Understanding the Diaconate: A Conversation with Archbishop Shawn McKnight
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Release Date: 09/17/2025
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.
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All Things New: We are all called to accompaniment
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Kristin Molitor has ministry background in both diocesan and parish settings and has heart for discipleship and spiritual formation. In this episode, she discusses the essence of accompaniment in Christian faith. The conversation draws parallels between Jesus' discipleship and modern accompaniment and stresses that faith thrives on shared experiences and relational bonds. Practical steps for fostering these connections within church communities and personal lives are explored.
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A Bridge to Ministry: Education and Formation at the Mexican American Catholic College
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
In this episode, we welcome Fr. Juan Molina, president and CEO and Lizett Farias, senior director of programs at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC). Both discusses the diverse formation programs offered by MACC and highlight their mission to equip individuals for ministry through certificate and degree programs, partnerships with other educational bodies, and a strong emphasis on intercultural competence and lifelong learning. Also discussed: MACC's historical role in serving the Hispanic community, fostering transformative ministry leaders, the importance of integral formation, and...
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All Things New: Hospitality within our parishes
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Benedictine sister Nina Lasceski returns to share thoughts the Benedictine value of hospitality. Reflection includes ways Area Catholic Communities can be especially hospitable when welcoming visitors and new members during the diocesan planning process — All Things New.
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Understanding the Diaconate: A Conversation with Archbishop Shawn McKnight
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Visiting from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Shawn McKnight, author of Understanding the Diaconate: Historical, Theological, and Sociological Foundations, published by The Catholic University of America Press, shares his connection to Central Minnesota and his expertise of the permanent diaconate with host Amber Walling.
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All Things New: Grief turned to advocacy
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Tami and Randy Kruzel’s daughter BriAnna died unexpectedly by unknown causes in 2013 and Scott and Reyne Roeder’s son Jackson died by suicide in 2018. Tami Kruzel and Scott Roeder took their grief and turned it into advocacy when they began Bri’s Lodge and the Jackson Roeder Legacy fund, respectively. Each bereaved parent shares their grief journey and their hopes to help others with their work.
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All Things New: How we experience grief
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Mary Jo Legare-Hoffmann, faith community nurse at St. Augustine’s church in St. Cloud, and Bethany Tollefson, parish health ministries coordinator and a nurse in behavioral health discuss how grief looks and feels different for everyone and provide resources for those needing mental health support. For the Diocesan Mental Health Committee website click the link below:
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All Things New: Benedict never uses the word ‘Stewardship’
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Benedictine Sister, Nina Lasceski, reflects upon how St. Benedict encourages Christian stewardship through his Rule without using the word stewardship in the document. Discussion also includes stewardship in the context of the All Things New diocesan planning process.
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Exploring Diaconate Formation
Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast
Dr. Deepan Rajaratnam, director of ministerial formation at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, and Deacon Richard Scheierl, deacon moderator for the Diocese of Saint Cloud, discuss the formation process, including human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation, for those discerning the diaconate in the Diocese of Saint Cloud.
info_outlineVisiting from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Shawn McKnight, author of Understanding the Diaconate: Historical, Theological, and Sociological Foundations, published by The Catholic University of America Press, shares his connection to Central Minnesota and his expertise of the permanent diaconate with host Amber Walling.