Bishop William Joensen opens the episode with reflections on a full week ahead — upcoming confirmations at Saint Mary of Boca and Saint Patrick Walnut, and a prayer of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus inspired by the recent gathering of U.S. bishops. The prayer, available at usccb.org, is offered for listeners who may not have had the opportunity to join their parish for the consecration.

Upcoming Diocesan Events:

Guest: Maria Parker, USCCB Maria serves as Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She grew up in Southampton, PA, formed by lay teachers at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish and later the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great. Her academic background includes an undergraduate degree in theology from Mount Saint Mary's in Emmitsburg, a master's in school counseling, and a doctorate in educational leadership — with dissertation research focused on lay formation in Catholic schools.

After serving as a FOCUS missionary and spending years in Catholic secondary education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Maria joined the USCCB in 2022. In her current role, she liaises with national youth organizations including the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and supports the bishops' new framework for forming and mobilizing young Catholics.

Bishop Joensen and Maria also reflect on the Alpha Conference in London (May 2026), highlighting Alpha's ecumenical spirit, kerygmatic approach, and small-group model as a proven vehicle for parish evangelization. Maria enthusiastically recommends Alpha materials for parishes and dioceses and expressed willingness to help connect interested youth ministers with Alpha leadership.

Learn more about the Sacred Heart consecration prayer and other USCCB resources at usccb.org.

For Serra Vocations Ministry (episode sponsor): joinSerra.org

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Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome back Patty Origer — Evangelization and Catechesis team member and Disability Coordinator for the Diocese of Des Moines — for a wide-ranging conversation on disability ministry, belonging, and the spiritual dignity of every person.

Patty, who has served the diocese for over six and a half years, reflects on her personal calling to this work as the mother and longtime advocate of her son Jeremy, who has cerebral palsy. She shares highlights from her tenure, including:

Parish Advocates Program – Twelve parishes now have designated advocates who serve as local points of contact for disability-related needs, connecting parishioners with resources and raising awareness.

Sensory-Friendly Masses – Designed for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or anxiety-related disabilities, these Masses feature softer lighting, quieter music, and a more accommodating environment. A recent one at St. John's in Adel drew moving responses from attendees.

Night to Shine – Two diocesan parishes, Sacred Heart in West Des Moines and St. Mary's in Shenandoah, host this Tim Tebow Foundation-sponsored celebration for people with disabilities.

Caregiver Support & Mental Health Ministry – Patty helped launch caregiver support groups and mental health ministry resources across the diocese.

The ASK Resource Center (based in Johnston, Iowa) is a recommended resource for families navigating disability services, educational supports, and life transitions. Learn more at AskResourceCenter.org.

Upcoming Webinar: Accompanying Aging Populations Hosted by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), this virtual summer intensive runs Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11, noon–3 PM CT. Topics include spirituality and aging, caregiving, dementia support, end-of-life care, mental well-being, and ministry of consolation. A Spanish-language option is available later in June.

For more on disability ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit DMDiocese.org/disabilityministry

Learn more about Iowa Catholic Radio at IowaCatholicRadio.com

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Mission for the Diocese of Des Moines, for an important conversation about preparing young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

John shares how a diocesan task force of pastors, parents, deacons, educators, and parish leaders prayerfully discerned the move toward sixth-grade Confirmation in Southwest Iowa. The discussion explores the cultural realities facing families today, the impact of the National Eucharistic Revival, and why earlier sacramental formation may better help young people encounter Jesus and remain connected to the Church.

Listeners will also hear how parents and sponsors will play a deeper role in the new discipleship-focused process, what the transition timeline will look like, and how the Diocese hopes to strengthen lifelong faith formation beyond Confirmation.

Plus, Bishop Joensen and Jean reflect on priest anniversaries, parish life, vocations, upcoming diocesan events, and the joy of Catholic community.

Learn more about the Diocese of Des Moines: Diocese of Des Moines

Listen to more local Catholic programming from Iowa Catholic Radio

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Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Bishop Joensenand Jeanne Tille sit down with Angela Franks, associate professor of theology at The Catholic University of America and author of Body and Identity: A History of the Empty Self.

Together they explore:

Dr. Franks also discusses how contemporary culture often separates identity from reality, why people feel increasingly disconnected despite constant self-expression, and how the Christian vision restores meaning, dignity, and purpose.

Learn more about Dr. Franks and her work at:
AngelaFranks.com

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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On this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill visit with leadership consultant, educator, and author Dr. Dan Ebener about the transformative power of servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and humble inquiry.

Drawing from decades of experience working with churches, nonprofits, businesses, and dioceses, Dr. Ebener explains why the best leaders listen first, cultivate vulnerability, and create environments where people feel heard and valued. The conversation explores diocesan strategic planning, Pope Francis’ call to synodality, leadership in the modern Church, and the growing need for authentic human connection in an age shaped by technology and AI.

Bishop Joensen and Dr. Ebener also reflect on:

Learn more about Dr. Dan Ebener and his work at:
https://www.danebener.com/

Learn more about Serra Vocations Ministry:
https://joinserra.org/

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https://iowacatholicradio.com/

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Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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#MakingItPersonal #BishopWilliamJoensen #HollyPeterson #CatholicEducation #CommunionAndLiberation #DesMoinesMeeting #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #CatholicFaith #Encounter

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

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On this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen sits down with Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop.

Archbishop Curtiss reflects on:

This insightful conversation offers listeners a unique glimpse into nearly seven decades of priestly ministry and five decades of episcopal leadership.

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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In this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Curtis and Maximillian Brown, co-leads of the upcoming Des Moines Meeting, inspired by the spirituality of Communion and Liberation.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

The personal faith journeys of Curtis and Max Brown—from family life to young adult faith formation

How Communion and Liberation, founded by Monsignor Luigi Giussani, emphasizes faith as an encounter with the living Christ

The role of friendship, curiosity, and community in deepening Catholic faith

How young people today are rediscovering faith through authentic relationships and meaningful questions

Reflections on Giussani’s insight: faith begins with encounter—not just ideas or rules

The inspiration behind the New York Encounter and how it sparked the vision for a local event

Event Details: 

A free, open-invitation event designed for anyone seeking deeper meaning in life and faith.

Date: Saturday, June 6

Location: Diocesan Pastoral Center & St. Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines

What to expect:

Engaging panel discussions, including:

Faith and Gen Z

The dignity of work in the age of artificial intelligence

Witness talks from those formed by Communion and Liberation

Holy Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral

Evening concert featuring classical pianist Dr. Brian Bielman

Cost: Free (RSVP encouraged)

More info & RSVP: thedesmoinesmeeting.com

This event is open to all—whether deeply rooted in the faith or simply searching. As emphasized in the show, it’s an invitation to take life seriously and explore the presence of Christ in all aspects of reality.

Heard on:

Iowa Catholic Radio Network

Spirit Catholic Radio Network

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CommunionAndLiberation #DesMoinesMeeting #CatholicFaith #FaithAndCulture #EncounterChrist #YoungAdultMinistry #CatholicCommunity #IowaCatholicRadio

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

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In this moving episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Dr. Cheryl Fournier and Dorothy Miller to reflect on the remarkable life of Sr. Pat Sherer, whose ministry transformed countless lives.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Sr. Pat’s ministry went far beyond logistics—she offered dignity, belonging, and faith to those seeking a new life. Her legacy continues in the lives she touched and the community she helped build.

Funeral Mass:

Heard on:

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #SrPatShearer #RefugeeMinistry #CatholicFaith #RadicalHospitality #CatholicSocialTeaching #FaithInAction #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.