This episode of Speaking of Faith features a conversation with Sarah Kroger, an award-nominated musician and newly published children's author. Sarah discusses her journey of discovering self-love and identity and how it inspired her to write her song 'Belovedness.' From that, she authored a devotional and her recently released children's book, 'My Beloved Child.' Sarah hopes that through her book, children will "grow up with this knowledge that they are loved beyond a shadow of a doubt, beyond their comprehension by the Father" Sarah also shares about her Advent hymns project, her tour during the Advent season, and the importance of living out one's faith. The episode encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and community, and to find moments of stillness and connection with God amidst the busyness of life.

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Elizabeth Brown, the director of the Mission Office and the Society for the Propagation of Faith, shares about her background in ministry and the multifaceted work of the Mission Office. She also shares the principles of Fair Trade, detailing how it supports marginalized farmers and artisans by ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. Lastly, Elizabeth highlights the Mission Office's holiday sale during the month of December and invites community involvement through donations, Fair Trade product purchases and educational outreach. Visit the Mission Office at 11 8th Ave S in Saint Cloud.

Sister Pat Forster and Patty Keeling, who are deeply involved in immigrant advocacy, share insights into the Church's teachings on welcoming immigrants and discuss the rights of immigrants to work, equality and support. Both Sister Pat and Patty reflect on their personal faith and how their work with immigrants has deepened their understanding of love, compassion, and universal dignity. The conversation touches on practical ways to support immigrants, such as knowing rights, engaging with local sheriffs, writing to legislators, and attending training sessions. Referenced resources: Minnesota Catholic Conference Franciscan Action Network Upcoming prayer service: Prayer Vigil for the Just Treatment of Immigrants Thursday, November 13th at 5:30 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church 106 7th Ave N Waite Park, MN

In this episode, John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-directors of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology delve into their decades-long work on integrating religious and ecological studies to address environmental crises. They discuss the impact of Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si', which fuses social justice with environmental concerns, and explore the significance of ecological conversion. The episode also highlights their website 'Living Earth Community,' aimed at fostering a dialogue on biodiversity, the rights of nature, and sustainable living, emphasizing respect, reverence, and responsibility.

Kristin Molitor has ministry background in both diocesan and parish settings and has heart for discipleship and spiritual formation. In this episode, she discusses the essence of accompaniment in Christian faith. The conversation draws parallels between Jesus' discipleship and modern accompaniment and stresses that faith thrives on shared experiences and relational bonds. Practical steps for fostering these connections within church communities and personal lives are explored.

In this episode, we welcome Fr. Juan Molina, president and CEO and Lizett Farias, senior director of programs at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC). Both discusses the diverse formation programs offered by MACC and highlight their mission to equip individuals for ministry through certificate and degree programs, partnerships with other educational bodies, and a strong emphasis on intercultural competence and lifelong learning. Also discussed: MACC's historical role in serving the Hispanic community, fostering transformative ministry leaders, the importance of integral formation, and their collaboration with Saint John's School of Theology.

Benedictine sister Nina Lasceski returns to share thoughts the Benedictine value of hospitality. Reflection includes ways Area Catholic Communities can be especially hospitable when welcoming visitors and new members during the diocesan planning process — All Things New.

Visiting from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Shawn McKnight, author of Understanding the Diaconate: Historical, Theological, and Sociological Foundations, published by The Catholic University of America Press, shares his connection to Central Minnesota and his expertise of the permanent diaconate with host Amber Walling.

Tami and Randy Kruzel's daughter BriAnna died unexpectedly by unknown causes in 2013 and Scott and Reyne Roeder's son Jackson died by suicide in 2018. Tami Kruzel and Scott Roeder took their grief and turned it into advocacy when they began Bri's Lodge and the Jackson Roeder Legacy fund, respectively. Each bereaved parent shares their grief journey and their hopes to help others with their work.

Mary Jo Legare-Hoffmann, faith community nurse at St. Augustine's church in St. Cloud, and Bethany Tollefson, parish health ministries coordinator and a nurse in behavioral health discuss how grief looks and feels different for everyone and provide resources for those needing mental health support. For the Diocesan Mental Health Committee website click the link below: https://stcdio.org/mental-health-ministry/

Benedictine Sister, Nina Lasceski, reflects upon how St. Benedict encourages Christian stewardship through his Rule without using the word stewardship in the document. Discussion also includes stewardship in the context of the All Things New diocesan planning process.