The Hidden Potential Within the Children of Migrant Farmworkers | Kalamazoo, Michigan
Release Date: 11/12/2024
Hope and Beauty in Blackfeet Nation | Browning, Montana
The American Catholic Spirt
Little Flower Parish on Blackfeet Nation works to help this Native American community rediscover and reclaim the beauty that has been endowed in them by their creator. Mass is offered at the annual four-day Indian Days celebration, wherein people of Blackfeet descent celebrate their heritage with traditional dancing, drumming and games. The parish was involved in the founding of a school that now boasts a high graduation rate and thriving athletics program. Catholic Extension Society has supported Little Flower Parish for 50 years.
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Fishers of People | East Montana
The American Catholic Spirt
In this episode we explore how the Catholic Church is good for societal health throughout the vast reaches of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings in eastern Montana. Scattered throughout this territory, which is nearly the size of New Zealand, are small town parishes that are catalysts of compassion. When economies falter, Catholic churches are places of convening, assistance and hope. Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with the Catholic leaders who are committed to building a brighter future in these far-flung communities.
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The Hidden Potential Within the Children of Migrant Farmworkers | Kalamazoo, Michigan
The American Catholic Spirt
In southwest Michigan, Catholic leaders go outside the “four walls” of the Church to share God’s love among migrant farmworkers and their children. In this episode we hear from Veronica Rodriguez, the program director for Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. She grew up working in the fields alongside her mother. She remembers priests and religious sisters visiting the migrant camps to encourage children to believe in themselves. Today she is a vital part of the Catholic Church’s outreach to 18,000 migrant workers—bringing music, joy and confidence into the hearts of these...
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Nothing About a Cathedral Is Accidental | San Juan, Puerto Rico
The American Catholic Spirt
Catholic Extension Society has supported Puerto Rico since its first days as a U.S. territory. In this episode, narrated by our president, Father Jack Wall, we visit the sacred treasures inside the Cathedral Basilica of San Juan Bautista, the oldest cathedral church under the American flag. The cathedral represents not only the 500+ years of Catholic faith on this island, but the extraordinary resilience of the people, who are still recovering from the massive destruction wrought by Hurricane Maria and several earthquakes. Now, Catholic Extension Society is helping the Church in Puerto Rico to...
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A Nun Takes on Mobile Medical Care for the Uninsured | Knoxville, Tennessee
The American Catholic Spirt
A Nun Takes on Mobile Medical Care for the Uninsured | Knoxville, Tennessee Our first episode takes us to East Tennessee. You will meet Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, our 2024-2025 Lumen Christi Award recipient. In addition to being a Religious Sister of Mercy from Alma, Michigan, she is also a physician. She leads St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, a mobile medical clinic that serves the uninsured. Listen below to hear directly from Sister Mary Lisa, her staff and her patients. You will be inspired by her complete devotion to God and His children.
info_outlineIn southwest Michigan, Catholic leaders go outside the “four walls” of the Church to share God’s love among migrant farmworkers and their children. In this episode we hear from Veronica Rodriguez, the program director for Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. She grew up working in the fields alongside her mother. She remembers priests and religious sisters visiting the migrant camps to encourage children to believe in themselves. Today she is a vital part of the Catholic Church’s outreach to 18,000 migrant workers—bringing music, joy and confidence into the hearts of these overlooked families.