Speaking of Faith: A Minnesota Catholic Podcast

In this episode Julene Jarnot, founder and executive director of the Catholic Garden Network, talks about how gardens in Catholic settings connect faith, prayer and practical service. She also discusses gardening as a lived way to care for creation and a connection to the Works of Mercy. Julene offers advice to start small with clear goals and emphasizes that many gifts—not just gardening expertise—are needed. Julene shares her Minnesota upbringing where, gardening and Catholic life were intertwined, her nonprofit work and how coordinating her parish garden led to creating a national network that connects, celebrates and supports Catholic gardens in parishes, schools, universities, retreat centers and cemeteries.

In this podcast, host Amber interviews Jim Ennis, executive director of Catholic Rural Life, about rural Catholic communities — their value, existing challenges and his hope for the future. Challengs he shares include priest shortages, limited formation resources, isolation and elevated suicide rates among farmers. He discusses the importance for stronger lay leadership, ecumenical collaboration and viewing agriculture and stewardship of creation through a Catholic lens. Jim shares ways Catholic Rural Life provides support through small-group formation programs, rural clergy retreats and local leadership training to help revitalize parishes and communities. Connect with Catholic Rural Life on their website CatholicRuralLife.org or find them on Facebook or Instagram.

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, host Amber interviews Kateri Mancini, director of the Office of Social Concerns, and Lexi Torres, a social concerns intern and M.Div. student, about their experience at "Day on the Hill" in St. Paul with the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC). They share how the day began with multi-faith prayer and advocacy education and moved into meetings with legislators. The conversation emphasizes that representatives are approachable neighbors and that small actions of advocacy matter. Key issues included strengthening food security, safeguarding affordable housing and homelessness supports, opposing gambling expansion and improving dignity for foster youth by replacing trash bags with proper luggage. For more information, visit the JRLC website or the Social Concerns Office section of the diocesan website.

In this episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud podcast Speaking of Faith, Tom Delaney, a secular Franciscan, educational psychologist, and mental and behavioral health advocate explains forgiveness as both a gift and a process that integrates wrongdoing into one's life story. He shares how forgivness can offer health benefits and allows us to participate in salvation. Using Jesus and Peter as an example, he describes restoring relationships without excusing injustice, distinguishes decisional from deeper emotional forgiveness and suggests formalizing forgiveness in writing. He also emphasizes how the home is a "school of forgiveness" and how the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist can help along the way.

In this episode of "Speaking of Faith," Father William Orbih, rector of the seminary at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, previews his upcoming Theology Day presentation titled "Christian Hope: Ark, Anchor and Action." He shares why he considers hope the often forgotten theological virtue, why Christian hope is a person — Jesus Christ — and not a feeling and how listeners can let Christian Hope shape their lives. For more information about Theology Day, visit: https://www.csbsju.edu/sot/special-programs-and-events/theology-day/