This week on Connecting the Diocese, Father Sam Martin of the Diocese of La Crosse welcomes Jeff and Alice Heinzen and Brian and Karen Kostka to discuss the Domestic Church Movement as a couple-centered movement to deepen sacramental marriage through prayer and family spirituality. They share their own marriages, how the movement began locally, and its roots in Polish priest Franciszek Blachnicki, whose conversion in Auschwitz led to the Light-Life Movement and later Domestic Church, brought to the U.S. through Louisiana. The episode outlines entry through an evangelization retreat or six meetings, ongoing “circles,” and seven commitments including individual, couple, and family prayer, monthly couple dialogue, a rule of life, and annual and family retreats. A second segment features Father Steven Weller reflecting with Father Martin on the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time readings from Jeremiah, Romans, and Matthew about thirst for God, renewal of mind, and carrying the cross.

01:02 Meet the Guests

02:10 Heinzens Marriage Story

03:22 Domestic Church Discovery

07:11 Kostkas Testimony

09:22 Why Marriage Matters

11:24 What Is Domestic Church

12:04 Origins in Poland

15:44 Movement Comes to US

19:09 Modern Marriage Challenges

19:50 Prayer Habits and Vows

28:18 Retreat Overview

30:20 Couple Dialogue Purpose

31:31 Dialogue Script Tips

32:26 Family Check In

33:02 Rule of Life Examples

34:52 Retreat Oasis Rhythm

37:23 Vulnerability Come and See

38:08 Circles Support Formation

39:58 Marriage Peace Grit

41:34 Partner Priest Presence

44:02 Readings Jeremiah Fire

46:56 Gospel Cross Discipleship

48:22 Priesthood Stories Desire

54:55 Thirst and Carry Cross

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