Extraordinary Time - Episodes Tagged with “Lent”

The triumph and tragedy of Palm Sunday

Catholic Courier — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In the sixth episode of “Extraordinary Time” season three, Sister of St. Joseph Donna Del Santo leads an imaginative contemplation of a pair of Gospel readings for Palm Sunday. Imaginative contemplative prayer, also known as Ignatian contemplation, invites the participant to use their imagination and senses to enter a Gospel story. Sister Del Santo is the vocations director for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester.

For the text of the readings and Gospel for March 29, 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032926.cfm
For Holy Week and Easter Masses in Monroe County: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/2024-holy-week-and-easter-masses-in-monroe-county/
For Holy Week and Easter Masses in Southern Tier: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/2024-holy-week-and-easter-masses-in-the-southern-tier-region/
For Holy Week and Easter Masses in the Finger Lakes region: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/2024-holy-week-and-easter-masses-in-the-finger-lakes-region/

For the Catholic Courier's Lenten section (which includes the seven-part series on Jesus' Seven Last Words on the cross): https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

What Palm Sunday means: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/what-palm-sunday-means/
Palms are lasting reminders of Jesus' passion, resurrection: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/palms-are-lasting-reminders-of-jesus-passion-resurrection/

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Holy Week resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Sister Donna Del Santo, SSJ
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi Special Guest: Sister Donna Del Santo, SSJ.

What is the freedom of the children of God?

Catholic Courier — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Sister of Mercy Theresa Rutty reflects on the Gospel reading for March 15, 2026, the story of Jesus healing a blind man on the Sabbath to the Pharisees’ chagrin. Sister Rutty discusses the concept of the “freedom of the children of God” and what freedom truly means in this context.

For the text of the readings and Gospel: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031526.cfm

For the Catholic Courier's Lenten section (which includes the seven-part series on Jesus' Seven Last Words on the cross): https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lenten resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Sister Theresa Rutty
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi
Special Guest: Sister Theresa Rutty, RSM.

Lenten Lessons from the Woman at the Well

Catholic Courier — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Deacon Jim Fien of St. Rita in Webster offers a reflection on the reading for March 8, 2026, which tells of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. Deacon Fien reminds us that Lent is an opportunity for us to quench our deeper thirst for the things of God.

For the text of the readings and Gospel: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm

For the Catholic Courier's Lenten section (which includes the seven-part series on Jesus' Seven Last Words on the cross): https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lenten resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Deacon Jim Fien
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi Special Guest: Deacon Jim Fien.

Saints in the making: Pain that leads to transformation

Catholic Courier — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Father Patrick Connor, pastor of Ss. Isidore and Maria Torribia Parish in the Diocese of Rochester, reflects on the readings for March 1, 2026. He notes that the Lenten season, with its mix of joy and pain, allows us to mirror Christ’s disfiguration and transfiguration, followed by our ultimate redemption through His death and resurrection.

For the text of the readings and Gospel: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030126.cfm

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lenten resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Father Patrick Connor
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi Special Guest: Father Patrick Connor.

Lent: 40 days of imitating Christ

Catholic Courier — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

In the first episode of season 3 of Extraordinary Time, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano, current apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Rochester, shares how Lent provides us with 40 days of imitating Christ.

Ash Wednesday readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfm

Learn more about church’s rules for Lenten fasting, abstinence: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/learn-more-about-churchs-rules-for-lenten-fasting-abstinence-2/

For a list of Ash Wednesday Masses and services, visit
Monroe County: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/ash-wednesday-monroe-county/
Finger Lakes: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/ash-wednesday-finger-lakes/
Southern Tier: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/ash-wednesday-southern-tier/

Lenten Friday Fish Fry Dinners: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/fish-fry-dinners/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Bishop Salvatore R. Matano
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi
Special Guest: Bishop Salvatore R. Matano.

Extraordinary Time: Lent 2026: Trailer

Catholic Courier — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Extraordinary Time is the Catholic Courier‘s seasonal podcast for the church’s liturgical seasons. The third season of the podcast — Advent 2026 — will accompany listeners through Lent with weekly Scriptural reflections.

Episodes will feature the insights of priests, deacons, women religious and others from around the Diocese of Rochester.

The first episode of Lent 2026 will launch on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, and episodes will be released each Wednesday through April 1. There will also be a special Easter episode on April 5.

To learn more about the Extraordinary Time podcast and other Catholic Courier podcasts:
https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Music: Joseph DiJames

Palm Sunday: Savoring the moment of clarity

Catholic Courier — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Prepare for Palm Sunday with Sister Karen Dietz, SSJ, in episode 8 of Extraordinary Time. Sister Dietz reflects on the Gospel reading of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how this passage reminds us to savor the moment of clarity regarding Jesus’ mission as we enter Holy Week.

For a list of Holy Week Masses and services, visit
Monroe County: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/2024-holy-week-and-easter-masses-in-monroe-county/
Finger Lakes: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/2024-holy-week-and-easter-masses-in-the-finger-lakes-region/
Southern Tier: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/2024-holy-week-and-easter-masses-in-the-southern-tier-region/

Credits:
Sponsor: Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Sister Karen Dietz, SSJ
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi Special Guest: Sister Karen Dietz, SSJ.

Sow repentance and reap forgiveness

Catholic Courier — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Father Steven Lewis, parochial vicar at St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Katharine Drexel parishes, reflects on the Gospel account of the woman caught in adultery who was brought before Jesus. Father Lewis shares how this and the other appointed readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent remind us of the meaning of Lent – to sow repentance and reap forgiveness.

For the text of the April 6 readings and Gospel, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040625-YearC.cfm
For the text of the April 6 Scrutiny Year A Readings, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040625-YearA.cfm

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lent and Easter resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-s...

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Father Steven Lewis
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by: Joseph DiJames
Edited by: Gina Capellazzi Special Guest: Father Steven Lewis.

Parable shows ‘the enormity of God’s love’

Catholic Courier — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Lisa Lickona, assistant professor of systematic theology at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, offers a reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. In it, she shares how the parable of the prodigal son contained in this week’s Gospel reading sheds light on the enormity of God’s love for us.

For the text of the March 30 readings and Gospel, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033025-YearC.cfm
For the text of the March 30 Scrutiny Year A Readings, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033025-YearA.cfm

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lent and Easter resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Credits:
Sponsor: St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Lisa Lickona, S.T.L.
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi Special Guest: Lisa Lickona, S.T.L..

Lectio divina: The Third Sunday of Lent

Catholic Courier — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Prepare for the Third Sunday of Lent with Deacon Michael Kristan as he leads a lectio divina-style meditation on the appointed readings for the day.

For the text of the March 23 readings and Gospel, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032325-YearC.cfm
For the text of the March 23 Scrutiny Year A Readings, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032325-YearA.cfm

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester.

For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lent and Easter resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-s...

Credits:

Sponsor: Restore Health and Wellness
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Deacon Michael Kristan
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by: Joseph DiJames
Edited by: Gina Capellazzi

Special Guest: Deacon Mike Kristan.

True God and true man: Jesus' nature revealed

Catholic Courier — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Deacon Dennis Lohouse of the Diocese of Rochester reflects on the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent, in which the mystery of Jesus’ nature as both true God and true man is revealed to some of his disciples in the Transfiguration.

To watch Deacon Dennis's video reflection, visit https://youtu.be/w4xgqpZLDxY
For the text of the March 16 readings and Gospel, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031625.cfm

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lent and Easter resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Credits:

Sponsor: St. Theodore Church
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Deacon Dennis Lohouse
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi Special Guest: Deacon Dennis Lohouse.

Temptation: The real battle of Lent

Catholic Courier — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In episode three of Extraordinary Time, Father Matthew Walter of the Diocese of Rochester shares how “The Silent Planet” book series by C.S. Lewis can help illustrate the Gospel passage of Luke 4:1-13, which describes the temptation of Jesus. Father Walter shares how temptation is in many ways the real “battle” of Lent and reflects on how to resist temptation.

Candidates and catechumens participating in the adult initiation process in the Diocese of Rochester will gather at Sacred Heart Cathedral March 9 for the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. Stay tuned for coverage at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/.

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester.

For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/#extraordinary-time and stay up-to-date with Lent and Easter resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/.

Credits:

Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Father Matthew Walter, parochial administrator of All Saints Parish, Corning, NY
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi

Special Guest: Father Matthew Walter.

Being led by the Holy Spirit

Catholic Courier — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In episode two of Extraordinary Time, Sisters of Mercy Kathleen Wayne, 68; Raymond Joseph Griffin, 101; Celeste Boyle, 95; Phyllis Bernardo, 95; Kathleen Ward, 90; Lucetta Ward, 90; reflect on the Gospel reading for March 9, 2025: Luke 4:1-13. Join them for a discussion on the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit, during Lent and year-round.

For the text of the March 9 readings and Gospel, visit https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030925.cfm
For a listing of parish sponsored fish fry dinners this Lent, visit https://catholiccourier.com/articles/fish-fry-dinners/

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester. For more Extraordinary Time, visit https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/ and stay up-to-date with Lent and Easter resources from the Catholic Courier at https://catholiccourier.com/special-sections/lent-and-easter/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Sisters of Mercy
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi

What are the three pillars of Lent?

Catholic Courier — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In episode one of Extraordinary Time, Deacon Jonathan Schott explains the three Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and offers practical suggestions for how to incorporate these pillars into your Lenten practices this year.

For listings of Masses/Liturgies for Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, visit:
https://catholiccourier.com/articles/ash-wednesday-southern-tier/
https://catholiccourier.com/articles/ash-wednesday-finger-lakes/
https://catholiccourier.com/articles/ash-wednesday-monroe-county

Learn more about church’s rules for Lenten fasting, abstinence: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/learn-more-about-churchs-rules-for-lenten-fasting-abstinence/

Extraordinary Time is a podcast from the Catholic Courier, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester.

Credits:

Host: Gina Capellazzi
Guest: Deacon Jonathan Schott, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at St. John Fisher University
Announcer: Robert DiJames
Music by Joseph DiJames
Edited by Gina Capellazzi
Special Guest: Deacon Jonathan Schott.

Extraordinary Time: Lent 2025: Trailer

Catholic Courier — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Extraordinary Time is the Catholic Courier‘s seasonal podcast for the church’s liturgical seasons. The first season of the podcast — Lent 2025 — will accompany listeners through Lent with weekly Scriptural reflections.

Episodes will feature the insights of priests, deacons, women religious and others from around the Diocese of Rochester.

The first episode of Lent 2025 will launch Feb. 26 and episodes will be released each Wednesday through April 16.

To learn more about the Extraordinary Time podcast and other Catholic Courier podcasts:
https://catholiccourier.com/podcasts/

Credits:
Host: Gina Capellazzi
Music by Joseph DiJames