Fr. Matt Lowry shares his journey as chaplain of the Holy Trinity Newman Center at Northern Arizona University, where he has led explosive growth both spiritually and financially. He reflects on how his ministry—rooted in prayer, relationship and trust in God’s providence—has transformed from humble beginnings into a dynamic mission field for evangelization. Fr. Matt emphasizes the deep spiritual hunger among college students for beauty, tradition, and authentic encounter, and how presence, personal invitation and incarnational ministry have been key to meeting them where they are. His approach has included both bold vision and day-to-day faithfulness, whether skateboarding across campus or guiding retreats steeped in silence and sacrament.

Fr. Matt also dives into the spiritual side of fundraising, drawing a parallel between inviting someone into relationship with Jesus and inviting them to financially support the mission—it’s the same act of trust and courage. Through stories of sacrificial donors and unexpected blessings, he illustrates how faith and action together fuel mission. Now overseeing a capital campaign and serving as Episcopal Vicar of the North, Fr. Matt remains grounded through daily prayer, mentorship and gratitude. His message is clear: fundraising, like evangelization, begins with mission and continues through relationship, perseverance and a deep trust in God’s timing.

To learn more about the Newman Center’s mission or to support it, visit www.catholicjacks.org.

Guest: Fr. Matt Lowry

Title: Chaplain, Holy Trinity Newman Center

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Twelve Wicker Baskets welcomes Bishop James Golka of the Diocese of Colorado Springs for a rich and thoughtful conversation on gratitude, stewardship and Eucharistic living. Bishop Golka reflects on psalm 116 and the act of taking up the cup of salvation and calling upon the name of the Lord as a gesture of profound worship and thanksgiving—an invitation to live a life rooted in the Eucharist.

Bishop Golka shares insights from his own pastoral journey and spiritual formation, shaped by years of service in the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska, where he was ordained a priest in 1994. Raised in a large Catholic family as one of ten siblings, he developed an early appreciation for stewardship as gratitude, and a deep sense of vocation. His background in parish ministry, combined with his early experience as pastor of a large parish and school in Seward, Nebraska, his reflections on how the Eucharist calls each person to offer his or her life in service, gratitude and stewardship.

Appointed Bishop of Colorado Springs by Pope Francis in 2021, Bishop Golka speaks with warmth and humility about the joys and challenges of episcopal ministry. He explores how living Eucharistically transforms one’s perspective on time, resources and relationships—shaping not just personal spirituality, but the communal life of the Church. Throughout the conversation, Bishop Golka’s love for Christ and the Church shines through, inviting listeners into a deeper response to God's abundant grace.

Further resources:

Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict by Esther de Waal

The Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus by Owen Phelps

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As the Church entered a celebration of the Jubilee of Teenagers this week, Twelve Wicker Baskets takes time with Mark Hart, the Chief Innovation Officer at Life Teen International, a Catholic youth ministry active in nearly 2,000 parishes worldwide. Mark shares his personal journey from a "typical" Catholic upbringing to a life-changing encounter with Christ during high school, thanks to the Life Teen movement. That experience sparked his lifelong passion for walking with teens, helping them discover the joy of faith through real relationships, vibrant community and Scripture that speaks to their lives today.

Throughout the conversation, Mark emphasizes that reaching today's teens takes more than just good intentions—it takes authenticity, creativity, and a deep trust in God's work. He points out that many teens today are overwhelmed by loneliness and anxiety, and what they really need is connection, not just another class or program. "We need to waste time with teenagers," he says. "Sit with them, enter into their world, and when the time is right, that’s when the real conversations about faith can happen." Mark challenges parishes to rethink what success looks like, lead with joy, and above all, prioritize the salvation of souls over simply maintaining the status quo.

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An accomplished educator and musician hailing from his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Stephen Handrigan delves into the topic of openness to the journey set before each of us in life and in fundraising. With degrees in music and education, Stephen’s career spans leadership in Catholic and independent schools. This experience led him to the role that he currently holds as president and head of school at St. Bonaventure’s College in St. John’s. An independent, K-12 Jesuit Catholic school, St. Bon’s was reopened in 1999 to offer again Catholic education in the province after church scandals left the archdiocese bankrupt and unable to maintain the schools.

Through an open discussion, Stephen explores the impact of transparency and trust-building, as well as a rebrand marketing effort that helped locals see St. Bonaventure’s College in a new light. The success of the “What did you learn today?” marketing effort lent way to a new capital campaign effort that played on the theme, now recognizable throughout the community. The What did you give today? Capital Campaign has provided a new learning experience for the St. John’s, Newfoundland, community. As uncomfortable as it is to make the ask, or even receive the ask, for a sacrificial gift can be, it has uncovered the truth that there is no “they” when it comes to supporting our own communities; we are “they” and it is only through educating our own communities about the need that an school, church or nonprofit organization will successfully support a major fundraising goal. Indeed, “sneaky Jesus”, as Stephen affectionately points out, will guide the journey when we are open to laying our plans, needs, resources and communities into the hands of the Lord.

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Fr. Bill Gurnee, pastor of St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill, shares his journey from his beginnings in New York and North Carolina to Washington, D.C., inspired by a pivotal question about life’s purpose. St. Joseph's on Capitol Hill has a rich history. Founded in 1868 by German immigrants, it is now a diverse community of 450 families, including many Congressional staffers and young professionals. St. Joseph’s offers daily Masses, marriage preparation, and a welcoming environment for all, from transient interns to high-profile politicians and others.

Fr. Gurnee emphasizes the importance of community, spiritual direction and evangelization, highlighting the role of married couples in faith formation. He reflects on the emotional impact of parishioners moving away and the impact of a community that is always in flux. Additionally, notes the upcoming installation of a new archbishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, which encompasses the US Capitol, stressing the need for pastoral sensitivity in leadership. Finally, he discusses the successes of the parish’s capital campaign. Goals for the campaign include supporting the renovation of the historic organ and the construction of a new parish hall.

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Luke attributes the Holy Spirit for planting on his heart from an early age the desire to do ministry. Growing up as an older sibling of eleven children, he learned leadership and responsibility early on. Led to a habit of daily prayer in college by FOCUS and the personal witness of a friend, Luke knew firsthand the importance of community, fraternal support, and individual invitation in coming to deeper discipleship. “Truth becomes transformation through relationship,” Luke said. God, revealed through his Son, who came among us in relationship is how we all come to know the truth.

Inferno, which its members call “an apostolate of friendship,” was started in 2017 with a group of men who got together for community and prayer. While it is largely a Colorado Springs ministry where it started, the fire has begun to spread. Inferno aims at empowering men to lead in evangelization and the battle for sainthood. Men often experience isolation, which is why Inferno is so focused on building friendship and honest, confidential fellowship while, at the same time, inviting others into the community. More information about Inferno or to make a donation in support of the ministry, visit www.infernomen.com.

Guest: Luke Vercollone
Title: Co-Founder, Inferno Men

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In this episode, Twelve Wicker Baskets host, Christopher Beaudet, shares a Christmas message of hope, allowing a story from a Civil War battlefield to be lesson for us all that Christmas is a joyful celebration of hope because it is about God coming to dwell among us; coming to dwell in our pain and suffering, in our fear and worry; coming to dwell with us in such a place as this. On behalf of everyone at the Steier Group, we wish you a very blessed and merry Christmas.

Guest: Christopher Beaudet
Title: President of Diocesan Engagement

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Leisa’s leadership in helping parish communities to “look at one another from the perspective of gift and abundance” allows parishes to experience an invitation to enter more deeply into the life of the community. “Everyone has something to give. And not only does everyone have something to give, but everyone needs to give.” Gratitude is a virtue, requiring us to foster, develop and practice the habit of being grateful. Leisa reminds us that the perfect place to bring stewardship to life is at the Eucharist, which itself means Thanksgiving. “In the celebration of the Mass, we celebrate Christ’s sacrifice. And we are called to be sacrificial people…we’re called to give without counting the cost.”

Leisa also shares in this episode about the central role of gratitude in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s pastoral plan, Beacons of Light. The plan has six guiding principles focused on renewing parishes to be vibrant communities. One of the principles is stewardship, which speaks of parishes as communities of grateful disciples. Leisa shares how Beacons of Light has already provided new life to parish communities across the archdiocese.

Guest: Leisa Anslinger
Title: Author, Coach & Leader in Parish Vitality and Leadership Development

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