Confirmation Preparation and Discipleship with John Gaffney | Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - 03/30/2026

Building Communities of Belonging: A Conversation on Disability Ministry with Patty Origer – 06/06/2026

Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome back Patty Origer — Evangelization and Catechesis team member and Disability Coordinator for the Diocese of Des Moines — for a wide-ranging conversation on disability ministry, belonging, and the spiritual dignity of every person. Patty, who has served the diocese for over six and a half years, reflects on her personal calling to this work as the mother and longtime advocate of her son Jeremy, who has cerebral palsy. She shares highlights from her tenure, including: Parish Advocates Program – Twelve parishes now have designated advocates who serve as local points of contact for disability-related needs, connecting parishioners with resources and raising awareness. Sensory-Friendly Masses – Designed for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or anxiety-related disabilities, these Masses feature softer lighting, quieter music, and a more accommodating environment. A recent one at St. John's in Adel drew moving responses from attendees. Night to Shine – Two diocesan parishes, Sacred Heart in West Des Moines and St. Mary's in Shenandoah, host this Tim Tebow Foundation-sponsored celebration for people with disabilities. Caregiver Support & Mental Health Ministry – Patty helped launch caregiver support groups and mental health ministry resources across the diocese. The ASK Resource Center (based in Johnston, Iowa) is a recommended resource for families navigating disability services, educational supports, and life transitions. Learn more at AskResourceCenter.org. Upcoming Webinar: Accompanying Aging Populations Hosted by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), this virtual summer intensive runs Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11, noon–3 PM CT. Topics include spirituality and aging, caregiving, dementia support, end-of-life care, mental well-being, and ministry of consolation. A Spanish-language option is available later in June. * Diocese of Des Moines affiliate discount code: 2026-AFFILIATE15 (15% off) * Clergy discount code available — email Patty at DMDiocese.org for the code (60% off for clergy) * Register and find the event link at DMDiocese.org under Events. https://www.ncpd.org/events/ncpd-summer-intensive-accompanying-aging-populations [https://www.ncpd.org/events/ncpd-summer-intensive-accompanying-aging-populations] For more on disability ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit DMDiocese.org/disabilityministry [https://www.dmdiocese.org/ministries-and-faith-formation/deaf-disability-ministry] Learn more about Iowa Catholic Radio at IowaCatholicRadio.com #DisabilityMinistry #CatholicChurch #BelongingNotJustInclusion #DiocesOfDesMoines #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicRadio #SensoryFriendlyMass #NightToShine #CatholicCaregiving #FaithAndDisability #IowaCatholic #CatholicCommunity #AgingWithFaith #NCPDWebinar #InclusiveChurch #CatholicFaith #IowaChurch Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Confirmation Preparation and Discipleship with John Gaffney | Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - 03/30/2026

Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Mission for the Diocese of Des Moines, for an important conversation about preparing young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. John shares how a diocesan task force of pastors, parents, deacons, educators, and parish leaders prayerfully discerned the move toward sixth-grade Confirmation in Southwest Iowa. The discussion explores the cultural realities facing families today, the impact of the National Eucharistic Revival, and why earlier sacramental formation may better help young people encounter Jesus and remain connected to the Church. Listeners will also hear how parents and sponsors will play a deeper role in the new discipleship-focused process, what the transition timeline will look like, and how the Diocese hopes to strengthen lifelong faith formation beyond Confirmation. Plus, Bishop Joensen and Jean reflect on priest anniversaries, parish life, vocations, upcoming diocesan events, and the joy of Catholic community. Learn more about the Diocese of Des Moines: Diocese of Des Moines [https://www.dmdiocese.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Listen to more local Catholic programming from Iowa Catholic Radio [https://iowacatholicradio.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] #MakingItPersonal #BishopWilliamJoensen #JeanThill #JohnGaffney #Confirmation #CatholicConfirmation #CatholicParenting #Discipleship #Evangelization #DioceseOfDesMoines #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #EucharisticRevival #CatholicFormation #Sacraments #CatholicFaith #CatholicChurch #YouthMinistry #CatholicFamilies #SouthwestIowa Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Body and Identity: A History of the Empty Self with Dr. Angela Franks - 05/23/2026

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Bishop Joensen [https://www.dmdiocese.org/about-us/bishop-joensen]and Jeanne Tille sit down with Angela Franks, associate professor of theology at The Catholic University of America and author of Body and Identity: A History of the Empty Self. Together they explore: * The modern crisis of identity and the “empty self” * Social media, anxiety, and liquid identity * The relationship between body, soul, and personhood * Faith, philosophy, and the search for truth * How Christianity shapes authentic human freedom * Parenting, vocation, and discovering God’s call Dr. Franks also discusses how contemporary culture often separates identity from reality, why people feel increasingly disconnected despite constant self-expression, and how the Christian vision restores meaning, dignity, and purpose. Learn more about Dr. Franks and her work at: AngelaFranks.com Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Servant Leadership in a Distracted World with Dr. Dan Ebener - 05/16/2026

On this episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill visit with leadership consultant, educator, and author Dr. Dan Ebener about the transformative power of servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and humble inquiry. Drawing from decades of experience working with churches, nonprofits, businesses, and dioceses, Dr. Ebener explains why the best leaders listen first, cultivate vulnerability, and create environments where people feel heard and valued. The conversation explores diocesan strategic planning, Pope Francis’ call to synodality, leadership in the modern Church, and the growing need for authentic human connection in an age shaped by technology and AI. Bishop Joensen and Dr. Ebener also reflect on: * The importance of listening before leading * How emotional intelligence shapes effective ministry * Empathy, discipleship, and servant leadership * The Diocese of Des Moines strategic visioning process * Synodality and “conversations in the Spirit” * Building trust and communion within the Church Learn more about Dr. Dan Ebener and his work at: https://www.danebener.com/ [https://www.danebener.com/] Learn more about Serra Vocations Ministry: https://joinserra.org/ [https://joinserra.org/] Listen to more programs from Iowa Catholic Radio: https://iowacatholicradio.com/ [https://iowacatholicradio.com/] #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #DanEbener #CatholicLeadership #ServantLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #CatholicPodcast #IowaCatholicRadio #Synodality #CatholicChurch #LeadershipDevelopment #HumbleInquiry #CatholicLife #Discipleship #FaithAndLeadership #CatholicMedia #Vocations #CatholicConversations #PopeLeo #PopeFrancis Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Faith, Education, and Encounter with Dr. Holly Peterson - 05/09/2026

* Learn more about the Des Moines Meeting: https://desmoinesmeeting.com * Learn more about Iowa Catholic Radio: https://iowacatholicradio.com [https://iowacatholicradio.com] * Learn more about Communion and Liberation: https://english.clonline.org [https://english.clonline.org] * Learn more about Serra Vocations Ministry: https://joins [https://joins] Serra.org #MakingItPersonal #BishopWilliamJoensen #HollyPeterson #CatholicEducation #CommunionAndLiberation #DesMoinesMeeting #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicPodcast #CatholicFaith #Encounter Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.