United in Mission: One Heart and Mind
The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw launched the United in Mission: One Heart and Mind podcast in October of 2024, led by Communications Director John Gonzalez and Media Manager Tim Spear. The show highlights inspiring stories and initiatives, embodying the diocese’s call to be “A Diocese on Mission.” The spirit of the podcast is inspired Bishop Robert Gruss, who says "we must live with an unshakeable confidence in the Lordship of Jesus. He has a plan – a great plan – for us. ...We must become a Church on mission! We cannot continue to do what we have always done. We must become a Church with the same apostolic zeal, and of 'one heart and mind' as the disciples of the first century!"
If you have ideas for shows or guests, please reach out to John Gonzalez at jgonzalez@diosag.org. For videos of episodes go to saginaw.org/Podcasts. Learn about being "A Diocese on Mission" at saginaw.org/diocese-mission.
Episodes
20 episodes
Father John Riccardo discusses Rescue Michigan
In this episode, host John Gonzalez and Father John Ricardo discuss the upcoming Rescue Michigan event, focusing on the Diocese's mission and community involvement. The conversation highlights the cultural role of sports in Detroit and the risk...
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28:55
Rita Maher, of the Saginaw Diocesan Council of Catholic Women on empowering women and community
Rita Maher, president of the Saginaw Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, shares the council's mission to empower women and support community initiatives in this episode of the United in Mission: One Heart and Mind Podcast. Click above the...
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21:48
Taylor Piotrzkowski discusses prayer, having a personal relationship with God and the upcoming young adult retreat on prayer
Taylor Piotrzkowski discusses prayer, having a personal relationship with God and the upcoming young adult retreat on prayer in this episode of the United in Mission: One Heart and Mind Podcast.Taylor Piotrzkowski serves as coordinator o...
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25:38
Dr. Marcus Peter discusses masculinity, fatherhood and his conversion from atheism to Catholicism
Dr. Marcus joined Ave Maria Radio as a radio and tv host in 2022 and as Director of Marketing in 2023. He now functions as the Director of Theology for Ave Maria Radio and oversees all theological considerations for the work and content produce...
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23:24
Embracing Manliness: Insights from a Surfer's Journey
In this episode, surfer, author and evangelist Bear Woznick shares insights from his podcast and book while preparing for the Jubilee Men's Conference.The conference focuses on themes of manliness, with discussions on work, responsibilit...
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22:51
Empowering Communities: The CRS Rice Bowl 2025 Initiative
This episode highlights the CRS Rice Bowl 2025 initiative and its 50-year history of supporting local communities and feeding the hungry. The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw focuses on forming disciples and reaching out to those in need. Donations ...
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11:41
Empowering Faith: Men's Conference Announcement
This episode highlights an upcoming Men's Conference on April 5th. Carl White discussing the men's conference's history since 2006 and shares details about the event, including speakers and themes, and stressing the importance of men's groups i...
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14:01
Exploring the Seminary Experience in Rome with Charles Warner
Charles Warner, seminarian for the Diocese of Saginaw, shares his experiences at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, discussing its significance and beauty. He reflects on his personal faith journey and the call to priesthood.
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23:45
Celebrating 25 Years of Little Books: A Journey of Faith
In this episode we share Bishop Gruss' homily from the Mass marking the 25th anniversary of Little Books, reflecting on the covenant with Noah and the identity of Jesus. The discussion highlights the challenges of Christian life, including suff...
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12:10
Fr. Marcel Portelli on the Eucharist, evangelization and more
In this episode host John Gonzalez talks with Father Portelli about his background and his upcoming presentations on the Mass. They highlight the importance of understanding the Eucharist and men's involvement in faith practices. Father Portell...
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25:16
Embracing the Pilgrimage of Hope
In this episode Rev. Andrew S. LaFramboise shares a powerful message for the Knights of Columbus, focusing on their upcoming winter diocese meetings and the theme of being a pilgrim of hope in this Jubilee Year.He encourages personal pil...
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13:13
Bishop Gruss on Nurturing good soil in our hearts and the importance of prayer and the sacraments- Catholic Schools Week homily
Bishop Gruss' homily from his Catholic Schools Week Mass at All Saints Parish in Bay City as he shares insights on faith, community, and personal growth through parables, using the giant Sequoia tree as a metaphor. He highlights the significanc...
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19:05
Catholic Schools Week
What's the latest with our Catholic Schools and Catholic Schools Week? Listen as John Gonzalez and Dr. Cormac Lynn along with guests, Fr. Andy Booms, Laura Wilkowski and Clark Switalski discuss the vital partnership between schools and families...
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31:26
New Little Book on the Eucharist
Stacey Trapani, executive director of Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw, shares about the New Little Book on the Eucharist, prayer and a bit about the origins of Little Books.
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18:25
Mission trip to Africa- Love for Lukulu (United in Mission: One Heart and Mind Podcast)
On this episode of United in Mission: One Heart and Mind Podcast our guests discuss a upcoming mission trip to Africa. The host and guests share experiences of living conditions and cultural insights that reflect the universal nature of the Cat...
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26:57
Derek: A Journey of Faith, Hope and Love- Part 2! Derek Pfaff and his family discuss their journey
John Gonzalez and Erin Carlson discuss Derek Pfaff's face transplant journey with the Pfaff family.They share their experience following Derek's incident and the challenges that ensued, including the miracles experienced and the s...
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30:31
Vocations and the goal to have 20 seminarians by 2030 with Fr. Andy LaFramboise
John Gonzalez and Fr. Andy discuss the goal to have 20 seminarians by 2030, up from the current four. They discuss the vocation campaign, which received 125 submissions from a diverse group of parishioners. The importance of fostering a culture...
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13:13
Derek: A Journey of Faith, Hope and Love"- Part 1. Erin Carlson is interviewed by John Gonzalez
John Gonzalez discusses Derek Pfaff's face transplant journey with guest Erin Looby Carlson. Erin shares the emotional challenges during Derek's recovery, highlighting the family's faith and community support.
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12:36
Empowering Catholics for Everyday Evangelization
The second episode features Adam Janke, COO of St. Paul Street Evangelization, discussing how to equip Catholics for evangelization in daily life. Personal stories are highlighted as effective tools for sharing faith. Adam shares his journey ba...
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23:40
Empowering Discipleship and Evangelization in the Diocese of Saginaw
In this episode, John Gonzalez is joined by guest host Kellie Deming and special guest Julianne Stanz to delve into an upcoming event, Go! Make Disciples, with keynote speaker Julianne Stanz centered around discipleship and evan...
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21:39