Listen and follow on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform. We’d love to earn 5 stars from you, so be sure to scroll down in your podcast player and leave a review!
Bishop Jim shares about his early curiosity about missionaries serving in Africa and his desire to serve God and help people. His seminary formation included a period of study in Innsbruck, where he met seminarians from around world and learned about many cultures. His experience helped him learn Spanish and understand the cultures he served on the south side of Milwaukee. Eventually he served at a sister parish, La Parroquia Sagrada Família, in the Dominican Republic.
Before becoming a bishop, he studied at Catholic Theological Union with a focus on intercultural ministry, which he applied to seminary formation. Then he became spiritual director and an instructor at the diocesan seminary. His service at the mission continued to influence his work, since he spent a great deal of time travelling to outstations.
Bishop Jim's mission experience continues to resonate with him. The people he interacted with reminded him of the importance of human dignity, generosity and hope. He shares some of those stories in this episode.
He also reflects on how the Gospel this week encourages us to be watchful and seek Christ in our daily life, both sacramentally through the Eucharist and in our service to others. His life as a bishop includes many opportunities to encounter many people and show that he cares, which often surprises them.
Don't miss his advice about fulfilling our baptismal call and serving God near home or overseas!