In this episode, part of our ongoing series focusing on the pastoral planning initiative ‘All Things New,’ we hear a conversation between Amy Hoeschen, administrator for the One in Faith ACC and Jessica Goebel, human resources coordinator for the diocese of Saint Cloud. They share about their experience as lay faithful in the Church and how their choice to enroll in the Emmaus Institute program not only helped them grow in knowledge of Church history and teaching, but provided the foundation for their lives as lay leaders.

Msgr. Michael Heintz, pastor at Saint Pius X in Granger, Indiana and visiting director of the John S. and Virginia A. Marten program in homiletics and liturgics and Dr. Katharine Harmon, director of the Obsculta Preaching Initiative at Saint John's School of Theology who teaches in the areas of liturgical studies and the history of Christianity. They share their thoughts on the state of preaching in today's Church and provide practical ways the lay faithful can assist and support their parish priests.

Digital Media Manager Dianne Towalski talks with 90 year-old Father Tony Kroll, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud. The conversation centers on listening and how being a good listener has helped him in his priesthood and his ministry.

Benedictine monk, David Paul Lange and Benedictine sister, Nina Lasceski provide insight on listening through a Benedictine lens. They explore listening as a a whole-body experience and share ideas on how we better listen to God, to oneself and to others. The practice of Lectio Divina is also discussed.

Gerard Thomas Straub will present the 17th Annual Fr. Wil Illies Heart Speaks to Heart Memorial Lecture on April 5 at Christ Church Newman Center in Saint Cloud at 6:30 PM. Gerry is a documentary filmmaker and the founder and president of Pax et Bonum Communications, which produces films focused on the plight of the poor. The goal of his ministry is to put the power of film at the service of the poor. Gerry talks with Tim Welch and Dianne Towalski about his work, his mission and his current projects. For more on Gerry's work, visit Pax et Bonum Communications at https://paxetbonumcomm.org or gerardstraub.com.

The Diocese of Saint Cloud welcomes Amanda Achtman. Achtman shares why she fierce advocate against euthanasia in her home country of Canada and around the world. The conversation includes insights from her studies and from saints and Catholic leaders. Her work at dyingtomeetyou.com focuses on humanizing the 'conversation on suffering, death, meaning and hope.'

Philip and Hannah Shefveland speak about their experience supporting individuals through sacrament preparation and how their involvement in young adult groups helps nourish their sacramental life. Hannah teaches second grade at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in St. Cloud and Philip is the director of discipleship and evangelization for the All Called to Christ Area Catholic Community and campus minister at Christ Church Newman Center. Hannah also serves as first sacraments coordinator for their ACC.

Father Matthew Crane, the vicar of canonical affairs for the Diocese of St. Cloud and Father Erik Lundgren, parochial administrator of the Church of Saint Wendelin, Luxemburg, the Church of the Holy Cross, Pearl Lake, and the Church of Saint Mary Help of Christians in St. Augusta, join us for a lively dicussion about sacramental life focusing on the question, what is the purpose of liturgy?

Dianne Towalski, digital media manager for the Diocese of St. Cloud talks with Deacon Joe Kresky and Karen Handeland from Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids about their passion for mission and trips they have been on, including their most recent trip to remote villages in Alaska.

Jon Ruis, owner and principal of Ruis Consulting Group, talks with Joe Towalski, chancellor of the Diocese of St. Cloud.