Detroit Stories

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, two cloistered nuns pull back the curtain on their life of prayer, silence and peace(0:01) Mother Mary Therese of the Holy Spirit, prioress of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Monastery of St. Therese in Clinton Township, recalls her first memories of cloistered life as a 7-year-old visiting a family friend who was a Carmelite nun, and how an early whimsical experience shaped what would become a lifelong vocation.(4:34) Mother Mary Therese talks about her certainty, as a young girl, that she wanted to be a “Carmelite” — not necessarily a nun — and how her understanding of the vocation grew as she did. After high school, she joined the cloistered order and found her “forever home”: a 12-acre, picturesque monastery she now calls “heaven on earth.”(8:06) Mother Mary Therese describes the rhythm of life and patterns of prayer, work, rest and recreation inside the cloistered monastery. She talks about the challenges the nuns face in supporting themselves, and how they seek to keep their primary task — intercessory prayer — at the forefront of their minds.(13:05) We meet another cloistered nun, Sr. Dominic Maria of St. Michael, the 37-year-old vocations director for the Cloistered Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills, the largest cloistered community in the Archdiocese of Detroit. As a rare younger vocation, Sr. Dominic discusses her path to cloistered life and how some people “are astonished” at the sight of a young cloistered nun.(15:04) Sr. Dominic and Mother Mary Therese each discuss the misconceptions surrounding modern cloistered life — namely, that it is a drab, isolated life devoid of vibrancy and fun. Both nuns insist nothing could be further from the truth.(18:46) While silence is essential to the nuns’ prayer — and something the modern, technology-soaked world sorely lacks — Mother Mary Therese says cloistered life is also an active one filled with work, laughter, joy, reading, hobbies, games and celebration.(24:21) Mother Mary Therese and Sr. Dominic talk about why prayer is so central to the nuns’ vocation, and how cloistered life is a special response to God’s invitation to be close to Him in all things, as radical as it is countercultural. And both say they couldn’t imagine life any other way.Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornLourdes Senior Community, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and established on the timeless principles of the Gospel of Jesus, encompasses 35 acres of serene lakefront property, offering a broad continuum of care for seniors and their families. Their dedicated team, inspired by the spirit of compassion and service, honors the uniqueness of each individual with unwavering respect and dignity. Whether you're seeking worry-free independent apartments, assisted living, memory care, or rehabilitation services, Lourdes is here to help you write your next chapter. Call (248) 886-5600 and schedule your tour today.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Young adult ministry isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; how Detroit parishes, ministries find success with elusive demographic(0:03) Czeena Kate, co-founder of the Catholic dating ministry Hot and Holy Hearts on Fire for Christ, talks about how the idea for the speed-dating ministry began in response to some of the “perils” of the dating scene for young adult Catholics.(1:52) The narrator discusses the topic of the episode — young adult ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit, particularity in the city itself — and how ministries for this group have been woefully overlooked in past decades.(4:17) Beth Allison, director of parish mission and operations for St. Aloysius Parish in the heart of downtown Detroit, talks about how the parish has seen a demographic shift since young professionals began moving into the city within the past 10 years.(12:03) Not every parish, like St. Aloysius, is full of young adults in a transient stage in their life. At many parishes, young adults seem to get lost in a mix of ministries catering to people of all ages and states, including the elderly, established families and children’s ministries. Patrick Howard, young adult ministry coordinator for the Archdiocese of Detroit, explains the challenges.(16:09) Howard talks about how young adults seek connection with others, which means parishes and ministries must establish robust means of communication, from social media to websites where young adults can quickly and easily find information.(17:19) Howard reflects on the misperception that to attract young adults, parishes must mimic the culture and provide trendier liturgies and activities. Instead, he says, young adults seek the timeless truths of the Catholic faith and respond to solid catechesis and opportunities to engage in the sacraments.(20:57) Studies show young adults in today’s generation are experiencing record levels of loneliness, and Howard says this is where the Church has a golden opportunity to evangelize. He suggests parishes and dioceses feel hopeful about the future and seize the chance to provide a sense of belonging for this critical generation.Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornLourdes Senior Community, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and established on the timeless principles of the Gospel of Jesus, encompasses 35 acres of serene lakefront property, offering a broad continuum of care for seniors and their families.  Their dedicated team, inspired by the spirit of compassion and service, honors the uniqueness of each individual with unwavering respect and dignity. Whether you're seeking worry-free independent apartments, assisted living, memory care, or rehabilitation services, Lourdes is here to help you write your next chapter. Call (248) 886-5600 and schedule your tour today.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Parishioners, seminarians and friends recall impact of Detroit pastor, longtime spiritual director who left mark on generations(0:02) Rose Marshall, a lifelong parishioner and social media coordinator at St. Augustine and St. Monica Parish in Detroit, recalls a drive-through the parish organized during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to lift the spirits of the parish’s pastor, Msgr. Daniel Trapp. Marshall and fellow parishioner Brian McCullough Jr. talk about what the parish meant to Msgr. Trapp — who died in January — and what he meant to them. (3:01) Other parishioners and friends, including Nick Waller and Karl Finkbeiner, a seminarian who was mentored by Msgr. Trapp, talk about the priest’s ubiquitous presence in the east-side Detroit neighborhood, and his welcoming nature to all whom he encountered.(6:21) Genevieve Kocourek, evangelization coordinator at the parish, and McCullough talk about Msgr. Trapp’s quiet, persistent approach to evangelization. McCullough, a Baptist convert to Catholicism, talks about how Msgr. Trapp influenced his own conversion.(10:20) Friends and parishioners recall how Msgr. Trapp looked out for the less fortunate in his neighborhood, including a warming shelter at the parish during the colder months. Kocourek talks about his solidarity with the city’s African-American community and his response to national tragedies impacting the Black community, including the deaths of George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.(16:36) Marshall relays how Msgr. Trapp became a father figure to her, counseling her as a young person and grieving with her when her grandmother passed away. Waller and McCullough remember Msgr. Trapp’s counsel when he was experiencing a difficult time in life.(23:46) Finkbeiner recalls Msgr. Trapp’s care and concern for him as a seminarian during spiritual direction. Danielle Center talks about how Msgr. Trapp’s encouragement helped her start a new ministry during a pivotal time.(27:07) Kocourek talks about Msgr. Trapp’s care and concern for parishioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. (29:40) The interviewees each remember Msgr. Trapp’s workmanlike attitude toward the priesthood. Without overdoing it, he had a knack for leading by example and showing Christ-like care and concern for each person he encountered. (33:12) The interview subjects react to Msgr. Trapp’s passing and reflect on how he’ll be remembered for generations.Reporting and script by Casey McCorry; narration by Leah Butalid; production by Ron PangbornThis episode of Detroit Stories is proudly sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan – the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Engage in the practice of the corporal works of mercy within your community! To begin your journey of involvement and compassion, visit CCSEM.org today and select “Get Involved.”Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Student-athletes, coaches and ADs offer advice for navigating a complex process amidst a changing landscape for recruits(0:02) Sonny Wilson, a freshman on the University of Toledo’s basketball team, reflects on his recruitment in high school as a standout on the University of Detroit Jesuit High School’s squad. He offers advice for other young players going through the process.(3:51) The narrator talks about some of the ways in which high school and college sports recruiting has changed, including video highlight reels, transfer portals and NIL (“name, image and likeness”) deals before introducing several interviewees.(5:55) Dan Rohn, football coach and athletic director at De La Salle High School in Warren, laments the decline in multi-sport athletes at the high school level, which he believes can be attributed to increased pressure placed on athletes who have hopes of playing at the next level. Vic Michaels, director of the Catholic High School League, offers his thoughts on the subject.(9:19) Mike Watson, athletic director at Marian High School, talks about the impact of video — especially social media — on recruiting. Ava Brizard, a Marian graduate and standout volleyball player for North Carolina State University, talks about how video gave her increased opportunities to stand out.(14:30) Interviewees discuss the timing of the recruiting process, which begins as early as seventh grade for some athletes. In addition to those above, we hear from Brady Drogash, a De La Salle graduate and quarterback on the University of Cincinnati’s football team; Xavier Thomas, a Brother Rice graduate and University of Toledo basketball player; and Dalton Drogash, a junior on De La Salle’s football squad.(20:23) Athletes and coaches discuss preparing for the recruiting process, negotiations with interested schools, and how high school coaches and athletic directors can help students and their families navigate the process.(24:35) Interviewees discuss tips for finding and deciding on the right school, and the factors athletes and their families should consider in making their decisions.(30:00) Rohn, Watson and Michaels discuss the impact of NIL deals on the recruiting landscape. (32:49) Athletes offer their advice for other students going through the recruiting process, including pitfalls to watch out for, who to turn to for advice, and how to make the best impression possible.Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThis episode of Detroit Stories is proudly sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan – the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Engage in the practice of the corporal works of mercy within your community! To begin your journey of involvement and compassion, visit CCSEM.org today and select 'Get Involved'!Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Thinking about the priesthood and nervous about the next steps? Three priests dispel myths about what it's really like in seminary(0:05) Fr. Jeremy Schupbach, 27, a newly ordained priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit serving at the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, talks about the moment he first heard the call to the priesthood from an early age. The narrator introduces the topic of the episode.(3:35) Fr. Schupbach talks about his first experience of life as a seminarian — a very human moment in which he found himself three hours late for orientation.(8:30) Fr. Schupbach talks about some of the misconceptions he had about seminary life, and how they were quickly dispelled when he moved into the dormitories of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.(10:45) Fr. Clint McDonnell, director of undergraduate seminarians at Sacred Heart, and Fr. Craig Giera, director of priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, dispel the myth that seminary life is boring and monastic. Fr. Schupbach emphasizes the fun elements of life in communion with other seminarians, including Sacred Heart’s best-kept secret: a bar called O’Berg’s.(16:09) Fr. Schupbach addresses the sacrifices priests make when they’re ordained — particularly the sacrifice of marriage and children. He talks about how the seminary encourages seminarians to pray about and wrestle with these sacrifices, and how the life of priesthood is a gift unto itself.(19:12) Fr. Giera and Fr. McDonnell talk about the process of discernment that happens inside the seminary walls. Both priests emphasize that the seminary isn’t a place where men go only once they’re 100% sure they want to become priests, but a place to ask questions and receive answers. And sometimes the answer is that God isn’t calling a man.(25:12) All three men talk about how much they love the priesthood, and how seminary life prepared them to fulfill the calling they felt from God. They offer advice for listeners — particularly young men who think they might also be called to the seminary.Reporting and narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThe love of family is forever. A lasting gift of love is preplanning your final resting place. Preplanning your burial site brings comfort to those you love. It ensures that your wishes are met and that no financial burden or unnecessary stress remains for those you leave behind. Give yourself and those you love the gift of peace of mind. Speak with a family service advisor at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services today! Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

How a ragtag band of volunteers launched a global disaster relief organization after Haiti's devastating earthquake in 2010(0:04) Kelly Anne Ruda, a retired travel agent and teacher, unexpectedly becomes a valuable member of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit assisting disaster-affected communities. Despite lacking typical disaster-relief skills, Kelly embraces the challenging work of hauling debris and using a chainsaw during her deployments, finding fulfillment in contributing to Team Rubicon's mission.(4:37) Initially started by military veterans in response to the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti, Team Rubicon grew from a small group led by Bro. Jim Boynton, SJ, to a global organization that includes diverse volunteers and provides disaster relief around the world. (9:33) Bro. Jim describes leading volunteers and medical professionals treating victims during the first hours and days after the earthquake, bandaging wounds and responding to overwhelming needs. (13:43) Seeing and treating so much pain, Bro. Jim talks about the need for volunteers to decompress and find fraternity among themselves. He describes his appreciation for the military veterans who lent their skills to the effort.(17:25) After the earthquake, word about the group’s efforts spread. Bro. Jim talks about where the name “Team Rubicon” came from, and how in the years after the earthquake, the effort to respond to natural disasters around the world quickly expanded.(24:33) Gary Gamble, a 62-year-old Marine Corps veteran, talks about his experiences since joining Team Rubicon after the flooding in the city of Detroit in 2021. (29:09) Kelly talks about the unity felt among members of Team Rubicon, whose grey shirts serve as a visible sign of their fraternity and common mission. Although the work is exhausting, she says, it’s an unmistakably rewarding experience to help those who’ve suffered regain their lives. She talks about what makes it all worth it.Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThe love of family is forever. A lasting gift of love is preplanning your final resting place. Preplanning your burial site brings comfort to those you love. It ensures that your wishes are met and that no financial burden or unnecessary stress remains for those you leave behind. Give yourself and those you love the gift of peace of mind. Speak with a family service advisor at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services today! Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

How a youth minister with an unyielding generosity and love for God continues to make an impact five years after her death(0:05) The narrator introduces the listening audience to Katarina Goitz, a bright, compassionate youth minister with a big heart for God, service to others and an unyielding desire to do the Lord’s will. Katarina’s life was tragically cut short on June 24, 2019, when she was killed in a car accident. (3:12) Dr. Henry Goitz and Dr. Lorraine Armstrong, Katarina’s parents, reflect on their daughter’s infectious generosity and compassion. They give examples of Katarina’s selfless nature, including giving the shoes off her feet to a person in need.(5:55) A recording is played from a podcast in which Katarina was interviewed in 2017, speaking about her desire to make an impact as a youth minister. (8:53) Katarina’s parents describe her personality as a young child, and how from an early age she was always thinking of others. They talk about a gesture she made during her first Communion, asking guests to donate to charity instead of for her own benefit.(12:09) Katarina’s career discernment took many twists and turns. Her parents describe her desire for pastoral work, and how during college she volunteered doing service work in poor areas around the United States. She eventually enrolled in ECHO, a graduate program through the University of Notre Dame, and took a job as a youth minister in Galveston, Texas.(17:19) Katarina’s parents describe how even in the days leading up to her passing, Katarina continued to make a difference in the lives of others, in both deed and in prayer. To keep Katarina’s memory and legacy alive, Henry and Lorraine formed the Katarina Goitz Foundation, providing grassroots support and funding for youth ministers to provide opportunities for more young people. (23:58) Sergio Cortes, a friend of Katarina’s and a fellow ECHO graduate, speaks about how his youth group benefitted from the foundation. (27:17) Henry and Lorraine talk about Katarina’s enduring legacy, and how her example of faith helped them navigate the years following her death — including allowing them the grace and strength to forgive the man who was responsible. They read a letter one of Katarina’s youth group participants wrote about the difference she made in her life.Reporting and script by Gabriella Patti; narration and production by Ron PangbornThinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit Cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Local Catholics are taking Pope Francis' climate concerns to heart, becoming a force for ecological change in their communities(0:02) Jane Linehan, director of religious studies and philosophy at Madonna University in Livonia, talks about the Franciscan values of sustainability and how the Franciscan university lives out those values, guided by Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum and its predecessor, Laudato Si’.(3:56) Danielle Conroyd, director of sustainable campus planning for the Monroe-based Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, talks about the IHM Sisters’ history in Monroe and how, when needs began to change in 2009, the sisters made the decision to transform their 376,000-square-foot motherhouse in an ecologically friendly way.(10:05) Conroyd discusses the groundbreaking choice to collect graywater on the sisters’ campus, recycling water from sinks and showers and reducing freshwater consumption on campus by nearly 50%.(12:50) Jane Hammang-Buhl, a member of the “Green Team” at Gesu Parish on Detroit’s northwest side, talks about how Laudato Si’ inspired the parish to take action in 2016. She discusses various project the parish undertook to limit its environmental impact, including the installation of gardens and collecting rainwater to reduce runoff.(17:40) Hammang-Buhl discusses Gesu’s solar panels, installed on the roof of the school, which produce enough energy to cover 26% of Gesu’s energy needs during the school year and 54% over the summer, as well as other sustainability practices the school implemented.(20:09) Gesu Parish is currently pursuing a relationship with a parish in Puerto Rico that is seeking to support and shelter Haitian immigrants fleeing hurricane disasters. Hammang-Buhl says it's one way the parish connects Pope Francis’ message of environmental justice with the human needs of those affected by climate change. Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit Cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Does AI present a threat to humanity? Can it improve lives? And what can the Church say about it? Two Catholic experts discuss(0:03) The narrator recalls a media firestorm last year involving an AI-generated image of Pope Francis wearing a white “puffer” jacket. Though the image was fake, it was a prime example of the power of artificial intelligence to alter perceptions and a wake-up call to the possibilities and dangers of the emerging technology. (1:46) Matthew Harvey Sanders, a former seminarian and tech entrepreneur, talks about a project his company oversees called Magisterium AI, an AI-powered search database that helps make Church teachings accessible to the masses. Sanders discusses why he feels, in the age of AI, the tool is critically necessary.(4:33) Jeffrey Quesnelle, a parishioner of the National Shrine of the Little Flower and an AI researcher, explains how artificial intelligence is different from standard computing. He argues the technology itself doesn’t need to be feared, but harnessed. (7:55) In light of Pope Francis’ statements on the subject of AI, Quesnelle and Sanders talk about some of the anticipated effects of the technology in the next 10-15 years. Unlike other technologies, both men expect AI to become widely adopted – and quickly. They talk about the guardrails needed to prevent the technology from causing widespread disruption to the world’s way of life. Quesnelle and Sanders discuss AI’s applications in fields such as education and health care.(12:30) With the seeming limitlessness of AI, Sanders and Quesnelle say the Church must be ready to answer the “big questions” it can pose for society, from the dangers of widespread unemployment to existential questions about the uniqueness of human life. (18:02) The two men agree that while much of society doesn’t seem keen on seeking out the Church’s wisdom, there is a large contingent of religious-minded and deep-thinking people within the AI field who are mindful of the powerful threats and benefits of the technology and open to philosophical and policy-minded conversations.(20:32) Quesnelle and Sanders say the Church may soon need to develop guidelines and encyclicals to address the impact of artificial intelligence and provide a voice of reason. Regardless, they say, while AI has the ability to disrupt large segments of society, they are hopeful that the technology can also improve lives if harnessed in the right way. In the end, they say, holding fast to Jesus, there is nothing to fear. Reporting and script by Casey McCorry; narration by Leah Butalid; production by Ron PangbornThis episode is brought to you by Angela Hospice, helping families provide the best care possible for the people they love. Visit us at AskForAngela.com.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

In a space dominated by 'nones' and secular ideology, Catholic college students talk about how faith can thrive on campus(0:03) Fr. Ben Hass, pastor of St. Albert Student Parish at Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula, describes the parish’s tradition of building an ice chapel during the university’s annual Winter Carnival in February and how it helps evangelize on the college campus.(4:18) The narrator points to statistics painting a grim picture for faith on college campuses across the nation. Fr. Hass shares his philosophy for bringing students into the parish. (6:52) Lena Sosen, a fifth-year senior at Grand Valley State University studying physical therapy, and Mason Kalinowski, a GVSU master’s candidate studying biomedical sciences, talk about their upbringing. Both described a sense of religious apathy that pervaded their lives before heading off to college.(10:54) Both Lena and Mason describe how they became connected with the Catholic campus ministry at GVSU, and how they encountered faith-filled friendship at a critical juncture in their lives.(13:36) Anna Stankewitz, director of campus ministry at St. John Church and Student Center at Michigan State University, talks about the difficulties college students experience in living their faith authentically in the face of diverging values.(17:43) Lena, Anna and Mason describe how they became involved in campus ministry, what drew them, and why they decided to stay amidst other options on campus. Fr. Hass describes the social aspect of campus ministry at Michigan Tech.(22:17) Mason talks about his decision to ultimately become Catholic. His newfound faith — he’ll be baptized this Easter — has had an impact on his family back home, too. (24:27) Anna, Lena and Mason give advice to current or prospective college students about living their faith authentically on campus. Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; narration and production by Ron PangbornThinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

As 2023 draws to a close, we share our favorite stories that didn't make the podcast — but we still think you should hear(0:02) The narrator opens the podcast with a brief summary of Detroit Stories’ podcast episodes over the past year, thanking listeners for their support. He introduces today’s episode, which highlights five of the best written stories from 2023 featured in Detroit Catholic.(2:11) The narrator introduces and reads a Jan. 6 story from Gabriella Patti about the Knights on Bikes, the Knights of Columbus’ motorcycle club.(9:18) The narrator introduces and reads a May 22 story from Daniel Meloy about the mysterious theft and subsequent return of the First Station of the Cross at St. Augustine Parish in Richmond.(16:09) The narrator introduces and reads a July 14 story from Daniel Meloy about a Catholic priest who became the worst pitcher in Major League Baseball history when he played a single game for the Detroit Tigers during a players strike on May 18, 1912.(24:14) The narrator introduces and reads a Sept. 1 story from Daniel Meloy about a woman who was left at Detroit’s Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament as a baby in the 1950s, and her journey to discover her long-lost birth family and her Catholic faith.(32:10) The narrator introduces and reads a March 8 story from Gabriella Patti about the overwhelming power of forgiveness, told through the lens of Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Reporting by Gabriella Patti and Daniel Meloy; narration by Michael Stechschulte and Emily Mentock; script by Michael Stechschulte; production by Ron PangbornThinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

All across the city of Detroit, Catholic organizations are turning vacant land and buildings into vibrant, affordable housing(0:02) Lynne Williams of Detroit talks about how she and her husband, both recovering from addiction, found an apartment in Detroit with the help of the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance. The Catholic nonprofit is one of many in the city working to build affordable housing for those on the margins.(3:47) The narrator describes the story of “two Detroits” over the past decade — the story told in the media of the revival of the city’s art and downtown districts, and the “other Detroit,” the one still recovering from decades of poverty and in desperate need of livable, affordable housing for those who never left in the first place. Cleophus Bradley of the DCPA elaborates.(6:10) Bradley discusses the hardships facing many of the city’s residents, and how the DCPA recognizes and seeks to alleviate these hardships by rehabilitating properties for low-income families to rent.(10:29) As the Catholic Church in the city of Detroit confronts new economic and demographic realities, many parishes with vacant buildings are discovering a new way to serve the community and shore up their own finances by partnering with developers who can turn such properties into affordable housing. Michael Schoenle, CFO for the Archdiocese of Detroit, explains.(16:19) Fr. J.J. Mech, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, talks about the cathedral’s newest project, the Cathedral Arts Apartments, which are currently being built across Woodward Avenue from Detroit’s mother church.(20:04) Fr. Mech discusses how the project dovetails with the cathedral’s mission to serve the neighborhood, and why service to those in need is a critical part of unleashing the Gospel.(23:50) Lynne Williams emphasizes how much she loved her apartment, but even more so how she and her husband love their new home, which they moved into four years later, and how God continues to work in the city of Detroit.Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Why a humble factory worker, grandfather, healer and prayerful man of God from Escanaba could be Michigan's next saint(0:06) Deacon Terry Saunders tells the story of a frantic mother who took her cancer-stricken son to see a man known for his reputation for healing in the 1990s. The narrator explains the man was Irving “Francis” Houle, a grandfather, husband and average layman from Escanaba with a deep faith in God — and now a candidate for sainthood.(4:42) Deacon Saunders, of the Diocese of Marquette, gives a brief biography of Irving Houle, a family man who grew up on a small farm in the Upper Peninsula, including an injury he suffered as a boy that led to a divine encounter.(10:03) Houle’s faith life begins to develop in high school. He begins attending daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and joins the Army. Upon his discharge, he marries his wife, Gail, and the couple has five children. (14:12) Deacon Saunders describes how he met Houle. Himself stricken by cancer, Deacon Saunders believes Houle’s intercession cured him during one of the darkest periods of his life.(15:51) Deacon Saunders talks about Houle’s encounters with Jesus, including reports that he suffered from the stigmata — the wounds of Jesus’ crucifixion — and other sufferings on behalf of God’s children. At the permission of his bishop, Houle begins to offer healing services in the Diocese of Marquette.(25:56) Deacon Saunders relays the story of Houle’s death in 2009, and the ministry support group that came together shortly thereafter to advocate for Houle’s life of heroic virtue.(28:26) Marquette Bishop John Doerfler speaks to Detroit Stories about his decision to open the cause for canonization for Houle in 2018. Bishop Doerfler describes Houle’s saintly qualities.(32:45) Valentina Culurgioni, the postulator for Houle’s sainthood cause in Rome, speaks about why she was moved to accept her assignment, and what inspires her about Houle’s life. (36:40) Deacon Saunders speaks about why Houle is a saint for the times, and how ordinary Catholics can find a friend and a model in his life of radical trust in Jesus.Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Navy and Marine Corps veterans discuss the indispensable role of their chaplain — and why priests are so desperately needed in the military(0:03) Canton native Deacon Matthew Kurt, a seminarian studying for the priesthood at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, plans to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. military once he’s ordained. He describes his formation on military bases and why he’s pursuing a ministry among America’s front-line soldiers — a ministry desperately in need of priests.(5:04) Lt. Col. Michael Murray describes a memorable encounter with his chaplain, Msgr. Tim Hogan, while deployed in Iraq. He was about to be sent out on a mission with a high degree of danger, and needed confession.(11:20) Msgr. Hogan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and former U.S. Navy chaplain, relays his vocation story — a story that started at a high school graduation party. Unlike Deacon Kurt’s, Msgr. Hogan’s story started with the military, and continued when he discovered a calling to the priesthood later as an enlisted officer. (14:12) In 1985, the Archdiocese for the Military Services invites Msgr. Hogan to consider becoming a military chaplain. He describes the high stakes of chaplaincy, and the day-to-day role of a spiritual father to soldiers in harm’s way.(21:03) Captain Julie Liotta, a former combat engineer officer with the Marine Corps for 2003-07, describes her encounter with Msgr. Hogan, who was overseeing the rebuilding of a chapel on base in Iraq that was damaged by incoming fire. (26:59) Liotta describes the lasting impact Msgr. Hogan had on her faith. She and Murray describe the great need for military chaplains — especially Catholic chaplains — considering a drastic shortage of those ministering to soldiers whose lives are on the line. Msgr. Hogan recounts a story of a conversation with a Marine who said he hadn’t seen a priest in nine months of deployment. (34:20) Liotta and Murray talk about how much of a difference chaplains make for the men and women in uniform, and put the shortage of chaplains into perspective.Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThinking about the probability of dying is something that none of us wants to face. No matter what we do, all of us will pass away one day. Preparing now is a great way to help our loved ones during their grieving process and ensure our final wishes are followed. Our caring friends at the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services can help you. Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

A priest and theologian explain how Catholics understand the supernatural, and where modern 'ghost stories' might fit inShow notes:(0:04) The narrator describes a mysterious event that’s alleged to have taken place in the 1960s at a parish on the south side of Chicago, in which parishioners claim to have encountered three “ghostly figures.” Fr. Sam Joutras, OSA, a priest at the parish, explains the legend.(3:35) Donald Wallenfang, Ph.D., a professor of theology and philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, explains the origins of the word “ghost” in popular parlance. He answers the title question of the podcast: “Do Catholics believe in ghosts?”(6:17) Wallenfang parses out five possible definitions of what a Catholic might mean by the word “ghost,” and how Catholics understand each definition. (9:10) While the magisterium of the Church hasn’t definitively addressed the question, Catholic saints and theologians such as St. Jerome, St. Thomas Aquinas and modern philosophers such as Peter Kreeft have talked about ghostly phenomena in their writings, Wallenfang explains. Some of these writings contain stories of encounters with deceased loved ones —presumably in heaven or purgatory — while others report encounters with malevolent or demonic spirits.(12:44) Wallenfang says it’s important for Catholics to avoid two opposite extremes when it comes to thinking about the devil and demons. He explains why the Church forbids practices that seek to contact spirits, read the future or conjure the dead, and how the sacraments and sacramentals are powerful tools against evil.(16:27) While the Church urges a healthy degree of caution, skepticism and discernment, it does allow for the possibility that the faithful in heaven or in purgatory may in some way appear to those on earth. Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and saints throughout history attest to this. Fr. Joutras offers one theory of the “chanting monks” at St. Rita. (20:57) Fr. Joutras and Wallenfang say the powerful reality of Christ’s resurrection takes precedence over any “ghost story.” While “spooky” lore has overtaken popular tradition in October, they remind listeners that the origin of Halloween is the celebration of “All Hallow’s Eve” — the great feast of all God’s saints.(24:24) Fr. Joutras encourages listeners to pray for the dead during the months of October and November, confident of Christ’s light, which overcomes every fear. Reporting and script by Gabriella Patti; narration and production by Ron PangbornThis episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Gather Them Home, a program of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Our Catholic faith teaches that cremated remains should be buried in Sacred and Consecrated Ground, and the Archdiocese of Detroit has a beautiful program to help you called Gather Them Home. It provides a Catholic burial for your loved one's cremated remains at one of six Archdiocese of Detroit cemeteries at no cost to you. For more information about the free Gather Them Home program, please visit GatherThemHome.com or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

In the 1980s, a group of concerned Detroiters set out to help exploited women; today, their program is a blueprint for the nationShow notes:(0:11) The narrator sets the scene of Detroit in the 1980s, when disturbing trends across the city found young women caught up in exploitive and oppressive situations, including gang activity, homelessness, drugs and sex work. Amy Good, CEO of the Detroit nonprofit Alternatives for Girls, describes early efforts to combat these trends.(3:12) Good describes the support services landscape for girls in Detroit during that era — essentially, there was nothing. So a courageous group of Detroiters from many faiths, backgrounds and communities came together to do something about it.(6:02) Good talks about why the situation for young homeless women is often different than the situation facing young men. (8:14) The solution had to be threefold: A.) There needed to be shelter for the young women seeking help, who often were too old for the foster system but too young for adult shelters. B.) A compassionate response was needed to help victims of sex trafficking. C.) Support to help girls stay in school and graduate.(9:22) Good talks about the early challenges with funding the new initiative. Despite a lack of funding, the initiative took a leap of faith when, on a cold January day, a 16-year-old girl walked in the doors of the church looking for help.(12:32) On a shoestring budget, Alternatives for Girls started out with a makeshift shelter in the church basement. Finally, a financing source came through, and the fledgling nonprofit began to expand, including a street outreach ministry and peer prevention program.(18:48) In the past 36 years, Alternatives for Girls has grown and expanded to include a daycare center for babies of the women in the shelter, workforce development coordination, housing stability program and more. Soon, the nonprofit plans to open a 45-unit affordable housing complex in northwest Detroit.(24:17) Amy Good talks about the success of Alternatives for Girls, which remains the only runaway shelter in the city of Detroit and a blueprint for cities across the country battling perennial issues facing young women in difficult situations looking for hope.Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThis episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Gather Them Home, a program of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. Our Catholic faith teaches that cremated remains should be buried in Sacred and Consecrated Ground, and the Archdiocese of Detroit has a beautiful program to help you called Gather Them Home. It provides a Catholic burial for your loved one's cremated remains at one of six Archdiocese of Detroit cemeteries at no cost to you. For more information about the free Gather Them Home program, please visit GatherThemHome.com or call (734) 285-2155.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Omar Binno's struggle with blindness and depression nearly led him to despair; today, he helps others see with the eyes of faithShow notes:(0:01) Omar Binno, a parishioner at Holy Cross Chaldean Church in Farmington Hills, discusses his love for J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, including how the epic tales of heroism and struggle helped him overcome a difficult childhood, including his father’s death and his own struggle with blindness.(3:33) A jazz musician and keyboardist at his parish, Omar talks about his hobbies growing up, including weightlifting, video games and music — the latter a hobby that would sustain him when his eyesight began to fail him in his mid-20s.(5:10) When Omar was a toddler, his father was killed in a gas station convenience store. Omar discusses the impact the tragedy had on his mother and siblings, and his mother’s subsequent marriage to Omar’s uncle, who stepped in to care for his deceased brother’s family, a common practice in Chaldean culture.(6:35) Omar talks about the devastation of losing his eyesight as a young man, including the spiritual toll the degenerative disease took on his faith. He began to question everything, including God, the Church and the beliefs he’d taken for granted. (9:21) Through his love for Tolkien, Omar discovered the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux, whose own struggles served as a template for Omar’s faith journey. Recovering his faith, Omar set out help others beset by tragedy discover God’s love through a new nonprofit, Healing Arts of the Little Flower.(11:53) Omar discusses how depression can impact those with physical disabilities, and how the arts — including music, nature and creativity — can provide a healing sense of purpose.(13:09) Omar discusses the idea with his bishop, who supports Omar’s vision for the nonprofit. The bishop offered the use of Our Lady of the Fields Camp in Brighton, which offers hiking trails, lakes, trees and a serene setting perfect for a healing ministry.(14:24) Omar outlines the goals and vision behind Healing Arts of the Little Flower — HALF, for short — including statistics that show the benefit of music and art therapy in reducing anxiety and depression, especially for those with disabilities.(17:46) Like Tolkien’s epic or C.S. Lewis, Omar talks about seeing through the eyes of faith. Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Leah Butalid; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThis episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Adult Day Care Centers – providing your loved ones with Christ-centered daycare and caregivers the break they deserve. Visit ccsem.org for more information.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Monroe-based maternity home a haven for mothers struggling with homelessness, paving the way for a future filled with hopeShow notes:(0:06) Cassandra, a new mother from Arizona, describes struggling with homelessness and domestic violence while juggling the responsibilities that come with having a two-week-old daughter. A friend suggested a few maternity homes, including one out of state: Selah’s Center of Hope.(2:49) Kara Dowler, founder and CEO of Selah’s Center of Hope, describes her vision for the Monroe, Michigan, nonprofit, which opened shortly before the pandemic in 2020.(6:42) Dowler describes the challenges of opening a pregnancy resource center, but said God provided for the new ministry in various ways, including sending volunteers, funding and real estate when things seemed bleak.(10:01) Dowler talks about the mission and home-like feel of Selah’s Center of Hope, including the daily schedule and resources available to provide moms with nowhere else to turn with a fresh start, financial security, and confidence.(12:57) Since opening Selah’s Center of Hope in 2020, Dowler said the ministry has opened a second home for mothers, which helps women who’ve taken steps toward independence to remain on the right road.(14:35) Cassandra describes the difference Selah’s Center of Hope has made. She talks about how the staff and other mothers feel like family, and how her trajectory in life has drastically changed as a result.Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThis episode of Detroit Stories is brought to you by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Adult Day Care Centers – providing your loved ones with Christ-centered daycare and caregivers the break they deserve. Visit CCSEM.org for more information.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Since 1998, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen's Earthworks Urban Farm has been an oasis in the midst of Detroit's food desertShow notes:(0:06) The narrator talks about the history of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Earthworks Urban Farm, which was started in 1998 by Bro. Rick Samyn, OFM Cap., to provide Detroiters fresh food, a sense of purpose and a chance to cultivate the earth in the heart of the city.(2:12) Wendy Casey, Earthworks’ director, talks about the farm’s mission, which includes a greenhouse, almost an acre of growing space, compost and educational programs, all of which benefit the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. (3:30) Bro. Gary Wegner, OFM Cap., the soup kitchen’s director, discusses the origins of the idea behind the farm, which produces more than 8,000 pounds of food each year. Bro. Wegner talks about how the farm follows the example of the Capuchins’ founder, St. Francis of Assisi.(5:56) Tyler Chatman, the farm manager, talks about Earthworks’ robust volunteer program, Earthworks Agriculture Training — or EAT, for short. The program trains up to 10 people each year with the skills they need to cultivate the land. One of EAT’s first students was Casey, Earthworks’ current director.(9:23) Chatman talks about growing up on the farm. He first experienced Earthworks as a 6-year-old, and has been volunteering for the past 20 years. According to Chatman, it helped keep him out of trouble.(11:37) Chatman discusses Earthworks’ “open door policy,” saying the farm embraces passersby who happen to stop by. Often, these passersby become volunteers themselves, Chatman says, inspired by the little miracle of growth happening on Detroit’s east side.(15:05) Casey and Bro. Wegner talk about how Earthworks is a metaphor for Detroit’s resilience. Since its heyday in the 1960s, Detroit’s sprawling urban landscape with 2 million people has been reduced to just over 600,000, meaning the city is replete with empty lots and tons of potential.Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThis episode is brought to you by Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Does your bank make you feel like you belong there? At Alliance Catholic Credit Union, you’re a member of a financial institution that serves the Catholic community, providing you with an opportunity to align your banking with your Catholic identity. You receive all the products and services you need to manage your money, and your membership helps support Catholic schools, parishes and organizations. It’s time to put your money where your faith is. Visit alliancecatholic.com to get started today. Service. Community. Catholic. Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Scholar discusses journey from Messianic Judaism to Catholicism, and how Catholics and Jews can bridge an ancient divideShow notes:(0:04) The narrator sets the scene with André Villeneuve, Ph.D., in Jerusalem with a group of seminarians visiting the tomb of the Old Testament king David. The Catholic group encounters hostility from a local Jew, who demanded they leave, citing religious reasons.(3:21) André discusses his conversion to Catholicism, which took him on a path from agnosticism as a young man to messianic Judaism. He discusses pivotal influences, including serving war refugees during the civil war in Bosnia and Croatia.(6:13) After a conversion to Christ through an evangelical church, André decided to pursue biblical studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and while there, he ended up getting involved in the Messianic Judaism movement, a belief system that combines Jewish and Christian traditions.(9:28) Frustrated by the “doctrinal anarchy” he found in the Messianic Jewish movement, André found himself drawn to the Catholic Church.(12:52) After his conversion in 2002, André found himself in a unique position to reach both Catholics and Jews to give each a better understanding of the other faith. André discusses what the Catholic Church has received from Judaism, as well as the wounds many Jews still feel from centuries of hostility and discrimination.(16:27) André discusses how he feels the Church can better welcome Jews and evangelize while remaining mindful of the deep roots of division that still exist. He talks about his work studying, teaching and leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land, all in an effort to bridge an ancient divide.Reporting by Gabriella Patti; narration by Fr. Craig Giera; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornThis episode is brought to you by Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Does your bank make you feel like you belong there? At Alliance Catholic Credit Union, you’re a member of a financial institution that serves the Catholic community, providing you with an opportunity to align your banking with your Catholic identity. You receive all the products and services you need to manage your money, and your membership helps support Catholic schools, parishes and organizations. It’s time to put your money where your faith is. Visit alliancecatholic.com to get started today. Service. Community. Catholic. Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.