Weekly podcast for September 11 through the 18th Catholic events in the Cedar Rapids area. Thanks for listening!

Weekly event calendar of interest to the Catholic community in Cedar Rapids

Weekly local calendar August 14 through the 21st

Growing up nominally Lutheran in Vancouver, Washington, Father MJ Groark fell into a life of addiction, homelessness, and dissipation. After hitting rock bottom—and with his parents praying for him daily for years—he got sober, entered the Catholic Church, and was drawn to the Franciscan way of life. He became a friar, then a priest, and now serves as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

This is an amazing story of redemption, the power of prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit, and God’s ability to bring good out of all things. Listen as Father MJ shares his journey.

What is The Militia of the Immaculata?

Antonella Di Piazza explains their mission, Maximillian Kolbe, and growing up in Italy. Ms. Piazza has compiled a two volume set of St. Kolbe's writing and correspondence.

The Writings of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe is a two-volume English critical edition that gathers the complete surviving writings of the Polish Franciscan priest and martyr of Auschwitz.

Volume I: Letters contains St. Kolbe’s personal and pastoral correspondence, including filial letters to his mother and messages of counsel to religious and laity. 

Volume II: Various Writings brings together his treatises, evangelization plans, theological reflections—especially on the Immaculate Conception and the Holy Spirit—along with articles, notes, and other works. Together, the 2,557-page set offers a comprehensive view of his profound Marian spirituality, love for the Church, and vision for the conversion and sanctification of the world.

Hot off the press is the Kolbe Konnection Calendar with an interview with Fr. MJ Groark he is a new priest in the archdiocese and former Franciscan Friar.

Kolbe Konnection calendar for the Cedar Rapids deanery and surrounding area featuring events of interest to Catholic listeners.

Catholic Events calendar for July 25-31

We welcome Rose G on the latest Kolbe Konnection episode for a discussion on the Rosary, homeschooling, and adapting to change.

Rose shares how the Rosary led to a profound miracle—the conception of two children after a discouraging diagnosis—and guided her decision to homeschool. She also reflects on navigating the Journey in Faith process (parish consolidation).

A grace-filled, encouraging 45-minute conversation offering hope and practical wisdom for Catholic families. Available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Music:

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Abel Pereira and the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon

What is The Militia of the Immaculata? Antonella Di Piazza explains their mission, Maximillian Kolbe, and growing up in Italy.

Ms. Piazza has compiled a two volume set of St. Kolbe's writing and correspondence.

The Writings of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe is a two-volume English critical edition that gathers the complete surviving writings of the Polish Franciscan priest and martyr of Auschwitz. Volume I: Letters contains St. Kolbe’s personal and pastoral correspondence, including filial letters to his mother and messages of counsel to religious and laity. Volume II: Various Writings brings together his treatises, evangelization plans, theological reflections—especially on the Immaculate Conception and the Holy Spirit—along with articles, notes, and other works. Together, the 2,557-page set offers a comprehensive view of his profound Marian spirituality, love for the Church, and vision for the conversion and sanctification of the world.

https://militiaoftheimmaculata.com

https://militiaoftheimmaculata.com/the-writings-of-st-maximilian-maria-kolbe/

Music:

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Abel Pereira and the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon