Discover the powerful intersection of personal calling and divine purpose as Bishop Gerard Battersby shares his remarkable journey through priesthood. From his late vocation to his current role in ordaining new priests, Bishop Battersby offers intimate insights into the transformative power of religious service.

This episode weaves together profound reflections on Pentecost, the sacrament of Confirmation, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in Catholic life. Bishop Battersby adds depth to the conversation by drawing compelling parallels between priestly life and marriage, emphasizing the importance of self-donation and authentic love.

Key highlights include:

• The significance of May in Bishop Battersby’s religious journey
• The enduring sacramental bond formed during ordination
• Fresh perspectives on Confirmation as a beginning, not an end
• Practical guidance for deepening one’s relationship with the Holy Spirit
• The importance of authentic witness in evangelization

If you’re seeking wisdom on spiritual transformation, genuine discipleship, and the living presence of the Holy Spirit in today’s world, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration. Tune in to experience this enriching discussion about faith, service, and divine connection.

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Ever felt disconnected during Mass or struggled with understanding religious practices? The Renewal Project, an innovative initiative from the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, offers a fresh approach to deepening your faith. Director Chris Rogers shares how this project moves beyond traditional checklists to provide flexible, personalized paths for spiritual growth.

Drawing inspiration from Bishop Battersby’s vision of spiritual renewal, the project encourages Catholics to explore the meaningful “why” behind their faith practices. Whether you’re new to Catholicism or a lifelong practitioner, you’ll find resources ranging from basic prayers to advanced teachings, all designed to meet you where you are in your spiritual journey.

The initiative emphasizes that stumbling blocks like self-esteem issues or time management struggles are normal parts of faith development. It’s not about perfection, but about persistent growth and authentic engagement with Christ.

Ready to transform your spiritual journey from obligation to inspiration? Listen to this episode of Connecting the Diocese to learn how the Renewal Project can help you discover a deeper, more meaningful relationship with your faith.

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Discover the profound impact of recognizing Jesus in everyday encounters, as Fr. Sam Martin shares powerful insights about faith, vulnerability, and human connection. This episode takes an unexpected turn with a discussion about the election of the first American pope, but delves deeper into how personal encounters can transform our spiritual journey.

Through touching stories of a compassionate coach, a resilient boy who became a cardinal, and the inspiring example of Giuseppe Moscati who saw Christ in his patients, the conversation illuminates how love and authentic presence can bridge divides and heal wounds. Fr. Martin vulnerably shares his own struggles, demonstrating how embracing our imperfections leads to deeper faith and connection.

The episode explores how to remain present in an increasingly digital world, drawing wisdom from figures like Mother Teresa and St. Therese of Lisieux. Their examples teach us to find holiness in daily challenges and to love those who are difficult to love.

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In an extraordinary episode of Connecting the Diocese, Bishop Gerard Battersby joins Clint Berge to discuss the groundbreaking election of Pope Leo XIV – the first American pope in history. Cardinal Robert Prevost’s journey from humble Chicago roots to the papacy, including his transformative work in Peru, takes center stage in this compelling conversation.

Bishop Battersby shares personal insights into the significance of having an American pope and the unexpected enthusiasm from both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He draws fascinating parallels between Pope Leo XIV and St. Leo the Great, while exploring how the new pope’s background uniquely positions him to address modern challenges facing the Church.

The discussion weaves through themes of social teaching, spiritual warfare, and the Church’s mission to the marginalized, all while emphasizing the divine continuity in papal succession. Bishop Battersby’s personal reflections offer a unique perspective on this historic transition in Church leadership.

Join us for this powerful conversation about faith, leadership, and the exciting new chapter in Catholic history with the election of America’s first pope.

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Discover how growing up as one of ten children on a dairy farm shaped Chris Hollar’s journey to becoming a dedicated parish secretary at St. Wenceslaus and St. Michael’s. Through daily farm chores and family traditions, Chris learned invaluable lessons about service, hospitality, and unwavering faith that now define her role in the church community.

In this heartfelt conversation, Chris shares powerful stories about:

• The strong work ethic instilled by her father
• Finding Christ in everyday moments
• Navigating family challenges through faith
• The parallel between farming’s unpredictability and parish life
• Cherished traditions like Christmas Eve fudge-making
• Supporting parishioners beyond administrative duties

Her unique background on the farm equipped her with the flexibility and resilience needed to serve her parish community with genuine care and understanding. From managing unexpected tasks to prioritizing emotional connections with parishioners, Chris’s story demonstrates how faith and family values create a foundation for meaningful service.

🎧 Listen now to hear Chris’s inspiring journey from farm life to faith leader, and discover how childhood lessons can shape a life of purpose and community service.

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Discover the heartwarming story of Kevin Decker hosting 30 parishioners for Easter dinner, exemplifying the true spirit of Catholic community. This episode of Connecting the Diocese brings together Monsignor Richard Gillis and Kevin Decker for an intimate conversation about their experiences at the Cathedral and the profound impact of faith on their lives.

The discussion weaves through personal stories, including Kevin’s touching account of witnessing his father joining the church and sharing the Eucharist together. The conversation pays special tribute to St. Joseph the Workman, the Cathedral’s patron saint, exploring the dignity of labor and its sacred role in God’s creation.

Reflecting on Pope Francis’ message about community engagement and the importance of keeping the Cathedral open for prayer, Kevin and Monsignor share insights about building genuine connections within the church. Their discussion emphasizes how personal relationships foster spiritual growth and the significance of showing up in various roles of service.

Tune in to this moving episode to hear these inspiring stories of faith, family, and community, and discover how the Cathedral continues to be a beacon of hope and belonging.

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Discover how a humble Polish nun’s visions transformed the Catholic Church’s understanding of God’s mercy. This profound episode unpacks the powerful legacy of Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska and the establishment of Divine Mercy Sunday by Pope John Paul II.

Ann Lankford, Director of the Office for Catechesis and Evangelization, shares deep insights into Divine Mercy as God’s response to human suffering caused by sin. Learn why the simple phrase “Jesus, I trust in You” has become a beacon of hope for millions and how the iconic Divine Mercy image symbolizes Christ’s endless love for humanity.

The discussion explores:

• The significance of the 3 o’clock hour
• Personal testimonies of transformation through Divine Mercy
• Pope John Paul II’s connection to the Divine Mercy message
• Practical ways to incorporate Divine Mercy devotion into daily life

Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt or seeking deeper spiritual connection, this episode offers guidance on embracing God’s infinite mercy. Tune in to discover how this powerful message of love and healing can transform your relationship with God.

Listen now and learn why Divine Mercy isn’t just a devotion – it’s a lifeline to God’s boundless love.

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Step into the transformative world of the Easter Vigil Mass, where darkness gives way to radiant light, symbolizing Christ’s triumphant resurrection. In this enlightening episode, Monsignor Steve Kachel shares touching personal memories of Easter celebrations and unpacks the profound symbolism woven throughout the Easter liturgy.

Journey through the powerful imagery of the Easter candle procession, where a single flame ignites countless individual candles, representing Christ’s light spreading throughout the world. Discover how the same sacred symbols – water, candles, and white garments – connect our baptism, funeral rites, and the Eucharist to Christ’s victory over death.

Monsignor Kachel offers practical wisdom on carrying Lenten practices beyond the 40-day season, emphasizing the importance of building lasting habits that strengthen our relationship with God. He challenges listeners to embrace their Catholic identity with joy and enthusiasm, not just during Easter but throughout the year.

Join us for this inspiring conversation about faith, hope, and the transformative power of the resurrection. Listen now to discover how you can become a bearer of Christ’s light in today’s world.

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Discover how a timeless poem about God’s relentless pursuit of the human soul intersects with one seminarian’s remarkable path to priesthood. Kyle Lang, currently studying in Rome, shares his transformative journey from a Catholic family in West Salem to the heart of the universal Church.

Through the lens of Francis Thompson’s “The Hound of Heaven,” we explore humanity’s tendency to flee from divine love while seeking fulfillment in lesser pleasures. Kyle’s story illuminates how God’s patient guidance can lead us to our true calling, even when we feel unworthy or resistant.

The discussion weaves together themes of:

• Divine pursuit and human resistance
• The challenge of answering God’s call
• Finding joy in unexpected places
• The wisdom of childlike faith
• The transformative power of suffering

From the streets of Rome to the depths of the catacombs, this conversation challenges us to examine where we might be running from God’s presence in our own lives.

Join us for a profound exploration of vocation, faith, and the relentless love of the Divine Hound who never stops pursuing us.

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Discover the fascinating world of chrism oil, a sacred mixture of olive oil and fragrant essence that plays a pivotal role in Catholic liturgical traditions. From the dramatic moment when a bishop breathes into the oil during consecration to its use in transforming ordinary objects and people into sacred vessels of Christ’s presence, this episode unveils the deep symbolism behind this ancient practice.

Learn how the five spots of chrism oil poured onto an altar represent Christ’s wounds, and why the fragrant essence signifies the “pleasing aroma of Christ” that the faithful are called to embody. Director Chris Carstens explains the profound connection between these sacred oils and the Church’s most important sacraments – from baptism to ordination.

Whether you’re curious about Catholic traditions or seeking to deepen your understanding of liturgical practices, this episode offers fascinating insights into how simple elements become powerful channels of divine grace.

Ready to explore the rich symbolism and sacred significance of chrism oil? Listen now to uncover the deep spiritual meaning behind this ancient tradition.

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