Father Sam Martin hosts “Connecting the Diocese” from the Diocese of La Crosse with newly ordained Deacon Emilio Alvarez, who shares his background growing up in Aurora, Illinois to Mexican immigrant parents, his Catholic education, meeting and marrying his wife Emily at Loras College, their four children, and his work in campus ministry at Viterbo University after serving with Camp Gray’s SALT team. They discuss discernment, the diaconate, and how marriage and family are central to diaconal life, as well as lessons on unconditional love, healing woundedness, and recognizing God’s gentle, peaceful guidance rather than anxiety or shame. Alvarez describes ministry with youth and college students, emphasizing authenticity, belonging, and being seen, and offers practical prayer tools including making time for daily prayer, Liturgy of the Hours, and the “ARRR” method (acknowledge, relate, reflect, respond). The episode also highlights brotherhood formed in diaconate formation and concludes with Father Martin and Father Steven Weller reflecting on Sunday readings about fear, persecution, original sin, and trusting God’s fatherly love.

01:18 Faith Roots and Family

03:53 Camp Gray and Early Calling

05:21 Childhood Stories and Cooking

07:20 Marriage Discernment

11:25 Formation Strengthens Family

12:39 Discernment and Peace

14:55 Learning Unconditional Love

20:04 Grace Through Emotions

21:27 Wounds and Fatherhood

27:46 Serving Students Today

29:34 Meeting Like Jesus

30:32 Teaching Young Adults

32:13 Presence And Encouragement

35:06 Prayer Tools And ARRR

38:26 Hearing God Over Time

41:45 Brotherhood In Formation

44:55 Handing On The Faith

46:25 Sunday Readings Setup

49:09 Fear And Fatherhood

54:20 Veiling And Seeing Deeper

56:24 Naming Fear And Trust

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