This week on the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast, Father Matthew welcomes Nick Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Parish and School, for a conversation that takes listeners from the Pentagon and Space Force to the heart of parish life.

Nick shares his remarkable journey from growing up Catholic in Racine, to serving more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force—including work with satellite reconnaissance and assignments at the Pentagon—before returning to Wisconsin and eventually becoming part of the Corpus Christi Parish family.

Father Matthew and Nick also take a closer look at the parish's recently completed fiscal year and what the first full year as one Corpus Christi Parish has meant financially. They discuss the challenges and blessings of bringing four former parishes together, how the merger has simplified financial operations, the importance of responsible stewardship, and how parishioners' generosity is helping make major projects possible.

From the completion of the St. Joseph Church project and the St. John Neumann parking lot, to upcoming improvements at St. Mary's Old Rectory and the St. William playground, Nick explains how coming together as one parish is allowing Corpus Christi to address important needs and invest in its future.

The conversation also looks at the growing Corpus Christi Endowment, why endowment giving matters for the parish's long-term future, and how every dollar entrusted to the parish is being carefully stewarded.

And, of course, Father Matthew couldn't let Nick leave without asking what Hollywood gets wrong about satellite reconnaissance!

Tune in for a fascinating conversation about faith, service, stewardship, sacrifice, and the future of Corpus Christi Parish.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast, Father Matthew Widder welcomes Jim Mathie to talk about the September Ministry of the Month, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the important work happening right here in our local community. Jim shares his personal journey with the Society, the mission of the Vincentians, and what it means to meet people in need with dignity, friendship, prayer, and compassion.

Father Matthew and Jim also discuss the importance of home visits, where Vincentians meet with individuals and families facing difficult circumstances and discern how they can help. From assistance with rent, utilities, transportation, and basic needs to simply offering friendship and support, St. Vincent de Paul serves neighbors who may be just one unexpected challenge away from crisis. Hear how this ministry is changing lives, why more volunteers are needed, and how you can support or become part of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at Corpus Christi Parish.

In Episode 50 of the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast, Father Matthew Widder welcomes Leticia Campos, a member of the Corpus Christi Parish community and one of the recipients of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's annual Vatican II Awards for Leadership in the Church. Leticia shares her journey from moving to Waukesha from Mexico in 1991 to becoming a dedicated servant and bridge-builder within the parish community. She reflects on growing up at St. Joseph Parish, the importance of preserving Hispanic Catholic traditions such as the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Las Posadas, and Three Kings, and the people who inspired her through their service. Father Matthew and Leticia also discuss her ministry of translating and connecting people with resources, her involvement with the Corpus Christi Adoration Chapel, and her deep devotion to St. Joseph. Most importantly, Leticia encourages anyone who may be hesitant to get involved in parish life: take the first step, use the gifts God has given you, and don't be afraid to say yes. Her story reminds us that a simple act of service can lead to unexpected opportunities to serve God and others.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast, Father Matthew Widder welcomes Holly Hallmark, one of this year's recipients of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's Vatican II Award for Leadership in the Family. Holly shares her inspiring story of faith, family, and service, reflecting on how her Catholic upbringing, marriage, and life as a mother of six have shaped her relationship with God and her commitment to living out the faith at home.

Holly also talks about the many ways she serves the Corpus Christi Parish community, including Pray & Play, hospitality, prayer and worship, Families of Faith, Eucharistic adoration, and the Seven Sisters Apostolate. With honesty, humor, and joy, she shares how her family's faith carried them through difficult moments and how she has learned to trust God even amid the beautiful chaos of everyday family life.

In this episode of the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast, we celebrate the gift of our Perpetual Adoration Chapel with Tom and Mary Morris, a married couple who have faithfully spent an hour each week in adoration together since the chapel opened two years ago.

Tom and Mary share how their time before the Blessed Sacrament has deepened their relationship with Christ, transformed their prayer lives, brought greater peace into their daily lives, and even inspired their children and grandchildren to discover the beauty of adoration. They also offer practical insights for couples who want to begin praying together and share some of the ways they personally spend their time in the chapel—from Scripture and the Rosary to journaling, sacred reading, and simply sitting quietly with the Lord.

This heartfelt conversation is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most profound fruits of prayer are found in the quiet, ordinary moments when we simply make time to be with Jesus.

As Corpus Christi Parish celebrates the second anniversary of the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. John Neumann, Father Matthew welcomes parishioner Mike Johnson for a heartfelt conversation about the life-changing power of spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Mike shares what first drew him to Eucharistic Adoration, what it's like to serve as one of the chapel's dedicated guardians—even during the quiet hours of 4:00 a.m.—and how those moments of prayer have deepened his faith. He also opens up about a profound personal loss and how encountering Christ in Eucharistic Adoration became a source of comfort, strength, and hope during one of the most difficult seasons of his life.

Whether you've never stepped into an adoration chapel or have been a faithful adorer for years, this inspiring conversation is a beautiful reminder that Jesus is always waiting to meet us with His peace, His presence, and His love.

Join us as Mary Clemens shares the story behind Corpus Christi Parish's Knitting and Crocheting Ministry, our August Ministry of the Month. Mary talks about how this ministry brings together creativity, prayer, and fellowship as members use their gifts to create baby blankets, prayer squares, and prayer shawls that offer comfort, encouragement, and support to those in need.

Whether you are an experienced crafter or just learning, everyone is welcome to be part of this beautiful ministry. Bring a project to work on, enjoy meaningful conversation, and connect with fellow parishioners who share a desire to serve others through their time and talents.

Mary also shares how you can get involved and how yarn donations help make this ministry possible. Discover how a simple stitch can become a powerful expression of faith, love, and prayer.

Join Father Matthew and special guest Andy Dejewski, Facilities Manager, on this episode of the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast as they celebrate the completion of the beautiful renovation of St. Joseph Church. Together, they discuss the vision behind the restoration, what parishioners can expect as they return to worship in the renewed sacred space, and the excitement surrounding the church's reopening.

Father Matthew also shares the significance of the first Mass on Saturday, August 1 at 5:00 PM, including the special Rite of Rededication that will take place during the liturgy. Whether you've been following the renovation from the beginning or are looking forward to seeing the transformed church for the first time, this episode offers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at this historic moment in the life of Corpus Christi Parish.

This Week on the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast...

What is it like to make a pilgrimage to the only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States?

Last Friday, more than 50 Corpus Christi Parish parishioners joined Father Matthew for a day of prayer and pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. This week on the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast, Father Matthew is joined by Janet Yahnke, our parish secretary, who shares her perspective as one of the pilgrims on the trip.

Together, they reflect on the beauty of the shrine, moments of prayer, the faith-filled experiences shared throughout the day, and how this special pilgrimage drew participants closer to Christ through the intercession of Our Lady.

Whether you were part of the pilgrimage or are simply curious about Our Lady of Champion and its significance, this conversation offers an inspiring look at a place where faith, hope, and God's grace continue to touch countless lives.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts and be inspired by the stories from this unforgettable pilgrimage.

Many mothers carry a deep desire to see their children grow closer to Christ, but they don't have to carry that burden alone. This week on the Corpus Christi Parish Podcast, Fr. Matthew welcomes Sherri Meyer, local coordinator of Millions of Monicas, a beautiful Catholic prayer ministry inspired by the steadfast faith of St. Monica. Sherri shares how women gather in prayer to entrust their children and loved ones to God, asking for the grace of a deeper relationship with Jesus and a joyful return to the Catholic faith. Millions of Monicas is a prayer ministry—not a support group—where women unite in hope, trust, and the power of prayer. If you've ever prayed for a child, grandchild, godchild, or loved one, this conversation is for you. Millions of Monicas meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:00–8:00 PM at St. John Neumann Church. The next gathering is Monday, July 20, and all women are welcome to attend. Listen online at www.ccwauk.org/podcasts or in the App!