By David Karas | Correspondent

In preparation for its 13th season, the diocesan teen talk show Realfaith TV is holding auditions for hosts, on-location interviewers, studio guests and behind-the-scenes production crews.

Faith driven and teen produced, the weekly television program serves as a resource, a forum and an inspiration to an ever-growing audience through exploring questions of life and faith faced by teens on a daily basis.

Auditions will be held March 22, and those interested can schedule an appointment with Marianne Hartman of the diocesan Department of Radio and Television by calling her at (609) 406-7402 or e-mailing her at [email protected].

Filming for the 26-episode season takes place during the summer months.

The Diocese of Trenton, through its Department of Radio and Television, produces the 30-minute show with the support, talent and dedication of hundreds of teenagers who volunteer their time during their summer break.

Hailing from the Dioceses of Trenton, Metuchen, Camden and Paterson, from the Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia, and from other Christian denominations, these extraordinary young men and women serve as hosts, studio guests, spotlight guests, “teen on the street” interviewers, floor managers, and equipment operators for the Realfaith TV program.

Realfaith TV airs on the Comcast network (Channel 8) in Philadelphia and New Jersey, as well as on other local cable stations. It can also be viewed in some of the largest media markets across the nation, including New York City, Boston and Detroit, and is broadcast in Harrisburg, Pa. and Baton Rouge, La.

Episodes also stream live online at www.realfaithtv.com.

In each episode, the teens explore a wide spectrum of topics by discussing questions and beliefs in the studio, through on-location interviews with peers at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and an interview of a spotlight guest with a unique experience or knowledge of the subject.

The current season encompasses topics ranging from peace to standing up for others, grieving to cultivating a Catholic identity. Other topics include faith in the workplace, compassion, step families and caffeine.

Debuting in 2000, Realfaith TV explores moral issues that challenge teens to make faith-based decisions.

Since the show’s inception, the program has continued to flourish, garnering a long list of awards including the 2008 Gabriel Award for its episode “Overcoming Eating Disorders” and the 2007 Gabriel Award for its episode “Companioning a Pregnant Teen.”