Episodes

Father Sam Martin hosts Bishop Gerard Battersby on “Connecting the Diocese” to mark the bishop’s second anniversary as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse. Bishop Battersby recalls being surprised by the nuncio’s call, accepting the appointment with trust in Jesus, and the joy of his installation Mass, early confirmations, and major diocesan events like The Answer and the Eucharistic Procession, which he says deepened Eucharistic awareness and hope in the Diocese of La Crosse. He reflect...

This episode features an interview with Father Biju and parishioner Chris Hollar about Father Biju’s Catholic upbringing in Kerala, India, the influence of his grandparents’ prayer life, his call to the priesthood, and his formation as a Missionary of St. Francis de Sales. Father Biju shares his years of missionary work in Northeast India, challenges like isolation during monsoons, long travel by train, and how the universal Mass connects cultures. He reflects on serving three parishes in Wiscon...

This week on Connecting the Diocese, Fr. Sam Martin interviews Kayla Hoecherl, the diocese’s new Natural Family Planning (NFP) coordinator, about her background as a nurse, camp director at Crossroads Adventure Camp, wife and mother, and how she was called into the role. Kayla explains NFP as learning the body’s language to both achieve or postpone pregnancy, addresses common objections (effectiveness, burden on women), and shares questions from a college women’s retreat about anatomy, cycles, a...

Father Steven Weller, Vocations Director for the Diocese of La Crosse, speaks with Bishop Gerard Battersby about the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, focusing on Christ’s invitation for all the baptized to share in his mission. They discuss humility, sinfulness, and the need for a Savior, emphasizing that God wants sons and daughters, not slaves, and that true conversion brings interior freedom to say yes or no. Bishop shares his vocation story, including years of resis...

Father Sam Martin hosts Monsignor Richard Gilles, rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse, reflecting on Gilles’ farm upbringing, work ethic, and how working in the soil still grounds him spiritually, especially in the Easter season. Gilles describes accompanying catechumens and candidates through OCIA and the joy of the Easter Vigil, explains his pastoral principle “presence is truth,” and shares ongoing campus improvements, including replacing the plaza’s slippery granit...

This week on “Connecting the Diocese”, Father Sam Martin interviews Bishop Battersby on the topic of Easter, reflecting on the Paschal Mystery, discipleship, and the Church’s mission to “go and make disciples.” The bishop shares highlights of his first two years as ordinary, explains his coat of arms featuring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Chaste Heart of St. Joseph, and describes how Holy Week liturgies—especially the Chrism Mass and veneration of the cross—mo...

Father Sam Martin hosts" Connecting the Diocese” with guests Chris Carstens, Director of the Office of Sacred Worship, and Jacob Zepp, the bishop’s master of ceremonies, to discuss Holy Week and the Triduum, emphasizing how the Church’s prayer shapes belief, the purpose of rubrics, and the ars celebrandi. They explain the Triduum as a unified three-day liturgy from the Mass of the Lord’s Supper through Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, highlighting key symbols such as light and darkness, process...

This week on Connecting the Diocese, Father Sam Martin interviews Ann Lankford, Director of the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization for the Diocese of La Crosse, about the upcoming Called & Gifted workshop (March 21, Saturday, at Our Lady of Peace in Marshfield) sponsored by the St. Catherine of Siena Institute. They discuss St. Catherine of Siena, intentional discipleship, and discerning baptismal spiritual gifts (charisms) for serving others, including the workshop’s process (teaching on c...

Father Sam Martin interviews Chris Rogers, Director of Family Life for the Diocese of La Crosse, about how the office supports families through marriage preparation and enrichment, natural family planning, youth and young adult ministry, and building fertile ground in homes so parish life bears fruit. They highlight diocesan youth initiatives like Adventure Camp and discuss the Men of the Cross men’s conference on March 21 at Blessed Sacrament in La Crosse, featuring speaker Bart Schuchts, with ...

Erik Archer and Clint Berge of the Diocese of La Crosse host a timely “Connecting the Diocese” episode ahead of the March 15 Anniversary of the Opening of the Cause for Servant of God Fr. Joseph Walijewski, featuring an interview with Noel Furger, Director of Development for the Fr. Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild. Noel explains the Guild’s mission to promote Fr. Walijewski’s cause and support his works, especially Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Lima, Peru, founded after St. John Paul II’s $50,000 g...

Father Sam Martin interviews Father Tim Oudenhoven about Marian Messengers and a multi-stop Wisconsin pilgrimage featuring a life-size Pilgrim Mother image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including what pilgrims can expect and how to participate via guadalupewi.org. Father Tim shares how Our Lady of Guadalupe connects to the New Evangelization, encourages inviting others, and describes collecting prayer intentions to be taken to Tepeyac. The episode closes Father Martin and Father Weller reflecting on...

This episode of Connecting the Diocese reflects on Lent. Cathedral leaders Kevin Decker and Dominic Carstens describe their roles in the Cathedral parish in La Crosse. The conversation explores Lent as more than “giving something up,” describing the desert as a place of silence where the Lord can be heard. Dominic discusses fasting from attention-grabbing habits such as work emails and social media, noting the challenge of “middle of the road” goods that can become substitutes for deeper relatio...

Join us for an engaging episode of 'Connecting the Diocese' as we explore the transformative experiences from the 'BEHOLD: Lambs Among Wolves' retreat held at the Diocesan Center. Father Sam Martin hosts special guests, Father Reiter, Jake, and Rebecca, who share their personal stories and profound insights from the retreat. Learn about the importance of retreats, the challenges faced by modern youth, and how the Holy Spirit guides us through moments of silence and reflection. Discover how relat...

In this episode of 'Connecting the Diocese' from the Diocese of La Crosse on Relevant Radio, Father Sam Martin and Father Alan Guanella discuss the inspiring life and legacy of Blessed Brother James Miller. Brother James, born in 1944 and martyred in Guatemala in 1982, grew up near Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He was a Christian Brother known for his work with the poor and indigenous populations in Central America. Father Guanella shares his personal connections to Brother James through his time as...

Welcome to 'Connecting the Diocese' with Erik Archer, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of La Crosse. In this episode, we continue our deep and enriching conversation with Bishop Vitalii from Kiev, Ukraine, and Valentyna, founder of the nonprofit Chalice of Mercy. Joined by Father Dan Thelen, they explore the profound themes of mercy, justice, and finding God's presence on the front lines of war. They share personal stories of providing aid, the tangible impact of c...

Join Erik Archer, the Director of Communications for the Diocese of La Crosse, in a powerful conversation with Bishop Vitalii of Kiev, Valentyna from Chalice of Mercy, and Father Dan Thelen. This episode delves into the strength of faith amidst Ukraine’s war-torn environment, discussing the profound impacts of suffering, displacement, and heroism in the community. Learn about the personal journeys of the guests, the unifying power of the Church, and tangible ways to support and witness God’s mer...

In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, host Clint Berge interviews Kyle Lang, a seminarian of the Diocese of La Crosse, who is preparing for his ordination to the priesthood. Kyle shares his personal journey and vocation story, framed within Francis Thompson’s poem ‘The Hound of Heaven,’ which explores themes of pursuing and fleeing from God’s love. They discuss the deep theological insights embedded in the poem, Kyle’s experiences studying in Rome, and the significance of Holy Week. Togethe...

Join Erik Archer, Director of Communications for the Diocese of La Crosse, in a moving conversation with Valentyna, founder of Chalice of Mercy. This episode uncovers the profound story of Valentyna’s mission that began in 2007 to help women choose life and has evolved into delivering critical aid in war-torn Ukraine. Hear firsthand accounts from Valentyna about the daily reality of the war, her unwavering faith, and the exceptional impact of Chalice of Mercy’s efforts. With contributions from C...

Join host Erik Archer, the Director of Communications for the Diocese of La Crosse, as he delves into the real vocation of family life during the Christmas season. Together with Father Sam Martin and Father Aaron Becker, this episode of Connecting the Diocese explores the challenges and beauties of family life, faith, and the impact of personal suffering. Hear heartfelt testimonies and discussions about how the Holy Family teaches us to live with love, sacrifice, and hope. Discover how faith can...

In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, we delve into the transformative impact of the Jubilee Year of Hope as it nears its conclusion on January 4th, 2026. Join host Clint and guest Father Tom Lindner, Pastor at Church of the Resurrection Parish, St. Anne Parish, and St. Michael Parish in Wausau, as they discuss the significance of pilgrimage sites, special events held throughout the year, and how Pope Francis’ proclamation has inspired Christians worldwide. Father Lindner also shares detail...

In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’, Erik Archer, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of La Crosse, interviews Father Sam Martin, the Vicar for Clergy and recent pastor of Holy Name Parish in Wausau. The conversation dives deep into Advent as a season of preparation, recounts personal, pastoral stories, and explores how faith, community, and a touch of humor frame this sacred time. Father Sam shares touching and humorous memories, including his experiences wit...

In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ we welcome Bishop Gerard Battersby of the Diocese of La Crosse to discuss the significance of Advent. As we embark on a new church season, Bishop Battersby reflects on the themes of hope, faith, joy, and love that define Advent. He emphasizes the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, both in His nativity and His second coming. The episode also covers practical ways to keep Advent a deeply spiritual time, the meaning behind the A...

Join us in this heartfelt episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we prepare for Thanksgiving with special guest Father Sam Martin, Vicar of Clergy for the Diocese of La Crosse. Father Sam reflects on personal and spiritual meanings of Thanksgiving, recounts childhood traditions, and shares insights on observing this special holiday as Catholics. Listen in as we discuss ways to integrate gratitude into our daily lives, understand the profound connection between the Eucharist and Thanksgiving, and...

Join us on this special episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we prepare for Thanksgiving with Cathy Cooper, the coordinator of hospitality and food services for the Diocese of La Crosse. Cathy shares her wealth of experience in creating warm and welcoming environments, offering practical tips for planning meals, involving the whole family, and extending hospitality to guests. Learn her favorite Thanksgiving memories, get inspired by heartwarming stories, and discover new ways to make this holi...