Episodes

In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ Monsignor Joseph Hirsch and Noel Furger discuss the profound impact of Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Peru, a mission founded by Father Joseph Walijewski. They delve into the origins, mission, and ongoing work of Casa Hogar, highlighting Father Walijewski’s dedication to the poor and his innovative ‘reverse mission’ approach, which brings American volunteers to Peru. Additionally, they explore the Father Joseph Walijewski Legacy Guild and ongoing efforts...

In this special edition of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ join us as we honor our beloved dead and discuss the significance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Monsignor Steven Kachel of St. Patrick Parish in Onalaska shares insights on the importance of these solemnities, the role of saints in the Catholic faith, and their impact on our spiritual journey. Monsignor Kachel also delves into the process of canonization, the concept of the communion of saints, and how we can draw inspiration from the l...

Welcome to this episode of Connecting the Diocese where we discuss the intersection of Catholic faith and medical practice. In this episode, host Clint Berge speaks with Dr. Steve Pavela about his journey as a Catholic physician, the importance of integrating faith into healthcare, and the role of the Catholic Medical Association. They delve into the influence of faith on patient care, the significance of viewing medicine as a vocation, and the challenges of upholding conscience rights in a secu...

Join us on ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we delve into the significance of World Mission Sunday, celebrated on the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Father Woody Pace, director of the Mission Office for the Diocese of La Crosse and pastor of Holy Name Parish, highlights the theme ‘Missionaries of Hope among all people.’ Discover the historical roots, current challenges, and incredible impact of missionary work as we discuss the efforts to build churches, support priests, and serve fragile communities ...

Join Clint Berge on ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as he sits down with Father Alan Guanella, the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of La Crosse. In this episode, Father Guanella offers a deep dive into the often unseen work of the Diocesan Tribunal. The discussion covers the tribunal’s roles, its importance in matters of church law and pastoral care, and the intricate legal and spiritual processes involved in declaring the nullity of marriages. Father Guanella also shares his personal journey from parish...

Join us this October, Respect Life Month, as we delve into the profound and compassionate world of Rachel Ministries on Connecting the Diocese. In this episode, host, Clint Berge is joined by Amy Mulhern and Jennifer Fisk, who share the mission and workings of Rachel Ministries, which includes Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard. They discuss the vital support and healing provided to men and women suffering from the emotional and spiritual loss of abortion and miscarriage. Personal stories of h...

Join Clint Berge on this special edition of Connecting the Diocese with guests Bishop William Patrick Callahan, Father Conrad Targonski, and Sister Sarah Hennessy as they delve into the influence of St. Francis of Assisi on their spiritual journeys. Explore their personal stories and the significance of Franciscan values like joy, simplicity, and poverty. Discover […]

In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, host Clint Berge sits down with Monsignor Michael Gorman, one of the Diocese of La Crosse’s newest senior priests. Monsignor Gorman shares his journey to the priesthood, shaped by his upbringing on a family farm and his early experiences serving Mass. The discussion covers his involvement in rural […]

In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ host Clint Berge welcomes Nodji Van Wychen, a third-generation cranberry grower and owner of Wetherby Cranberry Company. Nodji shares the rich history of her family’s cranberry farm, which has been operating since 1903, and discusses the importance of sustaining family legacies in farming. As the host of this […]

In this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese,’ Clint Berge is joined by Father Steven Weller, the Director of Vocations for the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. They discuss the meaning of vocations, the different forms they can take, and Father Weller’s own journey to the priesthood. Father Weller shares his insights and experiences, providing […]

Join us for a compelling episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as Jeff Reiter, Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of La Crosse, shares the vision and plans for the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Under the theme ‘Fueling Missions of Hope,’ this year’s appeal is inspired by John 20:21 and aims to support various ministries, […]

In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, we dive into the crucial topic of parenting, with a particular focus on fatherhood and leading a family in the Catholic faith. Host Clint Berge interviews Kevin Decker, Parish Mission Associate at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse, about the challenges and strategies for raising children […]

In this special episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ on the 19th Sunday of ordinary time, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Bishop William Patrick Callahan’s installation as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse. Join us as Bishop Callahan shares his journey from his early aspirations of priesthood, his time in various dioceses […]

Join us on Connecting the Diocese as we engage in a profound discussion with Father Sam Martin, the vicar for clergy in the Diocese of La Crosse, about evangelizing in today’s world. As we approach the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Sam sheds light on how the Lord’s Prayer forms us for a life […]

Join us on this episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we sit down with Christy Kitzhaber, the Natural Family Planning (NFP) Coordinator for the Diocese of La Crosse. With Natural Family Planning Week kicking off on July 20th, Christy delves into the foundations and benefits of NFP, detailing her role in providing NFP training, answering […]

In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, host Clint Berge interviews John Schmidt, Co-Director of Disciple Formation at St. Anne Parish in Wausau, Wisconsin. They discuss the significance of the upcoming National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in November 2025, an event that aims to inspire and deepen the faith of middle and high school youths. […]

Join Clint Berge on ‘Connecting the Diocese’ this 4th of July weekend as he explores the inspiring stories of John Francis, a seminarian from the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, and Chris Neuens from the Hagar House in Wausau, Wisconsin. John shares his journey from seminary student to biking missionary, embarking on a 600-mile ride […]

Join us for an engaging conversation on ‘Connecting the Diocese’ with Dustin and Dominique Luecke. Dustin, a morning anchor at WXOW and Dominique, an advancement and grant specialist at the Family and Children’s Center, share their journey through faith, careers, and family life. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their professions, the importance of […]

Discover how a civil engineering graduate’s path took an unexpected turn towards priesthood after a life-changing encounter at a SEEK conference. Father David Nowicki shares his remarkable transformation from technical professional to spiritual leader, highlighting how God works in mysterious ways. In this deeply personal conversation, Father Nowicki reflects on his ordination experience, including a […]

Discover the extraordinary story of Father Joseph Richards and his father, Deacon Joseph Richards, as they share their intertwining paths of faith and service. From carpentry workshops to holy orders, their relationship exemplifies how the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways across generations. In this deeply moving conversation, Deacon Richards reveals his remarkable journey of […]

Discover the powerful intersection of personal calling and divine purpose as Bishop Gerard Battersby shares his remarkable journey through priesthood. From his late vocation to his current role in ordaining new priests, Bishop Battersby offers intimate insights into the transformative power of religious service. This episode weaves together profound reflections on Pentecost, the sacrament of […]

Ever felt disconnected during Mass or struggled with understanding religious practices? The Renewal Project, an innovative initiative from the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, offers a fresh approach to deepening your faith. Director Chris Rogers shares how this project moves beyond traditional checklists to provide flexible, personalized paths for spiritual growth. Drawing inspiration from Bishop […]

Discover the profound impact of recognizing Jesus in everyday encounters, as Fr. Sam Martin shares powerful insights about faith, vulnerability, and human connection. This episode takes an unexpected turn with a discussion about the election of the first American pope, but delves deeper into how personal encounters can transform our spiritual journey. Through touching stories […]

In an extraordinary episode of Connecting the Diocese, Bishop Gerard Battersby joins Clint Berge to discuss the groundbreaking election of Pope Leo XIV – the first American pope in history. Cardinal Robert Prevost’s journey from humble Chicago roots to the papacy, including his transformative work in Peru, takes center stage in this compelling conversation. Bishop […]