In a Church that celebrates big families, infertility can be an isolating cross; how married couples found beauty in God's plan (0:02) Ann Koshute discusses the vision she and her husband had of having children after they were married. Like many Catholic couples, they longed for a big family. However, as the years went on without children, the couple slowly began to grapple with the cross they carried: infertility. (3:28) With few resources available for Catholic couples struggling with this lon...
Jun 26, 2024•33 min
Three missionary priests draw parallels between the work of the Gospel in far-off lands and the new evangelization in Detroit (0:04) Fr. Stephen Mutie, SAC, a priest currently serving in Wyandotte, reflects on his first missionary assignment with the Irish Pallottine community 15 years ago in a remote and rural part of Tanzania. Born in Kenya, Fr. Mutie’s own vocation was influenced by missionaries. He discusses the unique challenges of ministering as a foreign missionary. (5:13) Fr. Mutie descr...
Jun 12, 2024•29 min
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 abo...
May 29, 2024•31 min
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...
May 01, 2024•26 min
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. ...
Apr 17, 2024•39 min
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, inclu...
Apr 03, 2024•38 min
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 ...
Mar 20, 2024•32 min
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 Rubi...
Mar 06, 2024•35 min
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, refl...
Feb 21, 2024•31 min
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 fo...
Feb 07, 2024•23 min
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 semin...
Jan 24, 2024•28 min
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 campu...
Jan 10, 2024•29 min
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 Bike...
Dec 21, 2023•47 min
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 d...
Dec 13, 2023•26 min
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 M...
Nov 29, 2023•39 min
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. ...
Nov 08, 2023•38 min
A priest and theologian explain how Catholics understand the supernatural, and where modern 'ghost stories' might fit in Show 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 ...
Oct 25, 2023•27 min
In the 1980s, a group of concerned Detroiters set out to help exploited women; today, their program is a blueprint for the nation Show 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 describe...
Oct 11, 2023•28 min
Omar Binno's struggle with blindness and depression nearly led him to despair; today, he helps others see with the eyes of faith Show 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 keyboardi...
Sep 27, 2023•20 min
Monroe-based maternity home a haven for mothers struggling with homelessness, paving the way for a future filled with hope Show 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 visio...
Sep 14, 2023•18 min
Since 1998, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen's Earthworks Urban Farm has been an oasis in the midst of Detroit's food desert Show 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...
Jul 19, 2023•20 min
Scholar discusses journey from Messianic Judaism to Catholicism, and how Catholics and Jews can bridge an ancient divide Show 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 ...
Jul 05, 2023•20 min
Former students recall legendary record hops of the 1960s, '70s and '80s at Notre Dame High, and their benefactor, Fr. Bryson Show notes: (0:04) The narrator sets the scene of the 1960s, when teenagers looked forward to Friday nights at the record hops at Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods. Those legendary memories weren’t complete without the memory of Fr. John “Hollywood” Bryson, a Marist priest who rubbed shoulders with celebrities and brought in the era’s hottest acts to play sets. (2:26...
Jun 21, 2023•30 min
Rebecca Martin wrote the book on Catholic wedding planning — literally — but her own wedding was far from what she imagined Show notes: (0:03) The narrator introduces Rebecca Martin, a local book editor who co-wrote “The Catholic Wedding Planner,” a guide for brides and grooms to making their big day a holy, happy success. Rebecca describes how her own wedding planning was derailed, however, when COVID hit in spring 2020. (2:15) Rebecca talks about the inspiration behind “The Catholic Wedding Pl...
Jun 06, 2023•30 min
Former oil rigger, seminarian, country music DJ, and teacher Bill Richart spent a lifetime chasing his vocation — and finally caught it Show notes: (0:02) The narrator introduces Bill Richart, a local Catholic musician, lay evangelist and charismatic prayer leader. Bill talks about how he discovered his vocation — and the long, winding road he took to get there. (2:33) Bill describes growing up in a Catholic household and wrestling with thoughts of the priesthood, like his own father did. Instea...
May 24, 2023•31 min
Each year, thousands of sick and injured people travel to Lourdes, France, seeking a miracle — and receive something far greater Show notes: (0:03) The narrator introduces Kathy Lewis and her husband, Philip, who in 2011 were both struggling with the difficult diagnosis of cancer. A friend suggested they take a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. (3:21) Each year, the Order of Malta brings thousand of malades — the French word for “sick person” — to the site of the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes....
May 08, 2023•23 min
Gesu parishioner Pat Jones is on a mission to capture stories of faith, resiliency and courage from community's senior members Show notes: (0:02) Emmett Moten Jr., a 79-year-old member of Gesu Parish in Detroit, talks about growing up Catholic as an African-American in the South, where racism and segregation were prevalent parts of daily life. (2:00) Pat Jones, a writer, producer, storyteller and parishioner of Gesu, talks about her latest initiative, The Elders Project, in which she seeks to ca...
Apr 26, 2023•19 min
Spared on her deathbed, Catherine Lanni's visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus inspired a movement of mercy in Detroit Show notes: (0:04) Catherine Lanni recounts a harrowing deathbed experience, during which she received a message from God that completely changed her life. (1:38) Catherine describes the plan she had for her own life — getting married, having a family — and how starting a religious community was the furthest thing from her mind. She got married, but after becoming pregna...
Apr 12, 2023•26 min
How an 11-year-old girl's zest for life inspired her family to help children battling cancer find joy, even after she died Show notes: (0:03) Brett Kast and his mother, Paula, describe Brett’s late sister, Jenna, a spirited young girl who battled brain cancer. At age 9, she was granted a wish from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, but it was a party thrown by members of her parish, St. Anastasia in Troy, that most represented a “glimpse of heaven” for the young girl — surrounded by her friends and lov...
Mar 22, 2023•21 min
How a rotating warming shelter is more than a service for Royal Oak's homeless; it's a blessing for guests and volunteers alike (0:02) Laura Mills, a volunteer at the rotating warming shelter at St. Mary Parish in Royal Oak, talks about “Santa Claus,” one of the shelter’s longtime guests, who was able to find housing and rehabilitate after a lifetime of addiction. Mills says his “feel good story” is emblematic of the work the shelter has done to provide homeless and struggling individuals a life...
Mar 08, 2023•24 min
