Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Podcast

John Gonzalez was interviewed by Vanessa Denha Garmo on Ave Maria Radio's "Epiphany" program. During the interview, John shares about evangelization, Rescue Michigan and more. 

Father Richard John shares about his journey to the priesthood, the importance of hope and our call to serve and evangelize. Parish of the Week: St. Dominic Parish in Saginaw is our Parish of the Week.  Their Parochial Administrator, Fr. Richard John, joins us today!Message from Fr. Richard John – Ordained in 2009, I have now journeyed 16 years as a priest, and I share this reflection as a thanksgiving to the Lord who called me. I come from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, Telangana, in southern India, and currently serve as the Parochial Administrator at St. Dominic Parish since 2023.Three early influences shaped my vocation: my grandmother Margaret John, whose daily Rosary and devotion to St. Anthony inspired a prayer movement in our neighborhood; my father Aron John, a daily communicant who introduced me to the beauty of the Eucharist; and my first encounter with the story of Mother Teresa, whose radical commitment deeply moved me as a child. These seeds of faith were nurtured by my parish priest, and I joined the seminary in 1998 after 10th grade.Growing up in a joint family of modest means, financial struggles were common. I often joined sports camps at school just for the meals. Yet, through God's providence and support like CFCA sponsorship from Sr. Shirley Ruder, a Dominican nun from Michigan, I could continue my education.Despite health challenges during formation, I experienced healing that confirmed my call. Over the years, I've served in various ministries — from being assistant to the archbishop, to working at St. Anthony's Shrine, teaching, radio ministry, and youth outreach.My path to Saginaw in 2022 was guided by God's providence, facilitated by friends, Fr. Raj, Fr. Bill and Bishop Gruss. I remain grateful to the Lord, the bishop, fellow clergy, and parishioners whose support makes this mission meaningful. Thank you

Bishop Gruss' presentation emphasizes preparing the heart for genuine encounters with God, highlighting the difference between viewing sacraments as mere events and experiencing them as personal encounters. Bishop Gruss addresses misconceptions about Christianity, focusing on the relational aspect of faith. He also encourages seeing confession as a loving encounter with Jesus, overcoming fear and shame, and approaching Mass with a desire for transformation.

“When I was growing up, my family was never really much involved in parish life other than attending Mass on Sunday and Holy Days. As kids, we attended Religious Ed – back then it was called CCD.“As far as living out a life of faith in the context of service, I don't recall doing much of that. Things were different back in the 60s and 70s.  It was only after I had a re-conversion to my faith in the early 1980s, did I come to the realization that service was at the heart of my baptismal call.”This video is part of Bishop Robert Gruss' Lenten series on six spiritual practices that will deepen our relationship with the Lord, helping us to live more fully the life the Lord seeks to give us – as a way of personal encounter. Watch more: https://saginaw.org/bishop-gruss-lenten-messages

A number of years ago, I was on a retreat with the other bishops of the United States and the retreat director posed a question to us – and perhaps it is a good question for everyone today. “Where is my heart directed?”It is a question that needs to be asked daily.  Where is your heart directed?  Let me rephrase this. What relationship in your life is most on your mind and heart?

Through his words in Sacred Scriptures, the Lord reveals his hopes and dreams for us, each of us, as well as for your family and your faith community. How many of you want to know God's hopes, dreams and plans for you, for your life?  This video is part of Bishop's Lenten series on six Spiritual Practices that will deepen our relationship with the Lord, helping us to live more fully the life the Lord seeks to give us – as a way of personal encounter.

This episode is part of Bishop's Lenten series on six Spiritual Practices that will deepen our relationship with the Lord, helping us to live more fully the life the Lord seeks to give us – as a way of personal encounter. 

Father Andy LaFramboise discusses his new podcast "Finding and Burying Again", vocations to the priesthood and more on WSGW's Art Lewis Show

Bishop Gruss discusses listening to God's voice during his homily from Sunday, March 16.

Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal our true spiritual condition, our brokenness, leading to repentance and a transformed life – conversion.This video is part of Bishop's Lenten series on six Spiritual Practices that will deepen our relationship with the Lord, helping us to live more fully the life the Lord seeks to give us – as a way of personal encounter. 

During First Friday on March 7, Bishop Gruss discussed what happens when the Pope dies, including details about how the Conclave works, who participates and more. 

This is part of Bishop Gruss' six part Lenten series on spiritual practices that will deepen our relationship with the Lord, helping us to live more fully the life the Lord seeks to give us – as a way of personal encounter.

Bishop Gruss was interviewed by Vanessa Denha Garmo on Ave Maria Radio's "Epiphany" program. During the interview, Bishop Gruss discussed the upcoming Come and See Dinner, the importance of family support in discernment, obstacles in the discernment process and more. 

This homily was given by Bishop Gruss on Feb. 2, 2025 at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption.

The invasion of one kingdom by another kingdom is complete. As C.S. Lewis said, the rightful king has landed in disguise. 

Yes, the Gospel is not just the Good News. It is Great News! Spectacular news! God has rescued me. Now, what will be my response?

'If we have been captured by the Enemy, what has God done about it?' What He has done is extraordinary - unbelievable Good News! This video is part of Bishop Gruss' Advent retreat. The purpose of this retreat is to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and to introduce to you what the Lord has shared with the Mission Leadership Team regarding our future – what he is asking of us. Watch additional videos from this retreat here: https://saginaw.org/advent-2024#video

Look around at what has happened and is happening in our world today. Wouldn't you agree that the world is a bit messed up today? Why is that? This is an important question to answer.Again, the purpose of this retreat is to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and to introduce to you what the Lord has shared with my Mission Leadership Team regarding our future – what he is asking of us.

"Dr. Dan Osborn from the Diocese of Saginaw explains his groundbreaking research project to gather data regarding Mary's influence as Mother of the Church."- Ave Maria Radio

So many people today live as if there is nothing – nothing beyond this world. So many people today live as if there is no hope. The world is dire, and there is nothing anybody can do about it.  Are you one of them?  Well, the Lord God has the answer! Again, the purpose of this retreat is to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and to introduce to you what the Lord has shared with my Mission Leadership Team regarding our future – what he is asking of us.

Bishop Gruss: Thank you for joining me as we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King and begin this six week retreat together all across the diocese.Again, the purpose of this retreat is to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and to introduce to you what the Lord has shared with my Mission Leadership Team regarding our future – what he is asking of us.

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the Gospel? Secondly, what is the lens in which you view your life and our world? In other words, what is the lens of your personal reality?

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Father Andy LaFramboise was interviewed on Ave Maria Radio's "Epiphany" program.During the interview, Father Andy discussed the three-point plan guiding vocation efforts in the Diocese of Saginaw. He also discussed prayer amidst a culture of anxiety. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Bishop Robert Gruss was interviewed on Ave Maria Radio's "Catholic Connection" program. During the interview, Bishop Gruss discussed the three-point plan guiding vocation efforts in the Diocese of Saginaw.

Bishop discussed the National Eucharistic Congress on Aug. 2 during the monthly First Friday gathering at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. 

It was an extremely difficult letter to write.Bishop Robert Gruss recently shared a story about forgiveness and the letter he wrote to his father decades ago. He told the story after First Friday Mass at the Cathedral on April 5."It all surfaced on a five day retreat while in the seminary in Rome," said Bishop Gruss. "To make a long story short, I wrote a letter to my father sharing with him my feelings, my hurts, my anger, all the while reaffirming my love for him in spite of the disease of alcoholism."I told him that I forgave him and in turn, I asked him for forgiveness for any time I failed to love him resulting from my anger and resentment toward him."Writing this letter was very difficult.  I agonized over it, not only from the standpoint of writing it, but from the standpoint of putting it in the mail, always wondering what would be his reaction.  Because this came through prayer, I put my trust in God that I was doing the right thing...Read more

On Friday, March 1, faithful gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption for the monthly First Friday gathering. Don Buchalski, coordinator of evangelization for the Diocese of Saginaw gave a presentation about the Synod of Bishops, focusing on findings from local listening sessions, writings from Pope Francis and more.  “Perhaps my main takeaway from leading the Synod effort in our Diocese is how important listening is,” said Buchalski.  “People want to share their story and tell us what their concerns are. In his writings related to the Synod, Pope Francis wants us to understand that this commitment to listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another is a way of being Church.”  Buchalski shared that Pope Francis is calling members of the Church to listen to one another and bring questions to the Holy Spirit in prayer, sharing with one other what we believe God is saying to us. “I've been blessed to be a part of Bishop's leadership team, Buchalski said. “I'm thankful to Bishop Gruss that this is what we do when we meet. A question is brought forth, and then we go to the chapel to pray and afterwards discuss what we believe God's message is. This is the foundation of our discernment and decision making.” During the First Friday gathering at the Cathedral, attendees shared about their experiences at parish listening sessions.  “Our parish advertised that they were having listening sessions and we wanted to be heard,” said Brett Burke, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish. “Father Tipton (who served as pastor at the time of the sessions) was very gracious in listening to us. He understood where we were coming from.” 

Part five of six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the worldBeing docile to the Holy Spirit is the only way we can accomplish the works of God and the mission of Jesus. We are to use His grace and do His works for His glory, no matter what the world may think or say about us. This is the work of a true disciple of Jesus.Bishop Gruss: We must be authentically human (Week 4)Bishop Gruss: Do you have unshakeable confidence in the Lordship of Jesus? (Week 3)Bishop Gruss: God has set us apart for his work (Week 2)Bishop Gruss: Be ambitious for God and his kingdom! (Week 1)Bishop Gruss: We must become a Church with the same apostolic zeal as the disciples of the first century! (Ash Wednesday)

To be authentically human means we are not afraid to be vulnerable.  We are in touch with our humanity and are honest about who we are and what we stand for. We are vulnerable when we put ourselves out there beyond what is safe, familiar, and comfortable.  In doing so, we open ourselves up to the possibility of being wounded. Wasn't this the way of Jesus?  This is part four of six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world 

On Friday, March 1, faithful gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption for the monthly First Friday gathering. Don Buchalski, Coordinator of Evangelization for the Diocese of Saginaw gave a presentation about the Synod of Bishops, focusing on findings from local listening sessions, writings from Pope Francis and more.  “Perhaps my main takeaway from leading the Synod effort in our Diocese is how important listening is,” said Buchalski.  “People want to share their story and tell us what their concerns are. In his writings related to the Synod, Pope Francis wants us to understand that this commitment to listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another is a way of being Church.”  Buchalski shared that Pope Francis is calling members of the Church to listen to one another and bring questions to the Holy Spirit in prayer, sharing with one other what we believe God is saying to us. “I've been blessed to be a part of Bishop's leadership team, Buchalski said. “I'm thankful to Bishop Gruss that this is what we do when we meet. A question is brought forth, and then we go to the chapel to pray and afterwards discuss what we believe God's message is. This is the foundation of our discernment and decision making.” During the First Friday gathering at the Cathedral, attendees shared about their experiences at parish listening sessions.  “Our parish advertised that they were having listening sessions and we wanted to be heard,” said Brett Burke, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish. “Father Tipton (who served as pastor at the time of the sessions) was very gracious in listening to us. He understood where we were coming from.” Buchalski also shared common themes from the Diocesan listening sessions as well as efforts undertaken in response. These themes and next steps can be found in the Synod Summary Report. Ultimately, Buchalski hopes that what is learned from the Synod will continue to be put into practice by local parishes and the overall Church.  “Considering the lack of civil discourse in our current culture, this emphasis on listening to God and to each other, is a great gift to our Church and our society,” said Buchalski. “My hope is that we continue to embrace it and in doing so, bring Christ and his mercy to others.” 

Do you have unshakeable confidence in the Lordship of Jesus?Do we have unshakeable confidence in the person who desires to bring healing, love and mercy to the world and who came to earth to rescue us from sin and death, the Evil One and his minions? Is this our experience?Perhaps some might begin with the question, “Who is Jesus?” Or, I might ask you the question, “Who is Jesus for you?” This is part three of six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world

God wants his world back. In light of this, let me share with you three  fundamental convictions – the world is crying, the Church is crying, and you are not alive by chance, you were born for this time.Let me ask you.  Do you believe that God has created you and put you on this earth for a specific purpose, with a specific mission for Him?  And, if so, are you and I living as if this is the case?You and I have been born for this time in history, as were the apostles and disciples of the early church born for their time in history. . .This is part two of six in which Bishop Gruss shares mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world.

Bishop Gruss: Thanks for joining me on this journey through our “Mission Values.” As I mentioned in the last session, these mission values bring clarity to how we are to behave as Catholic individuals and as a Church sent on mission.In these six reflections, we will be looking at one per week. Obviously much can be shared about each of them, but with the limited time for these reflections, I can only touch the surface. But hopefully we will all receive something from the Lord to think and pray about in our own lives.Let's begin with the first mission value – Be ambitious for God and his kingdom.

As Ash Wednesday approaches, Bishop Gruss will share with the people of the Diocese of Saginaw six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world."When these values come alive in us, they lead us to conversion and a deeper life in Christ," said Bishop Gruss. Below is an excerpt of Bishop Gruss' message:With God being pushed out of our culture and Catholics leaving the practice of their faith in record numbers, we cannot continue to do what we have always done in the same way that we have always done. We must become a Church with the same apostolic zeal as the disciples of the first century!  And, like those first disciples, we too were born for this moment in history.Over the next six weeks, in my Lenten reflections, I will be reflecting upon some of the convictions held by the apostles of the early church that we as the Diocese of Saginaw must embrace if we are to be a Diocese on mission.

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series. Audrey unpacks the issue of abortion and makes the case to be Pro-Life. Action: Decide on a course of action to support the unborn and the Pro-Life movement when you return home. Discussion Questions: What was your favorite part of the March? What step are you going to take to support the unborn and the Pro-Life movement? To learn how to get involved in the Pro-Life movement or seek support as a pregnant mother or someone affected by abortion, contact Lori Becker, our Coordinator for Outreach (lbecker@diosag.org). Audrey Whipple (Host, @audreywhipple) is the Outreach Coordinator for Protect Life Michigan. Taylor Piotrzkowski (Producer, tpiotrzkowski@diosag.org)) is the Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. To follow the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Youth Ministry, search @saginawcatholicyouth on Tiktok and Instagram. 

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series. Audrey unpacks the issue of abortion and makes the case to be Pro-Life. Action: Post on social media a picture, story, or your thoughts about the Pro-Life Movement Discussion Questions: Which story of past social movements was the most inspiring? What are your thoughts about marching with the Pro-Life Movement in DC? To learn how to get involved in the Pro-Life movement or seek support as a pregnant mother or someone affected by abortion, contact Lori Becker, our Coordinator for Outreach (lbecker@diosag.org). Audrey Whipple (Host, @audreywhipple) is the Outreach Coordinator for Protect Life Michigan. Taylor Piotrzkowski (Producer, tpiotrzkowski@diosag.org)) is the Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. To follow the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Youth Ministry, search @saginawcatholicyouth on Tiktok and Instagram. 

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series. Audrey lays bare the horrifying reality of abortion. ***Disclaimer*** This episode contains medical descriptions of abortion procedures and may be disturbing to some. Listener discretion advised. To seek support as someone affected by abortion, contact Lori Becker, our Coordinator for Outreach (lbecker@diosag.org). Action: Sit in silence for a few moments and let abortion break your heart. Audrey Whipple (Host, @audreywhipple) is the Outreach Coordinator for Protect Life Michigan. Taylor Piotrzkowski (Producer, tpiotrzkowski@diosag.org)) is the Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. To follow the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Youth Ministry, search @saginawcatholicyouth on Tiktok and Instagram. 

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series. Audrey unpacks the issue of abortion and makes the case to be Pro-Life. Action: Write your questions about abortion down and seek out answers. Discussion Questions: What argument from Audrey was the most or least convincing? What questions do you still have about abortion or the Pro-Life cause? To learn how to get involved in the Pro-Life movement or seek support as a pregnant mother or someone affected by abortion, contact Lori Becker, our Coordinator for Outreach (lbecker@diosag.org). Audrey Whipple (Host, @audreywhipple) is the Outreach Coordinator for Protect Life Michigan. Taylor Piotrzkowski (Producer, tpiotrzkowski@diosag.org)) is the Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. To follow the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Youth Ministry, search @saginawcatholicyouth on Tiktok and Instagram. 

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series. Taylor introduces Audrey, who shares her story of finding her passion in protecting the unborn. Action: Discuss what you think about abortion with someone you know. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you most from Audrey's story? What do you think about abortion? Why? To learn how to get involved in the Pro-Life movement or seek support as a pregnant mother or someone affected by abortion, contact Lori Becker, our Coordinator for Outreach (lbecker@diosag.org). Audrey Whipple (Host, @audreywhipple) is the Outreach Coordinator for Protect Life Michigan. Taylor Piotrzkowski (Producer, tpiotrzkowski@diosag.org) is the Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. To follow the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Youth Ministry, search @saginawcatholicyouth on Tiktok and Instagram.