The Catholic Morning Show

The Catholic Morning Show - 06/02/2026

Episode Summary

Deacon Mark Campbell welcomes Deacon Randy Kiel, president of Kardia Counseling, to discuss stress management, how to recognize when stress becomes distress or duress, and practical spiritual tools for supporting people in crisis. He's joined by Deacon Mark Burdt to explore the Deacon Advisory Board's role in continuing education, diaconate formation, and the evolving ministry of permanent deacons across the Diocese of Des Moines. This episode addresses mental health, spiritual counseling, and how Catholics can minister to others during difficult times.

Episode Notes

The Catholic Morning Show, airing weekdays at 7 AM Central on Iowa Catholic Radio, delivers faithful Catholic conversation and formation. Today's show features two vital topics for the Catholic community:

Segment 1 – Stress Management & Spiritual Counseling (Deacon Randy Kiel) Deacon Randy Kiel, President of Kardia Counseling and regular Thursday contributor from Christ the King Parish (south Des Moines), breaks down the progression from stress to distress to duress to decompensation—a framework many miss. He provides actionable guidance on how to truly help people in emotional or spiritual distress, including:

• Don't tell people to "cheer up"—help them talk their feelings out
• Pray with people, not just for them
• Build trust by stating: "I will protect your information"
• Don't judge those using medication; integration of faith and medicine is Catholic tradition
• Recognize attention-seeking as a natural human need worthy of pastoral presence

This segment is essential for anyone involved in ministry, counseling, or supporting loved ones through hardship. Contact Kardia Counseling at kardiacounseling.com or 515-267-0030.

Segment 2 – Diaconate Formation & Continuing Education (Deacon Mark Burdt) Deacon Mark Burdt, MD, discusses his role on the Deacon Advisory Board for the Diocese of Des Moines, which oversees continuing education and spiritual formation for 60+ active deacons. Key discussion points include:

• Why continuing education matters as much as spiritual growth
• The importance of fraternity and community among deacons
• Annual retreats and quarterly gatherings for deacon formation
• His transition from urban ministry (All Saints, North Des Moines) to rural ministry (Saint Bernards, Osceola; Grand River; Mount Air)
• Serving under three different pastors and how each shaped his ministry
• The unique challenges and opportunities of rural diaconate ministry
• Building bridges with new communities, including a large Hispanic population

Practical Takeaway: Whether you're seeking support for mental health challenges or curious about the diaconate vocation, this episode demonstrates how the Catholic Church integrates spiritual formation, professional standards, and community care.

Listen on Iowa Catholic Radio: Weekdays at 7 AM Central on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network, IowaCatholicRadio.com, or the Iowa Catholic Radio app.