Catholic Apostolate Center Resources

In this interview of the Sunrise Morning Show, Father Frank Donio, S.A.C. of the Catholic Apostolate Center unpacks Pope Francis's apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, and explores what it means to effectively proclaim the Gospel today. Fr. Frank demystifies the concept of missionary discipleship, emphasizing that evangelization is not an exclusive duty for clergy or professional religious figures, but a universal call for all baptized laypeople to share their faith through everyday, authentic relationships. The conversation delves into the vital practice of spiritual accompaniment, cautioning against letting these personal connections devolve into self-absorbed therapy sessions or unwittingly supporting people in self-destructive directions. Ultimately, the discussion serves as a grounded and inspiring reminder that sharing the love of Christ requires patience, active commitment, and the courage to lovingly guide others toward true freedom in God.

In this interview on the Son Rise Morning Show, Father Frank Donio, S.A.C. of the Catholic Apostolate Center unpacks the history and overarching vision behind Pope Francis’s landmark apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). Fr. Frank explains that the document did not appear in a vacuum; rather, it weaves together a rich lineage of modern papal magisterium. It draws from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2012 Synod on the New Evangelization, St. Paul VI’s seminal 1975 exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, the teachings of St. John Paul II, and the Latin American bishops' Aparecida document. Melding these elements together, Evangelii Gaudium serves as a programmatic roadmap for the Church, explicitly driving a shift toward an outward-facing, evangelical focus. The core of the discussion centers on the first chapter of the text, which calls for "the Church's missionary transformation." Fr. Frank recommends that contemporary Catholics reject a complacent "maintenance mentality" or the temptation to view the parish as an exclusive "internal club." Instead, he highlights Pope Francis's call for a "missionary option"—a radical pastoral conversion where Church customs, structures, schedules, and language are intentionally re-channeled for global evangelization rather than self-preservation. This transformation demands that the faithful overcome fear, cooperate with sacramental grace, and boldly go forth into the modern world. The interview also addresses how this missionary transformation manifests through authentic co-responsibility among the clergy and the laity. Touching upon the current focus on transparency, accountability, and evaluation within Church structures, Fr. Frank notes that the baptized must be genuinely engaged in the Church's mission and decision-making processes. He clarifies that this collaboration should not look like a secular town council; rather, it must be a spiritual awakening that values individual charisms and skills. Ultimately, Fr. Frank stresses the importance of fostering "evangelical freedom," reminding lay Catholics that their baptism inherently empowers them to spread the Gospel and live out their unique apostolates without waiting for passive permission.

Lent is the period in the Church’s calendar to where the faithful are encouraged to rekindle their relationship with Jesus through practices such as prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Come Easter, we can rise with Christ a new creation. This blogcast explores “Lenten Transfiguration" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Kate Fowler and read by Jonathan Harrison.

Lent precedes Easter as a season of preparation. We are encouraged to pray, give alms, and fast. We invite Christ more into our lives this time of year so as to bring about greater conversion before the great feast of Easter. This blogcast explores “Letting Christ Reign in Your Lent" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Erin Donn, and read by Meghan Abando.

St Francis de Sales is a popular Saint and Doctor of the Church who promoted the universal call to holiness and encouraged lay people to grow in holiness in their current state of life. This blogcast explores “St. Francis de Sales: The Doctor of Divine Love" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Erin Donn and read by Brian Rhude.