Detroit Stories

Plymouth author's mysterious worlds capture truth, goodness and beauty of God in the mold of Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'

(0:01) Tom Doran, known to his fans and readers as mystery novelist T.M. Doran, reads a passage from his most popular fantasy novel, “Toward the Gleam.” Doran is a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, and a modern-day J.R.R. Tolkien — or at least an author in the same mold.

(2:08) The narrator describes the plot of “Toward the Gleam,” a mystery novel that takes place between the two world wars. Professor John Hill discovers an ancient manuscript while taking refuge in a cave during a storm. Hill begins a quest to decipher the manuscript.

(3:23) Doran describes his passion for writing, as well as his inspiration for “Toward the Gleam,” one of a trilogy. Doran talks about authors whom he admires, starting with Tolkien and his “Lord of the Rings” masterpiece.

(5:49) Doran talks about “Toward the Gleam,” which he describes as a “mysterious story about truth and beauty and the consequences of rejecting truth and beauty.” He discusses how his novels are a way of revealing something about God.

(9:08) While his novels are set in far-off lands and his plots carried out by fictional characters, Doran says the lessons contained in his books are relatable to everyone, from moral and ethical dilemmas to the mundane.

(10:30) Doran reads another passage from “Toward the Gleam.” The author discusses his creative process, exploring the story from the vantage point of the main characters.

(12:49) Doran talks about how his novels are a form of “pre-evangelization.” While his works aren’t overtly religious, they lead readers to discover basic truths about God, humanity and creation.

(16:02) The narrator discusses other Catholic “pre-evangelist” authors such as Tolkien, Flannery O’Connor, and Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Doran talks about challenge the pervasive ideas of the culture, battling relativism with a focus on the good, the true and the beautiful.

(19:12) Like “The Lord of the Rings,” Doran hopes his books can help people see that life presents countless opportunities to choose good and to avoid evil. God is the ultimate author, but he leaves each of us to fashion our own stories, Doran says.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by G.A. Fuchs Company. Church supplies to take you from ashes to Easter, shop G.A. Fuchs Company for everything you need as you journey through Lent to Easter. Visit fuchschurchsupply.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Canton native Shawn Reynolds is the funniest comic east of the Mississippi — but his devotion to God and family is no joke

(0:02) Canton native Shawn Reynolds reflects on how a mundane job at a Dunkin Donuts as a teenager foreshadowed both his personal and professional life — one in which he’d marry the love of his life and end up touring the country as a full-time comedian.

(2:18) Reynolds and his wife, Katie, married young and had six children. He never thought of comedy as a career — although he was good at it — until an aunt suggested it after he gave a toast at his brother’s wedding.

(3:41) Reynolds tested his gig at local open mic nights and discovered, to his great surprise, that he wasn’t that bad at making people laugh.

(6:00) Finding success as an open mic comic at local comedy clubs, Reynolds — a devoted husband, father and committed Christian — didn’t resort to the vulgarity and bathroom humor so popular in mainstream comedy in part because his kids wanted to watch him perform.

(7:09) Listeners get to hear a taste of Reynolds’ act, in which he jokes about his own life as a father, son, and self-proclaimed “trophy husband.”

(8:30) Reynolds talks about Tim Hawkins, a man whom Reynolds now considers the “mountain of Christian comedy.” After seeing one of Hawkins’ shows, Reynolds made it his own dream to pursue comedy full time in the same vein. Before long, he was opening for Hawkins, and eventually headlining his own shows.

(11:05) Reynolds talks about the difference between performing in a comedy club and performing in a church, which he often does today. While Reynolds doesn’t actively seek to evangelize through his comedy, he nevertheless sees it as a ministry to those in attendance who might be hurting, struggling or depressed.

(13:30) Reynolds closes each of his shows with a heartfelt, humorous story about the adoption of his son, Keegan, and how God’s plan is both beautiful, funny and a bit of everything that makes life special.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Church supplies to take you from ashes to Easter, shop G.A. Fuchs Company for everything you need as you journey through Lent to Easter. Visit fuchschurchsupply.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Detroit native Bro. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, director of the Vatican Observatory, gazes at the stars and finds God gazing back.

(0:03) Jesuit Bro. Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory and a Detroit native, describes growing up during the height of the 1950s space race.

(2:42) As a student at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Bro. Guy describes how his Catholic education and upbringing influenced his decision to go into astronomy, and opened his mind to the wonders of the universe and God’s creation.

(5:01) Ten years after he graduated with a Ph.D. from MIT, Bro. Guy began to question the “big things” in life. As a graduate of a Jesuit high school, one question nagged him more than any others: “Why am I doing astronomy when there are starving people in the world?” This realization led him to join the Peace Corps, and eventually the Jesuits — where he learned he combine his life’s two great loves: science and faith.

(7:33) Not long after professing his vows, Bro. Guy was given an assignment he never expected: to live and work at the Vatican Observatory in Rome, studying meteorites and leading the pope’s outreach to astronomers worldwide. Bro. Guy describes the history and purpose of the Vatican Observatory, which traces its roots to the 19th century, when the Church was fighting rumors that it was “anti-science.” In an effort to show the world that wasn’t true, Pope Leo III established the observatory and commissioned professional astronomers to research the cosmos.

(11:29) Today, Bro. Guy’s role involves working to build bridges between the scientific and faith communities, two groups that may seem to be at war, but who actually have a lot in common, Bro. Guy says.

(13:26) Bro. Guy debunks the myth of the “God of the gaps,” the idea proposed by new atheists that given enough time, science will uncover all of life’s secrets, and God’s existence will be disproven.

(15:46) Instead of a cold, distant God, Christians believe in a God of love — a God who cares enough to die on the cross, to forgive sins, and to give his children the wonders of the universe to explore in harmony with faith and reason, Bro. Guy says.

Reporting and narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Pre-planning is a gift of love for your family. To start this important end-of-life conversation, visit cfcsdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Jonathan Blevins tried video game streaming at his internet star brother's suggestion; now, he evangelizes with it

0:02: Jonathan Blevins, a video game streamer on the popular gaming site Twitch, engages in a discussion about faith with his followers. It’s an unlikely place for such a discussion, but Blevins, a lifelong Catholic with thousands of followers, sees this as his unique mission field.

1:40: Blevins, CEO of Little Flower Media Company, talks about his background growing up in a Catholic family in Metro Detroit. While he and his two brothers played video games, it was considered a special treat — not something to do every day. He remembers playing Mario and Pokémon, and games like Halo and Call of Duty when he was older.

4:02: As Jonathan grew up, video games took a back seat, and he became more serious about his faith. He studied theology and began to work in his parish as a youth minister. However, in 2017, when the mega-popular video game Fortnite was released, Jonathan’s curiosity got the better of him.

5:25: Meanwhile, Jonathan’s younger brother, Tyler — better known by his screenname, “Ninja” — was quickly becoming an internet mega-star in his own right, streaming video games on a lesser-known platform called Twitch. Today, Tyler is the most popular streamer in the world, with more than 18 million followers. At Tyler’s suggestion, Jonathan decided to try streaming for himself.

7:01: A youth minister by day and Twitch-streaming Fortnite player by dusk, Jonathan’s audience steadily began to grow. Quickly, he realized that his streams didn’t have to just be about video games. Always himself, Jonathan began chatting with his followers about the things that were important to him — football, bourbon, popular culture and his Catholic faith.

8:07: Finding success in his newfound niche, Jonathan decided to try streaming full time, and turned his hobby into a business, the Little Flower Media Company. Through 30-40 hours per week streaming, three podcasts, two talk shows and more media efforts in the works, he’s developed a community of tens of thousands of followers who engage with him daily online.

10:08: Jonathan’s refusal to put his Catholic faith to the side has meant plenty of difficult conversations with strangers online. He discusses the similarities between youth ministry and streaming — starting with the need to calmly and lovingly talk about controversial subjects — especially as they relate to God and the Church.

11:12: Jonathan recalls one stream in particular, on the day of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, in which he engaged with a follower who was particularly angry and vitriolic. Another time, he recalled engaging with a fellow streamer whose vulgarity led to a moment of honest self-reflection. In both cases, Jonathan says, it was important to recognize the God-given humanity behind the internet wall.

15:03: Despite the torrent of filth that can exist online, Jonathan believes in the power of love to reach the darkest places. Always the optimist, it’s his characteristic sign-off tagline that reverberates after every stream: “I love you; God loves you. Let’s change the world,” he says.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Pre-planning is a gift of love for your family. To start this important end-of-life conversation, visit cfcsdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Parents of Archdiocese of Detroit priests talk about the joys, challenges and blessings of raising a member of the clergy

(0:04) The narrator talks about Catholics’ perspectives about their priests, who can take on a larger-than-life persona and at times seem almost superhuman with everything they take on — caring for their parishes, being a spiritual refuge for their flock, and providing God’s people with the sacraments. But priests also have parents, who take a very different view.

(0:50) Mark and Susan Tibai, parents of Fr. Mark Tibai of St. Fabian Parish in Farmington Hills, talk about what it’s like when their son comes home for the holidays. Gail Lajiness, the mother of Msgr. Todd Lajiness of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth, and Amy Roelant, the mother of Fr. Kevin Roelant of St. Thecla Parish in Clinton Township, add their perspectives.

(2:29) Ann Heenan, the mother of Fr. Grayson Heenan of St. Andrew Parish in Rochester, talks about the reaction she gets from other parishioners when they learn she raised a priest — a mix of awe, curiosity and adulation.

(4:17) The Roelants discuss how they knew Fr. Kevin had a calling to the priesthood since he was little. Gail Lajiness says her son’s vocation was an answer to prayer.

(6:40) Not all parents were as sure of their son’s calling. The decision of their son to enter the seminary came as a shock to Fr. Heenan’s parents, who had dreamt of grandchildren. There was a period of sadness when they realized that wouldn’t happen, but Fr. Heenan’s priesthood has been a blessing in its own way, they say.

(9:50) The Tibais had a feeling their son would enter the seminary, but that didn’t make it any easier when the rural country family had to drop him off in the middle of Detroit, where Sacred Heart Major Seminary resides.

(11:19) Amy Roelant discusses the unspoken bond parents of priests share with one another. At Fr. Kevin’s ordination, she recalls sharing a moment with the mother of another priest, who became emotional at the sight of her son’s “wedding day.”

(13:33) Parents share the blessings that come from their sons’ vocations, including Masses celebrated at home, pride in watching their child lead a family of faith, and joy in watching others’ lives changed because of their son’s ministry.

(15:16) Even though the life of a priest is busy, they all stress, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time for family. They discuss sharing their son during the holidays and weekends, but say that makes the time spent visiting even more special.

(16:16) Parents talk about the spiritual benefits to their own lives that have come from their sons’ vocations.

(18:50) Fr. Tibai’s parents give advice to other parents whose sons are considering a vocation. With a priest shortage in the Archdiocese of Detroit, it’s imperative that families are supportive of their sons, they say, praying for God’s will and trusting in the Holy Spirit, which ultimately leads to happiness and fulfillment.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Angela Hospice, helping families provide the best care possible for the people they love. Visit us at AskForAngela.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

When a local teenager noticed his peers weren't returning to Mass after the pandemic, he took matters into his own hands.

(0:02) In early 2021, as Catholics slowly began returning to church after the COVID-19 pandemic, 16-year-old AJ Schena made a startling discovery: Not many people his age were in the pews. Statistics backed up Schena’s observation — 34% of Generation Z reports being “religiously unaffiliated” — a number that has grown since the pandemic. Determined to do something, Schena brainstormed ways to entice his peers back to Mass.

(1:47) Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron’s pastoral letter, Unleash the Gospel, emphasizes the need to urge young people to exercise leadership in the Church, to take their rightful place as heirs to the Catholic faith. Schena took those words to heart.

(2:53) Kristy Schena, AJ’s mother, describes the fire lit under her son as he discerned what he could do. AJ proposed a series of Masses, to be held at the mother church of the Archdiocese of Detroit, that would pull in teens from across southeast Michigan.

(4:36) AJ took the idea to Fr. J.J. Mech, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, who loved the idea. Together, they made a plan for a Summer Teen Mass Series catering to young people. The Masses would be followed by themed gatherings: Hawaiian, Christmas in July, and Detroit Sports.

(6:11) A mild-mannered teenager, AJ describes the challenge of being thrust into a leadership position and navigating the logistics of putting together the Mass series. He recruited his sister, Audrey, his friends, and anyone who would help.

(7:35) Kristy Schena describes the impact of the project. Teens attended from all over the archdiocese, many bringing their parents. The Schenas talk about the gratitude they received from those who didn’t want the Mass series to end.

(8:48) As AJ graduated from high school and headed off to college, he handed the reins of organizing the Mass series to his sister, Audrey, who organized another series in the summer of 2022. Audrey describes the following summer, including a new theme focused on the saints: “Superheroes.”

(10:26) The Schenas describe the most powerful part of the Mass series: teens realizing that despite the drop-off in church participation, young people are not alone in their faith. AJ encourages other young people who are discouraged to step outside their comfort zones and make a difference.

Reporting and script by Casey McCorry; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Angela Hospice, helping families provide the best care possible for the people they love. Visit us at AskForAngela.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

When St. Alexander Parish in Farmington Hills closed in 2014, a former parishioner resolved to carry on its legacy of service.

(0:01) Todd Lipa describes growing up at St. Alexander Parish in Farmington Hills. It’s where his large family was baptized, and where his mother was buried in 1968. The parish, led by Fr. Jim Wright, was also a lifeline when the Lipa family fell on hard times, providing food, clothing and a caring support system.

(2:01) When St. Alexander closed in 2014, Lipa realized he was in a perfect position to carry on the parish’s legacy of service. As director of Farmington and Farmington Hills’ Youth and Family Services, Lipa was well-acquainted with the needs of the community.

(4:22) Despite its reputation as an affluent community, Lipa says poverty does exist in the Farmington Hills area. Together with Mayor Ken Massey and former Mayor Jerry Ellis, Lipa set out creating a new nonprofit, CARES — an acronym that stands for Community Action Resources Empowerment Services.

(5:21) On July 1, 2017, the 501(c)3 purchased the former St. Alexander church for its headquarters, and began expanding its services to include groceries, hygiene and household items in a supermarket-style service center, complete with community support services such as AA and outreach coordinators to help guests secure health care, transportation and other needs. Lipa describes the incredible support CARES has received from the community, including local business owners who have donated services.

(8:36) Recalling his own experience growing up in need, Lipa talks about the satisfaction he receives seeing how CARES restores the dignity of those in poverty.

(10:16) Lillian, a CARES client and an immigrant from Nigeria, talks about the help she’s received from CARES. In a new country without any support system, Lillian says the nonprofits volunteers “took us in like family. Taiwan, a single mother of two, discovered cares when she moved with her children to Farmington Hills. She describes her experience with gratitude. “I really, really love CARES,” she says.

(13:45) CARES volunteers Carol and Michelle say Fr. Wright would be proud of how the nonprofit has carried on the mission of St. Alexander in caring for the community.

(14:20) Lipa talks about his vision to expand CARES by partnering with neighborhood health care providers, as well as renovating seven acres of land into a baseball diamond “that anyone, no matter your ability, can play on.” Lipa marvels at how far CARES has come in just five short years, and expresses hope that like St. Alexander Parish, it can continue to be a beacon of Christ’s love for all those in need.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by the PIME Missionaries - Catholic priests and brothers, evangelizing in 19 countries around the world and celebrating 75 years of service in Detroit. Visit pimeusa.org to learn more.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

How a 19-year-old college student defeated anorexia with the help of her family, doctors — and a renewed relationship with God.

(0:07) The narrator introduces Maureen Cole, a spirited 19-year-old student at Hope College and an avid dancer. Usually sunny, Maureen’s positivity disappeared as she fell into habits that led to an eating disorder, at first unbeknownst to her parents. Marlise Cole, Maureen’s mom, explains what she witnessed.

(3:00) Maureen Cole describes the conditions that led to her anorexia, starting with the pandemic in 2020. A straight-A student, Maureen describes her reticence to switch to remote learning and dance via Zoom. As the pandemic wore on, she transformed her basement into a full home dance studio, and exercise slowly became an obsession.

(7:00) Over Christmas break her senior year of high school, Maureen had a routine physical with her doctor, who told her she had lost 10 pounds. Others seemed to notice she looked fitter, and she liked the attention.

(8:23) Slowly, her eating habits changed. She cut sweets and carbs, and began to become obsessed with her diet. She cut condiments, then red meat, then dairy. Eventually — and to Maureen’s credit — she realized she might have an eating disorder, but didn’t want to tell anyone. Her personality faded, and eventually, others began to take notice.

(11:03) Maureen’s dance teacher called her parents, who began to panic at the realization of what their daughter was facing. Maureen’s body began to show frightening signs of an eating disorder. She started to work with a dietician and physician.

(13:40) During fall break her first semester in college, Maureen visited the doctor for a check-up, but she hadn’t gained any weight. Her heart rate was frighteningly low, and she realized — finally — that if nothing changed, she was slowly dying.

(14:14) Realizing the gravity of the situation, Maureen finally committed to battling her anorexia. Her parents pulled her from dance, and found her a doctor specializing in eating disorders. She began a University of Michigan-sponsored program, Maudsley, to fight her disease.

(16:38) Maureen describes the role of faith in her recovery. The realization that God was calling her to great things — not an eating disorder — was crucial, she says. Slowly, she began to see progress.

(18:21) As things improved, Maureen’s relationship with God did also. Her personality began to return, and she started to develop healthier relationships with food.

(20:04) Today, Maureen continues her recovery, but she’s back in school at Hope and dancing again. Maureen’s mom, Marlise, describes Maureen’s newly rediscovered relationship with God. Maureen describes the courage her journey took, and how she continues to battle — all with God’s help.

Reporting and narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

(Editor’s note: Some material provided by Marlise Cole)

This episode is brought to you by the PIME Missionaries - Catholic priests and brothers, evangelizing in 19 countries around the world and celebrating 75 years of service in Detroit. Visit [pimeusa.org](www.pimeusa.org) to learn more.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

A chaplain, a funeral home director and a cemeteries leader explore Catholic beliefs and experiences about death and dying.

(0:02) Fr. Rich Bartoszek, chaplain and director of spiritual care for Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, talks about his experience ministering to the dying. Often, he says, those at the end of life report mystical experiences, such as a visit from a long-deceased loved one. These experiences can be signs that the end is near.

(2:44) Timothy Schram, CEO of Howe-Peterson Funeral Homes, discusses how he became involved in funeral ministry from a young age. It's not for everyone, he admits, but it's a passion he feels to help those experiencing one of the most difficult times in life.

(6:23) Over 35 years, Schram continues to be emotionally invested in his work because he realizes the importance of honoring a loved one's memory. He and his wife have their own experience with tragedy, having lost an infant themselves.

(8:59) The work can be spiritually taxing, but Schram has a solid support system. He leans heavily on his faith, as well as on his wife and kids, who ground him and remind him of the value of his ministry.

(13:27) Schram describes the beauty of the Catholic funeral rites, as well as the impact caring for the dead can have on the living. He describes interactions with families of those he's buried, who thank him time and time again.

(18:25) Bob Hojnacki, director of Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services for the Archdiocese of Detroit, discusses what makes his ministry unique, from spiritual care to financial assistance for families who've suffered a loved one's loss. Hojnacki talks about the archdiocese's six Catholic cemeteries, as well as what goes into a funeral vigil, Mass and rite of committal. 

(20:43) Fr. Bartoszek tells the story of a 10-year-old boy, Michael, who was dying of HIV. A spirited youngster, Michael was an inspiration to his classmates and friends. One day, Michael asked Fr. Bartoszek what it would be like when he died. Fr. Bartoszek replied that "the angels will come and take you home." At the end of Michael's life, he reported a vision of the angels, just as Fr. Bartoszek had said.

(25:52) Fr. Bartoszek talks about his ministry to both Catholics and non-Catholics. The most fulfilling part, he says, is when he can share God's love and mercy with a dying person who didn't think they deserved it. He helps people let go of grudges, learn to forgive, and learn to accept God's mercy for them.

(28:07) It's this profound love and mercy that's at the heart of Fr. Bartoszek's ministry, every anointing, every funeral Mass, every burial and every tear. It's the hope of the resurrection that animates the Church's ministry to the dying, and the ineffable message that Jesus' love is always stronger than death.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. As Catholics, we pray, worship and live in holy spaces, from grandiose cathedrals to tiny adoration chapels where we meet Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. But what about our final resting place? A Catholic burial in consecrated ground among fellow believers is the sacred right of every Catholic. A tradition since the catacombs, it is the final expression of our Catholic faith, a silent witness to our hope in the resurrection. Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic cemeteries provide an environment of comfort and solace for loved ones, a powerful reminder of our eternal life with Jesus Christ. Offer your family this gift by planning for your eternal rest in a Catholic cemetery. To learn more about the work of Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, our history and our Catholic burial traditions, call or visit one of our locations today. We are ready to ensure that your wishes are met and provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. 

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Pulling back the curtain on the foster system, a foster family and case workers explain the joys and challenges of fostering

(0:06) Tom and Anne Marie Malysz of St. John Fisher Chapel University Parish in Auburn Hills discuss how becoming foster parents has changed them, relying on the Lord’s help.

(2:09) In Part 1, the Malysz family talks about how they became involved in fostering, the expectations they had going in, and how divine providence played a role in helping the couple agree to take on the responsibility.

(6:11) The couple takes an orientation class, undergoes an arduous licensing process, and is paired with a case worker. Despite stereotypes to the contrary, the couple says they were pleasantly surprised by the painlessness of the process.

(7:02) The Malysz family welcomes their first foster children, an infant boy and his two-year-old sister. They discuss how their biological children reacted and what it was like. Since then, they’ve fostered a total of five children.

(8:20) The couple discusses the challenges and joys of fostering, including the knowledge they are helping a family in need. For the Malyszes, their Catholic faith is a big component of it all.

(11:28) The couple admits it’s bittersweet when a child leaves their home, because they don’t often get further contact with the child. But they hope that somehow, the child’s future was changed for the better as a result of their stay.

(13:30) In Part 2, Kristie Harden, director of child welfare for Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, and her staff explain the ins and outs of the foster care process. Hardin discusses the paperwork, training and background checks involved.

(16:15) Hardin discusses how a child becomes removed from his or her birth family and is placed in the foster system. The goal isn’t to place a child with a foster family, however. The goal is always reunification with the child’s birth family.

(17:25) Lyda McRoberts, one of CCSEM’s case workers, talks about how the system encourages reunification by working with parents and children on treatment plans and services. She is in constant communication with a child’s birth parents, and supervises planned visits. She also conducts regular checks with the foster family to ensure the child’s wellbeing.

(20:07) McRoberts talks about what a supervised visit looks like. It’s awkward at first, she admits, but important to see how birth parents interact with and care for their children.

(24:07) While reunification is the ultimate goal, it’s not one that’s often met. That makes case workers’ jobs seem exhausting and thankless, but the interest of children and the cooperation of foster families makes the sacrifice worth it, McRoberts says.

(24:49) Ross Henson, a licensing specialist with CCSEM, discusses the process of ensuring a foster family is ready to take on a child, including home visits. Henson discusses the shortage of foster families willing to take on children, making his job even more important.

(29:48) Hardin offers an appeal to those considering becoming foster parents: Educate yourself, but don’t be afraid of the process. It’s not scary, and for those who are called, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the world.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job in the world! At Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, they make it a bit easier for moms who are feeling alone, struggling financially, or who need an extra hand to help them establish a secure and happy family. To learn more about the ways you can help moms in need visit ccsem.org/respectlife.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.