Saints Speak: The LCA Podcast

Season 2 | Episode 7: Embracing Advent with Fr. James Martin, SJ

Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas; it is a season rich with meaning and opportunities for personal growth. In this podcast episode, LCA's Director of Mission and Ministry, Paula Fitzgerald, and Fr. Jim Martin engage in a heartfelt discussion about the significance of Advent, its transformative power, and how we can navigate this period of waiting with intention and grace.
Fr. James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America Media and a New York Times bestselling author of Learning to Pray, Jesus: A Pilgrimage and many other books. He participated in the Synod on Synodality, is a consultor to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, and in 2024, Pope Francis asked him to recommend comedians to attend a global gathering for artists and comedians. We are delighted to welcome Fr. Jim to this episode of Saints Speak!
Thanks for listening — we'll see you next time with more stories, updates, and insights from our community and beyond. Stay tuned for Episode 8 on December 16. Until then, remember to always...be a Saint!

Season 2 | Episode 6: Saints With Grateful Hearts

In this episode of Saints Speak, we're joined by 4th grade Saints—Sadie, Sisely, JJ, and Massimo—who share their favorite family Thanksgiving traditions and reflect on what they're most grateful for as we enter the holiday season. Their heartfelt stories and thoughtful insights are sure to warm your heart as you prepare to welcome loved ones and gather together for Thanksgiving.
From all of us at LCA, happy Thanksgiving! We'll see you next time with more stories, updates, and insights from our community and beyond. Stay tuned for Episode 7 on December 2. Until then, remember to always...be a Saint!

Season 2 | Episode 5: Supporting LCA On Our Day of Giving

It's a first for the Saints Speak podcast! To celebrate our second-annual All Saints Day of Giving, we invited friends and families of LCA to tune in and watch the production of Saints Speak live and in real time. This week's special guest is Margie Wright-McGowan, Chair of LCA's Board of Directors. Margie shares her perspective on the history of our school, both as a parent and Board Member. You'll find her humor delightful, her wisdom inspiring, and her love for LCA unmistakable.
Thanks for listening — we'll see you next time with more stories, updates, and insights from our community and beyond. Stay tuned for Episode 6 on November 18. Until then, remember to always...be a Saint!
Please Note: Episode 5 of Saints Speak was recorded on Monday, November 3. Those who watched the livestream of the production will have heard the episode before its regular release on Tuesday, November 4.

Season 2 | Episode 4: How Beck Center Builds a More Creative Lakewood

In this episode, we're joined by Ed Gallagher, President and CEO of Beck Center for the Arts — one of Lakewood's cultural gems. Ed shares how Beck's classes, performances, and community programs invite kids and adults alike to explore their creativity. From painting and pottery to dance and drama, he explains why the arts are essential to development — and how a little creativity can uplift a community.
Thanks for listening — we'll see you next time with more stories, updates, and insights from our community and beyond. Stay tuned for Episode 5 on November 4. Until then, remember to always...be a Saint!

Season 2 | Episode 3: The Power of Parent Partnerships

At Lakewood Catholic Academy, parents play a vital role in shaping the student experience. In this episode, Brian and Patrick sit down with Brenna Warrell, Principal, and Jennifer Berardinelli, Vice President of Early Childhood Learning, to explore how the partnership between school and home strengthens our community. As administrative liaisons to the SSO, Brenna and Jennifer share how this dynamic parent group enhances connection, service, and school spirit.
Brian and Patrick also share an overview of what's happened at school since the last episode, and what's coming in the weeks ahead.
Thanks for listening — we'll see you next time with more stories, updates, and insights from our community and beyond. Stay tuned for Episode 4 on October 21. Until then, remember to always...be a Saint!

Season 2 | Episode 2: Parenting Through Adolescence with Michelle Icard

In this episode, nationally recognized author and parenting expert Michelle Icard joins us by phone to share practical insights on guiding children through the challenges of adolescence. From building stronger connections to helping kids develop independence, Michelle offers thoughtful strategies to support families during this pivotal stage.
Brian and Patrick also bring you school news and highlights for busy the month ahead.
Thanks for listening — we'll see you next time with more stories, updates, and insights from our community and beyond. Stay tuned for Episode 3 on October 7. Until then, remember to always...be a Saint!

Season 2 | Episode 1: Love is in the Air!

Saints Speak is back for Season 2! We're kicking things off with none other than second grade teacher Mrs. Lauren Raffel (formerly Miss Lacey). She spills the tea on her summer wedding, joins Brian and Patrick in a round of High Five or Hard Pass, and even dives into the other big wedding buzz—Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. In case you didn't know, Mrs. Raffel is Taylor's biggest fan!
Meanwhile, Brian and Patrick catch you up on the first whirlwind days of the new school year and give a sneak peek at what's on deck.
So grab your earbuds, get ready to laugh, and join us for another season that's all about community, fun, and a whole lot of LCA spirit. Stay tuned for Episode 2 on September 23. Until then, remember to always...be a Saint!

Episode #18: Wrapping up the 2024-25 School Year & Season 1 of Saints Speak!

In a blink, the 2024-25 school year and season one of the Saints Speak podcast is coming to a close! This past year has been jam-packed with accomplishments and activities, and next year will be no different. Principal, Brenna Warrell, and Assistant Principal, Mike Fletcher, join the podcast to reflect on the school year, their roles at LCA, and why it often feels like our school is a family.
Episode #18 Features:
Looking back on some recent special events at LCA.
Looking ahead to graduations, the eighth grade clap-out, field day, and more.
Recapping the school year with Ms. Warrell and Mr. Fletcher.
Prayer and reflection with Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Thank you for joining us this year, and stay tuned for Saints Speak season two when school resumes in the fall. Have an amazing summer, and until next time, remember to always...be a Saint!

Episode #17: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at House & All the Fun of 4th Grade

Headmistress of LCA's House Program, Mrs. Nagy, joins Saints Speak to share a behind-the-scenes look at this fun and educational middle school leadership program at LCA. She also shares what she loves about being a fourth grade teacher. Brian and Patrick welcome Juliet and Lula to the podcast to share their fourth grade experiences and what they're looking forward to most about middle school.
Episode #17 Features:
Looking back on some recent special events at LCA.
Key Upcoming Dates: Choir and band concerts, Lemonade Day, 6th grade golf course, graduations and more!
Interviews with Mrs. Leah Nagy and fourth grade Saints, Juliet and Lula.
A special prayer from Rooted in Faith, Growing in Love: LCA's 20th Anniversary Book of Prayers.
Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for Episode #18 on May 27 — the final Saints Speak episode of the school year. Until next time, remember to always...be a Saint!

Episode #16: Kicking Off "Maycember" & Remembering Pope Francis

The last month of the school year is here and it is jam-packed with happenings! Don't worry — Brian and Patrick review what you need to know for the first couple of weeks of the month we lovingly refer to as, "Maycember." Brian also shares his reflections on the passing of Pope Francis as we remember his impact on the Catholic Church.
Episode #16 Features:
Looking back on a restful but busy spring break.
Key Upcoming Dates: May Crowning and Pro Aliis, First Communions, Kindergarten Spa Day, House Cup, and more!
Remembering Pope Francis through reflection and prayer.
Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for Episode #17 on May 13 — one of the last Saints Speak episodes of the school year. Until next time, remember to always...be a Saint!