Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Podcast

In his Homily on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 12, 2026), Bishop Robert Gruss said the sacred heart of Jesus isn’t just a symbol — it’s a window into God’s boundless love and mercy for you. But in a world filled with division, fear, and chaos, how can you truly experience this divine compassion?  He said the feast day is a call not only to reflection but to deep, personal t...

Bishop Gruss explains devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and connects the upcoming consecration of the U.S. and the Diocese of Saginaw to the Sacred Heart with the nation’s need for healing. Bishop Gruss emphasizes how Christ’s love is the antidote for wounds, division and anxiety.

Bishop Gruss announced a major moment for our local Church: a Year of the Holy Spirit beginning on the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 24, 2026, through Pentecost 2027.

During the First Friday gathering in Saginaw on May 1, Bishop Gruss quoted Pope Francis and reminded listeners that every baptized person is called to be a missionary disciple. “A missionary disciple is someone who knows Jesus personally, loves Him deeply, follows Him faithfully, and shares Him boldly,” he said in his talk. ( View the video below or watch it HERE . ) He stressed that evangelizatio...

Earlier this year, Bishop Robert Gruss shared a talk about purgatory at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Saginaw. He invited those gathered to reflect deeply on God’s mercy, holiness and eternal life promised through Jesus.  "You never know the day nor the time," Bishop Gruss told those in attendance. "We always have to be prepared."  The evening began with prayer as Bishop Grus...

Holy Week is here—and this message will change how you enter it. After six weeks of Lenten reflections, Bishop Gruss shares a powerful invitation: don’t rush past this week. Stay with Jesus. This is the heart of everything—why He came, why He suffered, and what it means for you right now. If you’ve been busy, distracted, or unsure how to approach Holy Week, start here. Watch now and take a few min...

Bravery or conformity...which way do you live your Christian life? In this powerful Lenten reflection, you’ll hear a challenge most Christians avoid: -It’s not enough to be kind -It’s not enough to believe -The mission isn’t complete until we ask: Do you believe? What’s really holding us back? -Conformity to culture -Staying in our comfort zones -Hiding our faith -Keeping the Gospel to ourselves A...

We often talk about our faith in general terms, but when someone asks how Jesus has personally changed your life, do you have an answer ready? In this week’s Lenten Reflection, we move from serving others to sharing our story. It is not a self-help program—it is a mission for the world. Watch as we discuss: -Overcoming the fear of rejection -Why you were born for this (featuring the courage of St....

Bishop Robert Gruss is inviting Catholics to reflect on one of the most challenging — and transformative — parts of the Christian life: surrendering completely to God. Speaking at the First Friday gathering at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Bishop Gruss shared a reflection inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s message about Lent. “Lent is not about spiritual self-optimization”  “True conversion beg...

In this week’s Lenten reflection, Bishop Gruss focuses on the significance of prayer in understanding and fulfilling God's will in our lives, particularly in the context of the mission of Jesus. Bishop Gruss asks, “How often do you pray seeking God's will for your life?”

Do you believe that God has created you and put you on this earth for a specific purpose with a specific mission for him? In this week’s Lenten reflection, Bishop Gruss discusses what is necessary to embrace the mission God has given you…

As we begin 2026 Lenten season, Bishop Robert Gruss invites us to hear Jesus’ call anew: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” To believe in the Gospel means more than words — it means embracing the mission of Christ and carrying it into our families, parishes, and communities through the power of the Holy Spirit. This Lent, he encourages us to ask Jesus to set our hearts on fire for mission, deepen...

Bishop Gruss explores the significance of Lent, emphasizing the importance of preparation, desire, and the practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. In this talk, he encourages the faithful to prepare for Lent intentionally and highlights the transformative power of fasting as a spiritual discipline that fosters a closer relationship with God. A few takeways: Fasting is a biblical practice tha...

Bishop Robert Gruss, known for his insightful and compassionate leadership in the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, recently appeared on WSGW for a Christmas Eve interview. He shared his thoughts and reflections on the holiday season while talking to longtime friend and host, Art Lewis. Bishop Gruss emphasized the importance of unity and love, encouraging listeners to embrace the spirit of Christmas by...

Bishop Gruss: When we wait on God, we open ourselves up to a deeper intimacy with Him, even in the midst of uncertainty. You can view previous reflections here: https://saginaw.org/advent

Bishop Gruss: In this season of Advent, have you been waiting for Christmas or longing for Jesus?  This week we will reflect upon Mary’s posture of waiting. The length of an average pregnancy is forty weeks.  After Mary gave her fiat – her surrender – to bearing the Son of God, she still had to wait nine long months before she could finally cradle him in her arms.  One can just imagine Mary’s exci...

In any given week, how many anonymous Catholics are in the pews at the Mass in which you attend? When was the last time you went up to someone you did not know and introduced yourself to that person?   As I mentioned last week, during this season of Advent, our reflections will look at four postures of our Blessed Mother. It is my hope that Mary will lead us into her heart, and guide us into a dee...

Bishop Robert Gruss: Our reflections will look at four postures of our Blessed Mother. It is my hope that during this season of Advent, Mary will lead us into her heart, a heart that longed with hopeful expectation of the Lord’s coming. As the mother of our Savior, she will guide our hearts to a deeper experience of the Christmas mystery.

On Oct. 23, Deacon Larry Gayton discussed the upcoming march for migrants and refugees and Hispanic Mass on the Art Lewis Show.  At 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, faithful will gather for a solemn March for migrants and refugees. The march will begin at Great Lakes Bay Health Center parking lot at 501 Lapeer Ave., Saginaw and conclude at St. Joseph Church, 910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw. After the March...

This is Bishop Gruss' homily during staff Mass at the Diocesan Center for Ministry on Sept. 25, 2025.