Shepherd Circle Priest Podcast

Ep. 52 Father Brian Kennedy with Father John LoCoco

In this week's episode, Father Brian Kennedy of the Diocese of Phoenix shares details about his childhood growing up in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, a city of 2,300 people, to his calling to the priesthood discerning just after high school. He also discusses his decision to enter the Congregation of Holy Cross, an order that emulates the Holy Family, and his work serving at the Andre House, a ministry to the homeless and vulnerable in the Phoenix area. He also shares the many joys of serving his diverse parish, Saint John Vianney Catholic Church.

Ep. 51 Father Michael Nugent with Father John LoCoco

This week, Father LoCoco talks to Father Michael Nugent of the Diocese of Arlington about priestly vocation after working on Wall Street as well as for the CIA. Raised in a military family, Father Nugent also offers insights into the similarities behind military formation and priestly formation, and his future of serving as a chaplain for the Navy. He also shares what he loves most about his life as a priest as he leads the faithful at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia.

Ep. 49 Father Robert Gahl with Father Michael Duffy

On this week's episode Father Robert Gahl, a priest of Opus Dei, discusses his own call to the priesthood, his work at the Busch School of Business at Catholic University of America where he has relaunched Church Management Programs including the Master in Ecclesiastical Administration and Management. 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Father's call did not come early in life 02:15 Seeing JPII in Toronto 03:00 When someone asked: Why aren't you a priest? 03:30 Amazing connection with saints 05:00 Working as a professor at Santa Croce 05:40 Doctoral dissertations of priests including Father John Burns 07:00 Long history working with Cardinal Pell 07:30 Teaching the virtues to CEOs 09:00 Schedule of a priest helped Cardinal Pell in prison 11:50 Helping priests prepare for the administrative responsibility 12:50 Thinking like an apostolic entrepreneur 13:30 A corporation centered on the celebration of the Holy Eucharist 16:00 The art of fundraising or friend-raising 18:00 Investing creates good stewards of the Church 19:30 Working closely with seminaries 21:00 When the parish is healthy, the diocese of healthy 23:00 What we learn from the Parable of the Talents 24:40 Program also open to the laity 25:45 Helping to build a foundation for the administrative tasks 26:45 Mentorship opportunity under a pastor 28:00 Getting a Masters' in church management

Ep. 48 Father John LoCoco with Father Michael Duffy

On this week's episode, Father John LoCoco discusses own calling to the priesthood, the role of a Holy Hour in discernment, and his important work serving the faithful at St. John Vianney Catholic Parish and school. He also discusses his important work in canon law working with Catholics seeking annulment. 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Meet Father LoCoco 01:50 Coming from a large family of 8 02:50 Once a jock, always a jock 03:45 Studying abroad led to vocation call 05:30 Studying philosophy in seminary 07:00 Studying at the Northern American College in Rome 07:55 "Always with seminarians even on vacation" 12:00 First time serving sisters as a priest 15:00 Time moves differently in confessional 19:00 Spending time in DC 22:00 Canon law and the graces from annulment 26:00 Leading a house for those discerning 32:00 Learning how best to serve the faithful at your parish 34:00 Life on Long Island and cold mozzarella pizza 35:20 Remembering Pope Francis and the future with Pope Leo XIV 39:00 Milwaukee and Midwest life

Ep. 47 Father Paul Shovelain with Father Eric Cadin

In this week's episode, Father Paul Shovelain of the Diocese of Minneapolis shares some unique outreach he is doing at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and his parish school and discusses the fruits he is witnessing by being mission-oriented and why faith formation is at the core of this "culture of evangelization." 00:00 Introduction 02:30 Helping students understand Catholic culture 04:05 3 core values at the heart of this mission 05:50 Getting parents and families involved at the start 08:30 Reaction from parishioners has been outstanding 09:25 Simple invitation to relationship 10:25 How are families living out their faith? 12:30 Holding events where the whole family is invited 13:00 Special way of celebrating All Saints' Day 16:05 Journey to the Inn event involves entire community 17:30 Parishioners getting involved 18:35 Discovering a joy that we are all made for 20:50 The 'Faith, Family, and Fellowship Mass' 22:44 Culture of discipleship helping prayer life for all 23:35 Modeling prayer first and then teaching 26:00 Special outreach to teachers and staff 29:30 Inviting Christ to be everywhere on our campus 32:00 Monthly joy award for staff 33:28 The many fruits from this intentional discipleship 35:40 Mission matters... 39:20 How can other priests bring this culture of evangelization to their parish and school?