Connecting the Diocese

Connecting the Diocese
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Connecting the Diocese is one of the ways the Diocese of La Crosse seeks to facilitate encounters with Christ through stories of truth, beauty, and goodness. Produced in conjunction with Relevant Radio, this weekly program helps unite our geographically vast and predominantly rural diocese, ensuring that Catholics across our 19 counties feel connected to the mission and life of the Church.

  1. 6D AGO

    Servant of God Fr. Joseph Walijewski, Casa Hogar, and the Journey Toward Sainthood

    Erik Archer and Clint Berge of the Diocese of La Crosse host a timely “Connecting the Diocese” episode ahead of the March 15 Anniversary of the Opening of the Cause for Servant of God Fr. Joseph Walijewski, featuring an interview with Noel Furger, Director of Development for the Fr. Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild. Noel explains the Guild’s mission to promote Fr. Walijewski’s cause and support his works, especially Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Lima, Peru, founded after St. John Paul II’s $50,000 gift. The conversation covers Fr. Walijewski’s poverty-filled childhood, ordination and missionary work, founding and hands-on leadership of Casa Hogar, and his death in 2006, as well as the canonization process and how listeners can submit prayer requests and prayers answered. 02:02 Legacy Guild Mission 03:05 Father Joe Early Life 05:30 Called to Priesthood 06:21 Missionary Years and Casa Hogar 07:18 John Paul II Gift 08:47 Life Inside the Orphanage 12:06 Beyond Casa Hogar 12:55 Death and Public Mourning 14:44 Cause for Sainthood 16:13 How the Process Works 18:43 Prayers and Miracles Needed 24:09 Mass and Ongoing Legacy 25:42 Casa Hogar Today 26:40 Maestros Family Model 28:20 Calling of Caregivers 30:47 Longtime Couples Story 31:36 Families Become Maestros 32:24 Sacrifice and Sainthood 33:24 How Kids Are Referred 35:48 Evaluations and Intake 37:14 Day in the Life 40:28 Campus Tour Layout

    1 hr

  2. FEB 28

    Madre Peregrina in Wisconsin

    Father Sam Martin interviews Father Tim Oudenhoven about Marian Messengers and a multi-stop Wisconsin pilgrimage featuring a life-size Pilgrim Mother image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including what pilgrims can expect and how to participate via guadalupewi.org. Father Tim shares how Our Lady of Guadalupe connects to the New Evangelization, encourages inviting others, and describes collecting prayer intentions to be taken to Tepeyac. The episode closes Father Martin and Father Weller reflecting on the Second Sunday of Lent readings on the Transfiguration and how Lent’s sacrifices point to resurrection hope. 00:53 Marian Messengers Origins 02:05 Pilgrim Mother Comes to Wisconsin 04:43 Our Lady of Guadalupe and New Evangelization 09:39 Pilgrimage Encounter Stories 12:05 Preparing and Participating 14:51 Hispanic Devotion 18:38 Inviting Others to Faith 24:40 Pilgrim Experience Schedule 29:20 Where the Pilgrimage Travels 32:09 Mary Leads to Jesus 32:35 Guadalupe and Marian Dogmas 34:55 A Priest’s Marian Roots 39:45 Family Faith and Motherhood 48:03 Lent Transfiguration Readings

    1 hr

  3. FEB 21

    Lent as Listening, Fasting, and Mission: Fatherhood, the Eucharist, and Serving the Poor

    This episode of Connecting the Diocese reflects on Lent. Cathedral leaders Kevin Decker and Dominic Carstens describe their roles in the Cathedral parish in La Crosse. The conversation explores Lent as more than “giving something up,” describing the desert as a place of silence where the Lord can be heard. Dominic discusses fasting from attention-grabbing habits such as work emails and social media, noting the challenge of “middle of the road” goods that can become substitutes for deeper relationship and attentiveness. Kevin discusses almsgiving and outreach beyond writing a check, emphasizing the dignity of homeless neighbors and the importance of relationship. The episode also touches on the Behold conference (“Lambs among Wolves”), including reflection on wolves within one’s own heart such as fear of judgment, pride, and the desire for approval. The conversation closes with encouragement for listeners to be bold in Lent, examine fears, and notice restlessness and boredom as places where God may speak. In the final segment, Father Steven Weller and Father Sam Martin join to reflect on the First Sunday of Lent readings, especially Jesus’ 40 days in the desert and the reality of spiritual warfare. 01:37 Meet the Guests: Kevin’s Mission to Rebuild Cathedral Community 02:42 Dominic’s Role: Sharing the Living Gospel Story at the Cathedral 03:58 Rethinking Lent: The Desert as Silence, Training, and Listening 06:02 Fatherhood & Faith: Learning from the Heavenly Father in the Quiet 09:14 Kevin’s Lenten Focus: Presence, Family, and the ‘Sacramental Grit’ of Dad Life 11:25 The Still Small Voice: Elijah, Attention, and Fasting from Distractions 16:11 Eucharistic Pilgrimage Grit: Finding Jesus in Exhaustion and Suffering 21:25 After the Mountaintop: Bringing Pilgrimage Lessons Back to Ordinary Ministry 26:37 Lent in Action: Almsgiving Beyond a Check—Seeing the Dignity of the Homeless 31:14 Healing Happens in Relationship 32:33 From “Services” to Real Community & Friendship 34:46 Who Inspires You? A Shoutout to Everyday Saints 37:03 Lent: Facing Shame, Distractions & Making Space for Silence 41:12 The “Wolves” Within: Fear of Judgment & Keeping Faith Simple 43:23 Catholic Faith vs Catholic Feelings: Trust on the Ordinary Wednesdays 46:12 Lent Takeaways: Be Bold, Confront Fear, and Embrace Holy Boredom 48:29 First Sunday of Lent Readings w/ Fr. Stephen Weller and Fr. Sam Martin 49:15 Desert Warfare: Baptism, Temptation, and the Reality of Evil 51:38 Original Sin, Human Disorder & Why Grace Is Necessary 55:16 Confession Humility: “You Can’t Do It—That’s Why You Need a Savior” 57:11 Eucharist as the Cure: From Forbidden Fruit to the New Adam

    1 hr

  4. FEB 14

    Behold Retreat: Embracing Faith Amongst Modern Wolves

    Join us for an engaging episode of 'Connecting the Diocese' as we explore the transformative experiences from the 'BEHOLD: Lambs Among Wolves' retreat held at the Diocesan Center. Father Sam Martin hosts special guests, Father Reiter, Jake, and Rebecca, who share their personal stories and profound insights from the retreat. Learn about the importance of retreats, the challenges faced by modern youth, and how the Holy Spirit guides us through moments of silence and reflection. Discover how relationships, prayer, and community play vital roles in deepening our faith and facing life's battles. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth or community support, this episode is filled with hope, encouragement, and actionable insights for everyone. 00:36 Meet the Guests: Father Reiter, Jake, and Rebecca 01:13 Father Reiter's Role and Experience 02:02 Jake's Journey and Role in the Retreat 02:34 Rebecca's Experience and Insights 04:51 The Importance of Retreats 09:21 Understanding Silence and Its Challenges 12:20 Highlights and Graces from the Retreat 17:29 Planning and Theme of the Retreat 20:15 Missionary Work and Evangelization 27:12 Challenges and Wolves in Modern Life 30:01 The Joy of the Pro-Life Movement 31:03 Facing Fear and Loneliness 32:39 Wolves on College Campuses 35:10 The Goal of a Retreat 38:43 The Cheeto Lady and Loving the Difficult 41:08 Reflecting on Personal Graces 44:46 Encouragement for Future Retreats 52:17 The Sermon on the Mount and Righteousness

    1 hr

  5. FEB 7

    The Inspiring Story of Blessed James Miller: A Martyr from Wisconsin

    In this episode of 'Connecting the Diocese' from the Diocese of La Crosse on Relevant Radio, Father Sam Martin and Father Alan Guanella discuss the inspiring life and legacy of Blessed Brother James Miller. Brother James, born in 1944 and martyred in Guatemala in 1982, grew up near Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He was a Christian Brother known for his work with the poor and indigenous populations in Central America. Father Guanella shares his personal connections to Brother James through his time as pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Polonia, where Brother James is buried. The episode also features reflections on the importance of living a holy life, touching on specific aspects of Brother James' vocation, his missionary work, and his ultimate sacrifice. The episode concludes with a meditation on the upcoming readings for the fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, reflecting on themes of healing and holiness. 01:09 Introducing Father Alan Guanella 02:25 Brother James Miller's Early Life 03:37 Brother James Miller's Vocation Journey 17:25 Missionary Work in Central America 20:09 Return to the United States and Final Mission 25:05 Martyrdom and Legacy 33:33 Introduction to Viterbo University and Notable Figures 34:07 Inspiration from Saints and Personal Anecdotes 35:59 Event Details at Sacred Heart Parish 36:59 Reflections on Brother James Miller's Life 40:08 The Path to Sainthood and Community Involvement 43:10 Meditation on Scripture and Personal Growth

    1 hr

  6. JAN 31

    Finding God Amidst the Trials: Conversations with Bishop Vitalii and Chalice of Mercy

    Welcome to 'Connecting the Diocese' with Erik Archer, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of La Crosse. In this episode, we continue our deep and enriching conversation with Bishop Vitalii from Kiev, Ukraine, and Valentyna, founder of the nonprofit Chalice of Mercy. Joined by Father Dan Thelen, they explore the profound themes of mercy, justice, and finding God's presence on the front lines of war. They share personal stories of providing aid, the tangible impact of charitable donations, and the intersection of mercy and justice in tumultuous times. This conversation offers a powerful insight into living faith amidst adversity and the importance of prayer and support for the people of Ukraine. 02:02 Chalice of Mercy's Impact in Ukraine 06:40 Personal Experiences on the Frontline 11:16 The Struggle Between Mercy and Justice 29:43 Prayers and Reflections During War 30:53 Unity and Support from the Global Community 34:15 The Role of Social Media in Spreading the Gospel 36:00 Personal Reflections on Gospel Preaching 37:16 Content Creation vs. Faith Communication 37:55 The Role of Social Media in Evangelization 39:48 Gratitude and Support for Ukraine 43:05 Closing Thoughts and Prayers 48:31 Introducing the Sunday Gospel Primer 50:05 Reflections on the Beatitudes 56:37 The Spiritual Journey and Homilies 58:57 Final Blessings and Farewell

    1 hr

  7. JAN 24

    Embracing Faith: Stories of Resilience from Ukraine

    Join Erik Archer, the Director of Communications for the Diocese of La Crosse, in a powerful conversation with Bishop Vitalii of Kiev, Valentyna from Chalice of Mercy, and Father Dan Thelen. This episode delves into the strength of faith amidst Ukraine’s war-torn environment, discussing the profound impacts of suffering, displacement, and heroism in the community. Learn about the personal journeys of the guests, the unifying power of the Church, and tangible ways to support and witness God’s mercy in action. Don’t miss the next episode for the continuation of this impactful discussion. 01:01 Meet the Guests: Bishop Vitalii and Valentyna 04:28 Bishop Vitalii’s Journey to Faith and Priesthood 07:24 Finding Faith Amid Crisis 20:02 The Role of Peace and Faith in Times of War 22:21 Chalice of Mercy: Supporting Ukraine 31:34 The Reality of War and Its Impact

    59 min
  8. The Journey to Priesthood: Kyle Lang Discusses Vocation, Faith, and ‘The Hound of Heaven’

    JAN 14

    The Journey to Priesthood: Kyle Lang Discusses Vocation, Faith, and ‘The Hound of Heaven’

    In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, host Clint Berge interviews Kyle Lang, a seminarian of the Diocese of La Crosse, who is preparing for his ordination to the priesthood. Kyle shares his personal journey and vocation story, framed within Francis Thompson’s poem ‘The Hound of Heaven,’ which explores themes of pursuing and fleeing from God’s love. They discuss the deep theological insights embedded in the poem, Kyle’s experiences studying in Rome, and the significance of Holy Week. Together, they delve into the challenges of seeking true fulfillment and happiness in God, the importance of prayer and community in developing a personal relationship with God, and insights into living a life of faith. This episode is rich with personal reflections, theological discourse, and practical advice for anyone on their spiritual journey. 01:34 Meet Kyle Lang: Journey to Priesthood 04:20 Life and Studies in Rome 08:59 The Hound of Heaven: Exploring the Poem 18:42 Holy Week Reflections 23:29 Finding Refuge in God 30:43 Exploring the Concept of Beauty in Faith 31:24 The Eucharist: A Source of Nourishment 33:58 The Significance of the Triduum 44:15 Reflecting on the Seven Last Words of Jesus 48:39 The Hound of Heaven: God’s Pursuit of Us 57:32 Practical Tips for Growing Your Relationship with God

    1 hr
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About

Connecting the Diocese is one of the ways the Diocese of La Crosse seeks to facilitate encounters with Christ through stories of truth, beauty, and goodness. Produced in conjunction with Relevant Radio, this weekly program helps unite our geographically vast and predominantly rural diocese, ensuring that Catholics across our 19 counties feel connected to the mission and life of the Church.

Information

  • Creator
    Connecting the Diocese
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Connecting the Diocese
  • Show Website
    Connecting the Diocese