The Visitor has launched “Minnesota Catholic Podcasts,” a new venture designed to bring listeners uplifting messages, engaging dialogue and challenging discourse on topics impacting Catholics today.
“We’re always looking for the best ways to use our communications resources to advance the mission of the church,” said Joe Towalski, director of communications for the Diocese of St. Cloud and editor of The Visitor newspaper.
“Podcasting has been growing in popularity for a number of years,” he said. “They’re easy to create and offer another way to address issues and stories important to Catholics today.
Podcasts also offer a level of convenience to subscribers — they can listen while they’re doing household chores, for example, or driving to work. They’re especially popular with younger people, which is an audience we are striving to reach.”
What is a podcast?
A podcast is an audio file that can be listened to online or through mobile devices. Listeners have the opportunity to subscribe to the podcasts and receive notifications when new audio files are released.
What topics will the podcasts cover?
“Minnesota Catholic Podcasts” is divided into three separately themed series based on the diocesan mission statement: “We, the people of God of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, in union with the Universal Church, believe in and proclaim the presence of Jesus Christ in our world. Our mission is to be His heart of mercy, voice of hope, and hands of justice.”
The “Heart of Mercy Minute with Bishop Donald Kettler” will feature short, uplifting messages from the bishop on the weekly readings, current events and important announcements.
The “Hands of Justice” series broadcasts local speakers discussing social issues impacting Catholic culture with a specific focus on social justice issues and Catholic social teaching. The first topic in this series is “peace” with host Kateri Mancini, director of social concerns at Catholic Charities, interviewing Father Bill Vos, diocesan director of Catholic Relief Services.
“Voices of Hope” will feature guests from across the globe and our own backyard who bring with them stories of hope, inspiration and wisdom. In the first episode, Erin Hatlestad, principal of St. Katharine Drexel School in St. Cloud, interviews Sister of Charity of Nazareth Mary Angela Shaugnessy, who holds two doctoral degrees in law and in education. The two discuss Catholic schools and the law.
All of these podcasts are made possible through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
How to listen
You can subscribe to “Minnesota Catholic Podcasts” on iTunes and Google Play. You can also access them on The Visitor’s website: www.stcloudvisitor.org.
Have an idea for a podcast?
Tell us about it! Send an email to editor@stcloudvisitor.org.