All Things New: Emmaus Institute provides a foundation for lay leaders
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Release Date: 04/23/2025
Speaking of ... Totus Tuus
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this episode of 'Speaking of Faith,' Collin Prom, a diocesan seminarian, and Father Doug Leibsch, the vocations director for the Diocese of St. Cloud, discuss Totus Tuus. Totus Tuus, meaning 'totally yours' in English, is a summer program organized by the diocesan vocations office and hosted by local Area Catholic Communities aimed to help young people (grades 1 – 12) grow in their understanding of the faith and their love for Jesus and His Church. Collin shares his experiences as a Totus Tuus missionary and intern and both share of Totus Tuus's impact on participants and the college-aged...
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Speaking of ... SEEK 2026
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this episode of Speaking of Faith, host Amber talks with Melanie Solland, Philip Shefveland and Father Derek Wiechmann about their experience at the SEEK Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The discussion highlights the growth, spiritual rejuvenation and the universal Church connection experienced by young Catholics at the event. They share their preparation, the structure of the conference, and impactful sessions. SEEK, hosted in three sites across the United States, attracted nearly 30,000 attendees. For more information visit To access content from SEEK 2026, visit: For more information...
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Paths of Faith — Part 3 with Matt Birk
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this podcast episode, Father Erik Lundgren and Matt Birk, a former NFL Center and Super Bowl Champion discuss faith paths and personal growth. Birk shares his journey of growing up in a devout Catholic family, through his football career and how he regained a deeper connection with his Catholic faith. While sharing the challenges he's faced in his faith, Birk emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship and personal witness in fostering a robust faith life. Both Brik and Father Erik highlight how each of us can create human connections to help those returning to faith.
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Speaking of ... Christian Unity & Ecumenism
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this episode of 'Speaking of Faith,' Father John Klassen, a Benedictine priest and director of Abbey Development at St. John's Abbey, discusses the concept of Christian unity. Father Klassen delves into the historical context of Christian unity, emphasizing the significance of the Second Vatican Council and its progressive stance towards ecumenism. Throughout the discussion, Father Klassen highlights the importance of listening and humility in ecumenical dialogues. The episode also explores practical steps for fostering Christian unity, such as participating in services of other...
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Paths of Faith — Part 2
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In the second episode with Father Erik Lundgren and Kelli Kleinschnitz, the two share results of the Path survey, which was aimed to understand why some Catholics have fallen away from the church. Discussion included how respondents felt disconnected from their parish, disagreed with church teachings, or had busy schedules. Additionally, the value of community and authenticity in their current faith communities was explored. Father Erik and Kelli highlighted the importance of authentic faith experiences and the need for better parish staffing and volunteer for potential future outreach...
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Speaking of...Paths of Faith and reconnecting with lapsed Catholics
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this episode of Speaking of Faith, host Amber Walling welcomes Kelli Kleinschnitz, Director of Faith Formation, and Father Erik Lundgren, Pastor of three parishes within the Holy Saints ACC. Together, they discuss innovative efforts to reconnect with lapsed Catholics, offer a deeper look into their approach which included the use of technology to gather rapid feedback through a survey called Path. Responses for the survey were designed to better understand the faith journeys of former churchgoers and to create opportunities for dialogue, healing and a possible return to the church...
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Speaking of. . .My Beloved Child with Sarah Kroger
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
This episode of Speaking of Faith features a conversation with Sarah Kroger, an award-nominated musician and newly published children's author. Sarah discusses her journey of discovering self-love and identity and how it inspired her to write her song 'Belovedness.' From that, she authored a devotional and her recently released children's book, 'My Beloved Child.' Sarah hopes that through her book, children will "grow up with this knowledge that they are loved beyond a shadow of a doubt, beyond their comprehension by the Father" Sarah also shares about her Advent hymns project, her tour...
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Speaking of the Work of the Mission Office
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Elizabeth Brown, the director of the Mission Office and the Society for the Propagation of Faith, shares about her background in ministry and the multifaceted work of the Mission Office. She also shares the principles of Fair Trade, detailing how it supports marginalized farmers and artisans by ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. Lastly, Elizabeth highlights the Mission Office's holiday sale during the month of December and invites community involvement through donations, Fair Trade product purchases and educational outreach. Visit the Mission...
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Faith and Justice: Paths to Supporting Immigrants
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Sister Pat Forster and Patty Keeling, who are deeply involved in immigrant advocacy, share insights into the Church's teachings on welcoming immigrants and discuss the rights of immigrants to work, equality and support. Both Sister Pat and Patty reflect on their personal faith and how their work with immigrants has deepened their understanding of love, compassion, and universal dignity. The conversation touches on practical ways to support immigrants, such as knowing rights, engaging with local sheriffs, writing to legislators, and attending training sessions. Referenced resources: ...
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Exploring Environmental Ethics: A Dialogue with John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this episode, John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-directors of the delve into their decades-long work on integrating religious and ecological studies to address environmental crises. They discuss the impact of , which fuses social justice with environmental concerns, and explore the significance of ecological conversion. The episode also highlights their website aimed at fostering a dialogue on biodiversity, the rights of nature, and sustainable living, emphasizing respect, reverence, and responsibility.
info_outlineIn 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.