On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Catie Wilwerding, a senior at Dowling Catholic High School and a speaker at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). Catie shares her journey of faith, her leadership on the National Youth Advisory Council, and what it means for young people to live as protagonists of faith in today’s Church.

Catie reflects on her family’s strong Catholic foundation, her involvement in small-group faith formation, and her role in helping restart Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreats in the Diocese of Des Moines. She also recounts her powerful experience traveling to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services, where she witnessed the global Church in action and encountered Christ through service and solidarity.

Bishop Joensen offers reflections on Advent, discernment, vocation, and the importance of creating spaces where young people can encounter Christ through retreat, prayer, and accompaniment. This episode is a hopeful and encouraging look at how the Holy Spirit is at work in the next generation of Catholic leaders.

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #CatholicFaith #Advent #CatieWilwerding #NCYC #CatholicYouth #YoungCatholicLeaders #DowlingCatholic #YouthMinistry #TECretreat #FaithInAction #NextGenerationChurch

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More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Shelley Jerke, Manager of the Sobering Center at St. Vincent de Paul in Des Moines. Shelley shares how the center serves individuals struggling with alcohol or substance-related crises by offering a safe space, medical supervision, and connections to essential community resources. She explains how the center partners with local agencies, operates 24/7, and has already made a significant financial and human impact on emergency services and law enforcement.

Shelley also discusses the dignity-driven mission behind the work, the compassion of her medical team, and the powerful personal stories that reflect God’s grace at work even in moments of hardship. Bishop Joensen reflects on Advent themes of mercy, hope, and waiting on the Lord—connecting the spiritual season to the healing work happening at the Sobering Center.

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #SoberingCenter #StVincentDePaul #IowaCatholicRadio #CommunityCare #HopeAndHealing #AdventSeason #MercyInAction #CatholicRadio

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If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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On this Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill speak with Maria Campbell, founder of Miscarriage Ministry at the Basilica of St. John. Maria shares her deeply personal journey of losing three children—two early miscarriages and one stillbirth—and how the Lord transformed that suffering into a ministry of consolation and dignity for grieving families.

Together, they explore:

The distinctions between miscarriage and stillbirth

The emotional and spiritual impact on both mothers and fathers

Parents’ rights regarding the remains of their child

The importance of compassionate accompaniment

Parish and diocesan initiatives to support grieving families

The hope we find in Christ during seasons of loss

Maria offers practical insight into her ministry’s miscarriage support kits, burial resources, and her growing vision for dedicated “Little Souls” burial areas within the diocese.

This is a tender and hope-filled discussion for anyone seeking support after pregnancy loss or wishing to better minister to those who grieve.

#CatholicRadio #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicFaith #Advent #HopeInChrist #CatholicFamilyLife

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You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.

If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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In this edition of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with David Thielen, Executive Director of the Romero House in Ames — a Catholic Worker ministry dedicated to serving the homeless and those in spiritual and material poverty.

Topics covered in this episode include:

David Thielen’s personal journey from corporate life to a radical rediscovery of faith, reconciliation, and mission

How the Romero House embodies Dorothy Day’s principle of “radical hospitality” — welcoming guests not just for services but for fellowship, dignity, and relationship

The reality of homelessness in Ames and the challenges and misconceptions surrounding it

The pushback and zoning battles faced in opening Romero House — and how hearts in the community have begun to change

How the House works in cooperation with local resources like the public library and Food at First

The spiritual transformation that takes place not only in guests but also in volunteers, students, and future seminarians who serve there

The teachings of Pope Leo and Pope Francis on the preferential option for the poor, and how true Christian discipleship must include solidarity with those on the margins

The Romero House welcomes volunteers, partners, and supporters seeking to live their faith in concrete ways, offering showers, meals, laundry, and — most importantly — human connection and hope rooted in Christ.

To learn more:
Search “Ames Romero House” online for contact information, details on volunteering, and opportunities to support their mission.

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #DavidThielen #RomeroHouse #CatholicWorker #DorothyDay #OscarRomero #LoveOfThePoor #CatholicSocialTeaching #PreferentialOptionForThePoor #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio

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More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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In this week’s episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with Jim Jansen, parish leader, speaker, and author of A Clear Path. Drawing on years of experience in parish renewal and campus ministry, Jim shares insights on how parishes can move beyond activity overload and focus on what truly forms disciples.

In this conversation, they discuss:

The evolving mission of the Church and the renewed call to make missionary disciples

The impact of Jim’s work in the Archdiocese of Omaha and the leadership of Archbishop McGovern

How personal encounter with Christ led Jim into ministry

The relationship between conversion, prayer, parish culture, and mission

Why programs alone don’t form disciples—and how simplifying parish life actually produces greater fruit

The challenging but necessary process of discerning what to keep, prune, or refocus in parish ministry

Encouragement for parishes of all sizes: every community can begin the journey

Jim also shares resources available through his book and website, including tools to help leaders build a parish culture centered on evangelization, discipleship, and intentional mission.

Learn more:
ClearPathBook.com (supporting resources and ordering information)

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #JimJansen #ParishRenewal #MissionaryDisciples #CatholicEvangelization #ClearPath #ArchdioceseOfOmaha #CatholicRadio #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio

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More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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In this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Major Ryan Doty (Des Moines Police Department; Vice President, Saint Vincent de Paul Council) for an in-depth, personal conversation about service — both as a law-enforcement officer and as a servant of charity in the local Church.

What we cover

Opening reflections from Bishop Joensen (feast of St. Albert the Great; recent bishops’ meeting and National Eucharistic Congress planning; National Catholic Youth Conference).

Major Ryan Doty’s background: growing up in a law-enforcement family, early career in Fort Dodge, and his move to the Des Moines Police Department.

Policing and pastoral presence: wearing the uniform in parish life, community trust, and the responsibilities of officers who “come when called.”

Operational leadership: Major Doty’s role running operations, neighborhood-based service delivery, and the staffing pressures facing modern police departments.

Homelessness and humane responses: how the department balances public safety with compassionate outreach; the importance and positive outcomes of the mobile crisis unit and partnerships with mental-health professionals.

Saint Vincent de Paul Council: Major Doty’s 18+ years on the board; the organization’s evolution from thrift-store funding to holistic pathways out of poverty — education, financial literacy, childcare while clients pursue GED/HSE, and expanded food-pantry locations.

Reentry and immersion programs: local reentry services that have become national models, Polk County kiosk, and support for returning citizens and their families.

Professional development & wider service: FBI National Academy experience (networking among police executives) and work in arena security for the G League — examples of leadership and service beyond the beat.

Thanksgiving and the holiday season: Saint Vincent de Paul’s role during increased need, how donations stay local, and how parishioners can help.

Resources & organizations mentioned

Saint Vincent de Paul Council (local food/clothing pantries, reentry programs and social services)

Des Moines Police Department — mobile crisis unit and neighborhood-based service delivery

FBI National Academy (professional development for police executives)

Iowa Catholic Radio Network & Spirit Catholic Radio Network — where you can hear the show

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #MajorRyanDoty #SaintVincentDePaul #FaithInAction #CatholicCharity #CommunitySafety #MentalHealth #Reentry #Homelessness #IowaCatholicRadio

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More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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In this episode of Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with Kate Hopping, Campus Minister at St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs.

In this conversation, they discuss:

How Kate accompanies students in prayer, formation, and faith development

The role of campus ministry in a Catholic school setting

Building a culture of service, leadership, and community among students

The importance of connecting faith with everyday student life

Upcoming events, spiritual opportunities, and ways families can get involved in school faith life

Tune in to hear how Kate and the St. Albert Catholic Schools community are helping students grow into joyful disciples who live their faith with purpose.

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #KateHopping #StAlbertCatholicSchools #CampusMinistry #CatholicEducation #FaithFormation #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio #CatholicSchools

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You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.

If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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In this episode of Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Dr. Bud Marr delve into the life, thought, and enduring legacy of St. John Henry Newman, who will be officially named a Doctor of the Church on November 1st, the Solemnity of All Saints.

Guest:

Dr. Bud Marr – Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Mercy College of Health Sciences, Newman scholar, and former associate director of the National Institute for Newman Studies.

In This Episode:

Why Newman’s theology remains vital to understanding faith and conscience today

How Newman bridged the gap between intellect and belief

Reflections on the significance of being named a Doctor of the Church

The impact of Newman’s thought on Catholic education and formation

Referenced Article: Catholic News Agency – Pope to proclaim St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church

Thank you to our sponsors:
The Serra Club of Des Moines and the Serra Club of Council Bluffs for supporting Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen.

Tune in on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network and the Spirit Catholic Radio Network for this enlightening conversation on the faith and intellect of one of the Church’s greatest modern thinkers.

#StJohnHenryNewman #DoctorOfTheChurch #CatholicFaith #NewmanScholar #FaithAndReason #CatholicEducation #BishopJoensen #MakingItPersonal #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio #BudMarr #MercyCollege

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If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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In this inspiring episode of Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen, Bishop Joensen welcomes Fr. Sylvester Okoh, BCC, for a thoughtful conversation about hospital chaplaincy and Catholic ministry in healthcare.

Meet Our Guest: Fr. Sylvester Okoh, BCC – Catholic Priest Chaplain at UnityPoint Hospitals in Des Moines and newly appointed liaison for NACC members in Iowa.

What We Discuss:

The daily life of a hospital chaplain and the spiritual care they provide

Fr. Okoh’s new role with the National Association for Catholic Chaplains

Supporting patients, families, and healthcare staff through faith

Resources: Learn more about the National Association for Catholic Chaplains at https://www.nacc.org/about/

Tune in on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network or the Spirit Catholic Radio Network to hear this heartfelt conversation about faith, service, and the power of presence in times of need.

#CatholicFaith #HospitalChaplaincy #SpiritualCare #FrSylvesterOkoh #BishopJoensen #MakingItPersonal #IowaCatholic #NACC #CatholicMinistry #FaithInAction

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You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.

If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

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