Discover how growing up as one of ten children on a dairy farm shaped Chris Holler’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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

From being the first African American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to becoming a powerful voice for racial justice in the Catholic Church, Sister Thea Bowman’s story is one of extraordinary courage and transformation. Despite facing initial skepticism and racism, her vibrant spirit and unwavering faith helped forge a new path for diversity within the Church.

As an educator and choir leader, Sister Thea brought Black Catholic spirituality to the forefront, challenging traditional norms while building bridges between cultures. Her establishment of the first Office of Intercultural Awareness in the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, marked a pivotal moment in promoting inclusive worship and celebration of diverse traditions.

Even while battling cancer, Sister Thea’s powerful message reached millions, including influential figures like Harry Belafonte. Her memorable address to Catholic bishops, declaring “Black is beautiful,” remains a testament to her fearless advocacy for equality and representation.

Today, her legacy lives on through numerous institutions bearing her name and the annual commemorations held by the FSPA sisters every March 30th.

Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how one woman’s determination changed the face of American Catholicism forever.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Journey into an extraordinary moment as Bishop Gerard Battersby shares his unexpected encounter with Jesus Christ during prayer. In a powerful testimony, he recounts being spiritually transported to a grotto where Christ embraced him and whispered, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

This transformative experience deepened the Bishop’s understanding of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and reshaped his approach to prayer. He beautifully compares spending time in Eucharistic adoration to the comfortable silence between close friends or peaceful moments by the ocean – where words become unnecessary in the presence of divine love.

The discussion explores:

• The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist
• The role of Reconciliation in preparing our hearts
• Mary’s example of trust and surrender
• Practical steps for deepening our relationship with Jesus
• Transforming daily life into acts of worship

Ready to discover how encountering Christ can transform your own spiritual journey? Listen to this powerful episode that bridges the mystical and the practical in our relationship with Jesus.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’re looking back at the life and legacy of Father Joseph Walijewski. He founded Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II, an orphanage in Peru. By asking his intercession you can help him become a saint! Learn more: https://frjoesguild.org/

Airdate: 03/15/2025

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Kevin Decker wasn’t raised Catholic but now he is using lessons learned from being a FOCUS Missionary and a Parish Mission Associate at the Cathedral to bring you closer to Christ.

Airdate: 3/8/25

Podcast: Play in new window | Download