Open Door Policy

Bonus Episode: The Impact of Catholic Schools

The role of Catholic schools in unleashing the Gospel must not be underestimated. Archbishop Vigneron writes that, “Our catholic schools must be training grounds for future saints.” It’s these training grounds where countless young people are invited to encounter Jesus, grapple with the tough questions, and grow into a wholehearted Christian worldview, where the dignity of the human person is consistently upheld. Listen to disciples in the Archdiocese who have been impacted by Catholic school...

Bonus Episode: Grief and Hope

Loss, as painful as it can be, is something we all will face in this life. And being thrust into a season of grieving can be disorienting and overwhelming. Yet, our faith in Jesus and his resurrection always gives us a reason to remain hopeful. In this episode, hear from three courageous women who have suffered tremendous loss yet, through it all, remained faithful and allowed grace to inform their grief. 0:00 We introduce this episode’s topic of grief, and contextualize it in the hope promis...

Bonus Episode: Called to Serve our Parish Communities

Join Open Door Policy as we revisit the inspiring stories of guests who have responded to the call to share their gifts in service of their parish communities. Our spiritual homes at our parishes are supposed to be founded upon prayer and a culture of encounter with Jesus. Listen as your peers share how God is unleashing the Gospel through them by leading and serving in their parish communities. Show notes: (00:18) This mini-sode’s theme is introduced: unleashing the Gospel by leading and s...

Bonus Episode: The Journey of Discernment

The process of discernment is oriented towards the life that God created you for—a life of holiness, and authentic happiness! In this episode, hear from joyful missionary disciples whose lives have been marked and changed forever through a process of discernment, and allow their witnesses to inspire you and the way you live according to God’s mission for your life. (00:00) Discernment helps us grow in faith, hope, and love. Learn how the process of discernment in itself can help one grow in ...

Bonus Episode: The Impact of Grandparents

In this Open Door Policy mini-sode, we revisit some of the conversations with two of our guests who recognize and celebrate the importance of their grandparents on their paths to becoming joyful missionary disciples. Take a listen! Show notes: (00:00 - 02:10) We introduce this epsiode’s topic, by highlighting the importance of grandparents in the life of Jesus and in the lives of the faithful. We introduce Kate Bryan, who shares her desire to be a joyful witness to the Gospel, by sharing her...

Bonus Episode: Confession, a Tenderizer of Hearts

In this bonus episode, hear from some of our guests from our most recent Open Door Policy season, as they share about their experiences of Confession, how they handle the nerves that can accompany seeking the sacrament, and their desire to share the goodness of it with others. In this episode, you’ll hear great anecdotes from our guests and our co-hosts, Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, as they discuss the role of Confession in their lives! Show notes: (00:16) We introduce this mini-...

Bonus Episode: Love For the Eucharist

In the inaugural edition of Open Door Policy “mini-sodes,” listen to some of our favorite moments from past shows, where guests share why they love the Eucharist and how it has changed their lives. Hear how Sr. Maria Veritas encounters Jesus as her spouse daily, in the Blessed Sacrament, how Melissa Florian’s desires that fueled addiction were transformed into a hunger for the Eucharist, and how Fr. David Pellican’s love for the Eucharist is propelling his dream of cultivating a love for the ...

Episode 88: Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau

“It’s like sitting in God’s living room.” This episode of Open Door Policy is a season finale! Join hosts Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau as they share their highlights from the previous season. Together they marvel at how God is alive and active in the life of each guest who has joined them. From storytelling to music, from mental health struggles to a new vocation to the permanent diaconate, each guest has exhibited how unique God’s plan is for each life. Your hosts share their dreams...

Episode 87: Deacon Fred Billotto

Hosts Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau welcome Deacon Fred Billotto, who has been propelled into service of the Gospel by a great love for the laity and docility to the Holy Spirit. Listen in as Dcn. Fred shares about his discernment to become a permanent deacon, the impact of investing in his parish community, the role of scripture in his life, and finally his dreams for the future. Our God-given missions are not simply places we pour out our time and energy, but rather, they are the pl...

Episode 86: Sr. Mary Martha and Sr. Maria Veritas

This episode of Open Door Policy is overflowing with consecrated love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Two members of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, Sr. Mary Martha and Sr. Maria Veritas share insight into how they have encountered the Lord, grown to serve the Lord as brides of Christ, and witness to God’s love through their service — including writing for Detroit Catholic. This episode includes “treasures from prayer,” and asks the question, “What saint has captured your ...

Episode 85: Anna Picasso

Open Door Policy brings you the inspiring testimony of a young Catholic missionary serving in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Anna Picasso serves as a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) missionary at Wayne State University, and surrounding campuses. Anna shares her story of growing up Catholic, but falling away from the faith in high school. Intentional friendships during a semester-long trip to Rome in college led to a life-changing encounter with Jesus through returning to the S...

Episode 84: Dr. Marlon De La Torre

In this episode of Open Door Policy, Dr. Marlon De La Torre, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Director of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, shares his story – one that, at times, might sound like the words from a great audiobook. Listen as he describes his journey from a culturally Catholic youth, to an adventurous and faithful disciple, following wherever God leads him, all the way from California to Ohio, and, most recently, to right here in Detroit. In this episode of Open Door Polic...

Episode 83: Eileen Newell

This episode of Open Door Policy is a generous taste of modern Irish Catholicism. Eileen Newell joins hosts Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau in this discussion of Eileen's walk with the Lord. Her upbringing, the witness of her parents’ faith, and a trip to El Salvador helped her answer the big questions of life that she encountered in college. These days, serving on the Catholic Schools Council and her involvement with Family of Parishes prove to be experiences of God at work through her...

Episode 82: Elizabeth Spencer

Elizabeth Spencer joins Fr. Patrick and Emily in the virtual studio, where she shares how her experience of encountering Jesus in a personal way as a college student led to her career dedicated to ministry in youth and family faith formation. 0:35 Fr. Patrick opens by asking Emily about her highlights from her recent trip to Rome, where she represented the Communications team from the Archdiocese of Detroit. She shares the powerful experiences of praying at tomb of St. Aloysius for her Detro...

Episode 81: Alex Lynch

Emily and Fr. Patrick welcome Alex Lynch to the podcast, and she reflects on her journey as a joyful missionary disciple as she has cultivated faith and community in her family and ministry involvement in her parish. (1:05) Emily reflects on her two-year anniversary working with the Archdiocese of Detroit. Fr. Patrick asks her what her favorite memory is of serving the city of Detroit and Emily relays her connection to the community through her work on the Open Door Policy podcast. (5:00) F...

Episode 80: Bishop Donald Hanchon

Emily and Fr. Patrick welcome Bishop Donald Hanchon, who shares the story of his journey through the priesthood and how his many years serving minority communities in Detroit have formed him as a joyful missionary disciple with a heart for God’s people. (0:55) Fr. Patrick and Emily discuss what they are excited about and grateful for in the liturgical Christmas season. (3:30) Fr. Patrick and Emily discuss their key moments of formation in their personal faith lives as Catholics. (4:45) Emily ...

Episode 79: Josh Ross

Emily and Fr. Patrick welcome guest Josh Ross, worship leader and music director at St. Anastasia parish. Josh shares his story of how God has worked in his life through his pursuit of a vocation in music and the power of music as worship to transform the communal Church. (0:45) Fr. Patrick and Emily discuss what they are grateful for during this Thanksgiving season, highlighting growing in love for God, connecting with others, Unleash the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit here in Detr...

Episode 78: Fr. David Pellican

Father Patrick and Emily speak to guest Father David Pellican about his journey as a joyful missionary disciple, from his childhood growing up with seven sisters in rural Michigan raising pigs, to his call to the priesthood, to his current work of bringing students at Divine Child Schools into encounters with Christ. (0:25) Fr. Patrick and Emily open by discussing local community outreach. Fr. Patrick shares about his ministry of sharing the gospel and prayer with those in the local neighborh...

Episode 77: Sheila Breen

Sheila Breen joins Emily and Fr. Patrick to share her story of growth throughout her faith journey. She reflects on how her husband Deacon Breen’s illness set them on the path to opening themselves fully to God’s grace and taking up their cross as an offering in service to others as prayer warriors. (0:50) Emily and Fr. Patrick share stories of gratitude to God in their praise reports. (3:05) Emily introduces guest Sheila Breen, wife of the late Deacon Breen, and they discuss her daughters ...

Episode 76: Mike Stechschulte

Mike Stechschulte has served as the Editor-in-Chief for Detroit Catholic for almost ten years. He shares with Fr. Patrick and Emily how he developed a love for storytelling, and how his current role gives him a unique birds-eye view on all the different ways that God is working here in Southeast Michigan. "We just have such a robust dynamic archdiocese, and I think that there really is something in the church for everyone. We have robust pro-life ministries, we have ministries of service and...

Episode 75: Marek Dziekonski

Marek Dziekonski joins Emily and Fr. Patrick in the virtual studio (back from summer break!) to tell his story of meeting Jesus after a parachuting accident and moving to the United States to serve as a missionary. (2:00) Emily and Fr. Patrick after taking a few months off for “summer break,” and introduce the episode guest. (4:45) Welcome Marek Dziekonski! Marek shares about his life growing up in Poland and what his family would do for vacation in the summer. He introduces his family: wife ...

Episode 74: Laura Sparling

Marquette Method instructor Laura Sparling discusses her journey to joyful missionary discipleship and how she witnesses God changing lives through NFP. Show notes: (0:18) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and talk about the beauty of Michigan water and some of our Archdiocese of Detroit parishes that sit right on the waterfront. (3:27) Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Laura Sparling, who is a mother of five, an oldies music lover, and married to an American hero. Laura talks more about he...

Episode 73: Colleen Vermeulen

Colleen Vermeulen, Director of the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, shares her experience of reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, how it empowered her faith journey, and how the scriptures keep discipleship grounded. Show notes: (0:32) Emily and Fr. Patrick share updates, reflect on the Solemnity of Pentecost, and introduce this episode’s guest, Colleen Vermeulen. (6:19) Colleen talks about her life growing up in a Catholic family, making her sacraments, and playing violin for h...

Episode 72: Fr. Jake VanAssche

Fr. Jake VanAssche, administrator at St. Damien of Molokai Parish in Pontiac, discusses his priestly vocation and the graces that come when we remain open to God. Show notes: (0:25) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and share some updates from their lives, including Tigers games, street ministry, reading Romans, a trip to South Bend and more. (6:45) Fr. Patrick introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Jake VanAssche, Administrator of St. Damien of Molokai Parish in Pontiac! He shares some fun facts ...

Episode 71: John Hale

John Hale, President and Co-Founder of Corporate Travel, discusses the importance of always being open to God’s grace, and what he learned during the trials of the pandemic. Show notes: (0:44) Emily and Fr. Patrick share updates of what’s going on in their lives, from new opportunities for fellowship to the birth and baptism of a baby girl for previous ODP guests Jordan and Napoli Beachnau! They also discuss Mothers Day traditions in their parishes and lives. (5:25) Emily introduces this epis...

Episode 70: Melissa Florian

Ave Maria Radio producer Melissa Florian shares how the Lord healed her of addiction and gave her a hunger for the Eucharist instead Show notes: (0:07) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up and discuss their excitement for spring and the month of May, and what graces have been flowing in their lives. They also discuss a possible ODP field trip soon! (5:06) Fr. Patrick then introduces this episode’s guest, Melissa Florian, a producer at Ave Maria Radio. She shares a little bit about her background an...

Episode 69: Deacon Chris Beltowski

New Associate Director of the Permanent Diaconate Deacon Chris Beltowski talks about his discernment, his new role, and the ministry of the diaconate. Show notes: (0:30) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up on what’s been going on in their lives, the lovely weather we’re having, and their experiences this Holy Week and Easter season. (4:47) Emily introduces this week’s guest, Deacon Chris Beltowski, who talks briefly about his family: his wife of 25 years, their four daughters, and his first grands...

Episode 68: Kate Bryan

Kate Bryan, Founder and CEO of 1 Girl Revolution, shares her experience of growing up with chronic illness and how it inspired her to amplify the stories of women across the country. Show notes: (2:42) After Fr. Patrick and Emily briefly catch up and discuss spring and the great sunshine, Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Kate Bryan. (5:11) Kate discusses what it was like growing up with Job Syndrome, her very rare immune deficiency, and the role that played in her faith and her desire t...

Episode 67: Jordan and Napoli Beachnau

Jordan and Napoli Beachnau join Fr. Patrick and Emily to discuss marriage as a vocation, a sacrament, and a way to live the Gospel. Show notes: (0:59) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and discuss the hope that comes with the first signs of spring, the way individuals are coming back to Mass with the end of the general dispensation, and the graces found in this Lenten season. (5:08) Fr. Patrick introduces this episode’s guests, Jordan and Napoli Beachnau and shares a bit about their hobbies and ...

Episode 66: Beth Allison

St. Aloysius Parish Engagement Coordinator Beth Allison shares her journey from interior design to ministry, and the universal connection of the Catholic faith she’s experienced as she’s travelled the world. *Show notes: * (0:42) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up, and Fr. Patrick shares the joy he had of opening his parish as a coronavirus vaccine site. Emily mentions that her mom is in town, so she was able to share a bit of her new Detroit life with her family! (3:21) Emily introduces our gues...

Chris Leach

Episode 65: Chris Leach

Chris Leach, Director of Evangelical Charity for the Archdiocese of Detroit, enters the studio to reflect on the ministry of healing and the role it has played in his missionary journey. Show Notes: (0:16) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and share what they’ve been up to since our last episode. Emily shares that she’s visiting family in California and Fr. Patrick reminisces on his love for hot climates — in moderation. (3:31) Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Chris Leach, Director of Evan...

Michelle Piccolo

Tune in as Michelle Piccolo, Director of Christian Service at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, shares her passion for Theology of the Body and her journey to discovering her vocation as a consecrated virgin living in the world.

Episode 64: Michelle Piccolo

Michelle Piccolo shares her inspiring story of conversion through the passing of her mother, the transformative power of Theology of the Body, and the joy of returning to confession. This episode highlights Michelle’s journey to realizing her call to be a “consecrated virgin living in the world” and the beautiful witness of this “rare” vocation. Take a listen. (00:10) Emily welcomes Fr. Patrick Gonyeau and shares of her connections to Notre Dame. Fr. Patrick shares about some new updates at ...

Episode 63: Curtis Simpson Jr.

Curtis Simpson, Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish, reflects on catching the Holy Spirit, how he uses Christian Service as a vehicle for evangelization, and if coincidences exist (or not). Show notes: (1:51) Curtis introduces himself and gives an overview of his role as Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit. He shares his New Years' resolution, discusses his conformation saint, St. John the Baptist, and mentions the great influence of Fr. Don Ar...

Curtis Simpson Jr.

Curtis Simpson, Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish, reflects on catching the Holy Spirit, how he uses Christian Service as a vehicle for evangelization, and if coincidences exist (or not). Show notes: (1:51) Curtis introduces himself and gives an overview of his role as Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit. He shares his New Years' resolution, discusses his conformation saint, St. John the Baptist, and mentions the great influence of Fr. Don Ar...

Episode 62: Ricardo Hernandez

From a teenager embedded in the party scene of Southwest Detroit to a young adult minister with Jornadas — and with a vision of the Blessed Mother along the way — Ricardo Hernandez shares the journey of realizing God’s endless love. (0:47) Ricardo discusses his current experiences living as a joyful missionary disciple, his work at the Basilica of Ste. Anne with Jornadas and Corazon Puro young adult ministries, and his podcast, Cafe con los Santos. (7:49) Ricardo reflects on what his life was...

Episode 61: Fr. Steve and Danielle Pass the Mic

Fr. Steve, Danielle, and new hosts Fr. Patrick Gonyeau and Emily Mentock reflect on seasons past and look forward to what Open Door Policy has in store. (1:38) Fr. Steve and Danielle reflect on the great successes they’ve had as hosts of 54 episodes of Open Door Policy, and they announce the transition to the podcast’s new hosts, Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau. (4:36) Danielle and Fr. Steve share memories of their favorite ODP episodes, their funniest guests, most inspiring guests, and...

Episode 60: Laura Knaus joins Fr. Steve and Danielle in the virtual Open Door Studio!

Laura Knaus, Associate Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit discusses moving from Nebraska to Detroit, her passion for Catholic education, and eggs benedict. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 03:45 She worked as a soccer ref, had a profound encounter with God in Broomtree South Dakota, hung with some rock dudes and continues to seek the truth of Jesus Christ in these confusing times. Testimony 10:31 Danielle kicks this segment off by asking about Laura's move ...

Episode 59: Fr. Marko Djonovic discusses his passion to provide a better way for Detroit's homeless.

Fr. Marko Djonovic talks about his ministry to Detroit's homeless," Betterway Detroit", his path from boxing to the priesthood and being called the "barbaric chef". Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 1:38 His path to the priesthood began as a dishwasher, he's met Mr. T and his mom will always be his hero. Fr. Marko get his turn at Rapid Fire Questions. Testimony 7:34 Fr. Steve begins by asking what made Fr. Marko want to follow Jesus more closley. Describing an active life cut short by he...

Episode 58: Danielle Brown discusses the challenge of responding to racism as an African American and as a Catholic.

Danielle Brown, the Associate Director of the Ad Hoc Committee on Racism for the USCCB, talks about our struggle with racism, the importance of looking to Scripture as "God's playbook" for guidance and the spiritual dimensions of needlepoint. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 03:25 Danielle tells us about her early career as a needlepoint prodigy, an encounter with God in Ephesus and meeting Bono in the lobby of a Detroit Hotel. Testimony 12:59 Fr. Steve begins by asking Danielle Brown abo...

Episode 57: Fr. Steve Pullis is interviewed By Danielle Center

The ODP virtual guest chair sits empty as Danielle interviews our own Fr. Steve Pullis, Director of Evangelization and Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 0:25:18 An omelette loving former Subway sandwich artist, Fr. Steve Pullis talks scripture, cassocks and Wayne Gretsky. Testimony 10:02 Danielle asks about being a priest during quarantine and how God's been working in his life. Fr. Steve tells how a lack of structure and routine can easily push ...

Episode 56: Fr. Mario Amore talks about his faith journey and pastoring a church in downtown Detroit

Fr. Mario Amore, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Detroit, talks about pastoring a downtown congregation, surprising generosity and old churches and their key rings. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 1:21 Fr. Mario tells us about his family's Italian Restaurant, a chapel in South Dakota and a recent musical "Journey". Testimony 9:46 Fr. Mario talks about being a new pastor and how he became aware of the St. Aloyisus community years ago as a youth group prayer leader and musician. Danielle a...

Episode 55: Suzanne and Al Croll talk about faith, hope and choir.

Suzanne and All Croll, parishioners at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and members of the Archdiocesan Chorus, join Danielle and Fr. Steve to talk about the importance of giving people hope, the power of invitation and singing for the Pope. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 01:10 Al and Suzanne share their first jobs, breakfast favorites and singing at St. Peters in Rome. Testimony 09:09 Al shares his conversion story, beginning with marriage prep classes and more than a little spiritual “peer ...

Episode 54: Nicholas Kristock talks about Australia, playing professional soccer and developing an attitude of gratitude.

Nicholas Kristock, Executive Director of “Fleece and Thank You” and pro soccer player, joins Fr. Steve and Danielle to talk about his journey to Australia to play soccer and how that led to his charity work with children. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 0:12 Nick shares his Australia experiences and a favorite smoothie recipe. Testimony 8:00 In segment two, Nick explains how his cerebral approach to scripture and the consistency of message from passage to passage, led him closer to God. D...

Episode 53: Vickie Figueroa talks about urban ministry and equipping the laity

Vickie Figueroa, head of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of Detroit, joins Danielle and Fr. Steve to talk about urban ministry, the importance of social media in unleashing the Gospel and vintage fashion. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 02:50 Vickie discusses an amusing first job, vintage fashion and "why men great till they gotta be great?" Testimony 09:02 In this segment Vickie talks about her work at Corpus Christi Parish and how that led to her becoming the Director of B...

Episode 52: Teresa Tomeo talks about media and answering God’s call in our lives.

Teresa Tomeo, Catholic talk show host, author and journalist joins Fr. Steve and Danielle to talk about answering God’s call, frittata, and how faith can put your fears to rest. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion Teresa discusses giving away the store in high school and all things Italian. Testimony In this segment we hear about Teresa’s strong connection to her home parish, St. Joan of Arc. Fr. Steve asks Teresa to share about her return to the faith and its challenges. Teresa discusses lea...

Episode 51: Paul Duda talks about art, faith and the creative process

Paul Duda, Creative Director of the Communications Department of the Archdiocese of Detroit talks with Fr. Steve and Danielle about the timelessness of art, the creative process and how important it is to open one's heart to God. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion Paul shares his love for biscuits and gravy and his powerful experience with God in a Honda Civic. Testimony Paul traces his story from military school to studying art and film at John Paul the Great Catholic University, how he met...

Episode 50: Kathleen McCann talks about integrating faith and business

Kathleen McCann, Executive Chairman of United Road Services joins Danielle and Fr. Steve to talk about integrating faith in the business world, the awesome growth we're seeing in the archdiocese and cold pizza for breakfast! *Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion *- 01:45 Kathleen discusses her father's impact on her life and her babysitting expertise as the eldest of six. *Testimony *- 10:53 In this segment we hear about Kathleen's experience in the business world as a woman of faith and the E...

Episode 49: Mary Wilkerson re-enters the Open Door Studio for a re-broadcast of her Season 3 episode.

Fr. Steve and Danielle welcome Mary Wilkerson, wife, mother and podcaster, to talk balance and being a witness to the world. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion - 01:32 Testimony - 06:51 Discussion of the UTG Letter - 16:07 Reflection - 29:15 Episode Summary - 30:39