On this encore edition of The Catholic Morning Show, newly ordained Fr. Thomas Kollasch of the Diocese of Sioux City shares what it's like to begin priestly ministry just weeks after his June ordination, from studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome to his first Masses and confessions back home in Iowa. Christ Our Life Conference co-founders Ellen Miller and Marilyn Lane also return with a preview of the September 26-27 gathering in Des Moines, featuring Bishop Joseph Espaillat, Chris Stefanick, Fr. Robert Spitzer, and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow of Mary's Meals. Plus, Deacon Mark Campbell previews Sunday's Gospel on the wheat and the weeds, and the team looks ahead to the Archbishop Fulton Sheen beatification and the Growing the Faith Tour with Karlo Broussard.
Newly Ordained: Fr. Thomas Kollasch on His First Weeks as a Priest In an encore interview, Fr. Thomas Kollasch — a Bancroft, Iowa native and member of Divine Mercy Parish — talks about being ordained a priest for the Diocese of Sioux City on June 27, 2026, by Bishop John E. Keehner at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, becoming the second diocesan priest Bishop Keehner has ordained. He reflects on his six-year formation journey (Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona, two years at the University of Iowa, seminary in Winona, Minnesota, and studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome), what surprised him most about celebrating his first Masses and hearing confessions, and practical ways listeners can support vocations, including praying for and backing university campus ministries.
This Sunday's Gospel: The Wheat and the Weeds Deacon Mark Campbell joins in-studio with a reflection on Sunday's Gospel from Matthew — on God's patience in letting the wheat and the weeds grow together, and what that means for how we bring our own struggles and sins to Him. Fr. Nick Smith, pastor of St. Patrick's in Perry, also offers a reflection on Jesus and the Sabbath from Matthew's Gospel.
Growing the Faith Tour Heads to Spencer, Creston & Pella Catholic apologist Karlo Broussard brings the Growing the Faith Tour to three Iowa parishes next week:
Events are free, but pre-registration is requested. Details: IowaCatholicRadio.com
Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Beatification Is Two Months Away Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presiding as the papal representative. Sheen was born, ordained, and began his priesthood in the Diocese of Peoria. Full details: CelebrateSheen.com
Encore: Christ Our Life Conference Returns September 26-27 Co-founders Ellen Miller and Marilyn Lane preview this year's Christ Our Life Conference, "For Our Searching Souls," happening September 26-27 at Casey's Center in Des Moines. The 2026 lineup includes Bishop Joseph Espaillat, Chris Stefanick, Fr. Robert Spitzer, Gabriel Castillo, Crystalina Evert, Charbel Raish, Fr. David Michael Moses, Steve Angrisano, and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow of Mary's Meals, alongside Bishop William Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines. A weekend pass is $30 for adults (in-person or livestream); admission is free for anyone 23 and under. Tickets and info: ChristOurLifeIowa.com
Around the Diocese of Des Moines
A Lighter Note: The Bishop's Missing Ring Bo and Alexia share the story of Bishop Mark O'Connell of Albany, New York, who lost his episcopal ring for six weeks — only to find it at the bottom of a bag of potato chips. Full story: National Catholic Register
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