The return of the “Talking Catholic” video series “Joyful Disciples” has also brought a special focus on the Year of Prayer called for by Pope Francis in advance of the Jubilee 2025.
Season 8 of the award-winning video series, which launched at Pentecost, includes the return of longtime host Donna Ottaviano-Britt, diocesan director of Discipleship and Leadership and Secretariat for Pastoral Outreach. She is joined by a new cohost, Father Carlo Santa Teresa, parochial vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Somers Point.
Together, Ottaviano-Britt and Father Santa Teresa explore “Teach us to Pray,” the pastoral resource published by Pope Francis in preparation for the upcoming jubilee year.
“A lot of us struggle in this space of – what is a prayer life for me,” said Ottaviano-Britt, noting that the type of prayer that works for one Catholic might not feel as comfortable or natural for another. “By using this document as the platform for these shows, Father and I get a chance to talk about all the different ways to pray. You can find the way that works for you around the busyness of your life.”
The duo has already recorded the first five videos, and anticipate adding four additional installments to this season. The 10-to-15-minute videos are also being shared in smaller clips on social media. The concept for the project came from John Kalitz, digital media manager for the Diocese of Camden; he is also recording all of the episodes.
Episode topics include a focus on the “Teach us to Pray” document, as well as the Mass as an opportunity to pray, and a segment on the different ways to pray.
“If you think about prayer as dialogue with God, you are having a conversation,” said Ottaviano-Britt. “There are just so many ways that we can incorporate prayer in a real and meaningful way.”
In a recent discussion on the “Talking Catholic” podcast, Father Santa Teresa emphasized the practicality of prayer – and just how easily it can be incorporated into daily life.
“We need to be constantly reminded of how to pray,” he said, noting that even short pauses in one’s daily routine can be opportunities to pray and speak to God. “Let him know what is going on … there is that openness in prayer that God always calls us to.”
He also spoke about prayer through intercession, and of faithful asking saints to intercede on their behalf to God.
“Our prayer is always answered in the way that God sees fit,” he said. “At the same time, it is the relationship we have with the saints.”
This Year of Prayer is intended to help Catholics prepare for the Jubilee 2025, marking a religious milestone that takes place every 25 years and includes the opening of Holy Doors, pilgrimages, reconciliation and a commitment to serve God.
Ottaviano-Britt and Father Santa Teresa hope the video series will help guide some of this preparation for faithful.
“There is so much goodness that God the Father has given us to draw us closer to him,” she said. “That’s the beauty of what this season of the show will do.”
The Joyful Disciples video series can be accessed at youtube.com/TalkingCatholic. To learn more about the Year of Prayer and Jubilee 2025, visit iubilaeum2025.va/en.html.
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