Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph Podcast
Welcome to the Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph podcast page. If you would prefer to follow us on Spotify, click here. If you prefer to follow on Apple Podcasts, click here. If you wish to view this in video format, follow us on YouTube. Click on the title below to listen to a recent episode on Spotify or watch the most recent episode here.
-
Natural Family Planning Part 2: Healing Fertility Through Faith & Science
Missed Part 1? In last week's episode we explored what Natural Family Planning is and why the Catholic Church teaches it. In this second conversation, Father Peter and Randy are joined by Jessica Schaefer of the Gianna Center to discuss infertility, NaPro Technology, marriage, and the hope that comes from treating the whole person. See part 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4EBXGdflb9NXtS6l6fdNYT?si=qKtXWvbkRG24t2dlK2Tlrw
Natural Family Planning isn't simply about avoiding pregnancy—it's about understanding God's beautiful design for the human person.In this second episode of our Natural Family Planning series, Father Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger welcome Jessica Schaefer, a certified FertilityCare Practitioner from the Gianna Center, for an inspiring conversation about Natural Family Planning (NFP), NaPro Technology, infertility, IVF, women's health, Catholic teaching, and the dignity of every human person.
Jessica shares her own journey into fertility care while explaining how NaPro Technology works with a woman's natural cycle to identify and treat the root causes of infertility rather than simply masking symptoms.
Together, they discuss why authentic healthcare treats the whole person—body, mind, and soul—and how Natural Family Planning strengthens communication, trust, and discernment within marriage.Whether you're engaged, married, struggling with infertility, curious about Catholic teaching on contraception and IVF, or simply interested in learning more about fertility awareness, this conversation offers practical wisdom, scientific insight, and profound hope.Above all, this episode reminds us that the Catholic Church is not merely a Church that says "no." She is a Church that says "yes" to authentic love, authentic freedom, authentic science, and the incredible gift of human life.
👍 If this conversation helped you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who could benefit from hearing this message. Your support helps us continue bringing faithful Catholic conversations to people around the world.
00:00 – Disclaimer and Introduction
00:20 – Guest Introduction: Jessica Schaefer from the Gianna Center
01:21 – Jessica’s background and role as a fertility care practitioner
02:00 – How NaProTechnology works as a diagnostic tool
04:15 – Mainstream medicine vs. Natural Family Planning (NFP)
07:05 – Finding a supportive, pro-life medical practice
10:00 – Defining success: Beyond results to body awareness and peace
11:35 – Understanding biomarkers vs. symptoms
13:20 – Integrating faith and medical care
16:08 – Digital vs. paper charting and the role of apps
18:50 – Origins of the Creighton Model and various NFP methods
21:00 – Is NFP burdensome? Addressing the "habit change"
22:15 – The husband's role and the "Masculine Genius" in charting
25:05 – How NFP improves communication in marriage
28:15 – Resources for learning more (NaturalWomanhood.org)
33:15 – Navigating the pain of infertility and the Catholic perspective
39:40 – Bypassing vs. healing: IVF vs. Restorative Medicine
47:00 – SPICE: Holistic intimacy (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Emotional)
51:00 – Surrendering to God’s plan and finding fruitfulness in all seasons
59:05 – Closing remarks, channel support, and final prayer
Parish Page - https://stjoekp.com
Parish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/live
Make a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donate
Follow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekp
Follow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtA
Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212
The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071926.cfm
-
Why Does the Catholic Church Oppose Contraception? (The Answer May Surprise You)
Why does the Catholic Church teach that contraception is wrong? Is Natural Family Planning really different? And why should anyone care today?This week on Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph, Father Peter Dugandzic, Randy Hochenberger, and physician assistant Nicole Alimario explore one of the most misunderstood teachings of the Catholic faith.Rather than beginning with rules, this conversation starts with God's design for the human person. Together they discuss:• Why the Church teaches what it does about contraception• Natural Family Planning explained• Theology of the Body and St. John Paul II• Humanae Vitae and its remarkable predictions• Marriage, sexuality, and authentic love• Medical perspectives on fertility and women's health• Why modern culture often misses the deeper purpose of sexualityWhether you're Catholic, curious, skeptical, or simply searching for answers, this episode invites you to approach this important topic with open minds and open hearts.This conversation also marks the beginning of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, making it the perfect time to explore what the Catholic Church really teaches—and why.👍 If this conversation helped you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who has questions about the Catholic faith.Leave your questions in the comments—we'll continue this conversation in Part 2.#Catholic #NaturalFamilyPlanning #HumanaeVitae #TheologyOfTheBody #Marriage #Faith #CatholicPodcast #ChristianMarriage #StJosephKingsPark #CatholicConversationsParish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekpFollow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071926.cfmLinks from items mentioned:Truthly AI - https://truthly.aiEvery Knee Shall Bow (EKSB) Podcast: https://everykneeshallbow.fireside.fm/EKSB Episode: A Catholic Vision for Medicine: https://everykneeshallbow.fireside.fm/347EKSP Episode: The Catholic Roots of Healthcare: https://everykneeshallbow.fireside.fm/345EKSB Episode: The Decline of Pro-Women Healthcare (with Teresa Kenney, WHNP, MC): https://everykneeshallbow.fireside.fm/215EKSB Episode: What's Wrong with Contraception: https://everykneeshallbow.fireside.fm/214USCCB NFP Resources: https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/national-nfp-awareness-weekGianna Center of Long Island: https://www.catholichealthli.org/gianna-centerNaPro Technology: https://naprotechnology.com/Theology of the Body Institute (TOBIT): https://tobinstitute.org/Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.htmlMulieres Dignitatem: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1988/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19880815_mulieris-dignitatem.htmlJason Evert's Chastity Project: https://chastity.com
-
Catholic Conversations: The Biggest Misunderstanding About Chastity
In this episode of Catholic Conversations at St. Joseph's, Father Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger explore the Catholic understanding of chastity, modesty, human dignity, virtue, Theology of the Body, and why these teachings remain just as relevant today as ever. They discuss Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, the importance of rightly ordered love, freedom, shame, advertising, relationships, marriage, and the challenges facing Christians in today's culture.The conversation then turns to Jesus' Parable of the Sower, introducing the new homily series, With Eyes Wide Open, examining how the parables reveal God's generous love and challenge us to become fertile soil for His grace.Whether you're struggling to understand Catholic teaching on sexuality or looking for a deeper reflection on this Sunday's Gospel, this episode offers thoughtful, practical insights rooted in Scripture and the Catholic faith.Topics include:• What chastity really means• The difference between chastity and modesty• Theology of the Body• Human dignity and authentic freedom• The Parable of the Sower• Becoming good soil for God's Word• Seeing reality through the eyes of ChristIf this conversation encourages you, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a comment below. Your support helps us continue sharing the Gospel with thousands of people each week.#Catholic #CatholicPodcast #Chastity #Modesty #TheologyOfTheBody #ParableOfTheSower #SundayGospel #ChristianLiving #Virtue #CatholicTeaching #BibleStudy #FatherPeter #StJosephKingsParkParish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateFaith Formation Registration - - https://stjoekp.com/sorFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekpFollow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071226.cfm
-
The Secret to 36 Years of Marriage, Faith, and Joy | Catholic Conversations
Jamie and Mary Ramos have spent decades serving St. Joseph's Parish in Kings Park through music ministry, faith, and a remarkable witness to Catholic marriage.In this inspiring episode of Catholic Conversations, Fr. Peter Dugandzic sits down with Jamie and Mary to discuss their 36-year marriage, how God brought them together, the challenges of raising children in today's culture, trusting God through miscarriages, anxiety, family struggles, and why surrendering everything to Christ truly leads to freedom.They also share stories about Fr. Francis, the beauty of Catholic music, the Secular Franciscans, prayer in the home, and how a deep relationship with Jesus has sustained them through every season of life.Whether you are married, preparing for marriage, raising children, serving in ministry, or simply looking to deepen your faith, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and hope.If this episode encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. Your support helps us bring the Gospel to more people every week.We would also love to hear from you in the comments:What part of Jamie and Mary's story inspired you the most?If you would like to support this ministry, please consider making a donation through the link below and designate your gift for Podcast Support.Subscribe for more Catholic Conversations from St. Joseph Parish in Kings Park.0:00 Introduction1:15 How Jamie & Mary Met at Radio City Music Hall6:10 The Secret to 36 Years of Marriage10:45 Finding Their Home at St. Joseph Parish15:00 Music Ministry and Growing Closer to Christ20:30 Raising Children in the Catholic Faith28:00 Becoming a Secular Franciscan33:15 Building a Catholic Home37:15 "Give It to God" — Living Through Life's Burdens41:15 Final Thoughts & PrayerParish Page - https://stjoekp.comParish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/liveMake a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donateFaith Formation Registration - - https://stjoekp.com/sorFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekpFollow us on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2g1BsHSK7cyLDPgeYKAHHk?si=YIAuBwAUQtGBX_TOmW6dtAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-conversations-at-st-joseph/id1829773212The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070526.cfm
-
The Burden That Sets Us Free | Why Following Jesus Costs Everything… and Gives Everything
What does it really mean to put Jesus first — even before comfort, convenience, family expectations, and our own plans?In this episode of Catholic Conversations, Father Peter and Randi reflect on Jesus’ challenging words about taking up the cross and loving Him above all things.
As part of the parish message series The Burden That Sets Us Free, they explore why discipleship is not about doing whatever we want, but about discovering the freedom that comes from belonging fully to Christ.
The conversation also turns to Catholic marriage, sacramental preparation, annulments, convalidations, family life, and the domestic church. What does real love require? Why does sacrifice belong at the heart of marriage?
And how can families begin living the faith more intentionally at home?
This episode is both encouragement and challenge: following Jesus costs everything, but what He gives in return is freedom, peace, and life.
Topics Covered:
Why following Jesus comes with a cost
Taking up the cross in daily lifeFreedom vs. license
Catholic marriage and sacramental loveMarriage preparation, annulments, and convalidation
The family as the domestic churchFaith Formation registration and family discipleship
Prioritizing Sunday Mass
Living the Catholic faith during summerHope for Gen Z and the desire for truth
Parish Page - https://stjoekp.com
Parish Livestream Page - https://stjoekp.com/live
Make a donation - https://stjoekp.com/donate
Faith Formation Registration - - https://stjoekp.com/sorFollow us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stjoekp
The Sunday Readings - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062826.cfm
