Minnesota Catholic Podcasts

Throughout his life, PJ Connors has shared his faith and served in ministry in various roles, but his role as Confirmation Sponsor and grandfather to Wyatt Connors is especially special to him. PJ and Wyatt share how their faith journeys have inspired one another.

Aside from her time away for college to study agriculture, Hannah Molitor has lived, worked and worshiped in Stearns County. She immerses herself in life on her family dairy farm, and through her work with the USDA and DHIA, she regularly connects with others in the local farming community. Hannah discusses the intersection of farming and faith in this podcast.

John Thavis is a Former Rome Bureau Chief for Catholic News Service and an author and speaker specializing in Vatican and religious affairs. He is the author of the best-selling books, "The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities, and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church," and "The Vatican Prophecies: Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions, and Miracles in the Modern Age." John talks with with diocesan chancellor and former editor of the central Minnesota catholic Joe Towalski about the papal transition. For more about John, visit his website: Johnthavis.com.

In episode 2 of our podcast series on rural life in our diocese, Father Gregory Mastey and Father Derek Wiechman talk to Barb Simon-Johnson about growing up on farms and now serving in rural communities.

In this introduction to our series of 3 podcasts on rural life in our diocese, Kateri Mancini and JoAnn Braegelman, team members from the Office of Social Concerns, talk about the upcoming feast of St. Isidore, as well as how our diocesan mission statement addresses rural life and share a bit about what this ministry means for the diocese. 

Linda George, parishioner at St. Boniface in Cold Spring, shares how listening plays a role in discernment process – listening to others, to research, to the Holy Spirit. She provides examples of discernment from her life, methods she finds useful and even a nugget of wisdom her daily devotional brought forward on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph.

In this episode, part of our ongoing series focusing on the pastoral planning initiative ‘All Things New,' we hear a conversation between Amy Hoeschen, administrator for the One in Faith ACC and Jessica Goebel, human resources coordinator for the diocese of Saint Cloud. They share about their experience as lay faithful in the Church and how their choice to enroll in the Emmaus Institute program not only helped them grow in knowledge of Church history and teaching, but provided the foundation for their lives as lay leaders.

El diácono Mario Mancilla, gerente de ministerios latinos de la Diócesis de Saint Cloud, conversa con Sandy Cruz García, coordinadora general de ministerios latinos de Casa San Benito de la Abadía de San Juan, para hablar sobre la participación de los laicos en la iglesia, incluyendo la de Sandy. También comparten su experiencia compa al participar en el Instituto Emaús y cómo esta experiencia profundizó su fe y les sentó las bases para servir a la Iglesia.

Msgr. Michael Heintz, pastor at Saint Pius X in Granger, Indiana and visiting director of the John S. and Virginia A. Marten program in homiletics and liturgics and Dr. Katharine Harmon, director of the Obsculta Preaching Initiative at Saint John's School of Theology who teaches in the areas of liturgical studies and the history of Christianity. They share their thoughts on the state of preaching in today's Church and provide practical ways the lay faithful can assist and support their parish priests.

Digital Media Manager Dianne Towalski talks with 90 year-old Father Tony Kroll, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud. The conversation centers on listening and how being a good listener has helped him in his priesthood and his ministry.

Benedictine monk, David Paul Lange and Benedictine sister, Nina Lasceski provide insight on listening through a Benedictine lens. They explore listening as a a whole-body experience and share ideas on how we better listen to God, to oneself and to others. The practice of Lectio Divina is also discussed.

Gerard Thomas Straub will present the 17th Annual Fr. Wil Illies Heart Speaks to Heart Memorial Lecture on April 5 at Christ Church Newman Center in Saint Cloud at 6:30 PM. Gerry is a documentary filmmaker and the founder and president of Pax et Bonum Communications, which produces films focused on the plight of the poor. The goal of his ministry is to put the power of film at the service of the poor. Gerry talks with Tim Welch and Dianne Towalski about his work, his mission and his current projects. 

The Diocese of Saint Cloud welcomes Amanda Achtman. Achtman shares why she fierce advocate against euthanasia in her home country of Canada and around the world. The conversation includes insights from her studies and from saints and Catholic leaders. Her work at dyingtomeetyou.com focuses on humanizing the ‘conversation on suffering, death, meaning and hope.'

Philip and Hannah Shefveland speak about their experience supporting individuals through sacrament preparation and how their involvement in young adult groups helps nourish their sacramental life. Hannah teaches second grade at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in St. Cloud and Philip is the director of discipleship and evangelization for the All Called to Christ Area Catholic Community and campus minister at Christ Church Newman Center. Hannah also serves as first sacraments coordinator for their ACC.

Father Matthew Crane, the vicar of canonical affairs for the Diocese of St. Cloud and Father Erik Lundgren, parochial administrator of the Church of Saint Wendelin, Luxemburg, the Church of the Holy Cross, Pearl Lake, and the Church of Saint Mary Help of Christians in St. Augusta, join us for a lively dicussion about sacramental life focusing on the question, what is the purpose of liturgy?

Dianne Towalski, digital media manager for the Diocese of St. Cloud talks with Deacon Joe Kresky and Karen Handeland from Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids about their passion for mission and trips they have been on, including their most recent trip to remote villages in Alaska.

John Ruis, owner and principal of Ruis Consulting Group, talks with Joe Towalski, chancellor of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Emily Ripplinger, Branch Manager and David Stang, Member Advisor from Catholic United Financial and Christine Pinto, Director for Faith Formation for the Diocese of Saint Cloud speak with host, AmberWalling, about sponsoring and presenting at the upcoming Festival of Families on February 2, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier in Sartell, MN. Both Ripplinger and Stang participated in the event in 2024 and share their perspective on why the Festival of Families is not only important for participants of the event but sponsors, as well.

Daniella Zsupan-Jerome, assistant professor of pastoral theology at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary and director of the Sustained Encuentro grant, discusses her new book, Speak Lord Your Servant is Listening: Reflections on Faithful Communication in the Digital Age, with host Amber Walling. Zsupan-Jerome provides insight on the format of her book and how its devotional format is accessible for all adult readers. The themes of scripture, prayer, communication and digital media are discussed as well as ways being a faithful communicator can assist in missionary discipleship. Speak Lord Your Servant is Listening: Reflections on Faithful Communication in the Digital Age, contains 20 reflections in its120 pages and is available for $19.95 at litpress.org and major online booksellers.

Barb Simon-Johnson talks with Brenda Kresky, director of planning for the Diocese of St. Cloud and members of the Diocesan Planning Council, Karen Pundsack and Andy Klinnert.

As World Day of the Poor is celebrated around the country, two members of the Service in Christ committee from the Mary Mother of the Church ACC, Marilou Heltemes, interim chairperson, and Bruce Uselman, Good Samaritan Fund liason,  join Luke Preussler, rural life coordinator for the office of social concerns at the Diocese of St. Cloud, to discuss how they work locally to encounter and serve those in their communities who are in need and encourage others to do the same. Their conversation is moderated by Amber Walling.

Barb Simon-Johnson talks with Brenda Kresky, director of planning for the Diocese of St. Cloud and Mike Laughery from Emmaus Partners about some of the current realities the diocese is dealing with.

Barb Simon-Johnson talks with Brenda Kresky, director of planning for the Diocese of St. Cloud and Mike Laughery from Emmaus Partners about the history behind the planning process and some of the challenges facing the diocese now and in the future. 

Amber Walling of the diocesan communications office talks with Dr. Antonio Ramirez, associate professor of Theology and Pastoral Ministry at the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas and Donelle Poling, Director of Conversatio: Creating a Culture of Encounter at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary about the upcoming program, "Attune Your Soul: The Sacred Art of Listening for Ministry," being presented Sept. 26 at SJU.

“Together in Solidarity: How CCHD helps fund the work of Fei y Justicia and the Greater Minnesota Worker Center.”

Program participants Camille Piper from San Antonio, Texas, and Luke Waltman from Little Falls, share what they learned from the Rural Immersion Program and how this will impact their ministry going forward. 

Christine Luna-Munger, director of the Episcopal House of Prayer and new farmer, and Deacon Leo Wehseler, who both presented to the students, discuss life in small towns and on the farm, what it means to know your neighbor and how life in rural community yields more than sellable goods.

Ben Durheim, assistant professor of theology, and Daniella Zupan-Jerome, assistant professor of pastoral theology and director of the Sustained Encuentro program, both from Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, discuss the origins of the Rural Immersion Program, the school's partnership with the Mexican American Catholic College, the process of inviting speakers to the program and why curriculum of this type is vital for ministry today.

Bill Vos, a priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud, moderates a discussion about how mission work is changing and how we can encourage young people to choose to go into mission. Guests are Father Rodrigo Ulloa-Chavarry and Greg Darr, both from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, a Catholic foreign mission society based in New York.

Amber Walling from the Central Minnesota Catholic staff and Kevin LaNave, peace and justice coordinator at Christ church Newman Center in St. Cloud talk with Father Ed Foley. Father Foley is the Duns Scotus Professor Emeritus of Spirituality and Retired Professor of Liturgy and Music at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Father Foley is currently directing a $1.25 million dollar grant from the Lilly Endowment on preaching and neuroscience. He also serves his Capushin community as the Vice-Postulator for the Canonization cause for Blessed Solanus Casey.

Dianne Towalski, digital media manager for the Diocese of St. Cloud talks with Molly Weyrens. Molly is a pastoral associate at Christ Our Light Parish in Princeton/Zimmerman and is passionate about working with people on the margins, especially those experiencing poverty. She also works with Central Minnesota Catholic Worker.

Fathers Casey Cole and Roberto “Tito” Serrano, both Franciscan friars, have set out on an 11-week pilgrimage. Between May 19 and Aug. 3, they plan to visit all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks, traveling more than 17,000 miles to meet people where they are and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Our Impact on the Synod: Why does it matter locally? After hearing about the heart of the synod in the first session, Philip Shefveland and Barbara Sutton, both members of the diocesan synod team, talk with Joe Towalski about how the information we share through the synod process will have a lasting effect right here in our diocese.

The Heart of the Synod: What is a synod and why are we having one now? Local professor and theologian Kristin Colberg, the sole U.S. member of the synod's international theological commission, talks with Joe Towalski about her experience in working with the global synod team and helps us understand the long-term value of the synodal process.

Joe Towalski, director of communications and development for the Diocese of St. Cloud talks with Kristin Colberg, associate professor of theology at St. John's School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville and David Fremo, director of Catholic Education Ministries and coordinator of the local synod consultation process here in the Diocese of St. Cloud.

As part of Respect Life Month, we feature a conversation with Dr. Merryn Jolkovsky, palliative care specialist at CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital. Jolkovsky explains how palliative care provides patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of serious illness and improves their quality of life.

  Father Bill Vos visits with Father Fred Timp SVD, who is currently serving in Ghana. They talk about his work and reflect on this year's World Mission Sunday Theme: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) 

Kristi Bivens, associate director of lay leadership formation for the Diocese of St. Cloud and one of two co-chairs for Diocesan Ministry Day visits with the day's keynote speaker, Cindy Liliana Gonzalez.

In this episode, Dianne Towalski, multimedia journalist for The Central Minnesota Catholic magazine, talks with Father Jeff Ethen and Father Peter Kirchner as they reflect on their experience being in New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

A conversation with local farmers and the head of Catholic Rural Life.

Barb Simon-Johnson talks with Father Doug Liebsch, diocesan director of vocations, and seminarian Kevin Soenneker.

Dianne Towalski visited with Grace McCallum at her gym shortly before she left for Tokyo to compete in the Olympics.

Deacon Terry Jancik, Deacon Phil Henneman and Bob Walquist host a weekly show, which began last May.

Guest: Deb Dingmann, funeral director, mortician and owner of Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes Dingmann talks with Joe Towalski about her work with grieving families in need of healing and how serving as a funeral director has influenced her own perspective on life and death.

Last in a five-part series on how the religious communities in the Diocese of St. Cloud pray, why prayer is important and how their prayers have changed during Advent and now Christmas season. This episode features Poor Clare Sister Mary Matthew Tomsyck.

Fourth in a five-part series on how the religious communities in the Diocese of St. Cloud pray, why prayer is important and how their prayers change during Advent/Christmas. This episode features Sister Rose Mae Rausch from the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls.

Third in a five-part series on how the religious communities in the Diocese of St. Cloud pray, why prayer is important and how their prayers change during Advent/Christmas. This episode features Father Kermit Holl from the Crosier Fathers and Brothers in Onamia.

Second in a five-part series on how the religious communities in the Diocese of St. Cloud pray, why prayer is important and how their prayers change during Advent/Christmas. This episode features Sister Katerine Howard of the Sisters of St. Benedict in St. Joseph.

First in a five-part series on how the religious communities in the Diocese of St. Cloud pray, why prayer is important and how their prayers change during Advent/Christmas. This episode features Father John Meoska from St. John's Abbey.

Guest: Mark Hart, executive vice president for Life Teen International and co-host of “The Catholic Guy Show” on SiriusXM radio   Mark addresses everything a novice Bible reader needs to know, including tips for purchasing one, reading it properly and making the Bible an integral part of your daily prayer life.

Take a walk with Fr. Greg. He will be leading us, not on the road to Emmaus, but through a Stewardship Way of Life. Is hospitality more than having greeters? How can we measure prayer? Who should be the focus of our stewardship formation? Is service really that important? Listen to learn some ways to incorporate the four pillars of stewardship in parish life. Fr. Greg Paffel is the pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish in Sauk Centre, St. Paul Parish in Sauk Centre, St. Alexius Parish in West Union, St. Francis de Sales Parish in Belgrade, St. Donatus Parish in Brooten and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Elrosa.