In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’, Erik Archer, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of La Crosse, interviews Father Sam Martin, the Vicar for Clergy and recent pastor of Holy Name Parish in Wausau. The conversation dives deep into Advent as a season of preparation, recounts personal, pastoral stories, and explores how faith, community, and a touch of humor frame this sacred time. Father Sam shares touching and humorous memories, including his experiences with parish life, an unexpected televised mass moment, and the importance of maintaining composure. Tune in for heartfelt insights and a moving discussion that highlights the profound spiritual themes of anticipation and grace during Advent.

01:23 Advent Reflections and Liturgical Insights

02:56 Humorous Anecdotes from Parish Life

05:56 The Importance of Composure in Ministry

16:05 Universal Church and Personal Experiences

22:28 Extending Communion and Community Outreach

29:43 Community and Faith: A Support System

30:32 Overcoming Disasters and Rejection in Faith

31:46 Childhood Memories and Traditions

34:08 The Role of Joy and Determination in Faith

34:31 Celebrating St. Nicholas and Creating Wonder

38:09 The Impact of Parish Life and Priesthood

54:25 Confession and Healing Wounds

In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ we welcome Bishop Gerard Battersby of the Diocese of La Crosse to discuss the significance of Advent. As we embark on a new church season, Bishop Battersby reflects on the themes of hope, faith, joy, and love that define Advent. He emphasizes the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, both in His nativity and His second coming. The episode also covers practical ways to keep Advent a deeply spiritual time, the meaning behind the Advent wreath, and how to welcome Christ daily. Additionally, it includes a special segment on the Feast of St. Nicholas and tips on incorporating his spirit into family traditions. Tune in for an enriching conversation and spiritual guidance as we journey through this holy season.

01:02 Significance of Advent

01:46 Hope and Preparation

03:17 Advent Practices and Reflections

09:16 Comparing Advent and Lent

10:49 The Three Comings of Christ

17:56 St. Nicholas: The Real Story

23:22 Reflecting on Mary’s Experience

25:53 Recognizing God’s Love in Our Lives

31:50 Introduction to St. Andrew’s Novena

32:38 The Power of Christ’s Birth

34:09 Understanding God’s Timelessness

35:46 Upcoming Advent Events

38:25 Advent Devotions and Prayers

40:09 The Significance of the Advent Wreath

44:51 Challenges of Keeping Advent Distinct

49:03 Final Blessing and Rosary

Join us in this heartfelt episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we prepare for Thanksgiving with special guest Father Sam Martin, Vicar of Clergy for the Diocese of La Crosse. Father Sam reflects on personal and spiritual meanings of Thanksgiving, recounts childhood traditions, and shares insights on observing this special holiday as Catholics. Listen in as we discuss ways to integrate gratitude into our daily lives, understand the profound connection between the Eucharist and Thanksgiving, and explore how gratitude aligns with living the Gospel. We also touch on the significance of parish life in fostering a spirit of giving and community outreach during this holiday season. Whether it’s the joys of family gatherings or the reflective solitude of hunting season, this episode is a profound reminder of the importance of thankfulness in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving!

01:03 Thanksgiving Traditions and Memories

02:51 Thanksgiving in Italy

04:14 Reflections on Gratitude and Priesthood

07:59 The Eucharist and Thanksgiving

15:19 Hunting Season and Family Traditions

19:24 Living the Gospel Through Gratitude

25:21 The Importance of Prayer and Gratitude

31:08 The Power of Prayer and Spiritual Friendship

32:31 Finding Joy and Hope in Faith

36:50 The Importance of Serving at Mass

39:43 Thanksgiving Reflections and Gratitude

44:32 Living a Life of Evangelization and Service

52:59 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Join us on this special episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we prepare for Thanksgiving with Cathy Cooper, the coordinator of hospitality and food services for the Diocese of La Crosse. Cathy shares her wealth of experience in creating warm and welcoming environments, offering practical tips for planning meals, involving the whole family, and extending hospitality to guests. Learn her favorite Thanksgiving memories, get inspired by heartwarming stories, and discover new ways to make this holiday meaningful. We also reflect on the upcoming memorials of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tune in to enhance your holiday preparations with insights on gratitude, community, and faith.

00:31 Meet Cathy Cooper: Coordinator of Hospitality

04:19 Thanksgiving Memories and Traditions

08:10 Cooking Tips and Family Involvement

12:29 Saints and Thanksgiving Reflections

13:54 Practical Thanksgiving Hosting Tips

22:19 Thanksgiving Meal Preparation

31:07 Overcoming Hosting Nerves

32:09 Thanksgiving Preparations and Tips

35:53 Balancing Tradition and New Recipes

37:41 Making Thanksgiving Healthier

39:19 Creative Leftover Ideas

42:29 Saint Cecilia’s Story

45:55 Welcoming Others on Thanksgiving

48:04 Creating a Warm, Faith-Filled Environment

53:20 The Power of Food in Bringing People Together

57:26 Thanksgiving Reflections and Gratitude

In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ Monsignor Joseph Hirsch and Noel Furger discuss the profound impact of Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Peru, a mission founded by Father Joseph Walijewski. They delve into the origins, mission, and ongoing work of Casa Hogar, highlighting Father Walijewski’s dedication to the poor and his innovative ‘reverse mission’ approach, which brings American volunteers to Peru. Additionally, they explore the Father Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild and ongoing efforts toward his canonization.

00:34 The Founding of Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II

03:13 Father Joe’s Missionary Journey

04:28 The Connection with the Diocese of La Crosse

07:05 Father Joe’s Legacy and Successors

10:48 Reverse Mission Concept

13:33 Personal Stories and Impact

18:40 Celebrating the Mother Church of the Catholic Church

29:06 Father Sebastian’s Journey and Daily Life at Casa Hogar

32:28 The Family Model at Casa Hogar

34:23 The Father Joe Legacy Guild

40:21 The Canonization Process of Father Joe

48:35 The Mission and Future of Casa Hogar

51:53 How to Support Casa Hogar

53:56 The Impact and Evangelization Efforts of Casa Hogar

56:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this special edition of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ join us as we honor our beloved dead and discuss the significance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Monsignor Steven Kachel of St. Patrick Parish in Onalaska shares insights on the importance of these solemnities, the role of saints in the Catholic faith, and their impact on our spiritual journey. Monsignor Kachel also delves into the process of canonization, the concept of the communion of saints, and how we can draw inspiration from the lives of saints, both canonized and not. Plus, a reflection on Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti,’ emphasizing the value of every human life and the need for unity in today’s world. Don’t miss this enriching conversation on faith, perseverance, and the universal call to holiness.

00:40 Understanding All Saints Day

02:03 Canonization and Communion of Saints

03:30 Inspiration from the Lives of Saints

08:33 Celebrating All Saints Day

09:16 Personal Favorite Saints

16:54 Difference Between Venerating Saints and Worshiping God

19:44 Reflection on Fratelli Tutti

25:24 Perseverance Through Suffering and Temptation

27:30 Relating to Saints from the Past

30:22 The Power of Prayer and Outreach

31:02 Transformation and Imperfection of Saints

32:40 The Little Way and Childlike Faith

34:23 Devotion to the Eucharist and Mary

37:07 All Saints Day and All Souls Day

41:34 Newly Canonized Saints

47:56 The Importance of Praying for the Dead

50:45 Understanding Purgatory

56:28 Final Thoughts on Life, Death, and Eternal Communion

Welcome to this episode of Connecting the Diocese where we discuss the intersection of Catholic faith and medical practice. In this episode, host Clint Berge speaks with Dr. Steve Pavela about his journey as a Catholic physician, the importance of integrating faith into healthcare, and the role of the Catholic Medical Association. They delve into the influence of faith on patient care, the significance of viewing medicine as a vocation, and the challenges of upholding conscience rights in a secular medical system. The episode also explores ways for medical professionals and laypeople to support those who care for the sick and vulnerable. Along with discussing the Respect Life Month novena, they provide insights on how Catholic healthcare professionals can remain committed to their faith. Join us for an enlightening conversation on living and practicing faith within the medical field.

00:25 Catholic Medicine and Faith

00:48 Dr. Steve Pavela’s Background

02:34 Integrating Faith in Medical Practice

03:36 Medicine as a Vocation

04:43 Faith’s Impact on Patient Care

06:41 Advice for Young Doctors

17:39 Respect Life Month Novena

19:41 Reflection on Life by USCCB

25:24 Catholic Medical Association Overview

30:06 Welcoming All Healthcare Professionals

30:44 Supporting Catholic Medical Professionals

34:10 Conscience Rights in Medical Practice

36:07 Faith and Recovery from Substance Abuse

46:23 The Importance of Faith in Healthcare

51:40 Supporting Healthcare Workers and the Vulnerable

58:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us on ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we delve into the significance of World Mission Sunday, celebrated on the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Father Woody Pace, director of the Mission Office for the Diocese of La Crosse and pastor of Holy Name Parish, highlights the theme ‘Missionaries of Hope among all people.’ Discover the historical roots, current challenges, and incredible impact of missionary work as we discuss the efforts to build churches, support priests, and serve fragile communities worldwide. Learn how your prayers and contributions on this special day can make a global difference.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:24 Understanding World Mission Sunday

02:42 The Jubilee Year of Hope

04:28 Mission Work and Personal Stories

19:21 The Legacy of Pope St. John Paul II

29:51 Challenges and Characteristics of Mission Territories

33:20 The Importance of World Mission Sunday

35:38 The Church’s Missionary Nature

38:06 Personal Stories from Father Woody Pace

42:56 Upcoming Events in the Diocese

45:46 The Role of Prayer and Financial Support

50:43 Stories of Hope and Challenges in Mission Territories

56:58 Ways to Support Missionary Work

59:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Clint Berge on ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as he sits down with Father Alan Guanella, the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of La Crosse. In this episode, Father Guanella offers a deep dive into the often unseen work of the Diocesan Tribunal. The discussion covers the tribunal’s roles, its importance in matters of church law and pastoral care, and the intricate legal and spiritual processes involved in declaring the nullity of marriages. Father Guanella also shares his personal journey from parish pastor to Judicial Vicar, his canon law studies, and the pastoral care embedded in church law. The episode also touches on the power of the rosary and offers reflections from St. Francis de Sales on marriage. Tune in to explore the compassionate and judicial sides of church law and discover how the tribunal’s work aligns with the Church’s mission of mercy and truth.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:02 Exploring the Diocesan Tribunal

01:38 Father Alan Guanella’s Journey

02:08 Understanding Canon Law

03:56 Role of the Judicial Vicar

06:08 Canon Law in Practice

10:08 Differences Between Secular and Canonical Courts

13:22 Competency and Precedent in Church Courts

17:25 Promulgation of Law in the Diocese

19:16 Tips for Praying the Rosary

24:38 Canon Lawyers in the Diocese

28:25 Healing and Reconciliation in the Parish

29:27 Understanding the Marriage Nullity Process

31:30 The Role of the Defender of the Bond

33:38 Supporting Marriages in the Church

35:58 Misconceptions About Annulments

37:38 The Importance of Consent in Marriage

47:37 Canon Law and Pastoral Care

56:07 Final Thoughts and Takeaway Message

Join us this October, Respect Life Month, as we delve into the profound and compassionate world of Rachel Ministries on Connecting the Diocese. In this episode, host, Clint Berge is joined by Amy Mulhern and Jennifer Fisk, who share the mission and workings of Rachel Ministries, which includes Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard. They discuss the vital support and healing provided to men and women suffering from the emotional and spiritual loss of abortion and miscarriage. Personal stories of healing, the importance of walking with those in pain, and the role of spiritual direction in recovery are highlighted. Discover the deep impact of Rachel’s Vineyard retreats and how they integrate God’s word and compassion into the healing process. This episode also touches on the broader theme of the Church’s pro-life mission, examining how Rachel Ministries fits into this vision by bringing hope and restoration to the lives of many. Learn how to support, pray for, and reach out to those affected. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on healing, love, and the sanctity of life.

00:00 Introduction and Respect Life Month

00:54 Rachel Ministries Overview

02:55 Personal Stories and Involvement

07:28 The Importance of Rachel Ministries

11:07 Who Can Participate in Rachel Ministries?

18:42 Upcoming Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats

25:48 Mass of Hope and Healing

30:36 Future of the Mass of Hope and Healing

31:30 The Journey of Healing

33:36 Understanding Project Rachel

33:58 Reaching Out for Help

37:27 The Process of Healing

41:56 The Importance of Prayer and the Rosary

47:41 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats

57:40 Conclusion and Contact Information