Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Podcast

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 yo...

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...

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 liv...

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...

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...

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.   &qu...

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 ex...

"Do we come to Mass with a desire and expectation of a personal and intimate encounter with Jesus- an encounter that can be life changing and life transforming?  Bishop Gruss asked this during First Friday at the Cathedral on Friday, Sept. 2. "As believers, we have an obligation to share this beautiful message with Catholics, especially those who don’t come to Mass. Bishop Gruss went on...

Bishop Gruss discusses the Eucharist, catholic schools and more during an interview that aired on Sept. 4 on Ave Maria Radio. He was interviewed by Vanessa Denha-Garmo on the show "Epiphany". 

During his homily last week at a Holy Hour for vocations, Bishop Robert Gruss reminded the faithful that vocations have always been a challenge for the Church.  "Jesus knew this reality during his earthly life and ministry, said Bishop Gruss. "So knowing this reality, Jesus has already given us the solution." Bishop Gruss went on to share Jesus' words from the Gospel of Matthew...

Bishop Gruss recently taught on the Eucharist during an enrichment day at the Diocesan Center for Ministry June 4, 2022. 

Prayer and the Sacrament of Penance are important parts of a loving relationship with the Lord. As disciples of the Lord, we are called to evangelize. Bishop Gruss discussed the importance of these issues during his most recent First Friday presentation.  On Friday, local faithful gathered with Bishop Gruss at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw for the monthly First Friday gatherin...

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FIRST FRIDAY IN JUNE We won’t protect ourselves against an enemy we don’t believe exists. That’s why Bishop Gruss spent time in April and May discussing the reality of the Evil One, or who St. Ignatius called, “the enemy of human nature.”  “The Evil One assaults us with thoughts,” Bishop Gruss said. “Thoughts that are not of God. He assaults us with an image that may com...

“When is the last time you heard a homily on the power and influence of the Evil One?,” Bishop Gruss asked those gathered at the Cathedral on Friday, April 1.  The group, which included fifth grade students from Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary School, was there for the monthly First Friday gathering with Bishop Gruss. The day began with Mass at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw...

When we know whose we are, we know who we are. Greetings and blessings to all of you. We are coming to end of our journey through this Lenten season. Thanks for joining me over these past weeks. We’ve spent the last five weeks dispelling these 5 lies that we often buy into. 1) I am what I have.                                            2) I am what I do. 3) I am what other people say or think of...

One moment of success or a season of success can never define who we are.  It would be a false identity – one we have created ourselves. Greetings and blessings to all of you. Here we are for our fifth reflection as we continue our journey through this season of Lent. Thanks for joining me. Last week we spent time with the lie that “I am nothing more than my worst moment” and how we have all had b...

As you recall last week, we began reflecting upon our identity and the way we perceive our identity affects every choice we make, every thought we think, every stand we take, as well as our relationship with others. Who we believe we are colors everything we do. I shared five statements from the late Father Henri Nouwen, who noted that all of them are lies and many of us believe or have believed t...

Feb. 16, 2022