Epiphany

Vanessa Denha Garmo

Vanessa Denha Garmo is the host of Epiphany that airs on Saturday at 11:30am and 3:00pm on Sunday. She is a Communications Strategist, Content Creator, Coach and Communications Evangelist with motivational messages that air daily on Ave Maria Radio. She is an award-winning journalist and author. She is the founder of Epiphany Communications & Coaching and The Communications Evangelist Institute.  On the program Epiphany, Vanessa encourages listeners to Connect, Collaborate and Communicate with the faith Community. Life is a journey and along the way, we have those epiphany moments to bring us closer to Christ. Vanessa is engaging the community on a variety of topics including the different Catholics Rites as well as the different ethnic cultures in the Catholic community.

Program Details:

Times: Saturday at 11:30am and Sunday at 3:00pm

Call-in Phone: Charity Mobile toll-free line: 877-573-7825

Encouraging listeners to Connect, Collaborate and Communicate with the faith Community. Life is a journey and along the way, we have those epiphany moments to bring us closer to Christ.

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Epiphany

  • Epiphany – November 8, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Today on Epiphany with Vanessa you will learn more about Lectio Divina prayer, an opportunity for healing for loss of infants, information about Black Catholic History Month, and a new podcast from Detroit Catholic. Colleen Vermeulen, Director and Instructor of the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan discusses Lection Divina prayer and other ways to pray. Michelle Kazanjian, Director of Pastoral Ministry talks about the Memorial Mass for the pre-born and stillborn infants at St. Thomas the Apostle. Vickie Figueroa, Cultural Ministries Manager & Coordinator, Black Catholic Ministry Ministry, Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship shares the different events celebrating Black Catholic History Month. Michael Stechshulte, Editor of Detroit Catholic talks about 'Detroit Stories' the new podcast offered through Detroit Catholic.

    +  Colleen Vermeulen

    • Segment Guests:
      • Colleen Vermeulen
        Instructor & Director Catholic Biblical School of Michigan

        Colleen Vermeulen joined CBSM in 2016 as an instructor in Year B and proceeded to become the Interim Director in 2018. Her personal motivation for teaching is to connect people to the Scriptures so that they can listen and respond to God's Word. When people encounter God in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit takes care of the rest! Colleen seeks to help her students dig into the real life history of the New Testament in order to ground their faith and give them credibility when sharing the Bible with others. Before heading back to graduate school in 2010, she served on active duty as a U.S. Army Engineer Officer and continues to serve in the Army Reserve. Colleen has served in young adult ministry, music ministry, children's faith formation, adult faith formation, pastoral council roles, and Alpha. She blogs at Practical Catholic Evangelization. Colleen’s favorite Scripture is Mark 9:24, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief . " Now living in Ypsilanti, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, traveling to less-popular historical sites and cities, and exercising (not necessarily in the moment, but she loves the energy afterwards!). Fun Fact: Colleen is a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve! Education B.A. Government and History, Cornell University New York, 2004 Master of Divinity, University of Notre Dame Indiana, 2013 Master of Nonprofit Administration, University of Notre Dame/ Mendoza College of Business Indiana, 2015.

    +  Michelle Kazanjian

    • Segment Guests:
      • Michelle Kazanjian
        Director of Pastoral Ministry, St. Thomas the Apostle (Ann Arbor)

        Michelle Kazanjian has attended St. Thomas since she came to Ann Arbor as a student in 1981. She serves half-time as Director of Pastoral Ministry, working closely with our Director of Discipleship to create and oversee initiatives that foster healing, growth, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Her definition of “ministry” is “Loving the whole person into wholeness so that he might love God wholly.” Michelle has a background in nursing and has also recently completed some higher education in chaplaincy and pastoral ministry. She and her husband own a local business contracted with the University of Michigan. They are also both active in ministry with Renewal Ministries, a Catholic Mission Organization; with Renewal, they travel internationally, specifically promoting the New Evangelization and teaching others how to receive and pray with others for interior freedom. Together they lead a diocesan-endorsed ministry called "Live Free!" - learn more at 123livefree.org.

      • Resources:

    +  Vickie Figueroa

    • Segment Guests:
      • Vickie Figueroa
        Cultural Ministries Manager & Coordinator, Black Catholic Ministry Ministry, Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship

        AOD Cultural & Black Catholic Ministries. Member, Corpus Christi Parish – Finance Council and Faith Formation. Graduate, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Master of Arts Pastoral Ministry. Loves to watch cooking shows; loves to go consignment / thrift store shopping

      • Resources:

    +  1. ASHE – Be With Us: 4-part series of conversations with leaders/innovators in the Black Catholic Community and concluding prayer service

    • Description: ZOOM link for each week: Black Catholic History Month Meeting ID: 496 168 5939 Passcode: 500000 Call 1-312-626-6799 On Monday, November 9, 2020 @ 7pm Msgr Daniel Trapp, pastor, St Augustine St Monica, Detroit, MI. On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 @ 7pm Fr Maurice Nutt CSS.R, Redemptorist, Word Among Us blogger, revivalist, award-winning author, retreat director. On Tuesday, November 24, 2020 @ 7pm ASHE – Diocesan-wide prayer service for Black Catholic History Month. ZOOM and in-person events (per state and AOD safety guidelines) In-Person location: St Moses the Black, Detroit, MI.

    +  Michael Stechshulte

    • Segment Guests:
      • Michael Stechshulte
        Editor, Detroit Catholic

        • Oversaw transition of respected, 147-year-old print newspaper, "The Michigan Catholic," to all-new digital format • Shepherded launch of new diocesan news brand from conception to development, working with key stakeholders, vendors and content producers to raise awareness and ensure message consistency • Direct daily content strategy for award-winning online news service reaching 30,000 people each month • Produce daily web and mobile content, social media and email newsletter • Cultivate industry-leading reader engagement for organically grown 8,600+ fans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram • Research, write, edit and select photography for 5-7 pieces of content each day • Assist with editing Archdiocese of Detroit's "Unleash the Gospel" magazine • Direct two full-time staffers and 10-15 freelance writers, photographers and videographers • Awarded Catholic Press Association's "Best Online Content" Award for 2018 (same year as launch)

      • Resources:

  • Epiphany – November 7, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Allow your heart to be filled with more love and compassion while listening to today's show. Vanessa listens to Fr. Marko Djonovic, Pastor of St. Moses the Black in Detroit, talk about Better Way Detroit and his life experiences. One of Vanessa's dearest friends, Adora Ibrahim, cohost of Invitation to Sisterhood, unpacks the 'oppressed woman' misconception. Nicole Rodriguez from the JPII Healing Centers invites women to join the livestream Undone Women's Conference. Fr. Tim McCabe, Executive Director, Pope Francis Center in Detroit shares what the center is doing to help the homeless in Detroit and helps us understand Ignatian spirituality.

    +  Fr. Marko Djonovic

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Marko Djonovic
        Pastor, St. Moses the Black

        Fr. Marko Djonovic Better Way Detroit™ PO Box 2923, Detroit, MI 48202 betterwaydetroit@gmail.com (248) 296-2185

      • Resources:

    +  Adora Ibrahim

    • Segment Guests:
      • Adora Ibrahim
        Co-host, Invitation to Sisterhood

        I am a patriot, wife, mother, entrepreneur, and business consultant for both nonprofit and for profit companies. I love Jesus and his bride the Catholic Church.

    +  Nicole Rodriguez

    • Segment Guests:
      • Nicole Rodriguez
        Presenter, JPII Healing Center

        Nicole Rodriguez has been involved with the JPII Healing Center since its inception. She is a collaborator and speaker for Undone – Freedom for the Feminine Heart women’s conference. She holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Central Florida and is currently working towards an M.A. in Theology at the Augustine Institute. She has studied at the Theology of the Body Institute, is a certified spiritual director, and has 20 years of experience in college, young adult, and retreat ministry. Nicole’s vision for Undone is an encounter in which the knots in women’s hearts are untied through Mary’s yes to God, allowing the Father’s voice to resound in their hearts so they can experience being truly seen, deeply known, and profoundly loved. She shares this vision through her particular ministry of speaking to the hearts of women, appealing to their authentic feminine identity, and inspiring them to discover and embrace the gift of their genuine feminine beauty. Nicole and her husband of 23 years, Lance, are parents to three biological sons, who are now powerful intercessors in heaven. Together they have fully embraced God’s call to spiritual parenthood and have been blessed to share their hearts and lives with 30+ spiritual children. Nicole has dedicated her life to bearing witness to the power of spiritual maternity; her own response to the Father’s ongoing invitation has ignited a passion to reveal the splendor and strength of true vulnerability, in which women’s hearts are set free, transformed and empowered by the endless love of God.

      • Resources:

    +  Fr. Tim McCabe

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Tim McCabe
        Executive Director, Pope Francis Center

        Always drawn to the poor and marginalized, Fr. Tim became involved with the Detroit peace community and the Catholic Worker Movement as a young man. In addition to serving as the director of a refugee settlement project, Fr. McCabe also helped repair houses for Detroit’s inner-city poor and served meals in a soup kitchen. On a humanitarian aid mission to El Salvador, he was drawn to his Jesuit companions, whose faith in action propelled his decision to attend the Jesuit-based University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving as the human service organization’s Midwest director for 12 years. His work with JVC introduced Fr. Tim’s to Ignatian spirituality, making a tremendous impact not only on how he prayed, but how he understood the world. In 2005, after many years of discerning a vocation to the Society of Jesus, Fr. Tim answered God’s call to join the Jesuit faith. He provided hospice support to homeless individuals in San Francisco before

  • Epiphany – November 1, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: On this Lord's day you will hear Vanessa talk with 5 illuminating guests. A homily by Fr. Stan Tokarski, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in South Lyon, is explored deeper. John Hale, President and Co-Owner of Corporate Travel, talk with Vanessa about travel among COVID-19. Fr. David Pellican explains the Extraordinary Form Latin Mass. Dr. William Chavey, Professor and Service Chief for the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan, Associate Chief of Staff for Michigan Hospitals, and Founder and President of Emmaus Health in Ann Arbor gives updates about COVID-19 with Vanessa. Fr. Dan Crosby, Member of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph talks about the upcoming 150th Birthday Mass of Blessed Father Solanus Casey and share Blessed Father Solanus Casey's epiphany moment.

    +  Fr. Stan Tokarski

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Stan Tokarski
        Pastor, St. Joseph Catholic Church (South Lyon)

        Father Stan Tokarski has been serving as pastor at Saint Joseph Parish in South Lyon for the past ten years.

    +  John Hale

    • Segment Guests:
      • John Hale
        President and Co-Owner, Corporate Travel

        John Hale, President, is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and has served as Judicial Clerk to the Michigan Supreme Court before practicing law with Bodman LLP and the Ford Motor Company. Mr. Hale joined Corporate Travel Service in 2000.

      • Resources:

    +  Fr. David Pellican

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. David Pellican
        Associate Pastor, Church of the Divine Child

        Education: Seton Home Study School, Sacred Heart Major Seminary (Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Masters in Divinity, Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology) Home parish: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Grotto) Parish, Detroit Ordination date: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020 First assignment: Divine Child Parish, Dearborn Hobbies: Woodworking, camping/fishing/outdoor activities, mountain biking, reading

    • + Segment Highlights:

      • St. Joseph Shrine

        Attend the Extraordinary Form Latin Mass at St. Joseph Shrine (formerly St. Joseph Oratory) https://institute-christ-king.org/detroit

    +  Dr. William Chavey

    • Segment Guests:
      • Dr. William Chavey
        Professor and Service Chief for the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan, Associate Chief of Staff for Michigan Hospitals, and Founder and President of Emmaus Health

        Dr. Chavey graduated from The University of Texas Medical Branch in 1992 and then proceeded to the University of Michigan, where he completed his residency in Family Medicine in 1995. After two years at the University of North Carolina, he returned to the University of Michigan where he has been on the faculty in the Department of Family Medicine since 1997 and is currently service chief for the department. He, and colleagues, founded Emmaus Health in 2014 as a way to create a model for Catholic outpatient primary care.

    +  Fr. Dan Crosby

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Dan Crosby
        Member of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph

        Ordained in 1964, his life has been enriched by a variety of ministries and cultures, from college campus ministry and teaching to pastoring both inner city and Native American reservation parishes. He was also elected to provincial leadership in his community. In his most recent assignment, he served for fifteen years as director of St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon, Wisconsin. Wherever he has ministered, Dan has worked to integrate Scripture as well as the Franciscan vision into his life and preaching. He has been a spiritual director and well-received retreat master/parish mission director throughout North America for his entire priestly life. He is presently part of the Capuchin community and its vibrant ministry at St. Bonaventure’s near downtown Detroit. Some of Dan’s best known retreats have become published as popular CD/DVD series through NOW YOU KNOW MEDIA: “Becoming the Eucharist We Celebrate,” “Becoming the Beloved Disciple of John’s Gospel,” “Your Spiritual Pilgrimage,” “Mercy: the Heart of Faith, the Reason for Hope,” “Blessed Solanus Casey: Example for Us All” and “Mary: Mirror of God Who Sees, Hears, Cares and Comes.”

      • Resources:

  • Epiphany – October 31, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Vanessa interviews 6 great guests on today's show filling an hour and half with topics ranging from parenting tips to Adoration. Listen to the Dr. Ray Guarendi talking your kids and more. Val Nafso, from the Eastern Catholic and Re-Evangelization Center and Fr. Patrick Setto, of Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church, talk about the importance of praise & worship and the monthly Ignite the Fire prayer gathering. Caroline Biskner & Michelle Kazanjian speak about St. Thomas the Apostles' events celebrating the Feasts of All Saints, Feasts of All Souls, and a walking pilgrimage. Ending today's program is a returning guest, Fr. Przemyslaw Nowak, Vice Rector, SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary sharing important information about a 36 hour Adoration inviting us all to come and pray for our nation.

    +  Dr. Ray Guarendi

    • Segment Guests:
      • Dr. Ray Guarendi

        Dr. Ray Guarendi is the father of 10, a clinical psychologist, author, public speaker, "Everybody Loves Raymond" binge-watcher, whistling enthusiast, and nationally syndicated radio host. His radio show― “The Doctor Is In” ― can be heard weekdays. Dr. Ray also hosts his own national television show, “Living Right With Dr. Ray." His experience includes school districts, Head Start programs, mental health centers, substance abuse programs, inpatient psychiatric centers, juvenile courts, and a private practice. Dr. Ray wants it known that he is a former winner, but non-recipient, of the Humility Award.

    • + Resources Mentioned Available in Our Store:

      • Raising Upright Kids in an Upside Down World

        From raunchy television shows to immoral peers, the barriers to raising moral and mature children are higher and more treacherous than ever. In Raising Upright Kids in an Upside-Down World, acclaimed Catholic psychologist Dr. Ray Guarendi offers parents a roadmap through this difficult and sometimes frightening terrain. Dr. Ray brings to bear his decades of clinical experience and his experience as a father of ten with some of the hardest questions of modern parenting:

        • How do you manage kids access to pop culture and to the corporations who all want a piece of their allowance?
        • How do you respond to others, including your own family, who don't approve of your countercultural parenting?
        • How do you handle the overabundance of stuff toys, clothes, technology that clogs up your family's everyday life?
        • When do you give (or take away) a smartphone?
        • How much freedom do you give your kids to choose their own friends and when do you step in when they make wrong choices?
        • What are the habits of mind you need to form in them so they can stand strong against a morally and spiritually corrosive culture?
        Raising Upright Kids in an Upside-Down World is a clarion call for strong, confident parenting in confusing times. More importantly, Dr. Ray gives you the resources to grow in that confidence: the knowledge of an expert, the insight of an experienced clinician, and the wisdom of decades of fatherhood. This is a book for parents who aim to form children who value the things of God, no matter the work and the effort. Dr. Ray is here to tell you: it's worth it. (learn more)

    +  Val Nafso

    • Segment Guests:
      • Val Nafso
        Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center

        I live in West Bloomfield, MI with my husband, Delano, and we have our first baby on the way (due February 14th, 2021). My home parish is Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield, MI (where I participate in events and sing in the choir). I teach high school English in Troy, MI. I've been singing since I was old enough to sing (my mom made me sing to Barney, the Annie Soundtrack, and the Les Mis soundtrack). I joined my church's choir when I was 8 years old, where my cousins, Mervet and Nora started training me vocally. The opportunity to sing for Ignite the Spirit presented itself in 2015 when the Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center (ECRC) decided to start a program dedicated to 1 hour of adoration with live praise and worship music using members of our own community (instead of hiring outside bands).

      • Resources:

    +  Fr. Patrick Setto

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Patrick Setto
        Assistant Pastor, Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church

        Fr. Patrick Setto an ordained priest of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, ordained July 2nd of 2017

    +  Caroline Biskner

    • Segment Guests:
      • Caroline Biskner
        Director of Youth Ministry St. Thomas the Apostle (Ann Arbor)

        Caroline became Catholic as a teen and is originally from South Texas, where she served the Church as a youth minister in a diocesan youth program. She met her husband, John, at a desert monastery on a silent retreat and they were married in 2004. They and their five children joyfully call Ann Arbor home. Caroline enjoys playing Settlers of Catan, munching on homemade popcorn, hiking through Michigan's forests, watching sci-fi, and leading middle and high school youth into a deeper encounter with God

      • Resources:

    +  Michelle Kazanjian

    • Segment Guests:
      • Michelle Kazanjian
        Director of Pastoral Ministry, St. Thomas the Apostle (Ann Arbor)

        Michelle Kazanjian has attended St. Thomas since she came to Ann Arbor as a student in 1981. She serves half-time as Director of Pastoral Ministry, working closely with our Director of Discipleship to create and oversee initiatives that foster healing, growth, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Her definition of “ministry” is “Loving the whole person into wholeness so that he might love God wholly.” Michelle has a background in nursing and has also recently completed some higher education in chaplaincy and pastoral ministry. She and her husband own a local business contracted with the University of Michigan. They are also both active in ministry with Renewal Ministries, a Catholic Mission Organization; with Renewal, they travel internationally, specifically promoting the New Evangelization and teaching others how to receive and pray with others for interior freedom. Together they lead a diocesan-endorsed ministry called "Live Free!" - learn more at 123livefree.org.

      • Resources:

    +  Fr. Przemyslaw Nowak

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Przemyslaw No Nowak
        Vice Rector, SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary

        Since October 25, 2018 I have served as Vice-Rector and Dean of Pastoral Formation at Saints Cyril & Methodius Seminary. I say Masses for St. Mary’s, and I am weekly assistant at Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Orchard Lake. I also serve as Chaplain (1LT) for the United States Army Reserves. It gives me great joy to serve God and people. My favorite book is the Bible. Since 2013, I have been a Roman-Catholic priest of the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey. I was ordained by Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli on May 25, 2013 and was assigned to serve at Assumption Parish in Morristown, New Jersey, where I was the Parochial Vicar. I served at this parish from 2013 to August 2017. During my formation in the seminary, I worked with disabled individuals, in youth ministry, and volunteered at the Missionaries of Charity in Detroit. In addition to sacramental responsibilities at Assumption, I conducted bible study classes, works with the Young Professionals group, and was active in the RCIA program, the Religious Education program, and in the parish elementary school. I went to the Morristown Correctional Facility and Morristown Medical Center to visit the sick and dying. I traveled on two mission trips to Cap-Haitian, Haiti, with volunteers from the local community and other states, to help the poor who are still struggling after the 2010 earthquake. And, I went to Guatemala with Houses to Homes Guatemala, a nonprofit charity, to help build a house for one family.

  • Epiphany – October 23, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Vanessa gets doused by Holy Spirit fire while speaking with Fr. Adam Maher, Chaplain of Saginaw Valley State University and Nouvel Catholic Central High School and Assistant Vocations Director about the Diocese of Saginaw (Virtual) Youth Event: Witness Surrounded by Saints and his own Facebook videos. The Divine Mercy devotion is highlighted beautifully by Sarah Zydek, a lifelong Catholic and incredible witness to God's love. Patrick Baker and Jeff Kassab remind us that the Lord longs to unite us and we can cooperate but participating in the upcoming Unite Our Nation/Unite Detroit event.

    +  Fr. Adam Maher

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Adam Maher
        Chaplain of Saginaw Valley State University and Nouvel Catholic Central High School and Assistant Vocations Director.

        I have been ordained a priest for the Diocese of Saginaw for two years now.

      • Resources:

    +  Sarah Zydek

    • Segment Guests:
      • Sarah Zydek
        Co-coordinator or Servants of Mercy Ministry, Our Lady of Good Counsel

        Lifelong Catholic, Married to Mark for 39 years, Mother of 3 sons, son, Bill, is married to Courtney. Proud Grandma of 2. Active in parish life at Our Lady of Good Counsel. Co- coordinator with Beth Rosinski of the Servants of Mercy prayer group.

    • + Segment Highlights:

      • Contact Servants of Mercy

        For a prayer visit please send an email to: mercy@olgcparish.net

      • Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer Instructions.

        On the rosary beads, begin: Our Father, Hail Mary, the Apostles Creed On the Our Father beads, pray: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. On the Hail Mary beads, pray: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world. In conclusion, pray three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen

    +  Patrick Baker

    • Segment Guests:
      • Patrick Baker
        Attorney, and Event Manager for Unite Detroit

        A local attorney and the event manager for an important event in our community --“Unite Detroit”. Patrick and his wife Gaile have 5 children and are members of St. Fabian Parish in Farmington Hills. Patrick is currently taking evening graduate courses in Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

      • Resources:

    +  Jeff Kassab

  • Epiphany – October 22, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Vanessa asks Sr. Yvonne Mary Loucks, Sisters of Mercy in Alma, Michigan to share her experiences she had with St. John Paul the Great. Detroit Michigan native Beverly Watts shares her knowledge of the Divine Mercy devotion and its connection to Detroit. Fr. Przemyslaw Nowak, Vice Rector, SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary talks about the celebration commemorating St. John Paul the Great Feast day and gives an impromptu homily.

    +  Sr. Yvonne Mary Loucks

    • Segment Guests:
      • Sr. Yvonne Mary
        The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan

        I had the privilege of working for this great saint for 12 years in the English language section of the Secretariat of State. While my work did not involve a lot of direct contact with him, I was privileged to participate in many of the appearances that he made. The greatest event in my own experience was World Youth Day 2000 when he made it possible for 2,000,000 young people to actually touch and feel the Lord of heaven and earth. I will never forget that until I die.

      • Resources:

    +  Beverly Watts

    • Segment Guests:
      • Beverly Watts

        Beverly was born and raised in Detroit. In 1993, a series of unexpected events coalesced leading to a direct encounter with the Mercy of God and setting her on a journey to discover the roots of the Divine Mercy Devotion in the United States. Surprisingly, the road led to her hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

    • + Resources Mentioned Available in Our Store:

    +  Fr. Przemyslaw Nowak

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Przemyslaw Nowak
        Vice Rector, SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary

        Since October 25, 2018 I have served as Vice-Rector and Dean of Pastoral Formation at Saints Cyril & Methodius Seminary. I say Masses for St. Mary’s, and I am weekly assistant at Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Orchard Lake. I also serve as Chaplain (1LT) for the United States Army Reserves. It gives me great joy to serve God and people. My favorite book is the Bible. Since 2013, I have been a Roman-Catholic priest of the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey. I was ordained by Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli on May 25, 2013 and was assigned to serve at Assumption Parish in Morristown, New Jersey, where I was the Parochial Vicar. I served at this parish from 2013 to August 2017. During my formation in the seminary, I worked with disabled individuals, in youth ministry, and volunteered at the Missionaries of Charity in Detroit. In addition to sacramental responsibilities at Assumption, I conducted bible study classes, works with the Young Professionals group, and was active in the RCIA program, the Religious Education program, and in the parish elementary school. I went to the Morristown Correctional Facility and Morristown Medical Center to visit the sick and dying. I traveled on two mission trips to Cap-Haitian, Haiti, with volunteers from the local community and other states, to help the poor who are still struggling after the 2010 earthquake. And, I went to Guatemala with Houses to Homes Guatemala, a nonprofit charity, to help build a house for one family.

  • Epiphany – October 21, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Vanessa talks with Sr. John Paul from the Dominican Sisters Mary Mother of the Eucharist about her devotion to St. John Paull II. Alicia Wludyka talks about the Alliance to the Two Hearts devotion and home enthronement. Ave Maria Radio's own Cheryl Nael shares her epiphany moment and her prayer approach.

    +  Sr. John Paul

    • Segment Guests:
      • Sr. John Paul
        Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist

        Since 2000

    +  Alicia Wludyka

    • Segment Guests:
      • Alicia Wludyka

        Retired Registered Nurse retired for 6 years. Worked for 36 years at Botsford Hospital and taught Nursing in many community colleges & at EMU. Married to Daryl for 45 years, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Third Order of the Alliance of the Two Hearts International since 2006.

    • + Segment Highlights:

      • Email and Sign Up

        Please email Alicia at dwaw22@aol.com The Two Hearts 40 hour Reparation Vigil https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044fa4a728a2fc1-40hour First Friday/Saturday https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044fa4a728a2fc1-first

    +  Cheryl Nael

    • Segment Guests:
      • Cheryl Nael
        Office Manager, Ave Maria Radio

        Cheryl Nael is Ave Maria Radio’s Office Manager and has worked for the apostolate since March 1999. Cheryl is the welcoming presence greeting you at our Front Desk, the friendly voice talking to you when you call our main number, the knowledgeable responder to most of the emails you send through our “Contact” page & the person who forwards the prayer requests you send through our “Let’s Pray” page to Staff, The Sisters & Family of Faith prayer apostolate. A coworker describes Cheryl as “Ave Maria Radio’s air-traffic controller.” Cheryl credits her enthusiasm & dedication to the many faith-enrichment programs she’s attended in the last 10 years. As a former Director of Faith Formation at her parish once told her, “The deeper your knowledge, the deeper your theology. The deeper your theology the deeper your prayer life. The deeper your prayer life, the closer to God.”

    • + Resources Mentioned Available in Our Store:

      • Broken Gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart

        "You are gods." Blasphemy? No, those mysterious words, spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of John and alluded to in Psalm 82, point to a holy longing deep in our hearts that tells each of us that we were created for more. “Imagine that you were to wake up tomorrow to discover that, by some miracle, you had become a god overnight,” writes Dr. Gregory Popcak.  “Not THE God—omnipresent, all-knowing, all-powerful—but a god in the classic sense. That is to say, you woke to find that you were perfect, immortal, utterly confident in who you are, where you were going in life, and how you were going to get there. It might seem ridiculous to consider at first, but allow yourself to imagine this truly miraculous transformation.  What would it be like to live without fear? How would it feel to be completely at peace with yourself and the people in your life? Imagine what it would be like to be able to resolve—once and for all—the tension that currently exists between all your competing feelings, impulses, desires, and demands. What would change in your life as a result of your having become that sort of divinely actualized person?” Bold questions are in need of bold answers. And in Broken Gods, a work that is both practical and inspirational, Dr. Greg explores what our deepest desires--and even our darkest desires-- tell us about our ultimate destiny and reveals a commonsense approach to fulfilling our true purpose in life. (learn more)

  • Epiphany – October 20, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Vanessa talks with David Struppa, Development Director at St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) about SPSE, his role at SPSE, his experiences, and much much more. Learn more about St. Paul of the Cross with Fr. Pat Brennan, Retreat Center Director of the St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center and you will also discover that is more than just a retreat center. Peter Herbeck, host of Fire on the Earths teaches about 'walking the walk' with Jesus and suggestions about dealing with anxiety during this challenging time.

    +  David Struppa

    • Segment Guests:
      • David Struppa
        Development Director, St. Paul Street Evangelization

        David believes that connecting Jesus to a conversation is a Development Directors first priority. David is inspired daily by his wife Melissa of 29 years, their 6 children, son-in-law and grandson. He has one grandchild on the way and three of his six children are also in ministry. In his spare time, David enjoys being president of Bonfire Catholic Men’s Group, praying with Melissa in the St. Patrick’s chapel, cooking for family and friends and DJ’g Christian music.

      • Resources:

    +  Fr. Pat Brennan, CP

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Pat Brennan CP
        Rector and President Sacred Heart Major Seminary

        Native of St. Louis, Missouri, Ordained a Passionist priest in 1973. Main ministry has been in preaching retreats in Detroit and Los Angeles. Also served as Director of Seminarians for eight years at the Catholic Theological Union for the Passionist Community Education: Master’s degree in Theology and in Clinical Psychology; did Doctoral studies in the area of preaching in a multicultural setting Devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, enjoys reading and being with people. Currently attempting to take care of a three and a half year old Golden Retriever named Sierra Rose!

      • Resources:

    +  Peter Herbeck

    • Segment Guests:
      • Peter Herbeck
        Vice President and Director of Missions, Renewal Ministries

        For more than thirty years, he has been actively involved in evangelization and Catholic renewal throughout the US, Canada, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Peter is a co-host for the weekly television program The Choices We Face. He also hosts the daily radio show Fire on the Earth. He is a frequent conference speaker, has authored When the Spirit Comes in Power and When the Spirit Speaks, and has produced CDs and booklets about discipleship and life in the Spirit. Peter and his wife, Debbie, have four children and seven grandchildren, and reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

  • Epiphany – October 19, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Vanessa converses with Fr. John Riccardo about his new book 'Rescued: The Unexpected and Extraordinary News of the Gospel', on how to be "agents of sabotage, and much more! Monsignor Todd Lajiness, Rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary explains the efficacy of fasting and reaffirms how important it is for us to run to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

    +  Fr. John Riccardo

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. John Riccardo

        Fr. John Riccardo was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1996. He is the Founder and Executive Director of ACTS XXIX, a non-profit apostolate that exists to help get God’s world back by equipping clergy and lay leaders for the apostolic age in which we live. Fr. John served as a parish pastor for 15 years, most recently at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, Michigan where he was witness to the power of the Holy Spirit in a way that caught the attention of pastors around the country. Having ministered to nearly 600 priests across the nation, leading clergy convocations, priestly retreats and workshops in the first year, He is the host of the podcast, “You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo” and the radio program “Christ is the Answer.” Fr. John is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the Gregorian University in Rome, and the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.

      • Resources:

    • + Resources Mentioned Available in Our Store:

      • Rescued: The Unexpected and Extraordinary News of the Gospel

        How can we believe and be transformed by the gospel? Once we understand that the gospel is not merely good news but explosive, life-changing news, we will never be the same again. And in response to God's work in our lives, what part can we play in recreating the world for his good plan? In this powerful book, Fr. John Riccardo helps us to see the world through God's lens, with a clear vision of the future. (learn more)

    +  Monsignor Todd Laginess

    • Segment Guests:
      • Monsignor Todd Laginess
        Rector and President Sacred Heart Major Seminary

        Rev. Msgr. Todd Lajiness earned an AB in Philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in 1990. He completed an STB at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1993, followed by an STL in Fundamental Theology also from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1995. Following his ordination to the priesthood in 1995, he served as Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Victory in Northville Michigan and as Instructor of Theology in the College of Liberal Arts at Sacred Heart Major Seminary from 1996-1997. He was appointed Secretary to His Eminence Edmund Cardinal Szoka, President of the Pontifical Commission of Vatican City State in 1997. While serving as Secretary to Cardinal Szoka (1997-2002), Msgr. Lajiness completed a Licentiate in Philosophy at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, (Angelicum) in 2000. He earned a Doctorate in Philosophy also from the Angelico in 2002. In 2002, Msgr. Lajiness returned to the Archdiocese of Detroit and was appointed Director of Undergraduate Formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and began teaching courses in Philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts. In 2003 he was appointed by His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida to serve as the Dean of Studies. Msgr. Lajiness has served as weekend assistant at St. Mary’s Queen of Creation in New Baltimore and at Holy Family Parish in Novi. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Catholic Youth Organization; the Board of Trustees of Madonna University; the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council for two terms; Archdiocesan and State Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus, and chaplain to the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. His professional activities include being a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Association of Theological Schools and also working in close collaboration with ATS on accreditation visits to seminaries throughout the country. Additionally, he serves as the President of the National Association of Catholic Theological Schools. Msgr. Lajiness has published articles in several journals and has given a variety of talks and retreats to seminarians, parochial groups and diocesan events. Msgr. Lajiness assumed responsibilities as the thirteenth Rector and President of Sacred Heart on May 5th, 2012.

      • Resources:

  • Epiphany – October 16, 2020

    Listen Now:

    • Description: Vanessa talks with Fr. Alex Kratz, Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta, St. Joseph Chapel and Marian Shrine in Pontiac, and Vanessa's Spiritual Director about the upcoming Marython for America on October 30th and the importance of fasting and prayer. Sean Bingham and Roland Tuquero from Men of the Sacred Hearts shares the history of Men of Sacred Hearts, home enthronement, and St. Margaret Mary Alocoque. Closing today's show is student Sabrina Hanna who penned a beautiful essay about how to handle difficulties and the decisions to make.

    +  Fr. Alex Kratz

    • Segment Guests:
      • Fr. Alex Kratz OFM
        Spiritual Director, Terra Sancta, St. Joseph Chapel and Shrine of Immaculate Heart of Mary

        A Franciscan priest in residence at Duns Scotus Friary, housed in the former convent across the street from Our Lady of La Salette Parish in Berkley, Michigan. Born and raised in Cincinnati to an Italian mother and American father, he learned Italian as his first language and was accustomed to traveling every summer to Italy to visit relatives. This experience gave him a global orientation as well as a love for travel and different cultures.

      • Resources:

    +  Sean Bingham

    • Segment Guests:
      • Sean Bingham
        Men of the Sacred Hearts

        Parishioner in the Lansing Diocese, at Old St. Patrick (Ann Arbor). Received into the Church at Christ the King (AA) in 2014 as a convert from Protestantism. Active in PBJ Outreach to the poor in Detroit through OLGC, RCIA sponsor and Lector at Old St. Patrick. Additionally I’ve been involved in the Men of the Sacred Hearts (MoSH)/Enthronement since 2016. I’m also a day sponsor and monthly for Ave Maria Radio

      • Resources:

    +  Roland Toquero

    • Segment Guests:
      • Roland Toquero
        Men of the Sacred Hearts

        My wife Megan and I have been married 10 years this past October 1st. We have 2 boys Benjamin, 7 years old who will be 8 on December 7th and Nicholas who turned 5 years old last week on October 8th. We live in Northville and have been active parishioners at OLGC for the last 10 years. Our boys attend OLGC, Ben in second grade and Nicholas in 4 year old pre-K. My wife Megan grew up in Harper Woods, MI and I grew up in Leamington, Ontario, Canada. I work as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) @ the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Sean and I met last year to the day, when he and David Tay and Tony Fanelli (the Men of the Sacred Heart) enthroned our home in Northville to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through his Blessed Mother Mary. I decided to join Sean and the Sacred Heart team after prayerful discernment. Jesus and Mary continue to change my life and the lives of my family. And I feel a strong love to bring others to Jesus through the Sacred Heart and his Blessed Mother.

      • Resources:

    +  Sabrina Hanna

    • Segment Guests:
      • Sabrina Hanna
        Student

        I am a third year undergraduate student at Oakland University majoring in health sciences. I am studying to become a doctor in pharmacy specializing in either neuropharmacology or infectious disease. That way I can build a strong bond with my patients opposed to working in retail pharmacy. A little bit about my background as a Christian, i was baptized in the catholic church, what makes me unique as a Christian is that i am half Palestinian so I’m from the holy land and the other part of me is Chaldean so I speak the language Jesus Christ spoke. I have been to the holy land twice now once when i was a flower girl and recently summer 2019 with my church group, it was amazing to give back to the land where our lord and savior grew up and to help the poor and less fortunate to make my peoples life better at the refugee camps they were forced into as well as buying fruit from people in the streets so they can support their family.

      • Resources: