Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast

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.

In this podcast, host Amber interviews Jim Ennis, executive director of Catholic Rural Life, about rural Catholic communities — their value, existing challenges and his hope for the future. Challengs he shares include priest shortages, limited formation resources, isolation and elevated suicide rates among farmers. He discusses the importance for stronger lay leadership, ecumenical collaboration and viewing agriculture and stewardship of creation through a Catholic lens. Jim shares ways Catholic Rural Life provides support through small-group formation programs, rural clergy retreats and local leadership training to help revitalize parishes and communities. Connect with Catholic Rural Life on their website CatholicRuralLife.org or find them on Facebook or Instagram.

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, host Amber interviews Kateri Mancini, director of the Office of Social Concerns, and Lexi Torres, a social concerns intern and M.Div. student, about their experience at "Day on the Hill" in St. Paul with the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC). They share how the day began with multi-faith prayer and advocacy education and moved into meetings with legislators. The conversation emphasizes that representatives are approachable neighbors and that small actions of advocacy matter. Key issues included strengthening food security, safeguarding affordable housing and homelessness supports, opposing gambling expansion and improving dignity for foster youth by replacing trash bags with proper luggage. For more information, visit the JRLC website or the Social Concerns Office section of the diocesan website.

In this episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud podcast Speaking of Faith, Tom Delaney, a secular Franciscan, educational psychologist, and mental and behavioral health advocate explains forgiveness as both a gift and a process that integrates wrongdoing into one's life story. He shares how forgivness can offer health benefits and allows us to participate in salvation. Using Jesus and Peter as an example, he describes restoring relationships without excusing injustice, distinguishes decisional from deeper emotional forgiveness and suggests formalizing forgiveness in writing. He also emphasizes how the home is a "school of forgiveness" and how the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist can help along the way.

In this episode of "Speaking of Faith," Father William Orbih, rector of the seminary at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, previews his upcoming Theology Day presentation titled "Christian Hope: Ark, Anchor and Action." He shares why he considers hope the often forgotten theological virtue, why Christian hope is a person — Jesus Christ — and not a feeling and how listeners can let Christian Hope shape their lives. For more information about Theology Day, visit: https://www.csbsju.edu/sot/special-programs-and-events/theology-day/

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Amber interviews Craig Gould, the program director at the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Gould shares personal anecdotes of his connection to Minnesota and his humor-filled family life. The conversation covers his upcoming keynote speech at the men's conference in St. Cloud, focusing on the themes of 'His Power, Our Weakness' and the call for laymen to embrace their secular priesthood roles. The discussion highlights the importance of vulnerability, the need for communal support among men and the significance of living out one's faith in everyday life. Emphasizing the role of laymen in today's world, they delve into how embracing weakness can lead to spiritual growth and stronger community bonds. For more information about Gould's keynote or about the upcoming men's conference, visit: https://stcdio.org/event/catholic-mens-conference-2026/

This episode of 'Speaking of Faith' features Shawn Colberg, the dean of St. John's School of Theology and Seminary, who shares about the $10 million Stabilitas grant the school received from the Lilly Foundation. The grant work will focus on renewal in rural ministry and which will include collaboration with nine dioceses across Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming and Montana. Colberg explains how the grant will empower local dioceses through formation opportunities and the creation of endowments to ensure sustained financial support for ongoing formation.

In this episode of 'Speaking of Faith,' Colin Prom, a diocesan seminarian, and Father Doug Leibsch, the vocations director for the Diocese of St. Cloud, discuss Totus Tuus. Totus Tuus, meaning 'totally yours' in English, is a summer program organized by the diocesan vocations office and hosted by local Area Catholic Communities aimed to help young people (grades 1 – 12) grow in their understanding of the faith and their love for Jesus and His Church. Colin shares his experiences as a Totus Tuus missionary and intern and both share of Totus Tuus's impact on participants and the college-aged missionaries who lead the week-long program. For more information about Totus Tuus, visit: https://stcdio.org/vocations/totus-tuus/ For the summer Totus Tuus schedule visit: https://stcdio.org/vocations/totus-tuus/parish/

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, host Amber talks with Melanie Solland, Philip Shefveland and Father Derek Wiechmann about their experience at the SEEK Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The discussion highlights the growth, spiritual rejuvenation and the universal Church connection experienced by young Catholics at the event. They share their preparation, the structure of the conference, and impactful sessions. SEEK, hosted in three sites across the United States, attracted nearly 30,000 attendees. For more information visit https://seek.focus.org/ To access content from SEEK 2026, visit: https://seekreplay.com For more information about Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud visit: https://www.scsucatholic.org

In this podcast episode, Father Erik Lundgren and Matt Birk, a former NFL Center and Super Bowl Champion discuss faith paths and personal growth. Birk shares his journey of growing up in a devout Catholic family, through his football career and how he regained a deeper connection with his Catholic faith. While sharing the challenges he's faced in his faith, Birk emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship and personal witness in fostering a robust faith life. Both Brik and Father Erik highlight how each of us can create human connections to help those returning to faith.

In this episode of 'Speaking of Faith,' Father John Klassen, a Benedictine priest and director of Abbey Development at St. John's Abbey, discusses the concept of Christian unity. Father Klassen delves into the historical context of Christian unity, emphasizing the significance of the Second Vatican Council and its progressive stance towards ecumenism. Throughout the discussion, Father Klassen highlights the importance of listening and humility in ecumenical dialogues. The episode also explores practical steps for fostering Christian unity, such as participating in services of other denominations and understanding the shared roots and theological differences among various Christian traditions.

In the second episode with Father Erik Lundgren and Kelli Kleinschnitz, the two share results of the Path survey, which was aimed to understand why some Catholics have fallen away from the church. Discussion included how respondents felt disconnected from their parish, disagreed with church teachings, or had busy schedules. Additionally, the value of community and authenticity in their current faith communities was explored. Father Erik and Kelli highlighted the importance of authentic faith experiences and the need for better parish staffing and volunteer for potential future outreach initiatives. The episode also underscores the significance of creating an inclusive and welcoming church environment, particularly in the wake of restructuring efforts through 'All Things New.' To learn more about their upcoming event with Matt Birk, visit: https://holysaintsmn.org/matt-birk-your-path-survey-event/ To take the Path survey, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMRfn8_SpWXeFhpwWbmOB_EBNt2got3D4IJtSkxB0Fs_edRQ/viewform

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, host Amber Walling welcomes Kelly Kleinschnitz, Director of Faith Formation, and Father Erik Lundgren, Pastor of three parishes within the Holy Saints ACC. Together, they discuss innovative efforts to reconnect with lapsed Catholics, offer a deeper look into their approach which included the use of technology to gather rapid feedback through a survey called Path. Responses for the survey were designed to better understand the faith journeys of former churchgoers and to create opportunities for dialogue, healing and a possible return to the church community. The conversation also explores re-engagement strategies, including an upcoming special event featuring Matt Birk, former Minnesota Viking and Super Bowl champion, who will share his story of rediscovering purpose, faith, and his calling in today's world. For more information about the Matt Birk event: https://holysaintsmn.org/matt-birk-your-path-survey-event/ To participate in the 'Path' survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMRfn8_SpWXeFhpwWbmOB_EBNt2got3D4IJtSkxB0Fs_edRQ/viewform

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.