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Articles by Ron Pangborn
Detroit Stories Episode 77: 'What Missionaries Bring Home' (PODCAST) - Detroit Catholic
Three missionary priests draw parallels between the work of the Gospel in far-off lands and the new evangelization in Detroit (0:04) Fr. Stephen Mutie, SAC, a priest currently serving in Wyandotte, reflects on his first missionary assignment with the Irish Pallottine community 15 years ago in a remote and rural part of Tanzania. Born in Kenya, Fr. Mutie’s own vocation was influenced by missionaries. He discusses the unique challenges of ministering as a foreign missionary.
Detroit Stories Episode 76: 'Life in the Cloister' (PODCAST) - Detroit Catholic
In a world filled with hustle and bustle, two cloistered nuns pull back the curtain on their life of prayer, silence and peace (0:01) Mother Mary Therese of the Holy Spirit, prioress of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Monastery of St. Therese in Clinton Township, recalls her first memories of cloistered life as a 7-year-old visiting a family friend who was a Carmelite nun, and how an early whimsical experience shaped what would become a lifelong vocation.
Detroit Stories Episode 75: 'Young, Catholic and Living in the City' (PODCAST) - Detroit Catholic
Young adult ministry isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; how Detroit parishes, ministries find success with elusive demographic (0:03) Czeena Kate, co-founder of the Catholic dating ministry Hot and Holy Hearts on Fire for Christ, talks about how the idea for the speed-dating ministry began in response to some of the “perils” of the dating scene for young adult Catholics.
Detroit Stories Episode 67: 'Surviving College as a Catholic' (PODCAST)
In a space dominated by 'nones' and secular ideology, Catholic college students talk about how faith can thrive on campus (0:03) Fr. Ben Hasse, pastor of St. Albert Student Parish at Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula, describes the parish’s tradition of building an ice chapel during the university’s annual Winter Carnival in February and how it helps evangelize on the college campus.
Detroit Stories Episode 65: 'Why God's House is Building Homes' (PODCAST)
All across the city of Detroit, Catholic organizations are turning vacant land and buildings into vibrant, affordable housing (0:02) Lynne Williams of Detroit talks about how she and her husband, both recovering from addiction, found an apartment in Detroit with the help of the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance. The Catholic nonprofit is one of many in the city working to build affordable housing for those on the margins.
Detroit Stories Episode 61: 'Alternatives for Girls' (PODCAST)
In the 1980s, a group of concerned Detroiters set out to help exploited women; today, their program is a blueprint for U.S. (0:11) The narrator sets the scene of Detroit in the 1980s, when disturbing trends across the city found young women caught up in exploitive and oppressive situations, including gang activity, homelessness, drugs and sex work. Amy Good, CEO of the Detroit nonprofit Alternatives for Girls, describes early efforts to combat these trends.
Detroit Stories Episode 55: 'Me, You, and 'I Do'' (PODCAST)
Rebecca Martin wrote the book on Catholic wedding planning — literally — but her own wedding was far from what she imagined (0:03) The narrator introduces Rebecca Martin, a local book editor who co-wrote “The Catholic Wedding Planner,” a guide for brides and grooms to making their big day a holy, happy success. Rebecca describes how her own wedding planning was derailed, however, when COVID hit in spring 2020.
Detroit Stories Episode 48: 'T.M. Doran's Catholic Imagination' (PODCAST)
Plymouth author's mysterious worlds capture truth, goodness and beauty of God in the mold of Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' (0:01) Tom Doran, known to his fans and readers as mystery novelist T.M. Doran, reads a passage from his most popular fantasy novel, “Toward the Gleam.” Doran is a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, and a modern-day J.R.R. Tolkien — or at least an author in the same mold.
Detroit Stories Episode 47: 'It's a Funny Story' (PODCAST)
Canton native Shawn Reynolds is the funniest comic east of the Mississippi — but his devotion to God and family is no joke (0:02) Canton native Shawn Reynolds reflects on how a mundane job at a Dunkin Donuts as a teenager foreshadowed both his personal and professional life — one in which he’d marry the love of his life and end up touring the country as a full-time comedian. (2:18) Reynolds and his wife, Katie, married young and had six children.
Detroit Stories Episode 42: 'St. Alexander Still Cares' (PODCAST)
When St. Alexander Parish in Farmington Hills closed in 2014, a former parishioner resolved to carry on its legacy of service (0:01) Todd Lipa describes growing up at St. Alexander Parish in Farmington Hills. It’s where his large family was baptized, and where his mother was buried in 1968. The parish, led by Fr. Jim Wright, was also a lifeline when the Lipa family fell on hard times, providing food, clothing and a caring support system.
Detroit Stories Episode 38: 'The Urban Playbook' (PODCAST)
Loyola principal Wyatt Jones' blueprint for empowering young Black men exemplifies Jesuit school's motto: 'A Man for Others' (0:05) Wyatt Jones III, Ph.D., reads an excerpt from his book, "The Urban Playbook," about when he told his father, Deacon Wyatt Jones II, about his new job as the dean of students at Loyola High School.
Detroit Stories Episode 33: 'Air Support for Priests' (PODCAST)
How one woman's inspiration to pray for her priest launched an archdiocese-wide movement of spiritual support (0:01) Fr. John Kopson, pastor of St. Anne Parish in Warren, describes a homily he once heard describing the priesthood as analogous to the military. If priests are the soldiers of the Church, the “boots on the ground,” they can only be effective if they have “air support” — i.e., the prayers of the faithful uplifting and supporting them.
Detroit Stories Episode 29: 'Let's Talk About Adoption' (PODCAST)
(00:00) The narrator discusses the stereotypes and tropes that have been used to characterize stories of adoption and foster care in literature and pop culture. However, the realities of adoption and foster care are more complex than usually portrayed. The narrator explains that this episode will share a perspective on adoption not usually heard.
Detroit Stories Episode 28: 'Can a Catholic Gamble on Sports?' (PODCAST)
As Michigan's sports gaming industry reaches new heights, moral theologians and addiction experts weigh in on a Catholic's responsibility (0:02) The narrator tries (tongue-in-cheek) to interest the listener in various bets related to sporting events this year — the Super Bowl, Final Four and Kentucky Derby — to make a point about the prevalence of sports gambling since Michigan legalized the practice in 2020.
Detroit Stories Episode 26: 'Miracle Child' (PODCAST)
Doctors told Nora Mies' parents her seizures as a newborn meant she wouldn't live a normal life; then, they prayed to Blessed Solanus Casey (00:02) We meet 9-year-old Nora Mies, a student at St. Michael’s School in Livonia.* (00:24) Nora’s dad, Patrick Mies, talks about how Nora excels in school, in her many sports and extracurriculars, and how she shines socially and spiritually.
Detroit Stories Episode 23: 'Hitting the Streets with St. Paul' (PODCAST)
How God's gentle nudge led one Detroit man to share his faith on street corners — and the idea spread like wildfire (00:03) Narrator sets the scene of what a typical St. Paul Street Evangelization outing may look like at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. (01:00) Listeners are introduced to Steve Dawson, founder of St. Paul Street Evangelization, a Detroit-based grassroots nonprofit that focuses on evangelization and meeting people where they are — literally.
Detroit Stories Episode 22: 'Mercy in Action at St. Lucy' (PODCAST)
(00:03) The narrator introduces Mercy in Action Day, where parishes in the six counties of the Archdiocese of Detroit mobilize to perform acts of service. (01:13) Listeners are introduced to St. Lucy Parish’s particularly robust Christian service ministry. This is due in large part to Donna Belli, the Christian service coordinator at St. Lucy’s, who served the parish for 12 years.
Detroit Stories Episode 21: ‘The Boys Bowl’ (PODCAST)
77-year tradition at Detroit Catholic Central much more than a football game; it’s a living legacy and a testament to faith and family (00:02) The narrator begins to introduce Catholic Central’s longstanding tradition of the Boys Bowl, noting how it’s much more than just a football game. (01:49) Part one: the history of the Boys Bowl. Catholic Central’s athletic director, Aaron Babicz, describes the Boys Bowl tradition and shares about the team’s very first opponent out of Nebraska 77 years ago.
Detroit Stories Episode 21: ‘The Boys Bowl’ (PODCAST)
(00:02) The narrator begins to introduce Catholic Central’s longstanding tradition of the Boys Bowl, noting how it’s much more than just a football game. (01:49) Part one: the history of the Boys Bowl. Catholic Central’s athletic director, Aaron Babicz, describes the Boys Bowl tradition and shares about the team’s very first opponent out of Nebraska 77 years ago.
Detroit Stories Episode 20: ‘Visions of a Better Life’ (PODCAST)
John Daraban was homeless, addicted and away from the Church, until visions of the Blessed Mother and Solanus Casey led him back to Christ (00:10) The narrator gives a preface to the story being shared on the Detroit Stories podcast, accrediting the production and hard work all to John Daraban, who will be sharing his testimony.
Detroit Stories Episode 20: ‘Visions of a Better Life’ (PODCAST)
(00:10) The narrator gives a preface to the story being shared on the Detroit Stories podcast, accrediting the production and hard work all to John Daraban, who will be sharing his testimony. (2:02) John describes what his home and faith life looked like during his upbringing, from his brother’s diverging interests of the faith to his breakup with a high school sweetheart. (04:29) John’s brother Rick begins to turn his life around for his son, Cody.
Detroit Stories Episode 19: ‘Serving God and Country’ (PODCAST)
Deacon Steve Morello was uniquely positioned to serve the Lord and the American people in the aftermath of the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001 (0:23) Deacon Steve Morello pondered and prayed about why God had brought him to his job, until one day, six weeks into his tenure as general counsel for the United States Army, when the answer became very clear. (1:30) We learn about Deacon Morello’s background in law and what brought him to his position as the Army’s general counsel.
Detroit Stories Episode 19: ‘Serving God and Country’ (PODCAST)
(0:23) Deacon Steve Morello pondered and prayed about why God had brought him to his job, until one day, six weeks into his tenure as general counsel for the United States Army, when the answer became very clear. (1:30) We learn about Deacon Morello’s background in law and what brought him to his position as the Army’s general counsel.
Detroit Stories Episode 18: The Front Lines of Mental Health (PODCAST)
As society recovers from a year of stress and anxiety, Catholic Charities counselors ensure those who seek help are able to find it (0:17) We meet Lisa Elia, a behavioral health therapist at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, who introduces the symptoms of grief and loss that many teens and young adults have exhibited throughout the stretch of the pandemic.
Detroit Stories Episode 18: The Front Lines of Mental Health (PODCAST)
(0:17) We meet Lisa Elia, a behavioral health therapist at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, who introduces the symptoms of grief and loss that many teens and young adults have exhibited throughout the stretch of the pandemic. (3:27) We learn more about the state of mental health across the nation before the onset of COVID-19, and how mental health care providers on the front lines of the pandemic are struggling to avoid burnout themselves.
Detroit Stories Episode 17: ‘Heroic Love and Family Planning’ (PODCAST)
Sergio Lopez, Giovanni Vitale and their wives have a goal: to empower men to join the conversation on natural family planning (0:03) We meet Sergio and Juanita Lopez and learn about their introduction to — and immediate skepticism of — natural family planning. We also learn that their marriage faced trouble, and they were considering divorce when Juanita suggested NFP as a way to reconnect.
Detroit Stories Episode 17: ‘Heroic Love and Family Planning’ (PODCAST)
(0:03) We meet Sergio and Juanita Lopez and learn about their introduction to — and immediate skepticism of — natural family planning. We also learn that their marriage faced trouble, and they were considering divorce when Juanita suggested NFP as a way to reconnect. (2:35) Sergio talks about the struggles he and Juanita were facing and their decision to try natural family planning.
Detroit Stories Episode 15: ‘Cabrini Clinic: On the Front Lines Since 1834’ (PODCAST)
Discover Detroit’s best kept secret: the oldest free clinic in America with a commitment to doing the right thing (1:12) In 1834, America’s first free clinic — and Detroit’s first hospital — was established to help those who’d contracted cholera. One hundred years later, it became the Cabrini Clinic, a clinic focused on serving the poorest of the poor.
Detroit Stories Episode 15: ‘Cabrini Clinic: On the Front Lines Since 1834’ (PODCAST)
(1:12) In 1834, America’s first free clinic — and Detroit’s first hospital — was established to help those who’d contracted cholera. One hundred years later, it became the Cabrini Clinic, a clinic focused on serving the poorest of the poor. (3:27) Nurse practitioner Alisa Smith gives an example of how far patients come for help at the Cabrini Clinic, executive director Tawana Neetles-Robinson shares how volunteer-based the clinic is, and we learn about the wide range of services it provides.
Detroit Stories Episode 14: ‘For the Love of the Gospel’ (PODCAST)
Despite growing up during harsh religious persecution, Fr. Fred Kalaj still found and fell in love with the Gospel — even becoming a priest (0:14) At just 15 years old, Fred Kalaj was already pondering life’s toughest questions: Why are we here? What is our purpose? What is death, and what comes next? He searched for answers in the books of great Russian, French and American authors, but one unexpected text would have all the answers he needed.
Detroit Stories Episode 14: ‘For the Love of the Gospel’ (PODCAST)
(0:14) At just 15 years old, Fred Kalaj was already pondering life’s toughest questions: Why are we here? What is our purpose? What is death, and what comes next? He searched for answers in the books of great Russian, French and American authors, but one unexpected text would have all the answers he needed. (4:11) Fr. Fred talks about the changes the Albanian government began implementing during the 1960s and how churches and towns were repurposed — or just destroyed altogether.
Detroit Stories Episode 13: ‘The Making of a Falcon’ (PODCAST)
Graduation is always a milestone, but for St. Mary Catholic Central and the Goda family, it’s been a historic team effort with a lasting impact (0:03) Graduation day is right around the corner, and this celebration is even more special for Jacob Goda and his parents, because Jacob has Downs Syndrome.
Detroit Stories Episode 13: ‘The Making of a Falcon’ (PODCAST)
(0:03) Graduation day is right around the corner, and this celebration is even more special for Jacob Goda and his parents, because Jacob has Down Syndrome. (1:01) We learn about Jacob’s primary education in Monroe Public Schools, his desire to be a St. Mary Catholic Central Falcon, and how the St. André Bessette Inclusion Program at St. Mary Catholic Central High School helped make that dream reality.
Detroit Stories Episode 12: ‘Smoke House Rises from the Ashes’ (PODCAST)
When life threw Steve and Sue Francis challenge after challenge, faith in God was what helped them hope for better things (0:24) We hear testimony of a long-awaited Easter for the Francis family, whose business experienced a fire that left everything unsalvageable. (1:56) Meet Steve and Sue Francis, owners of the Country Smoke House in Almont, MI, and how what started as a hobby bloomed into a business of over 80 employees and national reach.
Detroit Stories Episode 12: ‘Smoke House Rises from the Ashes’ (PODCAST)
(0:24) We hear testimony of a long-awaited Easter for the Francis family, whose business experienced a fire that left everything unsalvageable. (1:56) Meet Steve and Sue Francis, owners of the Country Smoke House in Almont, MI, and how what started as a hobby bloomed into a business of over 80 employees and national reach. (5:54) Cheryl, one of the Smoke House’s employees, talks about the Francises are as employers, mentioning their dedication to and pride in their faith.
Detroit Stories Episode 10: ‘Brother Priests’ (PODCAST)
For Fr. Zach and Fr. Drew Mabee, the bond of brotherhood led them not only to Catholicism, but to priestly vocations as well (0:00) We meet Zach and Drew Mabee, priests of the Diocese of Lansing and Archdiocese of Detroit, respectively — and brothers. Two generally different siblings are bonded together by both brotherhood and priesthood.
Detroit Stories Episode 10: ‘Brother Priests’ (PODCAST)
(0:00) We meet Zach and Drew Mabee, priests of the Diocese of Lansing and Archdiocese of Detroit, respectively — and brothers. Two generally different siblings are bonded together by both brotherhood and priesthood. (2:03) Father Zach talks about what their Protestant upbringing was like in Atlanta, and we learn how this changed when the family moved to Toledo and the boys started at a Jesuit school.
Detroit Stories Episode 9: ‘A Monopoly of Love’ (PODCAST)
Audrey Sutherland left her home, her family, and her job to minister in Atlantic City; here’s what she learned from her boardwalk ministry (0:16) We meet Audrey Sutherland and learn about her rural upbringing and the culture shock she witnessed when moving to suburban Detroit, and the abrupt decision she made to leave her home and job to move to Atlantic City.
Detroit Stories Episode 9: ‘A Monopoly of Love’ (PODCAST)
(0:16) We meet Audrey Sutherland and learn about her rural upbringing and the culture shock she witnessed when moving to suburban Detroit, and the abrupt decision she made to leave her home and job to move to Atlantic City. (1:48) A brief overview of the Atlantic City lifestyle, and then Audrey introduces the primary struggle the people there experience: addiction. (3:54) Audrey reflects on why she moved to Atlantic City and the adventure that is following Jesus.
Detroit Stories Episode 8: ‘For Better or For Worse’ (PODCAST)
(0:00) Meet Mark and Betty Squier, a couple on the eve of their 19th wedding anniversary — and on the brink of divorce. (1:25) Mark tells the story of how he and Betty met, when they got married, and of the five children the two have. (3:25) Both active in their parish, and with Betty a stay-at-home mom and Mark out working as a police officer, the two began living very separate lives, what Mark calls the “married singles” lifestyle.
Detroit Stories Episode 8: ‘For Better or For Worse’ (PODCAST)
One couple’s experience revitalizing a failing marriage, and how they’ve become leaders of Metro Detroit’s marriage-saving Retrouvaille ministry (0:00) Meet Mark and Betty Squire, a couple on the eve of their 19th wedding anniversary — and on the brink of divorce. (1:25) Mark tells the story of how he and Betty met, when they got married, and of the five children the two have.
Detroit Stories Episode 7: ‘Mary Sue’s Legacy’ (PODCAST)
(0:27) Mary Sue Terrasi embodied everything Pope Francis refers to when he talks about “blue jean saints.” We learn about how she and her husband Bill met, her high-risk pregnancy, and Hodgkin’s diagnosis that led to some challenging decisions. (4:50) We learn of the beautiful twin girls Mary Sue had, and her daughter Elizabeth speaks about Mary Sue’s constant devotion to prayer, morning, noon and night.
Detroit Stories Episode 7: ‘Mary Sue’s Legacy’ (PODCAST)
Mary Sue Terrasi embodied the pro-life movement so passionately that her efforts and impact still continue — even after her death (0:27) Mary Sue Terrasi embodied everything Pope Francis refers to when he talks about “blue jean saints.” We learn about how she and her husband Bill met, her high-risk pregnancy, and Hodgkin’s diagnosis that led to some challenging decisions.
Detroit Stories Episode 6: ‘Bravo Motor City!’ (PODCAST)
From humble beginnings to a career as an international opera singer, Mary Callaghan Lynch is on a mission to bring opera to the students of Detroit (0:17) We meet the Callaghan family, huddled around the TV watching Giancarlo Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. (2:19) We hear about Mary’s successful career as an international opera singer and her opportunity to perform Amahl for the 50th anniversary with the composer himself serving as maestro.
Detroit Stories Episode 6: ‘Bravo Motor City!’ (PODCAST)
(0:17) We meet the Callaghan family, huddled around the TV watching Giancarlo Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. (2:19) We hear about Mary’s successful career as an international opera singer and her opportunity to perform Amahl for the 50th anniversary with the composer himself serving as maestro. We learn how this performance inspired her to form an educational opera company of her own.
Detroit Stories Episode 5: ‘Reformed Gangster’ (PODCAST)
From mobster to minister, Tom Naemi experienced a profound conversion to Christ from behind bars (0:33) Tom Naemi discusses his plan to eliminate his rival’s grocery store — for good. (2:46) We learn more about Tom’s life growing up in Highland Park, how he started working with the family store, and the beginning of his rivalry with another local grocer. (6:37) Tom tells us how he fled to Baghdad to avoid arrest, and what awaited him when he eventually decided to come back.
Detroit Stories Episode 5: ‘Reformed Gangster’ (PODCAST)
Detroit Stories Episode 5: ‘Reformed Gangster’ (PODCAST) (0:33) Tom Naemi discusses his plan to eliminate his rival’s grocery store — for good. (2:46) We learn more about Tom’s life growing up in Highland Park, how he started working with the family store, and the beginning of his rivalry with another local grocer. (6:37) Tom tells us how he fled to Baghdad to avoid arrest, and what awaited him when he eventually decided to come back.
Detroit Stories Episode 3: ‘The Real St. Nick(s)’
The story of Michigan’s very own Santa school and how the true spirit of Christmas can change lives Fr. Joseph Marquis, a Byzantine priest based in Livonia, is a longtime trainer, educator and builder of “Santa Clauses,” teaching Kris Kringles everywhere the true meaning and spirit of the “jolly old elf.” (00:51) We meet John Masserant and learn about the St. Nicholas Institute, Michigan’s very own Santa school.
Detroit Stories Episode 3: ‘The Real St. Nick(s)’ (PODCAST)
Fr. Joseph Marquis, a Byzantine priest based in Livonia, is a longtime trainer, educator and builder of “Santa Clauses,” teaching Kris Kringles everywhere the true meaning and spirit of the “jolly old elf.” (00:51) We meet John Masserant and learn about the St. Nicholas Institute, Michigan’s very own Santa school. (2:18) We learn a bit about John’s background, what brought him to the St. Nicholas Institute, and what he found when he arrived.
Detroit Stories Episode 1: ‘Rest in Peace, Gordon King’ (PODCAST)
A story of friendship in an unexpected place, and the graces that came with it When Tiffany Brocker moved her family to Detroit from the suburbs, she found an unexpected companion in Gordie King, a homeless man by whose corner she frequently traveled. Here’s their story. (6:28) We hear from Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, about the work of the Pope Francis Center as he describes the challenges faced by many of Detroit’s homeless individuals.
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