Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Podcast

Bishop Gruss: People are not the enemy- hatred and the devil are the enemy

It was an extremely difficult letter to write. Bishop Robert Gruss recently shared a story about forgiveness and the letter he wrote to his father decades ago. He told the story after First Friday Mass at the Cathedral on April 5. "It all surfaced on a five day retreat while in the seminary in Rome," said Bishop Gruss. "To make a long story short, I wrote a letter to my father sharing with him my feelings, my hurts, my anger, all the while reaffirming my love for him in spite of the diseas...

Coordinator of evangelization: Synod has reminded us of the importance of listening and prayer

On Friday, March 1, faithful gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption for the monthly First Friday gathering. Don Buchalski, coordinator of evangelization for the Diocese of Saginaw gave a presentation about the Synod of Bishops, focusing on findings from local listening sessions, writings from Pope Francis and more.   “Perhaps my main takeaway from leading the Synod effort in our Diocese is how important listening is,” said Buchalski.   “People want to share their story and tel...

Bishop Gruss' Easter Message 2024

Bishop Gruss discusses the absolute primacy of prayer - Part six of six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world

Bishop Gruss: We must be docile to the Holy Spirit

Part five of six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world Being docile to the Holy Spirit is the only way we can accomplish the works of God and the mission of Jesus. We are to use His grace and do His works for His glory, no matter what the world may think or say about us. This is the work of a true disciple of Jesus. Bishop Gruss: We must be authentically human (Week 4) Bishop Gruss: Do you have unshakeable confidence in the Lordship of Jesus? (Week 3) Bishop ...

Bishop Gruss: We must be authentically human

To be authentically human means we are not afraid to be vulnerable.   We are in touch with our humanity and are honest about who we are and what we stand for. We are vulnerable when we put ourselves out there beyond what is safe, familiar, and comfortable.   In doing so, we open ourselves up to the possibility of being wounded. Wasn’t this the way of Jesus?   This is part four of six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world 

Synod has reminded us of the importance of listening and prayer as a way of being Church

On Friday, March 1, faithful gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption for the monthly First Friday gathering. Don Buchalski, Coordinator of Evangelization for the Diocese of Saginaw gave a presentation about the Synod of Bishops, focusing on findings from local listening sessions, writings from Pope Francis and more.   “Perhaps my main takeaway from leading the Synod effort in our Diocese is how important listening is,” said Buchalski.   “People want to share their story and tel...

Bishop Gruss: Do you have unshakeable confidence in the Lordship of Jesus?

Do you have unshakeable confidence in the Lordship of Jesus? Do we have unshakeable confidence in the person who desires to bring healing, love and mercy to the world and who came to earth to rescue us from sin and death, the Evil One and his minions? Is this our experience? Perhaps some might begin with the question, “Who is Jesus?” Or, I might ask you the question, “Who is Jesus for you?” This is part three of six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world

Bishop Gruss: God has set us apart for his work (Part 2 of 6 about mission values)

God wants his world back. In light of this, let me share with you three  fundamental convictions – the world is crying, the Church is crying, and you are not alive by chance, you were born for this time. Let me ask you.  Do you believe that God has created you and put you on this earth for a specific purpose, with a specific mission for Him?  And, if so, are you and I living as if this is the case? You and I have been born for this time in history, as were the apostles and disciples of the...

Bishop Gruss' presentation about indulgences- First Friday February 2024

Bishop Gruss: Be ambitious for God and his kingdom! (1st Weekend of Lent)

Bishop Gruss: Thanks for joining me on this journey through our “Mission Values.” As I mentioned in the last session, these mission values bring clarity to how we are to behave as Catholic individuals and as a Church sent on mission. In these six reflections, we will be looking at one per week. Obviously much can be shared about each of them, but with the limited time for these reflections, I can only touch the surface. But hopefully we will all receive something from the Lord to think and ...

Bishop Gruss: Be ambitious for God and his kingdom! (Part 1 of 6 mission values)

Bishop Gruss: Thanks for joining me on this journey through our “Mission Values.” As I mentioned in the last session, these mission values bring clarity to how we are to behave as Catholic individuals and as a Church sent on mission. In these six reflections, we will be looking at one per week. Obviously much can be shared about each of them, but with the limited time for these reflections, I can only touch the surface. But hopefully we will all receive something from the Lord to think and ...

Bishop Gruss: We must become a Church with the same apostolic zeal as the disciples of the first century!

As Ash Wednesday approaches, Bishop Gruss will share with the people of the Diocese of Saginaw six mission values that send us out carrying the Gospel into the world. "When these values come alive in us, they lead us to conversion and a deeper life in Christ," said Bishop Gruss. Below is an excerpt of Bishop Gruss' message: With God being pushed out of our culture and Catholics leaving the practice of their faith in record numbers, we cannot continue to do what we have always done in the s...

Hiding Place – Part 1: A Life Pro-Life

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series.  Taylor introduces Audrey, who shares her story of finding her passion in protecting the unborn.  Action: Discuss what you think about abortion with someone you know.  Discussion Questions:  What stood out to you most from Audrey's story?  What do you think about abortion? Why?  To learn how to get involved in the...

Hiding Place – Part 5: What Should I Do Now?

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series.  Audrey unpacks the issue of abortion and makes the case to be Pro-Life.  Action: Decide on a course of action to support the unborn and the Pro-Life movement when you return home.  Discussion Questions:  What was your favorite part of the March?  What step are you going to take to support the unborn and the Pro-Li...

Hiding Place – Part 4: The Pro-Life Movement & Social Reforms of the Past

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series.  Audrey unpacks the issue of abortion and makes the case to be Pro-Life.  Action: Post on social media a picture, story, or your thoughts about the Pro-Life Movement  Discussion Questions:  Which story of past social movements was the most inspiring?  What are your thoughts about marching with the Pro-Life Movement...

Hiding Place – Part 2: Why Be Pro-Life?

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series.  Audrey unpacks the issue of abortion and makes the case to be Pro-Life.  Action: Write your questions about abortion down and seek out answers.  Discussion Questions:  What argument from Audrey was the most or least convincing?  What questions do you still have about abortion or the Pro-Life cause?  To learn how ...

Hiding Place – Part 3: Abortion Breaks Everything It Touches

This podcast is part of a series, Hiding Place, produced for the 2024 March for Life trip to Washington DC. Anyone interested in pro-life ministry can learn from this series.  Audrey lays bare the horrifying reality of abortion.  ***Disclaimer*** This episode contains medical descriptions of abortion procedures and may be disturbing to some. Listener discretion advised. To seek support as someone affected by abortion, contact Lori Becker, our Coordinator for Outreach ([email protected]). ...

Bishop Gruss discusses purgatory during First Friday presentation January 2024

Bishop Gruss on the blessed season of Christmas, a time to reflect upon the greatest gift we’ve been given

Bishop Gruss discusses Christmas, Catholicism, the priesthood and more on the Art Lewis Show

St. Joseph and the Eucharist: Bishop Gruss' reflection for week four of the season of Advent

Mary and the Eucharist: Bishop Gruss' reflection for week three of the season of Advent

God's promise to us: Bishop Gruss' reflection for week two of the season of Advent

Bishop Gruss: God wants to give us His peace - Bishop Gruss' First Friday presentation from Dec. 1, 2023

Advent and the Eucharist- Bishop Gruss' reflection for week one of the season of Advent

Bishop Gruss discusses Christendom vs. Apostolic Modes of Engagement and the Rescue Project during his First Friday presentation on Nov. 3, 2023

Don Buchalski discusses upcoming enrichment day, the importance of evangelization and more during Ave Maria Radio Interview

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Don Buchalski, vicariate liaison and coordinator of evangelization for the Diocese of Saginaw, was interviewed on Ave Maria Radio's "Epiphany" program. During the interview, Mr. Buchalski discussed the upcoming "Encountering Jesus through Praise & Worship" event, a unique experience he had at World Youth Day in Portugal, the importance of evangelization and more. 

"Your role and responsibility in the public sphere as Catholics"- Bishop Gruss' First Friday presentation- Oct. 6 2023

Bishop Gruss discusses the Eucharistic prayer at Mass during his First Friday presentation on Sept. 1, 2023

Bishop Gruss discusses healing and how the Church is alive during Ave Maria Radio Interview about World Youth Day and more 

The Eucharistic Prayer- First Friday Presentation by Bishop Robert Gruss on June 2, 2023

Bishop Gruss' First Friday Presentation May 5, 2023

Bishop Gruss and Don Buchalski Discuss "Encountering Jesus" - Diocesan Day of Enrichment

Bishop Gruss shares a reflection on the deadly sin of anger and the heavenly virtue of patience/forgiveness- Bishop Gruss' Lenten series on the seven deadly sins & the seven heavenly virtues

Bishop Gruss shares a reflection on the deadly sin of gluttony and the heavenly virtue of temperance- Bishop Gruss' Lenten series on the seven deadly sins & the seven heavenly virtues

Bishop Gruss shares a reflection on the deadly sin of greed and the heavenly virtue of charity- Bishop Gruss' Lenten series on the seven deadly sins & the seven heavenly virtues

Bishop Gruss on the sin of envy and the heavenly virtue of kindness- Bishop Gruss' Lenten series on the seven deadly sins & the seven heavenly virtues

Bishop Gruss on the sin of pride and the heavenly virtue of humility- Bishop Gruss' Lenten series on the seven deadly sins & the seven heavenly virtues

Bishop Gruss: Lent is not meant to be a solemn and gloomy season, but a season of grace...

Greetings and blessings to all of you. In a few days, we celebrate Ash Wednesday, and begin a season in which you and I are called to repentance and conversion. How a person goes about the journey of conversion may be different for each of us. Lent is not meant to be a solemn and gloomy season, but a season of grace. It should be a season we take seriously, but a joyful season, because it does lead to new life in Christ Jesus.

Bishop Gruss discusses the Eucharist, Catholic schools & more during interview with Ave Maria Radio

The ‘Angel’s Candle’ is the last one on our Advent wreath to be lit. What does it symbolize? Bishop Gruss reflects in this final week before Christmas

Can you believe Christmas is only one week away? Today, we light the last purple candle on our Advent wreaths. It’s known as the “Angel’s Candle,” and it symbolizes peace, reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”   What a beautiful promise these angels revealed to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. Peace on earth! Are you feeling this peace in your heart right now? Or are you experiencing some form of fear, or frustration, or boredom or wo...

The ‘Angel’s Candle’ is the last one on our Advent wreath to be lit. What does it symbolize? Bishop Gruss reflects in this final week before Christmas

Can you believe Christmas is only one week away? Today, we light the last purple candle on our Advent wreaths. It’s known as the “Angel’s Candle,” and it symbolizes peace, reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”   What a beautiful promise these angels revealed to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. Peace on earth! Are you feeling this peace in your heart right now? Or are you experiencing some form of fear, or frustration, or boredom or wo...

Do you desire joy in your life? The kind money can’t buy? Bishop Gruss reflects on the candle theme for this third week of Advent

Advent blessings to you! This week we light the pink candle on our Advent wreath. Did you know this candle, also known as “the Shepherd’s Candle” symbolizes joy? It represents the joy of the shepherds, who were often the lowest class of people in society, and yet it was to them that the angels first announced the Good News, revealing that a Savior was born for them.  This third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word derived from the word GAUDERE, meaning ...

Why is the Advent candle for week 2 known as Bethlehem’s candle? Bishop Gruss reflects

A blessed Advent to you all. We begin week two by lighting Bethlehem’s Candle, which symbolizes faith. Micah foretold that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, so this candle puts the focus on the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in anticipation of the birth of the Christ child. Many people in our culture today live as if “this” is all there is, nothing more beyond this life. Others live as if faith is just a theory or a philosophy. Frederick Nietzsche said that “faith is the pa...

Did you know each candle on the Advent wreath has a special meaning? Bishop Gruss reflects

Friends, it is hard to believe that the Season of Advent is upon us. Speaking of Advent, did you know that each candle on the Advent wreath has a special meaning? Ancient tradition reveals that the candles often represent hope, faith, joy and peace.  How many of us could use a little more hope, faith, joy and peace in our lives? That is my prayer for all of you this Advent season. This week, we’ll begin by lighting the Prophet’s candle symbolizing hope. The Prophet Isaiah brought a messag...

Bishop Gruss discusses praying the Rosary, concerns about Proposal 3 and more during homily on First Friday

Bishop Gruss discusses how we can encounter the Lord and fall deeper in love with Him- First Friday Presentation

God desires an encounter with you. He longs for you and is waiting for you. You can grow in a relationship with Him and fall in love with Him.  Bishop Robert Gruss spoke about this during his presentation on First Friday at the Cathedral on Friday, Oct. 7. Speaking about being open and present while encountering the Lord at Mass, Bishop Gruss said, "Week after week, time and again, our hearts will be transformed and we will fall in love with Him in ways we can’t imagine, said Bishop Gruss....

Bishop Gruss challenges faithful with two tasks to promote vocations

On Thursday, September 15, members of the faith community from across the Diocese of Saginaw gathered in Bay City for the Bishop's Banquet for seminarian education and vocations. During his address, Bishop Gruss challenged those in attendance to do two things to help promote vocations. “If everyone does this, I’m convinced the Lord will change things in this diocese,” Bishop Gruss said.   "In the next month, invite a young man or young woman who is in your circle of influence, whomever the...

The Holy Name of Mary- Bishop Gruss Homily

Bishop Gruss gave a great homily about the Holy Name of Mary this morning including the story of how "In 1683, John Sobieski, king of Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV of Constantinople. After Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims. Pope Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church."- text from this Franciscan Media article https://bit.ly/3U6...