When disaster strikes, where do we find hope—and how does God call us to respond?In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with civil engineer Tracy Kijewski-Correa, Director of the Pulte Institute for Global Development at the University of Notre Dame. Tracy shares her journey from building some of the world's tallest skyscrapers to studying structural disasters and helping vulnerable communities rebuild after catastrophic events.

From the streets of Haiti to disaster zones across the globe, Tracy explains how local wisdom, authentic accompaniment, and listening for God's voice can transform devastation into agency and resilience. Tune in to discover how ordinary skills can be used in extraordinary ways when we step back, quiet the noise, and ask God: "What is my next right step?"

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If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

What does it mean to reach the top of the corporate ladder—and then realize God has an even bigger mission for you?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with JoAnn Chávez: former C-Suite executive, founder of the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, sixth-generation Mexican-American, and proud Notre Dame law graduate. Raised in southwest Detroit, JoAnn shares her powerful story of growing up in the shadow of St. Anne’s Basilica, overcoming family addiction and loss, and choosing to turn personal hardship into a lifelong calling to serve the next generation.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

In this episode of Called, Father Mike Schmitz sits down with Mark Rienzi, the President and CEO of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Mark has led an extraordinary, unbroken string of landmark victories at the US Supreme Court—defending everyone from the Little Sisters of the Poor and Hobby Lobby to everyday parents and ministries. But his journey didn't start with massive victories. It started with a 13-year string of losses.
Join Father Mike and Mark as they dive deep into what it truly means to defend the fundamental freedom to live according to one’s faith, how to overcome the fear of being powerless in a contentious culture, and how ordinary people are called to stand up for the truth with courage, excellence, and hope.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.