Father Sam Martin hosts Connecting the Diocese with guest Father Woody Pace, Director of the Diocese of La Crosse Office of Missions and pastor in Wausau, to discuss missionary discipleship, how mission trips shape faith, and diocesan mission connections around the world. Father Pace recounts formative experiences in Botswana, Zambia, and a pastoral year in Uganda, the challenges of cultural adjustment, and how his missionary “ache” led to mission-office leadership. They explain the Pontifical Mission Societies, the purpose of World Mission Sunday—celebrated October 18, 2026 as its 100th anniversary—its global prayer and collection supporting mission dioceses, and Fulton Sheen’s role in promoting missions. The episode also highlights missionary saints and closes with a separate segment on the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings (Isaiah 55, Philippians, Matthew 20) emphasizing God’s mercy and “my thoughts are not your thoughts.”

01:07 Meet Father Woody Pace

02:01 First Mission Awakening

05:27 Priesthood and Uganda Roots

11:21 Mission Office Explained

17:34 How Mission Trips Change You

22:45 World Mission Sunday Basics

29:35 Personal Lessons and Dependence

31:26 Nothing Will Ever Turn Out

32:28 Kenosis and New Life

33:09 Jeep as Mobile Monastery

36:56 World Mission Sunday Call

37:49 Missionaries Making Impact

41:59 Favorite Missionary Saints

44:41 Final Blessing and Sendoff

45:53 Sunday Readings Overview

48:21 Mercy Beyond Fairness

50:16 Cordova Confession Miracle

53:00 Thoughts Like God’s

55:55 Parable That Angers and Consoles

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