Join us for an engaging conversation on ‘Connecting the Diocese’ with Dustin and Dominique Luecke. Dustin, a morning anchor at WXOW and Dominique, an advancement and grant specialist at the Family and Children’s Center, share their journey through faith, careers, and family life. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their professions, the importance of community service, and their roles as parents imparting Catholic faith to their children. Dustin and Dominique also delve into their personal backgrounds, how they met, and the pivotal moments that shaped their faith journeys. Don’t miss this insightful dialogue that touches on overcoming life’s adversities, sharing faith through actions, and balancing public and private lives in service to God and community.

00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation
01:07 Starting the Interview: Meet Dustin and Dominique
02:00 Dustin’s Journey to Becoming a News Anchor
05:01 Dominique’s Role at the Family and Children’s Center
07:00 How Dustin and Dominique Met
10:07 Faith and Family Life
22:25 Balancing Work and Personal Beliefs
24:33 Handling Difficult News Stories
31:07 Stories of Hope and Resilience
36:01 Meeting People Where They’re At
36:46 Balancing Public Life and Faith
39:44 Community Service and Recognition
46:20 Family and Faith
52:09 Encouraging Faith in Others
56:01 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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Discover how a civil engineering graduate’s path took an unexpected turn towards priesthood after a life-changing encounter at a SEEK conference. Father David Nowicki shares his remarkable transformation from technical professional to spiritual leader, highlighting how God works in mysterious ways.

In this deeply personal conversation, Father Nowicki reflects on his ordination experience, including a touching moment during the Gloria that moved him to tears. He discusses the beautiful parallel between priesthood and marriage, the profound influence of his father’s faith, and the special moment of presenting sacred gifts to his parents during his ordination.

The episode offers unique insights into the challenges and joys of first-year priesthood, emphasizing the importance of embracing God’s call despite societal pressures. Father Nowicki’s story demonstrates how following even the smallest spiritual inclination can lead to profound fulfillment.

Ready to be inspired by an extraordinary journey of faith and transformation? Listen to this episode of “Connecting the Diocese” to hear Father Nowicki’s full story of answering God’s call.

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Discover the extraordinary story of Father Joseph Richards and his father, Deacon Joseph Richards, as they share their intertwining paths of faith and service. From carpentry workshops to holy orders, their relationship exemplifies how the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways across generations.

In this deeply moving conversation, Deacon Richards reveals his remarkable journey of discernment, while his son Father Joseph shares how FOCUS missionary work and family influence shaped his path to priesthood. Their shared love for woodworking serves as a touching metaphor for how their faith was crafted and strengthened over time.

Listen to this inspiring episode to witness a unique father-son relationship that bridges both earthly and spiritual fatherhood, demonstrating how faith can truly run in the family.

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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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