Dr. Mario Sacasa

13/11/2024

NEW PODCAST DROP! ⚓🎧

In today's episode, I’m speaking directly to men about how to approach dating with confidence and tact. Through years of working with Catholic singles, I’ve seen a common struggle: good, faithful men often feel intimidated or unsure about how to talk to women in a way that feels natural. So, today I’m sharing a simple, three-step approach to help you start conversations, keep them going, and ultimately ask someone out—without cheesy pickup lines or awkward moments. Whether you're a seasoned dater or just starting out, this episode is all about building the skills to make meaningful connections and find the courage to take that next step!

Watch Ep 160: Ask Her Out: A No-Nonsense Guide for Catholic Men on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rkEzO83kv9I

11/11/2024

Happy Monday! This past weekend I had the opportunity to lead a marriage retreat at St Gabriel Catholic Church. I love traveling to lead these type of events, but it sure is nice being able to stay home and serve my diocese. 45 couples came and opened their hearts to each other and the Lord. Keep them in your prayers.

If you would like for me to come to your parish or diocese to lead a marriage workshop, please dm me and we'll get something on the books.

06/11/2024

What if Margaret Sanger (Founder of Planned Parenthood) and St. John Paul II (Papal Juggernuat) sat down and debated their divergent ideas about personal freedom, choice, and women's dignity? That's the provocative question posed by today's guest, Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio, theologian and bioethicist.

We unpack Sanger’s drive and reasoning, the birth control movement, and why she’s such a divisive figure (e.g. racism and eugenics). Then, we look at John Paul II’s powerful alternative: a view of freedom rooted in dignity, mutual respect, and honoring the differences between men and women. Together, we imagine what a “third way” in s*x education could look like—one that blends awareness of our bodies with the values of respect and responsibility.

Now that the election is over, it's important to maintain a spirit of dialogue with those who disagree with over values and that's the aim of this episode. This conversation will leave you rethinking what true freedom means for women and men today!

Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zfya1zXQ0aA

24/10/2024

With Halloween, just around the corner, let’s talk about humorously freighting online dating experiences. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Mitchell, the mind behind the hilarious Instagram account "Catholic Dating Nightmares." We dive into the wild world of Catholic dating, where unrealistic expectations and cringe-worthy profiles meet the need for humor and hope. Maria shares the story of how her Instagram started as a joke with friends and quickly became a community of people laughing through their dating struggles. (Laugh or cry right?) Not only does she share some highlights of her feed, but we also get into very clear practical advice about how to “market” yourself on dating apps, best practices for first dates, and knowing when to pull back from the dating scene should it become too discouraging.

If you’re navigating the ups and downs of modern dating (or just need a good laugh), you won’t want to miss this one!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/cpsO8xbx70M

22/10/2024

On Saturday, we headed to WNC to help clean out the basement of Bakersville United Methodist Church that was flooded from the storm. It was our first trip to the WNC and seeing the damage from Helen. It was incredible hearing their stories and how many in the community are still without power. Yet, they all had a sense of resilience and optimism. Equally impressive was the outpouring from others. There was a family that drove in from Kentucky to grill burgers for the day and give it out to residents and volunteer workers. Trucks passed by with beds full of generators, heaters, propane tanks, and other crucial items, just giving them out to folks in need. These are little reminders of hope! Please continue to keep these folks in your prayers as there is still a long road ahead.

17/10/2024

I get it. NO ONE likes to ask for help, but if you've exhausted the resources at your disposal and still aren't getting better, it might be time to reach out to someone.

To learn more about when to seek out counseling or start medicine for depression/anxiety, listen to the latest episode of Always Hope: 157: Getting Unstuck: A Practical Approach to Therapy and Medication.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LDwdSnzzPkQ?si=Ouf0k6y8cluh6Djj

16/10/2024

In this solo episode of the Always Hope Podcast, I dive into a question I often hear: "When should I seek counseling, and when is it time to consider medication?" As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience, I want to provide you with practical guidance on this important topic. We'll explore the differences between depression and anxiety, how to recognize when you're feeling "stuck," and what it means to draw on your natural resources like community support, exercise, and prayer. But what happens when those aren’t enough? I'll walk you through the benefits of professional counseling and how medication can play a role in your healing journey—without being the whole answer. If you've ever wondered if it's time to take that next step in caring for your mental health or just need a bit of hope and encouragement, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s tackle these challenges together with faith, wisdom, and a balanced approach to finding peace.

11/10/2024

I consider Catholicism to be a reasonable faith. One that doesn’t exist in extremes and by doing so can speak to all sides of an issue. And yes, that includes modern feminist theory.

So today, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Stuart to discuss the creation of a new Catholic Women's and Gender Studies program at the University of St. Thomas. We dive into the tension between traditional Catholic views and the secular discourse on gender studies. Dr. Stuart explains the goals of the program, which integrates faith, scientific literature, and a Catholic perspective on feminism, gender, and the role of women in society. Rather, than outright rejecting feminism, they are engaging in intellectual dialogue with its leading theorists.

We further discuss why this program exists, the appropriate use of the term ‘gender,’ how technology has changed the landscape for male-female relations, and what we can to do continue pushing against a utilitarian/transactional view of s*xuality.

Full Episode is out now. Link in the bio!

08/10/2024

In difficult moments, remember the hertigae of faith and the grace of your baptism.

Clip taken from Always Hope, Ep 155: Walking on the Chaotic Waters of Life. For those of us in need of little encourgament today and reminder that with Christ we can walk on water! Please take time to listen to the full episode.

Peace,
Mario

03/10/2024

Elise lost her life to cancer in August 2020. I had the gift of working with her husband Jason for the last couple of years of her life. During her six year battle with cancer, I deeply admired their faith as a couple and how they would stay focused on the Lord despite the progression. Even when they thought they had it beat in 2016, and it came back with full force, they maintained a grace about them. Elise made the best of her circumstances: she offered her treatments for other people's suffering, organized care packages, and shared her story with as many people as possible to inspire them through their difficulties. If there was an "Always Hope" award it, it surely would go to her.

I bring up this quote in this week's podcast to help us regain a sense of focus. We all have something going on today. We all have some difficulty or bit of unwanted chaos in our lives. Still, Christ is there, calling us out on the water, beckoning us to be masters of our own mystery. We'll discuss in future episodes a set of processes for achieving it, but this week, I just wanted to introduce into your imagination that, with God's grace, it is possible to walk on the the chaotic waters of our lives.

02/10/2024

We all know what it feels like to be drowning under a pile of work or overwhelmed by difficulties beyond our control. Those moments when our emotions become overwhelming, and we lose a reference point to keep us stable.

That feeling of being out-of-control is encapsulated by the symbolism of water in scripture, and that’s what we are diving into in today’s episode. Through stories from the Old and New Testaments, Dr. Mario Sacasa explores how faith can guide us through life's storms. See how these biblical images offer us hope, comfort, and a path forward through God’s grace.

Mario emphasizes the importance of trust as a developmental milestone and explains how spiritual truths can anchor our emotional well-being. He also reflects on how faith helps us navigate suffering, chaos, and uncertainty, offering a firm foundation in God's presence.

The episode closes with an invitation to prayer for communities affected by Hurricane Helene, and ways to support relief efforts for those impacted by natural disasters.

Listen to the episode now!
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ous-lxbqFFc?si=drW5WCUY80mCMZlH
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

See the links below to offer financial assistance:
Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund:
https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp5f44220f014e0/user/guest

01/10/2024

Appealing for aid for the communities in Western North Carolina!

We moved back to NC to be closer to those mountains and I'm beyond words at the moment. The roads are still closed, so we can't get over there to help clean up. But Kristin is assisting with recovery efforts at our parish and I'm making use of the socials to ask for your support. Catholic Charities of Charlotte is taking donations, if you are able to give something, please consider it. Thank you!

https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

Photo Credit: Tariq Bokhari via AP

27/09/2024

NEW EPISODE ALERT! 154. Dating Solutions for Young Adult Catholics.

Why do most people feel like the dating scene has become a dumpster fire? What are the unique challenges faced by Catholic young adults? What is the #1 complaint by women? What is the #1 complaint by men? And what can we do make this whole things a little more enjoyable?

Joining me on the show is Rachel Hoover Canto - Author , author of the book “Pretty Good Catholic: How to find, date, and marry someone who shares your faith.” We have a wonderful conversation where we discuss ways men can round out their interests beyond just Catholic things, the importance of meeting people, the value of non-exclusive dating, ways that women can show their interest, and how to start a conversation with people you are attracted to.

Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast app!

25/09/2024

Hey folks! I'll be on Relevant Radio this evening at 6pm ET on "Marriage Unhindered." It's a call-in show, so if you have any questions that you want us to tackle on air, don't be bashful and give us a ring.

About Links Contact 5pm - 6pm CT - Join the conversation: 1-888-914-9149 Marriage Unhindered is a sincere exploration of the joys and challenges within the realm of marriage. Hosted by seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Doug Hinderer, this one-hour, caller-based show offers listeners a...

22/09/2024

Another amazing weekend leading these couples in deeper reflection of God and the gift of married life! Not sure how many more I'll be doing for Willwoods, but grateful to be with these married couples. Amazing to see what God does when we give him a little bit of time! Please continue to pray for these couples, that God may continue to bless them and their families!

If you would like to have me come and lead a marriage event at your parish or diocese, please dm or email me. Happy to help couples grow in their love for one another and God!

20/09/2024

What can Romans 8:28 and Colossians 1:18 teach us about finding peace after failing?

This is a clip taken from the latest episode of Always Hope: 153: The Importance of Failure. Check out the full episode on YouTube or any podcast app. If you have ever struggled to regain your footing after a failure, then you will deeply appreciate this episode.

Peace, Mario