In this episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud podcast Speaking of Faith, Mary Parks, a trauma-informed educator, healthcare chaplain and spiritual director, shares about human formation—developing emotional skills, virtues, maturity and freedom to live in alignment with God. Mary explains how Catholic teaching on human dignity and the four pillars of formation makes human formation foundational, especially for ministers who risk harming others if they ignore their own limitations. She discusses common obstacles like fear, denial and control, and introduces her small-group program "Created, Called and Sent" an accessible, CPE-inspired cohort meeting monthly (mostly virtually) with individual sessions, verbatims and topics like trauma and non-violent communication. Join the upcoming June 17 informational webinar Webinar registration for Human Formation – Fill out form. Visit Mary's website www.thememoryofgod.org Additional information about the Human Formation Cohort: Created, Called, Sent: A reflective human formation experience for ministerial leaders: Informational Webinar – 6:30 p.m. Webinar sign-up: Webinar registration for Human Formation – Fill out form Engage in life-changing inner work alongside supportive peers in a nurturing environment. This program is designed for Catholic ministers — both lay and ordained — committed to growth through self-exploration. It runs from September 2026 through May 2027 and includes seven group meetings as well as seven individual coaching sessions. This will be a hybrid format: three meetings take place at Saint John's School of Theology, and the remaining sessions will occur online. The application can be found at Created, Called, Sent Human Formation Cohort – Fill out form.

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Dr. Daniella Zsupan-Jerome and Dr. Matthew Sherman of Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary discuss Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, released May 25, 2026. They explain what an encyclical is, why it carries high teaching authority and also outline the core message of the Magnifica Humanitas: Catholics and all people should use conscience, prayer and discernment to ensure artificial intellegence serves the common good while keeping human dignity and justice top of mind. They also discuss AI's potential to be used for harm, divide families and foster moral apathy, but emphasize hope through adopting a slower pace with relationships and the Gospel at its core. This AI-focused social encyclical was released on a Marian feast and the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum. To read Magnifcat Humanitas, visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html To read Daniella Zsupan-Jerome's reflection from Pray Tell, visit: https://praytellblog.com/index.php/2026/05/25/made-from-our-words/

In this Memorial Day episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud's "Speaking of Faith," Pat Timmerman and her son Father Craig share the life and sacrifice of Army First Lieutenant Jason Gary Timmerman, a joyful farm kid, teacher, and devoted Catholic remembered for helping others. They recount Jason's service in Iraq, his love of Psalm 91 and the shock of learning he was killed instantly by an IED while carrying a wounded soldier to a helicopter, along with two other Minnesota National Guardsmen. Pat and Father Craig describe how the Rosary, Mass, prayer, community support and grief resources sustained them, including Father Craig's experience of clinging to Christ in prayer and Pat's later sign of comfort from God in a sudden rainbow. They reflect on honoring Jason, supporting grieving families and keeping Memorial Day rooted in remembrance, prayer, and gratitude.

May as Mental Health Awareness Month frames a conversation with Father Alan Wielinski and Deb Forstner of the Pelican Valley ACC. They discuss why mental health ministry belongs in parish life, addressing stigma, normalizing conversation and integrating faith's gifts of hope and community. The team's efforts include a suicide prevention remembrance and healing Mass, faith formation presentations on bullying, weekly "mental health minutes" in bulletins and emails, a Mental Health Novena, small-group learning using St. Dymphna's Playbook, a community resources brochure and an upcoming talk by psychiatrist Dr. David Mach. They encourage education, prayer intentions and using resources such as 988, reminding listeners they are not alone and help is available.

The conversation with theologian Dr. Jessica Coblentz continues. Drawing from her book 'Dust in the Blood: A Theology of Life with Depression,' she reframes depression as a "wilderness experience," reflecting on biblical stories of displacement and God's presence in suffering. Dr. Coblentz takes a deeper look at the story of Hagar, highlighting how God often provides not dramatic rescues but "small mercies" for those living with depression. She also discusses the harm caused by stigma and simplistic religious explanations, encouraging greater understanding, accompaniment and mental health awareness. Find 'Dust in the Blood: A Theology of Life with Depression' through Liturgical Press in their Collegeville showroom or online at https://litpress.org/Products/8502/Dust-in-the-Blood?srsltid=AfmBOortONZ_8mO9SrEg1woMWaYnAwCd5yRz1VMOMKbMIslW8c7cKaGK

In this episode of Speaking of Faith from the Diocese of St. Cloud, Dr. Jessica Coblentz, a theology professor at Saint Mary's College and author of Dust in the Blood: A Theology of Life with Depression published by Liturgical Press. Dr. Coblentz's book provides framework for the conversation where she shares how a severe depressive episode in her twenties felt like a frightening identity shift, more than sadness, and how stigma and misconceptions can keep people from recognizing depression. Dr. Coblentz explains phenomenology as the careful study of lived experience, the countless stories of depression sufferers she studied and and introduces "unhomelikeness" to describe depression as feeling displaced into a foreign world. The conversation also explores findings on Christian "lay theologies" that blame sufferers or treat depression as sin, and a common Catholic view of suffering as divine instruction, noting how such messages can dishonor those who suffer from and do not survive depression. In the next episode, the conversation continues with Dr. Coblentz exploring depression as a wilderness experience and how the story of Hagar, a woman from the Old Testament, provides new perspective into living a life with depression. Find Dust in the Blood: A Theology of Life with Depression, a book by Dr. Jessica Coblentz, at Liturgical Press.

In this episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud's "Speaking of Faith," host Amber talks with Benedictine Sister Laura Suhr, director of Girls, God and Good Times (3G) Camp, and parent Stephanie Nix about the Catholic Benedictine summer camp for girls in its 20th year on the College of St. Benedict campus in St. Joseph. They discuss what sets 3G, a camp for girls exiting 4th through 11th grade, apart—meeting the sisters, staying in dorms, CSB student and camp alum counselors, Benedictine values and a theme of moderation—alongside classic camp fun like swimming, canoeing, bonfires, ice cream, s'mores and dance parties. Sister Laura outlines daily routines including meals at Gorecki, Lectio Divina, small-group check-ins, and other camp activities and addresses camp amenities, how counselors address homesickness for new campers and how parents can find more information on the camp website, including financial aid and registration information. To find out more about 3G Camp, visit https://sbm.osb.org/ministry/3g-camp/

Liturgical Press celebrates 100 years of publishing! Therese Ratliff, director, Tara Durheim, marketing director, and Margaret Nuzzolese Conway, development manager, reflect on the press's Benedictine roots, Father Virgil Michel's role in the Liturgical Movement leading to Vatican II and how the mission has consistently centered stewardship, community and welcoming diverse voices, including women. The conversation highlights centennial initiatives: an eight-episode video series, an October 24 celebration tied to the Abbey Church dedication anniversary and the launch of a development office. Looking ahead to the next 100 years, they discuss Catholic publishing as "mission territory," with their plans to develop a prayer app, expand their outreach and strengthen their efforts to grow Spanish-language resources. Sites referenced in the show: Liturgical Press's 100th Anniversary Page: https://litpress.org/100 Acess their 100th Anniversary Video Series: https://litpress.org/100#videos Also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLimaJOODCpfi-r1oapb9lcpcMKycyraJL Plan a visit to the Liturgical Press showroom: https://litpress.org/Customer-Service/contact-us

This episode includes a conversation about synodality with Dr. Kristin Colberg professor of theology at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University and the only Vatican-appointed U.S. member of the Theological Commission supporting the Synod on Synodality. Dr. Colberg explains synodality as the ancient practice of "walking the path together" through prayerful listening and communal discernment. She also shares how the process was rooted in Vatican I and Vatican II and explored how co-responsibility can be made more practical through church structures. She shares global insights from synod reports—desires for a more welcoming, pastoral church, vibrant liturgy and preaching, renewed leadership styles and fuller recognition of women's and lay gifts—while noting Pope Leo's support and emphasis on structural formation. Dr. Colberg also discusses the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly which will dig deeper into the work of the Synod at the local level. All are invited to attend the 18th Annual Father Wil Illies Heart Speaks to Heart Memorial Lecture on April 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Christ Church Newman Center Terrace (396 1st Ave S., St. Cloud) where featuring Dr. Colberg and her lecture Synodality: Rooted in Vatican II Witnessed in the Ministries of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.

What does it mean to be a pilgrim today? In this episode, theologian and comparative theologian, Dr. Chris Conway explores pilgrimage as a spiritual practice that stretches across religions, cultures, and even secular life. Drawing on Hindu devotional traditions, Pope Francis' Jubilee theme "Pilgrims of Hope," and personal experiences from India to the U.S.–Mexico border, Conway reflects on journey, encounter, and transformation. The conversation invites listeners to imagine pilgrimage not only as travel to sacred places, but as a daily way of living rooted in intention, mercy, and hope. Chris Conway is the Director of Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning and an associate professor in the Department of Theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University and The Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary. He completed his doctoral studies at Boston College in comparative theology, and his areas of research include spiritual practices and devotional traditions in Christianity and Hinduism. For information about Chris' upcoming Theology Day presentation, visit: https://www.csbsju.edu/sot/special-programs-and-events/theology-day/

In this episode Julene Jarnot, founder and executive director of the Catholic Garden Network, talks about how gardens in Catholic settings connect faith, prayer and practical service. She also discusses gardening as a lived way to care for creation and a connection to the Works of Mercy. Julene offers advice to start small with clear goals and emphasizes that many gifts—not just gardening expertise—are needed. Julene shares her Minnesota upbringing where, gardening and Catholic life were intertwined, her nonprofit work and how coordinating her parish garden led to creating a national network that connects, celebrates and supports Catholic gardens in parishes, schools, universities, retreat centers and cemeteries.