Blessed Sacrament Voices Podcast

S3 E36: Ready or Not: We Are the Body of Christ

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:55:00 +0000

What happens when a toddler in boots jukes his way down the church aisle during Mass? Grace. At our 8:30am Mass on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Kristyn Russell's nephew, Rigg, bolted from the pew, ran toward the altar, and narrowly escaped his father's grasp—only to be met at the church doors with smiles, laughter, and words of encouragement from the parish family instead of judgment. His dad's worry about finding a new church dissolved as people leaned in with "I remember those days" and "he's pretty quick!" This beautiful moment reveals what it truly means to be the Body of Christ: incomplete without everyone, even the swift-footed toddlers who make a break for it. Drawing on St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians and the celebration of Corpus Christi, Kristyn explores what happens when we break bread together and respond "Amen." We declare not just that the bread and wine are truly the Body and Blood of Christ, but that we ourselves are the Body of Christ—and we are sent forth to be that Body in the world. Using St. Teresa of Ávila's powerful words—"Christ has no body but yours"—we're reminded that the only thing standing between us and being the living, breathing Body of Christ in the world are the things that separate us from God and each other. So today, with or without boots, we're invited to go be beacons of peace, justice, joy, and love.

See his breakaway here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fJGT1WwF1Pg?si=4hZy13RI87Xjk2Tm&t=3952

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Kristyn is a Midland native who attended St. Brigid Catholic School before heading to Jefferson and Dow High School. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Villanova University and in Strategic Communication from Michigan State University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theology with a minor in Communication from Aquinas College. When she’s not at work, she’s usually with her dog, Caspian, kayaking a new river, hiking through the woods, or sitting by a campfire reading a book.

S3 E35: Just a Breath Away: Encountering the Trinity in Everyday Love

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:56:00 +0000

How do you experience the mystery of the Trinity when words and theology fall short? Jean Thiele explores three of the deepest mysteries that keep one returning to the Catholic faith again and again: the Paschal Mystery, the Eucharist, and the Trinity. Through daily acts of dying to ego, receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, and sitting in silence before God, we see how faith becomes less about explanation and more about relationship. The Eucharist becomes the place where friendship with Jesus deepens and where the heart is trained to recognize Christ in other people. And the Trinity—though impossible to fully explain—is discovered in creation, suffering, silence, wonder, and love. From a softened heart in the chapel at Blessed Sacrament to the felt realization of being connected to everyone in the universe, Jean shows how Trinitarian love changes us from the inside out. It appears in deep listening, compassionate presence, helping hands in a parking lot, soup kitchens, hospital visits, grandchild recitals, and everyday acts of love that lift burdens and bring the kingdom of heaven close. Ending with a guided meditation, this reflection invites us to breathe into the unconditional love of the Trinity and carry it into the world.

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Jean Thiele was born and raised in Iron Mountain Michigan and attended St. Mary and St. Joseph grade school. In 1978, she graduated from Iron Mountain High School. She attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor in Nursing and in 1992 with a Masters in Geriatric Nursing. She later received a certificate to become a Lay Minister in the Saginaw Diocese and after 4 years became a Spiritual Director from the Dominican Center in Farmington Hills Michigan. She is a grief facilitator, centering prayer practitioner, and retreat leader. She loves biking with her husband, Scott, golf, and traveling with family and friends. Faith to Jean is service from a trinitarian spirituality, having the freedom to make a choice to co-create with our Loving God.

S3 E34: Love One Another: Feeling the Holy Spirit in Guatemala

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:55:00 +0000

What does it actually feel like when the Holy Spirit is at work within us? Terri Schroeder reflects on that question through her long-awaited experience serving on the Guatemala Stove Team, where she arrived excited, nervous, and armed with resurrected 7th-grade Spanish that mostly failed her when it mattered. Yet what she discovered was that the Holy Spirit doesn't depend on fluency. Through gestures, smiles, good humor, willing hearts, high fives, hugs, and shared purpose, strangers became partners in bringing life-changing stoves and water filters to families whose homes would no longer be filled with smoke. Terri describes the powerful moment each stove was lit and the joy that spread across a family's faces, along with the quiet blessings exchanged between the team and the families they served. In those moments of connection, she recognized the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—alive and moving among people who on the surface seemed so different, yet were deeply alike at heart. This moving reflection reminds us that when we open ourselves to others and let the Spirit guide us, we become light for one another and discover the deep truth written on the team's shirts: love one another.

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Terri has lived in Midland the majority of her life. She has three amazing children who are married and happily are living in the state of Michigan along with one grandson she adores. Terri earned her Bachelor of Education degree and her Master’s in Administration from SVSU. She retired from teaching in the Bullock Creek School District after 31 years. Her retired life now consists of spending a few hours a week at the reception desk in the Parish Center at Blessed Sacrament where she has been a member of the parish for over 34 years. She also loves to tend to her yard and gardens, participate in multiple outdoor activities, watch birds, and learn new music. When she slows down, reading a good book is her favorite quite time activity.

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S3 E33: Up, Down, and Inside: Where Do We Find God?

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:55:00 +0000

What if heaven isn't only "up there" in the clouds, but also beneath your feet and dwelling within your heart? Beginning with the peaceful image of lying in a hammock on a sunny summer day, watching clouds drift by and imagining heaven above, Christy Granda explores how naturally we place God somewhere far away—up in the sky, beyond our reach. Drawing from Psalm 19, the Ascension, and the image of the apostles staring upward as Jesus is taken from their sight, we're reminded that they weren't meant to stand still, stiff-necked and gazing into the heavens forever. They were sent to move, to preach, to heal, and to build the kingdom of God here on earth. Christy invites us to shift our understanding of where God is: not only above, but also down as the firm foundation beneath our feet, the cornerstone that steadies us, and inside as the One who dwells in our hearts and comes to us in the Eucharist. With warmth and beautiful imagery, we're challenged to carry that awareness into every interaction, every act of love, and every step we take after leaving Mass. So if you find yourself in a hammock this summer, watch the sky—but don't forget to feel the ground beneath you and the presence of God within you.

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Christy was born and raised in Bay City. She met her husband on a blind date and they worked briefly together at Dow when she was a co-op and he was a contractor. Soon after that their work paths diverged as she finished her degree in Elementary Special Education and he continued as a graphic designer. She worked as a Special Education teacher for 32 years before retiring and immediately jumped into her new role as Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. When asked about the differences between working with adults and children she might reply "so far, nobody has tried to kick, bite or scream at me." She and her husband have two adult children and have been members of Blessed Sacrament for the past 20 plus years.

S3 E32: Papa Ratzi and Lady Gaga: Why We're All Called to Be Theologians

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:55:00 +0000

What do Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" and Pope Benedict XIV have in common? For Kristyn Russell, it instantly brings back memories of her classmate Fr. Richie Mercado bursting into "Papa, Papa Ratzi" during Foundations in Theology class at Villanova. But beyond the impromptu performances, something deeper was happening: her understanding and experience of God was blooming in unexpected ways. Drawing on St. Augustine's insight that we "believe in order to understand," St. Anselm's definition of theology as "faith seeking understanding," and St. Thomas Aquinas' concept of exitus and reditus—that all things come from God and return to God—Kristyn unpacks what theology actually is and why it matters. Knowledge of God isn't meant to just sit in neat little boxes in our heads. It's meant to transform us—our hearts, our souls, the deepest parts of who we are. And even then, it can't stop there. That transformation has to flow outward and change the way we move through the world, the way we treat strangers, the way we see every single person as a child of God. Connecting this to 1 Peter 3:15—"Always be ready to give a reason for your hope"—and the Desert monk Evagrius' wisdom that "a theologian is one who prays," Kristyn challenges us to notice one moment this week where we sense God in the ordinary, name it, and share it with someone else. Be a theologian. Be a reason for someone else to believe.

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S3 E31: Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled: Finding Peace in the Chaos

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:55:00 +0000

Are you the person who remains even-keeled despite the chaos around you, or are you like the disciples—full of anxiety and cautiousness? As Jesus prepares his disciples at the Last Supper, knowing he will soon be handed over, denied, and crucified, he offers them a sea of calm reassurance: "Do not let your hearts be troubled." But Jesus isn't telling us we won't experience anxiety, fear, confusion, or distress. Rather, he's reminding us that we never have to walk this journey alone. Through the deeply personal story of a youngest son on the spectrum purchasing his own home and thriving independently, Renee Larsen shows us what it means to "prepare a place"—and how Jesus wraps us in reassurance even when we're bundles of nerves and stress. From the forgotten can opener to the empty nest that's hard to embrace, her reflection acknowledges the reality of functional anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles many of us face. Yet even in our most distressing times, a simple prayer—"Please Lord, ease my mind and my heart and hold me close"—reminds us that Jesus is always with us, wanting to share in our joys and our sorrows, and that sometimes the simplest of prayers is all we need.

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Renee is a Midland native who attended Midland Public Schools, graduating from Midland High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary/Middle School Education from Saginaw Valley State University. She retired from teaching middle school and is now a part of the Blessed Sacrament Liturgy Team. When she’s not at work, she’s usually with her dog, Purl, and has a set of knitting needles or a crochet hook in hand busy on one project or another.

S3 E30: Never Mind, God, I Found One - Learning to Really Listen

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:58:00 +0000

How many times have we heard something but didn't really get the message or get the point? Kevin Shaughnessy's reflection on the Good Shepherd Gospel challenges us to move beyond partial hearing to true listening—the kind that requires focus, interpretation, understanding, and action. Using the story of Jesus healing the man born blind and the Pharisees' stubborn refusal to listen, we're reminded that Jesus is the true shepherd and gatekeeper, the only genuine path to heaven with no shortcuts or sneaky routes. The challenge is straightforward: hear, listen, and act. But ignoring the noises of the world and staying laser-focused on Jesus' voice is harder than it sounds. Are we missing opportunities to provide safety and comfort to the vulnerable, or to practice sacrificial love? The humorous parking lot prayer story—where a man asks God for a spot, finds one, and says "never mind, God, I found one"—reminds us not to be oblivious when God is messaging us. Turns out sheep are actually smart: they have good memories, recognize faces, and learn from trouble. So let's be sheep who follow the Good Shepherd, end up in his loving care, and succeed in earning eternal life by hearing him, listening to him, acting, and thanking him.

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Kevin has resided in Midland since he & his wife, Mary, married in 1980. Their 4 adult children are married and they enjoy the interactions with their 10 grandchildren.

Kevin is retired from Dow Chemical and is active in many volunteer capacities in the community; most notably with Midland Kiwanis and helping to lead the Guatemalan Stove Mission.

Below is Kevin's favorite picture of the Good Shepherd.

S3 E29: Recognized in the Breaking of the Bread: Teaching Children to See Jesus

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:53:00 +0000

What makes a lesson so memorable that a child will carry it in their heart for a lifetime? Corinne Cathcart has accompanied hundreds of children to the Lord's table as they celebrate their first Eucharist, from her days as a teenage catechist in Cincinnati to her current role as Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator at Blessed Sacrament. Drawing on Jesus' own teaching style—engaging storytelling, real-world examples, and big surprises—Corinne shares unforgettable object lessons from sacramental prep retreats, including the raw egg versus hard-boiled egg demonstration that shows how sacraments change us on the inside even when we look the same on the outside. The absolute best lesson? When second graders experience the Last Supper with Jesus at their retreat, complete with stone wall backdrop, dimmed lights, volunteers dressed as apostles, and Jesus himself kneeling to wash feet and break bread, saying, "This is my body given up for you." Connecting this powerful moment to today's Gospel of the road to Emmaus, Corinne reflects on that stunning, surprising, unforgettable moment at the dinner table when Cleopas and his friend recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. As children prepare to receive their first Eucharist, may they—and all of us—never forget to recognize Jesus every time the bread is broken.

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Corinne was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has been a member of the Blessed Sacrament community for 14 years. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, where she met her husband of over 25 years, and a Master's in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She was a second grade Catholic school teacher in Cincinnati before moving here when her husband started working for Dow Chemical. She loves working with the littles of the Blessed Sacrament family as the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator. When she's not at work, you'll find her with her nose in a book or learning something new!

S3 E28: Shake Off Doubt: When Scripture Becomes Living and Personal

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:45:00 +0000

What does it take for faith to move from something taught by our parents to something we truly own? Jean Thiele shares her powerful conversion story, rooted in 1 Peter 1:8-9—a verse she didn't understand at first but heard proclaimed three times in one weekend until she finally "got it." At age 37, Jean experienced an indescribable joy when God spoke to her through Scripture for the first time, transforming her understanding of Eucharist and the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection. She connects her mountaintop experience with the ongoing challenge of doubt, finding kinship with Doubting Thomas and discovering that the trials in her life—skepticism, anxiety, and uncertainty—have become the very areas God has transformed into her strengths. Drawing on the first reading's account of the early community enlivened by the Holy Spirit after Pentecost, Jean reflects on how she sees that same Spirit at work today in Christ Renews His Parish and in communities of believers breaking open the Word together. Because without Jesus dying on the cross, we would not know the Holy Spirit as we do now. So as we enter the Easter season, Jean invites us to shake off our worries and dance to "Shake" by MercyMe—just as she does before every Christ Renews meeting.

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S3 E27: He Is Risen! The Joy of Easter Morning

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

What if the miracle of Easter doesn't happen when Jesus rises, but when we actually believe it? Ansley Dauenhauer takes us from childhood memories of giving up chocolate for Lent (and the delicious relief of Easter morning indulgence) to the profound reality of that first Easter—which was nothing like the joyful awakening we experience today. The disciples woke up heavy with grief, wondering if they'd been used, questioning whether Jesus was actually who he said he was. Even as Mary went to tend his body, love drove her forward despite despair. Ansley explores the moment when the miracle truly occurs—not when Jesus is risen, but when the disciples believe. Using spiritual imagination, she wonders if Jesus himself sat up in the tomb in wonder, perhaps even in disbelief, before joyfully shedding his burial cloths and rushing out shouting, "I am risen!" This beautiful meditation on Jesus' full humanity—his questions, his suffering, and his triumphant joy—makes the resurrection feel more relatable and real. Because Jesus lived his questions all the way to the answers, we can trust that God is victorious and death itself is conquered. So enjoy that chocolate Easter bunny without one iota of guilt—Jesus fully understands, and his joy mirrors your own.

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Ansley Dauenhauer is a life-long educator and writer. Her roles in schools, museums, and parish settings have afforded her opportunities to connect with students of all ages through the curricula she has developed on topics that range from Latin programs for elementary school students to leading and writing programs for summer science camps to coordinating the elementary Faith Formation program at Blessed Sacrament to demystifying writing advanced research papers for high school students. Ansley often captures her experiences in essay form, some of which have been published in both local and national presses. She loves to wrestle with complex topics (like Scripture!) through words. Recently, her twin passions of teaching and writing led her to offer Guided Memoir Writing classes and freelance editing services at her venture, The Lofty Quill.

S3 E26: Told Ya: Why We're All Called to Be Prophets

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:53:00 +0000

In this episode, Kristyn Russell tells a childhood story about her blunt 9-year-old brother named Jonny who predicted a "flighty" waitress would spill food—and was proven right. But this seemingly simple anecdote opens the door to an exploration of what it truly means to be a prophet. Spoiler alert: prophets aren't fortune tellers. Drawing on Fr. Richard Rohr's image of prophets as "truth tellers," we dive into Isaiah's third Servant Song, where God's agent listens daily to hear the divine voice and speaks in ways that inspire—and enrage. The Servant faces backlash, violence, and shame, yet perseveres with faith that God will vindicate him. We see this Servant as Jesus, but also as us. Each of us is called to be a prophet—to step out of our comfort zones, bring mercy to a merciless world, offer hope to the hopeless, and embody Jesus in the very spaces where we exist. It's hard, it's uncomfortable, but we can do it together. This Holy Week, the challenge is clear: spend time in prayer, ask God to open your ears to hear and give you a tongue that speaks truth, and discern where God is calling you to be his love in your corner of the world. Then go be that. Go be a prophet.

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S3 E25: Unbind Them and Let Them Go: The Resurrection of Lazarus and Us

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this this week's episode, Christy Granda leads us on a journey from a playful Barbie Day celebration in the Faith Formation Office to the profound mystery of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Exploring the two definitions of resurrection—revitalization and the literal restoration of a dead person to life—Christy reflects on what we know (and don't know) about Lazarus: a man who hosted Jesus, lived with his two sisters, became gravely ill, and experienced the final reality of death. Yet Lazarus is silent in Scripture, leaving us to imagine his very human life of good days and bad days, faithful moments and slacker moments, family disagreements and local gossip. The focus then shifts to Jesus' curious command after calling Lazarus from the tomb: "Unbind him and let him go." This phrase takes on dual meaning—the physical removal of burial cloths and the spiritual freedom Jesus offers through his own death and resurrection. We are invited to step from the tomb of our failings, tear off whatever binds us, take the hand of Jesus, and go forth into a newly resurrected life.

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S3 E 24: Close Your Eyes and Trust: Lessons from Blindness and Faith

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:45:00 +0000

In this personal episode, Corinne Cathcart shares her family's generations-long experience with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that causes gradual blindness. Through vivid stories—from learning Punnett squares in middle school biology class, to her grandpa's ingenious organizational systems (including the memorable chili made with green beans instead of kidney beans), to her great-uncle Bob confidently striding across an open field—Corinne illustrates how trust transforms the experience of blindness. She connects these family stories to the Gospel account of the man born blind, reflecting on Jesus' strange method of healing with mud and saliva, the cruel popular belief that blindness was caused by sin, and her grandpa's painful experience of being told "no one wanted to see people like him" at a restaurant. Through the beautiful image of her dad's cousin Joyce winning dance competitions while blind, fully trusting her husband Kenny to lead and catch her, Corinne reminds us that Jesus is always reaching out his hand, ready to pull us back in—if only we trust that his hand is right where it's supposed to be. We don't need to see. We just need to close our eyes and trust in him.

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Corinne was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has been a member of the Blessed Sacrament community for 14 years. She earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, where she met her husband of over 25 years, and a Master's in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She was a second grade Catholic school teacher in Cincinnati before moving here when her husband started working for Dow Chemical. She loves working with the littles of the Blessed Sacrament family as the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator. When she's not at work, you'll find her with her nose in a book or learning something new!

S3 E23:All Shall Be Well: Finding Jesus at Your Own Well

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Kristyn Russell shares the story behind her intentional "spelling mistake" tattoo—a quote from Julian of Norwich that bridges "All shall be well" with the physical well where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Through vivid storytelling, Kristyn unpacks this beloved Gospel encounter: a woman trudging to the well alone at noon, trying to avoid judgment and gossip, only to meet a Jewish stranger who sees her, knows her, and reveals himself as the Messiah. Kristyn explores why this woman went to the well at the hottest part of the day, what it means to be fully known by Jesus in the mundane and exhausting parts of life, and how that encounter transformed her from someone hiding from people to someone running to share the good news. With vulnerability and hope, Kristyn reflects on her own "well moments" with God and challenges us to recognize where Jesus is meeting us in our mess—and to sit at the well with others who feel isolated, judged, or like mistakes. Because no matter how messy life gets, all shall be well.

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S3 E22: Listen to Him: A Glimpse of Heaven on Mount Tabor

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this personal episode, Mike Briggs takes us on a journey to Mount Tabor in the Holy Land, where he and his wife Vicki stood on the very hill where Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. Mike shares the experience of climbing 1,500 feet up steep switchback roads and witnessing sunbeams breaking through clouds over the Jezreel Valley—a moment that brought the Scripture to life in stunning clarity. Drawing from his pilgrimage and the Catechism's teaching that the Transfiguration gives us "a foretaste of the Kingdom," Mike unpacks three powerful truths: that the Transfiguration offers us a glimpse of our own glorious future, that Jesus continually comforts us with "do not be afraid," and most importantly, that we are called to listen to him and follow. With honest vulnerability, Mike shares his struggle with "monkey brain" and the challenge of listening in silence to Scripture, while also reflecting on times he heard God's call—and times he didn't respond. This episode is an invitation to spend time in the Word, let it speak to us, and discover what we're each called to do.

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Mike was born and raised in Midland and has been a member of Blessed Sacrament since 1985. He graduated from Michigan Tech in 1977 and after spending 2ys at Exxon in Texas, where he met his wife, they moved to Midland to work for Dow Corning. They were married at Blessed Sacrament in 1980 and have 3 children and 8 grandkids. Mike worked for Dow Corning for 30 plus years. He has been active at Blessed Sacrament as a Eucharist Minister, has been involved in Christ Renews for several years, and is also a member of two different small faith groups. In his spare time he volunteers in the science classroom at Central Park and Floyd Elementary schools and enjoys sports.

S3 E21: We All Mess Up: Finding Grace in Our Brokenness

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this deeply personal episode, Dan Tuma shares his journey from childhood prayers to a life-changing encounter with God at a Christian youth camp in northern Michigan. Through candid stories and honest reflection, Dan explores Romans 5 and the profound truth that while sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience, grace and eternal life come through Jesus Christ's obedience. Dan recounts how his faith moved from his head to his heart while counseling high school teenagers, how God spoke directly to him during a worship night at camp, and how nearly 12 years of returning to that camp—plus his involvement in Christ Renews —taught him that grace isn't earned but freely given. Despite feeling limited by his past and brokenness, Dan discovered that Jesus had been with him all along, walking beside him through every high and low. This episode is an invitation to recognize that we are all broken, beautiful creations desperately in need of a Savior—and that his grace surpasses everything.

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A Midland native, Dan Tuma is both a Special Education teacher and a business owner - doing what he loves working with children at Central Park Elementary, and providing photo and videography services through his company, Dan Tuma Media. Dan is a proud graduate of both Delta College (Associate's Degree in Electronic Media Broadcasting) and Ferris State University (Bachelor's of Science Degree in Television and Digital Media Production). Dan deeply values spending time with his family, which includes his golden retriever best friend, Joey. Dan is involved in the Men’s Christ Renews team at Blessed Sacrament Parish, and also volunteers at the Children's Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Dan is passionate about many things in life - including his faith, his Children's Televison Program, “Mr. Tuma & Friends”, future chaplaincy opportunities (for hospitals/hospice), and also, later in his life, working in Memory Care/Assisted Living facilities in some capacity. Last, but not least, Dan is passionate about his favorite TV show, The Chosen!

Ash Wednesday: Finding Presence in a Distracted World

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:39:58 +0000

What did you do with five minutes of downtime before your phone could offer endless scrolling? This simple question, posed by a friend after discussing "The Anxious Generation," becomes the launching point for a timely Lenten reflection on distraction, fragmentation, and the practice of presence. In this episode, recorded live at our Word & Ashes service, Kristyn Russell explores how constant digital distractions keep us separated from the world around us, the people in front of us, and even our own interior lives—and how that fragmentation feels "kind of yucky." Through the lens of Lent's three traditional practices—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—we discover practical ways to tune out the noise and tune into God's presence. From giving up the morning scroll instead of coffee, to showing extra kindness as a form of charity, this reflection offers a 40-day invitation to reclaim those five-minute pockets of time and rediscover what it means to truly pay attention. Whether you're wondering why otters keep favorite rocks or why God allows hate to exist, this episode challenges you to set aside distractions and be present—to the world, to each other, and to God.

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S3 E20: Let Your Yes Mean Yes: Living with Integrity in a World of Lies

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Corinne Cathcart uses a charming story from the Hallmark show "When Calls the Heart"—where a Mountie tells a white lie about loving lemon curd—to explore Jesus' simple yet profound command: "Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no." Corinne reflects on how we live in a world where artificial intelligence and internet misinformation make truth increasingly difficult to find, where even second graders must be taught to fact-check their research. She contrasts this with a time when the World Book Encyclopedia was the unquestioned source of truth, and challenges us to imagine a world where everyone has the integrity of a frontier town Mountie or the reliability of that encyclopedia. Through personal anecdotes and honest reflection, Corinne invites us to accept Jesus' challenge to co-create God's kingdom of love, justice, and truth here on earth—one honest word at a time.

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S3 E19: Salt and Light: Living God's Hope in the World

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Anna Doering explores the timeless gospel message of being "salt of the earth" and "light of the world"—but what does that actually mean for us today? Drawing on Isaiah's call to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless, paired with Paul's reminder that our faith rests on God's power, Anna unpacks how we witness to our faith through both grand gestures and small acts of kindness. Using the beautiful imagery of the Easter Vigil candle, she reminds us that God's light is meant to be shared, not dimmed, and that each of us reflects that light uniquely. From holding a door open to offering up an inconvenience for someone struggling, Anna challenges us to live as prophets of hope in a broken world, motivated by God's love rather than mere duty.

Links:

Bring Forth the Kingdom

Light of the World

This Little Light of Mine

City on a Hill

Prophets of a Future Not Our Own

The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter

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A life-long parishioner of Blessed Sacrament and graduate of Blessed Sacrament elementary school, Anna is a middle school and high school choir teacher. She is a double graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting. Anna enjoys teaching and performing in the area, including cantoring and sacristaning at Mass. When not teaching and music-making, Anna loves to sew and travel.

S3 E18: Boast in the Lord: Finding God's Hand in Our Lives

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Vicki Briggs unpacks St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, exploring how pride and power can blind us from God's truth—just as it did for Paul before his Damascus road encounter. Vicki reflects on how God consistently chooses the lowly and despised to accomplish His work, from the shepherds at Christ's birth to the possibility of redemption even for King Herod. She challenges us to recognize that our talents, achievements, and successes are all gifts from God, not personal accomplishments to claim as our own. Through personal stories and examples from everyday life (including football players pointing to heaven), Vicki invites us to look back on our lives, identify where God has been working, and give credit where it's truly due.

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Vicki grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. She attended Catholic schools before moving to Austin to earn a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Texas. After graduating, she moved to Houston to work for Exxon Refining at Baytown. There she met Mike Briggs, a native of Midland. Mike returned to Midland to work for Dow Corning, and Vicki followed shortly thereafter. They were married here at Blessed Sacrament and have three children and eight grandchildren. Mike and Vicki lead a Small Faith Group and enjoy being active in our Midland community.

S3 E17: Sitting in the Dark and Seeing the Light

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Cathy Richard journeys through a gospel passage that moves from John the Baptist's arrest to Isaiah's prophecy of a great light piercing despair—and culminates in the instant, radical calling of the first disciples. Drawing on personal anecdotes (including a longing for Jesus' gaze and finding solace in creation), Cathy explores what it truly means to say "Thy will be done," to surrender our fears, and to let Christ's light shine through our acts of love, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. Join Cathy as she discovers how hope arises even in our darkest seasons—and how each of us is invited to become a beacon for others.

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Cathy has been a member of Blessed Sacrament since 1986. She and her husband Tim did youth ministry for 18 years and have been Catechists for OCIA for many years. She also enjoys leading retreats. Helping people grow in their spiritual life is her passion, along with gardening and grandchildren. She continues to pursue her own spiritual growth, an ongoing quest.

S3 E16: A New Song: Praying, Listening, and Living the Psalms

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Pulling back the curtain on the podcast, Kristyn Russell turns our attention to one of the most overlooked—and most relatable—parts of Scripture: the Psalms. Through music, memory, and Psalm 40, we explore how praise and lament often live side by side, just like they do in our own hearts. From prayers that sound like “What the heck, God?” to quieter moments of gratitude, this homily reminds us that every honest prayer counts. The psalms don’t ask for polished performances or grand sacrifices; they invite us to listen, to love, and to live lives shaped by obedience and compassion. A reflection on hearing God’s voice, trusting the law written on our hearts, and responding with courage: “Here I am, Lord.”

Psalm Recommendations:

For Joy & Praise

Psalm 100: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth."
Psalm 103: Blesses the Lord for His forgiveness, healing, and love.
Psalm 150: A crescendo of praise using all instruments.

For Hope & Trust

Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd..."
Psalm 62: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him."

For Fear & Anxiety

Psalm 27: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"
Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

For Grief & Distress

Psalm 6: "Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony."
Psalm 13: "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?"

For Anger & Outrage

Psalm 137: Expresses righteous anger and longing for justice.
Psalm 4:4: "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."

For Loneliness & Abandonment

Psalm 142: A cry for refuge when no one cares.

For Confession & Repentance

Psalm 51: A classic prayer for mercy and cleansing.
Psalm 130: "If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness.

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S3 E15: Washed Clean: Baptism, Belovedness, and the Power of Living Water

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

From rustic camping trips and the long-awaited relief of a hot shower to the sacred waters of the Jordan River, Christy Granda draws a vivid connection between physical cleansing and spiritual transformation. As Jesus enters the waters of baptism—not out of need, but out of love—he transforms ordinary water into a vessel of the Holy Spirit. This reflection invites us to remember our own baptism, to hear God’s voice calling us beloved, and to recognize how deeply we have been washed, renewed, and claimed in Christ. A powerful reminder that baptism is not just a moment from our past, but a living source of grace meant to flow into the world through us.

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S3 E14: Returning by Another Way: Signs, Wonders, and an Encounter with Emmanuel (Epiphany of the Lord)

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

At the close of the Christmas season, the Gospel invites us to linger with the Magi—mysterious seekers who followed signs and wonders until they encountered Emmanuel, God-with-us. In this reflection, Lyn Pajk explores who the Magi really were, what drew them across deserts and darkness, and how a single encounter with Christ changed the direction of their lives.

Through a nostalgic journey back to Christmas traditions of the 1970s—and a heartfelt retelling of The Little Drummer Boy—Lyn reminds us that coming before Jesus doesn’t require perfect gifts or polished hearts. Like Aaron with his simple drum, we bring what we have: our wounds, our hopes, our small offerings of love.

As the Magi returned home “by another way,” we are challenged to ask the same question: after Advent and Christmas, how will we go back into ordinary time? Will we choose a path marked by mercy, kindness, forgiveness, and joy?

Enjoy this reflection on Epiphany, transformation, and the daily invitation to encounter Christ in one another—and to be changed by him.

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Originally from Ohio, Lyn and her husband Tim moved to Midland in October of 1999 and became part of the Blessed Sacrament family that very first week. With a biology degree from Ohio State and post grad work in secondary science education, she brought 6 years of Middle School Science teaching experience with her to Michigan, as well as two young sons. During her 8 years as a stay-at-home mom, Lyn volunteered as a coach, room parent, catechist, and Cub Scout Den Leader for her now, 3 sons. In 2007 she entered the Saginaw Diocese Lay Ministry program and in 2008 joined the staff of Blessed Sacrament as the Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation. Five years later she took on the role of Middle School Youth Minister (her favorite job of all time) and finished up her 15-year tenure as a member of the Faith Formation Team as the Coordinator of Adult Formation/Discipleship in addition to being the Team Leader. in 2023 Lyn "retired" from ministry, and she and Tim moved back to Ohio where their parents and their 3 boys all lived. And though she was certain that she wouldn't ever work in ministry again, Lyn is in her second year as DRE at their new parish, St. Victor, in Richfield, Ohio.

S3 E13: The Holy Family: Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Faith (december 28, 2025)

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Renee Larsen invites us to see the Holy Family not as distant figures, but as a family much like ours—living daily life with love, worry, laughter, and faith. From fleeing danger to raising Jesus in Nazareth, Mary and Joseph show us that holiness is found in ordinary moments and quiet trust in God. As we reflect on their journey, we’re reminded that our own families, too, walk the path of faith and unity in Christ.

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