Connecting the Diocese

In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, Father Sam Martin talks with newly ordained Deacon Patrick Conley about his June 6 ordination for the Diocese of La Crosse at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, what those first weeks of preaching, hospital visits, and assisting at Mass have been like, and how formation built deep brotherhood among the men and their wives. Conley also shares his and his wife’s conversion story, from Anglican seminary studies at Oxford and a growing hunger for history, tradition, liturgy, and sacraments, to reading the Catechism, going through RCIA at the Cathedral of St. Paul, and entering the Church at Easter 2010. He then explains how unexpected doors in ministry led him into radio, eventually becoming host of The Inner Life, and the episode closes with Father Martin and Father Steven Weller reflecting on the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings—God’s whisper to Elijah and Jesus meeting the disciples in the storm.

01:07 Meet Deacon Patrick

02:31 Ordination and Formation Journey

06:09 Ordination Day Reflections

07:27 First Weeks as Deacon

10:46 Conversion Questions Teed Up

12:22 Seeds of Catholic Curiosity

15:23 Oxford and The Catholic Question

18:50 No Mans Land and Ready to Convert

22:37 RCIA and Entering the Church

23:58 Faith Leap and Evangelization

27:42 Anger at God and Trusting Providence

31:20 Ministry Jobs and Radio Beginnings

32:51 Two Show Trial Run

33:26 Falling for Radio

34:22 Father Rocky Vets Him

35:23 Guest Hosting Inner Life

36:52 Becoming Permanent Host

38:00 Conversion and Callers

39:15 Formation Brotherhood

43:06 Closing Blessing

45:09 Sunday Readings Setup

46:53 Elijah Whispering Voice

48:24 Jesus in the Storm

52:21 Peter Walks on Water

54:25 Silence and Strength

Father Sam Martin hosts Connecting the Diocese with guest Natalie Elskamp, newly hired as Coordinator of Healing Ministry for the Diocese of La Crosse. Natalie shares her Catholic upbringing, homeschooling and homesteading family life, and her path into healing ministry. She explains her role supporting parish offerings of Healing the Whole Person, forming and mentoring prayer ministers, and ensuring healing efforts remain safe, trauma-informed, and aligned with Church teaching and diocesan guidelines. The conversation covers common experiences of healing through the sacraments and prayer, details about the John Paul II Healing Center programs and I AM training, and the importance of priests pursuing their own healing. The episode also includes a reflection with Father Steven Weller on the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings, emphasizing God’s abundance and spiritual fulfillment.

00:49 Meet Natalie Elskamp

01:49 Faith and Family Roots

03:18 Homesteading Life Explained

04:46 New Healing Ministry Role

07:22 What Healing Feels Like

11:17 Healing the Whole Person

14:15 JP II Healing Center Resources

17:13 I AM Training for Prayer Ministers

21:50 Priests and Parish Healing

27:28 Guardrails and Discernment

30:36 Trauma Informed Prayer

31:36 Healing Ministry Guardrails

33:05 Everyone Carries Wounds

36:05 Practical Ministry Plans

39:05 Supporting Priests Families

40:44 Making Healing Mainstream

42:33 Fears And Fruits

45:47 Sunday Readings Overview

49:09 Abundance Not Scarcity

51:14 Eucharist Desert Place

On a special edition of Connecting the Diocese, host Clint Berge speaks with Bishop Emeritus William Callahan, Father Conrad Targonski, and Sister Sarah Hennessey about how St. Francis of Assisi shaped their vocations and key Franciscan themes: living the Gospel, mission, the San Damiano Cross, the Canticle of the Creatures (its 800th anniversary), providence, joy amid suffering, simplicity, poverty, and being instruments of peace. They discuss Franciscan service at Viterbo University, care for creation in light of Laudato si’, the complementary vocations of priests, sisters, and secular Franciscans, and St. Clare’s pivotal role, courage, and influence on the movement. The episode closes with a blessing and a separate studio reflection on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings, highlighting Solomon’s request for wisdom, Romans on providence, and Matthew’s parables of the treasure and pearl of great price, emphasizing desire and God’s love.

00:59 Callahan Franciscan Roots

04:34 Conrad Polish Vocation

07:04 Sarah Conversion Story

08:18 Gospel as Franciscan Rule

10:40 San Damiano Cross

13:27 Canticle of Creatures

16:41 Creation and Laudato Si

18:01 Viterbo Service Charism

19:11 Prayer for Peace Today

21:42 Joy and Lady Poverty

23:37 Family and Community Joy

29:03 Beauty and Secular Franciscans

30:32 Marine Story Setup

30:52 Franciscan Among Marines

31:50 Clare and Francis Bond

34:49 Clare Chooses Poverty

36:20 Keeping Original Fervor

38:08 Discernment and Renunciation

40:57 Wolf of Gubbio Story

43:15 Drawn or Driven

44:13 Franciscan Vocations Unite

46:57 Final Blessing and Farewell

48:20 Sunday Readings Overview

49:24 Wisdom and Kingdom Parables

51:24 Desire and the Pearl

53:06 God Desires Us First

54:56 Letting God Love You

57:10 Testimonies of Divine Love

58:28 Oscar Wilde Finds Treasure

Chris Rogers, director of the Office for Family Life for the Diocese of La Crosse, interviews NFP coordinator and registered nurse Kayla Hoecherl as NFP Week approaches (beginning July 19). Kayla addresses misconceptions that NFP is merely the rhythm method, explains that modern methods observe a woman’s unique fertility signs, and describes how NFP supports marriage through shared responsibility, communication, virtue, and an openness to life rooted in Theology of the Body. They discuss NFP as countercultural witness, especially among young families, and emphasize educating priests and laypeople, including clarifying that hormonal birth control is not necessary for issues like acne. The episode then shifts to Father Sam Martin and Father Steven Weller reflecting on the 16th Sunday readings focused on God’s mercy, prayer, and the wheat-and-weeds parable, stressing repentance, patience, and leaving final judgment to God.

00:40 Kayla’s Role and Background

02:04 Life at Camp and New Mom Energy

03:15 NFP Week and Common Questions

03:48 Modern NFP Methods Explained

07:42 NFP and Marriage Spirituality

09:58 Virtues and Abstinence Story

12:38 Countercultural Love and Fertility

16:58 Marriage as Witness and Hope

21:29 Marriage Trends and Cultural Pressures

24:30 Uniqueness of Pregnancy and NFP

26:20 Ministry Patience and Accompaniment

26:55 Family Witness Through NFP

27:51 Educating Clergy and Laity

29:30 Body Literacy Over Birth Control

33:07 Campus Talks and Vulnerability

37:24 Truth That Hooks Hearts

41:53 Authenticity and Domestic Church

44:57 Sunday Readings Wheat and Weeds

53:07 Gods Patience and Repentance

Join Father Sam Martin on Connecting the Diocese as he talks with AnneMarie Elwing about growing up on a farm, how rural life shapes family, discipline, and prayer, and what it’s really like being a large-animal veterinarian serving farm families. AnneMarie shares how her faith formed her, how Lay Formation Institute helped deepen her Catholic understanding, and how she became involved with the Diocese of La Crosse Rural Life Committee. They highlight Rural Life Day (Sept. 23 near Bangor), including Mass, awards like Century Farm recognition, and the bishop’s blessings. AnneMarie also explains Project Milk, which sends whole milk powder to the diocesan orphanage and community in Lurin, Peru. The episode wraps with a reflection with Father Weller on the weekend readings (Isaiah 55, Romans 8, Matthew 13) and the parable of the sower and “rich soil.”

01:31 Father Sam Farm Roots

02:30 AnneMarie Farm Upbringing

03:26 Faith Through Drought

05:13 Veterinary Calling Begins

06:49 Discovering Rural Life

08:42 Veterinarian Life Stories

11:48 Holy Spirit and Service

15:05 Aquinas Farm Experience

19:10 Rural Life Committee Role

22:11 Project Milk Mission

27:20 Rural Life Day Preview

28:44 Planning and Awards

30:05 Rural Life Day Flow

31:26 Why It Matters

32:15 Saint Isidore Story

32:51 Lay Formation Institute

35:43 Faith Gifts And Charisms

37:26 Rural Isolation Today

41:03 Technology And Loneliness

42:40 Lay Leaders Step Up

44:54 Rural Life Day Invite

46:18 Weekend Readings Preview

48:28 Parable Of The Sower

51:16 Rich Soil And Weakness

53:57 Tilling The Heart

57:53 Final Takeaway Rich Soil

What does it really mean to be friends with Jesus—not just “say prayers,” but actually talk with Him, listen, and let that relationship grow? Father Sam Martin and Ann Lankford (Director of Catechesis and Evangelization for the Diocese of La Crosse) share simple, down-to-earth ways to deepen daily prayer and then let that friendship naturally overflow into evangelization—gently helping others come to know and love Christ through real relationships, kindness, and timely invitations. Ann also introduces the diocesan “Welcome One Home” effort, aimed at reaching out to those who’ve drifted away and making it easier for parishes to invite them back and walk with them. The episode closes with Father Steven Weller and Fr. Martin reflecting on the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings and Jesus’ promise: “Come to me… and I will refresh you.”

00:55 Meet Ann Lankford

03:14 Prayerful Friendship

05:03 Stories That Move

09:13 Discipleship And Calling

14:07 Evangelization Defined

15:42 Everyday Witnessing

17:12 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton And Simple Invite

22:45 Welcome One Home

25:41 Hospitality That Sticks

27:30 Presence Changes Hearts

29:06 Keep It Simple

30:14 Why Invite Them Back

31:27 Loneliness and Simple Presence

33:12 Prayerful Outreach and Warmth

35:19 Personal Invitation Works

37:34 Welcoming Hearts in Parish

40:08 Vulnerability and Humility

41:44 Prayer and Daily Commitment

43:07 Closing Story of Invitation

44:32 Sunday Readings Overview

48:45 Sacred Heart and Rest

50:48 Hope Over Fear

52:31 Faith Hope Love in Community

Director of Communications Erik Archer introduces an interview with Bishop Gerard Battersby as ordination season begins and Kyle Lang prepares for priestly ordination at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. Bishop Battersby reflects on his late vocation and 1998 priestly ordination, the sacramental bond between bishop and priest, and urges priests to live self-donation in love. He explains confirmation and Pentecost as the start of public witness, describing the Spirit’s gifts and the Church’s mission, and cautions against calling confirmation a “graduation.” He emphasizes encountering Christ through sacraments, Scripture, and authentic disciples, trusting the Holy Spirit in evangelization, and recognizing God’s “winks.” The episode also connects June devotions to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart. A second segment with Fathers Sam Martin and Steven Weller previews the 13th Sunday Ordinary Time readings, focusing on reception, baptism into Christ’s death, and worthiness.

01:29 May Milestones and Marian Devotion

02:56 Late Vocation and Ordination Joy

03:52 Bond With the Ordaining Bishop

04:54 Priestly Life Advice

05:40 Confirmation Through a Bishop

07:45 Bishop Visits and Nerves

09:19 Pentecost and Confirmation Link

10:17 Confirmation Is Not Graduation

13:11 Bringing Confirmed Back

14:32 Pentecost Birthday of Church

17:27 Becoming Credible Witnesses

19:24 Lessons From Pentecost Today

21:24 Letting Spirit Lead Evangelism

22:14 Cultivating Spirit in Parishes

23:30 Daily Prayer to Holy Spirit

24:38 God Dwells in Us

25:54 Loving Difficult People

27:31 Trust and Surrender to God

29:01 Cost of Following Spirit

30:30 How to Encounter Holy Spirit

31:34 Practical Come Holy Spirit Moments

32:39 RCIA and Family Faith Journey

32:47 Spotting Spirit Moments

33:31 God Incidents and Winks

35:04 Recognizing Holy Promptings

36:31 Pentecost as Mission Fuel

37:57 Signs of a Spirit Filled Parish

40:05 Sacred Heart Devotion

41:21 Marys Yes to the Spirit

43:56 Final Blessing and Farewell

45:38 Elisha Romans and Matthew

48:18 Receiving God and Worthiness

51:00 Declared Worthy in Christ

55:14 Ordination Worthiness Reflection

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

This week on “Connecting the Diocese”, Fr. Sam Martin speaks with Bishop Gerard Battersby and vocation director Fr. Steven Weller about the meaning and spiritual power of priestly ordination, ahead of Deacon Kyle Lang’s priesthood ordination at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman on Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m. They reflect on key moments of the rite—especially the candidate being declared “worthy” and the prostration during the Litany of the Saints—as signs of dying to self, an exchange of hearts with Jesus, and being conformed to Christ for sacrificial love. The conversation also covers seminary formation as discernment and growth in freedom, the influence of holy priests and saints, the role of families and the Eucharist in nurturing vocations, and concludes with a brief Mass-reading reflection for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

00:45 Why Ordinations Move Us

02:55 Worthy to Be Slain

06:31 Prostration and Exchange of Hearts

09:57 Families and the Mystery of the Floor

11:43 Degrees of Holy Orders

13:39 Seminary Formation and Discernment

17:34 PPF6 and Freedom in Formation

21:11 Learning You’re Loved

23:45 Mentors and Priestly Eyes

28:29 Seeing with Faith Like Magic Eye

30:29 Deacon Ordinations Update

30:52 Raising Vocations at Home

32:56 Eucharist Forms the Heart

34:48 Saintly Gaze and Love

37:30 Priest Role Models

40:27 Trust God in Weakness

42:11 Mass Readings Reflection

45:30 Remember Who You Are

48:40 Worship Versus Hurry

51:21 Jesus Moved With Pity

Father Martin hosts Connecting the Diocese for the Diocese of La Crosse, highlighting the June 6 diaconal ordination at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman and the significance of Corpus Christi. Guest Christopher Ruff, Director of Ministries and Social Concerns, describes his 25+ years serving the diocese, his role in restarting and shaping deacon formation and the Lay Formation Institute, and the diaconate’s scriptural roots in Acts as a ministry of humble service and charity. He outlines the five-year formation structure, growth in fraternity, and practical joys and challenges for deacons and their families, emphasizing balance and the importance of saying no when necessary. The conversation also covers St. Vincent de Paul’s home-visit model, humanitarian aid efforts to Ukraine through Chalice of Mercy, and La Crosse’s formation program serving Madison and Superior, concluding with reflections on discerning God’s ongoing call.

01:30 Chris Ruff Background

05:06 Diaconate Origins

07:11 Growth and Formation Path

11:38 Discernment and Diaconate Office

14:57 Program Evolution

19:04 Life After Ordination

22:25 Charity and Parish Collaboration

28:10 Impact and Formation Fruits

32:14 Lay Service Rising

32:48 Vincentian Spiritual Charity

33:27 Home Visits and Growth

35:03 Serving with Joy

36:26 Ukraine Relief Drives

37:15 Deacon Formation Expands

38:31 Hearing Gods Call

41:52 Adventure of Discipleship

43:08 Corpus Christi Readings

45:25 Never Forget the Lord

47:54 Eucharistic Miracle Memory

51:48 Healing of Memories

53:33 Receiving Like Children

56:17 Prepare and Receive