Ever wonder about the stories behind the faces you see at church? Pax Pod brings you into the heart of Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Each episode features real conversations with parishioners, staff, and friends of Pax. From the history you didn't know to the people you'll want to meet, this is where community comes alive. New episodes weekly.
Meet one of the friendly faces that greets you at Pax Christi Catholic Community! In this week's episode of Pax Pod, host Natalie Cooper sits down with longtime volunteer receptionist Mary Testin to hear how she became one of the parish's welcoming "first faces", and what keeps her coming back to serve.
2 Apr 2026
Invitation to Living Stations of the Cross with Patty Hobbs
What happens when the Stations of the Cross come to life? This week, Natalie chats with Patty Hobbs about the parish's Living Stations of the Cross — a moving and immersive way to walk with Jesus through His Passion. Tune in, then join us this Friday, April 3 at 6 p.m.
27 Mar 2026
Men's Bible Study Highlight with Marc Nosal
This week on Pax Pod, Natalie Cooper sits down with Marc Nosal from the Men's Bible Study to talk about what makes this group a meaningful part of life at Pax Christi.
All men of the parish are invited to join the conversation — the group meets Wednesdays from 6:30–7:45 p.m.
19 Mar 2026
Banquet of Blessing with Lyn and Mike Berglund
Check out this week's episode of Pax Pod, where Natalie is joined by Lyn and Mike Berglund as they prepare for the Banquet of Blessings event on April 18.
12 Mar 2026
Meet OCIA Candidate Henry Briest
Check out this week's episode of Pax Pod, where Natalie is joined by OCIA candidate Henry Briest as he prepares to enter the Catholic Church this Easter.
5 Mar 2026
Natalie Cooper: Lenten Engagement Opportunities
Our phones have been ringing like CRAZY with questions about Lenten services, Easter schedules, and what is going on around Pax Christi. On this week's solo episode, Natalie breaks down all things Pax Christi calendar to get you up-to-speed on ways to connect with the broader community this Lent.
26 Feb 2026
Terri Hunt & Our New Faith Formation Program
Check out this week's episode of Pax Pod, where Natalie is joined by Director of Faith Formation Terri Hunt to hear more about the exciting updates coming to Faith Formation at Pax Christi. Our new programs launch the weekend of March 1, and we can't wait to grow with your students in the coming year.
Questions about Faith Formation? Contact faithform@paxchristi.com
19 Feb 2026
Deacon Victor Susai: Prayer During Lent
This week on Pax Pod, Natalie is joined by Deacon Victor Susai for a meaningful conversation on the power of prayer in our daily lives. And don't miss Stations of the Cross, beginning this Friday at 6 p.m. in the Thomas Merton Chapel — different ministries will lead each week throughout the season. All are welcome!
12 Feb 2026
Episode 11: Dick Brumbaugh & the Justice Grant Board
On this week's episode of Pax Pod, we are joined by Justice Grant Board Co-Chair Dick Brumbaugh. Dick shares how Pax Christi manages $150,000 of grants, his experience working with Casa Guadalupana, and the real impact he's seen with money granted by Pax Christi.
5 Feb 2026
Episode 10: Being a Teenager in the Church with Noah
On this week's episode of Pax Pod, Natalie is joined by parishioner Noah. He is in his second year of the Confirmation program, volunteers in a zillion different ways, and is a great reminder of our Church's future. Thanks for tuning in!
29 Jan 2026
Episode 9: Scott Brazil and Growing the Church
What does it mean to walk alongside someone as they enter the Church? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Brazil, Director of Community Life at Pax Christi, to explore his journey into ministry and the gift of accompanying people through OCIA and baptism preparation.
Scott shares what first drew him to this work, the moments that have shaped his faith along the way, and why being a point of contact for those entering the Church is one of the most meaningful parts of his role. Whether someone is returning to the faith, joining for the first time, or preparing to baptize their child, Scott reflects on the privilege of meeting people at these sacred thresholds.
22 Jan 2026
Episode 8: Chris Altieri and Pope Leo's Papacy
Tune into this week's episode with author and journalist Chris Altieri has he shares about his new book, Leo XIV: The New Pope and Catholic Reform. Pax Christi looks forward to hosting Altieri, along with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Monique Maddox, on Saturday, January 31.
Register here: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/416fe8fb-5ce6-4b83-9a08-355873793cdf (https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/416fe8fb-5ce6-4b83-9a08-355873793cdf)
15 Jan 2026
Episode 7: Mike Shepard and the Future of Pax
This week, Natalie sits down with Community Council Chair Mike Shepard for a conversation about our parish's strategic plan. If you'd like to share your voice in shaping Pax Christi's next five years, we'd love to hear from you—feedback is open until Friday, January 16. Thanks so much for listening!
Click here to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LRJ6MS6 (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LRJ6MS6)
8 Jan 2026
Episode 6: Mass in Spanish at Pax Christi with Diana
This episode, Natalie sits down with Diana, a volunteer who helped plan the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to reflect on language, prayer, and what this Mass means to her and her family.
Following the first Mass in Spanish at Pax Christi on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pax will offer a Mass in Spanish on the first Wednesday of each month. Todos son bienvenidos.
1 Jan 2026
Episode 5: Happy New Year with Michelle Fox
Happy New Year! On this week's episode, Natalie sits down with Parish Director Michelle Fox to reflect on the many joys of 2025 and look ahead to the coming year. With so much to be grateful for, we are thank you to everyone who continues to say "yes" to Pax Christi.
24 Dec 2025
Episode 4: Pam Schmitz and the Impact of a Gift
In this episode, we sit down with Pam Schmitz, co-chair of Pax Christi's 12 Baskets Ministry, to reflect on the incredible generosity of our parish community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Pam shares the inspiring results of this year's drives and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how donations move from Pax Christi to the tables of families in need. From the number of meals provided to the partnerships that make it all possible to the Christmas gifts distributed, you'll hear firsthand how your contributions create real, tangible impact in our community.
18 Dec 2025
Episode 3: Kathy Beckman on the Ministry of Presence
Join us on Pax Pod as guest Kathy Beckman shares her experience at Pax Christi's Blue Christmas service—a special liturgy for those grieving during the holidays. Kathy reflects on the event's impact and discusses her volunteer work with the Care and Support Ministry, offering insights into how the parish community supports members through difficult times.
11 Dec 2025
Episode 2: Advent with Fr. Bill Murtaugh
Join us on Pax Pod as we welcome back former pastor Fr. Bill Murtaugh for a conversation about preparing for Advent, Christmas memories from his childhood, and—in true Fr. Bill fashion—a few laughs along the way.
4 Dec 2025
Episode 1: Welcome to Pax Pod
Welcome to the very first episode of Pax Pod! As we enter the Advent season, host Natalie Cooper sits down with Fr. Hjalmar, our Parochial Administrator, to talk about Christmas traditions, memories, and what this season means to him. From childhood celebrations to his life as a priest, Fr. Hjalmar shares stories that will warm your heart and help us all prepare for the joy ahead. Perfect listening as you start your Advent journey.
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