The Joyful Catholic Leaders Show

Dr. Mary Healy is a professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and a bestselling author and international speaker. She is a general editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of two of its volumes, The Gospel of Mark and Hebrews. Her other books include The Spiritual Gifts Handbook and Healing. Dr. Healy serves the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian unity as a member of the Pentecostal-Catholic International Dialogue. She is one of the first three women ever to serve on the Pontifical Biblical Commission and is a member of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The Saint Paul Seminary is reliant on faithful Catholics and Christians like you. If you are able to make a small gift to support of work of priestly formation, you will be remembered in our prayers of gratitude: https://give.saintpaulseminary.org/give/142531/#!/donation/checkouthttps://www.facebook.com/saintpaulseminaryhttps://www.instagram.com/saint_paul_seminary_mn/https://saintpaulseminary.org/

Dr. Brandon Wanless serves as an assistant professor of dogmatic theology at The Saint Paul Seminary after earning his Master of Arts in Theology there in 2015. He spent three years as an adjunct professor at Ave Maria University, Florida (2016-2018), and five years as an upper school theology teacher at St. Agnes School in St. Paul.Wanless has organized and delivered numerous lectures and presentations. He has written also on everything from St. Thomas Aquinas' reflections on the virtue of justice to the Blessed Mother's place throughout salvation history. Much of his work features Aquinas, one of the patrons on the seminary and university campus.He is a founding member of the Sacra Doctrina Project and received a Young Scholar's Award from the American Catholic Philosophical Association in 2016. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars and the American Academy of Religion.The St. Paul resident and married father of six received his B.A. in philosophy from St. Mary's University in Winona and his Ph.D. in theology from Ave Maria University.

Meet Christian Wolfe, a professional counselor who not only runs his own practice, but also serves seminarians and priests through both individual and group counseling. With a Master of Science in Counseling from Divine Mercy University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, Wolfe brings a rare integration of clinical expertise and a Catholic understanding of the human person.In this episode, Wolfe shares how his work — rooted in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing — supports individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, unwanted sexual behavior, and addiction, including digital dependencies. He also talks about guiding those discerning their vocation, whether to the priesthood, religious life, marriage, or career.Before becoming a counselor, Christian led a high-powered career in international advertising, living and working across five continents. He opens up about that chapter of his life, his encounters with suffering and grace, and how God's merciful love radically transformed his path.Tune in to hear Christian reflect on human formation, the importance of integrating faith with psychology, and why he believes healing is always possible — no matter where you've been.

Fr. Brian Gross was ordained in 2010 for the Diocese of Bismarck, where he served faithfully in parish ministry. Today, he brings that same pastoral heart to The Saint Paul Seminary as its director of pastoral formation, helping future priests prepare for the real-life challenges and joys of parish life.In this episode, Fr. Gross shares how his experiences as a parish priest inform his approach to formation, what he hopes to instill in seminarians, and why he believes pastoral formation is at the heart of priestly ministry.

Saint Paul Seminary spiritual director Fr. Kevin Manthey shares his experiences with both the Emmanuel Community and parishes around the world.

Rector Father Joseph Taphorn gives an update on the life at The Saint Paul Seminary at the 18th Annual Rector's Dinner.

We recently sat down with members of Catholic Relief Services to learn about their work around the globe and partnerships with institutions like The Saint Paul Seminary in promoting the Catholic values of solidarity and subsidiarity throughout the world.

Catholic seminarians Neal Anderson, Mitch Kendrioski and Dominic Miller sit down for a conversation about how basketball and athletics are integrated with preparing for the priesthood.

Anthony Olmes used to find his identity in worldly ventures such as sports. So far, seminary has taught him a man's identity is rooted in something deeper -- regardless of temporal achievement.

Leading Catholic intellectual George Weigel sits down to discuss the impact St. John Paul II continues to have on seminary formation -- and what this means for the future of the Church.

Bishop Robert Barron recently visited The Saint Paul Seminary to share biblical perspectives on the Catholic priesthood. "The central theme of Scripture is right praise," he told the seminary community, and priests "knit together the universe" by leading this right praise.

St. Paul the Apostle is known as possibly the most prolific author in the Bible. At Mass inside St. Mary's Chapel at The Saint Paul Seminary, Bishop Robert Barron explains how Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus set in motion the evangelical task of every Christian today.

The Sustacek family isn't perfect. But a commitment to Christ, prayer and worship provided the seedbed for Deacon Ryan Sustacek to become a Catholic priest, which he'll do in late May. Meanwhile, his father Steve is a candidate for the permanent diaconate.

Fr. Michael Skluzáček, director of pastoral formation at The Saint Paul Seminary, will retire this summer after 44 years as a Catholic priest. Here's what he had to say during the homily at his retirement Mass.

Then seminarian Frankie Floeder, his brother Fr. Louie Floeder, and their uncle Fr. John Floeder, sit down to talk family, vocation and food.

We hear from Deacon Vance and ... Deacon Vance -- A father and son who share their stories about prayer, life growing up and their unique relationship as ordained ministers and family members.

Deacon Josh Miller comes from a military family. He'd always wanted to serve in the Army like his father. But when he did, he realized God was calling him to something more.

Fr. John Utecht was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis two years ago. Shortly before that, his father, Joseph Utecht, became a permanent deacon. The two sit down to share what they've learned so far in ministry, and how their home became the seedbed for multiple vocations to Holy Orders.

In 1 Peter 2:9, we're told we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. What is this "royal priesthood" Peter refers to? How is it different from the ordained priesthood? And what does it mean for us as Catholics?Dr. Matthew Levering, theology chair at Mundelein Seminary, explains.

Fr. Scott Padrnos, a recently ordained priest and alumnus of The Saint Paul Seminary, balances his ministry in Minnesota with missionary work in Cambodia, sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard the name of Jesus.

Dr. Elena Bird Zolnick, director of sacred music at The Saint Paul Seminary, discusses how to discern what music to use in Church and how seminarians are being taught to lead these discussions.

Dr. John Froula, associate professor of dogmatic theology at The Saint Paul Seminary, discusses what "right worship" looks like in the context of the Mass and other forms of prayer.

What does it mean to be called to serve as a deacon? Deacon Cooley explores the role, formation, and daily life of a deacon, guiding those discerning this sacred vocation.

What does it mean to live with faith, courage, and magnanimity? Saint Paul Seminary alumnus Jake Anderson shares the power of prayer, taking risks and embracing a life of greatness in service to God.A member of the Companions of Christ, Anderson was ordained in 2015 and serves as pastor and director of Gopher Catholic and the St. Lawrence Newman Center at the University of Minnesota.

Deacon Kendrioski from the Archdiocese of Hartford, CT, shares his powerful vocation story: how he wrestled with God's call, the emotions he felt, and the moment he truly surrendered to God's will.

Fr. Jake Anderson is the Pastor of St. Lawrence and the Director of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota. He is an alumnus and dear friend of The Saint Paul Seminary. This talk comes from a day-long retreat he led for the seminarians.

J.P., a seminarian from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD, explains how God eventually called him to the priesthood at the 18th Annual Rector's Dinner.

Dominic Miller is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. His vocation story was given at the 18th Annual Rector's Dinner where more than 440 people showed up in support of future priests, deacons and lay leaders for the Church.

Bob Burns' story is one of saying "yes" to God throughout whatever has happened in his life.

Hear from Fr. Nels Gjengdahl, dean of men at The Saint Paul Seminary, about sharing the faith with young people.

Saint Paul Seminary Rector Fr. Joseph Taphorn sits down to discuss the seminary's highest seminarian enrollment in a decade, a record diaconate ordination class and the different -- and in many cases not as well known -- ways a lay person can be formed at a Catholic seminary.

Fr. Joseph Taphorn, rector of The Saint Paul Seminary, explains how the Holy Spirit, present from the beginning, is working in the life of the seminary. Taphorn gave this homily at the seminary's 2023 "Gaudeamus" (Latin for "Let Us Rejoice") Mass, which officially kicked off the 2023-24 academic year.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston -- and leader of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' National Eucharistic Revival -- met with the seminarians at The Saint Paul Seminary to start the 2023-24 academic year. He shared with them the importance of priestly fraternity. Every Catholic needs community, and it's especially important for priests; in fact, Cozzens points out, it's an essential part of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens sits down to discuss the National Eucharistic Revival he's been tasked to lead, as well as the role of Jesus' true presence in the course of human existence. Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston, Minnesota, is the former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, a former priest formator at The Saint Paul Seminary and a member of The Saint Paul Seminary Board of Trustees.Learn more about the revival: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/

Fr. Tim Tran of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis explains why the Eucharist is truly Jesus Christ's body and blood, and how Catholics can go about sharing this truth with those in their communities.Tran, an alumnus of The Saint Paul Seminary, is the Twin Cities' point person for all things National Eucharistic Revival.Learn more about the revival: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/

A look back at some of the top conversations and moments on the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show during 2022. Produced by The Saint Paul Seminary, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show features monthly conversations with leaders from around the Catholic Church. Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/3oS4QRM

Deacon Kyle Etzel, set for ordination to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in spring 2023, joins the show to talk about becoming a priest in an era when much of the world is turned off toward Christianity. Etzel also shares his vocation story — he was once blindsided by a priest asking if he'd even considered the presbyterate — and how working in young adult ministry while in seminary has prepared him for the next step on his journey. Produced by The Saint Paul Seminary, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show features monthly conversations with leaders from around the Catholic Church. Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/3oS4QRM

Us vs. them. Left vs. right. Liberal vs. conservative. Republic vs. Democrat. In an increasingly polarized society, Catholics are called to rise above. But how? Jason Adkins, director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, joins the show to discuss. Minnesota Catholic Conference: https://www.mncatholic.org/ Catholic Advocacy Network: https://www.mncatholic.org/join Produced by The Saint Paul Seminary, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show features monthly conversations with leaders from around the Catholic Church. Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/3oS4QRM

Time poor. Time starved. Short on time. Out of time. Phrases like this are now part of our common lexicon. Life is busy. Thanks to our expanding economy and a digital landscape where it seems like our to-do lists and plans are infinite, our finitude as human beings can be overwhelming and exhausting. Saint Paul Seminary alum Bishop Joseph Williams proposes a solution – one first written over 1,500 years ago by a guy named St. Benedict of Nursia. Produced by The Saint Paul Seminary, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show features monthly conversations with leaders from around the Catholic Church. Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/3oS4QRM

Priests must be Christ to others, inside and outside the Church. Every summer, seminarians at The Saint Paul Seminary receive hands-on experience in living out this call. They spread out all over the Twin Cities and beyond, ministering to those who are sick and suffering. Some are engaged in hospital visits. Others work with the poor. And others spend time at elder care facilities. We caught up with four of them to learn about this year's experience on the latest episode of the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show. Produced by The Saint Paul Seminary, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show features monthly conversations with leaders from around the Catholic Church -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between. Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/3oS4QRM

Every priest has a vocation story. Then there's that of Fr. Donald Calloway. The former Japanese mafia drug mule turned Catholic priest of 20 years is the author of “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.” He's also a member of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. He leads tours to Marian shrines around the world, including with actor Jim Caviezel. He's known in many circles as the “surfing priest.” And yet those are hardly the most interesting things about him. We dive into Fr. Calloway's story and how Catholics can maintain a transformational devotion to St. Joseph in this edition of the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show. Produced by The Saint Paul Seminary, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show features monthly conversations with leaders from around the Catholic Church -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between. Learn more and subscribe: https://bit.ly/3oS4QRM Check out Fr. Calloway's book, Consecration to St. Joseph: https://bit.ly/3BDfGCH

Pope Francis often says “we are not living in an age of change, but a change of the ages.” By and large, contemporary society is no longer friendly to Judeo-Christian values; increasingly, it is hostile toward them. So what's a practicing Catholic to-do in a world that seems increasingly anti-Catholic? Certainly, the answer isn't despair. Msgr. James Shea, president of the University of Mary, stops by the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show to discuss how the Church can best operate given the cultural narratives of our day. The conversation takes place through the lens of a book called From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age which was published by the University of Mary. An excerpt from the book: “What we face is not a culture so corrupt that it is immune to the Gospel nor a populace for whom Catholicism has altogether lost its bite or its or its attractiveness. Our problem is rather that much of the Church is still in a Christendom mode, either seriously compromised by the ruling vision of the wider culture or using outmoded strategies that were devised for a different context, and so it is unable to cope with the current culture. The task at hand is to find ways to successfully engage members in the Church – and those outside of it – with the truths of the Faith.” Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between. Check out From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age: https://bit.ly/3HYMLKu

Becoming a priest is a countercultural choice. Priests dress differently. They're celibate. And they give their life over completely to a Church in the name of a God they can't "see" (in the traditional sense). Why? In their final days before being ordained, we posed this question and others to Deacons John Utecht (Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis), Nathan Pacer (Rockford, Illinois) and Scott Padrnos (Duluth, Minnesota). We also discussed their time in seminary and their journeys as priests that have really only just begun. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between.

Can you "pray the gay away"? Are members of the LGBTQ community welcome in the Catholic Church? What does God want for someone who identifies as transgender? What should I do if my child or friend comes out? We explore these important questions and more in the latest episode of the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show. Fr. Philip Bochanski lays out the Church's official teaching on homosexuality and transgenderism -- in terms the average Catholic can understand and articulate. Bochanski has served as Executive Director of Courage International since 2017. Before that, he was chaplain for the Courage apostolate in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for five years, then was appointed to the position of associate director in January 2015. An award-winning author, he has written and edited several books, audio series, and articles on various aspects of Church history, catechesis and spirituality. In 2019, Pope Francis awarded Father Bochanski the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, given in recognition of “sustained and exceptional service” to the Church. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between. Learn more about Courage and Encourage: https://couragerc.org/ Learn more about The Seminaries of Saint Paul: https://semssp.org/

Why are we here? Where are we going? How do we get there? The answers, according to Saint Paul Seminary Spiritual Director Monsignor Steven Rohlfs, actually lie in another question. God asks, “Do you love me more than anyone or anything else?” “The notion of purgatory has always given me hope, because it means God never gives up on me as long as I don't give up on God,” Rohlfs says. Enjoy this lenten reflection from one of the seminary's wisest priests. Rohlfs serves as a spiritual director and teacher for seminarians and is the former rector at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Maryland. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between.

The road to the priesthood is known in some circles as a long, arduous academic haul. While this isn't entirely inaccurate -- just ask one of the men taking 128 credits in 4-6 years -- there's a lot more to it than that. Dr. Christopher Thompson, academic dean at The Saint Paul Seminary, joins the show to talk through what a man learns on his journey from disciple to seminarian to priest. Thompson also shares some of his own story of faith, including oversight of the lay graduate theological programs that are available at the seminary. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between.

Renowned catechist Jeff Cavins, an instructor at The Saint Paul Seminary, shares his insights on what makes an effective Catholic leader, what makes a true disciple, and how the two are related. The co-creator of the Bible in a Year podcast also shares his story of falling away from the Catholic faith, only to return and become one of the Church's most popular lay evangelists. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between. Check out Jeff and The Saint Paul Seminary alum Fr. Mike Schmitz's Bible in a Year podcast: https://bit.ly/32PjqSO Check out the Jeff Cavins Show: https://bit.ly/3IPPi99

Paul Ruff, director of counseling services at The Saint Paul Seminary, joins the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show to discuss the importance of mental health as a man goes through seminary — and its implications after ordination. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between.

Why would a young, outgoing guy ever willingly choose to pursue a life of celibacy and simplicity? For Deacon Mike Selenski, a seminarian set for ordination in the spring of 2022, the better question is "who." Our conversation with Selenski dives into why he chose to enter major seminary, what life has been like at The Saint Paul Seminary during the pandemic, and how Catholics can be joyful during a time that's fraught with challenges. Deacon Mike also delves into his interests outside of priestly formation, including cooking, sports and spending quality time with fellow future priests. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between.

On the inaugural episode of the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show, Saint Paul Seminary Rector Fr. Joseph Taphorn explains what goes on behind the scenes at the seminary. How are young men discerning the priesthood being prepared for the world they'll enter upon ordination? Fr. Taphorn also shares stories from his "jail days" -- he was once arrested multiple times while protesting at abortion clinics -- and how spending his spare time training for marathons or sailing at one of Minnesota's 10,000 Lakes helps him maintain balance as a joyful, Catholic leader. Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between.

Produced by The Seminaries of Saint Paul, the Joyful Catholic Leaders Show shares stories and insights from those who lead with faith -- from the seminary, to the parish, to the classroom, to the office, to the sports field and everywhere in between.