Manager of Communications joins us. (1:00) Where may we have we heard Joe's voice before? (4:57) Fr Krizner's inspiration on both Joe and Fr. Damian. (12:15) How did Joe end up here in the diocese? And what's Joe's own faith journey been like? (14:40) Church Search goes to St. Basil (17:00) Marriage ministry fo…

Send us a Text Message. 1:10: Drew Courter, Director of Catholic Identity, joins us and tells us about his new job. 2:00: What's Drew's background? 3:00 A lot of firsts on the podcast today. And why is this important to have an identity person now? 4:40: Fr. Damian had a lot of nuns as teachers back in the day. 5:40: Fr. D's mom was a Catholic scho…

Send us a Text Message. Emily Ahlin, Diocesan Archivist joins us after going to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour Concert in Pittsburgh. 0:35: Emily is only a mild Swiftie....but her friends.... 1:19: There are costumes?? 2:11: Comparisons to the 1935 Eucharistic Congress. 4:11: Insider info: Emily was a Focus Missionary and would people show up for the E…

Send us a Text Message. Terri Yohman, Director of Marriage and Family Life joins us. 0:01: It's been awhile since Terri joined us. 1:20: So what do we do? Funeral prep is one thing. 1:50 Different parishes do different things. But there 2:10: St Justin Martyr has a group for those dealing with the loss of a spouse for people under 50. 2:25: We part…

Send us a Text Message. Fr Eric Garris, Vocations Director comes back from World Youth Day in Lisbon. 0:00: They let Fr Garris back into the country! 2:10: Fr Garris gives us some highlights from his WYD trip. 3;10: They also went to Lourdes. 4:20: Here's the Lisbon and Fatima recap. 4:50: The Pope was only 2 blocks away. 6:30: A bit on the Popemob…

Send us a Text Message. Michelle Nowak, Director of Lay Eccesial Ministry joins us. 0:30: Michelle defines an LEM as per the document "Co-workers in the Vineyard" 1:10: We're talking about people who minister in the Catholic church who are laity. 2:00: How long have we had an LEM office? (formerly Pastoral Ministry Office) 2:40: The eccesial part i…

Send us a Text Message. Maria Wancata, The Marriage and Family Specialist joins us. 1:10: Maria tells us about the Book Club on The Genesis of Gender by Dr. Abigail Favale. 3:00: Here are the sites and hosts for the Book Club on the four Thursdays in September 7, 14, 21, 28. 4:05: Register for the Book Club by clicking here 5:05: What style of club…

Send us a Text Message. Mary Fugate, Executive Assistant and Marian Scholar par Excellence joins us. 1:20: Mary schooled all of us on Mary trivia. 2:15: What did the Eastern Church amd Western Church have to say about this? 3:00: The traditional story of the dormition of Mary. 3:30: St Stanislaus church has a painting of the Dormition of Mary. 3:50…

Send us a Text Message. 0:30: Youth Ministry has a big Mass coming up in November. 1:00: What is the St Michael prayer and who is St. Michael? 1:50: When do we pray this prayer? 2:30: Mike's book editor gave him a devotion to St Michael. 3:35: A bit about St. Michael's prayer from Fr Damian. 5:00 Pope Leo's story about why he wrote the prayer. 6:20…

Send us a Text Message. Danny O'Brien, Director of Music at St. Angela Merici Parish in Fairview Park joins us with his banjo. Not much of a need for show notes today. We'll talk about Fr. Damian's New Book: Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist from Word on Fire. Come out to FD's book party with Danny's "A Good Band is Hard to Find" on Thursday, Aug…

Send us a Text Message. No timeline needed this week as Fr Damian and Mike talk about their favorite World Youth Day memories as Fr Eric Garris heads to Portugal for World Youth Day 2023. Fr Damian has been to: Paris (1997) (1.2 Million People) Rome (2000) (2 Million People) Toronto (2002) (800,000 People) Cologne (2005) (1,000,000 people) Mike has…

Send us a Text Message. Bishop Michael Woost, Auxilliary Bishop of Cleveland joins us. (1:00) So what is the proper position that people should hold their hands during the Our Father? (1:20) Are we required to do this? (2:20) What about concelebrating priests? (3:00) Catacombs have people in the Orans position. (3:20) Some background on the GIRM an…

Send us a Text Message. The Alliance for Human Trafficking join us: Namely: Jenna Bing, President (jbingres@gmail.com) Carolyn Kinkoph, Secretary (c.kinkoph@csuohio.edu) Kathy Goelintz, member of the Alliance Against Human Trafficking (kathy.goelintz@gmail.com) (1:00) Carolyn tells a bit of her personal story and how she got involved with the Allia…

Send us a Text Message. Fr Damian is off this week. Fr Eric Garris and Christy Cabaniss joins us. (0:00) Should you go to Mass on the 4th? (0:30). We've never been together on the podcast. (1:20). Well....we're home. (2:04). Growing up...did we go? (2:40). Mike's friend Christa will be having Mass at her place. (3:00): Nationalism is not Catholicis…

Send us a Text Message. 1:00: How is the upcoming October Synod of Bishops going to be different? 2:55: What was Pope Francis' original call to be more synodal about anyway? 3:35: What was the Synod results of our diocese? You can find those results and the 10 major themes here. 4:25: The USCCB's Eucharistic Revival also followed and with the synod…

Send us a Text Message. ALF joins us for this episode. What's ALF? 1:00: We talk about 80s sitcoms and nostaglia. Here's a good article on "Checking Your Nostalgia." 2:20: Patron Saint of Parishes: Is it St. John Vianney? The Cure of Ars. 3:40: Or is it? What about parishes that are not named after saints too? 4:15: There are saint relics in the al…