On the Mark

Dedicated to helping Christians target the right priorities in their apostolic and interior lives.

Listen

Episodes

22: The Virtue of Hope

In this episode of On The Mark, host Peter Buckley welcomes back Mark O'Donnell to discuss the virtue of hope, a central theme for Pope Francis' declared Jubilee Year in 2025. They explore the theological significance of hope, contrasting it with worldly pursuits like self-sufficiency, wealth, fame, and power, which often lead to despair.

Show Notes

21: Building New Relationships in the New Year

Join Peter and Mark as they discuss how relationships are fundamentally built upon one's relationship with God and how faith impacts professional relationships, promoting companionship and listening in the workplace.

Show Notes

20: Enduring Persecution in Lay Evangelization

In Episode 20 of On the Mark, Peter Buckley and Mark O'Donnell discuss Enduring Persecution in Lay Evangelization and that living out our vocations, whether in marriage, priesthood, or other endeavors, requires perseverance through difficulties and temptations.

Show Notes

19: The Essence of Evangelization

This special anniversary episode of On the Mark delves into the heart of evangelization, particularly in the workplace, exploring how authentic masculinity can help us become more convincing personalities and better evangelizers in and through our work.

Show Notes

18: Shedding Mediocrity in the Pursuit of Holiness

In this episode of "On the Mark," hosts Peter Buckley and Mark O'Donnell delve into the importance of prioritizing scripture reading in the Christian life, inspired by a thought-provoking video from mathematician and philosopher Dr. John Lennox. Dr. Lennox challenges listeners to reconsider the time spent on distractions versus seeking a deeper relationship with God through His word, emphasizing that mere moments of scripture reading won't suffice for genuine spiritual growth.

Show Notes

17: Diving Deeper Into Lay Evangelization

In this episode, Peter & Mark focus on the recurring theme of encouraging people to evangelize, examining this through two recent homilies from Auxiliary Bishop Barbosa of the Archdiocese of Boston and Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

Show Notes

16: We Need to Go 'All In' In the Spiritual Life

In this episode of On the Mark, we explore the concept of being "all in" and how it applies to both our spiritual and everyday lives. We begin by discussing the importance of prioritizing our spiritual journey and fully committing to the practices that bring us closer to God. Inspired by the podcast "10 Minutes with Jesus," we examine the small daily actions that can have a profound impact on our faith.

Show Notes

15: Practical Ways to Evangelize at Work

In this episode of "On the Mark," Peter and Mark discuss how Christians can balance their professional ambitions with their spiritual lives. Inspired by the writings of Marian Rojas Estape and principles from the Talmud, they explore the importance of governing one's passions, contentment, wisdom, and treating others with dignity.

Show Notes

13: The Virtue of Temperance

In this episode, we focus on the virtue of temperance and its crucial role in evangelizing in the workplace. Listen as we explore the definition of temperance, as outlined in the Catechism and emphasized by Pope Francis in his general audiences. Using relatable analogies and real-life examples, Peter and Mark illustrate how temperance can act as an internal regulator, much like a thermostat, helping to moderate attractions to pleasures and maintain balance in using created goods.

Show Notes

12: Navigating the Intersection of Faith and Career Advancement

Join Peter Buckley and Mark O'Donnell on another insightful episode of "On the Mark" as they delve into the theme of evangelization in the workplace, focusing on professionals in their forties and fifties. Drawing from personal experiences and reflections, Mark shares candid insights into the challenges faced by individuals as they navigate the intersection of faith and career advancement. From the waning zeal for evangelization to the pressures of professional success, Mark and Peter explore the contradictions and opportunities encountered on this journey.

Show Notes

11: Workplace Evangelization in the Different Stages of Life - Part 2

In this episode, Peter and Mark continue to talk about Workplace Evangelization in the Different Stages of Life. In their conversation you'll learn that evangelizing in the workplace requires a realistic and personable approach rather than a strictly academic one and that genuine relationships are the foundation for evangelization in both your personal and professional lives. Professional competence and integrity are key to gaining respect and influence in the workplace, which is required if you wish to evangelize.

Show Notes

10: Workplace Evangelization in the Different Stages of Life - Part 1

In this episode, Peter and Mark discuss workplace evangelization in one's first professional secular job. One evangelizes differently when one is 23 years old than when one is 50 years old. The episode highlights the importance of being flexible and somewhat entrepreneurial while evangelizing in the workplace. Simply repeating what one has read or heard in an academic, institutional, or clerical setting is rarely effective at engaging one's professional peers, who have specific spiritual needs that have to be addressed. We only become aware of those "needs" when we work beside others over an extended period of time. The episode describes how we will encounter resistance and ridicule at times, as Christ predicted we would. However, the Holy Spirit will always be there to help us, working through others whom we least suspect would be supportive of our efforts. The episode concludes by encouraging young professionals to engage and evangelize their peers when opportunities arise. However, to do so with gentleness and respect as St. Peter encourages us to do. (1 Peter 3:15) Recommended reading includes: The Acts of the Apostles, Joy of the Gospel (Pope Francis) and On Evangelization (St. Paul VI.)

Show Notes

9: Living Faith in the Workplace: Navigating Challenges with Integrity

In this episode of "On the Mark," hosts Peter Buckley and Mark O'Donnell delve into the practical aspects of living out one's faith, particularly within the workplace. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, scriptural insights, and discussions on current societal challenges, this episode offers a comprehensive guide for Christians striving to align their professional lives with their spiritual convictions.

Show Notes

8: What It Means to Be A Christian

Join Peter and Mark for a discussion centered around understanding the essence of Christianity, which is to love God and one's neighbor as oneself, based on a chapter from Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger's book "Credo for Today." In this episode, you'll learn that Christian principles such as listening, serving, and showing joy despite challenges can lead to positive changes and recognition in a stressful work environment.

Show Notes

7: The Virtue of Courage, Part 2

In this episode of "On the Mark," Peter and Mark continue their conversation the Virtue of Courage from the book "Learning the Virtues that Lead You to God" by Romano Guardini. In their conversation, Mark shares the risks involved in evangelizing in public spaces but that these are outweighed by the potential spiritual rewards.

Show Notes

6: The Virtue of Courage

In this episode, we will be discussing the virtue of courage as presented in a chapter from Romano Guardini's book, "Learning the Virtues that Take You to God."

Show Notes

5: The Potential of Asceticism to Enrich Your Spiritual Life

In this episode, Peter and Mark delve into the heart of asceticism, exploring its surprising potential to enrich not just your spiritual life, but also your connections with others and the world around you. Through real-life anecdotes and insightful discussions, Peter and Mark uncover how to tame your desires, build your spiritual muscles, and strengthen your bonds with others.

Show Notes

4: The Power of Truthfulness

Join Peter and Mark as they unravel the power of truthfulness, revealing its strength to mend relationships, forge trust, and even transform lives. From personal failures to unexpected blessings, discover how embracing authenticity can weave a more meaningful existence, one thread at a time.

Show Notes

3: The Right Approach to Professional Evangelization

In this episode of On the Mark, Peter and Mark talk about leading by example through professional competence, a joyful spirit, and dedication to prayer as effective means of evangelization in the workplace and the reluctance to engage Non-Believers. They discuss that many people, regardless of age, feel hesitant to engage with non-believers or doubters due to a perceived lack of preparedness. Check out the episode to learn about Pope Francis' Perspective and the Holy Spirit's Role in Overcoming Inadequacies:

Show Notes

2: Evangelization in a Post-Christian World

Evangelizing the culture means essentially bringing it to the truth, aligning it with the truth.. In this episode, Peter and Mark discuss the concept of evangelization in a post-Christian world and the idea that evangelization is the greatest source of earthly joy.

Show Notes

1: We Must Convert Everyday

In the premier episode of "On the Mark", Peter Buckley and Mark O'Donnell define the terms "evangelization" and "new evangelization," and discuss the importance of being a witness to the faith. They also discuss the distinction between transmitting doctrine or ideology and being a witness, and why that distinction is so important. If you are a Catholic who wants to learn more about how to evangelize in your professional life, be sure to check out this episode of "On the Mark."

Show Notes