Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Podcast

Bishop Gruss explains devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and connects the upcoming consecration of the U.S. and the Diocese of Saginaw to the Sacred Heart with the nation's need for healing. Bishop Gruss emphasizes how Christ's love is the antidote for wounds, division and anxiety.

Bishop Gruss announced a major moment for our local Church: a Year of the Holy Spirit beginning on the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 24, 2026, through Pentecost 2027.

Earlier this year, Bishop Robert Gruss shared a talk about purgatory at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Saginaw. He invited those gathered to reflect deeply on God's mercy, holiness and eternal life promised through Jesus. "You never know the day nor the time," Bishop Gruss told those in attendance. "We always have to be prepared." The evening began with prayer as Bishop Gruss asked the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds to receive what God wanted to reveal through the discussion. Understanding purgatory Throughout the presentation, Bishop Gruss emphasized that purgatory is often misunderstood. While many people think of purgatory as a physical place, he explained that the Church teaches it is better understood as a process of purification. "Purgatory is not a place," Bishop Gruss said. "It is a condition of existence." Quoting St. John Paul II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Bishop Gruss explained that purgatory comes from the Latin word purgare, meaning "to make clean" or "to purify." He pointed to paragraphs 1030 and 1031 of the Catechism, which describe purgatory as the purification of souls who die in God's grace and friendship but are still imperfectly purified before entering heaven. "Nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven," Bishop Gruss said, referencing the Book of Revelation (Chapter 21, Verse 27). Because of this, every soul must be fully purified before experiencing what the Church calls the beatific vision — seeing God face-to-face in His glory. God's mercy and purification Bishop Gruss explained that after death, every person undergoes what the Church calls a particular judgment, where the soul immediately understands its eternal destiny. "There are only two choices," he said. "Heaven and hell." However, Bishop Gruss reminded those gathered that purgatory is not separate from salvation. Rather, it is part of God's mercy for souls destined for heaven. "If you're experiencing purgatory, you're in [going to Heaven]," he said. "There's no turning back the other way." The bishop emphasized that most people die in what he called an "imperfect state of grace," still carrying attachments to sin, selfishness or worldly desires. He encouraged frequent confession and honest examination of conscience, asking participants to reflect on the areas of their lives that still need healing and conversion. "People die with unforgiveness in their soul," he said. "People die with attachment to jealousy or envy or lust or hatred." Yet the message of the evening was ultimately one of hope. "The beautiful thing about purgatory," Bishop Gruss said, "is that it exists as a result of God's mercy and His love and His desire for you and for me to be with Him for all eternity." Created for love At several points during the talk, Bishop Gruss reminded listeners that the Christian life is deeply personal because every person was created intentionally by God. He encouraged those present to prepare their hearts for eternal life through prayer, repentance and trust in God's mercy. The evening concluded with a renewed invitation to holiness and deeper conversion, reminding the faithful that God's desire is always to bring His people into the fullness of His presence. "Purgatory is meant to purify us so that we can love as completely as God," Bishop Gruss said.

During the First Friday gathering in Saginaw on May 1, Bishop Gruss quoted Pope Francis and reminded listeners that every baptized person is called to be a missionary disciple.“A missionary disciple is someone who knows Jesus personally, loves Him deeply, follows Him faithfully, and shares Him boldly,” he said in his talk. (View the video below or watch it HERE.)He stressed that evangelization is not about having all the answers, but about sharing one's encounter with Christ.“A witness is someone who says, ‘I have met the Lord and He has changed my life,'” Bishop Gruss said.Bishop Gruss reflected on the Sacrament of Confirmation and missionary discipleship, and encouraged Catholics to rediscover the power of the Holy Spirit already at work within them through the Sacraments. He emphasized that Confirmation is inseparable from missionary discipleship. “The Spirit was poured upon the Church for one reason,” he said. “To evangelize.”“Wake Up the Sleeping Giant”Bishop Gruss encouraged Catholics to develop a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and rely less on self-sufficiency. “The Holy Spirit is already in you,” he said. “But perhaps He's dormant. Wake up the sleeping giant in your life. You have everything you need to live as a disciple of Jesus in the world today.”First Friday attendees were encouraged to pray simple prayers each day asking the Holy Spirit to become more active in their lives.He also encouraged young people preparing for Confirmation to approach the Sacrament with openness and courage. The Sacrament of Confirmation is meant to be a life-changing moment in one's life and call to discipleship, as it was for the disciples of the early church."“Don't be afraid to live an extraordinary life in Christ,” he said. “Christ is calling all of us to be saints.”Speaking during the Diocese's confirmation season, Bishop Gruss reflected on visiting parishes across the Diocese to celebrate Confirmation with young people. “Confirmation is not an ending. It doesn't complete anything. It's a beginning,” Bishop Gruss said.He explained that Catholics often reduce the Sacraments to events they attend rather than encounters with Jesus Christ himself. “When we look at the Sacramental life merely as events, then we have diminished them by 99.9%,” he said.Instead of saying, “I'm going to Mass,” Bishop Gruss suggested Catholics think differently: “I'm going for an encounter with the risen Lord Jesus.”Jesus Is the One Who ConfirmsBishop Gruss reminded attendees that Jesus himself is the minister of every Sacrament. “Jesus baptized you. He confirmed you. He gave himself to you in Holy Communion,” he said. “In the Sacrament of Confirmation, he uses my thumb.”Reflecting on his own Confirmation and Baptism dates, Bishop Gruss encouraged Catholics to learn and celebrate those dates as important milestones in their lives of faith. “These are two of the most important dates,” he said, “more important than your birthday.”He urged Catholics to contact the parish where they were baptized to obtain their Sacramental records and reflect more intentionally on those moments of grace.Confirmation and the Holy SpiritDrawing from the Acts of the Apostles, Bishop Gruss compared Confirmation to the transformation experienced by the apostles at Pentecost. Before receiving the Holy Spirit, the apostles hid in fear. Afterward, they boldly proclaimed the Gospel.“Peter went from fear and denial of Jesus to being a strong, faithful witness of the Gospel,” Bishop Gruss said. “Everything changed.”"That same Holy Spirit is given to the disciples is given to each person in the Sacrament of Confirmation, not diminished in any way. This is why it should be a profound life-changing experience."Bishop Gruss encouraged Catholics to ask the Lord to “bring alive the grace” of Confirmation again in their lives.“The Spirit is never dead,” he said. “Ask the Holy Spirit to ignite your faith.”

Holy Week is here—and this message will change how you enter it.After six weeks of Lenten reflections, Bishop Gruss shares a powerful invitation: don't rush past this week. Stay with Jesus. This is the heart of everything—why He came, why He suffered, and what it means for you right now.If you've been busy, distracted, or unsure how to approach Holy Week, start here.Watch now and take a few minutes to enter into the most important week of the year.Watch more Lenten reflections here:https://saginaw.org/bishop-gruss-lenten-messages

Bravery or conformity...which way do you live your Christian life?In this powerful Lenten reflection, you'll hear a challenge most Christians avoid:-It's not enough to be kind-It's not enough to believe-The mission isn't complete until we ask: Do you believe?What's really holding us back?-Conformity to culture-Staying in our comfort zones-Hiding our faith-Keeping the Gospel to ourselvesAnd one line you won't forget:“The opposite of bravery is not cowardice… but conformity.”Watch this before Holy Week begins.It might change how you live your faith.Watch nowAfter you watch, continue the journey:Watch more Lenten reflections by Bishop Gruss here: https://saginaw.org/bishop-gruss-lenten-messages

We often talk about our faith in general terms, but when someone asks how Jesus has personally changed your life, do you have an answer ready?In this week's Lenten Reflection, we move from serving others to sharing our story. It is not a self-help program—it is a mission for the world. Watch as we discuss:-Overcoming the fear of rejection-Why you were born for this (featuring the courage of St. Joan of Arc)-Three questions to transform your prayer life this weekWatch the full video and tell us in the comments: What is one word that describes what Jesus has done for you?

Bishop Robert Gruss is inviting Catholics to reflect on one of the most challenging — and transformative — parts of the Christian life: surrendering completely to God.Speaking at the First Friday gathering at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Bishop Gruss shared a reflection inspired by Pope Leo XIV's message about Lent.“Lent is not about spiritual self-optimization” “True conversion begins when we allow Christ to act within us.”READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

In this week's Lenten reflection, Bishop Gruss focuses on the significance of prayer in understanding and fulfilling God's will in our lives, particularly in the context of the mission of Jesus. Bishop Gruss asks, “How often do you pray seeking God's will for your life?”

Do you believe that God has created you and put you on this earth for a specific purpose with a specific mission for him?In this week's Lenten reflection, Bishop Gruss discusses what is necessary to embrace the mission God has given you…

As we begin 2026 Lenten season, Bishop Robert Gruss invites us to hear Jesus' call anew: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”To believe in the Gospel means more than words — it means embracing the mission of Christ and carrying it into our families, parishes, and communities through the power of the Holy Spirit.This Lent, he encourages us to ask Jesus to set our hearts on fire for mission, deepen our conversion, and live out the Gospel through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. May this season be one of grace, renewal, and courageous discipleship as we share Christ's love with the world."Wherever the Lord leads you on this Lenten journey, I wish you many graces and blessings," Bishop Gruss says in his annual Ash Wednesday message.✝️Ash Wednesday Mass Times throughout the Diocese: https://saginaw.org/ash-wednesday-message-parish-schedules 

Bishop Gruss explores the significance of Lent, emphasizing the importance of preparation, desire, and the practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. In this talk, he encourages the faithful to prepare for Lent intentionally and highlights the transformative power of fasting as a spiritual discipline that fosters a closer relationship with God.A few takeways:Fasting is a biblical practice that draws us closer to God.Fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but seeking God. Fasting is a biblical practice that draws us closer to God.Fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but seeking God and can lead to transformation.

Bishop Robert Gruss, known for his insightful and compassionate leadership in the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, recently appeared on WSGW for a Christmas Eve interview. He shared his thoughts and reflections on the holiday season while talking to longtime friend and host, Art Lewis.Bishop Gruss emphasized the importance of unity and love, encouraging listeners to embrace the spirit of Christmas by reaching out to those in need and fostering a sense of community. He also discussed the resurgence of faith in the Catholic Church, and the personal nature of Christmas. He reflects on the challenges faced by the church in a secular world, the importance of vocations, and his experience meeting the Pope. The discussion emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of faith and the transformative power of Jesus' message during the holiday season. 

Bishop Gruss: When we wait on God, we open ourselves up to a deeper intimacy with Him, even in the midst of uncertainty.You can view previous reflections here: https://saginaw.org/advent

Bishop Gruss: In this season of Advent, have you been waiting for Christmas or longing for Jesus? This week we will reflect upon Mary's posture of waiting. The length of an average pregnancy is forty weeks.  After Mary gave her fiat – her surrender – to bearing the Son of God, she still had to wait nine long months before she could finally cradle him in her arms.  One can just imagine Mary's excitement and anticipation during those months of pregnancy. But we know that she didn't passively sit around waiting for the days pass by.  

In any given week, how many anonymous Catholics are in the pews at the Mass in which you attend? When was the last time you went up to someone you did not know and introduced yourself to that person?  As I mentioned last week, during this season of Advent, our reflections will look at four postures of our Blessed Mother. It is my hope that Mary will lead us into her heart, and guide us into a deeper experience of the Christmas mystery. This week we will look at Mary's posture of hospitality. It might even be seen as radical hospitality.

Bishop Robert Gruss: Our reflections will look at four postures of our Blessed Mother. It is my hope that during this season of Advent, Mary will lead us into her heart, a heart that longed with hopeful expectation of the Lord's coming. As the mother of our Savior, she will guide our hearts to a deeper experience of the Christmas mystery.

On Oct. 23, Deacon Larry Gayton discussed the upcoming march for migrants and refugees and Hispanic Mass on the Art Lewis Show. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, faithful will gather for a solemn March for migrants and refugees. The march will begin at Great Lakes Bay Health Center parking lot at 501 Lapeer Ave., Saginaw and conclude at St. Joseph Church, 910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw.After the March, a Misa Hispana (Hispanic Mass) will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church at 4 p.m. The Misa Hispana Mass celebrates the rich traditions of the Hispanic Catholic community particularly through music and language in the bilingual liturgy.“We will march as an expression of faith in Jesus, who stands with the vulnerable, the poor and immigrants,” said Bishop Robert Gruss, Bishop of Saginaw. “Migrants and refugees often find themselves alone, separated from family and lacking basic needs. Jesus calls us to welcome the stranger, clothe the naked and feed the hungry. As a local Church, we must be of ‘one heart and mind' and uphold the dignity of all people.”“A public gathering like this can motivate all of us to put our faith into action,” said Deacon Larry Gayton, who serves in the Office of Multicultural Ministry at the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. “We want to let migrants and refugees in our community know that we care about them and that their voices are heard.”Deacon Larry Gayton's family migrated from Killeen, Texas to Berrien Springs, Mich. in 1968 and worked on farms. “We didn't have much when we moved to Michigan. One of our vehicles broke down on the drive to Michigan and our family of seven had to pile into a crowded car. We worked on farms picking fruits and vegetables and lived in migrant camps. Generous members of the Catholic community helped me with my education and eventually I was able to attend law school. I want to serve migrants and refugees just as I was helped by so many generous people.”All are invited to join in the prayerful and solemn march. Afterwards, Bishop Robert Gruss will celebrate the Hispanic Mass (Misa Hispana) at St. Joseph Church.“The Misa Hispana is a joyous and diverse celebration,” said Deacon Larry Gayton. “Daughters who have recently celebrated their quinceañera have been invited to attend wearing their quinceañera dresses. The Knights of Columbus will also be joining us for Mass and the Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil Mariachis will perform music at a reception after Mass.”

This is Bishop Gruss' homily during staff Mass at the Diocesan Center for Ministry on Sept. 25, 2025.

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.