Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen

Segment 1: Iowa State Fair send-off, diocesan roundup, and welcoming the guests Bishop Joensen and Jean Thill send off the final weekend of the 2026 Iowa State Fair (Aug. 13–23), highlighting the Iowa Catholic Radio booth and the availability of confession from priests and deacons on-site. A look at the week's saints leading into this Aug. 22 broadcast: St. John Eudes (Aug. 19), St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Aug. 20), and St. Pius X (Aug. 21), followed by today's feast of the Queenship of Mary — secondary patroness of the Diocese of Des Moines. Bishop Joensen previews the formal installation of Father Rodrigo Mayorga Landeros as pastor of Christ the King Parish this Sunday, Aug. 23, plus confirmations at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines, and next week's Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools, which will honor Father Ross Caniglia of the Diocese of Sioux City — a Council Bluffs native — as speaker. Duncan Kyhl and Parker Corwin join the show having just finished the Propaedeutic Year. Parker opens with his story: growing up in Des Moines, K–8 at St. Francis of Assisi, Dowling Catholic High School, and a period away from the faith at the University of Iowa before landing at St. Theresa Parish as an adult. Segment 2: Two paths to the seminary Duncan shares his roots: St. Pius X Parish in Urbandale, Dowling Catholic High School (where he ran cross country with Parker), a degree in accounting and computer science from Creighton University, and several years working in downtown Chicago before entering seminary. Both men discuss discerning their vocations out of serious relationships and the difficult, grace-filled process of letting go to answer God's call. Parker recounts four and a half years as a sales consultant at Wells Fargo in Des Moines, and how conversations with coworkers planted early seeds of his vocation. Duncan opens up about his family's faith, his three brothers, and his brother John, who works at the Hy-Vee in Urbandale and has been a joyful witness to him. The two describe the Propaedeutic Year itself: human formation, group therapy and counseling, a six-day "tech fast" cycle, and the house motto agere sequitur esse — do what you're doing. Bishop Joensen connects the theme of digital disconnection to Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, on preserving human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. Wednesday morning silence and four- to five-day silent retreats round out a rule of life aimed at deeper prayer and fraternity. Segment 3: Serving the poor, in Phoenix and in Des Moines Duncan spent January and the first half of the summer at the Andre House of Hospitality in Phoenix, a ministry of the Congregation of Holy Cross named for St. André Bessette, serving hundreds of meals a night to people experiencing homelessness. Learn more at AndreHouse.org. Parker completed a summer internship with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Des Moines, working alongside CEO Steve Havemann and visiting parish "conferences" that provide direct home-visit assistance across the metro. Learn more at SVdPDSM.org. Duncan reflects on a 30-day retreat and the decision to begin with a new spiritual director as he moves into major theology studies at the University of St. Thomas. Bishop Joensen closes with a blessing over both seminarians as they continue toward the priesthood for the Diocese of Des Moines. Learn more at dmdiocese.org/vocations. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #JeanThill #DioceseOfDesMoines #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPriesthood #Seminarian #PropaedeuticYear #CatholicVocations #DiscernmentStory #SaintPaulSeminary #CatholicPodcast #QueenshipOfMary #IowaStateFair #FaithJourney Episode Contributors Host: Bishop William Joensen, Jeanne  Thill, Duncan Kyhl, Parker Corwin       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.

Segment 1 — A New School Year Begins Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill open the show marking the start of a new academic year, offering encouragement to students and families and reflecting on the importance of keeping faith life active from day one on campus. The Bishop shares reflections on the Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe (Aug. 14) ahead of an upcoming diocesan pilgrimage to Poland with Jon Leonetti departing Sept. 13, 2026, which will include a visit to Auschwitz and Kolbe's cell. He also marks the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug. 15), a recent Eucharistic procession following 9 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church in Earling, an upcoming Confirmation Mass at St. Boniface Parish in Waukee, and a full slate of back-to-school convocations and opening Masses across the Diocese of Des Moines. Segment 2 — Meet Dr. Donna Carroll Bishop Joensen and Jean Thill welcome Dr. Donna Carroll, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) and President Emerita of Dominican University, IL, where she served for 27 years — the university's first lay leader and one of the youngest college presidents in the country at the time. Dr. Carroll shares her journey from Brooklyn and Long Island, through Wellesley College, a doctorate at the University of Cincinnati, and roles at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Mount Vernon College, and Fordham University before arriving at what was then Rosary College — sponsored by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters — where she became president. The conversation covers how mission-driven language has been adopted across higher education, the co-patrons of Catholic education (St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Henry Newman), the legacy of women religious — including St. Katharine Drexel's founding of colleges for Black and Native American students — and the ongoing work of building trust between bishops and Catholic college presidents on today's most pressing issues, from immigration to institutional sponsorship transitions. Segment 3 — A Visit with Pope Leo XIV Dr. Carroll recounts ACCU's 2026 Rome Seminar, which brought roughly 20 Catholic college and university presidents to the Vatican for a private audience with Pope Leo XIV — during which the delegation presented the Holy Father with a gift of over 5,000 hours of service performed in his name. She reflects on the Pope's recent apostolic letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, and his encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, both shaping conversation across Catholic campuses, and notes that the Land O'Lakes Statement will mark its 60th anniversary in 2027. The conversation touches on Pope Leo's ties to Villanova University — his alma mater, led by Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA — before closing out the show. Learn more about the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities at accunet.org. Read Pope Leo XIV's full apostolic letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, at vatican.va. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicPodcast #CatholicHigherEd #DonnaCarroll #ACCU #PopeLeoXIV #CatholicEducation #DominicanUniversity #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicLeadership #FaithAndEducation #CatholicCollege #DioceseOfDesMoines #AssumptionOfMary #SaintMaximilianKolbe #CatholicChurch #VaticanNews #JeanThill #CatholicFaith     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.

Segment 1: Bishop's Opening Monologue Bishop Joensen shares diocesan news and reflections as August unfolds: Preparing to join the diocese's permanent deacons — both ordained and in formation — for their annual gathering at Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri Congratulations to Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, elected the 11th Abbot of Conception Abbey on July 11, succeeding Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB. Abbot Sheller will be formally installed by Bishop James Vann Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph on August 31 A reflection on Elise Ann Allen's new book, Pope Leo XIV: The Biography A rundown of August's feast days: St. John Vianney (patron of parish priests), St. Dominic (Aug. 8), St. Clare (Aug. 11), St. Maximilian Kolbe (Aug. 14), and the Feast of the Assumption (Aug. 15) A preview of the annual convocation of Catholic educators in Des Moines and Council Bluffs ahead of the new school year Segment 2 & 3: Interview with Michael Paul Hart Bishop Joensen and Jean Thille welcome Michael Paul Heart, retired CNA and author of Could You Push Me in the Toilet? Stories from Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Personal Home Care. Heart shares how he mentored Fr. Stan Asjes, now at St. Patrick Parish in Council Bluffs, in the years before his seminary formation, including a formative conversation on the meaning and purpose of life A recommendation of Arthur C. Brooks' The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness Heart recounts his upbringing as a Protestant, his time in the New Age movement, and his eventual conversion — informed in part by Fr. Mitch Pacwa's Catholics and the New Age The turning point: a vivid, profound vision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus while bicycling home late one night, and the middle-of-the-night phone call to Fr. Gordon Gittins that followed Over 40 years of experience as a CNA, including his approach to physical strength training to safely lift and care for patients A reflection on the difference between evangelization and proselytization, illustrated through stories from his caregiving career The story behind the book's memorable title Learn more about Serra Vocations Ministry at JoinSerra.org, and find more episodes at IowaCatholicRadio.com. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #CatholicConversion #SacredHeartOfJesus #CatholicFaith #CNA #Caregiving #NursingHomeStories #CatholicMemoir #NewAgeToCatholicism #ConceptionAbbey #SerraVocations #CatholicAuthors #FaithStory #CatholicWitness #HealthCareMinistry #EvangelizationNotProselytization #CatholicBookClub     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.

Segment 1 — Bishop's Reflections Bishop Joensen opens the show on the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, honoring the presence of Fr. Bob Dufford, SJ — member of the influential St. Louis Jesuits and resident at the Creighton University Retreat Center in Griswold, Iowa — and looking ahead to the August 1 feast of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, patron of moral theologians. He reflects on St. Ignatius's own spiritual conversion and the founding of the Society of Jesus. Looking ahead, Bishop Joensen shares that he'll celebrate baptism and Eucharist at Saint Peter Vietnamese Church, and previews his upcoming trip to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention in Denver, hosted by Archbishop James Golka, August 3–6, 2026. Segment 2 — Interview with Giovanna Redondo Giovanna Redondo, general coordinator of the Pilgrim Mother pilgrimage, joins Bishop Joensen and Jean Thill to discuss the six-year journey of the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue across the United States. Redondo traces the project's roots to a 2006 visit to Chicago and shares how the pilgrimage — now marking the 495th anniversary of the Guadalupe apparitions in 2026 en route to the 500th in 2031 — was born from the devotion of lay Catholics working in communion with the Church. She details the statue's creation by Mexican sculptor Jorge Ismael Rodríguez, including its prosthetic eyes and donated human hair, and describes the roughly 45-minute bilingual devotional experience — including a narrated retelling of the apparition, music, and a ribbon-petition tradition connecting parishes to a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. She also previews the pilgrimage's next stops in California, and its eventual conclusion at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Illinois, under Rector Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez. Segment 3 — Wrap-Up and Local Schedule Bishop Joensen closes with the full schedule for the Pilgrim Mother statue's visit to the Diocese of Des Moines: Saint Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines — through August 4 Immaculate Heart of Mary, Ankeny — August 6–13 Saint Boniface, Waukee — August 15–21 Saint Bernard, Osceola — August 23–September 2 Corpus Christi, Council Bluffs — September 4–11 Full schedule details: https://www.dmdiocese.org Bishop Joensen closes with reflections drawn from Archbishop Luis María Martínez's Am I Not Your Mother? Reflections on Our Lady of Guadalupe, and shares thoughts on Mary's presence in the lives of the faithful. Support for Iowa Catholic Radio and Making It Personal is provided by Serra Vocations Ministry. Learn more at JoinSerra.org and IowaCatholicRadio.com. #OurLadyOfGuadalupe #PilgrimMother #CatholicPodcast #BishopJoensen #DioceseOfDesMoines #IowaCatholicRadio #MakingItPersonal #VirgenDeGuadalupe #CatholicFaith #SaintAmbroseCathedral #MadrePeregrina #CatholicVocations #FaithJourney #JuanDiego #CatholicNews 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.

Segment 1: Meet Dr. Laura Upenieks Bishop Joensen and Jean Thill welcome Dr. Laura Upenieks, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director at Baylor University, whose research centers on religion and health, aging and the life course, and quantitative methods. She traces her path from a quantitative health sociology background at the University of Toronto to a faculty position at Baylor, where her Catholic faith and scholarly work intersect daily. The conversation was inspired by her recent presentation to U.S. bishops. Segment 2: The Sociology of Faith and Science Dr. Upenieks unpacks her February talk, delivered at a national conference at the University of Notre Dame titled "The Relation Between Science and Faith as a Pastoral Issue in an Age of Disaffiliation," co-sponsored by the USCCB Committee on Doctrine and the McGrath Institute for Church Life, held in collaboration with the Society of Catholic Scientists, running February 23–25. She discusses how the "conflict" between faith and science is a socially constructed boundary rather than an inherent one, referencing sociologist Christian Smith's critique of the discipline's secular assumptions. She also outlines three models of clergy engagement with science — critical, disengaged, and "engaged/hospitable" — and connects the conversation to Pope Leo XIV's May 2026 encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. Segment 3: From the Classroom to the Culture The discussion turns to how Catholic schools can model integration between faith and science, with a nod to the work of Dr. Chris Baglow, who leads the Science & Religion Initiative at Notre Dame's McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Heather Foucault-Camm, the initiative's program director. Dr. Upenieks also references her published research with Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan, a sociologist at the Catholic University of America, on awe, spirituality, and wellbeing among academic scientists. The episode closes with a cautiously hopeful look at recent conversion trends and what it will take to rebuild trust between the Church and the scientific community. This episode is brought to you by Serra Vocations Ministry. Learn more at JoinSerra.org. Listen to new episodes of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen every week at IowaCatholicRadio.com. 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.

Segment 1: Diocesan News & Community Updates Bishop Joensen and Jean Thill open with news from around the diocese and beyond: The Archdiocese of St. Louis celebrates its bicentennial this weekend, with Bishop Joensen joining Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski and fellow Midwest bishops for vespers at the Old Cathedral and Mass at the New Cathedral. The National Biking for Babies ride passed through Des Moines this week, stopping at St. Francis of Assisi Parish for Mass with over 200 gathered. The ride, founded nearly two decades ago, has raised more than $2.5 million for pregnancy resource centers, including those in central Iowa. A special Mass for Our Lady of Mount Carmel marked the arrival of the Pilgrim Mother statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, touring the Diocese of Des Moines ahead of the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe's apparitions in 2031. The statue's diocesan tour stops include St. Ambrose Cathedral, Our Lady of the Americas, Our Lady of the Immaculate Heart, St. Boniface in Waukee, St. Bernard in Osceola, and Corpus Christi in Council Bluffs. A special Mass at Our Lady of the Americas featured Auxiliary Bishop Silvio Báez of Managua, Nicaragua, who has been living in exile due to political persecution in his home country and currently teaches at a seminary in Miami. Segment 2 & 3: Conversation with Dr. Diana Marar Dr. Diana Marar, an internal medicine physician practicing at West Broadway Clinic in Council Bluffs and a member of St. Patrick's Parish, joins Bishop Joensen and Jean Thill to share her story: Raised in a Melkite (Byzantine) Christian family in Jordan, Dr. Marar became Catholic after marrying her husband, also a physician. She and her husband came to the U.S. on a J-1 visa, serving an underserved community in Oakland, Iowa, before settling in Council Bluffs, where they've raised five children. Dr. Marar describes how she integrates faith into her medical practice, encouraging patients toward prayer and the sacraments alongside clinical care. She shares the story of how she overcame cultural hesitation about touching the Eucharist as a woman, describing a conversation with Bishop Joensen that helped affirm her call. After training with a fellow parishioner, Dr. Marar began a weekly ministry distributing Holy Communion to patients at Mercy Hospital and later Methodist Hospital in Council Bluffs. This episode is sponsored by Serra Vocations Ministry of Council Bluffs and Des Moines, supporting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Learn more at Serra Vocations Ministry. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicPodcast #IowaCatholicRadio #CouncilBluffs #DiocsseOfDesMoines #CatholicFaith #Eucharist #EucharisticMinister #CatholicDoctor #FaithAndMedicine #OurLadyOfGuadalupe #PilgrimMother #BikingForBabies #CatholicNews #SaintPatricksChurch #CatholicConversion #Evangelization #ProLife #SilvioBaez 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.

Segment 1: Bishop's Opening Reflections & Diocesan Calendar Bishop Joensen opens with reflections on the Feast of St. Benedict and shares news from around the diocese: Celebrated a quinceañera Mass for seven young women at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines Biking for Babies National Ride (Northern Route): Wednesday, July 15 — Mass at 5:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Parish (7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines), followed by a freewill-offering dinner served by the Knights of Columbus. Learn more at bikingforbabies.com/national-ride Catholic Charities Backyard BBQ: Thursday, July 16, hosted by the Buescher family Archdiocese of St. Louis Bicentennial: Vespers Friday, July 17 at the Old Cathedral; celebratory Mass Saturday, July 18 at the New Cathedral A birthday shout-out to Brian Werner of St. Luke Parish in Ankeny A nod to the Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha on July 14 Segment 2: Meet Alexis & Elik — Iowa Roots Both Alexis and Elik are native Iowans. Alexis grew up in Bettendorf (Quad Cities) and studied software engineering at Iowa State University before moving to North Carolina after graduation. Elik grew up in Johnston, joined the Air National Guard as a junior in high school, and now works in Command and Control Battle Management Operations in Des Moines, helping train fellow airmen. Segment 3: A Cross-Country Love Story The two reconnected through mutual friends after Alexis had already moved out of state, then spent a week together on a spring break trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. For their first official date, they each drove nine hours to meet halfway — in Bloomington, Indiana. Segment 4: Elik's Conversion & Finding a Home Parish After getting engaged, Elik decided to become Catholic and began talking with Father Chinna Devaraj, pastor of Saint Boniface Parish. That same night, Father Chinna invited him to an Alpha course already in session — and Elik says that's where he truly fell in love with the faith. The couple describes church-shopping around the West Des Moines/Grimes/Urbandale area before settling at Saint Boniface Parish in Waukee, drawn by its young families and lively music ministry. Segment 5: What Is Alpha? Alexis and Elik describe Alpha as a "beginner's course" in Christianity open to anyone — Catholic, non-Catholic, lifelong believer, or newcomer. At Saint Boniface, the program culminates in an Alpha Day Away, a one-day retreat (9:00 AM–4:00 PM) focused on prayer, community, and the Holy Spirit. Segment 6: The Alpha Leadership Conference in London Father Chinna invited the couple to represent Saint Boniface at the international Alpha Leadership Conference in London — an ecumenical gathering with roots in the Anglican Alpha movement founded by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. There, they reconnected with Alpha's international leadership team, including Rick and Jason, who had previously visited Saint Boniface for an Alpha Day Away. The couple reflects on what they learned about Gen Z's growing role in the Church's renewal, both abroad and at home. Learn more about Alpha at Saint Boniface Parish at stbonifacechurch.org/alpha Support for Iowa Catholic Radio and Making It Personal is provided by Serra Vocations Ministry. Learn more at JoinSerra.org Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen airs weekly on Iowa Catholic Radio and the Spirit Catholic Radio Network. Learn more at IowaCatholicRadio.com #CatholicPodcast #AlphaCourse #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicConversion #GenZFaith #SaintBonifaceWaukee #DioceseOfDesMoines #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicMarriage #Evangelization #HolySpirit #CatholicYouth #FaithJourney #AlphaLondon 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.

Bishop Joensen and Jean Thill open on Independence Day, marking America's 250th anniversary and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the lone Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Bishop remembers Father Dan Gaylor and Father David Smith of Shelby County and previews the upcoming candidacy rite at St. Patrick in Council Bluffs for Sean Daley. He then welcomes Fr. Stan Asjes, newly ordained for the Diocese of Des Moines, and Fr. Frode Eikeness of Oslo, Norway — the priest whose friendship with the Asjes family began over a quarter century ago in Stavanger, where Fr. Stan was born and baptized while his father served on a NATO assignment. Fr. Asjes describes the overwhelming love he felt during his ordination, the lengthy acclamation, the anointing of his hands with sacred chrism, and the maniturgium presented to his mother. Fr. Eikeness then opens a window onto Catholicism in deeply secularized Scandinavia, citing Bishop Erik Varden's observation that, with little left to secularize, the only direction left is upward — pointing to rising adult baptisms and converts. He traces Norway's thousand-year Christian history, the legacy of Saint Olaf (feast day July 29), and the coming 1,000-year baptismal jubilee in 2030. Bishop Joensen connects the discussion to Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and the Church's call to draw near to the wounds of humanity. Fr. Asjes shares the joy of his first confessions, anointings, and Masses in his early days as a priest, including concelebrating with Fr. Eikeness. Fr. Eikeness reflects warmly on two wonderful weeks in America, a vibrant and countercultural Church, and a presbyterate of nearly eighty good and holy men. The conversation looks ahead to World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea, in August 2027. Support for the show is provided by Serra Vocations Ministry — learn more at joinSerra.org. Hear Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen every week on Iowa Catholic Radio and at IowaCatholicRadio.com. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #Catholic #Priesthood #Ordination #Vocations #DioceseOfDesMoines #CatholicChurch #Norway #Catholicism #Faith #SaintOlaf #PopeLeoXIV #CatholicRadio #NewlyOrdained #SerraVocations 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.

In this Full Show, Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome Father Richard Veras, Director of Pastoral Formation and associate professor of homiletics at Saint Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York. Father Veras was in the Diocese of Des Moines for the ordination to the transitional diaconate of Luke Moen, a seminarian he is helping to form, and he shares the spiritual depth behind decades of preaching, teaching, and writing. Bishop Joensen's opening reflections: Recent ordinations across the diocese, including Deacon Luke Moen's transitional diaconate and the priestly ordination of Father Stan at the Cathedral of Saint Ambrose. Father Stan, warmly supported by his home Basilica Parish, begins his ministry at Saint Patrick's in Council Bluffs under first pastor Father Joel McNeil — greeted by a bus of fifty parishioners. The local Biking for Babies ride, starting from Saint Luke's and following the High Trestle Trail to Woodward and back, supporting InnerVisions, Martha's House of Hope, Ruth's Harbor, and Agape. To sponsor a rider or give to these central Iowa pregnancy resource centers, visit bikingforbabies.com. The close of confirmation season — including Saint Theresa's 75th anniversary Mass and confirmation at Saint Mary's in Hamburg — and the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations. In conversation with Father Veras: The art of preaching: why a homilist must "preach like himself" and find an authentic voice rather than a formal "preaching voice," and how literature and the humanities give a preacher a human heart. An unexpected vocation: studying English at Hofstra, writing advertising copy for a toy company, and discovering — through the lay movement Communion and Liberation — that the parish priesthood was anything but "humdrum." Forming the Des Moines seminarians in New York, where assignments in prison ministry, hospice at Calvary Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Hispanic ministry at Saint Brendan's in the Bronx stretch and strengthen them. Ministry at Ground Zero: Father Veras recalls September 11 from St. Joseph-St. Thomas on Staten Island and serving a shift at Ground Zero weeks later. Magnificat and mentorship: writing for Magnificat since 1999, succeeding Father Peter Cameron as homiletics professor, and his latest book, The Word Made Flesh: Foreshadowed, Fulfilled, Forever. Support for Iowa Catholic Radio and Making It Personal is provided by Serra Vocations Ministry. Learn more at joinSerra.org. Learn more and listen to past episodes at IowaCatholicRadio.com. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #CatholicRadio #FatherRichardVeras #Homiletics #Preaching #CatholicPriest #Seminary #Vocations #Magnificat #DioceseOfDesMoines #CommunionAndLiberation #PriestlyFormation #CatholicFaith #Evangelization #StJosephsSeminary #Catholic #Faith   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.

This week on Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome Jenni Lihs, Director of Faith Formation at Saints John and Paul Parish in Altoona, for a conversation about intergenerational faith formation — a model the parish has been running and refining for 23 years. Jenni traces her own path from ten years teaching preschool special education and a season at home raising her family to a "you didn't stand a chance" call into faith formation, rooted in a childhood love of Vacation Bible School and a formative TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) retreat. She explains how Saints John and Paul adopted the John Roberto intergenerational model more than two decades ago and how it has stayed faithful to its core while evolving season to season. Highlights from the conversation include: The monthly rhythm — the whole family gathers one Sunday and one Wednesday each month (the same program, repeated). Each gathering opens with supper, moves into prayer and an activity, sends kids to age-appropriate groups while the adults stay together, then reunites everyone for closing. Community first — randomized table seating and gentle "getting to know you" icebreakers lower anxiety so families, including those new to the faith or with one non-Catholic parent, feel welcome learning side by side. Parishioners as presenters — adults consistently say their favorite sessions are when fellow parents share from lived experience. This year's theme: the parables — adults worked through eight parables (including the workers in the vineyard) at their own depth while children explored the same Scripture at theirs. Year-round youth — youth groups begin in third grade to keep kids connected across the parish's many school districts, alongside catechists who often say they receive more than they give. Jenni's encouragement for parishes considering this model: start small. Add a couple of simple family nights a year, keep the meal easy (hot dogs one month, pizza the next), and let community grow from the mustard seed. Learn more about the parish and its faith formation programs at SSJohnPaul.org. Around the Diocese of Des Moines, Bishop Joensen previews a full weekend: the Iowa March for Life at the Iowa Capitol, reflections tied to the nation's 250th anniversary, and Hispanic Leadership Institute graduation sending Masses — Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at St. Ambrose Cathedral and Sunday with the Corpus Christi cohort in Council Bluffs, plus the Hispanic Christian Family Movement Mass at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines. He also gives thanks for the transitional diaconate ordination of Deacon Luke Mohan of St. Francis of Assisi, and welcomes Jean's grandkids to the studio. Hear Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen every week on Iowa Catholic Radio and at IowaCatholicRadio.com. Support for Iowa Catholic Radio and Making It Personal is provided by Serra Vocations Ministry. Learn more at JoinSerra.org. #CatholicFaith #FaithFormation #IntergenerationalFaith #CatholicFamily #Catechesis #Discipleship #DioceseOfDesMoines #IowaCatholicRadio #BishopJoensen #MakingItPersonal #CatholicParenting #Parables #YouthMinistry #VacationBibleSchool #CatholicEvangelization 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.

Bishop William Joensen opens the episode with reflections on a full week ahead — upcoming confirmations at Saint Mary of Boca and Saint Patrick Walnut, and a prayer of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus inspired by the recent gathering of U.S. bishops. The prayer, available at usccb.org, is offered for listeners who may not have had the opportunity to join their parish for the consecration. Upcoming Diocesan Events: Ordination of Luke Mohan (from Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Grinnell College alum and former pole vaulter): Friday, June 19 at 5:00 PM at Saint Francis of Assisi — all are welcome. Diaconate Ordination of Deacon Stan to the priesthood the following week at Saint Ambrose Cathedral. Iowa March for Life: Saturday, June 20 at 1:00 PM at the Iowa State Capitol. Festivities begin one hour prior. Guest: Maria Parker, USCCB Maria serves as Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She grew up in Southampton, PA, formed by lay teachers at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish and later the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great. Her academic background includes an undergraduate degree in theology from Mount Saint Mary's in Emmitsburg, a master's in school counseling, and a doctorate in educational leadership — with dissertation research focused on lay formation in Catholic schools. After serving as a FOCUS missionary and spending years in Catholic secondary education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Maria joined the USCCB in 2022. In her current role, she liaises with national youth organizations including the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and supports the bishops' new framework for forming and mobilizing young Catholics. Bishop Joensen and Maria also reflect on the Alpha Conference in London (May 2026), highlighting Alpha's ecumenical spirit, kerygmatic approach, and small-group model as a proven vehicle for parish evangelization. Maria enthusiastically recommends Alpha materials for parishes and dioceses and expressed willingness to help connect interested youth ministers with Alpha leadership. Learn more about the Sacred Heart consecration prayer and other USCCB resources at usccb.org. For Serra Vocations Ministry (episode sponsor): joinSerra.org #CatholicRadio #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicYouthMinistry #USCCB #CatholicEducation #AlphaProgram #SacredHeart #FaithFormation #IowaCatholic #CatholicFaith #Evangelization #FOCUS #NationalCatholicYouthConference #IowaMarchForLife #LayFaith #CatholicWomen #DiscipleshipMatters #SmallGroupMinistry #CatholicPodcast 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.

Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome back Patty Origer — Evangelization and Catechesis team member and Disability Coordinator for the Diocese of Des Moines — for a wide-ranging conversation on disability ministry, belonging, and the spiritual dignity of every person. Patty, who has served the diocese for over six and a half years, reflects on her personal calling to this work as the mother and longtime advocate of her son Jeremy, who has cerebral palsy. She shares highlights from her tenure, including: Parish Advocates Program – Twelve parishes now have designated advocates who serve as local points of contact for disability-related needs, connecting parishioners with resources and raising awareness. Sensory-Friendly Masses – Designed for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or anxiety-related disabilities, these Masses feature softer lighting, quieter music, and a more accommodating environment. A recent one at St. John's in Adel drew moving responses from attendees. Night to Shine – Two diocesan parishes, Sacred Heart in West Des Moines and St. Mary's in Shenandoah, host this Tim Tebow Foundation-sponsored celebration for people with disabilities. Caregiver Support & Mental Health Ministry – Patty helped launch caregiver support groups and mental health ministry resources across the diocese. The ASK Resource Center (based in Johnston, Iowa) is a recommended resource for families navigating disability services, educational supports, and life transitions. Learn more at AskResourceCenter.org. Upcoming Webinar: Accompanying Aging Populations Hosted by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), this virtual summer intensive runs Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11, noon–3 PM CT. Topics include spirituality and aging, caregiving, dementia support, end-of-life care, mental well-being, and ministry of consolation. A Spanish-language option is available later in June. Diocese of Des Moines affiliate discount code: 2026-AFFILIATE15 (15% off) Clergy discount code available — email Patty at DMDiocese.org for the code (60% off for clergy) Register and find the event link at DMDiocese.org under Events. https://www.ncpd.org/events/ncpd-summer-intensive-accompanying-aging-populations For more on disability ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit DMDiocese.org/disabilityministry Learn more about Iowa Catholic Radio at IowaCatholicRadio.com #DisabilityMinistry #CatholicChurch #BelongingNotJustInclusion #DiocesOfDesMoines #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicRadio #SensoryFriendlyMass #NightToShine #CatholicCaregiving #FaithAndDisability #IowaCatholic #CatholicCommunity #AgingWithFaith #NCPDWebinar #InclusiveChurch #CatholicFaith #IowaChurch 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.

Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Mission for the Diocese of Des Moines, for an important conversation about preparing young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. John shares how a diocesan task force of pastors, parents, deacons, educators, and parish leaders prayerfully discerned the move toward sixth-grade Confirmation in Southwest Iowa. The discussion explores the cultural realities facing families today, the impact of the National Eucharistic Revival, and why earlier sacramental formation may better help young people encounter Jesus and remain connected to the Church. Listeners will also hear how parents and sponsors will play a deeper role in the new discipleship-focused process, what the transition timeline will look like, and how the Diocese hopes to strengthen lifelong faith formation beyond Confirmation. Plus, Bishop Joensen and Jean reflect on priest anniversaries, parish life, vocations, upcoming diocesan events, and the joy of Catholic community. Learn more about the Diocese of Des Moines: Diocese of Des Moines Listen to more local Catholic programming from Iowa Catholic Radio #MakingItPersonal #BishopWilliamJoensen #JeanThill #JohnGaffney #Confirmation #CatholicConfirmation #CatholicParenting #Discipleship #Evangelization #DioceseOfDesMoines #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #EucharisticRevival #CatholicFormation #Sacraments #CatholicFaith #CatholicChurch #YouthMinistry #CatholicFamilies #SouthwestIowa 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Bishop Joensenand Jeanne Tille sit down with Angela Franks, associate professor of theology at The Catholic University of America and author of Body and Identity: A History of the Empty Self. Together they explore: The modern crisis of identity and the “empty self” Social media, anxiety, and liquid identity The relationship between body, soul, and personhood Faith, philosophy, and the search for truth How Christianity shapes authentic human freedom Parenting, vocation, and discovering God’s call Dr. Franks also discusses how contemporary culture often separates identity from reality, why people feel increasingly disconnected despite constant self-expression, and how the Christian vision restores meaning, dignity, and purpose. Learn more about Dr. Franks and her work at:AngelaFranks.com 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill visit with leadership consultant, educator, and author Dr. Dan Ebener about the transformative power of servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and humble inquiry. Drawing from decades of experience working with churches, nonprofits, businesses, and dioceses, Dr. Ebener explains why the best leaders listen first, cultivate vulnerability, and create environments where people feel heard and valued. The conversation explores diocesan strategic planning, Pope Francis’ call to synodality, leadership in the modern Church, and the growing need for authentic human connection in an age shaped by technology and AI. Bishop Joensen and Dr. Ebener also reflect on: The importance of listening before leading How emotional intelligence shapes effective ministry Empathy, discipleship, and servant leadership The Diocese of Des Moines strategic visioning process Synodality and “conversations in the Spirit” Building trust and communion within the Church Learn more about Dr. Dan Ebener and his work at:https://www.danebener.com/ Learn more about Serra Vocations Ministry:https://joinserra.org/ Listen to more programs from Iowa Catholic Radio:https://iowacatholicradio.com/ #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #DanEbener #CatholicLeadership #ServantLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #CatholicPodcast #IowaCatholicRadio #Synodality #CatholicChurch #LeadershipDevelopment #HumbleInquiry #CatholicLife #Discipleship #FaithAndLeadership #CatholicMedia #Vocations #CatholicConversations #PopeLeo #PopeFrancis 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.

Learn more about the Des Moines Meeting: https://desmoinesmeeting.com Learn more about Iowa Catholic Radio: https://iowacatholicradio.com Learn more about Communion and Liberation: https://english.clonline.org Learn more about Serra Vocations Ministry: https://joins Serra.org #MakingItPersonal #BishopWilliamJoensen #HollyPeterson #CatholicEducation #CommunionAndLiberation #DesMoinesMeeting #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #CatholicFaith #Encounter 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen sits down with Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop. Archbishop Curtiss reflects on: His early vocation growing up in eastern Oregon Formation before and during Vatican II Serving as rector of Mount Angel Seminary Leading the Diocese of Helena through renewal Being appointed Archbishop of Omaha by Saint John Paul II His experiences working closely with Pope John Paul II The importance of faithful priestly formation Why he remains hopeful about the future of the Catholic Church This insightful conversation offers listeners a unique glimpse into nearly seven decades of priestly ministry and five decades of episcopal leadership. 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.

Learn more about Serra Club vocations support: https://joinserra.org Iowa Catholic Radio: https://iowacatholicradio.com MercyOne Des Moines: https://www.mercyone.org/desmoines Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter: https://ordinariate.net #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicRadio #Vocations #CatholicPriest #AnglicanOrdinariate #MercyOne #FaithJourney #CatholicChurch #DesMoinesCatholic #FrJasonCatania #AnglicanOrdinariate #CatholicConversion #CatholicPriest #MercyOne #HospitalChaplain #CatholicFaith #IowaCatholicRadio #DesMoinesCatholic 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.

In this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Curtis and Maximillian Brown, co-leads of the upcoming Des Moines Meeting, inspired by the spirituality of Communion and Liberation. In this episode, you’ll hear: The personal faith journeys of Curtis and Max Brown—from family life to young adult faith formation How Communion and Liberation, founded by Monsignor Luigi Giussani, emphasizes faith as an encounter with the living Christ The role of friendship, curiosity, and community in deepening Catholic faith How young people today are rediscovering faith through authentic relationships and meaningful questions Reflections on Giussani’s insight: faith begins with encounter—not just ideas or rules The inspiration behind the New York Encounter and how it sparked the vision for a local event Event Details:  A free, open-invitation event designed for anyone seeking deeper meaning in life and faith. Date: Saturday, June 6 Location: Diocesan Pastoral Center & St. Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines What to expect: Engaging panel discussions, including: Faith and Gen Z The dignity of work in the age of artificial intelligence Witness talks from those formed by Communion and Liberation Holy Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral Evening concert featuring classical pianist Dr. Brian Bielman Cost: Free (RSVP encouraged) More info & RSVP: thedesmoinesmeeting.com This event is open to all—whether deeply rooted in the faith or simply searching. As emphasized in the show, it’s an invitation to take life seriously and explore the presence of Christ in all aspects of reality. Heard on: Iowa Catholic Radio Network Spirit Catholic Radio Network #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CommunionAndLiberation #DesMoinesMeeting #CatholicFaith #FaithAndCulture #EncounterChrist #YoungAdultMinistry #CatholicCommunity #IowaCatholicRadio 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.

In this moving episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Dr. Cheryl Fournier and Dorothy Miller to reflect on the remarkable life of Sr. Pat Sherer, whose ministry transformed countless lives. In this episode, you’ll hear: The story of Sr. Pat Shearer’s call to missionary service and how it unfolded through refugee ministry in Des Moines Her decades-long work accompanying Vietnamese, Hmong, Lao, Sudanese, and other refugee communities How Sr. Pat embodied the Gospel through personal relationships, advocacy, and “radical hospitality” The challenges of meeting both the material and spiritual needs of refugees The deep impact she had on parishes like St. Ambrose Cathedral and the broader diocesan community Personal memories of her joy, energy, and unwavering trust in God Her final days, marked by peace, prayer, and a life fully given in service Sr. Pat’s ministry went far beyond logistics—she offered dignity, belonging, and faith to those seeking a new life. Her legacy continues in the lives she touched and the community she helped build. Funeral Mass: Held at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, where many gathered—especially from the refugee community—to honor her life. Heard on: Iowa Catholic Radio Network Spirit Catholic Radio Network #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #SrPatShearer #RefugeeMinistry #CatholicFaith #RadicalHospitality #CatholicSocialTeaching #FaithInAction #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and co-host Jeanne Thill sit down with Fr. Robert Spitzer, Jesuit priest and President of the Magis Institute. Broadcasting during Holy Saturday, the conversation reflects on the Paschal Mystery while diving into one of today’s most urgent cultural topics: artificial intelligence. Fr. Spitzer shares why so many young people are disaffiliating from faith—often because of misconceptions about science—and explains how the Magis Institute is responding with the new Magis AI app, a tool designed to provide clear, faithful, and intellectually rigorous answers grounded in Catholic teaching and sound science. The discussion highlights: The relationship between faith and science Common misconceptions driving youth away from belief The limits and dangers of secular AI How Magis AI offers truth-centered, interactive learning Why AI cannot replicate human consciousness, morality, or the soul As the Church celebrates the hope of Easter, this episode offers a powerful reminder that truth, reason, and faith work together—and that new tools can help lead people back to Christ. Learn more about the Magis Institute: https://www.magiscenter.com/Download Magis AI: https://www.magiscenter.com/magisai #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #FrRobertSpitzer #MagisInstitute #CatholicAI #FaithAndScience #CatholicRadio #PaschalMystery #EasterHope #CatholicFaith 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.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Maggie DeWitte, Executive Director of Pulse Life Advocates, for an in-depth conversation about current pro-life efforts in Iowa and across the nation.Maggie reflects on her experience accompanying Iowa youth to the national March for Life, highlighting the energy of young participants and the importance of continuing education and witness for the dignity of human life.The discussion also explores major legislative initiatives in Iowa, including proposals addressing abortion-pill safety regulations and efforts to legally recognize life at conception. Maggie explains the growing medical concerns surrounding chemical abortions and why advocates are seeking stronger safeguards for women and unborn children.The conversation turns toward prayerful action during Lent, including participation in the international 40 Days for Life campaign, sidewalk advocacy training, and ongoing parish involvement in supporting mothers and families facing difficult pregnancies.Looking ahead, Maggie also previews the organization’s upcoming fall gala featuring actor Jim Caviezel, known for his roles in The Passion of the Christ and Sound of Freedom.This episode offers listeners a timely look at how faith, public policy, prayer, and personal witness work together to advance a culture of life. Learn more about Pulse Life Advocates:https://pulseforlife.orgFind local 40 Days for Life campaigns:https://www.40daysforlife.com#MakingItPersonal #IowaCatholicRadio #BishopJoensen #CatholicRadio #MaggieDeWitte #PulseLifeAdvocates #ProLife #CultureOfLife #40DaysForLife #CatholicAdvocacy #FaithInAction #Lent 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with Mike Iverson, Director of Discipleship for Spiritus Ministries and a recent speaker at the national SEEK Conference in Columbus, Ohio, attended by over 17,000 young adults.Mike shares insights from his powerful talk, “Ten Ways to Feel Less Anxious About the Future,” addressing what many call the “anxious generation.” From cultural pressures and social media noise to the deeper spiritual struggle of believing we are “not enough,” Mike offers a Gospel-centered response rooted in identity, prayer, and trust in God’s providence.The conversation explores:Why Gen Z experiences heightened anxietyThe cultural lie that we are “not enough”The difference between God’s voice, our internal monologue, and the voice of the enemyThe power of the Ignatian ExamenHow prayer grounds us before major life momentsPractical guidance for entering Lent with intentionalityMike also shares his own journey from Protestant ministry to the Catholic Church and how Spiritus Ministries forms young adult missionaries to ignite faith in Catholic youth.As Ash Wednesday approaches, this episode is a timely reminder: God has not left His throne — and we do not face the future alone.Learn more about Spiritus Ministries at spiritusministries.org.#MakingItPersonal#BishopJoensen#IowaCatholicRadio#MikeIverson#SpiritusMinistries#SEEKConference#CatholicYoungAdults#FaithOverFear#AnxiousGeneration#TrustInGod#LentPreparation 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Emily Welch Smith, Director of Philanthropy for Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS). Together, they explore the growing needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Central Iowa and the vital work being done to provide shelter, stability, and long-term empowerment.Emily shares the inspiring origins of CISS, founded by a coalition of local churches, and explains how the organization has grown into a comprehensive support center offering far more than emergency housing. Services include job training, meals open to the public, a community clothing closet, food pantry, and the innovative Empowerment Command Center, where clients receive help with resumes, healthcare access, identification documents, and housing resources.The conversation also highlights the deep connection between homelessness and mental illness, the challenges of bitter winter weather, and how the shelter serves as an official warming center during weather amnesty.In the closing reflections, Bishop Joensen connects this mission to the Gospel call of Matthew 25 and the upcoming World Day of the Sick, reminding listeners that Christian charity is not passive but a decision to draw near with mercy and love.To learn more or volunteer, visit centraliowashelter.org.#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #FaithInAction #CentralIowaShelter #EmilyWelchSmith #ServeThePoor #Matthew25 #HomelessOutreach #CatholicCharity #HumanDignity #WorldDayOfTheSick 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Deacon Eric and Monica Pugh of St. John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk. Together, they share a moving story of faith, conversion, and God’s providence leading them into deep service within the Church. Eric reflects on being raised Catholic, drifting away from the faith, and later rediscovering the beauty and mystery of the Mass—especially through the Eucharist. Monica, who was not raised Catholic, describes how Catholic radio, Scripture, and the book Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic opened her heart to the truth of the Real Presence and led her into full communion with the Church. The conversation also highlights Eric’s military service, their life as parents of five sons, and the surprising call to the diaconate that eventually became a shared vocation of ministry. Today, Deacon Eric leads a men’s group focused on understanding the Mass, while Monica serves as Director of Faith Formation and continues pursuing spiritual direction and theological study. This inspiring episode is a testament to the power of saying “yes” to God, the centrality of the Eucharist, and the many ways Christ continues to call ordinary people into extraordinary discipleship.   #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #CatholicFaith #DeaconEricPugh #MonicaPugh #ConversionStory #EucharisticRevival #RealPresence #CatholicMinistry #FaithFormation #MenOfFaith #SerraVocations 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Tom Chapman, Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, to examine the legislative priorities facing the Iowa General Assembly as a new session begins.Together, they explore how Catholics are called to engage public life with charity and prudence, addressing key issues such as the dignity of human life, abortion-pill regulation, maternal and family support, education policy, health care access, immigration, property taxes, and eminent domain. Tom offers insight into the changing dynamics at the Capitol, the role of people of goodwill across party lines, and how Catholic social teaching helps guide moral reflection on complex public issues.Bishop Joensen also reflects on upcoming diocesan events, Christian unity, Catholic Schools Week, vocations initiatives, and the importance of prayerful advocacy. This episode offers listeners a clear and faithful framework for understanding how discipleship informs civic responsibility.#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #FaithAndPublicLife#TomChapman #IowaCatholicConference #CatholicAdvocacy #PublicSquare #ProLife #CatholicEducation #HumanDignity #CommonGood 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Christine Rosen, Senior Editor of The New Atlantis and author of The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World. Together, they explore how digital technologies—while offering convenience and novelty—are quietly reshaping our understanding of self, community, and reality.Christine reflects on the growing loss of essential human experiences such as face-to-face communication, a sense of place, authentic emotion, and even boredom. She examines how constant mediation through screens can lead to alienation and control, particularly affecting young people who are growing up immersed in a digital-first culture.Bishop Joensen and Christine discuss what it means to reclaim our humanity by returning to the real world—recovering patience, serendipity, risk, and meaningful community—and where individuals and families can begin taking practical steps toward a more embodied, intentional way of living.#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #FaithAndCulture 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.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Catie Wilwerding, a senior at Dowling Catholic High School and a speaker at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). Catie shares her journey of faith, her leadership on the National Youth Advisory Council, and what it means for young people to live as protagonists of faith in today’s Church.Catie reflects on her family’s strong Catholic foundation, her involvement in small-group faith formation, and her role in helping restart Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreats in the Diocese of Des Moines. She also recounts her powerful experience traveling to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services, where she witnessed the global Church in action and encountered Christ through service and solidarity.Bishop Joensen offers reflections on Advent, discernment, vocation, and the importance of creating spaces where young people can encounter Christ through retreat, prayer, and accompaniment. This episode is a hopeful and encouraging look at how the Holy Spirit is at work in the next generation of Catholic leaders.#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #CatholicFaith #Advent #CatieWilwerding #NCYC #CatholicYouth #YoungCatholicLeaders #DowlingCatholic #YouthMinistry #TECretreat #FaithInAction #NextGenerationChurch 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.

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Shelley Jerke, Manager of the Sobering Center at St. Vincent de Paul in Des Moines. Shelley shares how the center serves individuals struggling with alcohol or substance-related crises by offering a safe space, medical supervision, and connections to essential community resources. She explains how the center partners with local agencies, operates 24/7, and has already made a significant financial and human impact on emergency services and law enforcement.Shelley also discusses the dignity-driven mission behind the work, the compassion of her medical team, and the powerful personal stories that reflect God’s grace at work even in moments of hardship. Bishop Joensen reflects on Advent themes of mercy, hope, and waiting on the Lord—connecting the spiritual season to the healing work happening at the Sobering Center.#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #SoberingCenter #StVincentDePaul #IowaCatholicRadio #CommunityCare #HopeAndHealing #AdventSeason #MercyInAction #CatholicRadio 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.

On this Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill speak with Maria Campbell, founder of Miscarriage Ministry at the Basilica of St. John. Maria shares her deeply personal journey of losing three children—two early miscarriages and one stillbirth—and how the Lord transformed that suffering into a ministry of consolation and dignity for grieving families.Together, they explore:The distinctions between miscarriage and stillbirthThe emotional and spiritual impact on both mothers and fathersParents’ rights regarding the remains of their childThe importance of compassionate accompanimentParish and diocesan initiatives to support grieving familiesThe hope we find in Christ during seasons of lossMaria offers practical insight into her ministry’s miscarriage support kits, burial resources, and her growing vision for dedicated “Little Souls” burial areas within the diocese.This is a tender and hope-filled discussion for anyone seeking support after pregnancy loss or wishing to better minister to those who grieve.#CatholicRadio #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicFaith #Advent #HopeInChrist #CatholicFamilyLife 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.

In this edition of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with David Thielen, Executive Director of the Romero House in Ames — a Catholic Worker ministry dedicated to serving the homeless and those in spiritual and material poverty.Topics covered in this episode include:David Thielen’s personal journey from corporate life to a radical rediscovery of faith, reconciliation, and missionHow the Romero House embodies Dorothy Day’s principle of “radical hospitality” — welcoming guests not just for services but for fellowship, dignity, and relationshipThe reality of homelessness in Ames and the challenges and misconceptions surrounding itThe pushback and zoning battles faced in opening Romero House — and how hearts in the community have begun to changeHow the House works in cooperation with local resources like the public library and Food at FirstThe spiritual transformation that takes place not only in guests but also in volunteers, students, and future seminarians who serve thereThe teachings of Pope Leo and Pope Francis on the preferential option for the poor, and how true Christian discipleship must include solidarity with those on the marginsThe Romero House welcomes volunteers, partners, and supporters seeking to live their faith in concrete ways, offering showers, meals, laundry, and — most importantly — human connection and hope rooted in Christ.To learn more:Search “Ames Romero House” online for contact information, details on volunteering, and opportunities to support their mission. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #DavidThielen #RomeroHouse #CatholicWorker #DorothyDay #OscarRomero #LoveOfThePoor #CatholicSocialTeaching #PreferentialOptionForThePoor #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio 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.

In this week’s episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with Jim Jansen, parish leader, speaker, and author of A Clear Path. Drawing on years of experience in parish renewal and campus ministry, Jim shares insights on how parishes can move beyond activity overload and focus on what truly forms disciples.In this conversation, they discuss:The evolving mission of the Church and the renewed call to make missionary disciplesThe impact of Jim’s work in the Archdiocese of Omaha and the leadership of Archbishop McGovernHow personal encounter with Christ led Jim into ministryThe relationship between conversion, prayer, parish culture, and missionWhy programs alone don’t form disciples—and how simplifying parish life actually produces greater fruitThe challenging but necessary process of discerning what to keep, prune, or refocus in parish ministryEncouragement for parishes of all sizes: every community can begin the journeyJim also shares resources available through his book and website, including tools to help leaders build a parish culture centered on evangelization, discipleship, and intentional mission.Learn more:ClearPathBook.com (supporting resources and ordering information) #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #JimJansen #ParishRenewal #MissionaryDisciples #CatholicEvangelization #ClearPath #ArchdioceseOfOmaha #CatholicRadio #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio 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.

In this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Major Ryan Doty (Des Moines Police Department; Vice President, Saint Vincent de Paul Council) for an in-depth, personal conversation about service — both as a law-enforcement officer and as a servant of charity in the local Church.What we coverOpening reflections from Bishop Joensen (feast of St. Albert the Great; recent bishops’ meeting and National Eucharistic Congress planning; National Catholic Youth Conference).Major Ryan Doty’s background: growing up in a law-enforcement family, early career in Fort Dodge, and his move to the Des Moines Police Department.Policing and pastoral presence: wearing the uniform in parish life, community trust, and the responsibilities of officers who “come when called.”Operational leadership: Major Doty’s role running operations, neighborhood-based service delivery, and the staffing pressures facing modern police departments.Homelessness and humane responses: how the department balances public safety with compassionate outreach; the importance and positive outcomes of the mobile crisis unit and partnerships with mental-health professionals.Saint Vincent de Paul Council: Major Doty’s 18+ years on the board; the organization’s evolution from thrift-store funding to holistic pathways out of poverty — education, financial literacy, childcare while clients pursue GED/HSE, and expanded food-pantry locations.Reentry and immersion programs: local reentry services that have become national models, Polk County kiosk, and support for returning citizens and their families.Professional development & wider service: FBI National Academy experience (networking among police executives) and work in arena security for the G League — examples of leadership and service beyond the beat.Thanksgiving and the holiday season: Saint Vincent de Paul’s role during increased need, how donations stay local, and how parishioners can help.Resources & organizations mentionedSaint Vincent de Paul Council (local food/clothing pantries, reentry programs and social services)Des Moines Police Department — mobile crisis unit and neighborhood-based service deliveryFBI National Academy (professional development for police executives)Iowa Catholic Radio Network & Spirit Catholic Radio Network — where you can hear the show #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #MajorRyanDoty #SaintVincentDePaul #FaithInAction #CatholicCharity #CommunitySafety #MentalHealth #Reentry #Homelessness #IowaCatholicRadio  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.

In this episode of Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with Kate Hopping, Campus Minister at St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs.In this conversation, they discuss:How Kate accompanies students in prayer, formation, and faith developmentThe role of campus ministry in a Catholic school settingBuilding a culture of service, leadership, and community among studentsThe importance of connecting faith with everyday student lifeUpcoming events, spiritual opportunities, and ways families can get involved in school faith lifeTune in to hear how Kate and the St. Albert Catholic Schools community are helping students grow into joyful disciples who live their faith with purpose. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #KateHopping #StAlbertCatholicSchools #CampusMinistry #CatholicEducation #FaithFormation #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio #CatholicSchools 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.

In this episode of Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Dr. Bud Marr delve into the life, thought, and enduring legacy of St. John Henry Newman, who will be officially named a Doctor of the Church on November 1st, the Solemnity of All Saints.Guest:Dr. Bud Marr – Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Mercy College of Health Sciences, Newman scholar, and former associate director of the National Institute for Newman Studies.In This Episode:Why Newman’s theology remains vital to understanding faith and conscience todayHow Newman bridged the gap between intellect and beliefReflections on the significance of being named a Doctor of the ChurchThe impact of Newman’s thought on Catholic education and formationReferenced Article: Catholic News Agency – Pope to proclaim St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the ChurchThank you to our sponsors:The Serra Club of Des Moines and the Serra Club of Council Bluffs for supporting Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen.Tune in on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network and the Spirit Catholic Radio Network for this enlightening conversation on the faith and intellect of one of the Church’s greatest modern thinkers. #StJohnHenryNewman #DoctorOfTheChurch #CatholicFaith #NewmanScholar #FaithAndReason #CatholicEducation #BishopJoensen #MakingItPersonal #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio #BudMarr #MercyCollege 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.

In this inspiring episode of Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen, Bishop Joensen welcomes Fr. Sylvester Okoh, BCC, for a thoughtful conversation about hospital chaplaincy and Catholic ministry in healthcare.Meet Our Guest: Fr. Sylvester Okoh, BCC – Catholic Priest Chaplain at UnityPoint Hospitals in Des Moines and newly appointed liaison for NACC members in Iowa.What We Discuss:The daily life of a hospital chaplain and the spiritual care they provideFr. Okoh’s new role with the National Association for Catholic ChaplainsSupporting patients, families, and healthcare staff through faithResources: Learn more about the National Association for Catholic Chaplains at https://www.nacc.org/about/Tune in on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network or the Spirit Catholic Radio Network to hear this heartfelt conversation about faith, service, and the power of presence in times of need.#CatholicFaith #HospitalChaplaincy #SpiritualCare #FrSylvesterOkoh #BishopJoensen #MakingItPersonal #IowaCatholic #NACC #CatholicMinistry #FaithInAction 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.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Together, they reflect on the beauty of living out the faith in everyday moments — from supporting their parish family to growing together in prayer and service. Their quiet witness is a powerful reminder that holiness is not reserved for the extraordinary, but is cultivated in the ordinary rhythms of marriage, community, and love of neighbor.Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill guide this thoughtful conversation on what it means to live the Catholic faith authentically — rooted in gratitude, stewardship, and personal encounter with Christ.Tune in for an uplifting and personal discussion that celebrates the heart of parish life and the vocation of lay discipleship. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio #CatholicLife #FaithInAction #CatholicCommunity #MarriageAndFaith #ParishLife #CatholicWitness #LivingTheFaith #CatholicRadio #GriswoldIA #FaithAndFamily #CatholicMarriage 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.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Learn more about his work at https://www.discernment.institute/ 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.

On this episode of Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen, Jeanne Thill welcomes Fr. Joe Pins, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines. Together, they reflect on the life and legacy of Fr. John Acrea, who recently passed away. Fr. Pins shares how Fr. Acrea’s witness deeply impacted his own priesthood and the broader vocation story within the Diocese of Des Moines. This heartfelt conversation honors the memory of a faithful priest whose ministry shaped generations of Catholics. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #FrJohnAcrea #CatholicPriesthood #Vocations #DesMoinesDiocese #CatholicFaith #CatholicRadio #LegacyOfFaith #StFrancisParish Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKS You 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 Patrizio - Man Up! with Joe Stopulos - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada - Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle - The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos   Liturgy & Devotions - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi - The Daily Mass from St. Pius X - The Daily Mass from St. Theresa - Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John Want to support your favorite show? Click Here   Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bishop Keehner shares the story of his unexpected call from the Apostolic Nuncio, his journey from Ohio to Iowa, his vocational discernment, and his heartfelt hopes for serving the people of Sioux City. He reflects on humility, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and his chosen episcopal motto: “He must increase; I must decrease.” Join us for a conversation filled with faith, gratitude, and the promise of new beginnings in this Jubilee Year of Hope. #MakingItPersonal #CatholicPodcast #BishopKeehner #SiouxCityDiocese #CatholicLeadership #NewBishop #JubileeYearOfHope #CatholicFaith #HolySpiritGuidance #CatholicChurch 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.