The Church Breathing with Two Lungs: Bishop Robert Pipta on the Byzantine Catholic Outreach in Iowa - 03/07/2026

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Bishop Robert Pipta, Bishop of the Eparchy of Parma, for a rich conversation about the Byzantine Catholic presence in Iowa. Bishop Pipta shares his personal vocation story — from growing up in a Byzantine Catholic family of Slovak heritage in California to his unexpected appointment as bishop — and reflects on the strength of faith passed on through family and parish life. The discussion explores: The history and identity of the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church What distinguishes the Byzantine Rite from the Roman Rite The meaning of being in full communion with the Pope while preserving Eastern liturgical traditions The Church “breathing with two lungs” — East and West The new Byzantine Catholic outreach in Iowa Listeners will also hear about the missionary efforts of Fr. Bruce Riebe, who now serves the growing Byzantine Catholic community in Iowa through the St. Andrew of Crete outreach. Whether you are simply curious about the Divine Liturgy or discerning a deeper appreciation for the richness of Catholic tradition, this episode offers a beautiful reminder that the universal Church is broader, deeper, and more diverse than many realize — yet fully united in communion. #MakingItPersonal #IowaCatholicRadio #BishopJoensen #CatholicRadio #BishopRobertPipta #ByzantineCatholic #EparchyOfParma #DivineLiturgy #EasternCatholic #ChurchUnity #TwoLungs #CatholicTradition Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our StationsLINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.