Speaking of Faith is a series of conversations which covers three areas of interest. The "Heart of Mercy" minute, is a series of podcasts with St. Cloud Bishop Donald Kettler. "Hands of Justice" is a series of podcasts featuring local speakers discussing social issues impacting Catholic culture today. And "Voices of Hope" features guests from across the globe to our own backyard, who bring with them stories of hope, inspiration and wisdom. This show is made possible through the Bishop's Annual Appeal for the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Father Jeff Ethen—an Elk River native and diocesan priest—shares how his background in journalism led him from observing need to serving people directly through priesthood, Hispanic ministry and mission work in places like Guatemala and Venezuela. He recounts learning to take imperfect first steps, from celebrating his first Spanish-launguage Mass to navigating cultural differences and unexpected moments, and reflects on how mission work is rooted in relationship rather than "fixing" poverty. Father Ethen also describes his work with Unbound, a lay-led sponsorship program ithat emphasizes direct relationships with families in extreme poverty. He challenges listeners during World Mission Month to live a missionary life locally and globally, starting in their own communities. Learn more about Unbound
8 Oct 2026
Speaking of ... "A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss"
In this special Speaking of Faith episode for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Abigail Jorgensen, author of A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Loss, and Olivia Fuchs, a mother who experienced a miscarriage (Hallie) and ectopic pregnancy (Hope) describe their own grief journeys, including anger, isolation, and later healing, and offer ways to honor babies through memorials, pilgrimage, icons, naming and annual remembrance. Jorgensen also shares how her work as a sociology professor and bereavement doula led her to compile Catholic teachings, rituals and practical guidance into her book for loss families, clergy, chaplains and parish staff. The conversation explores grief-informed language, painful medical terminology like "spontaneous abortion" and common questions about remains, baptism and prayer after loss. Purchase Abby's book HERE. Learn more about the Mass in Sauk Centre on October 13, 2026 HERE.
1 Oct 2026
Speaking of ... Unity Map: Cartography of a Father's Homework
In this episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud podcast Speaking of Faith, Amber interviews small business owner and father Tom Bengtson about his memoir, Unity Map: Cartography of a Father's Homework. Tom reflects on 37 years of marriage to Susan, adopting four children through trips to Colombia and how life often requires "going to point C" to reach point B. He recounts co-founding Chesterton Academy with Dale Ahlquist, later separating over vision and eventually partnering with Matt Birk to start Unity Catholic High School with a broader Catholic liberal arts approach. Tom also shares his family's struggle as their youngest, Matthew, dealt with adoption-related trauma and spent 13 months in residential treatment, shaping Tom's understanding of humility, listening, gratitude and trusting God's will. He emphasizes Catholic education, joy in relationship with Jesus and evangelization through long-term relationships. For more information about Tom, visit: https://tombengtson.com For more information about Unity Catholic High School, visit: https://unitycatholicmn.org For more information about Chesteron Academy, visit: https://chestertonacademy.org For more information about Change Academy at Lake of the Ozarks, visit: https://www.caloprograms.com
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