Send us a text Is voting third party a wasted effort, or does it hold the potential to reshape the political landscape? Join us as we navigate this perennial debate on Election Day, where one of us casted his vote for Peter Sonsky from the American Solidarity Party, sparking a lively discussion on third-party voting. We consider how these votes can…

Send us a text Ever wondered what your Halloween costume says about your values and faith? Join us e as we explore Halloween costume selection through a Catholic lens, focusing on virtues, self-respect, and intentionality. We tackle the fine line between the difference in costumes like a "traditional nurse" and a "sexy nurse," and how choices refle…

Send us a text Choosing godparents is a momentous decision filled with both responsibility and prayerful discernment. We'll explore this essential question with insights from Deacon Mike Hayes, Father Damian Ference, and Christy Cabaniss, who share their wisdom on selecting role models who will be more than just names on a certificate. From conside…

Send us a text Choosing between your heart and your home can be quite the conundrum, especially when it comes to sports. Deacon Mike is torn between rooting for the Cleveland Guardians and his hometown New York Mets as they advance in the playoffs. Father Damian Ference gives us some insights on his hometown pride. Should childhood allegiances last…

Send us a text Join us in a compelling exploration of Pope Francis's recent remarks to Singaporean youth, where we, Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference, unpack the essence of interfaith dialogue. This episode promises to clear the air on any misconceptions, emphasizing that the Pope respects the distinctiveness of each faith while championi…

Send us a text How does the laity influence the homily? We dive deep into the essential role of the laity, drawing from pivotal documents like "Fulfilled in Your Hearing," "Preaching the Mystery of Faith," and "Evangelii Gaudium." We emphasize the preacher's responsibility to connect scripture with the lived experiences of their audience, ensuring …

Send us a text Who is truly responsible when tragedy strikes due to online content? Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they tackle the heartbreaking case of a 10-year-old girl who lost her life after attempting a dangerous "blackout challenge" she saw on TikTok. We dissect the moral and ethical implications for content creators and…

Send us a text Can literature enrich your spirit and humanity? Pope Francis thinks so, and in this episode, we explore his profound letter on the subject. Join us as we uncover how literature can be a powerful tool for all Catholics, not just those in priestly formation, to deepen their spirituality amidst our screen-dominated culture. Through pers…

Send us a text Ever wondered how cultural shifts impact the way we minister in contemporary society? Join us as we explore this and much more with Dr. Matthew Carey Jordan, the newly appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs at Borromeo Seminary and St. Mary's Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. Dr. Jordan shares his compelling journey fro…

Send us a text What is the link between war and contraception, and why might these be considered the most profitable investments in today's world? Join Father Damian Ference, Deacon Mike Hayes, and Maria Wancata as they explore Pope Francis's provocative remarks made during a recent conference in Italy. We dissect the Holy Father's bold view, delvi…

Send us a text What makes for a good vacation? The excitement of exploring unfamiliar cities? Savoring the thrill of live music performances? Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they share their unique vacation styles, blending city adventures with serene relaxation. Hear Deacon Mike recount how he and his wife found common ground i…

Send us a text Hear about Faith on the Field, How a Young Adult Softball League is Transforming Community in Cleveland. Can a simple game of softball truly transform the way we engage with our faith and community? Join us as Deacon Mike Hayes, Emily Ahlin, and Logan Feldkamp reveal how their young adult softball league is not just a game but a powe…

Send us a text Could you navigate a day without your phone in solitude to find your true purpose as a child of God? Join us as we dive into an engaging discussion with Mary Kate Glow, a dynamic theology teacher at Walsh Jesuit High School. Mary Kate reveals her innovative approach to guiding students on their spiritual journeys, inspired by an eye-…

Send us a text Ever wondered how Christians from different denominations can come together in unity? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin as we share our experiences from The Fest—a vibrant mix of Catholics and evangelicals celebrating together. Discover how Deacon Mike felt …

Send us a text What significance does bowing hold in the liturgy, and is it a practice that's still alive in our modern services? Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they uncover the historical roots and current observance of bowing at the name of Jesus. They navigate through the intricacies outlined in the General Instruction of th…

Send us a text Ever wondered what it’s like to attend the National Eucharistic Congress? Join Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and Christy Cabaniss as they recount their physically demanding yet spiritually uplifting experiences at this impactful event. Walk with us through the streets of Indianapolis, share in the profound moments of Euchari…

Send us a text Editor's Note: Recorded on 7/17/24. There is a slight volume drop on this episode so please adjust your volume. Ever wondered what it takes to organize an event for 50,000 people? Join us as we sit down with Father Damian Ference and Paul Jarzymbowski, Associate Director for the Laity at the United States Conference of Catholic Bisho…

Send us a text Can faith and media truly intersect to create powerful narratives of healing? Join us on "Question of Faith" as we unpack the emotional journey of Christy in our award-winning multimedia series. With psychiatric nurse practitioner Maureen offering her invaluable insights, we explore the complex mental health repercussions of reproduc…

Send us a text What happens when the Catholic Church calls for a rekindled devotion to the Eucharist amidst the challenges of a post-pandemic world? Join Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and special guest Christy Cabaniss as they explore this profound question by diving into the National Eucharistic Congress and the past few years of the Nati…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 Mass Father Damian shares his retreat experience of turning…

Send us a text 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 Adorat…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 lik…

Send us a text 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. Step…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 a deeper…

Send us a text 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 journey, end…

Send us a text 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 the nuanc…

Send us a text 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 priesthood is very…

Send us a text 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: You might h…

Send us a text 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 prayer itsel…

Send us a text 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 Kyrie. 3:20:…

Send us a text 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 people's live…

Send us a text 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 plan? Or …

Send us a text 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 got marri…

Send us a text 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. (1:55) …

Send us a text 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 mothers and dau…

Send us a text 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 help school…

Send us a text (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 Gospel Choir.…

Send us a text 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 story and…

Send us a text 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 Orthodoxy ran…

Send us a text 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 Revival. Tune…

Send us a text 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" differently. 4:…

Send us a text 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 kneel at Chr…

Send us a text 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 us to do.…

Send us a text 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 religious exp…