The Shepherd's Voice

After 21 years of service to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Archbishop Naumann says farewell to all our listeners.  This conversation with Deacon Bill Scholl was recorded 2 weeks before the Archdiocese welcomed its 5th Archbishop, Shawn McKnight.   Naumann reflects upon our new pope, how he became a bishop, and some of the highlight ministries that came about during his service.  He also encourages the faithful on how to best welcome our new shepherd, Archbishop Shawn McKnight who was installed on May 27, 2025. 

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Andy Tylicki, president of St. James Academy. They discuss the benefits of a Catholic School formation when done in the context of growing as a disciple and a friend of Jesus Christ.  

Archbishop Naumann interviews Fr. Dan Morris, Director of Vocations about how men discern God's calling in their lives and how we all can contribute to a culture of vocations.

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Deacon Dana Nearmyer, Director of Evangelization about all the local opportunities to participate in the Jubilee Year. The Archdiocese along with the whole Church is celebrating 2025 as a Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope! This Year of Jubilee offers many opportunities for spiritual growth and sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Brian Schenk, president of Thomas Aquinas High School about how this community forms teens to grow in their friendship with Jesus, all while striving for excellence in the arts, sports, and academics.    

Archbishop Naumann continues his series of conversations with our Catholic high schools by dialoguing with Phil Baniwicz, president of Bishop Miege High School. They discuss how this Catholic community of faith develops the potential of their students through spiritual growth, academic excellence and stewardship.

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Fr. Charles  Sikorsky, L.C.  President of Divine Mercy University.  They examine the importance for Christians to have therapists who understand and support the Church's understanding of the human person. Divine Mercy University is a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling.  They are dedicated to the scientific study of psychology and counseling with a Catholic understanding of the person, marriage and the family. They offer doctoral degrees in psychology and counseling with online coursework options. They also offer a certificate in Spiritual Direction. Fr. Charles mentions their cornerstone textbook:  A Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person .  

Archbishop Naumann interviews  Monique and Joseph Gonzalez, authors of Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy, How God Prepared the Americas for Conversion Before the Lady Appeared. They dialogue about Our Lady's relevance today and how the ancient Aztec Flower Song poems are a remarkable sign of God's providence in the Americas in pre-evangelizing the indigenous peoples of what was to become Mexico.

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Dr. Tory Baucuum, the director of the Center for Family Life at Benedictine College.  Baucuum shares about how his faith journey led him from being a prominent Anglican pastor and professor, to international peace efforts in Poland, to his coming into full communion with the Catholic Church.  All of this ministry culminating in the realization of the prominence God's plan for marriage and family as the solution to the most pressing problems facing our culture. Baucuum is organizing a special FAMILY WEEK retreat for families coming this May 25-30, 2025 at Benedictine college. 

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Kyle Kuckelman, consultant for youth ministry.

Archbishop Naumann interviews Tenesha Williams the program director of Catholic Charities's SHALOM HOUSE. Shalom House is a Men's Transitional Living program that fight homelessness by providing a place for long term change.

Archbishop Naumann interviews some of the local Culture Project Missionaries: Alexa Schulte, Melina Shultz, Aaron Vrbka, and Patrick Kilgannon. The Culture Project is an initiative of young people set out to restore culture through the experience of virtue. Five Culture Project Missionaries are living in the Archdiocese as a free resource for our schools (grades 6-12), parish religious education and youth groups, college campus centers, and young adult groups.

Archbishop Naumann interviews  Professor Robert P. George before he gives the  Defense of the Faith lecture at Donnelly College on the topic of– “Christianity and the Challenge of Paganism: Then and Now.  

Archbishop Naumann sits down with Bishop Ward president, Jay Dunlap to discuss the many benefits of Catholic high schools for the students, their families, and the community.  They talk about Bishop Ward's storied history, current successes, and promising future.

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with nurse Molly Price about natural, affordable ways for married couples to achieve fertility.   As well, Archbishop shares some of the many moral and practical problems with IVF, which is too often presented as the first solution when there are better, affordable, scientifically certified alternatives such as the Marquette method. Molly Price, APRN, is the only certified teacher of the Marquette Method of natural family planning in the KC Area. She is currently taking patients for Marquette Method Instruction through www.fertilityandchriststruth.com, and can be contacted through Mollypricefertility@gmail.com for natural family planning instruction. 

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, about some of the tragic consequences of not passing the Value Them Both amendment and what we can do now.  

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Fr. Luke Doyle about how our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist calls us on mission.  They discuss how the upcoming Mercy & Justice Summit will equip the people of the Archdiocese to live out that Eucharistic Mission.   Fr. Luke will be one of the keynote  speakers that the upcoming Mercy & Justice Summit which will be a fun, inspiring day of discovery for how we as an Archdiocese can live out the Year of Mission for the National Eucharistic Revival. 

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Dr. Lucas Tappan, founder and president of the Catholic Academy of Sacred Music.  They talk about the impact and importance of raising up a new generation of sacred musicians, and how the Academy offers classes for youth and adolescents. Classes start in September '24 and parents can find out more by emailing Lucas Tappan:  LTappan@mphm.com  

Archbishop Naumann visits with Brigitte Pinsonneault, Regional Director of St. Paul's Outreach.  St. Paul's Outreach trains full-time missionaries and student leaders to build missional communities on campuses that reach out and invite college students and young adults into a transformative encounter with Christ, into deep relationship with him and with his people . . . into a lifelong adventure of mission.      

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Sacred Artist, Mattie Karr in which they discuss the vocation of the artist, sacred art and the importance of beauty.

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Kathy White, the new Coordinator of Foster and Pro-Life Ministry Every child is a precious, unique gift from God who deserves a loving family and a stable home life.  Sadly, each day in Kansas, children are removed from their homes by no fault of their own for a variety of reasons. Because care of the orphan and the works of mercy are part of the mission for all baptized Catholics, we have the grace needed to meet this challenge.  If only 2% of Catholics opened their homes to foster for even a short period of time and 5% volunteered in some way to help these kids and their families, we can help these children and the families who care for them THRIVE!   People can find out how they can get involved by going to ARCHKCK.ORG/FOSTER

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Emily Lopez, Director of Evangelization about the amazing opportunity we all have to Walk with Jesus as a part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. This coming June 25-29, 2024 Our Eucharistic Lord will be passing through Kansas as part of a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage happening across the United States in preparation for a historic National Eucharistic Congress happening soon after in Indianapolis.

Archbishop Naumann interviews the staff of Catholic Community Health Services about this unique health ministry that serves any person in need of care in the KC area: Brad Heidrick (CEO), Tiffany Howell-Clair (Chief Marketing Officer), Matt Kemnitz (Chief Mission Officer), and  Tami Titus, (hospice nurse & Bereavement Coordinator) Catholic Community Health is a ministry of the Archdiocese that provides holistic care, comfort, and support to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families.    

    Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Deacon Steve Greco, executive producer of the film Jesus Thirsts, which has a limited national release in theaters, June 4, 5 and 6th.  Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist, embarks on a global journey to rediscover and revive the transformative power of the Eucharist. Engaging in dialogue with notable Catholic figures, the film explores the biblical origins of the Eucharist and shares personal stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by the Blessed Sacrament. This exploration makes it unmistakably clear that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol, but is indeed Jesus Christ Himself — fervently desiring to quench our spiritual thirst with His boundless love.

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Brian Westbrook, Executive Director of Coalition Life about the lies and misinformation surrounding a petition initiative to put a state constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot in Missouri. A coalition of Missouri abortion-rights organizations has launched an effort to put a constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability.   Soon you will likely encounter paid signature gatherers in public places in Missouri asking you to sign a pro-abortion initiative petition. The ballot summary is very deceptive claiming to protect women's health and “reproductive health care.”  However, this initiative petition will put in the Missouri constitution a “right” to dangerous late-term abortions with taxpayer money without parental consent for minors and without the oversight of health agencies to protect the health of Missouri women.  

Archbishop Naumann sits down with Matt Kemnitz (Chief Mission Officer) & Deacon Joe Allen (Hospice Chaplain) for Catholic Community Health to discuss the his recent decision to make ERD's particular law for Catholic institutions in Northeast Kansas and why it's important to share them with all healthcare givers. They also reflect upon Catholic Hospice and how blessed the KC metro community is to have a hospice provider that knows and follows the ERD's for the best care for patients and their loved ones.    

Archbishop Naumann interviews Deacon Dana Nearmyer, Lead Consultant for Evangelization and Ashlie Hand, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph about the upcoming, historic BeholdKC event. Come together for a historic Eucharistic celebration and BEHOLD the true presence of our Lord Jesus Christ! This free, public outdoor event is a gathering of the "one holy catholic and apostolic Church," from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and will be the largest Eucharistic adoration opportunity in our city in more than 80 years. The gathering happens the evening of Saturday, May 4 the on the north lawn at the National World War I Museum and Memorial across from Union Station in Kansas City.

Archbishop Naumann interviews Deacon Tim Donohue, CRS Diocesan Director for Archdiocese of Boston and a CRS Global Fellow. They dialogue about how  often when we listen to news of all the conflicts and disasters in the world, it can be overwhelming and we can feel quite powerless.  But as Catholics, we are not powerless to help, especially during Lent all our parishes have passed out these little cardboard Rice Bowls that have the power to save lives.  If there is a disaster or a war, you can be sure the CRS staff are nearby; already implementing a well thought out well networked plan to help.

Archbishop Naumann talks to Rachel Clark, Community Sponsorship Coordinator, for the Catholic Charities' Refugee Resettlement program. Since around 1975 when the Archdiocese started helping resettle refugees from the Vietnam conflict Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has developed into one of the largest resettlement sites in Kansas, with most refugees coming from Southeast Asia's Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Their Refugee Resettlement Services offer programs and services designed to provide social and emotional support to refugees including English language classes, citizenship preparation, case management, employment support and more.  They have many great ways for people to live out their discipleship of Jesus through the works of mercy by volunteering.  

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Curtis Keddy, Deacon Candidate and Associate Director of Formation with the Office of Permanent Diaconate about how the Lord called him and the mystery of this Holy Order of service.

Each Lent, the Archbishop runs commercials to encourage Catholics to experience the healing power of the sacrament of reconciliation.  So in addition to their normal schedules, our priests make confessions available Wednesday nights from 6-7 pm at the churches of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.   These are the 30 second spots  in English that will run this year on local radio stations and streaming services. We have also recorded one in Spanish that will air on Spanish speaking stations.

Archbishop dialogues with Toby Cook and Jason Davis about being a man in the Church and the upcoming Men Under Construction retreat. Saturday February 17th at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. Tickets are on sale at menunderconstruction.org. In Kansas City we are blessed to have a one-day men's conference that usually happens the first Saturday of Lent where hundreds of men from across the Kansas City metro for meet for a day of spiritual renewal and fellowship.  They always feature outstanding Catholic speakers, mass and a chance to go the confession (plus they feed you well). This will be the 27thconference and will happened Saturday February 17th at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. Tickets are on sale at menunderconstruction.org.  

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Jason Davis and Toby Cook about the upcoming 10th annual  FIRE men's retreat Feb 10-11, 2024   "FIRE: Be Strong. We aim to build Catholic men to help build the Domestic Church. Men walking, playing, praying and building together on the path to stronger families, stronger business leadership, stronger communities. Join us for the 10th FIRE Retreat under the stars at Prairie Star Ranch."

Archbishop Naumann talks with Abbey Foard, associate director of Desert Stream about how this ministry develops SAFE HEALING COMMUNITIES for the local church to help people who are sexually and relationally hurting.  They talk about the LGBTQ agenda, the damage it does and how the Church compassionately, yet, truthfully accompanies those who experience these issues. Desert Stream/Living Waters Ministries provides help for Christians struggling with sexual and relational problems.  Their help is based on the biblical foundation of compassion, integrity, and dependence on God.

Archbishop Naumann interviews Craig Soto and Kimberly Flores about the healing they received at the Life Giving Wounds and how they are now helping lead the upcoming January 2024 LGW Retreat here in Kansas City. The Life-Giving Wounds retreat is a unique opportunity for young adults (18+) and adults with divorced or separated parents to reflect intentionally on the wounds caused by their family's breakdown, together with others who know this pain and knowledgeable, compassionate retreat leaders. With the help of God, retreat attendees learn to see how their life-draining wounds can become a life-giving mission of love for themselves, their relationships, and others.   The Next local retreat will be here in Kansas City on weekend of January 12th to the 14th, Starting on a Friday evening and ending Sunday Afternoon.  

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Dan Spencer founder of Legacy of Faith, a ministry that equips Catholic Grandparents to be a positive spiritual influence in their grandchildren's lives and help future generations remain faithful to Christ and His Church. Archbishop shares some of his family history while reflecting upon the role his grandparents played in his faith journey, and the two share some real practical advice on how grandparents can be harmoniously engaged in the Faith lives of their grandchildren.

Archbishop Naumann interviews Fr. William Slattery, Ph.D about his book: Heroism and Genius: How Catholic Priests Helped Build-and Can Help Rebuild-Western Civilization.    

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Brian Westbrook founder and executive director of Coalition Life, a leader in sidewalk counseling whose mission is to end abortion peacefully and prayerfully. 

Archbishop Nauamann dialogues with Vince Eimer about how his monastic background informs the caretaking of the Christ's Peace House of Prayer.   Everyone should take time for God by making a retreat, and so the archdiocese helps to make it possible with this wonderful place.

Archbishop Naumann reflects upon the Black Catholic experience by dialoguing with Barbara Bailey, Jonathan Goering and Andre Randle who were members of the Archdiocesan delegation to the National Black Catholic Congress along with Deacon Bill Scholl. They are all members of Our Lady & St. Rose parish which has the distinction of being a national parish which features African American spirituality. They reflect upon the heroic witness of African American Catholics who have had to forgive much in order to persevere in the sacramental life and how being a Black Catholic Christian is way more common than many Americans might think.  The National Black Catholic Congress convenes a gathering every five years. Each one renews and develops their mission with a Pastoral Plan to equip the Church in American to evangelize and enhance the spiritual and physical well being of African Americans as full members the Church and society.  This year the Congress XIII happened in National Harbor Maryland in the DC area with the theme of “Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive”

Archbishop Naumann debriefs with fellow pilgrims, AJ Hastings and Yariet Reyes-Guizar about their recent experiences at World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal.  Rick Cheek, consultant for the Office of Evangelization and Catholic Formation for Youth, who lead the youth on the trip also joins the conversation.    

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Brad and Libby Dupont of the Marriage and Family Life  ministry  about the 3 Pillars of a Joyful Marriage and some of the tips and techniques for couples to live out happily God's calling for them in their marriage.  

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Phillip Cosby the State Director for the American Family Association of Kansas and Missouri about Phil's recent arrival into full communion with the Catholic Church, and how Jesus's words, "For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink" 6:55 in the Gospel of John compelled him. They also discuss Phil's longtime activism against the porn industry's  unfettered access to children and the challenges and joys of following Jesus when he calls you to engage in public policy struggles for justice.

Archbishop Naumann interviews Donnelly College President, Monsignor Stuart Swetland about what makes this junior college so special and why Catholics and non-Catholics alike find it to be an amazingly affordable and formative eduction.

Archbishop Naumann interviews author Dawn Eden Goldstein about her recent book: Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor, They explore the life of this extraordinary priest and what his life can teach us as followers of Christs and as human beings. Dawn Eden Goldstein is the author of several books, including The Thrill of the Chaste, My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints, Remembering God's Mercy, and Sunday Will Never Be the Same. At the age of thirty-one, Dawn underwent a dramatic conversion to Christianity that ultimately led her to enter the Catholic Church. She wrote a book about this and we had her on the show: Sunday Will Never Be the Same: A Rock & Roll Journalist Opens Her Ears to God. She received her doctorate in sacred theology summa cum laude from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in 2016, becoming the first woman in the university's history to earn a canonical doctorate. She has taught at universities and Catholic seminaries in the United States, England, and India. Father Ed is the first biography of Father Edward Dowling, SJ, whose guidance transformed Alcoholics Anonymous founder Bill Wilson's life and deepened the spirituality of the twelve-step movement.  

Pitching for Priests just had its 9th year and so we decided to play the original show from July 2014. Msgr. Mullen and Jim O'Laughlin  talk with Archbishop Naumann about the tradition that inspired the event.  

Archbishop Naumann talks with Paul & Tracy Satterfield, coordinators for Retrouvaille of Kansas City about how this marriage ministry for couples in crisis is for many a miraculous path to healing that saves marriages and families.  They also discuss the devastation of divorce and how it ultimately is not so often the easy path in the long run.  

Archbishop Naumann interviews Fr. Jaime Zarse, the former pastor of Sacred Heart in Sabetha, St. Augustine in Fidelity and St. James in Wetmor, and his team Annie Deters, Greta Heinman, and Gina Salman about their experience in cultivating an Amazing Parish. Amazing Parish is a movement in the Church that gives busy pastors coaching to form effecting leadership teams and improve the organization health of the parish, and then provides pastors and their teams the tools they need to transform their parishes—moving from maintenance mode to mission communities that are truly alive.    

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Emily Lopez, Director of Adult Evangelization, about the Revival of Eucharistic Amazement initiative, that will be kicked off at the parish level on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday June 11th. 

  Archbishop Naumann talks Social Justice with Tim Rives, the new Community Outreach Coordinator for the the Office for Social Justice.  They clear up what social justice is and isn't and how we as Catholics are called to engage the community out of our love for Christ in advocacy for the flourishing of all people. Tim Rives is the new member of our Justice, Life, and Advocacy team with the Office of Social Justice who will be focused on reaching out to our parishes in a process of discerning how we can apply the principles of Catholic Social Doctrine to organize grass-roots efforts to help the poor advocate for themselves and to make life better for everyone in our communities.   He has a background in history and is also the author of the book: The Ku Klux Klan in Kansas City, Kansas published by The History Press