(0:02) Ann Koshute discusses the vision she and her husband had of having children after they were married. Like many Catholic couples, they longed for a big family. However, as the years went on without children, the couple slowly began to grapple with the cross they carried: infertility.

(3:28) With few resources available for Catholic couples struggling with this lonely cross — apart from natural family planning or adoption resources — Ann and a close friend who also faced infertility felt called to create a new peer support ministry, Springs in the Desert.

(8:50) Ann discusses the unique challenge of infertility in the Catholic Church, in which big families are celebrated, cherished, and even encouraged. For a Catholic couple without children, Ann says, parish life can be isolating and uncomfortable. Christina Heidemann, who volunteers with Springs in the Desert, agrees.

(11:42) Christina explains her experience with what’s called “secondary infertility,” or infertility that takes place after one or more pregnancies. Christina and her husband desired to expand their family, but after two children and multiple miscarriages, they began to lose hope. Christina talks about discovering Springs in the Desert, which gave her and her husband support and hope as they pursued other options, including international adoption.

(14:15) After adopting one daughter, Christina became pregnant again. Given the complications she had faced in the past, she and her husband had a lot of anxiety, but she was able to successfully carry the pregnancy to term and gave birth to her “miracle,” a daughter, Theodora.

(16:10) Dawn and Joe Pullis discuss their journey with infertility, which began before the couple married. After a battle with ovarian cancer early in life, Dawn knew she wouldn’t be able to have children naturally. The news, while devastating, allowed Joe and Dawn to pray and discern their future together, including their eventual adoption of three children.

(20:07) Dawn and Joe discuss not having their own children, but also the beauty of the plan God did have in store for them. Over the years, their experience has helped them share wisdom with other young couples going through similar challenges.

(21:26) Ann and Christina talk about how Springs in the Desert seeks to be a community for those suffering from infertility to find peers to help guide them, resources to help facilitate conversation and prayer, and advice for pastors and lay leaders to better understand the road such couples face.

(28:01) Ann and Christina emphasize the need for a re-framing of the conversation around infertility in the Church. All married couples — regardless of family size — are called to be fruitful and holy, and there is space in the Church for every family. The women emphasize God’s love and urge couples facing infertility to place their whole trust in Him.

Reporting and narration by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

For your home financing, choose Alliance Catholic Credit Union. They share your faith and values and support the local Catholic community. Now through Dec. 31, unlock your dream home with a minimum 3% down payment, and they will waive your PMI. Get started today at AllianceCatholic.com or call (877) 950-2228. Federally insured by NCUA. NMLS number 401254. Equal housing lender.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on In a Church that celebrates big families, infertility can be an isolating cross; how married couples found beauty in God's plan

(0:02) Ann Koshute discusses the vision she and her husband had of having children after they were married. Like many Catholic couples, they longed for a big family. However, as the years went on without children, the couple slowly began to grapple with the cross they carried: infertility.

(3:28) With few resources available for Catholic couples struggling with this lonely cross — apart from natural family planning or adoption resources — Ann and a close friend who also faced infertility felt called to create a new peer support ministry, Springs in the Desert.

(8:50) Ann discusses the unique challenge of infertility in the Catholic Church, in which big families are celebrated, cherished, and even encouraged. For a Catholic couple without children, Ann says, parish life can be isolating and uncomfortable. Christina Heidemann, who volunteers with Springs in the Desert, agrees.

(11:42) Christina explains her experience with what’s called “secondary infertility,” or infertility that takes place after one or more pregnancies. Christina and her husband desired to expand their family, but after two children and multiple miscarriages, they began to lose hope. Christina talks about discovering Springs in the Desert, which gave her and her husband support and hope as they pursued other options, including international adoption.

(14:15) After adopting one daughter, Christina became pregnant again. Given the complications she had faced in the past, she and her husband had a lot of anxiety, but she was able to successfully carry the pregnancy to term and gave birth to her “miracle,” a daughter, Theodora.

(16:10) Dawn and Joe Pullis discuss their journey with infertility, which began before the couple married. After a battle with ovarian cancer early in life, Dawn knew she wouldn’t be able to have children naturally. The news, while devastating, allowed Joe and Dawn to pray and discern their future together, including their eventual adoption of three children.

(20:07) Dawn and Joe discuss not having their own children, but also the beauty of the plan God did have in store for them. Over the years, their experience has helped them share wisdom with other young couples going through similar challenges.

(21:26) Ann and Christina talk about how Springs in the Desert seeks to be a community for those suffering from infertility to find peers to help guide them, resources to help facilitate conversation and prayer, and advice for pastors and lay leaders to better understand the road such couples face.

(28:01) Ann and Christina emphasize the need for a re-framing of the conversation around infertility in the Church. All married couples — regardless of family size — are called to be fruitful and holy, and there is space in the Church for every family. The women emphasize God’s love and urge couples facing infertility to place their whole trust in Him.

Reporting and narration by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

For your home financing, choose Alliance Catholic Credit Union. They share your faith and values and support the local Catholic community. Now through Dec. 31, unlock your dream home with a minimum 3% down payment, and they will waive your PMI. Get started today at AllianceCatholic.com or call (877) 950-2228. Federally insured by NCUA. NMLS number 401254. Equal housing lender.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:04) Fr. Stephen Mutie, SAC, a priest currently serving in Wyandotte, reflects on his first missionary assignment with the Irish Pallottine community 15 years ago in a remote and rural part of Tanzania. Born in Kenya, Fr. Mutie’s own vocation was influenced by missionaries. He discusses the unique challenges of ministering as a foreign missionary.

(5:13) Fr. Mutie describes how his flock in Tanzania was spread wide and thin, with few priests and resources to serve them. Because of these shortages, Catholics in the poor country valued the simple things like faith, family, catechesis and the Eucharist. He draws parallels to his missionary work here in the United States.

(9:32) Listeners are introduced to Fr. Jeremy Davis, SOLT, another missionary priest serving with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity at St. Gabriel Parish in southwest Detroit. Two years ago, Fr. Davis served as associate director of a boarding school for troubled and abandoned youths in Mexico.

(12:22) Because the kids in his care often lacked parental figures, Fr. Davis found himself taking on the role of “father” more literally than he ever thought possible.

(14:44) Fr. Davis describes what drew him to the priesthood, and how the demands of his current assignment might be different, but the spiritual needs are not.

(16:37) The last missionary priest to whom listeners are introduced is Fr. Ken Mazur, PIME, whose first and only missionary assignment began in 1991 in a place far from home: Japan. While many might think of missionary work as primarily belonging to poor countries, Fr. Mazur notes that Japan, at just 1% Christian, is a fertile mission field.

(18:54) Fr. Mazur describes his adjustment period to life in Japan, which included learning a new language and culture and understanding how he could best make an impact as a priest in a small Catholic parish on the outskirts of Tokyo.

(23:56) Just like in America, Fr. Mazur talks about how little moments of witness — at a wedding, or in the context of a parish school — can plant seeds that may blossom with God’s blessings.

(26:23) Fr. Davis sums up the experience of missionary work and compares it to the charge of evangelization that all the baptized are given. Whether in Detroit or halfway around the world, the bottom line is the same: sharing the Gospel for love of Christ.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

For your home financing, choose Alliance Catholic Credit Union. They share your faith and values and support the local Catholic community. Now through Dec. 31, unlock your dream home with a minimum 3% down payment, and they will waive your PMI. Get started today at AllianceCatholic.com or call (877) 950-2228. Federally insured by NCUA. NMLS number 401254. Equal housing lender.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:01) Mother Mary Therese of the Holy Spirit, prioress of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Monastery of St. Therese in Clinton Township, recalls her first memories of cloistered life as a 7-year-old visiting a family friend who was a Carmelite nun, and how an early whimsical experience shaped what would become a lifelong vocation.

(4:34) Mother Mary Therese talks about her certainty, as a young girl, that she wanted to be a “Carmelite” — not necessarily a nun — and how her understanding of the vocation grew as she did. After high school, she joined the cloistered order and found her “forever home”: a 12-acre, picturesque monastery she now calls “heaven on earth.”

(8:06) Mother Mary Therese describes the rhythm of life and patterns of prayer, work, rest and recreation inside the cloistered monastery. She talks about the challenges the nuns face in supporting themselves, and how they seek to keep their primary task — intercessory prayer — at the forefront of their minds.

(13:05) We meet another cloistered nun, Sr. Dominic Maria of St. Michael, the 37-year-old vocations director for the Cloistered Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills, the largest cloistered community in the Archdiocese of Detroit. As a rare younger vocation, Sr. Dominic discusses her path to cloistered life and how some people “are astonished” at the sight of a young cloistered nun.

(15:04) Sr. Dominic and Mother Mary Therese each discuss the misconceptions surrounding modern cloistered life — namely, that it is a drab, isolated life devoid of vibrancy and fun. Both nuns insist nothing could be further from the truth.

(18:46) While silence is essential to the nuns’ prayer — and something the modern, technology-soaked world sorely lacks — Mother Mary Therese says cloistered life is also an active one filled with work, laughter, joy, reading, hobbies, games and celebration.

(24:21) Mother Mary Therese and Sr. Dominic talk about why prayer is so central to the nuns’ vocation, and how cloistered life is a special response to God’s invitation to be close to Him in all things, as radical as it is countercultural. And both say they couldn’t imagine life any other way.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Lourdes Senior Community, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and established on the timeless principles of the Gospel of Jesus, encompasses 35 acres of serene lakefront property, offering a broad continuum of care for seniors and their families. Their dedicated team, inspired by the spirit of compassion and service, honors the uniqueness of each individual with unwavering respect and dignity. Whether you're seeking worry-free independent apartments, assisted living, memory care, or rehabilitation services, Lourdes is here to help you write your next chapter. Call (248) 886-5600 and schedule your tour today.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:03) Czeena Kate, co-founder of the Catholic dating ministry Hot and Holy Hearts on Fire for Christ, talks about how the idea for the speed-dating ministry began in response to some of the “perils” of the dating scene for young adult Catholics.

(1:52) The narrator discusses the topic of the episode — young adult ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit, particularity in the city itself — and how ministries for this group have been woefully overlooked in past decades.

(4:17) Beth Allison, director of parish mission and operations for St. Aloysius Parish in the heart of downtown Detroit, talks about how the parish has seen a demographic shift since young professionals began moving into the city within the past 10 years.

(12:03) Not every parish, like St. Aloysius, is full of young adults in a transient stage in their life. At many parishes, young adults seem to get lost in a mix of ministries catering to people of all ages and states, including the elderly, established families and children’s ministries. Patrick Howard, young adult ministry coordinator for the Archdiocese of Detroit, explains the challenges.

(16:09) Howard talks about how young adults seek connection with others, which means parishes and ministries must establish robust means of communication, from social media to websites where young adults can quickly and easily find information.

(17:19) Howard reflects on the misperception that to attract young adults, parishes must mimic the culture and provide trendier liturgies and activities. Instead, he says, young adults seek the timeless truths of the Catholic faith and respond to solid catechesis and opportunities to engage in the sacraments.

(20:57) Studies show young adults in today’s generation are experiencing record levels of loneliness, and Howard says this is where the Church has a golden opportunity to evangelize. He suggests parishes and dioceses feel hopeful about the future and seize the chance to provide a sense of belonging for this critical generation.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Lourdes Senior Community, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and established on the timeless principles of the Gospel of Jesus, encompasses 35 acres of serene lakefront property, offering a broad continuum of care for seniors and their families.  Their dedicated team, inspired by the spirit of compassion and service, honors the uniqueness of each individual with unwavering respect and dignity. Whether you're seeking worry-free independent apartments, assisted living, memory care, or rehabilitation services, Lourdes is here to help you write your next chapter. Call (248) 886-5600 and schedule your tour today.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) Rose Marshall, a lifelong parishioner and social media coordinator at St. Augustine and St. Monica Parish in Detroit, recalls a drive-through the parish organized during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to lift the spirits of the parish’s pastor, Msgr. Daniel Trapp. Marshall and fellow parishioner Brian McCullough Jr. talk about what the parish meant to Msgr. Trapp — who died in January — and what he meant to them.

(3:01) Other parishioners and friends, including Nick Waller and Karl Finkbeiner, a seminarian who was mentored by Msgr. Trapp, talk about the priest’s ubiquitous presence in the east-side Detroit neighborhood, and his welcoming nature to all whom he encountered.

(6:21) Genevieve Kocourek, evangelization coordinator at the parish, and McCullough talk about Msgr. Trapp’s quiet, persistent approach to evangelization. McCullough, a Baptist convert to Catholicism, talks about how Msgr. Trapp influenced his own conversion.

(10:20) Friends and parishioners recall how Msgr. Trapp looked out for the less fortunate in his neighborhood, including a warming shelter at the parish during the colder months. Kocourek talks about his solidarity with the city’s African-American community and his response to national tragedies impacting the Black community, including the deaths of George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.

(16:36) Marshall relays how Msgr. Trapp became a father figure to her, counseling her as a young person and grieving with her when her grandmother passed away. Waller and McCullough remember Msgr. Trapp’s counsel when he was experiencing a difficult time in life.

(23:46) Finkbeiner recalls Msgr. Trapp’s care and concern for him as a seminarian during spiritual direction. Danielle Center talks about how Msgr. Trapp’s encouragement helped her start a new ministry during a pivotal time.

(27:07) Kocourek talks about Msgr. Trapp’s care and concern for parishioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(29:40) The interviewees each remember Msgr. Trapp’s workmanlike attitude toward the priesthood. Without overdoing it, he had a knack for leading by example and showing Christ-like care and concern for each person he encountered.

(33:12) The interview subjects react to Msgr. Trapp’s passing and reflect on how he’ll be remembered for generations.

Reporting and script by Casey McCorry; narration by Leah Butalid; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is proudly sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan – the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Engage in the practice of the corporal works of mercy within your community! To begin your journey of involvement and compassion, visit CCSEM.org today and select “Get Involved.”

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) Sonny Wilson, a freshman on the University of Toledo’s basketball team, reflects on his recruitment in high school as a standout on the University of Detroit Jesuit High School’s squad. He offers advice for other young players going through the process.

(3:51) The narrator talks about some of the ways in which high school and college sports recruiting has changed, including video highlight reels, transfer portals and NIL (“name, image and likeness”) deals before introducing several interviewees.

(5:55) Dan Rohn, football coach and athletic director at De La Salle High School in Warren, laments the decline in multi-sport athletes at the high school level, which he believes can be attributed to increased pressure placed on athletes who have hopes of playing at the next level. Vic Michaels, director of the Catholic High School League, offers his thoughts on the subject.

(9:19) Mike Watson, athletic director at Marian High School, talks about the impact of video — especially social media — on recruiting. Ava Brizard, a Marian graduate and standout volleyball player for North Carolina State University, talks about how video gave her increased opportunities to stand out.

(14:30) Interviewees discuss the timing of the recruiting process, which begins as early as seventh grade for some athletes. In addition to those above, we hear from Brady Drogash, a De La Salle graduate and quarterback on the University of Cincinnati’s football team; Xavier Thomas, a Brother Rice graduate and University of Toledo basketball player; and Dalton Drogash, a junior on De La Salle’s football squad.

(20:23) Athletes and coaches discuss preparing for the recruiting process, negotiations with interested schools, and how high school coaches and athletic directors can help students and their families navigate the process.

(24:35) Interviewees discuss tips for finding and deciding on the right school, and the factors athletes and their families should consider in making their decisions.

(30:00) Rohn, Watson and Michaels discuss the impact of NIL deals on the recruiting landscape.

(32:49) Athletes offer their advice for other students going through the recruiting process, including pitfalls to watch out for, who to turn to for advice, and how to make the best impression possible.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is proudly sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan – the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Engage in the practice of the corporal works of mercy within your community! To begin your journey of involvement and compassion, visit CCSEM.org today and select 'Get Involved'!

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:05) Fr. Jeremy Schupbach, 27, a newly ordained priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit serving at the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, talks about the moment he first heard the call to the priesthood from an early age. The narrator introduces the topic of the episode.

(3:35) Fr. Schupbach talks about his first experience of life as a seminarian — a very human moment in which he found himself three hours late for orientation.

(8:30) Fr. Schupbach talks about some of the misconceptions he had about seminary life, and how they were quickly dispelled when he moved into the dormitories of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

(10:45) Fr. Clint McDonnell, director of undergraduate seminarians at Sacred Heart, and Fr. Craig Giera, director of priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, dispel the myth that seminary life is boring and monastic. Fr. Schupbach emphasizes the fun elements of life in communion with other seminarians, including Sacred Heart’s best-kept secret: a bar called O’Berg’s.

(16:09) Fr. Schupbach addresses the sacrifices priests make when they’re ordained — particularly the sacrifice of marriage and children. He talks about how the seminary encourages seminarians to pray about and wrestle with these sacrifices, and how the life of priesthood is a gift unto itself.

(19:12) Fr. Giera and Fr. McDonnell talk about the process of discernment that happens inside the seminary walls. Both priests emphasize that the seminary isn’t a place where men go only once they’re 100% sure they want to become priests, but a place to ask questions and receive answers. And sometimes the answer is that God isn’t calling a man.

(25:12) All three men talk about how much they love the priesthood, and how seminary life prepared them to fulfill the calling they felt from God. They offer advice for listeners — particularly young men who think they might also be called to the seminary.

Reporting and narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

The love of family is forever. A lasting gift of love is preplanning your final resting place. Preplanning your burial site brings comfort to those you love. It ensures that your wishes are met and that no financial burden or unnecessary stress remains for those you leave behind. Give yourself and those you love the gift of peace of mind. Speak with a family service advisor at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services today! Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:04) Kelly Anne Ruda, a retired travel agent and teacher, unexpectedly becomes a valuable member of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit assisting disaster-affected communities. Despite lacking typical disaster-relief skills, Kelly embraces the challenging work of hauling debris and using a chainsaw during her deployments, finding fulfillment in contributing to Team Rubicon's mission.

(4:37) Initially started by military veterans in response to the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti, Team Rubicon grew from a small group led by Bro. Jim Boynton, SJ, to a global organization that includes diverse volunteers and provides disaster relief around the world.

(9:33) Bro. Jim describes leading volunteers and medical professionals treating victims during the first hours and days after the earthquake, bandaging wounds and responding to overwhelming needs.

(13:43) Seeing and treating so much pain, Bro. Jim talks about the need for volunteers to decompress and find fraternity among themselves. He describes his appreciation for the military veterans who lent their skills to the effort.

(17:25) After the earthquake, word about the group’s efforts spread. Bro. Jim talks about where the name “Team Rubicon” came from, and how in the years after the earthquake, the effort to respond to natural disasters around the world quickly expanded.

(24:33) Gary Gamble, a 62-year-old Marine Corps veteran, talks about his experiences since joining Team Rubicon after the flooding in the city of Detroit in 2021.

(29:09) Kelly talks about the unity felt among members of Team Rubicon, whose grey shirts serve as a visible sign of their fraternity and common mission. Although the work is exhausting, she says, it’s an unmistakably rewarding experience to help those who’ve suffered regain their lives. She talks about what makes it all worth it.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

The love of family is forever. A lasting gift of love is preplanning your final resting place. Preplanning your burial site brings comfort to those you love. It ensures that your wishes are met and that no financial burden or unnecessary stress remains for those you leave behind. Give yourself and those you love the gift of peace of mind. Speak with a family service advisor at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services today! Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:05) The narrator introduces the listening audience to Katarina Goitz, a bright, compassionate youth minister with a big heart for God, service to others and an unyielding desire to do the Lord’s will. Katarina’s life was tragically cut short on June 24, 2019, when she was killed in a car accident.

(3:12) Dr. Henry Goitz and Dr. Lorraine Armstrong, Katarina’s parents, reflect on their daughter’s infectious generosity and compassion. They give examples of Katarina’s selfless nature, including giving the shoes off her feet to a person in need.

(5:55) A recording is played from a podcast in which Katarina was interviewed in 2017, speaking about her desire to make an impact as a youth minister.

(8:53) Katarina’s parents describe her personality as a young child, and how from an early age she was always thinking of others. They talk about a gesture she made during her first Communion, asking guests to donate to charity instead of for her own benefit.

(12:09) Katarina’s career discernment took many twists and turns. Her parents describe her desire for pastoral work, and how during college she volunteered doing service work in poor areas around the United States. She eventually enrolled in ECHO, a graduate program through the University of Notre Dame, and took a job as a youth minister in Galveston, Texas.

(17:19) Katarina’s parents describe how even in the days leading up to her passing, Katarina continued to make a difference in the lives of others, in both deed and in prayer. To keep Katarina’s memory and legacy alive, Henry and Lorraine formed the Katarina Goitz Foundation, providing grassroots support and funding for youth ministers to provide opportunities for more young people.

(23:58) Sergio Cortes, a friend of Katarina’s and a fellow ECHO graduate, speaks about how his youth group benefitted from the foundation.

(27:17) Henry and Lorraine talk about Katarina’s enduring legacy, and how her example of faith helped them navigate the years following her death — including allowing them the grace and strength to forgive the man who was responsible. They read a letter one of Katarina’s youth group participants wrote about the difference she made in her life.

Reporting and script by Gabriella Patti; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

Thinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit Cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) Jane Linehan, director of religious studies and philosophy at Madonna University in Livonia, talks about the Franciscan values of sustainability and how the Franciscan university lives out those values, guided by Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum and its predecessor, Laudato Si’.

(3:56) Danielle Conroyd, director of sustainable campus planning for the Monroe-based Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, talks about the IHM Sisters’ history in Monroe and how, when needs began to change in 2009, the sisters made the decision to transform their 376,000-square-foot motherhouse in an ecologically friendly way.

(10:05) Conroyd discusses the groundbreaking choice to collect graywater on the sisters’ campus, recycling water from sinks and showers and reducing freshwater consumption on campus by nearly 50%.

(12:50) Jane Hammang-Buhl, a member of the “Green Team” at Gesu Parish on Detroit’s northwest side, talks about how Laudato Si’ inspired the parish to take action in 2016. She discusses various project the parish undertook to limit its environmental impact, including the installation of gardens and collecting rainwater to reduce runoff.

(17:40) Hammang-Buhl discusses Gesu’s solar panels, installed on the roof of the school, which produce enough energy to cover 26% of Gesu’s energy needs during the school year and 54% over the summer, as well as other sustainability practices the school implemented.

(20:09) Gesu Parish is currently pursuing a relationship with a parish in Puerto Rico that is seeking to support and shelter Haitian immigrants fleeing hurricane disasters. Hammang-Buhl says it's one way the parish connects Pope Francis’ message of environmental justice with the human needs of those affected by climate change.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Thinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit Cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:03) The narrator recalls a media firestorm last year involving an AI-generated image of Pope Francis wearing a white “puffer” jacket. Though the image was fake, it was a prime example of the power of artificial intelligence to alter perceptions and a wake-up call to the possibilities and dangers of the emerging technology.

(1:46) Matthew Harvey Sanders, a former seminarian and tech entrepreneur, talks about a project his company oversees called Magisterium AI, an AI-powered search database that helps make Church teachings accessible to the masses. Sanders discusses why he feels, in the age of AI, the tool is critically necessary.

(4:33) Jeffrey Quesnelle, a parishioner of the National Shrine of the Little Flower and an AI researcher, explains how artificial intelligence is different from standard computing. He argues the technology itself doesn’t need to be feared, but harnessed.

(7:55) In light of Pope Francis’ statements on the subject of AI, Quesnelle and Sanders talk about some of the anticipated effects of the technology in the next 10-15 years. Unlike other technologies, both men expect AI to become widely adopted – and quickly. They talk about the guardrails needed to prevent the technology from causing widespread disruption to the world’s way of life. Quesnelle and Sanders discuss AI’s applications in fields such as education and health care.

(12:30) With the seeming limitlessness of AI, Sanders and Quesnelle say the Church must be ready to answer the “big questions” it can pose for society, from the dangers of widespread unemployment to existential questions about the uniqueness of human life.

(18:02) The two men agree that while much of society doesn’t seem keen on seeking out the Church’s wisdom, there is a large contingent of religious-minded and deep-thinking people within the AI field who are mindful of the powerful threats and benefits of the technology and open to philosophical and policy-minded conversations.

(20:32) Quesnelle and Sanders say the Church may soon need to develop guidelines and encyclicals to address the impact of artificial intelligence and provide a voice of reason. Regardless, they say, while AI has the ability to disrupt large segments of society, they are hopeful that the technology can also improve lives if harnessed in the right way. In the end, they say, holding fast to Jesus, there is nothing to fear.

Reporting and script by Casey McCorry; narration by Leah Butalid; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Angela Hospice, helping families provide the best care possible for the people they love. Visit us at AskForAngela.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:03) Fr. Ben Hass, pastor of St. Albert Student Parish at Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula, describes the parish’s tradition of building an ice chapel during the university’s annual Winter Carnival in February and how it helps evangelize on the college campus.

(4:18) The narrator points to statistics painting a grim picture for faith on college campuses across the nation. Fr. Hass shares his philosophy for bringing students into the parish.

(6:52) Lena Sosen, a fifth-year senior at Grand Valley State University studying physical therapy, and Mason Kalinowski, a GVSU master’s candidate studying biomedical sciences, talk about their upbringing. Both described a sense of religious apathy that pervaded their lives before heading off to college.

(10:54) Both Lena and Mason describe how they became connected with the Catholic campus ministry at GVSU, and how they encountered faith-filled friendship at a critical juncture in their lives.

(13:36) Anna Stankewitz, director of campus ministry at St. John Church and Student Center at Michigan State University, talks about the difficulties college students experience in living their faith authentically in the face of diverging values.

(17:43) Lena, Anna and Mason describe how they became involved in campus ministry, what drew them, and why they decided to stay amidst other options on campus. Fr. Hass describes the social aspect of campus ministry at Michigan Tech.

(22:17) Mason talks about his decision to ultimately become Catholic. His newfound faith — he’ll be baptized this Easter — has had an impact on his family back home, too.

(24:27) Anna, Lena and Mason give advice to current or prospective college students about living their faith authentically on campus.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

Thinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) The narrator opens the podcast with a brief summary of Detroit Stories’ podcast episodes over the past year, thanking listeners for their support. He introduces today’s episode, which highlights five of the best written stories from 2023 featured in Detroit Catholic.

(2:11) The narrator introduces and reads a Jan. 6 story from Gabriella Patti about the Knights on Bikes, the Knights of Columbus’ motorcycle club.

(9:18) The narrator introduces and reads a May 22 story from Daniel Meloy about the mysterious theft and subsequent return of the First Station of the Cross at St. Augustine Parish in Richmond.

(16:09) The narrator introduces and reads a July 14 story from Daniel Meloy about a Catholic priest who became the worst pitcher in Major League Baseball history when he played a single game for the Detroit Tigers during a players strike on May 18, 1912.

(24:14) The narrator introduces and reads a Sept. 1 story from Daniel Meloy about a woman who was left at Detroit’s Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament as a baby in the 1950s, and her journey to discover her long-lost birth family and her Catholic faith.

(32:10) The narrator introduces and reads a March 8 story from Gabriella Patti about the overwhelming power of forgiveness, told through the lens of Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti and Daniel Meloy; narration by Michael Stechschulte and Emily Mentock; script by Michael Stechschulte; production by Ron Pangborn

Thinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) Lynne Williams of Detroit talks about how she and her husband, both recovering from addiction, found an apartment in Detroit with the help of the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance. The Catholic nonprofit is one of many in the city working to build affordable housing for those on the margins.

(3:47) The narrator describes the story of “two Detroits” over the past decade — the story told in the media of the revival of the city’s art and downtown districts, and the “other Detroit,” the one still recovering from decades of poverty and in desperate need of livable, affordable housing for those who never left in the first place. Cleophus Bradley of the DCPA elaborates.

(6:10) Bradley discusses the hardships facing many of the city’s residents, and how the DCPA recognizes and seeks to alleviate these hardships by rehabilitating properties for low-income families to rent.

(10:29) As the Catholic Church in the city of Detroit confronts new economic and demographic realities, many parishes with vacant buildings are discovering a new way to serve the community and shore up their own finances by partnering with developers who can turn such properties into affordable housing. Michael Schoenle, CFO for the Archdiocese of Detroit, explains.

(16:19) Fr. J.J. Mech, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, talks about the cathedral’s newest project, the Cathedral Arts Apartments, which are currently being built across Woodward Avenue from Detroit’s mother church.

(20:04) Fr. Mech discusses how the project dovetails with the cathedral’s mission to serve the neighborhood, and why service to those in need is a critical part of unleashing the Gospel.

(23:50) Lynne Williams emphasizes how much she loved her apartment, but even more so how she and her husband love their new home, which they moved into four years later, and how God continues to work in the city of Detroit.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Thinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:06) Deacon Terry Saunders tells the story of a frantic mother who took her cancer-stricken son to see a man known for his reputation for healing in the 1990s. The narrator explains the man was Irving “Francis” Houle, a grandfather, husband and average layman from Escanaba with a deep faith in God — and now a candidate for sainthood.

(4:42) Deacon Saunders, of the Diocese of Marquette, gives a brief biography of Irving Houle, a family man who grew up on a small farm in the Upper Peninsula, including an injury he suffered as a boy that led to a divine encounter.

(10:03) Houle’s faith life begins to develop in high school. He begins attending daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and joins the Army. Upon his discharge, he marries his wife, Gail, and the couple has five children.

(14:12) Deacon Saunders describes how he met Houle. Himself stricken by cancer, Deacon Saunders believes Houle’s intercession cured him during one of the darkest periods of his life.

(15:51) Deacon Saunders talks about Houle’s encounters with Jesus, including reports that he suffered from the stigmata — the wounds of Jesus’ crucifixion — and other sufferings on behalf of God’s children. At the permission of his bishop, Houle begins to offer healing services in the Diocese of Marquette.

(25:56) Deacon Saunders relays the story of Houle’s death in 2009, and the ministry support group that came together shortly thereafter to advocate for Houle’s life of heroic virtue.

(28:26) Marquette Bishop John Doerfler speaks to Detroit Stories about his decision to open the cause for canonization for Houle in 2018. Bishop Doerfler describes Houle’s saintly qualities.

(32:45) Valentina Culurgioni, the postulator for Houle’s sainthood cause in Rome, speaks about why she was moved to accept her assignment, and what inspires her about Houle’s life.

(36:40) Deacon Saunders speaks about why Houle is a saint for the times, and how ordinary Catholics can find a friend and a model in his life of radical trust in Jesus.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Thinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:03) Canton native Deacon Matthew Kurt, a seminarian studying for the priesthood at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, plans to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. military once he’s ordained. He describes his formation on military bases and why he’s pursuing a ministry among America’s front-line soldiers — a ministry desperately in need of priests.

(5:04) Lt. Col. Michael Murray describes a memorable encounter with his chaplain, Msgr. Tim Hogan, while deployed in Iraq. He was about to be sent out on a mission with a high degree of danger, and needed confession.

(11:20) Msgr. Hogan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and former U.S. Navy chaplain, relays his vocation story — a story that started at a high school graduation party. Unlike Deacon Kurt’s, Msgr. Hogan’s story started with the military, and continued when he discovered a calling to the priesthood later as an enlisted officer.

(14:12) In 1985, the Archdiocese for the Military Services invites Msgr. Hogan to consider becoming a military chaplain. He describes the high stakes of chaplaincy, and the day-to-day role of a spiritual father to soldiers in harm’s way.

(21:03) Captain Julie Liotta, a former combat engineer officer with the Marine Corps for 2003-07, describes her encounter with Msgr. Hogan, who was overseeing the rebuilding of a chapel on base in Iraq that was damaged by incoming fire.

(26:59) Liotta describes the lasting impact Msgr. Hogan had on her faith. She and Murray describe the great need for military chaplains — especially Catholic chaplains — considering a drastic shortage of those ministering to soldiers whose lives are on the line. Msgr. Hogan recounts a story of a conversation with a Marine who said he hadn’t seen a priest in nine months of deployment.

(34:20) Liotta and Murray talk about how much of a difference chaplains make for the men and women in uniform, and put the shortage of chaplains into perspective.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Thinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:04) The narrator describes a mysterious event that’s alleged to have taken place in the 1960s at a parish on the south side of Chicago, in which parishioners claim to have encountered three “ghostly figures.” Fr. Sam Joutras, OSA, a priest at the parish, explains the legend.

(3:35) Donald Wallenfang, Ph.D., a professor of theology and philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, explains the origins of the word “ghost” in popular parlance. He answers the title question of the podcast: “Do Catholics believe in ghosts?”

(6:17) Wallenfang parses out five possible definitions of what a Catholic might mean by the word “ghost,” and how Catholics understand each definition.

(9:10) While the magisterium of the Church hasn’t definitively addressed the question, Catholic saints and theologians such as St. Jerome, St. Thomas Aquinas and modern philosophers such as Peter Kreeft have talked about ghostly phenomena in their writings, Wallenfang explains. Some of these writings contain stories of encounters with deceased loved ones —presumably in heaven or purgatory — while others report encounters with malevolent or demonic spirits.

(12:44) Wallenfang says it’s important for Catholics to avoid two opposite extremes when it comes to thinking about the devil and demons. He explains why the Church forbids practices that seek to contact spirits, read the future or conjure the dead, and how the sacraments and sacramentals are powerful tools against evil.

(16:27) While the Church urges a healthy degree of caution, skepticism and discernment, it does allow for the possibility that the faithful in heaven or in purgatory may in some way appear to those on earth. Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and saints throughout history attest to this. Fr. Joutras offers one theory of the “chanting monks” at St. Rita.

(20:57) Fr. Joutras and Wallenfang say the powerful reality of Christ’s resurrection takes precedence over any “ghost story.” While “spooky” lore has overtaken popular tradition in October, they remind listeners that the origin of Halloween is the celebration of “All Hallow’s Eve” — the great feast of all God’s saints.

(24:24) Fr. Joutras encourages listeners to pray for the dead during the months of October and November, confident of Christ’s light, which overcomes every fear.

Reporting and script by Gabriella Patti; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Gather Them Home, a program of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Our Catholic faith teaches that cremated remains should be buried in Sacred and Consecrated Ground, and the Archdiocese of Detroit has a beautiful program to help you called Gather Them Home. It provides a Catholic burial for your loved one's cremated remains at one of six Archdiocese of Detroit cemeteries at no cost to you. For more information about the free Gather Them Home program, please visit GatherThemHome.com or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:11) The narrator sets the scene of Detroit in the 1980s, when disturbing trends across the city found young women caught up in exploitive and oppressive situations, including gang activity, homelessness, drugs and sex work. Amy Good, CEO of the Detroit nonprofit Alternatives for Girls, describes early efforts to combat these trends.

(3:12) Good describes the support services landscape for girls in Detroit during that era — essentially, there was nothing. So a courageous group of Detroiters from many faiths, backgrounds and communities came together to do something about it.

(6:02) Good talks about why the situation for young homeless women is often different than the situation facing young men.

(8:14) The solution had to be threefold: A.) There needed to be shelter for the young women seeking help, who often were too old for the foster system but too young for adult shelters. B.) A compassionate response was needed to help victims of sex trafficking. C.) Support to help girls stay in school and graduate.

(9:22) Good talks about the early challenges with funding the new initiative. Despite a lack of funding, the initiative took a leap of faith when, on a cold January day, a 16-year-old girl walked in the doors of the church looking for help.

(12:32) On a shoestring budget, Alternatives for Girls started out with a makeshift shelter in the church basement. Finally, a financing source came through, and the fledgling nonprofit began to expand, including a street outreach ministry and peer prevention program.

(18:48) In the past 36 years, Alternatives for Girls has grown and expanded to include a daycare center for babies of the women in the shelter, workforce development coordination, housing stability program and more. Soon, the nonprofit plans to open a 45-unit affordable housing complex in northwest Detroit.

(24:17) Amy Good talks about the success of Alternatives for Girls, which remains the only runaway shelter in the city of Detroit and a blueprint for cities across the country battling perennial issues facing young women in difficult situations looking for hope.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Gather Them Home, a program of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Our Catholic faith teaches that cremated remains should be buried in Sacred and Consecrated Ground, and the Archdiocese of Detroit has a beautiful program to help you called Gather Them Home. It provides a Catholic burial for your loved one's cremated remains at one of six Archdiocese of Detroit cemeteries at no cost to you. For more information about the free Gather Them Home program, please visit GatherThemHome.com or call (734) 285-2155.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:01) Omar Binno, a parishioner at Holy Cross Chaldean Church in Farmington Hills, discusses his love for J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, including how the epic tales of heroism and struggle helped him overcome a difficult childhood, including his father’s death and his own struggle with blindness.

(3:33) A jazz musician and keyboardist at his parish, Omar talks about his hobbies growing up, including weightlifting, video games and music — the latter a hobby that would sustain him when his eyesight began to fail him in his mid-20s.

(5:10) When Omar was a toddler, his father was killed in a gas station convenience store. Omar discusses the impact the tragedy had on his mother and siblings, and his mother’s subsequent marriage to Omar’s uncle, who stepped in to care for his deceased brother’s family, a common practice in Chaldean culture.

(6:35) Omar talks about the devastation of losing his eyesight as a young man, including the spiritual toll the degenerative disease took on his faith. He began to question everything, including God, the Church and the beliefs he’d taken for granted.

(9:21) Through his love for Tolkien, Omar discovered the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux, whose own struggles served as a template for Omar’s faith journey. Recovering his faith, Omar set out help others beset by tragedy discover God’s love through a new nonprofit, Healing Arts of the Little Flower.

(11:53) Omar discusses how depression can impact those with physical disabilities, and how the arts — including music, nature and creativity — can provide a healing sense of purpose.

(13:09) Omar discusses the idea with his bishop, who supports Omar’s vision for the nonprofit. The bishop offered the use of Our Lady of the Fields Camp in Brighton, which offers hiking trails, lakes, trees and a serene setting perfect for a healing ministry.

(14:24) Omar outlines the goals and vision behind Healing Arts of the Little Flower — HALF, for short — including statistics that show the benefit of music and art therapy in reducing anxiety and depression, especially for those with disabilities.

(17:46) Like Tolkien’s epic or C.S. Lewis, Omar talks about seeing through the eyes of faith.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Adult Day Care Centers – providing your loved ones with Christ-centered daycare and caregivers the break they deserve. Visit ccsem.org for more information.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:06) Cassandra, a new mother from Arizona, describes struggling with homelessness and domestic violence while juggling the responsibilities that come with having a two-week-old daughter. A friend suggested a few maternity homes, including one out of state: Selah’s Center of Hope.

(2:49) Kara Dowler, founder and CEO of Selah’s Center of Hope, describes her vision for the Monroe, Michigan, nonprofit, which opened shortly before the pandemic in 2020.

(6:42) Dowler describes the challenges of opening a pregnancy resource center, but said God provided for the new ministry in various ways, including sending volunteers, funding and real estate when things seemed bleak.

(10:01) Dowler talks about the mission and home-like feel of Selah’s Center of Hope, including the daily schedule and resources available to provide moms with nowhere else to turn with a fresh start, financial security, and confidence.

(12:57) Since opening Selah’s Center of Hope in 2020, Dowler said the ministry has opened a second home for mothers, which helps women who’ve taken steps toward independence to remain on the right road.

(14:35) Cassandra describes the difference Selah’s Center of Hope has made. She talks about how the staff and other mothers feel like family, and how her trajectory in life has drastically changed as a result.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Adult Day Care Centers – providing your loved ones with Christ-centered daycare and caregivers the break they deserve. Visit CCSEM.org for more information.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:06) The narrator talks about the history of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Earthworks Urban Farm, which was started in 1998 by Bro. Rick Samyn, OFM Cap., to provide Detroiters fresh food, a sense of purpose and a chance to cultivate the earth in the heart of the city.

(2:12) Wendy Casey, Earthworks’ director, talks about the farm’s mission, which includes a greenhouse, almost an acre of growing space, compost and educational programs, all of which benefit the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

(3:30) Bro. Gary Wegner, OFM Cap., the soup kitchen’s director, discusses the origins of the idea behind the farm, which produces more than 8,000 pounds of food each year. Bro. Wegner talks about how the farm follows the example of the Capuchins’ founder, St. Francis of Assisi.

(5:56) Tyler Chatman, the farm manager, talks about Earthworks’ robust volunteer program, Earthworks Agriculture Training — or EAT, for short. The program trains up to 10 people each year with the skills they need to cultivate the land. One of EAT’s first students was Casey, Earthworks’ current director.

(9:23) Chatman talks about growing up on the farm. He first experienced Earthworks as a 6-year-old, and has been volunteering for the past 20 years. According to Chatman, it helped keep him out of trouble.

(11:37) Chatman discusses Earthworks’ “open door policy,” saying the farm embraces passersby who happen to stop by. Often, these passersby become volunteers themselves, Chatman says, inspired by the little miracle of growth happening on Detroit’s east side.

(15:05) Casey and Bro. Wegner talk about how Earthworks is a metaphor for Detroit’s resilience. Since its heyday in the 1960s, Detroit’s sprawling urban landscape with 2 million people has been reduced to just over 600,000, meaning the city is replete with empty lots and tons of potential.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Does your bank make you feel like you belong there? At Alliance Catholic Credit Union, you’re a member of a financial institution that serves the Catholic community, providing you with an opportunity to align your banking with your Catholic identity. You receive all the products and services you need to manage your money, and your membership helps support Catholic schools, parishes and organizations. It’s time to put your money where your faith is. Visit alliancecatholic.com to get started today. Service. Community. Catholic. Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:04) The narrator sets the scene with André Villeneuve, Ph.D., in Jerusalem with a group of seminarians visiting the tomb of the Old Testament king David. The Catholic group encounters hostility from a local Jew, who demanded they leave, citing religious reasons.

(3:21) André discusses his conversion to Catholicism, which took him on a path from agnosticism as a young man to messianic Judaism. He discusses pivotal influences, including serving war refugees during the civil war in Bosnia and Croatia.

(6:13) After a conversion to Christ through an evangelical church, André decided to pursue biblical studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and while there, he ended up getting involved in the Messianic Judaism movement, a belief system that combines Jewish and Christian traditions.

(9:28) Frustrated by the “doctrinal anarchy” he found in the Messianic Jewish movement, André found himself drawn to the Catholic Church.

(12:52) After his conversion in 2002, André found himself in a unique position to reach both Catholics and Jews to give each a better understanding of the other faith. André discusses what the Catholic Church has received from Judaism, as well as the wounds many Jews still feel from centuries of hostility and discrimination.

(16:27) André discusses how he feels the Church can better welcome Jews and evangelize while remaining mindful of the deep roots of division that still exist. He talks about his work studying, teaching and leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land, all in an effort to bridge an ancient divide.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Does your bank make you feel like you belong there? At Alliance Catholic Credit Union, you’re a member of a financial institution that serves the Catholic community, providing you with an opportunity to align your banking with your Catholic identity. You receive all the products and services you need to manage your money, and your membership helps support Catholic schools, parishes and organizations. It’s time to put your money where your faith is. Visit alliancecatholic.com to get started today. Service. Community. Catholic. Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:04) The narrator sets the scene of the 1960s, when teenagers looked forward to Friday nights at the record hops at Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods. Those legendary memories weren’t complete without the memory of Fr. John “Hollywood” Bryson, a Marist priest who rubbed shoulders with celebrities and brought in the era’s hottest acts to play sets.

(2:26) Fr. Bryson’s former students, including musician Simone Vitale, actor Dave Coulier (of “Full House” fame) and Notre Dame alum Jerry Alderman describe their memories of “the rock ‘n’ roll priest.”

(6:28) Alderman talks about serving as a DJ for Fr. Bryson’s legendary dances. Often, this led to opportunities to meet stars in the music industry — and even to pick up girls.

(13:27) Vitale recalls the impact Fr. Bryson had on his budding music career, particularly the humility he instilled in his students. Fr. Bryson’s rules helped keep students with “big egos” on the straight and narrow.

(16:47) Coulier, who played “Uncle Joey” on the hit 1990s sitcom “Full House,” talks about how Fr. Bryson identified talent in students — especially those who might otherwise be dismissed as a “class clown.”

(23:05) Notre Dame High School Alumni Association president Jim Mandl recalls Fr. Bryson’s legendary jukebox, and how he was known for playing songs in the school cafeteria.

(26:08) Alderman remembers how Fr. Bryson didn’t just understand young people — he cared deeply for his students and worked to ensure they made the most of the gifts God gave them.

(27:12) Vitale talks about the excitement of the era, the unrepeatable music and the legendary record hops that Fr. Bryson and others made famous. Vitale agrees with others’ assessment: There will never be another Fr. John “Hollywood” Bryson.

Reporting, script and narration by Gabriella Patti; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Does your bank make you feel like you belong there? At Alliance Catholic Credit Union, you’re a member of a financial institution that serves the Catholic community, providing you with an opportunity to align your banking with your Catholic identity. You receive all the products and services you need to manage your money, and your membership helps support Catholic schools, parishes and organizations. It’s time to put your money where your faith is. Visit alliancecatholic.com to get started today. Service. Community. Catholic. Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:03) The narrator introduces Rebecca Martin, a local book editor who co-wrote “The Catholic Wedding Planner,” a guide for brides and grooms to making their big day a holy, happy success. Rebecca describes how her own wedding planning was derailed, however, when COVID hit in spring 2020.

(2:15) Rebecca talks about the inspiration behind “The Catholic Wedding Planner.” The idea for the book began when both she and her co-editor began planning their own weddings, drawing tips and advice from her own experience they felt other couples could benefit from.

(6:50) Rebecca describes her emotions when she discovered her dream wedding wouldn’t be taking place exactly as she’d envisioned. She talks about the process of letting go of the small — but important — details and learning to focus on her future husband and God.

(12:42) Rebecca talks about the advice she received from others, especially her mother, who reminded her about the importance of the sacrament amidst the difficulties and challenges.

(15:52) Despite this, Rebecca still believes the celebration is important — very much so, she says. She talks about why the party still matters, even while keeping the focus on what’s truly important.

(17:39) Rebecca talks about the importance of planning for the marriage, not just the wedding, by asking big questions and discussing life’s decisions ahead of time. Doing this work is foundational to ensuring a couple builds a strong foundation together, she says.

(20:51) Fr. Mario Amore, a priest serving at St. Aloysius Parish in downtown Detroit, talks about what the Church expects of couples before their wedding day.

(28:05) Rebecca describes a Croatian wedding tradition she believes perfectly characterizes getting married in the Church.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:02) The narrator introduces Bill Richart, a local Catholic musician, lay evangelist and charismatic prayer leader. Bill talks about how he discovered his vocation — and the long, winding road he took to get there.

(2:33) Bill describes growing up in a Catholic household and wrestling with thoughts of the priesthood, like his own father did. Instead, he went to college, but a recession forced him to seek work in alternative ways. So he moved to Oklahoma and found work as an oil rigger, country music DJ, and other odd jobs. Bill describes his experience as a Catholic in the Deep South.

(6:24) Bill moves back to Michigan and enrolls in the music teaching program at Michigan State University. His faith grew tepid in college, until he was introduced to a charismatic prayer group that changed his life.

(8:59) After graduation, Bill grew restless as he lost touch with the vibrant Catholic community he discovered and entered the world of underemployment. He describes a spiritual journey of trying to reconnect with God’s calling.

(10:15) After spending an evening in prayer at a local Catholic church, Bill happened upon a Wednesday night charismatic prayer group. He was soon invited to join them in playing music — one of his lifelong passions — and quickly found a knack. Soon, word of his talent spread, and he found himself playing gigs all over the country.

(13:47) Bill discerns the priesthood for the second time in his life. He joins the Marists in Massachusetts, but his brother’s cancer prognosis puts his plans on the back burner once again.

(15:33) After his brother’s death, Bill describes his desire to resume his discernment. He asks God for a sign to return to the seminary — and receives one, although not the sign he was expecting.

(17:58) Bill resumes his life as a lay missionary, and devotes himself to the full-time apostolate. He hits the road, traveling to 30 states and nine countries, and eventually meets his wife, Anne Marie. The pair marries in 2003, and welcomes their first child. Four years later, their daughter, Faith, is born.

(20:10) Major health complications for Faith force Bill off the road again. Determined to care for his family, Bill settles down and gets a job in a parish — not the life he expected, but a virtuous vocation that allows him to provide health care for his daughter and stability for his family.

(22:10) Seven years later, Bill is diagnosed with throat cancer. He describes the devastation of finding out, but his determination to trust God’s plan no matter what. He receives a reassuring sign during a radiation appointment.

(25:16) After beating cancer, Bill faces his toughest moment yet: the death of his daughter, Faith. Bill describes the heart-wrenching loss of “my little girl,” and the difficulty of finding the strength to keep praising God regardless.

(27:30) After a life of ups and downs, Bill describes the one certainty in his life: God’s providence. Bill talks about discovering his vocation through an unwavering commitment to prayer, hopeful that whatever challenge might come next, the Lord has a plan.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit Former oil rigger, seminarian, country music DJ, and teacher Bill Richart spent a lifetime chasing his vocation — and finally caught it

Show notes:

(0:02) The narrator introduces Bill Richart, a local Catholic musician, lay evangelist and charismatic prayer leader. Bill talks about how he discovered his vocation — and the long, winding road he took to get there.

(2:33) Bill describes growing up in a Catholic household and wrestling with thoughts of the priesthood, like his own father did. Instead, he went to college, but a recession forced him to seek work in alternative ways. So he moved to Oklahoma and found work as an oil rigger, country music DJ, and other odd jobs. Bill describes his experience as a Catholic in the Deep South.

(6:24) Bill moves back to Michigan and enrolls in the music teaching program at Michigan State University. His faith grew tepid in college, until he was introduced to a charismatic prayer group that changed his life.

(8:59) After graduation, Bill grew restless as he lost touch with the vibrant Catholic community he discovered and entered the world of underemployment. He describes a spiritual journey of trying to reconnect with God’s calling.

(10:15) After spending an evening in prayer at a local Catholic church, Bill happened upon a Wednesday night charismatic prayer group. He was soon invited to join them in playing music — one of his lifelong passions — and quickly found a knack. Soon, word of his talent spread, and he found himself playing gigs all over the country.

(13:47) Bill discerns the priesthood for the second time in his life. He joins the Marists in Massachusetts, but his brother’s cancer prognosis puts his plans on the back burner once again.

(15:33) After his brother’s death, Bill describes his desire to resume his discernment. He asks God for a sign to return to the seminary — and receives one, although not the sign he was expecting.

(17:58) Bill resumes his life as a lay missionary, and devotes himself to the full-time apostolate. He hits the road, traveling to 30 states and nine countries, and eventually meets his wife, Anne Marie. The pair marries in 2003, and welcomes their first child. Four years later, their daughter, Faith, is born.

(20:10) Major health complications for Faith force Bill off the road again. Determined to care for his family, Bill settles down and gets a job in a parish — not the life he expected, but a virtuous vocation that allows him to provide health care for his daughter and stability for his family.

(22:10) Seven years later, Bill is diagnosed with throat cancer. He describes the devastation of finding out, but his determination to trust God’s plan no matter what. He receives a reassuring sign during a radiation appointment.

(25:16) After beating cancer, Bill faces his toughest moment yet: the death of his daughter, Faith. Bill describes the heart-wrenching loss of “my little girl,” and the difficulty of finding the strength to keep praising God regardless.

(27:30) After a life of ups and downs, Bill describes the one certainty in his life: God’s providence. Bill talks about discovering his vocation through an unwavering commitment to prayer, hopeful that whatever challenge might come next, the Lord has a plan.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:03) The narrator introduces Kathy Lewis and her husband, Philip, who in 2011 were both struggling with the difficult diagnosis of cancer. A friend suggested they take a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.

(3:21) Each year, the Order of Malta brings thousand of malades — the French word for “sick person” — to the site of the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes. The narrator describes the history of Lourdes, its reputation for miracles, and the thousands who each year seek healing in the baths there.

(6:38) Tom Larabell, president of the Knights of Malta Free Medical and Dental Clinic in Detroit and former chair and treasurer for the area Knights of Malta, describes what a typical pilgrimage to Lourdes looks like.

(8:49) Dr. Ed Jelonek, an osteopathic surgeon and member of the order, describes how he become involved with helping malades make what for many is a life-changing pilgrimage — though not always for the reasons they expect.

(12:53) Kathy Lewis describes arriving on French soil with a prayer in her heart for healing. Philip’s prognosis wasn’t promising, and she knew it would take nearly a miracle to change his trajectory.

(13:50) Thomas Cousino, another malade who arrived in Lourdes paralyzed from a boating accident, describes his expectations. He talks about the challenges involved in being paralyzed, and how the love he experienced in Lourdes was a stark contrast to the struggles of daily life.

(17:29) The pilgrimage in Lourdes culminates in malades being immersed into the baths in the grotto where the apparitions took place. For Kathy, Philip and Thomas, it was a powerful moment that forever will stick in their memories — not because they were healed physically, but because it gave them a peace that surpasses understanding.

(19:14) Kathy and Thomas describe how their lives were changed at Lourdes. None received a physical healing — and Philip died three years later — but attest to another “miracle” they received: a different kind of healing. A healing of the spirit.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:02) Emmett Moten Jr., a 79-year-old member of Gesu Parish in Detroit, talks about growing up Catholic as an African-American in the South, where racism and segregation were prevalent parts of daily life.

(2:00) Pat Jones, a writer, producer, storyteller and parishioner of Gesu, talks about her latest initiative, The Elders Project, in which she seeks to capture the stories of older Gesu parishioners like Moten and 95-year-old Beatrice Ward, the first Black woman to integrate Gesu School in 1963, to preserve for future generations.

(4:55) Jones describes the urgency of the project. Each year, dozens of Gesu parishioners pass away, and with them, generational stories of faith that define the century-old parish and its community. Fr. Lorn Snow, SJ, Gesu’s pastor, talks about his support for the project.

(7:30) Moten talks about his interactions with Jones, who persuaded him to tell his story, which includes anecdotes about his childhood, living through segregation not only in the wider culture, but even in the Church.

(10:38) Jones describes the emotions of listening to stories like Moten’s and Ward’s. Many of the stories The Elders Project seeks to capture bring up a wide range of emotion both for listeners and for the storytellers themselves, Jones says.

(12:37) Jones talks about her desire to grow the project by capturing stories from dozens of Gesu parishioners, and eventually, expanding the vision to other parishes. She describes the resiliency of the Gesu community.

(15:01) Jones and Fr. Snow make the connection between storytelling and evangelization. Fr. Snow calls the project “an incredible tool” for evangelization, given the personal faith and testimonies of the elders being interviewed.

(16:56) The narrator describes the importance of capturing stories from “the Silent Generation” — who remains dutifully present for daily Mass, adoration and ministries in parishes across the Archdiocese of Detroit — before it’s too late.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:04) Catherine Lanni recounts a harrowing deathbed experience, during which she received a message from God that completely changed her life.

(1:38) Catherine describes the plan she had for her own life — getting married, having a family — and how starting a religious community was the furthest thing from her mind. She got married, but after becoming pregnant for the first time, Catherine miscarried. For months, Catherine and Mike grieved the loss of Joseph Anthony.

(3:43) The couple went on to have two more daughters, but in 1986, during another pregnancy, Catherine began to hemorrhage again. She was rushed to emergency — this time with severe complications — with doctors telling her she wasn’t going to make it.

(5:00) As Catherine prayed through the ordeal, the Holy Spirit gave her two visions: One of her grandmother, and another of her father — two figures of faith and piety in her life — to calm her fears. And then, a third vision, of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

(8:03) Catherine describes her vision of the Blessed Mother. She begged Mary to spare her life, and her prayer was answered. In return, Catherine promised to “do something good for Jesus.”

(11:06) After being released from the hospital, Catherine had a Mass of thanksgiving said, and started to teach catechism, thinking that would satisfy her duty of gratitude to God. But in September 2022, Catherine experienced another powerful vision: this time of Jesus himself.

(13:17) Catherine describes her vision of Jesus, who conducted what she describes as a “spiritual open heart surgery” on her. Jesus commanded her to begin a prayer group, as well as to found a religious order that would be devoted to spreading the message of Divine Mercy.

(16:13) In the aftermath of her earth-shattering experience of Jesus, Catherine struggled to comprehend and share what she had witnessed. Several months later, she told her vision to her parish priest — at Jesus’ command — and the priest gave her a simple piece of spiritual advice.

(19:17) With the priest’s help, Catherine began to take steps toward fulfilling the mandate she had been given. She began a small prayer group to meet regularly, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and studying the writings of St. Faustina. In 2003, Cardinal Adam J. Maida approved the group as an official apostolate, the Servants of Jesus of the Divine Mercy, and later, the Divine Mercy Center (today the Shrine of Jesus the Divine Mercy) was founded in Clinton Township.

(20:16) Catherine talks about the final request Jesus had made: to start a religious order of women. In 2012, she received permission from Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron to begin a new community: the Sisters of Jesus’ Merciful Passion.

(23:53) Today, Catherine is still incredulous at how powerfully God has worked in her life, and reflects on the hopes she has for the shrine and budding religious community: to be a conduit for God’s incredibly powerful Divine Mercy for others in need.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple...]]>Spared on her deathbed, Catherine Lanni's visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus inspired a movement of mercy in Detroit

Show notes:

(0:04) Catherine Lanni recounts a harrowing deathbed experience, during which she received a message from God that completely changed her life.

(1:38) Catherine describes the plan she had for her own life — getting married, having a family — and how starting a religious community was the furthest thing from her mind. She got married, but after becoming pregnant for the first time, Catherine miscarried. For months, Catherine and Mike grieved the loss of Joseph Anthony.

(3:43) The couple went on to have two more daughters, but in 1986, during another pregnancy, Catherine began to hemorrhage again. She was rushed to emergency — this time with severe complications — with doctors telling her she wasn’t going to make it.

(5:00) As Catherine prayed through the ordeal, the Holy Spirit gave her two visions: One of her grandmother, and another of her father — two figures of faith and piety in her life — to calm her fears. And then, a third vision, of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

(8:03) Catherine describes her vision of the Blessed Mother. She begged Mary to spare her life, and her prayer was answered. In return, Catherine promised to “do something good for Jesus.”

(11:06) After being released from the hospital, Catherine had a Mass of thanksgiving said, and started to teach catechism, thinking that would satisfy her duty of gratitude to God. But in September 2022, Catherine experienced another powerful vision: this time of Jesus himself.

(13:17) Catherine describes her vision of Jesus, who conducted what she describes as a “spiritual open heart surgery” on her. Jesus commanded her to begin a prayer group, as well as to found a religious order that would be devoted to spreading the message of Divine Mercy.

(16:13) In the aftermath of her earth-shattering experience of Jesus, Catherine struggled to comprehend and share what she had witnessed. Several months later, she told her vision to her parish priest — at Jesus’ command — and the priest gave her a simple piece of spiritual advice.

(19:17) With the priest’s help, Catherine began to take steps toward fulfilling the mandate she had been given. She began a small prayer group to meet regularly, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and studying the writings of St. Faustina. In 2003, Cardinal Adam J. Maida approved the group as an official apostolate, the Servants of Jesus of the Divine Mercy, and later, the Divine Mercy Center (today the Shrine of Jesus the Divine Mercy) was founded in Clinton Township.

(20:16) Catherine talks about the final request Jesus had made: to start a religious order of women. In 2012, she received permission from Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron to begin a new community: the Sisters of Jesus’ Merciful Passion.

(23:53) Today, Catherine is still incredulous at how powerfully God has worked in her life, and reflects on the hopes she has for the shrine and budding religious community: to be a conduit for God’s incredibly powerful Divine Mercy for others in need.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Show notes:

(0:03) Brett Kast and his mother, Paula, describe Brett’s late sister, Jenna, a spirited young girl who battled brain cancer. At age 9, she was granted a wish from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, but it was a party thrown by members of her parish, St. Anastasia in Troy, that most represented a “glimpse of heaven” for the young girl — surrounded by her friends and loved ones, celebrating life. It was the basis for a foundation created after her death in 2010: the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation.

(3:37) Paula Kast describes her daughter’s fight with cancer, which began when she was just 3 years old. Brett Kast, who was 8 at the time, didn’t understand his sister’s plight, but knew there was something special about his sister, who bore her suffering with a grace far surpassing her young age.

(6:54) Paula describes Jenna’s zest for life, her positive attitude, empathy for others, and her determination to make others smile, even when she herself had little to smile about.

(8:53) Brett Kast talks about the inspiration for the Believe in Miracles Foundation, which started with a simple gift to another young boy in the hospital waiting room. Sparking an idea, Brett and his friends soon began to sell bracelets to raise money to grant wishes to other children in Jenna’s position.

(10:40) A TV news report on Brett’s project brought attention to the idea, and soon, a nonprofit was created. Paula Kast talks about the mission of the Believe in Miracles Foundation, which honors Jenna’s legacy by raising money and awareness for childhood cancer patients and terminally ill kids.

(12:34) Even in the midst of her own illness, Jenna was a fixture volunteering with the organization’s fundraisers. Paula Kast describes one of the last events Jenna served, an ice cream social, recalling her daughter’s remarkable strength and grace, borne from her belief that other kids deserved to be happy.

(14:09) After Jenna’s passing, the foundation boomed. Paula began working full time to increase the number of wishes granted. Today, the foundation grants 40-45 wishes each year. Paula describes one wish in particular that stands out in her mind, a young girl who wished for a birthday party in the hospital.

(16:38) Paula describes a heart-wrenching and difficult conversation with Jenna after doctors had informed Jenna that she had only months to live. Seeking to explain heaven to the young girl, Paula recalled the idea that everyday moments of grace — like the birthday party or ice cream event — were “glimpses of heaven.”

(18:57) After Jenna’s death, Paula was reminded of the conversation while fulfilling the wish of a young boy who was nearing the end. Like Jenna, the boy found remarkable strength during his wish day — an impromptu trip to Lambeau Field to see his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. To Paula, it was a reminder that “glimpses of heaven” are at the heart of the foundation’s mission, a mission inspired by Jenna’s remarkable strength and faith.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or...]]>How an 11-year-old girl's zest for life inspired her family to help children battling cancer find joy, even after she died

Show notes:

(0:03) Brett Kast and his mother, Paula, describe Brett’s late sister, Jenna, a spirited young girl who battled brain cancer. At age 9, she was granted a wish from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, but it was a party thrown by members of her parish, St. Anastasia in Troy, that most represented a “glimpse of heaven” for the young girl — surrounded by her friends and loved ones, celebrating life. It was the basis for a foundation created after her death in 2010: the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation.

(3:37) Paula Kast describes her daughter’s fight with cancer, which began when she was just 3 years old. Brett Kast, who was 8 at the time, didn’t understand his sister’s plight, but knew there was something special about his sister, who bore her suffering with a grace far surpassing her young age.

(6:54) Paula describes Jenna’s zest for life, her positive attitude, empathy for others, and her determination to make others smile, even when she herself had little to smile about.

(8:53) Brett Kast talks about the inspiration for the Believe in Miracles Foundation, which started with a simple gift to another young boy in the hospital waiting room. Sparking an idea, Brett and his friends soon began to sell bracelets to raise money to grant wishes to other children in Jenna’s position.

(10:40) A TV news report on Brett’s project brought attention to the idea, and soon, a nonprofit was created. Paula Kast talks about the mission of the Believe in Miracles Foundation, which honors Jenna’s legacy by raising money and awareness for childhood cancer patients and terminally ill kids.

(12:34) Even in the midst of her own illness, Jenna was a fixture volunteering with the organization’s fundraisers. Paula Kast describes one of the last events Jenna served, an ice cream social, recalling her daughter’s remarkable strength and grace, borne from her belief that other kids deserved to be happy.

(14:09) After Jenna’s passing, the foundation boomed. Paula began working full time to increase the number of wishes granted. Today, the foundation grants 40-45 wishes each year. Paula describes one wish in particular that stands out in her mind, a young girl who wished for a birthday party in the hospital.

(16:38) Paula describes a heart-wrenching and difficult conversation with Jenna after doctors had informed Jenna that she had only months to live. Seeking to explain heaven to the young girl, Paula recalled the idea that everyday moments of grace — like the birthday party or ice cream event — were “glimpses of heaven.”

(18:57) After Jenna’s death, Paula was reminded of the conversation while fulfilling the wish of a young boy who was nearing the end. Like Jenna, the boy found remarkable strength during his wish day — an impromptu trip to Lambeau Field to see his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. To Paula, it was a reminder that “glimpses of heaven” are at the heart of the foundation’s mission, a mission inspired by Jenna’s remarkable strength and faith.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) Laura Mills, a volunteer at the rotating warming shelter at St. Mary Parish in Royal Oak, talks about “Santa Claus,” one of the shelter’s longtime guests, who was able to find housing and rehabilitate after a lifetime of addiction. Mills says his “feel good story” is emblematic of the work the shelter has done to provide homeless and struggling individuals a lifeline for decades.

(3:07) Coordinator Heather Croy describes the work of the shelter, which, for a few weeks each winter, provides a respite from the bitter Michigan cold for dozens of guests with nowhere else to turn. The parish’s gym is transformed with beds, fresh coffee is provided, and meals are served. It’s a chance for guests to feel human again, she says.

(6:12) Croy talks about how the effort got started more than 40 years ago after a homeless man froze to death outside the Royal Oak library. Dismayed, St. Mary’s pastor at the time organized a temporary shelter in the evenings, just somewhere those down on their luck could crash for the night. Soon, other churches took notice, and eventually six area congregations decided to open their doors to the homeless as well. Today, each church takes two weeks each winter.

(7:48) Despite Royal Oak’s upscale atmosphere, Croy says, the need is very real for the city’s homeless population. Croy talks about the changes since COVID-19, including the necessity to scale back the number of guests for safety reasons. It’s been difficult, she says.

(12:03) Far from simply providing a meal and a warm bed, Croy says it’s important that volunteers take time to greet guests on a personal level. Every guest at St. Mary’s knows her by name, and she knows them. It’s how Jesus would want it, she says.

(14:34) A guest at the shelter, who chose to remain anonymous, talks about how the shelter’s volunteers made her and her daughter feel at home, and the circumstances that led her to seek help. “They are praying for me,” she says. “They’re wonderful women.”

(16:38) Another guest, Kevin Brown, found himself homeless after his wife died of COVID-19 last year. He’s been working to secure housing as a job transfer materializes, but the shelter has been a needed stopgap.

(19:35) Croy talks about how the shelter’s guests aren’t the only ones who feel the impact. Volunteers love the opportunity to put God’s gifts to work for others, and in turn are blessed by the guests who arrive at St. Mary’s. Croy cites Matthew 25 as an impetus for the shelter’s work.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and script by Casey McCorry; voice dubbing by Leah Butalid; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Weingartz … everything from Lawn to Snow. Over the years, Weingartz has grown to offer an unbeatable selection of outdoor power equipment, and their experienced service technicians and unmatched parts inventory keep your equipment running like new. Visit www.weingartz.com to shop for your lawn & garden needs and find a convenient location near you.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:01) Tom Doran, known to his fans and readers as mystery novelist T.M. Doran, reads a passage from his most popular fantasy novel, “Toward the Gleam.” Doran is a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, and a modern-day J.R.R. Tolkien — or at least an author in the same mold.

(2:08) The narrator describes the plot of “Toward the Gleam,” a mystery novel that takes place between the two world wars. Professor John Hill discovers an ancient manuscript while taking refuge in a cave during a storm. Hill begins a quest to decipher the manuscript.

(3:23) Doran describes his passion for writing, as well as his inspiration for “Toward the Gleam,” one of a trilogy. Doran talks about authors whom he admires, starting with Tolkien and his “Lord of the Rings” masterpiece.

(5:49) Doran talks about “Toward the Gleam,” which he describes as a “mysterious story about truth and beauty and the consequences of rejecting truth and beauty.” He discusses how his novels are a way of revealing something about God.

(9:08) While his novels are set in far-off lands and his plots carried out by fictional characters, Doran says the lessons contained in his books are relatable to everyone, from moral and ethical dilemmas to the mundane.

(10:30) Doran reads another passage from “Toward the Gleam.” The author discusses his creative process, exploring the story from the vantage point of the main characters.

(12:49) Doran talks about how his novels are a form of “pre-evangelization.” While his works aren’t overtly religious, they lead readers to discover basic truths about God, humanity and creation.

(16:02) The narrator discusses other Catholic “pre-evangelist” authors such as Tolkien, Flannery O’Connor, and Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Doran talks about challenge the pervasive ideas of the culture, battling relativism with a focus on the good, the true and the beautiful.

(19:12) Like “The Lord of the Rings,” Doran hopes his books can help people see that life presents countless opportunities to choose good and to avoid evil. God is the ultimate author, but he leaves each of us to fashion our own stories, Doran says.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by G.A. Fuchs Company. Church supplies to take you from ashes to Easter, shop G.A. Fuchs Company for everything you need as you journey through Lent to Easter. Visit fuchschurchsupply.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) Canton native Shawn Reynolds reflects on how a mundane job at a Dunkin Donuts as a teenager foreshadowed both his personal and professional life — one in which he’d marry the love of his life and end up touring the country as a full-time comedian.

(2:18) Reynolds and his wife, Katie, married young and had six children. He never thought of comedy as a career — although he was good at it — until an aunt suggested it after he gave a toast at his brother’s wedding.

(3:41) Reynolds tested his gig at local open mic nights and discovered, to his great surprise, that he wasn’t that bad at making people laugh.

(6:00) Finding success as an open mic comic at local comedy clubs, Reynolds — a devoted husband, father and committed Christian — didn’t resort to the vulgarity and bathroom humor so popular in mainstream comedy in part because his kids wanted to watch him perform.

(7:09) Listeners get to hear a taste of Reynolds’ act, in which he jokes about his own life as a father, son, and self-proclaimed “trophy husband.”

(8:30) Reynolds talks about Tim Hawkins, a man whom Reynolds now considers the “mountain of Christian comedy.” After seeing one of Hawkins’ shows, Reynolds made it his own dream to pursue comedy full time in the same vein. Before long, he was opening for Hawkins, and eventually headlining his own shows.

(11:05) Reynolds talks about the difference between performing in a comedy club and performing in a church, which he often does today. While Reynolds doesn’t actively seek to evangelize through his comedy, he nevertheless sees it as a ministry to those in attendance who might be hurting, struggling or depressed.

(13:30) Reynolds closes each of his shows with a heartfelt, humorous story about the adoption of his son, Keegan, and how God’s plan is both beautiful, funny and a bit of everything that makes life special.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Church supplies to take you from ashes to Easter, shop G.A. Fuchs Company for everything you need as you journey through Lent to Easter. Visit fuchschurchsupply.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:03) Jesuit Bro. Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory and a Detroit native, describes growing up during the height of the 1950s space race.

(2:42) As a student at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Bro. Guy describes how his Catholic education and upbringing influenced his decision to go into astronomy, and opened his mind to the wonders of the universe and God’s creation.

(5:01) Ten years after he graduated with a Ph.D. from MIT, Bro. Guy began to question the “big things” in life. As a graduate of a Jesuit high school, one question nagged him more than any others: “Why am I doing astronomy when there are starving people in the world?” This realization led him to join the Peace Corps, and eventually the Jesuits — where he learned he combine his life’s two great loves: science and faith.

(7:33) Not long after professing his vows, Bro. Guy was given an assignment he never expected: to live and work at the Vatican Observatory in Rome, studying meteorites and leading the pope’s outreach to astronomers worldwide. Bro. Guy describes the history and purpose of the Vatican Observatory, which traces its roots to the 19th century, when the Church was fighting rumors that it was “anti-science.” In an effort to show the world that wasn’t true, Pope Leo III established the observatory and commissioned professional astronomers to research the cosmos.

(11:29) Today, Bro. Guy’s role involves working to build bridges between the scientific and faith communities, two groups that may seem to be at war, but who actually have a lot in common, Bro. Guy says.

(13:26) Bro. Guy debunks the myth of the “God of the gaps,” the idea proposed by new atheists that given enough time, science will uncover all of life’s secrets, and God’s existence will be disproven.

(15:46) Instead of a cold, distant God, Christians believe in a God of love — a God who cares enough to die on the cross, to forgive sins, and to give his children the wonders of the universe to explore in harmony with faith and reason, Bro. Guy says.

Reporting and narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Pre-planning is a gift of love for your family. To start this important end-of-life conversation, visit cfcsdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

0:02: Jonathan Blevins, a video game streamer on the popular gaming site Twitch, engages in a discussion about faith with his followers. It’s an unlikely place for such a discussion, but Blevins, a lifelong Catholic with thousands of followers, sees this as his unique mission field.

1:40: Blevins, CEO of Little Flower Media Company, talks about his background growing up in a Catholic family in Metro Detroit. While he and his two brothers played video games, it was considered a special treat — not something to do every day. He remembers playing Mario and Pokémon, and games like Halo and Call of Duty when he was older.

4:02: As Jonathan grew up, video games took a back seat, and he became more serious about his faith. He studied theology and began to work in his parish as a youth minister. However, in 2017, when the mega-popular video game Fortnite was released, Jonathan’s curiosity got the better of him.

5:25: Meanwhile, Jonathan’s younger brother, Tyler — better known by his screenname, “Ninja” — was quickly becoming an internet mega-star in his own right, streaming video games on a lesser-known platform called Twitch. Today, Tyler is the most popular streamer in the world, with more than 18 million followers. At Tyler’s suggestion, Jonathan decided to try streaming for himself.

7:01: A youth minister by day and Twitch-streaming Fortnite player by dusk, Jonathan’s audience steadily began to grow. Quickly, he realized that his streams didn’t have to just be about video games. Always himself, Jonathan began chatting with his followers about the things that were important to him — football, bourbon, popular culture and his Catholic faith.

8:07: Finding success in his newfound niche, Jonathan decided to try streaming full time, and turned his hobby into a business, the Little Flower Media Company. Through 30-40 hours per week streaming, three podcasts, two talk shows and more media efforts in the works, he’s developed a community of tens of thousands of followers who engage with him daily online.

10:08: Jonathan’s refusal to put his Catholic faith to the side has meant plenty of difficult conversations with strangers online. He discusses the similarities between youth ministry and streaming — starting with the need to calmly and lovingly talk about controversial subjects — especially as they relate to God and the Church.

11:12: Jonathan recalls one stream in particular, on the day of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, in which he engaged with a follower who was particularly angry and vitriolic. Another time, he recalled engaging with a fellow streamer whose vulgarity led to a moment of honest self-reflection. In both cases, Jonathan says, it was important to recognize the God-given humanity behind the internet wall.

15:03: Despite the torrent of filth that can exist online, Jonathan believes in the power of love to reach the darkest places. Always the optimist, it’s his characteristic sign-off tagline that reverberates after every stream: “I love you; God loves you. Let’s change the world,” he says.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Pre-planning is a gift of love for your family. To start this important end-of-life conversation, visit cfcsdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:04) The narrator talks about Catholics’ perspectives about their priests, who can take on a larger-than-life persona and at times seem almost superhuman with everything they take on — caring for their parishes, being a spiritual refuge for their flock, and providing God’s people with the sacraments. But priests also have parents, who take a very different view.

(0:50) Mark and Susan Tibai, parents of Fr. Mark Tibai of St. Fabian Parish in Farmington Hills, talk about what it’s like when their son comes home for the holidays. Gail Lajiness, the mother of Msgr. Todd Lajiness of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth, and Amy Roelant, the mother of Fr. Kevin Roelant of St. Thecla Parish in Clinton Township, add their perspectives.

(2:29) Ann Heenan, the mother of Fr. Grayson Heenan of St. Andrew Parish in Rochester, talks about the reaction she gets from other parishioners when they learn she raised a priest — a mix of awe, curiosity and adulation.

(4:17) The Roelants discuss how they knew Fr. Kevin had a calling to the priesthood since he was little. Gail Lajiness says her son’s vocation was an answer to prayer.

(6:40) Not all parents were as sure of their son’s calling. The decision of their son to enter the seminary came as a shock to Fr. Heenan’s parents, who had dreamt of grandchildren. There was a period of sadness when they realized that wouldn’t happen, but Fr. Heenan’s priesthood has been a blessing in its own way, they say.

(9:50) The Tibais had a feeling their son would enter the seminary, but that didn’t make it any easier when the rural country family had to drop him off in the middle of Detroit, where Sacred Heart Major Seminary resides.

(11:19) Amy Roelant discusses the unspoken bond parents of priests share with one another. At Fr. Kevin’s ordination, she recalls sharing a moment with the mother of another priest, who became emotional at the sight of her son’s “wedding day.”

(13:33) Parents share the blessings that come from their sons’ vocations, including Masses celebrated at home, pride in watching their child lead a family of faith, and joy in watching others’ lives changed because of their son’s ministry.

(15:16) Even though the life of a priest is busy, they all stress, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time for family. They discuss sharing their son during the holidays and weekends, but say that makes the time spent visiting even more special.

(16:16) Parents talk about the spiritual benefits to their own lives that have come from their sons’ vocations.

(18:50) Fr. Tibai’s parents give advice to other parents whose sons are considering a vocation. With a priest shortage in the Archdiocese of Detroit, it’s imperative that families are supportive of their sons, they say, praying for God’s will and trusting in the Holy Spirit, which ultimately leads to happiness and fulfillment.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Angela Hospice, helping families provide the best care possible for the people they love. Visit us at AskForAngela.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) In early 2021, as Catholics slowly began returning to church after the COVID-19 pandemic, 16-year-old AJ Schena made a startling discovery: Not many people his age were in the pews. Statistics backed up Schena’s observation — 34% of Generation Z reports being “religiously unaffiliated” — a number that has grown since the pandemic. Determined to do something, Schena brainstormed ways to entice his peers back to Mass.

(1:47) Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron’s pastoral letter, Unleash the Gospel, emphasizes the need to urge young people to exercise leadership in the Church, to take their rightful place as heirs to the Catholic faith. Schena took those words to heart.

(2:53) Kristy Schena, AJ’s mother, describes the fire lit under her son as he discerned what he could do. AJ proposed a series of Masses, to be held at the mother church of the Archdiocese of Detroit, that would pull in teens from across southeast Michigan.

(4:36) AJ took the idea to Fr. J.J. Mech, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, who loved the idea. Together, they made a plan for a Summer Teen Mass Series catering to young people. The Masses would be followed by themed gatherings: Hawaiian, Christmas in July, and Detroit Sports.

(6:11) A mild-mannered teenager, AJ describes the challenge of being thrust into a leadership position and navigating the logistics of putting together the Mass series. He recruited his sister, Audrey, his friends, and anyone who would help.

(7:35) Kristy Schena describes the impact of the project. Teens attended from all over the archdiocese, many bringing their parents. The Schenas talk about the gratitude they received from those who didn’t want the Mass series to end.

(8:48) As AJ graduated from high school and headed off to college, he handed the reins of organizing the Mass series to his sister, Audrey, who organized another series in the summer of 2022. Audrey describes the following summer, including a new theme focused on the saints: “Superheroes.”

(10:26) The Schenas describe the most powerful part of the Mass series: teens realizing that despite the drop-off in church participation, young people are not alone in their faith. AJ encourages other young people who are discouraged to step outside their comfort zones and make a difference.

Reporting and script by Casey McCorry; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by Angela Hospice, helping families provide the best care possible for the people they love. Visit us at AskForAngela.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:01) Todd Lipa describes growing up at St. Alexander Parish in Farmington Hills. It’s where his large family was baptized, and where his mother was buried in 1968. The parish, led by Fr. Jim Wright, was also a lifeline when the Lipa family fell on hard times, providing food, clothing and a caring support system.

(2:01) When St. Alexander closed in 2014, Lipa realized he was in a perfect position to carry on the parish’s legacy of service. As director of Farmington and Farmington Hills’ Youth and Family Services, Lipa was well-acquainted with the needs of the community.

(4:22) Despite its reputation as an affluent community, Lipa says poverty does exist in the Farmington Hills area. Together with Mayor Ken Massey and former Mayor Jerry Ellis, Lipa set out creating a new nonprofit, CARES — an acronym that stands for Community Action Resources Empowerment Services.

(5:21) On July 1, 2017, the 501(c)3 purchased the former St. Alexander church for its headquarters, and began expanding its services to include groceries, hygiene and household items in a supermarket-style service center, complete with community support services such as AA and outreach coordinators to help guests secure health care, transportation and other needs. Lipa describes the incredible support CARES has received from the community, including local business owners who have donated services.

(8:36) Recalling his own experience growing up in need, Lipa talks about the satisfaction he receives seeing how CARES restores the dignity of those in poverty.

(10:16) Lillian, a CARES client and an immigrant from Nigeria, talks about the help she’s received from CARES. In a new country without any support system, Lillian says the nonprofits volunteers “took us in like family. Taiwan, a single mother of two, discovered cares when she moved with her children to Farmington Hills. She describes her experience with gratitude. “I really, really love CARES,” she says.

(13:45) CARES volunteers Carol and Michelle say Fr. Wright would be proud of how the nonprofit has carried on the mission of St. Alexander in caring for the community.

(14:20) Lipa talks about his vision to expand CARES by partnering with neighborhood health care providers, as well as renovating seven acres of land into a baseball diamond “that anyone, no matter your ability, can play on.” Lipa marvels at how far CARES has come in just five short years, and expresses hope that like St. Alexander Parish, it can continue to be a beacon of Christ’s love for all those in need.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is brought to you by the PIME Missionaries - Catholic priests and brothers, evangelizing in 19 countries around the world and celebrating 75 years of service in Detroit. Visit pimeusa.org to learn more.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:07) The narrator introduces Maureen Cole, a spirited 19-year-old student at Hope College and an avid dancer. Usually sunny, Maureen’s positivity disappeared as she fell into habits that led to an eating disorder, at first unbeknownst to her parents. Marlise Cole, Maureen’s mom, explains what she witnessed.

(3:00) Maureen Cole describes the conditions that led to her anorexia, starting with the pandemic in 2020. A straight-A student, Maureen describes her reticence to switch to remote learning and dance via Zoom. As the pandemic wore on, she transformed her basement into a full home dance studio, and exercise slowly became an obsession.

(7:00) Over Christmas break her senior year of high school, Maureen had a routine physical with her doctor, who told her she had lost 10 pounds. Others seemed to notice she looked fitter, and she liked the attention.

(8:23) Slowly, her eating habits changed. She cut sweets and carbs, and began to become obsessed with her diet. She cut condiments, then red meat, then dairy. Eventually — and to Maureen’s credit — she realized she might have an eating disorder, but didn’t want to tell anyone. Her personality faded, and eventually, others began to take notice.

(11:03) Maureen’s dance teacher called her parents, who began to panic at the realization of what their daughter was facing. Maureen’s body began to show frightening signs of an eating disorder. She started to work with a dietician and physician.

(13:40) During fall break her first semester in college, Maureen visited the doctor for a check-up, but she hadn’t gained any weight. Her heart rate was frighteningly low, and she realized — finally — that if nothing changed, she was slowly dying.

(14:14) Realizing the gravity of the situation, Maureen finally committed to battling her anorexia. Her parents pulled her from dance, and found her a doctor specializing in eating disorders. She began a University of Michigan-sponsored program, Maudsley, to fight her disease.

(16:38) Maureen describes the role of faith in her recovery. The realization that God was calling her to great things — not an eating disorder — was crucial, she says. Slowly, she began to see progress.

(18:21) As things improved, Maureen’s relationship with God did also. Her personality began to return, and she started to develop healthier relationships with food.

(20:04) Today, Maureen continues her recovery, but she’s back in school at Hope and dancing again. Maureen’s mom, Marlise, describes Maureen’s newly rediscovered relationship with God. Maureen describes the courage her journey took, and how she continues to battle — all with God’s help.

Reporting and narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

(Editor’s note: Some material provided by Marlise Cole)

This episode is brought to you by the PIME Missionaries - Catholic priests and brothers, evangelizing in 19 countries around the world and celebrating 75 years of service in Detroit. Visit [pimeusa.org](www.pimeusa.org) to learn more.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) Fr. Rich Bartoszek, chaplain and director of spiritual care for Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, talks about his experience ministering to the dying. Often, he says, those at the end of life report mystical experiences, such as a visit from a long-deceased loved one. These experiences can be signs that the end is near.

(2:44) Timothy Schram, CEO of Howe-Peterson Funeral Homes, discusses how he became involved in funeral ministry from a young age. It's not for everyone, he admits, but it's a passion he feels to help those experiencing one of the most difficult times in life.

(6:23) Over 35 years, Schram continues to be emotionally invested in his work because he realizes the importance of honoring a loved one's memory. He and his wife have their own experience with tragedy, having lost an infant themselves.

(8:59) The work can be spiritually taxing, but Schram has a solid support system. He leans heavily on his faith, as well as on his wife and kids, who ground him and remind him of the value of his ministry.

(13:27) Schram describes the beauty of the Catholic funeral rites, as well as the impact caring for the dead can have on the living. He describes interactions with families of those he's buried, who thank him time and time again.

(18:25) Bob Hojnacki, director of Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services for the Archdiocese of Detroit, discusses what makes his ministry unique, from spiritual care to financial assistance for families who've suffered a loved one's loss. Hojnacki talks about the archdiocese's six Catholic cemeteries, as well as what goes into a funeral vigil, Mass and rite of committal. 

(20:43) Fr. Bartoszek tells the story of a 10-year-old boy, Michael, who was dying of HIV. A spirited youngster, Michael was an inspiration to his classmates and friends. One day, Michael asked Fr. Bartoszek what it would be like when he died. Fr. Bartoszek replied that "the angels will come and take you home." At the end of Michael's life, he reported a vision of the angels, just as Fr. Bartoszek had said.

(25:52) Fr. Bartoszek talks about his ministry to both Catholics and non-Catholics. The most fulfilling part, he says, is when he can share God's love and mercy with a dying person who didn't think they deserved it. He helps people let go of grudges, learn to forgive, and learn to accept God's mercy for them.

(28:07) It's this profound love and mercy that's at the heart of Fr. Bartoszek's ministry, every anointing, every funeral Mass, every burial and every tear. It's the hope of the resurrection that animates the Church's ministry to the dying, and the ineffable message that Jesus' love is always stronger than death.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. As Catholics, we pray, worship and live in holy spaces, from grandiose cathedrals to tiny adoration chapels where we meet Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. But what about our final resting place? A Catholic burial in consecrated ground among fellow believers is the sacred right of every Catholic. A tradition since the catacombs, it is the final expression of our Catholic faith, a silent witness to our hope in the resurrection. Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic cemeteries provide an environment of comfort and solace for loved ones, a powerful reminder of our eternal life with Jesus Christ. Offer your family this gift by planning for your eternal rest in a Catholic cemetery. To learn more about the work of Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, our history and our Catholic burial traditions, call or visit one of our locations today. We are ready to ensure that your wishes are met and provide peace]]>A chaplain, a funeral home director and a cemeteries leader explore Catholic beliefs and experiences about death and dying.

(0:02) Fr. Rich Bartoszek, chaplain and director of spiritual care for Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, talks about his experience ministering to the dying. Often, he says, those at the end of life report mystical experiences, such as a visit from a long-deceased loved one. These experiences can be signs that the end is near.

(2:44) Timothy Schram, CEO of Howe-Peterson Funeral Homes, discusses how he became involved in funeral ministry from a young age. It's not for everyone, he admits, but it's a passion he feels to help those experiencing one of the most difficult times in life.

(6:23) Over 35 years, Schram continues to be emotionally invested in his work because he realizes the importance of honoring a loved one's memory. He and his wife have their own experience with tragedy, having lost an infant themselves.

(8:59) The work can be spiritually taxing, but Schram has a solid support system. He leans heavily on his faith, as well as on his wife and kids, who ground him and remind him of the value of his ministry.

(13:27) Schram describes the beauty of the Catholic funeral rites, as well as the impact caring for the dead can have on the living. He describes interactions with families of those he's buried, who thank him time and time again.

(18:25) Bob Hojnacki, director of Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services for the Archdiocese of Detroit, discusses what makes his ministry unique, from spiritual care to financial assistance for families who've suffered a loved one's loss. Hojnacki talks about the archdiocese's six Catholic cemeteries, as well as what goes into a funeral vigil, Mass and rite of committal. 

(20:43) Fr. Bartoszek tells the story of a 10-year-old boy, Michael, who was dying of HIV. A spirited youngster, Michael was an inspiration to his classmates and friends. One day, Michael asked Fr. Bartoszek what it would be like when he died. Fr. Bartoszek replied that "the angels will come and take you home." At the end of Michael's life, he reported a vision of the angels, just as Fr. Bartoszek had said.

(25:52) Fr. Bartoszek talks about his ministry to both Catholics and non-Catholics. The most fulfilling part, he says, is when he can share God's love and mercy with a dying person who didn't think they deserved it. He helps people let go of grudges, learn to forgive, and learn to accept God's mercy for them.

(28:07) It's this profound love and mercy that's at the heart of Fr. Bartoszek's ministry, every anointing, every funeral Mass, every burial and every tear. It's the hope of the resurrection that animates the Church's ministry to the dying, and the ineffable message that Jesus' love is always stronger than death.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. As Catholics, we pray, worship and live in holy spaces, from grandiose cathedrals to tiny adoration chapels where we meet Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. But what about our final resting place? A Catholic burial in consecrated ground among fellow believers is the sacred right of every Catholic. A tradition since the catacombs, it is the final expression of our Catholic faith, a silent witness to our hope in the resurrection. Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic cemeteries provide an environment of comfort and solace for loved ones, a powerful reminder of our eternal life with Jesus Christ. Offer your family this gift by planning for your eternal rest in a Catholic cemetery. To learn more about the work of Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, our history and our Catholic burial traditions, call or visit one of our locations today. We are ready to ensure that your wishes are met and provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. 

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:06) Tom and Anne Marie Malysz of St. John Fisher Chapel University Parish in Auburn Hills discuss how becoming foster parents has changed them, relying on the Lord’s help.

(2:09) In Part 1, the Malysz family talks about how they became involved in fostering, the expectations they had going in, and how divine providence played a role in helping the couple agree to take on the responsibility.

(6:11) The couple takes an orientation class, undergoes an arduous licensing process, and is paired with a case worker. Despite stereotypes to the contrary, the couple says they were pleasantly surprised by the painlessness of the process.

(7:02) The Malysz family welcomes their first foster children, an infant boy and his two-year-old sister. They discuss how their biological children reacted and what it was like. Since then, they’ve fostered a total of five children.

(8:20) The couple discusses the challenges and joys of fostering, including the knowledge they are helping a family in need. For the Malyszes, their Catholic faith is a big component of it all.

(11:28) The couple admits it’s bittersweet when a child leaves their home, because they don’t often get further contact with the child. But they hope that somehow, the child’s future was changed for the better as a result of their stay.

(13:30) In Part 2, Kristie Harden, director of child welfare for Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, and her staff explain the ins and outs of the foster care process. Hardin discusses the paperwork, training and background checks involved.

(16:15) Hardin discusses how a child becomes removed from his or her birth family and is placed in the foster system. The goal isn’t to place a child with a foster family, however. The goal is always reunification with the child’s birth family.

(17:25) Lyda McRoberts, one of CCSEM’s case workers, talks about how the system encourages reunification by working with parents and children on treatment plans and services. She is in constant communication with a child’s birth parents, and supervises planned visits. She also conducts regular checks with the foster family to ensure the child’s wellbeing.

(20:07) McRoberts talks about what a supervised visit looks like. It’s awkward at first, she admits, but important to see how birth parents interact with and care for their children.

(24:07) While reunification is the ultimate goal, it’s not one that’s often met. That makes case workers’ jobs seem exhausting and thankless, but the interest of children and the cooperation of foster families makes the sacrifice worth it, McRoberts says.

(24:49) Ross Henson, a licensing specialist with CCSEM, discusses the process of ensuring a foster family is ready to take on a child, including home visits. Henson discusses the shortage of foster families willing to take on children, making his job even more important.

(29:48) Hardin offers an appeal to those considering becoming foster parents: Educate yourself, but don’t be afraid of the process. It’s not scary, and for those who are called, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the world.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job in the world! At Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, they make it a bit easier for moms who are feeling alone, struggling financially, or who need an extra hand to help them establish a secure and happy family. To learn more about the ways you can help moms in need visit ccsem.org/respectlife.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on Pulling back the curtain on the foster system, a foster family and case workers explain the joys and challenges of fostering

(0:06) Tom and Anne Marie Malysz of St. John Fisher Chapel University Parish in Auburn Hills discuss how becoming foster parents has changed them, relying on the Lord’s help.

(2:09) In Part 1, the Malysz family talks about how they became involved in fostering, the expectations they had going in, and how divine providence played a role in helping the couple agree to take on the responsibility.

(6:11) The couple takes an orientation class, undergoes an arduous licensing process, and is paired with a case worker. Despite stereotypes to the contrary, the couple says they were pleasantly surprised by the painlessness of the process.

(7:02) The Malysz family welcomes their first foster children, an infant boy and his two-year-old sister. They discuss how their biological children reacted and what it was like. Since then, they’ve fostered a total of five children.

(8:20) The couple discusses the challenges and joys of fostering, including the knowledge they are helping a family in need. For the Malyszes, their Catholic faith is a big component of it all.

(11:28) The couple admits it’s bittersweet when a child leaves their home, because they don’t often get further contact with the child. But they hope that somehow, the child’s future was changed for the better as a result of their stay.

(13:30) In Part 2, Kristie Harden, director of child welfare for Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, and her staff explain the ins and outs of the foster care process. Hardin discusses the paperwork, training and background checks involved.

(16:15) Hardin discusses how a child becomes removed from his or her birth family and is placed in the foster system. The goal isn’t to place a child with a foster family, however. The goal is always reunification with the child’s birth family.

(17:25) Lyda McRoberts, one of CCSEM’s case workers, talks about how the system encourages reunification by working with parents and children on treatment plans and services. She is in constant communication with a child’s birth parents, and supervises planned visits. She also conducts regular checks with the foster family to ensure the child’s wellbeing.

(20:07) McRoberts talks about what a supervised visit looks like. It’s awkward at first, she admits, but important to see how birth parents interact with and care for their children.

(24:07) While reunification is the ultimate goal, it’s not one that’s often met. That makes case workers’ jobs seem exhausting and thankless, but the interest of children and the cooperation of foster families makes the sacrifice worth it, McRoberts says.

(24:49) Ross Henson, a licensing specialist with CCSEM, discusses the process of ensuring a foster family is ready to take on a child, including home visits. Henson discusses the shortage of foster families willing to take on children, making his job even more important.

(29:48) Hardin offers an appeal to those considering becoming foster parents: Educate yourself, but don’t be afraid of the process. It’s not scary, and for those who are called, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the world.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job in the world! At Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, they make it a bit easier for moms who are feeling alone, struggling financially, or who need an extra hand to help them establish a secure and happy family. To learn more about the ways you can help moms in need visit ccsem.org/respectlife.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:05) Wyatt Jones III, Ph.D., reads an excerpt from his book, "The Urban Playbook," about when he told his father, Deacon Wyatt Jones II, about his new job as the dean of students at Loyola High School. Deacon Jones was at home in hospice care and didn’t respond to the news verbally, but Wyatt could sense the pride coming from his “superman.” Two days later, Deacon Jones died, an event which Wyatt says led to the birth of his “inner beast.”

(1:00) The narrator introduces Wyatt Jones III, now principal and alumni of Loyola Catholic High School in Detroit. In the summer of 2022, Wyatt published his book, “The Urban Playbook,” which he describes as a guide to building genuine and sustainable relationships with Black boys. The book is a summation of his lifelong knowledge from personal experience and as an educator.

(2:52) The narrator discusses the educational landscape of inner-city Detroit. Although Black males are statistically less likely to graduate than their peers, Wyatt has set out to change that at Loyola Catholic High School.

(3:57) The narrator shares how Loyola has been an exception to Detroit high school norms and introduces DJ, a former student and mentee of Wyatt. DJ describes growing up in Detroit and becoming involved in a gang. After getting into trouble, DJ was sent to Loyola Catholic High School during his junior year of high school, where he met Wyatt.

(6:38) Wyatt shares his first impressions of DJ as an angry, hardened teen, but Wyatt recognized that DJ needed someone to tell him that they loved him and believed in him.

(9:05) The narrator talks about the chapter in Wyatt’s book that is devoted to DJ. Wyatt shares details of the chapter.

(9:38) DJ talks about Wyatt’s impact on his life and how eventually, DJ was chosen to be a leader on his Kairos retreat, despite his protests. The retreat changed his life, and DJ grew as a leader among his peers.

(11:39) The narrator reads an excerpt from a letter Wyatt wrote to DJ on his Kairos retreat.

(12:19) DJ shares how much Wyatt meant to him and how he shaped him into the man that he is today — as a director of a hospice company, a father and a husband.

(13:55) Wyatt shares how proud he is of DJ and how honored he is to know him. Wyatt says that walking with young men like DJ is how he wants to evangelize.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job in the world! At Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, they make it a bit easier for moms who are feeling alone, struggling financially, or who need an extra hand to help them establish a secure and happy family. To learn more about the ways you can help moms in need visit ccsem.org/respectlife.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:03) The narrator tells the harrowing story of Jeff Jay’s near brush with death on a rickety sailboat in the dark and stormy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A December gale nearly destroyed his ship and left him clinging to life for seven days until he was miraculously rescued by a passing dinghy.

(1:09) As the narrator explains, this wasn’t Jeff’s darkest hour — but it was something of a metaphor for hopelessness that had enveloped his earlier life as an alcoholic.

(2:25) Jeff describes his upbringing in a Catholic family living in Grosse Pointe, and the circumstances that led to his loss of faith and eventual foray into atheism. He began drinking heavily in college, eventually dropping out and hitchhiking his way around the country.

(4:56) A fan of beatniks such as Jack Keroac, Jeff traveled the country seeking to emulate their lifestyle, eventually winding up in San Francisco. Although he tried his hand at writing, Jeff’s struggles with alcohol led him to bounce from odd job to odd job, as well as various health issues and a battle with depression and homelessness. When a friend committed suicide, Jeff began to seriously contemplate ending his own life.

(7:22) In a stroke of divine providence, a friend of Jeff’s brothers happened to be visiting San Francisco and recognized Jeff living on the streets. He tracked down Jeff’s family, who arranged a phone call at the flop house where he was staying.

(9:36) After a conversation with his father, Jeff found himself on a plane ticket to Flint, where he was admitted to Hurley Hospital for detox. A doctor explained Jeff’s condition, and taught him about the disease known as alcoholism.

(11:20) Jeff began Alcoholics Anonymous, but still wasn’t convinced of the program’s spiritual elements. For two years, he lived at home with his parents, afraid he would relapse. Anxious and hopeless, Jeff reached a breaking point during which he could do nothing but cry out to a God in which he didn’t believe.

(14:35) To Jeff’s surprise, God answered. And suddenly, the 12-step program in which he found himself didn’t seem so daunting. He began to rebuild his life brick by brick, with the help of others in the program. Life wasn’t always easy, but with Jeff’s newfound faith, it was bearable.

(15:44) Now years removed from AA, Jeff looks back on that period in his life with gratitude for shaping him into the man he is today. Now, he works with other families struggling with addiction, and he’s finally written his book: “Love First, A Family’s Guide to Intervention.”

Reporting, script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn.

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job in the world! At Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, they make it a bit easier for moms who are feeling alone, struggling financially, or who need an extra hand to help them establish a secure and happy family. To learn more about the ways you can help moms in need visit ccsem.org/respectlife.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02) The narrator offers depressing statistics about the state of elder loneliness in America, including one statistic that shows up to a quarter of those 65 and older are considered “socially isolated,” which comes with its own set of health risks. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these trends.

(1:51) One Family of Parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit has decided to do something about this, building community by starting with the heads of families — seniors. The movement began with Pope Francis declaring a worldwide celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on the fourth Sunday in July.

(2:55) Cindy Portis, Christian service coordinator at St. Colette Parish in Livonia and evangelical charity coordinator for the Northwest Wayne 2 Family of Parishes, talks about the importance of engaging seniors at the parish level. Portis contends its this group that’s likely to evangelize their family members.

(4:09) Portis describes a new senior group at the Family of Parishes, called “Seasoned Saints.” Portis explains the significance of the name and describes its purpose.

(5:22) At the first meeting in March, attendees were visibly excited, Portis said. For many, it was the first chance to get out of isolation after a long COVID winter. The group got to work planning activities and outings throughout the year, including monthly themes.

(8:41) Eighty-three people showed up to the first meeting, ages 68 to 101. Portis talks about the collective wisdom of the group, which combined holds a wealth of knowledge and experience from decades of life lessons.

(10:00) Liam Neary and his wife, Charlotte, were among the attendees. In their 80s, the couple describes themselves as “roamin’ Catholics” but say they’ve found a home within the group at St. Colette.

(12:15) Liam and Charlotte volunteered during the COVID-19 pandemic to call and check in on lonely seniors, including those in hospice. They describe themselves as “lucky,” because they still have each other.

(12:41) Sandy MacLeod, 82, of St. Kenneth Parish in Plymouth, describes the companionship she found with “Seasoned Saints.” MacLeod lost her husband in 2007, and was never able to have children. To her, the group is a breath of fresh air.

(15:03) The narrator describes the value of seniors to the Catholic community, the glue holding the parish together. They are volunteers, family matriarchs and patriarchs, and faithful prayer warriors who hold their church in prayer. As the narrator says, “Today, let’s celebrate them.”

Reporting, script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by our friends at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Pre-planning your Catholic funeral is a gift of love for those you cherish. To learn more about pre-planning to prepare those you care about for this journey, visit CFCSdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:01) Beth Bauer, who coordinates Rachel’s Vineyard retreats for post-abortive men and women in southeast Michigan, talks about the importance of supporting people who’ve suffered hurt, trauma and pain in choosing abortion, and helping heal their spiritual and psychological wounds.

(3:39) Listeners are introduced to Anne Marie and David Sauve, a married couple of 37 years who have three daughters and attend Holy Spirit Parish in Shields, Mich. When the couple met in college, however, they were typical young people — attending parties and living carefree lives. After a few months of dating and sleeping together, Anne Marie became pregnant.

(5:45) Separately, Anne Marie and David fretted about the situation, fearing what the news would mean for their lives, careers and even future together. Anne Marie, who grew up Catholic, was ashamed of what her parents would think. She was also fearful of losing David, who feared the same thing — though he admits his lack of communication caused Anne Marie anxiety.

(10:35) Believing it was the only way to “dial back the clock,” the couple decided to pursue an abortion — though neither of them felt completely comfortable with the decision. Anne Marie describes the operation as the “darkest moment of my life.” Through tears, she describes the emotion, pain and trauma of her abortion, adding it did not have the effect the couple had hoped.

(13:45) Kathleen Wilson, pro-life and Project Rachel coordinator for the Archdiocese of Detroit, describes the efforts of the Church today to provide healing resources for men and women like David and Anne Marie. Individuals or couples who reach out to the confidential Project Rachel Abortion healing helpline will find a referral network of compassionate priests, counseling professionals and lay mentors as well as prayer and retreat opportunities such as the Rachel’s Vineyard.

(16:33) After their abortion, David and Anne Marie sought to make changes in their lives, becoming more involved in their faith and even making vows of celibacy to each other until they were married in 1985. But after several decades and three daughters, the pain of the couple’s abortion remained.

(18:20) One day, while driving to work, David heard an interview with Bauer on the radio, during which she discussed Rachel’s Vineyard retreats for post-abortive men and women. He pitched the idea to a hesitant Anne Marie, and the couple decided to go.

(19:13) The couple describes their experience during the retreat, which they describe as a place of hospitality, comfort and mercy. Anne Marie describes some of the sensory experiences provided, which are intended to help the couple face their decision and heal with Jesus’ help.

(21:19) Anne Marie describes a particularly moving moment in which she and David are encouraged to imagine their child “standing in a field of flowers.” The couple is encouraged to name their child, write a letter to him or her, and imaging them standing with the Lord in heaven. The experience allows the Sauves to grieve.

(26:28) In another segment, David and Anne Marie are encouraged to seek forgiveness from the Lord, their child and from each other.

(27:28) The couple describes how the retreat completely changed their outlook on life, so much so that now, when couples come to Rachel’s Vineyard seeking comfort and solace, they are the ones providing it as volunteers.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by our friends at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Pre-planning your Catholic funeral is a gift...]]>A post-abortive couple describes the healing, forgiveness and peace they found through Rachel's Vineyard retreat

(0:01) Beth Bauer, who coordinates Rachel’s Vineyard retreats for post-abortive men and women in southeast Michigan, talks about the importance of supporting people who’ve suffered hurt, trauma and pain in choosing abortion, and helping heal their spiritual and psychological wounds.

(3:39) Listeners are introduced to Anne Marie and David Sauve, a married couple of 37 years who have three daughters and attend Holy Spirit Parish in Shields, Mich. When the couple met in college, however, they were typical young people — attending parties and living carefree lives. After a few months of dating and sleeping together, Anne Marie became pregnant.

(5:45) Separately, Anne Marie and David fretted about the situation, fearing what the news would mean for their lives, careers and even future together. Anne Marie, who grew up Catholic, was ashamed of what her parents would think. She was also fearful of losing David, who feared the same thing — though he admits his lack of communication caused Anne Marie anxiety.

(10:35) Believing it was the only way to “dial back the clock,” the couple decided to pursue an abortion — though neither of them felt completely comfortable with the decision. Anne Marie describes the operation as the “darkest moment of my life.” Through tears, she describes the emotion, pain and trauma of her abortion, adding it did not have the effect the couple had hoped.

(13:45) Kathleen Wilson, pro-life and Project Rachel coordinator for the Archdiocese of Detroit, describes the efforts of the Church today to provide healing resources for men and women like David and Anne Marie. Individuals or couples who reach out to the confidential Project Rachel Abortion healing helpline will find a referral network of compassionate priests, counseling professionals and lay mentors as well as prayer and retreat opportunities such as the Rachel’s Vineyard.

(16:33) After their abortion, David and Anne Marie sought to make changes in their lives, becoming more involved in their faith and even making vows of celibacy to each other until they were married in 1985. But after several decades and three daughters, the pain of the couple’s abortion remained.

(18:20) One day, while driving to work, David heard an interview with Bauer on the radio, during which she discussed Rachel’s Vineyard retreats for post-abortive men and women. He pitched the idea to a hesitant Anne Marie, and the couple decided to go.

(19:13) The couple describes their experience during the retreat, which they describe as a place of hospitality, comfort and mercy. Anne Marie describes some of the sensory experiences provided, which are intended to help the couple face their decision and heal with Jesus’ help.

(21:19) Anne Marie describes a particularly moving moment in which she and David are encouraged to imagine their child “standing in a field of flowers.” The couple is encouraged to name their child, write a letter to him or her, and imaging them standing with the Lord in heaven. The experience allows the Sauves to grieve.

(26:28) In another segment, David and Anne Marie are encouraged to seek forgiveness from the Lord, their child and from each other.

(27:28) The couple describes how the retreat completely changed their outlook on life, so much so that now, when couples come to Rachel’s Vineyard seeking comfort and solace, they are the ones providing it as volunteers.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by our friends at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Pre-planning your Catholic funeral is a gift of love for those you cherish. To learn more about pre-planning to prepare those you care about for this journey, visit CFCSdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

For abortion healing help in Detroit, call or text (313) 237-5929 Helpline (888) 722-4355.

Ann Arbor Rachel's Vineyard: (734) 879-0427 or toheal4give@outlook.com

National Project Rachel Ministry: Project Rachel

Archdiocese of Detroit: projectrachel@aod.org

Saginaw (Lori Becker): lbecker@dioceseofsaginaw.org

Grand Rapids (Margaret Walsh): MWalsh@ccwestmi.org

Kalamazoo (Lisa Irwin): lisairwin@ccdok.org

Marquette (Denise Foye): dfoye@dioceseofmarquette.org

For national information on Rachel’s Vineyard retreats, visit www.rachelsvineyard.org.

(0:11) When Paul Center, a 33-year-old Catholic and automotive engineer from Rochester Hills, and his friends discovered they had some free time during the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided to write a musical.

(1:29) Center recruited his sister, Danielle, and friend Dylan, and the three — who share an artistic background — decided to brainstorm ideas to bring their faith to the stage. Along with Thomas Abbot and Josh Ross, the group originally wanted to make a skit about saints “hanging out in heaven, telling each other’s stories.” But a certain saint came to the foreground.

(3:36) St. Ignatius of Loyola’s story resonated with the group, who saw in the founder of the Jesuits a saint with a particularly 21st century story: He loved to sing and dance and fight. A young soldier, he found God only after a battle injury shattered his leg.

(4:41) Dylan and some of the cast members describe St. Ignatius’ story, relating with his “messy” life. Miriam Miller, who plays an evil spirit named Seren in the musical, talks about St. Ignatius’ doubts — something every millennial can relate to.

(6:37) The cast brainstorms how to capture St. Ignatius’ story in a way that helps bring audience members closer to God. The play took two years to write, cast, rehearse and ultimately perform May 21-22.

(7:54) Jake Rapanotti, the lead playing St. Ignatius for act one, describes the “bait and switch” that led him to accept the role, despite feeling out of place. Jake and Miriam describe the challenges and joys of their parts.

(13:33) Paul and the crew promote the show through word of mouth, social media and church bulletins, preparing for the big day, which finally arrives with a packed house at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Sterling Heights.

(14:35) Audience members tell Detroit Catholic how much they loved the musical, and how much they learned about St. Ignatius’ life.

(16:24) Paul talks about the goal of “Shattered,” which is to evangelize in the modern world. Rather than the typical young adult “food and fellowship” events, he says the musical brought the cast and crew — and hopefully the audience — closer to a relationship with God.

Reporting and narration by Karla Dorweiler; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by our friends at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Pre-planning your Catholic funeral is a gift of love for those you cherish. To learn more about pre-planning to prepare those you care about for this journey, visit CFCSdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:01) Fr. John Kopson, pastor of St. Anne Parish in Warren, describes a homily he once heard describing the priesthood as analogous to the military. If priests are the soldiers of the Church, the “boots on the ground,” they can only be effective if they have “air support” — i.e., the prayers of the faithful uplifting and supporting them.

(2:36) Mindy DeWitt, a member of Divine Child Parish in Dearborn, recalls a realization she had one day about how hard priests work and how much they sacrifice for their flocks. The thought stuck with DeWitt, who made it her personal mission to pray for priests and make little sacrifices for them, too.

(5:10) After reading a Vatican document about the importance of Eucharistic adoration and holy hours to pray for the sanctification of priests, DeWitt contacted Fr. Kopson with an idea for a new apostolate, “Parishioners for Priests,” that would be devoted to spiritually adopting priests of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

(6:41) Through the apostolate, DeWitt and her husband printed prayer cards, launched social media pages and developed a “Priest of the Day” initiative to pray, by name, for one priest of the archdiocese each day.

(7:25) DeWitt describes the “Adopt a Priest” initiative, which invites parishioners to anonymously pray for a specific priest, chosen at random. The priest is given a card telling him he’s been spiritually adopted, and receives the consolation of knowing someone — even if he doesn’t know who — is praying for him every day.

(8:22) Fr. Kopson describes what it’s like as a priest to be spiritually “adopted,” including the great sense of peace knowing his ministry — as hard as it is sometimes — isn’t being undertaken alone.

(10:05) DeWitt describes the overwhelming response to the program from both parishioners and priests since it was launched in 2017.

(12:31) The narrator talks about how the program is especially relevant in 2022, when the Archdiocese of Detroit is undertaking a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations. Fr. Kopson says the devil wants to discourage men from considering the priesthood, but that a year of prayer is exactly what’s needed.

(16:38) Fr. Kopson issues a “call to arms” to parishioners of the archdiocese to spiritually support their priests through prayer, sacrifice and love.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by our friends at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Pre-planning your Catholic funeral is a gift of love for those you cherish. To learn more about pre-planning to prepare those you care about for this journey, visit CFCSdetroit.org.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Disclaimer: Detroit Catholic and the Archdiocese of Detroit do not offer financial advice. The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as financial advice.

(0:02) Amid the rise of cryptocurrency and a constant stream of advertising, many Catholics have questions. How does it all work? Is this all real? And is it moral?

(2:15) Tiffany Welka, a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth and founder of the podcast "Welka Wealth," which delves into faith-based investing, describes what cryptocurrency is, how it started and the appeal for crypto miners and traders.

(3:15) Daniel Svogun, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance at the Busch School of Finance at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., describes digital assets, including how one obtains cryptocurrency through third-party exchanges.

(4:20) Deacon Richard Napoli, a recently retired CEO of a software company that specializes in blockchain technology, describes how blockchain works as an online distributive ledger that allows multiple users to keep track of and verify transactions.

(7:03) Welka describes the nature and history of currency, which started with bartering goods and services for other goods and services, and how that eventually evolved into the "fiat" currency we have today, as well as digital currency.

(11:20) Deacon Napoli describes the origins of BitCoin, a currency developed from blockchain, and the nature of "mining," which is a computer process that creates BitCoins and other types of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency is not regulated or is centrally monitored, which makes investing in crypto a riskier proposition, and potentially, on shakier ethical grounds, Deacon Napoli said.

(16:46) Deacon Napoli delves into whether or not cryptocurrency is a moral good, and the responsibility of users to use cryptocurrency for good ends.

(18:36) Welka speculates on a few principles Catholics can apply when thinking about cryptocurrency. All investments can be used for good or evil, so it’s important to assess why someone is investing in cryptocurrency. 

(22:04) Svogun describes a case in which cryptocurrency was used as a method of payment in support of human and drug trafficking, with Bitcoin being the primary currency in 2011-13. However, cryptocurrency has also allowed for people to support those who are oppressed by their government, particularly the underground Catholic Church in China, or in times of war when people can donate aide via cryptocurrency. Svogun notes how cryptocurrency can help facilitate microfinancing and using cryptocurrency to create a financing structuring to help those shut out of the traditional banking market.

(25:33) Another key concern for Catholics is that cryptocurrency takes a significant environmental toll, Svogun says. Cryptocurrency mining uses 0.5 percent of the world’s electricity supply, with warehouses full of computers running algorithms day and night — a huge drain on the electrical grid.

(27:59) Deacon Napoli speculates how NFTs (non-fungible tokens) might be used more than cryptocurrencies by average investors. Deacon Napoli explains how NFTs might allow for investors to contribute to the preservation and restoration of Catholic art and churches.

(32:48) The Church doesn’t have formal encyclicals or teachings on the morality of cryptocurrency or NFTs, but there are Catholic principles one could apply to the investment and use of digital assets, Welka says, along with government regulation coming to the digital-asset market.

(34:00) Can Catholics use cryptocurrency and digital assets to develop a Catholic economy around the principles of Catholic social teaching that work toward human...]]>Can the rise of digital assets help or hinder human flourishment? We speak with three Catholic financial experts to find out

Disclaimer: Detroit Catholic and the Archdiocese of Detroit do not offer financial advice. The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as financial advice.

(0:02) Amid the rise of cryptocurrency and a constant stream of advertising, many Catholics have questions. How does it all work? Is this all real? And is it moral?

(2:15) Tiffany Welka, a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth and founder of the podcast "Welka Wealth," which delves into faith-based investing, describes what cryptocurrency is, how it started and the appeal for crypto miners and traders.

(3:15) Daniel Svogun, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance at the Busch School of Finance at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., describes digital assets, including how one obtains cryptocurrency through third-party exchanges.

(4:20) Deacon Richard Napoli, a recently retired CEO of a software company that specializes in blockchain technology, describes how blockchain works as an online distributive ledger that allows multiple users to keep track of and verify transactions.

(7:03) Welka describes the nature and history of currency, which started with bartering goods and services for other goods and services, and how that eventually evolved into the "fiat" currency we have today, as well as digital currency.

(11:20) Deacon Napoli describes the origins of BitCoin, a currency developed from blockchain, and the nature of "mining," which is a computer process that creates BitCoins and other types of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency is not regulated or is centrally monitored, which makes investing in crypto a riskier proposition, and potentially, on shakier ethical grounds, Deacon Napoli said.

(16:46) Deacon Napoli delves into whether or not cryptocurrency is a moral good, and the responsibility of users to use cryptocurrency for good ends.

(18:36) Welka speculates on a few principles Catholics can apply when thinking about cryptocurrency. All investments can be used for good or evil, so it’s important to assess why someone is investing in cryptocurrency. 

(22:04) Svogun describes a case in which cryptocurrency was used as a method of payment in support of human and drug trafficking, with Bitcoin being the primary currency in 2011-13. However, cryptocurrency has also allowed for people to support those who are oppressed by their government, particularly the underground Catholic Church in China, or in times of war when people can donate aide via cryptocurrency. Svogun notes how cryptocurrency can help facilitate microfinancing and using cryptocurrency to create a financing structuring to help those shut out of the traditional banking market.

(25:33) Another key concern for Catholics is that cryptocurrency takes a significant environmental toll, Svogun says. Cryptocurrency mining uses 0.5 percent of the world’s electricity supply, with warehouses full of computers running algorithms day and night — a huge drain on the electrical grid.

(27:59) Deacon Napoli speculates how NFTs (non-fungible tokens) might be used more than cryptocurrencies by average investors. Deacon Napoli explains how NFTs might allow for investors to contribute to the preservation and restoration of Catholic art and churches.

(32:48) The Church doesn’t have formal encyclicals or teachings on the morality of cryptocurrency or NFTs, but there are Catholic principles one could apply to the investment and use of digital assets, Welka says, along with government regulation coming to the digital-asset market.

(34:00) Can Catholics use cryptocurrency and digital assets to develop a Catholic economy around the principles of Catholic social teaching that work toward human flourishing? Svogun says while rare, some parishes do accept cryptocurrency as a form of tithing, and some Catholic groups have begun to accept donations via crypto — something for the Church to discern in an ever-changing economy.

Reporting and script by Daniel Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

This podcast is brought to you by our friends at Ave Maria Mutual funds. Visit them at avemariafunds.com to learn more about responsible Catholic investing.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:03) Listeners are introduced to Gary Miracle, a 40-year-old father of four from Florida who was a healthy sales associate, athlete and crew member of a Christian band until a sudden illness two years ago resulted in the loss of both his arms and his legs.

(1:49) Gary describes the sudden onset of sepsis — a blood infection — between Christmas and New Year’s in 2019 that sent him to the emergency room multiple times. On New Year’s Eve, he went downhill quickly, and on Jan. 1, 2020, Gary died — for 11 minutes.

(4:24) Doctors were able to revive him, and Gary was airlifted to a hospital in Orlando, where he remained in a coma on life support for 10 days. In order to save his life, doctors had to amputate both his arms and both his legs. He was given a 1.7% chance of survival.

(5:50) Upon awaking from his coma, Gary learned the gravity of his situation. Though not a “super Christian Sunday school answer kind of guy,” Gary’s mind immediately went to the biblical story of Job, specifically chapter 1, verse 21: “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.”

(7:04) Listeners learn about Louise Palardy’s “Engineering and Empathy” class at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Pontiac, where students are given a charge: To engineer solutions to make people like Gary’s lives easier.

(7:48) Palardy explains the purpose of the class, which is based on a program called “Project Invent,” to offer training, resources and experiences to support real-world learning in the classroom. Her class learned about Gary’s situation, and immediately wanted to help.

(9:17) Over Zoom, Palardy’s students met with Gary to discuss his life, needs and story — and then they got to work. Students in the class discuss what they learned from Gary, and how their product could help in his new situation.

(11:34) Gary discusses his difficulties with tasks he used to find easy — such as plugging in his cellphone at night, changing clothes, or simply holding a fork. It was these simple tasks that Palardy’s students wanted to solve for.

(13:36) Palardy describes the invention, a tool that could attach to the stump of Gary’s arm to hold items like a toothbrush, comb, pen or other household items. In addition to helping Gary, she says, the invention could be brought to a wider market with the help of investors.

(15:10) Students in the class reflect on the experience, appreciating listening to Gary’s story and having the opportunity to work with him and understand his story.

(16:33) Gary, reflecting on his own experience, “flips the script” by discussing how everyone — not just himself — has challenges, some visible and some invisible. When he drops his fork, he says, people offer to pick it up for him. But just like others help him, Gary wants to help them, too — and that’s where “lending a hand” really finds its meaning.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This podcast is brought to you by our friends at Ave Maria Mutual funds. Visit them at avemariafunds.com to learn more about responsible Catholic investing.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:38) Horst Buchholz, Ph.D., director of sacred music for the Archdiocese of Detroit, explains why St. Augustine’s famous saying, “He who sings prays twice,” is actually a misquote. The narrator introduces the topic: Why does sacred music matter?

(3:32) Buchholz discusses the psychology of music, including research that shows people choose their churches for one of two reasons: the quality of the music, and the quality of the preaching. The narrator introduces a survey of Archdiocese of Detroit parishioners revealing local Catholics’ preferences in sacred music.

(7:23) Buchholz discusses the Second Vatican Council’s approach to sacred music, including its tradition of inculturation as well as its insistence that the pipe organ, chant and the use of Latin are “specially suited to the Roman liturgy,” while allowing for “unity without uniformity.”

(8:26) Wassim Sarweh, organist and music director at Old St. Mary’s Parish in Greektown, talks about the other-worldly qualities of Gregorian chant, the Church’s ancient musical language. Sarweh talks about how chant is different from other types of sacred music, and even has the power to make converts.

(12:40) Listeners are introduced to Santiago Fernandez, music director of the Church of the Holy Family in Novi, one of the largest multicultural (Spanish and English) parishes in the archdiocese. Fernandez discusses how a truly bilingual approach to sacred music brings the parish together in a profound way.

(16:45) Keir Ward, music director for Sacred Heart Parish in Detroit, talks about the impact of Gospel music on the African-American community. A lifelong Catholic, Ward has worked to incorporate the Gospel style — traditionally a Protestant tradition — into the city’s Catholic worship experience.

(19:32) Ward discusses the deeply meaningful history of Gospel, which has its roots in Afro-spirituals sung by slaves, and what that history means for today’s music.

(22:06) We meet Josh Ross, music director at St. Anastasia Parish in Troy, where contemporary, upbeat Christian music is played during a 5 p.m. Sunday evening “young adult” Mass. Ross discusses what drew him to the contemporary style as a young man.

(23:47) Ross addresses the opinion held by some that guitars and drums have no place in the liturgy, insisting that his role as a music minister is to help people to pray.

(27:02) Susan Lindquist, director of the Cathedral Choir Academy of Detroit, talks about what Catholics can learn about music from children. The children she teaches don’t have a preferred style, Lindquist says, but love learning and singing all types. It’s important to foster a love of sacred music in children so they can grow up to take their “rightful place in the Church.”

(29:44) Ward concludes the podcast with a story about a woman who found her faith again despite personal struggles with the help of an old Gospel song, “God has smiled on me.”

Reporting, script and narration by Michael Stechschulte; production by Ron Pangborn.

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by our friends at Alliance Catholic Credit Union. For over 60 years, Alliance Catholic Credit Union has provided Catholics in Michigan with trusted financial services inspired by Catholic values. When you join Alliance Catholic Credit Union, you become a member of a financial institution that supports Catholic education, Catholic Charities, and Catholic parishes around the state. Visit AllianceCatholic.com and join online today.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or...]]>How can sacred music evangelize? Can drums and chant coexist in the same Church? And what does it mean to have 'unity without uniformity'?

(0:38) Horst Buchholz, Ph.D., director of sacred music for the Archdiocese of Detroit, explains why St. Augustine’s famous saying, “He who sings prays twice,” is actually a misquote. The narrator introduces the topic: Why does sacred music matter?

(3:32) Buchholz discusses the psychology of music, including research that shows people choose their churches for one of two reasons: the quality of the music, and the quality of the preaching. The narrator introduces a survey of Archdiocese of Detroit parishioners revealing local Catholics’ preferences in sacred music.

(7:23) Buchholz discusses the Second Vatican Council’s approach to sacred music, including its tradition of inculturation as well as its insistence that the pipe organ, chant and the use of Latin are “specially suited to the Roman liturgy,” while allowing for “unity without uniformity.”

(8:26) Wassim Sarweh, organist and music director at Old St. Mary’s Parish in Greektown, talks about the other-worldly qualities of Gregorian chant, the Church’s ancient musical language. Sarweh talks about how chant is different from other types of sacred music, and even has the power to make converts.

(12:40) Listeners are introduced to Santiago Fernandez, music director of the Church of the Holy Family in Novi, one of the largest multicultural (Spanish and English) parishes in the archdiocese. Fernandez discusses how a truly bilingual approach to sacred music brings the parish together in a profound way.

(16:45) Keir Ward, music director for Sacred Heart Parish in Detroit, talks about the impact of Gospel music on the African-American community. A lifelong Catholic, Ward has worked to incorporate the Gospel style — traditionally a Protestant tradition — into the city’s Catholic worship experience.

(19:32) Ward discusses the deeply meaningful history of Gospel, which has its roots in Afro-spirituals sung by slaves, and what that history means for today’s music.

(22:06) We meet Josh Ross, music director at St. Anastasia Parish in Troy, where contemporary, upbeat Christian music is played during a 5 p.m. Sunday evening “young adult” Mass. Ross discusses what drew him to the contemporary style as a young man.

(23:47) Ross addresses the opinion held by some that guitars and drums have no place in the liturgy, insisting that his role as a music minister is to help people to pray.

(27:02) Susan Lindquist, director of the Cathedral Choir Academy of Detroit, talks about what Catholics can learn about music from children. The children she teaches don’t have a preferred style, Lindquist says, but love learning and singing all types. It’s important to foster a love of sacred music in children so they can grow up to take their “rightful place in the Church.”

(29:44) Ward concludes the podcast with a story about a woman who found her faith again despite personal struggles with the help of an old Gospel song, “God has smiled on me.”

Reporting, script and narration by Michael Stechschulte; production by Ron Pangborn.

This episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by our friends at Alliance Catholic Credit Union. For over 60 years, Alliance Catholic Credit Union has provided Catholics in Michigan with trusted financial services inspired by Catholic values. When you join Alliance Catholic Credit Union, you become a member of a financial institution that supports Catholic education, Catholic Charities, and Catholic parishes around the state. Visit AllianceCatholic.com and join online today.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(00:00) The narrator discusses the stereotypes and tropes that have been used to characterize stories of adoption and foster care in literature and pop culture. However, the realities of adoption and foster care are more complex than usually portrayed. The narrator explains that this episode will share a perspective on adoption not usually heard.

(2:23) The narrator introduces Kristie Hardin, director of child welfare for Catholic Charities of southeast Michigan, and Jennifer Anderson, program manager of child welfare.

(3:30) Listeners receive an overview of adoption and foster care statistics in the state of Michigan.

(3:40) Anderson details the rigorous adoption process.

(7:03) Anderson and Hardin describe how they help prepare parents to meet the needs of children facing emotional and psychological difficulties during the adoption and foster care process. The narrator explains what steps are taken to help children and adoptive parents adapt.

(8:12) Hardin talks about common misconceptions and fears about foster care that often prevent people from becoming foster parents or pursuing adoption.

(8:47) Discussion moves to the cost of adoption. Anderson explains how adopting a child in foster care is more affordable than private or international adoption.

(9:30) Hardin and Anderson explain that one of the biggest roadblocks they see preventing people from pursuing adoption through foster care is the fear that their child may face certain behavioral or medical issues. However, Anderson and Hardin explain that they are willing to move heaven and earth to help willing families prepare for foster care and adoption.

(10:55) In Part 2, the narrator introduces Holly Flickinger, who knew from childhood that she wanted to adopt one day. Before she and her husband, Tom, were married in 2013, the couple had already decided that adoption was something they wanted to pursue.

(12:00) After marrying, the Flickingers brought their son Gabriel home in 2015, finalizing his adoption in 2016. They brought their daughter home in January of 2021 and finalized her adoption in December 2021.

(12:47) Gabriel was adopted through the foster care system, the narrator explains. Holly shares how they have explained adoption to Gabriel from a very young age. They now do the same thing with their infant daughter, hoping to make adoption a normalized and positive part of their world.

(13:58) Holly explains how every adoption results in trauma, no matter the age of the child. She knows that someday her children will ask deep questions about their adoptions, but for now her goal is simply to make sure that they know that they are deeply, totally loved.

(15:40) Holly talks about how adoption can be a beautiful thing in a broken world.

(16:35) In Part 3, the narrator introduces Emy Deshotel, a 27-year-old freelance writer who was adopted as a child by a family member. Deshotel talks about her complicated view of her own difficult adoption and of adoption in general.

(17:29) Deshotel tells her adoption story: After complicated and traumatic early years, Deshotel was adopted by a family member and grew up feeling like an outsider in her adoptive family.

(20:51) Deshotel’s experience has fueled her writing and made her an advocate for those experiencing trauma from adoption. Today, Deshotel doesn’t have a relationship with her adoptive family and is focused on healing herself, in-part through her writing.

(22:54) At the start of Part 4, the listener hears from David Center, who along with his wife Esther, prayed for their children long before...]]>People whose lives have been touched by adoption share their perspectives and the complexities of adoption – from the joys to the sorrows

(00:00) The narrator discusses the stereotypes and tropes that have been used to characterize stories of adoption and foster care in literature and pop culture. However, the realities of adoption and foster care are more complex than usually portrayed. The narrator explains that this episode will share a perspective on adoption not usually heard.

(2:23) The narrator introduces Kristie Hardin, director of child welfare for Catholic Charities of southeast Michigan, and Jennifer Anderson, program manager of child welfare.

(3:30) Listeners receive an overview of adoption and foster care statistics in the state of Michigan.

(3:40) Anderson details the rigorous adoption process.

(7:03) Anderson and Hardin describe how they help prepare parents to meet the needs of children facing emotional and psychological difficulties during the adoption and foster care process. The narrator explains what steps are taken to help children and adoptive parents adapt.

(8:12) Hardin talks about common misconceptions and fears about foster care that often prevent people from becoming foster parents or pursuing adoption.

(8:47) Discussion moves to the cost of adoption. Anderson explains how adopting a child in foster care is more affordable than private or international adoption.

(9:30) Hardin and Anderson explain that one of the biggest roadblocks they see preventing people from pursuing adoption through foster care is the fear that their child may face certain behavioral or medical issues. However, Anderson and Hardin explain that they are willing to move heaven and earth to help willing families prepare for foster care and adoption.

(10:55) In Part 2, the narrator introduces Holly Flickinger, who knew from childhood that she wanted to adopt one day. Before she and her husband, Tom, were married in 2013, the couple had already decided that adoption was something they wanted to pursue.

(12:00) After marrying, the Flickingers brought their son Gabriel home in 2015, finalizing his adoption in 2016. They brought their daughter home in January of 2021 and finalized her adoption in December 2021.

(12:47) Gabriel was adopted through the foster care system, the narrator explains. Holly shares how they have explained adoption to Gabriel from a very young age. They now do the same thing with their infant daughter, hoping to make adoption a normalized and positive part of their world.

(13:58) Holly explains how every adoption results in trauma, no matter the age of the child. She knows that someday her children will ask deep questions about their adoptions, but for now her goal is simply to make sure that they know that they are deeply, totally loved.

(15:40) Holly talks about how adoption can be a beautiful thing in a broken world.

(16:35) In Part 3, the narrator introduces Emy Deshotel, a 27-year-old freelance writer who was adopted as a child by a family member. Deshotel talks about her complicated view of her own difficult adoption and of adoption in general.

(17:29) Deshotel tells her adoption story: After complicated and traumatic early years, Deshotel was adopted by a family member and grew up feeling like an outsider in her adoptive family.

(20:51) Deshotel’s experience has fueled her writing and made her an advocate for those experiencing trauma from adoption. Today, Deshotel doesn’t have a relationship with her adoptive family and is focused on healing herself, in-part through her writing.

(22:54) At the start of Part 4, the listener hears from David Center, who along with his wife Esther, prayed for their children long before they were married. When they were unable to conceive children, they began to consider foster care and went through the long licensing process.

(24:26) The Centers eventually received placement of a medically fragile girl who was two months old. Through foster care, they were able to adopt her.

(25:00) After bringing their daughter home, Esther conceived their second daughter. Their older daughter is now six and their second daughter is five. David and Esther try to approach the nuances of adoption with sensitivity and at a pace that their daughter can understand.

(26:00) We hear from Esther about the challenges of having biological children and an adoptive, biracial child. Esther explains how they work to make sure that their daughter’s differentness doesn’t make her feel lesser or separate from the rest of the family.

(28:47) David and Esther offer advice similar to Deshotel’s for parents considering adoption: They explain that adoption is complicated and traumatic and parents need to be cognizant of how this experience will impact their adoptive child.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Alliance Catholic Credit Union.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:02)The narrator tries (tongue-in-cheek) to interest the listener in various bets related to sporting events this year — the Super Bowl, Final Four and Kentucky Derby — to make a point about the prevalence of sports gambling since Michigan legalized the practice in 2020.

(1:53) As Michigan sports betting operators raked in millions last year, Catholics might well be wondering: Can a Catholic in good standing place a bet? And are there limits and sins to be aware of?

(3:30) Listeners meet Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, professor of religious studies at the University of Detroit Mercy and an expert on sports and spirituality. Fr. Kelly discusses the value of sport from a religious and human perspective, including what the popes have said on the subject.

(6:07) Fr. Kelly warns about the temptation to view sports as a means to other ends: glory, money and fame among them. When a person gambles on sports, he or she loses the focus on the team and community, instead thinking about what he or she might gain.

(8:39) But is gambling immoral? The narrator introduces moral theologian Fr. Peter Ryan, SJ, of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, to answer that question.

(9:48) Fr. Ryan quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which says gambling is not “contrary to justice” as long as certain conditions are met: namely, that a person doesn’t gamble in excess of what he or she can afford to lose — including meeting one’s obligations to oneself, one’s family and those in need. A person must also be careful not to become addicted, Fr. Ryan says.

(13:23) On the subject of addiction, listeners are introduced to Jeff Henrich, CEO of Guest House, an addiction treatment facility for clergy and religious in Lake Orion. Henrich discusses how addiction begins, the warning signs to watch for, and how concerned family members can broach the subject.

(15:49) Henrich talks about the fact that gambling addiction is on the rise among young people, primarily due to two factors: a willingness to engage in risky behaviors that’s more prevalent among the young, and the ubiquitous access to smartphones and mobile technology.

(18:12) Fr. Ryan discusses the need to weigh carefully the temptations to addiction before engaging in gambling, especially if one knows they have a predisposition. One also ought to consider whether gambling brings joy, or simply detachment, Fr. Kelly adds, suggesting the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola can help people discern.

(20:30) Henrich recommends listeners turn to prayer when looking for guidance about gambling. Like anything in the Christian life, placing one’s faith in God and following His commandments is the surest bet for keeping a clean conscience.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; script by Michael Stechschulte; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Catholic Conference. Visit micatholic.org/signup to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. You’ll receive email updates and action steps to have your Catholic voice heard on bills in the Michigan House and Senate that impact human dignity and the common good.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:14) We meet Sr. Nancyann Turner, OP, a member of the Adrian Dominican Sisters for more than 60 years. She hints that over that time, her life has never been what she’d describe as “boring.”

(2:21) The listener learns about National Catholic Sisters Week. Begun in 2015 and celebrated March 8-14, the week honors women religious for their faith, dedication and service to the Church and humanity.

(3:05) We learn about Sr. Nancyann’s vocation, which began when Catholic nuns and sisters were much more common than they are today. Sr. Nancyann describes the evolution of religious life since her first profession at age 18 — including her own transformation.

(5:59) After recounting her many stops and ministries, Sr. Nancyann describes her passion project, the Rosa Parks Children and Youth Program, which she founded 20 years ago. The program helps inner-city youths resist violence and become the best version of themselves through art, dance, music and education.

(8:20) Listeners are introduced to Sr. Felicity Marie Madigan, CSSF, a younger sister in her mid-40s. Sr. Felicity’s vocation started as a child, when she and her twin were surrounded by religious sisters growing up. Sr. Felicity describes a pivotal moment in her life — her father’s diagnosis with cancer — and how that impacted her decision to enter the convent.

(12:30) Sr. Felicity describes her ministry as a combination of prayer and work — just like St. Francis of Assisi, whose charism the Felicians emulate. She describes her work with the Deo Gratias Café, an outreach program at St. Jude Parish in Detroit, as a manifestation of her thankfulness to God for her vocation.

(15:46) Sr. Carla Reyna, a 35-year-old member of a new religious community, the Women of Jesus’ Merciful Passion, enters the story. Sr. Carla describes the fledgling community’s commitment to a ministry of prayer and hospitality through the Shrine of Jesus the Divine Mercy in Clinton Township.

(19:35) Sr. Carla describes how, as a young person entering religious life in the 21st century, her decision wasn’t accepted by everyone. As a college student, she had questions about life and faith, but a reckoning with “truth” changed her perspective.

(22:03) Sr. Carla’s decision caused her to lose friends, but she doesn’t regret it. She prays for them, and recounts the many blessings of religious life — including reactions from those she meets for the first time.

(24:11) We meet a fourth woman religious, Sr. Dominic Maria St. Michael, OP, a member of the Cloistered Dominican Sisters at the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills. Sr. Dominic and about two dozen other sisters spend their lives in prayer and community, interceding for the world.

(26:03) The narrator describes the cloistered nuns’ typical day, which, despite the stereotype of cloistered life, is anything but “peace and quiet.”

(27:44) Sr. Dominic discusses the importance of the prayer apostolate, expressing her hope that others will learn more about the nuns’ way of life and imitate their prayer — just as they are imitating Jesus’ prayer.

(30:43) The reporter asks Sr. Dominic for her response to the notion that “contemplative life must be so boring.” Sr. Dominic laughs. They don’t know what they’re talking about, she says.

Reporting by Casey McCorry; script by Michael Stechschulte; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Catholic Conference. Visit micatholic.org/signup to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. You’ll...]]>Four women religious tell their stories about what brought them to the convent — and why sisterhood is still a vocation worth considering

(0:14) We meet Sr. Nancyann Turner, OP, a member of the Adrian Dominican Sisters for more than 60 years. She hints that over that time, her life has never been what she’d describe as “boring.”

(2:21) The listener learns about National Catholic Sisters Week. Begun in 2015 and celebrated March 8-14, the week honors women religious for their faith, dedication and service to the Church and humanity.

(3:05) We learn about Sr. Nancyann’s vocation, which began when Catholic nuns and sisters were much more common than they are today. Sr. Nancyann describes the evolution of religious life since her first profession at age 18 — including her own transformation.

(5:59) After recounting her many stops and ministries, Sr. Nancyann describes her passion project, the Rosa Parks Children and Youth Program, which she founded 20 years ago. The program helps inner-city youths resist violence and become the best version of themselves through art, dance, music and education.

(8:20) Listeners are introduced to Sr. Felicity Marie Madigan, CSSF, a younger sister in her mid-40s. Sr. Felicity’s vocation started as a child, when she and her twin were surrounded by religious sisters growing up. Sr. Felicity describes a pivotal moment in her life — her father’s diagnosis with cancer — and how that impacted her decision to enter the convent.

(12:30) Sr. Felicity describes her ministry as a combination of prayer and work — just like St. Francis of Assisi, whose charism the Felicians emulate. She describes her work with the Deo Gratias Café, an outreach program at St. Jude Parish in Detroit, as a manifestation of her thankfulness to God for her vocation.

(15:46) Sr. Carla Reyna, a 35-year-old member of a new religious community, the Women of Jesus’ Merciful Passion, enters the story. Sr. Carla describes the fledgling community’s commitment to a ministry of prayer and hospitality through the Shrine of Jesus the Divine Mercy in Clinton Township.

(19:35) Sr. Carla describes how, as a young person entering religious life in the 21st century, her decision wasn’t accepted by everyone. As a college student, she had questions about life and faith, but a reckoning with “truth” changed her perspective.

(22:03) Sr. Carla’s decision caused her to lose friends, but she doesn’t regret it. She prays for them, and recounts the many blessings of religious life — including reactions from those she meets for the first time.

(24:11) We meet a fourth woman religious, Sr. Dominic Maria St. Michael, OP, a member of the Cloistered Dominican Sisters at the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills. Sr. Dominic and about two dozen other sisters spend their lives in prayer and community, interceding for the world.

(26:03) The narrator describes the cloistered nuns’ typical day, which, despite the stereotype of cloistered life, is anything but “peace and quiet.”

(27:44) Sr. Dominic discusses the importance of the prayer apostolate, expressing her hope that others will learn more about the nuns’ way of life and imitate their prayer — just as they are imitating Jesus’ prayer.

(30:43) The reporter asks Sr. Dominic for her response to the notion that “contemplative life must be so boring.” Sr. Dominic laughs. They don’t know what they’re talking about, she says.

Reporting by Casey McCorry; script by Michael Stechschulte; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Catholic Conference. Visit micatholic.org/signup to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. You’ll receive email updates and action steps to have your Catholic voice heard on bills in the Michigan House and Senate that impact human dignity and the common good.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(00:02) We meet 9-year-old Nora Mies, a student at St. Michael’s School in Livonia.*

(00:24) Nora’s dad, Patrick Mies, talks about how Nora excels in school, in her many sports and extracurriculars, and how she shines socially and spiritually. However, Nora is different from other girls her age in that her hero isn’t a pop star or cultural icon – Nora looks up to Fr. Solanus Casey. Nora’s devotion to Fr. Solanus is deeply personal, as she almost wasn’t the thriving young girl she is today. Norah believes she is a miracle girl.

(1:41) Nine years ago, Patrick and Shelby Mies waited in a delivery room preparing for the birth of their firstborn. The delivery was difficult, and the doctors were concerned for newborn Nora. Nora was having a seizure caused by a stroke covering a large part of her brain — an extremely serious situation for a newborn — and doctors whisked her away for emergency care.

(3:48) Nora spends the days following her seizure in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). The Mies are told Nora has the type of brain bleed that disrupts normal blood flow, depriving the brain of oxygen and resulting in brain cells dying. This is associated with a high mortality rate and neurological deficits, and the couple is told Nora will likely never walk or talk.

(6:39) The narrator introduces Brother Thomas, a Capuchin friar at the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. He talks about Nora’s hero, Blessed Solanus, a simple priest who served as the doorkeeper for the monastery.

(8:27) Solanus’ superiors begin to notice that people who come to the friar for prayer often experience miraculous physical or spiritual healing, Brother Thomas says. After his death in 1957, devotion to Fr. Solanus exploded, and people continued to pray for his intercession. A cause for his sainthood is investigated and in 2017, he was declared “Blessed.”

(9:32) One of the thousands devoted to Fr. Solanus during his lifetime was Patrick Mies’ grandfather, resulting in a devotion passed down to Patrick himself.

(10:41) Flashing back to the hospital, Patrick and Shelby leave the NICU hungry for spiritual guidance and solace. They take Nora to the tomb of Fr. Solanus at St. Bonaventure and request a blessing for Nora. The Mies leave St. Bonaventure with the assumption that nothing had changed, but an overwhelming sense of peace.

(12:30) To everyone’s surprise, Nora reaches her developmental milestones and begins doing well. The Mies decide to stop using special education services, and her doctors tell the couple that Nora is “a miracle child.”

(14:13) Today, Nora is a healthy, thriving girl. She has just turned 10 years old, and there are no repercussions from what happened to her at birth.

(14:30) The Mies talk about their renewed devotion to Blessed Solanus Casey, to whose intercession they attribute Nora’s healing. Nora is enthusiastic about her connection to Fr. Solanus, and the family talks about the story often.

(15:59) Patrick talks about how Fr. Solanus was an ordinary person with extraordinary faith who can lead believers and nonbelievers alike to Christ.

*Although Nora was 9 years old at the time of recording, she recently turned 10.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Catholic Conference. Visit micatholic.org/signup to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. You’ll receive email updates and action steps to have your Catholic voice heard on bills in the Michigan House and Senate that impact human dignity and the common good.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Doctors told Nora Mies' parents her seizures as a newborn meant she wouldn't live a normal life; then, they prayed to Blessed Solanus Casey

(00:02) We meet 9-year-old Nora Mies, a student at St. Michael’s School in Livonia.*

(00:24) Nora’s dad, Patrick Mies, talks about how Nora excels in school, in her many sports and extracurriculars, and how she shines socially and spiritually. However, Nora is different from other girls her age in that her hero isn’t a pop star or cultural icon – Nora looks up to Fr. Solanus Casey. Nora’s devotion to Fr. Solanus is deeply personal, as she almost wasn’t the thriving young girl she is today. Norah believes she is a miracle girl.

(1:41) Nine years ago, Patrick and Shelby Mies waited in a delivery room preparing for the birth of their firstborn. The delivery was difficult, and the doctors were concerned for newborn Nora. Nora was having a seizure caused by a stroke covering a large part of her brain — an extremely serious situation for a newborn — and doctors whisked her away for emergency care.

(3:48) Nora spends the days following her seizure in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). The Mies are told Nora has the type of brain bleed that disrupts normal blood flow, depriving the brain of oxygen and resulting in brain cells dying. This is associated with a high mortality rate and neurological deficits, and the couple is told Nora will likely never walk or talk.

(6:39) The narrator introduces Brother Thomas, a Capuchin friar at the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. He talks about Nora’s hero, Blessed Solanus, a simple priest who served as the doorkeeper for the monastery.

(8:27) Solanus’ superiors begin to notice that people who come to the friar for prayer often experience miraculous physical or spiritual healing, Brother Thomas says. After his death in 1957, devotion to Fr. Solanus exploded, and people continued to pray for his intercession. A cause for his sainthood is investigated and in 2017, he was declared “Blessed.”

(9:32) One of the thousands devoted to Fr. Solanus during his lifetime was Patrick Mies’ grandfather, resulting in a devotion passed down to Patrick himself.

(10:41) Flashing back to the hospital, Patrick and Shelby leave the NICU hungry for spiritual guidance and solace. They take Nora to the tomb of Fr. Solanus at St. Bonaventure and request a blessing for Nora. The Mies leave St. Bonaventure with the assumption that nothing had changed, but an overwhelming sense of peace.

(12:30) To everyone’s surprise, Nora reaches her developmental milestones and begins doing well. The Mies decide to stop using special education services, and her doctors tell the couple that Nora is “a miracle child.”

(14:13) Today, Nora is a healthy, thriving girl. She has just turned 10 years old, and there are no repercussions from what happened to her at birth.

(14:30) The Mies talk about their renewed devotion to Blessed Solanus Casey, to whose intercession they attribute Nora’s healing. Nora is enthusiastic about her connection to Fr. Solanus, and the family talks about the story often.

(15:59) Patrick talks about how Fr. Solanus was an ordinary person with extraordinary faith who can lead believers and nonbelievers alike to Christ.

*Although Nora was 9 years old at the time of recording, she recently turned 10.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Catholic Conference. Visit micatholic.org/signup to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. You’ll receive email updates and action steps to have your Catholic voice heard on bills in the Michigan House and Senate that impact human dignity and the common good.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:00) We meet James Thomas, a.k.a. “Jaymo,” who shares a memory of his younger life. He was 15, entering the juvenile justice system, and a psychologist at his trial — whom he’d only met briefly — described him for the court. It was the first time he was in trouble, but he was written off as a “sociopath” — a young man with no hope, no future. Jaymo disagreed.

(1:57) Jaymo describes how this formative experience shaped who he ended up being — but not in the way the court expected.

(3:38) Jaymo talks about his upbringing, being raised by his grandmother until he was 6 years old because his mother — who had him when she was 13 — was too young to care for him. His father, then 16, was in juvenile prison when Jaymo was born. He would only see his father six times in his life.

(4:34) Jaymo and his mother moved to Georgia, where his mother worked at an Army base. She married and had another son. He describes this part of his life as a “middle class suburban life,” where he wanted for very little.

(5:03) It wasn’t until his mother and her husband became caught up in the drug trade that things began to fall apart. His mother — like many members of his family — was incarcerated, and Jaymo and his brother moved back to Detroit.

(6:40) Left to fend for themselves, Jaymo and his brother began selling drugs. After about a year, he was arrested and given a sentence of life in prison. It was then that Jaymo realized that if he wanted a second chance in life, he’d have to seize it.

(8:48) We meet Deacon Mike Chesley, executive director and the founder of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry, who has devoted his life and ministry to helping those in Jaymo’s circumstances.

(10:47) Deacon Mike describes his first visit to a prison, and how much the inmates appreciated the chance to talk to a Catholic chaplain, have Bible studies, Communion services and pray. Some even joined RCIA.

(13:18) Because of his love for those incarcerated, and his belief in the human capacity for redemption, Deacon Mike worked to develop ways to help those recently released from prison adapt to life on the outside, including the Wayne County Jail Outreach Program.

(16:24) Jaymo re-enters the story. He was released from prison after 31 years behind bars after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled sentencing minors to life in prison was “cruel and unusual.” He describes how his prison experience changed him for the better. He prayed, became a spiritual mentor to other inmates, earned his GED and began to pick up the pieces. He became connected with Chance for Life, a similar outreach program whose volunteers help inmates like Jaymo.

(19:14) After his release, Jaymo began working with Deacon Mike to help others in similar situations fight to become the best versions of themselves.

Reporting, scripting and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Catholic Conference. Visit micatholic.org/signup to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. You’ll receive email updates and action steps to have your Catholic voice heard on bills in the Michigan House and Senate that impact human dignity and the common good. 

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or How a once-juvenile lifer found redemption by finding the good in himself, with the help of a Catholic deacon

(0:00) We meet James Thomas, a.k.a. “Jaymo,” who shares a memory of his younger life. He was 15, entering the juvenile justice system, and a psychologist at his trial — whom he’d only met briefly — described him for the court. It was the first time he was in trouble, but he was written off as a “sociopath” — a young man with no hope, no future. Jaymo disagreed.

(1:57) Jaymo describes how this formative experience shaped who he ended up being — but not in the way the court expected.

(3:38) Jaymo talks about his upbringing, being raised by his grandmother until he was 6 years old because his mother — who had him when she was 13 — was too young to care for him. His father, then 16, was in juvenile prison when Jaymo was born. He would only see his father six times in his life.

(4:34) Jaymo and his mother moved to Georgia, where his mother worked at an Army base. She married and had another son. He describes this part of his life as a “middle class suburban life,” where he wanted for very little.

(5:03) It wasn’t until his mother and her husband became caught up in the drug trade that things began to fall apart. His mother — like many members of his family — was incarcerated, and Jaymo and his brother moved back to Detroit.

(6:40) Left to fend for themselves, Jaymo and his brother began selling drugs. After about a year, he was arrested and given a sentence of life in prison. It was then that Jaymo realized that if he wanted a second chance in life, he’d have to seize it.

(8:48) We meet Deacon Mike Chesley, executive director and the founder of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry, who has devoted his life and ministry to helping those in Jaymo’s circumstances.

(10:47) Deacon Mike describes his first visit to a prison, and how much the inmates appreciated the chance to talk to a Catholic chaplain, have Bible studies, Communion services and pray. Some even joined RCIA.

(13:18) Because of his love for those incarcerated, and his belief in the human capacity for redemption, Deacon Mike worked to develop ways to help those recently released from prison adapt to life on the outside, including the Wayne County Jail Outreach Program.

(16:24) Jaymo re-enters the story. He was released from prison after 31 years behind bars after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled sentencing minors to life in prison was “cruel and unusual.” He describes how his prison experience changed him for the better. He prayed, became a spiritual mentor to other inmates, earned his GED and began to pick up the pieces. He became connected with Chance for Life, a similar outreach program whose volunteers help inmates like Jaymo.

(19:14) After his release, Jaymo began working with Deacon Mike to help others in similar situations fight to become the best versions of themselves.

Reporting, scripting and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Catholic Conference. Visit micatholic.org/signup to join the Catholic Advocacy Network. You’ll receive email updates and action steps to have your Catholic voice heard on bills in the Michigan House and Senate that impact human dignity and the common good. 

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(00:03) Mercy High School alum, Sheri Crawley was celebrating her daughter’s birthday at the Chicago American Girl store where the girls were allowed to each pick out a doll to sit with them during the birthday brunch. To Sheri’s surprise, the four black girls in the group didn’t choose dolls that represented their own reflection; instead, they came back with blonde-haired, blue-eyed white dolls. Sheri realized to her dismay that the only black doll available was of a former slave.

(2:00) The experience at the American Girl store prompted her to take action and find a way to help little black and brown girls see and believe in their inherent dignity and change the narrative being fed to these girls.

(2:30) In 2010, Sheri was a successful, social entrepreneur living in Chicago with her husband and two daughters. After receiving bad news about a family member’s health, Sherri found herself uprooting her family to go back to Detroit to start anew. Sheri realized that whatever she did next, she needed to help others and make an impact on her community.

(5:10) Sheri’s family relocates to a suburb outside of Detroit, where her daughter started kindergarten. In their new primarily white suburb and school, Sheri saw her intelligent daughter’s self-esteem plummet, something that Sheri herself could understand having been one of the few black girls at Mercy High back when she was a student.

(6:30) Sheri overhears something which inspired her to start the Pretty Brown Girl Club and she buys the domain name and forms a business plan. Inspired by the experience at the doll store, Sheri decides to create a line of brown and black dolls, offering an alternative to the European standard of beauty pushed in magazines and even toy stores, With no products yet in hand, she brought the idea to the Detroit community to an overwhelming reception and show of interest.

(9:00) Sheri realizes that the need for Pretty Brown Girl is bigger than she originally anticipated. Sherri decided to expand beyond dolls and merchandise and create a club model that would educate girls of color and create self-acceptance and social, emotional and intellectual well-being.

(9:40) Within 18 months of formation, the club membership soared and over 200 clubs formed across the United States. Since then, membership and clubs numbers have increased exponentially.

(10:40) Sheri discusses why it's important for girls of color to have this type of representation, especially from a young age. She talks about the false narratives fed to young girls of color and how she wants to reach these girls to help them understand their inherent dignity and beauty.

(13:10) The narrator introduces one of the newest chapters of Pretty Brown Girl and the first-ever at a Catholic school to host a club – Sheri’s alma mater, Mercy High School.

(13:20) We hear from Traci Smith, the first director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Mercy High School about the demographics of the school. Traci was instrumental in bringing Pretty Brown Girl to Mercy.

(15:00) Sheri discusses how having the club at a Catholic school allows the Christian principles that went into the founding of the club to be spoken allowed in ways that they couldn’t be at a public school.

(15:40) the narrator introduces Aisha Cunningham, a school counselor and the facilitator of Mercy’s Pretty Brown Girl Club. Aisha said that at the request of the girls, the club’s first topic of focus was mental health.

(16:40) The Mercy club is now full of girls who are finding success and giving back to their communities, including Alexis Roberts who was the recipient of one of Sherri’s scholarships allowing her to attend Florida A&M University – Sheri’s alma mater. Alexis discusses how the club helped her grow and...]]>Mercy High alum Sheri Crawley created a club exclusively for black and brown girls to give them an empowering place to call their own

(00:03) Mercy High School alum, Sheri Crawley was celebrating her daughter’s birthday at the Chicago American Girl store where the girls were allowed to each pick out a doll to sit with them during the birthday brunch. To Sheri’s surprise, the four black girls in the group didn’t choose dolls that represented their own reflection; instead, they came back with blonde-haired, blue-eyed white dolls. Sheri realized to her dismay that the only black doll available was of a former slave.

(2:00) The experience at the American Girl store prompted her to take action and find a way to help little black and brown girls see and believe in their inherent dignity and change the narrative being fed to these girls.

(2:30) In 2010, Sheri was a successful, social entrepreneur living in Chicago with her husband and two daughters. After receiving bad news about a family member’s health, Sherri found herself uprooting her family to go back to Detroit to start anew. Sheri realized that whatever she did next, she needed to help others and make an impact on her community.

(5:10) Sheri’s family relocates to a suburb outside of Detroit, where her daughter started kindergarten. In their new primarily white suburb and school, Sheri saw her intelligent daughter’s self-esteem plummet, something that Sheri herself could understand having been one of the few black girls at Mercy High back when she was a student.

(6:30) Sheri overhears something which inspired her to start the Pretty Brown Girl Club and she buys the domain name and forms a business plan. Inspired by the experience at the doll store, Sheri decides to create a line of brown and black dolls, offering an alternative to the European standard of beauty pushed in magazines and even toy stores, With no products yet in hand, she brought the idea to the Detroit community to an overwhelming reception and show of interest.

(9:00) Sheri realizes that the need for Pretty Brown Girl is bigger than she originally anticipated. Sherri decided to expand beyond dolls and merchandise and create a club model that would educate girls of color and create self-acceptance and social, emotional and intellectual well-being.

(9:40) Within 18 months of formation, the club membership soared and over 200 clubs formed across the United States. Since then, membership and clubs numbers have increased exponentially.

(10:40) Sheri discusses why it's important for girls of color to have this type of representation, especially from a young age. She talks about the false narratives fed to young girls of color and how she wants to reach these girls to help them understand their inherent dignity and beauty.

(13:10) The narrator introduces one of the newest chapters of Pretty Brown Girl and the first-ever at a Catholic school to host a club – Sheri’s alma mater, Mercy High School.

(13:20) We hear from Traci Smith, the first director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Mercy High School about the demographics of the school. Traci was instrumental in bringing Pretty Brown Girl to Mercy.

(15:00) Sheri discusses how having the club at a Catholic school allows the Christian principles that went into the founding of the club to be spoken allowed in ways that they couldn’t be at a public school.

(15:40) the narrator introduces Aisha Cunningham, a school counselor and the facilitator of Mercy’s Pretty Brown Girl Club. Aisha said that at the request of the girls, the club’s first topic of focus was mental health.

(16:40) The Mercy club is now full of girls who are finding success and giving back to their communities, including Alexis Roberts who was the recipient of one of Sherri’s scholarships allowing her to attend Florida A&M University – Sheri’s alma mater. Alexis discusses how the club helped her grow and reach outside of her comfort zone.

(18:30) Traci talks about how Sheri Crawley’s experience at Mercy High School is an example of the value society gets when we pour into young women and women of color, bringing it full circle as to why the Pretty Brown Girl Club is so important not only to Mercy but nationwide.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(00:03) Narrator sets the scene of what a typical St. Paul Street Evangelization outing may look like at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit.

(01:00) Listeners are introduced to Steve Dawson, founder of St. Paul Street Evangelization, a Detroit-based grassroots nonprofit that focuses on evangelization and meeting people where they are — literally.

(03:43) Steve explains how in 2012, he and his wife were noticing a lack of Catholic evangelists in Portland, Ore., where they lived, and wanted to do something about that.

(04:51) The narrator describes those first days of evangelizing in Portland, and the reaction he received evangelizing in what might be the “least religious city in America.”

(06:13) Listeners learn about Steve’s youth. Raised without any religion at all, Steve got in a lot of trouble. He doesn’t even remember how many times he’s been arrested, he said.

(07:44) Steve talks about how his mother re-verted to the Catholic faith, but he wasn’t interested in the Church.

(08:20) Steve describes his conversion to the faith, how God “gave him a supernatural grace to have the desire to search for Him.” That grace led to his desire to share God’s grace with the world.

(11:07) Steve discusses those first evangelization opportunities, handing out Miraculous Medals and having conversations with random people about the faith, and how St. Paul Street Evangelization took off from those simple early conversations to form an apostolate spread across four countries.

(15:02) Listeners are introduced to Bob Wilson, present-day director of St. Paul Street Evangelization, who describes his first evangelization outing at a “Noel Night” in downtown Detroit.

(17:03) Evangelist Carol LaPalm describes how she got involved in street evangelization in Royal Oak. Evangelists rarely get the chance to follow up with the people they encounter with on the streets, the rest left in God’s hands.

(19:59) Donna Spivey describes how she came into the faith because of the witness of St. Paul Street Evangelization. Donna describes how the interaction sparked something in her: a desire to explore the Catholic faith.

(22:32) Donna describes previous experiences that turned her off to the Church, but adds how St. Paul Street Evangelization helped her feel welcome, explaining the faith in a way that is warm, inviting and enticing.

(24:53) Donna says how much St. Paul Street Evangelization changed her life, her family’s life, and what it means to find faith in Jesus and wanting to share Jesus with others.

(25:46) Steve and Bob talk about the great urgency for Catholics to evangelize, with God guiding each and every Catholic to proclaim the Gospel and further the Kingdom of God.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration and production by Ron Pangborn; script by Casey McCorry

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(00:03): The narrator introduces Mercy in Action Day, where parishes in the six counties of the Archdiocese of Detroit mobilize to perform acts of service.

(01:13) Listeners are introduced to St. Lucy Parish’s particularly robust Christian service ministry. This is due in large part to Donna Belli, the Christian service coordinator at St. Lucy’s, who served the parish for 12 years.

(02:02) Fr. Jim Commyn, pastor of St. Lucy, explains how Donna was the kind of person who needed to be involved, needed to serve.

(03:36) The narrator describes how Donna loved Mercy in Action Day, a celebration and culmination of all the things the parish did in Christian service year-round.

(04:30) Christian service members and Fr. Commyn describe the extent of what Donna had planned for Mercy in Action Day.

(05:27) A description of the expansive service project Donna Belli had planned for St. Lucy’s on Mercy in Action Day -- how Donna had planned for everything, including getting more volunteers, what to do if it started raining, or if the parking lot would have to be used for a funeral. Tragically, the funeral would end up being Donna’s own.

(07:37) A St. Lucy’s Christian service member describes how Donna always went above and beyond, never saying “no.”

(09:33) Donna’s family asked to have the funeral on Mercy in Action Day, but with everyone in the parish wanting to go to the funeral, Fr. Commyn called out to the community to make sure both could happen on the same day.

(10:51) St. Isaac Jogues and Our Lady Star of the Sea parishioners come together to help for Mercy in Action Day at St. Lucy during Donna’s funeral.

(14:32) Fr. Commyn talks about how “mercy in action” described Donna’s approach to life.

(15:58) Parishioners talk about what can happen when parishes work together for a common good.

(17:12) Fr. Commyn speaks to how the wider community effort is an example of what “Families of Parishes” can offer.

(17:59) In a video message from earlier this year, Donna gives a reflection on the week’s reading from a March 2021 Mass, reflecting on God has put her on earth to help others.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Andrew Kleczek; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(00:02) The narrator begins to introduce Catholic Central’s long standing tradition of The Boys Bowl, noting how it’s much more than just a football game.

(01:49) Part one: the history of The Boys Bowl. Catholic Central’s athletic director, Aaron Babicz, simply describes The Boys Bowl as a tradition and shares about the team’s very first opponent out of Nebraska 77 years ago.

(02:06) The narrator describes in greater detail the history and evolution of The Boys Bowl, noting how it has been firmly established as a tradition promoting comradery, frenzied excitement, and blood-deep devotion to cheering on and supporting the team.

(04:03) Part two: Catholic Central today. The narrator elaborates on how the tradition has evolved into a week-long celebration which culminates Catholic Central’s homecoming and of course, the game. Through this celebration, money is raised for varying charities and the students’ efforts are celebrated as a collective effort.

(05:17) Jack Kirkwood, a senior and the drum major at Catholic Central, shares some examples of the frenzied excitement during this week-long celebration and explains why he considers it the most fun time of the year.

(06:15) Senior center for the team, Jason Sod, gives some of the fun activities that take place during The Boys Bowl week.

(07:08) Athletic director Aaron Babicz asserts how Catholic Central seeks to instill rich tradition and strong brotherhood in its students .

(08:07) Part three: game day. Senior center Jason Sod and Senior quarterback Declan Byle share their excitement for The Boys Bowl returning this year after COVID and how they’re feeling on the long awaited game day. Coach Dan Anderson shares how his pep talks are all about remembering the team as a family and fighting adversity together.

(09:58) The game begins and the narrator gives play-by-plays of different Shamrocks team members. The Shamrocks gain their seventh victory in a row, and Catholic Central goes wild. Coach Dan Anderson gives some feedback on how the players did, and athletic director Aaron Babisz shares his love for celebrating educational, faith-based athletics. The narrator reflects on society’s need to invest in something exciting and light-hearted, and that perfect thing is football.

Editor’s note: The Boys Bowl was one of the highest attended football games in Detroit in the 1940s, not all of Michigan, as reported in the podcast. Detroit Catholic regrets the error.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify . Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(00:10) The narrator gives a preface to the story being shared on the Detroit Stories podcast, accrediting the production and hard work all to John Daraban, who will be sharing his testimony.

(2:02) John describes what his home life and faith life looked like in his early upbringing. From his brother’s diverging interests of the faith to sharing his break up with a high school sweetheart, he walks the listeners through the history of his early years.

(04:29) The narrator tells how John’s brother Rick begins to turn his life around for his son, Cody. Tragically, John gets into a devastating car accident, losing his brother Rick, and begins to cling to destructive coping mechanisms. This leads to the destruction of a mentally, physically and spiritually healthy life.

(06:14) As the drugs began to take over, John’s soul became more and more lost. He began tirelessly searching for something to give meaning to his life, but looking in the wrong places--the bottom of a bottle, or the next high. He quickly began to lose everything, submitting to self-induced homelessness as his addiction habits became more demanding.

(08:09) The narrator introduces an intense spiritual experience John has one freezing night spent homeless. John’s life was spared that night and he had a vision that he was inside of St. Lawrence's church. Although he had never been there or even knew how to get there, his heart yearned to find a way and live “to be more.”

(10:54) John’s first impactful spiritual experience led him to desire sobriety, struggling to control his addictions in AA for three to five years. He needed something greater to help him overcome these struggles. One night spent at his parents’ home, The Blessed Mother appeared to him saying, “Your mother cannot lose another son.” From that moment, he never touched drugs or alcohol again.

(15: 58) Sober John was doing better, but still was struggling to return to church, until one day, Fr. Solanus Casey appeared to him in a dream saying, “Come find me.” Shortly after, John saw Fr. Solanus, the monk he dreamt of, appear on TV and decided to venture out to his center in Detroit.

(17:47) The narrator shares that the John that entered the doors of the Fr. Solanus Casey Center church for the very first time was seldom seen outside church after. He elaborates on John’s life going forward and how he strives to live his life “All for Jesus.”

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

(0:23) Dcn. Steve Morello pondered and prayed about why God had brought him to his job, until one day, six weeks into his tenure as General Counsel for the United States Army, when the answer became very clear.

(1:30) We learn about Dcn. Steve’s background in law and what brought him to his position as the army’s General Counsel.

(4:06) We discover more about what the Chief Legal Officer for the Department of the Army does, and what working in the Pentagon overseeing nearly 5,000 lawyers was like.

(5:50) Dcn. Steve talks about flying to Virginia Beach on September 10th, 2001 for an onboarding seminar — and about his discovery there of the attack on the Pentagon on September 11th.

(7:26) We discover the state of the Pentagon and the landscape to which Dcn. Steve returned on September 12th. He shares about his responsibilities in recovering from the event, both as General Counsel and as a deacon.

(11:44) Dcn. Steve shares his experience celebrating Mass on the side of the Pentagon in the aftermath of the attack, and the profound encounter with the Lord he’d had through the eyes and experiences of the relief workers in attendance.

(13:48) Dcn. Steve reaffirms the life-changing impact that Mass made on his ministry today throughout our archdiocese.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify . Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:17) We meet Lisa Elia, a behavioral health therapist at Catholic Charities, who introduces the symptoms of grief and loss that many teens and young adults have exhibited throughout the stretch of the pandemic.

(3:27) We learn more about the state of mental health across the nation before the onset of COVID-19, and how the mental health care providers on the frontlines of the pandemic are struggling to avoid burnout themselves.

(4:21) Lisa discusses the collective trauma people have experienced, with depression and anxiety spiking across all ages and demographics. She stresses the need to examine society in terms of trauma response and to refocus the way we think individually.

(7:24) Jackie Smith, Clinical Director at Catholic Charities, talks about how their team of therapists has ensured that the 30% increase in clients they’ve seen during the pandemic have all been seen and cared for. She talks, too, about the need for new habits and routines to aid stability.

(8:44) Lisa shares her belief that many people have turned back to faith during these difficulties, and emphasizes that the pandemic has changed the way we turn to our own support systems and increase mindfulness in our lives.

(10:40) Lisa and Jackie stress the importance of talking about the losses in order to avoid minimizing our collective and individual experiences. In order to really get through something, they encourage, we have to feel it first.

(12:29) Jackie commends the team of therapists at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, expressing her gratitude and amazement at this group of professionals who are committed to helping those in need.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Michael Stechschulte; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify . Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:03) We meet Sergio and Juanita Lopez and learn about their introduction to — and immediate skepticism of — Natural Family Planning. We also learn that their marriage faced trouble, and they were considering divorce when Juanita suggested NFP as a way to reconnect.

(2:35) Sergio talks about the struggles he and Juanita were facing and their decision to try Natural Family Planning. Sergio was skeptical at first, but he shares how it illuminated the disconnect that he and Juanita were feeling and equipped them to start overcoming it.

(6:18) Juanita and Sergio become certified NFP instructors; they also begin a Spanish course to remove barriers to the NFP Creighton model that the Spanish-speaking community previously faced.

(8:08) Nicole Joyce, the Archdiocese’s Natural Family Planning Coordinator, discusses NFP’s main goals and how it can place the responsibility for pregnancy and childcare on both the husband and wife. We learn, too, about the gender disparity in interest in NFP and how a group of men in the Archdiocese of Detroit are working to shift that gap.

(10:33) Giovanni Vitale, co-founder of Whole Mission, discusses the mutual understanding of shared responsibility that is integral for couples and families to thrive. He talks about the importance of praying with one’s spouse about the Lord’s call for the family, which begins with having a formed conscience. He also shares practical ways that men can become involved with fertility management.

(15:00) Nicole talks about the earliest ways sexual responsibility can be formed and Natural Family Planning can be promoted, and the importance of discernment and intention in fertility discussions.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Maggie Bickerstaff; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:22) Ederique Goudia is a chef, activist, and parishioner at St. Augustine-St. Monica Parish with a deep love of the people and community in both the parish and the city of Detroit.

(4:16) We learn of the many organizations Ederique works with to help prevent food waste and feed the hungry, as well as how her love of food and gardening was fostered from childhood through time spent with her grandfather.

(8:58) Ederique talks about her earliest experiences cooking and how food became a way to share love and build community in her southern Louisiana town. She mentions her childhood dreams of running a restaurant and the beauty she has found in the gardens of Detroit.

(12:59) We hear of the reality of food insecurity in the city of Detroit. Enter Make Food Not Waste — a nonprofit that rescues food that would otherwise have been wasted and creates beautiful, upcycled meals for the food insecure.

(15:52) Raphael Wright, Edrique’s friend, colleague, and fellow advocate in the fight against food insecurity, reflects on the impact Make Food Not Waste had during the pandemic — and especially during the holiday season.

(17:59) Make Food Not Waste finds great success, having prepared 5,000 meals during Thanksgiving and 6,000 meals during Christmas. The organization provides 90 families per week with meals they can be proud to put on their tables.

Links from this episode:

Detroit Free Press Chevy Dealers Food Fighters

In the Business of Food

FoodLab Detroit

Detroit Food Academy

Whitney Plantation

Keep Growing Detroit

Make Food Not Waste

Reporting by Casey McCorry; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify . Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(1:12) In 1834, America’s first free clinic — and Detroit’s first hospital — was established to help those who’d contracted cholera. 100 years later, it became the Cabrini Clinic, a clinic focused on serving the poorest of the poor.

(3:27) Nurse Practitioner Alisa Smith gives an example of how far patients come for help at Cabrini Clinic, Executive Director Tawana Neetles-Robinson shares how volunteer-based the clinic is, and we learn about the wide range of services they provide.

(5:32) Former Executive Director Sr. Mary Ellen Howard talks about the clinic’s founder, Fr. Clement Kern, and his vision for the clinic and commitment to serving the blue-collar community.

(8:12) Neetles-Robinson discusses the effect the pandemic had on the clinic and how they were still able to rise to the occasion, not canceling even a single clinical session and remaining dedicated to their patients. She talks about the outreach the clinic did to ensure that patients with chronic conditions still received the care they needed.

(12:38) Smith and Neetles-Robisnon share some of the successes of their outreach efforts, including a recent increase in patients coming to the clinic for care, and Smith reaffirms the compassionate nature of Cabrini Clinic, a place that strives, in Fr. Kern’s image, to always do the right thing.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify . Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:14) At just fifteen years old, Fr. Fred Kalaj was already pondering life’s toughest questions: why are we here? What is our purpose? What is death, and what comes next? He searched for these answers in the books of great Russian, French, and American authors, but one unexpected text would have all the answers he needed.

(4:11) Fr. Fred talks about the changes the Albanian government began implementing during the 1960s and how churches and towns were repurposed — or just destroyed altogether. Practicing religion in public became a jailable offense.

(10:24) After an earthquake hit Fr. Fred’s town of Shkodra, his brother, who works in construction, found a forbidden book tucked away in the debris of a local home. That book was the Gospel of Matthew, which he gave to Fred to read, and so many of Fr. Fred’s questions finally had answers.

(14:17) Fr. Fred has felt the call to the priesthood, and he found the opportunity to seek asylum away from Albania and work toward his vocation in the United States.

(17:07) Fr. Fred reflects on the graces of reading the Gospels time and time again and the new insight one gleans from each new reading. He talks of his constant prayer to God to make his heart and spirit new everyday, so that his vocation may be more than just a routine job.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify . Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:03) Graduation day is right around the corner, and this celebration is even more special for Jacob Goda and his parents, because Jacob has Downs Syndrome.

(1:01) We learn about Jacob’s primary education in Monroe Public Schools, his desire to be a St. Mary Falcon, and how the St. André Bessette Inclusion Program at St. Mary Catholic Central High School helped make that dream reality.

(2:41) We meet Zach Patterson, a popular athlete at St. Mary’s — and a friend and mentor to Jacob. He talks about his friendship with Jacob and how the school’s peer mentorship program works.

(4:12) Kyle McElvaney, the program’s director, discusses the Inclusion Program’s goals and structure, and Amie, Jacob’s mom, mentions how this program differs from those in the public schools.

(7:31) Jacob’s dad Steve talks about how they approached St. Mary to get this program started and the support they found from school administration. School principal Jason Linster discusses the Inclusion Program through the lens of St. Mary’s mission to provide a Christ-centered learning environment for all.

(9:57) Zach reflects on Jacob’s joy and friendships, and Jacob talks about some of his favorite parts of school, from managing the girls’ baseball team to receiving his varsity letter for bowling to his favorite class: yearbook.

(13:11) Jacob’s favorite teacher, Nancy Masuda, talks about Jacob’s role with the yearbook — how well he interviewed students, at first, and then how he grew into a great photographer, as well.

(14:34) The Godas reflect on how Jacob has blossomed at St. Mary’s, and Nancy talks about the relationships St. Mary’s students have built with Jacob.

(17:23) Zach, Nancy, and Kyle discuss what school would be like without Jacob. In short, it would simply not be the same.

(20:33) Amie talks about the witness that Jacob can bear for not just the four other inclusion students who have joined the program, but for an even broader community.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:24) We hear testimony of a long-awaited Easter for the Francis family, whose business experienced a fire that left everything unsalvageable.

(1:56) Meet Steve and Sue Francis, owners of the Country Smoke House in Almont, MI, and how what started as a hobby bloomed into a business of over 80 employees and national reach.

(5:54) Cheryl, one of the Smoke House’s employees, talks about the Francises are as employers, mentioning their dedication to and pride in their faith.

(7:49) Steve and Sue face a series of challenges that flip their business — and their lives — on their heads.

(10:10) After a fire that devastates the Smoke House, the Almont community gathered around Sue and Steve with parts to rebuild the building, hands to help work, and, most importantly, prayer.

(14:58) The Smoke House reopens its doors to great success and support from the community, and Steve and Sue reflect on faith in God as the key thing that brought them through these trials.

Reporting by Michael Stechschulte; narration and production by Ron Pangborn. Visit the Country Smoke House in Almont at www.countrysmokehouse.com.

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:09) We meet Maddeline Lopez Bartolon, a 15-year-old choir member and parishioner at St. Gabriel in Detroit, who lives with a genetic condition called rickets.

(1:40) We learn about the Bartolon’s home in San Marcos, Guatemala, and the urgency of their need to come to the United States for Maddeline’s medical treatment.

(3:58) Kevin Piecuch, Executive Director at Southwest Detroit Immigration and Refugee Center, talks about some of the obstacles that face individuals and families trying to emigrate to the United States — and how long that can take.

(7:06) Enter: Strangers No Longer. We learn about the organization’s goal to support immigrants and refugees, and how they rallied around Maddeline and Daris to help them remain in the United States at least long enough to complete Maddeline’s treatment.

(11:03) Daris talks about the experience of receiving the deportation order and how at a loss she was for how to take care of Maddeline. Kevin then comes on board to make the Bartolons’ case to ICE.

(14:35) Irma, Kevin, and other Strangers No Longer members made calls, wrote letters, and advocated on behalf of Daris and Maddeline to postpone their deportation and win a humanitarian parole for them.

(16:59) Irma reflects on the moment they learned about the stay of deportation and what it meant for Maddeline and Daris. Kevin reflects on the change that a godly group of people can make when we raise our voices for a just cause.

Links from this episode:

Southwest Detroit Immigration and Refugee Center

Strangers No Longer

Reporting and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

(0:00) We meet Zach and Drew Mabee, priests of the Diocese of Lansing and Archdiocese of Detroit, respectively — and brothers. Two generally different siblings are bonded together by both brotherhood and priesthood.

(2:03) Father Zach talks about what their protestant upbringing was like in Atlanta, and we learn how this changed when the family moved to Toledo and the boys started at a Jesuit school.

(4:16) Zach attends the University of Michigan, where he joins a campus group that helps him continue fostering the spiritual care he’d nurtured in high school. This group, paired with his studies in philosophy, led him to Catholicism and, eventually, RCIA.

(6:58) While his parents were skeptical at first, they eventually became tremendously supportive, and Zach enrolled at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and was ordained in 2015.

(8:31) Meanwhile, Drew was chasing thrills as a very passionate motocross rider. This, however, eventually left him feeling a certain emptiness, one that his brother was able to help him fill.

(11:34) After conversations and prayer with his brother, Drew’s big encounter comes in the form of a devastating motocross crash, and from then on he commits himself fully to getting to know the Lord.

(13:31) After a post-grad breakup, Drew begins to realize that maybe the Lord is asking for more than he’d initially expected. He became Catholic in 2012, entered the seminary in 2014, and was ordained in 2020.

(14:42) Drew and Zach both reflect on what an unparalleled gift it is to share the bonds of brotherhood and priesthood.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

(0:16) We meet Audrey Sutherland and learn about her rural upbringing and the culture shock she witnessed when moving to suburban Detroit, and the abrupt decision she made to leave her home and job to move to Atlantic City.

(1:48) A brief overview of the Atlantic City lifestyle, and then Audrey introduces the primary struggle that people in Atlantic City experience: addiction.

(3:54) Audrey reflects on why she moved to Atlantic City and the adventure that is following Jesus. Karen Ervin, former principal of St. Catherine of Siena, talks about Audrey’s love of God and the many ways she ministers to people.

(6:30) Audrey shares about where her mission is located, right in one of the seediest areas of the city, and the grace of having the Blessed Sacrament in an area where it is so needed. She shares what their mission is really about: creating deep relationships with others through a ministry of presence, so that they may come to know the truth of God’s love for them.

(8:35) We learn what an average day in the mission looks like, starting with the breakfast they offer to the homeless twice a week and the street evangelization they do.

(10:15) Though there are a range of support groups available in the city to those in need, many don’t take advantage of them. Audrey shares that part of their mission is to help people recognize that they are worthy of love and they do deserve to get better.

(11:54) Audrey reflects on what she’s learned about Jesus, life, and repentance through her mission work. She tells of a bilingual rosary they held leading up to St. Michael’s feast day, which had a significant impact on the community.

(14:40) Audrey discusses the poverty that exists in Atlantic City — material poverty, yes, but also loneliness and inner poverty. She reflects on the inspiration of Mother Theresa and the changes people can make in the world even just by showing kindness.

(17:27) Audrey considers what’s next for her, coming home to Michigan with no job lined up, and expresses her excitement at just letting the Lord lead her.

(18:17) Karen testifies to Audrey’s missionary spirit and her boldness in answering the call to unleash the Gospel. Audrey reflects on the union we strive for with Christ, and the ways we can create heaven on earth by letting God move in our lives.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:00) Meet Mark and Betty Squier, a couple on the eve of their 19th wedding anniversary — and on the brink of divorce.

(1:25) Mark tells the story of how he and Betty met, when they got married, and of the five children the two have.

(3:25) Both active in their parish, and with Betty a stay-at-home mom and Mark out working as a police officer, the two began living very separate lives, what Mark calls the “married singles” lifestyle.

(5:37) We learn that Betty has had an affair, and Mark had a hard time forgiving. The marriage encountered more problems from there — Mark had an affair, too.

(7:02) Betty became determined to live a better marriage and family life and began looking for programs to help her and Mark recover. The two eventually chose a weekend retreat that would prove much more challenging than expected.

(10:49) The emotional turmoil from their retreat weekend left Mark and Betty in a state of mental duress, with Betty hospitalized from a nervous breakdown and Mark internally struggling with good and evil.

(11:47) Years later, they began being more civil together, and they stopped talking of divorce. The two discuss learning about self-giving, communication, and love languages.

(16:14) Mark and Betty are approached to help bring a Canadian marriage therapy program, Retrouvaille, to metro-Detroit, and through this process they discover the gift of healing through sharing their story.

(18:09) Mark shares a metaphor of how we can open ourselves up to spiritual healing by “pouring out” our sins and speaking honestly and openly about them. He stresses that we are all still becoming the people we are going to be.

(21:42) Mark and Betty are happily married, loving each other every day and every minute, and recognizing all that the other has to offer.

Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Casey McCorry, production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(0:27) Mary Sue Terrasi embodied everything Pope Francis refers to when he talks about “blue jean saints.” We learn about how she and her husband Bill met, and her high-risk pregnancy and Hodgkin’s diagnosis that led to some challenging decisions.

(4:50) We learn of the beautiful twin girls Mary Sue had, and her daughter Elizabeth speaks about Mary Sue’s constant devotion to prayer, morning, noon, and night.

(6:37) Bill reflects on Mary Sue’s career as a geriatric nurse and the copious volunteering she’d also do, specifically with pro-life organizations and senior centers. Their daughter Amy mentions the music therapy-type volunteer work the two would do together, and the joy and spirit Mary Sue brought to senior citizens.

(10:04) Mary Sue’s real passion was for the pro-life movement. Bill and Amy share memories of Mary Sue’s gentle, compassionate outreach to women who were considering or recovering from abortions.

(14:50) After Mary Sue’s death in 2019, Bill decided to start an organization that would uphold her legacy and further her passion. He created the Ius Vitae Mary Sue Terrasi Memorial Fund, a scholarship essay contest for young, pro-life students.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

(0:17) We meet the Callaghan family, huddled around the TV watching Giancarlo Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors.

(2:19) We hear about Mary’s successful career as an international opera singer and her opportunity to perform Amahl for the 50th anniversary with the composer himself serving as maestro. We learn how this performance inspired her to form an educational opera company of her own.

(5:10) Mary discusses her unique relationship as friend and voice coach to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

(7:15) We learn about all that goes into creating an opera experience of the highest quality to be brought to kids in schools, from singers to costumes to sets and beyond.

(10:59) Donna Rhodes, former Superintendent of Redford Schools, addresses the skepticism that some felt toward the initiative, but she affirms the overwhelming positive reception.

(14:00) We hear about the status of arts and music programs in schools today, and how Motor City Lyric Opera works to remedy that, bringing opera to over 70,000 students every year, and the notes and praise they’ve gotten in response.

Reporting by Maggie Bickerstaff; production and narration by Ron Pangborn

(0:33) Tom Naemi discusses his plan to eliminate his rival’s grocery store — for good.

(2:46) We learn more about Tom’s life growing up in Highland Park, how he started working with the family store, and the beginning of his rivalry with another local grocer.

(6:37) Tom tells us how he fled to Baghdad to avoid arrest, and what awaited him when he eventually decided to come back.

(8:39) Tom learns that being a good Christian might not have been quite as simple as he thought growing up, and he shares a profound encounter with God he had while in prison.

(12:59) We hear about the beginnings of Tom’s ministry and his work to bring the love of Jesus closer to more of his inmates.

(17:15) Vanessa, Tom’s biographer and friend, discusses what makes his story so compelling and the great work he’s done with his faith since leaving prison, including the healing he’s brought to those ailing mentally, physically, and spiritually.

(19:28) Tom reflects on how his life has changed, and how God works at the exact right pace in the exact right ways.

Reporting by Dan Meloy; narration by Andrew Kleczek; production by Ron Pangborn

(1:40) We look at the pandemic through the lens of FEMA’s shock cycle, which evaluates a community’s response to trauma. We begin with phase one: preparedness.

(2:58) After some testimony from Laura, a woman quarantining alone, we hear from Kelly, an ER nurse on the front lines of treading patients. We then meet Nicole, mother of four who’s helping her kids with remote learning, and her son Sean, and Sam, the general manager at PAO Detroit, a restaurant that opened just before the pandemic hit.

(6:15) We learn about phase two: the impact. Kelly, Nicole, Sam, and Laura discuss when the reality of COVID life set in, the challenges it presented — each person’s challenges and experiences unique — and how they each adapted to this “new normal”.

(16:28) The third phase, disaster management, is exemplified in Sam’s testimony of how PAO helped Detroit and Detroit helped PAO back; Kelly’s story of neighbors and communities rallying around first responders; Laura’s reflection on the new opportunities for connection that came from the crisis; and Nicole’s affirmation that we are all truly rising from the ashes.

(21:33) Phase four: recovery. We reflect on the ways we’ve all lived through the pandemic together and the persistent resilience of Detroit.

Reporting by Casey McCorry, Maggie Bickerstaff and Emily Mentock; narration by Emily Mentock; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

(00:51) We meet John and learn about the St. Nicholas Institute, Michigan’s very own Santa school.

(2:18) We learn a bit about John’s background, what brought him to the St. Nicholas institute, and what he found when he arrived.

(3:46) After learning a bit more about the kinds of courses offered at the St. Nicholas Institute, John tells us about the personal prayer and reflection time the retreat offers.

(6:11) We meet Fr. Joseph Marquis, of Sacred Heart Byzantine Catholic Church in Livonia. We learn about Fr. Joseph Marquis’s history with Santa and the founding of the institute.

(7:24) Fr. Marquis tells us about his inspiration in forming the institute and the importance of overcoming popular myths about St. Nicholas and getting to know the real, beloved man.

(10:16) Fr. Marquis discusses the N-O-E-L model the institute follows, and gives us some of the saint’s personal history.

(12:00) We learn how the tradition of St. Nicholas’s gift-giving began, and how it’s rooted in the Gospel.

(14:04) Fr. Marquis shares the story of how his particular devotion to St. Nicholas came to be and the impact the saint had on his life at a young age.

(16:39) John tells us about the impact the retreat has had on his ministry as Santa, and the importance of remembering St. Nicholas as a man of faith.

Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

When Tiffany Brocker moved her family to Detroit from the suburbs, she found an unexpected companion in Gordie King, a homeless man by whose corner she frequently traveled. Here’s their story.

(6:28) We hear from Fr. Tim McCabe and the work of the Pope Francis Center as he describes the challenges faced by many of Detroit’s homeless population.

(7:12) Tiffany shares more about her ministry to those experiencing homelessness, and some of the subsequent challenges that come with not having a home.

(10:24) Gordie returns the favor. Tiffany shares about the graces Gordie provided for her in a time of family difficulty.

(12:20) Gordon and Tiffany’s six-year friendship, based on sharing, kindness and prayer, ends with Tiffany organizing Gordon’s funeral.

(19:50) Tiffany encourages others to pray to God for opportunities to help people experiencing homelessness, and to reach out to our friends and neighbors for help and support.

Reporting by Casey McCorry; narration by Paul Duda; production by Ron Pangborn

Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com. 

These are the stories that fascinate us and inspire us — they are the stories that we think everyone should know.

Tune in every other Friday for Detroit-centric interviews and timely, inspirational topics. Brought to you by Detroit Catholic.