For Episode 50, the Eyes on Jesus team welcomes Father Stephen Pullis to the studio for a discussion on “The Good News About God’s Plan,” Archbishop Vigneron’s latest pastoral letter on the challenges of gender identity – and the importance of approaching this topic with true compassion and assurances of God’s personal love for all people. 0:10 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mike Chamberland greet each other and welcome this month’s special guest, Father Stephen Pullis, Director of Pastoral Formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.  1:02 – Father Pullis introduces himself and previews this month’s main topic.  1:41 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron and Father Pullis about their Lenten season thus far.  4:34 – Mike more fully introduces this month’s main topic, Archbishop Vigneron’s new pastoral letter on the “good news of God's plan” as it relates to gender identity and biological sex. He asks Father Pullis to speak a little about why he is particularly interested in this topic.   8:37 – Archbishop Vigneron speaks about the Gospel roots of his new pastoral letter. 10:04 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share how Catholics should relate to people in their lives who experience gender confusion. 11:11 – Father Pullis shares how the pastoral response, or the Catholic response, is rooted in our baptismal mission. 12:07 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron why he chose to write this letter now.  13:53 – Father Pullis expands on the need for this letter at this time. 15:07 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron and Father Pullis to explain the “dualist” vision of the human person, which incorrectly divides body and soul and reinforces the idea that our sex and gender are not an integral, unchangeable parts of who we are. 24:14 – Archbishop Vigneron identifies the intended audience of this pastoral letter and then introduces the two policies for parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit that were released in connection with the letter. 31:15 – Archbishop Vigneron and Father Pullis describe how parish and school staff should go about implementing the teachings of the letter and requirements of the policies, always with true compassion and assurances of God’s personal love for all people. 33:40 – Father Pullis and Archbishop Vigneron share some resources to help priests, deacons, and parish and school staff put the letter and policies into practice.  40:03 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about his faith, his favorite food, and his advice for teenagers trying to live a Catholic life amid the struggles of modern society.  44:54 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Have you ever gone on a pilgrimage? What is a pilgrimage? Archbishop Vigneron joins co-hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson to discuss what it means to go on a pilgrimage, their favorite pilgrimage sites, and how to go on a pilgrimage without ever leaving the Archdiocese of Detroit. 0:17 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month, including Archbishop Vigneron’s keynote presentation on the Eucharist at a conference hosted by Ave Maria University. 5:01 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to remind listeners about the National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress, as well as some local initiatives in support of these efforts.  7:38 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron how he’ll be observing Lent this year.  10:06 – Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the recent celebration of the World Day of the Sick and the passing of longtime Detroit priest, Monsignor Daniel Trapp.  12:39 – Mary introduces this month’s topic, pilgrimages, and asks Archbishop Vigneron to explain what a pilgrimage is, how it differs from a vacation, and the history of pilgrimages in Catholicism.  18:55 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron about some pilgrimage locations that are distinctly Catholic and about some of his personal favorite pilgrimage locations.  23:19 – Mike and Mary share some of their personal pilgrimage stories.  26:39 – Archbishop Vigneron shares some pilgrimage sites in southeast Michigan.  31:07 – Archbishop Vigneron introduces the Archdiocese of Detroit’s newest pilgrimage experience at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacraments: “Journey with the Saints.” 32:58 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about loving people while not approving of their choices, his favorite activity, and his favorite subject in school growing up. 40:25 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron and co-host Mary Wilkerson welcome a special guest, Superintendent Laura Knaus, to the podcast studio to discuss the renewal of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit. 0:10 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mary Wilkerson greet each other and welcome this month’s guest host, Laura Knaus, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit.  0:37 – Laura introduces herself to listeners. 1:56 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Laura look back on the past month, reflecting on their celebrations of Christmas.  5:16 – Mary introduces this month’s topic, Catholic schools, and asks Archbishop Vigneron to briefly summarize the state of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  7:41 – Laura speaks about the increased enrollment in our Catholic schools since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  10:34 – Archbishop Vigneron speaks about the mission of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  12:33 – Laura elaborates on the integration of mind, body, and soul that is essential to a Catholic education.  14:55 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to explain what he means when he says that Catholic schools are an apostolate that is the responsibility of all parishes in the Archdiocese.  18:52 – Mary asks Laura about Unleash the Gospel—how she came across the pastoral letter and how it inspired her to move to Detroit.  21:55 – Archbishop Vigneron and Laura discuss the four pillars of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit: proudly Catholic, academically excellent, accessible to all, sustainable for the future. 29:12 – Archbishop Vigneron and Laura share some of the challenges faced by our Catholic schools. 33:44 – Archbishop Vigneron and Laura share some of the successes of our Catholic schools. 36:48 – Laura discusses some of the recent changes in the Department of Catholic Schools, including the newly-created position of Assistant Superintendent for Catholic Culture.  41:20 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron and Laura about the upcoming celebration of Catholic Schools Week, including how it will be observed in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  46:45 – Mary asks Laura about her vision for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit in five years and asks Archbishop Vigneron about his vision for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit fifty years from now.  49:02 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about his favorite type of music and his Confirmation saint.  51:16 – Archbishop Vigneron closes the episode with his prayer intentions for the month and a blessing.

The repeal of Roe v. Wade in 2022 resulted in increased protections against abortion in some states and, tragically, deregulation in others like Michigan. Amid so much change, the EOJ team is reflecting on what has not changed: our commitment to building a culture of life, in part by renewing efforts to accompany women and families facing difficult pregnancies.0:28 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mike, and Mary greet each other and catch up on the past month.  0:48 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about celebrating Mass at Sacred Heart Major Seminary on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and delivering a lecture to seminarians on hope as exemplified in the Blessed Virgin Mary and how hope needs to be at the heart of a priest’s ministry. 3:29 – Mary asks the Archbishop to share some thoughts about how Catholic families can observe Advent. Mike and Mary also share a little about observing Advent with their families. 7:46 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, through which donors recently gave $183,000 in grants to 34 projects in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  10:20 – Mary introduces this month’s topic, building a culture of life, by asking the Archbishop why the Church is opposed to abortion and what we mean when we say we’re committed to building a culture of life.  13:53 – Mike asks the Archbishop to provide a brief overview the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and the passage of Proposal 3 in Michigan.  16:48 – Archbishop Vigneron shares suggestions for those who may be feeling discouraged in the wake of the passage of Proposal 3 and the expansion of abortion access in a number of other states.  19:11 – Archbishop Vigneron speaks about the forgiveness and healing available through Christ for people whose lives have been impacted by abortion.  21:42 – Mary asks the Archbishop how we can “continue to be that joyful missionary carrier of the Gospel of Life.” 26:33 – Archbishop Vigneron offers some suggestions for those who wish to get involved in building a culture of life.  27:08 – Mary asks the Archbishop how the faithful can draw inspiration from the Holy Family as we continue to work at being ambassadors for a culture of life. 29:26 – Mary and the Archbishop reflect on the lessons we can take from the fact that God chose to come to us as a newborn infant.  33:16 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about the challenges he faces in ministry, his hobbies, and how bishops become cardinals. 39:04 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

There can be no competition in the body of Christ because we have one Lord and one united purpose (Eph 4:1-6). This month, our Eyes on Jesus team discusses the importance of having a spirit of cooperation in pursuit of our shared mission to unleash the Gospel, while also broadening the conversation to discuss how this good habit plays into our everyday lives as people seeking to live like Christ. 0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.  0:38 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron about celebrations for his 75th birthday. 1:36 – Archbishop Vigneron shares about the violence in the Holy Land, praying for peace there, and his thoughts on leading the Archdiocese of Detroit through a time like this. 2:22 – Mary reminds us of the importance of prayer and asks Archbishop Vigneron how offering Mass and praying the Rosary can help. 3:12 – Recalling the recent ordinations of two new permanent deacons for the Archdiocese, Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to define the permanent diaconate and explain the deacon’s role in the Church. 7:46 – Archbishop Vigneron shares plans for the ministry of Bishop Monforton, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s newest auxiliary bishop.  9:28 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, the spirit of cooperation, one of the good habits Archbishop Vigneron wrote about in Unleash the Gospel (in addition to apostolic boldness, docility to the Holy Spirit, confidence in God, and an attitude of gratitude). 10:19 – Archbishop Vigneron shares an overview of what it means to have a spirit of cooperation within the Church. 11:21 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to talk about some of the obstacles people face when trying to embrace a spirit of cooperation. 14:36 – Mary and Archbishop Vigneron discuss examples of cooperation given to us by God, including the Holy Trinity, Jesus and Mary, and God giving us grace to be co-agents in His work of salvation. 16:56 – Archbishop Vigneron reflects on how he’s seen a spirit of cooperation embraced in the Archdiocese of Detroit since Synod 16, particularly through Families of Parishes. 19:51 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share additional examples of a spirit of cooperation from Scripture and Church history. 22:06 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mary discuss how cooperation is critical to building up the domestic Church, or the family. 23:40 – Archbishop Vigneron offers the story of Adam and Eve as an example of what can happen when there’s a breakdown in cooperation. 24:43 – Mary asks Mike to share what cooperation looks like in his own Family of Parishes. 26:41 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how his ministry is helped greatly by cooperation between his brother bishops in the Archdiocese of Detroit. 29:20 – Archbishop Vigneron shares the contents of a birthday card sent to him by a kindergartener, and then answers listener questions about what brings him close to God, the cheerleaders in his life, and how the Church has changed in his lifetime. 36:30 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

As he prepares to submit his resignation to Pope Francis on his upcoming 75th birthday, as required by canon law, Archbishop Vigneron joins co-hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson to reflect with gratitude on the great privilege of ministering in the Archdiocese of Detroit. 0:26 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. 0:45 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to tell listeners about Bishop Jeffrey Monforton, who Pope Francis recently named to serve the Archdiocese of Detroit as an auxiliary bishop, and what gifts he’ll bring to our local Church. 2:21 – Mike mentions that October is Respect Life Month and asks if there’s anything Archbishop Vigneron hopes the diocese will do to mark the occasion. 5:22 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic: Archbishop Vigneron’s 75th birthday and episcopacy in the Archdiocese of Detroit. As Church law requires him—and all bishops—to submit his resignation to the Holy Father when he turns 75, this is an opportune time to reflect on his 14 years as chief shepherd in southeast Michigan.  6:16 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how he considers his ministry to be different than it was for his predecessors, and how he’s tried to ensure the fruits of Synod 16 become the touchstone for his ministry.  9:55 – Mike asks the Archbishop to share some of the most enjoyable moments of his time as Archbishop of Detroit.  13:43 – Mary asks the Archbishop about the importance of his bond with his brother priests, some of whom he’s known since he was a young boy.  18:08 – Mike asks the Archbishop what message he would like to share with the laity who served alongside him as coworkers in mission. 21:03 – Mary asks the Archbishop to reflect on how the Archdiocese of Detroit has embraced the Holy Spirit’s call to unleash the Gospel. 23:11 – Mike asks the Archbishop about some of the more challenging experiences of his time as Archbishop of Detroit.  25:46 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how he’ll celebrate his birthday.  26:07 – Mike asks the Archbishop how he stays focused on mission while not knowing when his resignation could be accepted by the Holy Father.  32:03 – Mike asks the Archbishop about his episcopal motto, With Eyes Fixed on Jesus, and how it has served as a guide during his ministry.  35:11 – The Archbishop answers listener questions, including why God made us, what profession he might have pursued if not called to the priesthood, and if he has any family members serving in the Church. 37:44 – Archbishop Vigneron closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

This month, our Eyes on Jesus cohosts discuss the life and ministry of Bl. Solanus Casey, a beloved Capuchin priest, clear witness to the providential love of God, and potential saint of the Church who reminds us to “thank God ahead of time” for the many graces in our lives.0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. 1:22 – Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the Missionary Renewal Assembly, a late-June event for clergy and parish leaders that was a time of formation and renewal. 2:30 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about the experience of consecrating the new Bishop of Kalamazoo, Bishop Edward M. Lohse. 6:19 – Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the few days in August he spent on retreat with seminarians and, specifically, what encouragement he shared with them. 8:05 – In discussing the recent Feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to speak a little about the community of the Missionaries of Charity, established in Detroit by Mother Teresa in 1979. 10:15 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, Blessed Solanus Casey. She asks Archbishop Vigneron to provide a brief biography of the beloved Capuchin priest. 13:33 – Archbishop Vigneron shares the role the Blessed Virgin Mary played in bringing Blessed Solanus to Detroit. 15:45 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about the impact Blessed Solanus had in southeast Michigan. 22:48 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to talk about why, in Unleash the Gospel, he refers to Blessed Solanus as a particular companion and intercessor for our local Church during this time of missionary transformation. 24:16 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about his own personal devotion to Blessed Solanus and how Blessed Solanus’ instruction to “thank God ahead of time” has taken root in the Archdiocese of Detroit. 27:29 – Archbishop Vigneron summarizes the canonization process for Blessed Solanus. 30:41 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron about the beatification Mass for Blessed Solanus. 31:49 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about the relics of Blessed Solanus that were collected before the beatification. 35:18 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike discuss the possibility of Blessed Solanus’ canonization. 39:02 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions, including Church teaching he finds difficult to understand, the story of Adam and Eve, and where he would live if he could choose anyplace in the world. 44:29 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

The Universal Call to Holiness is our “first vocation,” our invitation to share in God’s holiness as his beloved sons and daughters. For this month’s EOJ, we discuss the origins of this teaching and explore how to recognize opportunities for holiness in our daily lives.0:26 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the previous month. 1:03 – Mary asks the Archbishop about what inspired the decision to hold the Missionary Renewal Assembly, a gathering held June 27-29 for priests and lay leaders serving in Families of Parishes to come together, pray, and recommit themselves to our missionary identity.5:08 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, the Universal Call to Holiness, and asks the Archbishop Vigneron to explain where this teaching comes from. 7:44 – The Archbishop explains that while every person is called to holiness, that holiness will look different for each person. 12:27 – The Archbishop emphasizes that this call to holiness is about more than just our relationship with God; it’s about how we fulfill our mission and how we serve others. 16:52 – Mary asks the Archbishop to explain some of the key points in Pope Francis’ 2018 Apostolic Exhortation Gaudate et exsultate (Rejoice and be glad), especially the Holy Father’s statement that we must repurpose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time with all the risks, challenges, and opportunities. 19:32 – Mike asks the Archbishop what he thinks are some of the challenges facing the clergy and laity today. 25:34 – The Archbishop explains how the Beatitudes relate to holiness and how we can use them as guides for living. 32:51 – Mary asks the Archbishop what advice he would give to someone who is struggling to see opportunities for holiness in their life. 37:10 – The Archbishop answers listener questions, including which sacrament makes him feel closest to God, his favorite and least favorite parts of being an Archbishop, and whether God knows everything about us. 42:42 – The Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

The Mass is our most important prayer to God and his greatest gift to us. This month on EOJ, we talk about what happens at Mass and give thanks to God that Christ is as present with us today as he was more than 2,000 years ago.0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past few weeks. Archbishop recalls the June 5 anniversary of his learning that Pope John Paul II had selected him to become a bishop. 1:33 – Mike introduces guest host Nicole Joyce; Nicole introduces herself and shares about the podcast she hosts, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s “Beyond Sunday,” with weekly episodes about how parents can be more intentional in recognizing God at work in their lives, and how families can go deeper into our relationship with him.4:02 – Nicole asks Archbishop to reflect on the recent ordination of five new priests for the Archdiocese of Detroit. 5:52 – Archbishop explains the process by which priest assignments are determined. 9:11 – Archbishop shares some of his thoughts as the Archdiocese of Detroit marks the conclusion of its Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations.11:58 – Nicole asks Archbishop to share some thoughts on this year’s Archbishop’s Gala, the major annual fundraising event that helps support our seminarians and the ministry of Sacred Heart Major Seminary. 15:15 – Mike introduces this month’s main topic, the Mass, by asking Archbishop how the laity should approach their own participation at Mass. 21:27 – Nicole asks Archbishop for advice or encouragement he has for parents as they work to help keep their young children engaged in the Mass. 24:27 – Archbishop asks Mike to share some insight about how to keep middle school-aged children engaged. 27:29 – Mike asks Archbishop to give a brief overview of the different parts of the Mass, including the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.39:11 – Archbishop shares some of what he finds most powerful about celebrating Mass. 40:25 – Archbishop answers listener questions, including why he thinks teens sometimes stop attending Mass, how he’d describe Catholicism to someone new, and about his time serving as an altar boy.47:02 – Archbishop shares his prayer intentions and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

The Acts of the Apostles book of the Bible ends in chapter 28 with Paul under house arrest in Rome, still boldly preaching the Gospel. This month, our Eyes on Jesus cohosts discuss how we are living Acts 29, the unwritten chapter that brings the mission of the Apostles into the present day.0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. 1:17 – Mike asks Archbishop about sharing his testimony on Eucharistic adoration for the I AM HERE campaign. 3:13 – Mary asks Archbishop to share his thoughts on the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations, the five priestly ordinations happening later this month, and the six men recently ordained as transitional deacons. 5:45 – Archbishop looks forward to his upcoming pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Knights and Dames of Malta.6:29 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, living Acts 29, the idea that the Acts of the Apostles did not conclude with Chapter 28 of that book of the Bible. Instead, all the faithful are called to continue the mission of the Apostles. 23:51 – Mary asks Archbishop to share some of the ways the Archdiocese of Detroit is living Acts 29. 29:48 – Mike and Mary reflect on how they see Acts 29 alive in their work and lives. 34:22 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions from Catholic school students, including the difference between mortal and venial sins, experiencing miracles, and the Archbishop’s childhood parishes.40:30 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron and our co-hosts explore the Sacrament of Confirmation, through which the faithful are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and commissioned as ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.0:28 — Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month, including Holy Week and Easter.1:21 — Archbishop Vigneron shares some words of encouragement for those who entered the Church at Easter.1:59 – Mary asks Archbishop to reflect on two recent opportunities he had to spend time with men discerning a vocation to the priesthood. 5:36 – Mary introduces this month’s topic, the Sacrament of Confirmation, by asking Archbishop to provide a short overview of the purpose of the sacrament and what happens when someone is confirmed. 10:12 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron if there’s a particular gift of the Holy Spirit that has been especially helpful to him throughout his life. 12:03 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about how receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation can change a person’s relationship with God and with the Church. 15:24 – Archbishop Vigneron speaks about the Biblical basis for confirmation and the lessons we can learn from the activity of the Apostles and the early Church. 18:54 – Mike asks Archbishop to speak about Holy Oils and the role they play in the Sacrament of Confirmation and the life of the Church. 21:58 – Mary asks Archbishop to explain two traditions: confirmation as an early teenager in the Western church and confirmation as an infant in the Eastern church. 24:19 – Archbishop, Mary, and Mike continue their discussion on differing traditions, particularly at what age and in which order the Sacraments of Initiation are received. 30:59 – Archbishop offers a few words of advice for those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.36:16 – Our listeners’ questions segment returns this month, featuring students from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Archbishop Vigneron answers questions about receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit at confirmation, people he looks up to, and the lifelong impact of his Catholic school education. 41:47 – Archbishop Vigneron closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Our Eyes on Jesus cohosts discuss the Sacrament of Baptism: what happens during the rite, how it effects the soul of the baptized, and how it serves as a “doorway” through which we become disciples of Christ and receive access to the other sacraments and all the graces that flow from them.0:16 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other. 1:18 – The cohosts catch up on the month since our last episode. Mike asks the Archbishop if there’s a particular Lent that is especially memorable for him.1:54 – Mary asks the Archbishop if he has any advice for Catholics about how to respond to the recent shootings at Michigan State University. 5:03 – The Archbishop explains the Rite of Election, an important step for those coming into the Church as adults at the Easter Vigil. 10:03 – Mike reflects on his experience of the Rite of Election as a catechist this year. 12:47 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, the Sacrament of Baptism. She asks the Archbishop to give a brief overview of this sacrament—both the actions and the effects of the sacrament on the soul of the baptized. 19:56 – Mike and the Archbishop discuss Pope Francis’ analogy of baptism as a doorway through which we access the other sacraments. 22:04 – The Archbishop explains why, in contrast to some other Christian denominations, the Catholic Church chooses to baptize infants. 24:17 – Mary asks the Archbishop about some of the differences between the Western and Eastern churches with respect to the ordering of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, communion, confirmation). 27:02 – The Archbishop explains that ordinarily, bishops, priests, and deacons are the ministers of baptism. However, in emergency situations, anyone (even the non-baptized) can baptize, as long as they intend to do what the Church intends, they use water to baptize, and they say the proper words of baptism. 29:28 – The Archbishop shares what some theologians teach about what may happen to those who die not having been baptized. 32:16 – The Archbishop shares his own experience baptizing individuals. 39:37 – The Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Lent is traditionally a time for Catholics to devote more time to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This month, our Eyes on Jesus co-hosts discuss how to “live Lent” in a deeper way and reflect on God’s power to use our sin to help us grow in holiness.0:25 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. 1:25 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to reflect on the day he was installed as Archbishop of Detroit, January 28, 2009. 3:20 – Archbishop talks about the highlights of his time as Archbishop of Detroit, most especially Synod 164:10 – Having recently helped Guardian Angels Parish celebrate their 100th anniversary, Archbishop Vigneron speaks about how, when he visits parishes for significant anniversaries, he uses the opportunity to inspire the parish to give thanks to God for the graces bestowed on the parish in the years since their founding. 7:12 – Mary asks Archbishop what he most looks forward to about Catholic Schools Week, which was celebrated the first week of February. She also asks him to share a little of his preaching from Catholic Schools Week Mass.11:17 – Archbishop Vigneron provides a brief summary of the season of Lent: What it is, why the Church celebrates it, and how Catholics can use it to prepare for the coming of the Lord at Easter. 13:20 – Mike asks Archbishop to speak about how God can use our sin, especially when we make a good confession, to transform us and lead us to become holier. 15:56 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron for some advice on making a good examination of conscience, one that gets at those interior sins that pull us away from God. 19:55 – Mary, Mike, and Archbishop reflect on the graces that come from the sacrament of confession and how they’ve experienced those graces in their own lives. 22:50 – Archbishop gives advice for how families, especially, can go deeper into the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. 27:55 – Archbishop Vigneron shares a brief explanation of the Stational Mass he’ll celebrate at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on February 26.30:20 – Mary asks Archbishop to explain the Church’s liturgical calendar—what it is, why we have it, and how we can use it in our lives. 44:25 – Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the “mission priorities” for the remainder of his episcopacy: Families of Parishes, Catholic schools, communications, and priestly vocations.0:17 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. 1:05 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron if he’s made any New Year’s Resolutions for 2023. 2:50 – Mary asks Archbishop to reflect on Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the wake of his December 31 death. 7:32 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about his experiences meeting Pope Benedict XVI, both before and during his papacy.8:44 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic: Archbishop Vigneron’s upcoming 75th birthday, the Church law requirement that he submit his resignation to the Holy Father at that time, and the Archbishop’s mission priorities for the remainder of his time as Archbishop of Detroit. 15:19 – Mike asks Archbishop to provide a fuller explanation about the Families of Parishes mission priority. 21:02 – Mary asks Archbishop to share a little more about the Catholic Schools mission priority. 24:36 – Archbishop discusses the Communications mission priority. 28:47 – Archbishop discusses the Priestly Vocations mission priority. 31:32 – Mary asks Archbishop to discuss the strategies through which these mission priorities will be advanced. 40:57 – Archbishop shares some thoughts about how the faithful can support these mission priorities.44:52 – Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron explains our focus in Advent on the Second Coming: What that means, why we focus on this during Advent, and how we Catholics should prepare for Christ to come again.0:25 – Our hosts greet each other and catch up on the past month. 0:32 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about visiting the Blessed Solanus Casey Center for their 20th anniversary and blessing their expanded space. He also provides a short biography of Blessed Solanus, touches on why he’s so important to Detroit, and gives an update on the canonization process. 5:40 – Archbishop Vigneron shares about his prayer this Advent season of opening himself up to the joy that God wants him to have. 8:08 – Mary, Mike, and Archbishop talk about the I AM HERE campaign in support of the National Eucharistic Revival, specifically the series of Holy Hours happening at parishes throughout the Archdiocese every day of Advent. 11:32 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to talk about the Second Coming of Christ and how it relates to the season of Advent. 14:08 – Mike asks Archbishop to share some of the theological and scriptural bases for the belief that Christ will come again. 21:28 – Archbishop explains the Church’s teaching on how the Second Coming will bring about the Resurrection of the Dead. 25:12 – Archbishop talks about what happens to a person’s soul when they die, and what the Church teaches about the particular judgment each of us will face. 28:34 – Mike asks Archbishop to talk about what will happen to our souls, our bodies, and even our planet, after the Second Coming. 37:17 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the Communion of Saints, the union between the saints on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven.0:30 —Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. Archbishop talks about visiting Rome with the USCCB leadership, meetings with the Vatican Curia offices, and an audience with Pope Francis, as well as a pilgrimage following the footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey.3:26 —Mary asks Archbishop to reflect on what it was like to have an audience with Pope Francis. 5:09 —Mary introduces this month’s topic, the Communion of Saints, asking Archbishop Vigneron to share a little about the history and background of this teaching. 8:34 —Mike asks Archbishop to explain what is meant by the term “Communion of Saints.”9:56 —Archbishop Vigneron explains the terms Church militant, Church triumphant, and Church suffering: what they mean, why we use them, and how they interact with one another. 14:43 —Mary asks Archbishop to discuss the Church’s teaching on purgatory. 18:12 —Archbishop talks about how those who are alive can pray for the souls in purgatory and help them get to heaven.21:17 —Mary introduces the Confraternity for Holy Souls and asks Archbishop to explain his vision for this new lay apostolate focused on praying for the holy souls in purgatory. 27:18 —Archbishop discusses why Catholics pray to saints in heaven, how those saints can be helpful to those of us still on earth, and how one becomes a patron saint. 41:55 —The episode closes with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron discusses vocations to the permanent diaconate and religious life, emphasizing the many ways one can be called to ministry in the local Church.0:25 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. 1:49 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share and reflect on some of the themes in the Prayer for the Year of Priestly Vocations—a prayer that is being prayed during every Mass in every parish in the Archdiocese. 3:18 – Mary asks Archbishop to reflect on the Mass he celebrated to begin Respect Life Month and to share a little of what he talked about in his preaching that day. 4:49 – Archbishop, Mike, and Mary discuss Proposal 3 and share details about how listeners can find resources to help defeat this proposal. 6:30 – Mary introduces this month’s topic: vocations to the permanent diaconate and religious life. She asks the Archbishop to speak a little bit about the role permanent deacons play in both the universal Church and here in the Archdiocese of Detroit. 8:52 – Mike asks Archbishop to speak about the service component of permanent diaconate ministry and what that looks like in the day-to-day ministry of deacons.11:42 – Mary asks the Archbishop if he has any specific memories of when, during his 1987 pastoral visit to Detroit, St. John Paul II gave an address to the deacons of the Archdiocese and their wives. 12:10 – Archbishop reflects on how, because of the sacramental economy of marriage, deacons’ wives—while not being ordained themselves—do serve an important and integral role in their husbands’ ministry. 14:45 – Mary shares that her father is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese and reflects on the ways in which his ministry blesses their family. 15:17 – Mike asks Archbishop to introduce the topic of religious vocations. 17:57 – Mike asks Archbishop those discerning a vocation, especially a vocation to the priesthood, can discern between a call to the diocesan priesthood versus the religious priesthood. He also asks whether Archbishop ever felt a call to the religious priesthood. 20:54 – Mary asks Archbishop to describe the difference between a religious brother and a religious priest as well as between religious sisters and nuns. 23:18 – Mary asks about the steps involved in a religious order coming into a diocese to engage in ministry. Mike follows up with a question about religious orders that have come to the Archdiocese of Detroit during Archbishop Vigneron’s time as Archbishop of Detroit. 28:47 – Archbishop reflects on the ways in which the presence of religious orders bless a diocese. 30:31 – Mike asks Archbishop to share a little about the October 2 ordination of three new permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Detroit. 33:24 – Archbishop shares a little of the message he shares with the religious of the Archdiocese during their annual jubilee Mass and celebration. 35:33 – Archbishop offers some advice on how the faithful can support vocations—to the priesthood, permanent diaconate, and religious life. 38:45 – The episode concludes with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron discusses Respect Life Month in October, including its significance this year as people in Michigan prepare to vote on Proposal 3, which seeks to include unregulated abortion rights in the state constitution. Note to readers: This episode was recorded in early September, before the proposal was officially placed on the ballot.0:17 — Our hosts greet each other and catch up on the past few weeks.2:57 — Mary Wilkerson shares about her new role as a Campus Minister at Divine Child Catholic School in Dearborn.4:04 — Archbishop Vigneron offers a message of encouragement to Catholic school teachers, parents, and students as they begin a new academic year. 5:35 — With the July 1 launch of the second wave of Families of Parishes, Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to reflect on his perspective of this transformation in our local Church and to look forward at the next steps. 8:47 — Mary introduces this month’s topic: Respect Life Month. She asks Archbishop about the significance of this month taking place in October. 10:30 — Archbishop explains what “respect life” means from a Catholic perspective. 14:15 — Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron about some of the events and initiatives taking place in the Archdiocese of Detroit during Respect Life Month, including two Masses: One on October 2 to thank God for the sacred gift of human and life and another on October 23 for those who have suffered miscarriages or infant loss. 19:33 — Mary invites Archbishop Vigneron to talk about the Walking with Moms in Need initiative and how the Archdiocese of Detroit and the whole Church in the United States are re-doubling their efforts to support all mothers and their families. 26:00 — Archbishop Vigneron speaks about Proposal 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that, if passed, would allow unregulated abortion in Michigan. He shares how Catholics can work to defeat this proposal. 35:47 — Archbishop answers listener questions about his first car, administering the Sacrament of the Sick, and his favorite homilies.44:36 — The episode concludes with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the recently-launched National Eucharistic Revival and how, as Catholics, we can help ourselves and others foster a renewed devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist. 0:20 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month. Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the Eucharistic Procession held on the Feast of Corpus Christi that officially kicked off the National Eucharistic Revival in the Archdiocese of Detroit. 1:06 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about the Archdiocese of Detroit’s newest auxiliary bishop, Archbishop Paul F. Russell. Archbishop Vigneron talks about the ministry of an auxiliary bishop and how he came to know then-Father Russell when the latter was a priest in Boston. The group also celebrates Archbishop Russell’s ties to Michigan.7:14 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to share an overview of the National Eucharistic Revival, its goals, and its inspiration. 11:13 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to reflect on the survey data about how many Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and to speak about what a successful Eucharistic Revival will look like. 17:53 – Archbishop Vigneron shares that while the Revival is an opportunity to re-catechize the faithful about the Eucharist, it cannot be focused only on an intellectual understanding of the sacrament. It must also make a real impact on people at emotional and spiritual levels. 19:56 – Mike, Mary, and Archbishop Vigneron talk about why it’s important for Catholics to believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and some of the reasons many Catholics don’t share this foundational belief.29:11 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron about the I AM HERE campaign that solicits and shares stories from Catholics who have been impacted in significant ways by Jesus in the Eucharist. They also discuss the importance of witnessing our faith to others and what makes an effective witness testimony. 34:42 – Our hosts share stories of powerful experiences they’ve had while praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. 44:00 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about inventions that have changed his life, his “typical day,” and a few theological questions he would like to ask God.50:52 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations in the Archdiocese of Detroit, a time for us to become united in prayer, working toward a culture that fosters and celebrates vocations to the priesthood.0:30 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary and Mike greet each other and the listeners and catch up on the last month. 1:10 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about the National Eucharistic Revival, how we’re observing and preparing for that effort in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and the Eucharistic Procession from the Cathedral to Sacred Heart Major Seminary on the Feast of Corpus Christi. 4:30 – Archbishop shares a memory of carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance to the sick at Lourdes in France 5:00 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to talk about the relationship between our Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations and the Eucharistic Revival.5:58 – Mary asks Archbishop to explain what a “year of prayer,” how they are established in the Church, and what exactly we’re praying for during this Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations.8:30 – Mary and Archbishop talk about how all Catholics in southeast Michigan can support those whom God calls to the priesthood to hear and have the courage to answer that call. 9:49 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share some of the highlights and important points of his recent pastoral note on the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations. 12:27 – Mary asks Archbishop about the shortage of priests, locally and nationally. 14:00 – Mary and Archbishop talk about the correlation between strong families and a strong culture of vocations. 14:45 – Mike asks Archbishop to speak about the Holy Hour for Priestly Vocations that opened the Year of Prayer on the Vigil of Pentecost. 17:40 – Archbishop and Mary talk about having faith that God will provide enough priests for His Church. 20:00 – Archbishop talk about other planned activities and events, at the diocesan, parish, and individual family levels, during the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations. 24:49 – Our hosts share stories about the inspiration they received from having joyful models of vocations–priests, religious, laity–as they were growing up and the impact that modeling had on their own vocations. 28:53 – Mary invites listeners to visit prayforvocations.com to view more resources about participating in the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations.31:04 – Archbishop Vigneron contrasts the “no bystanders” nature of the Church’s mission with the “consumer mentality” of our culture.33:30 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions, including his favorite things to cook, underrated female saints, and with whom in the Bible he would like to switch places.39:30 – Archbishop shares his intentions for the month, including prayers for the Archdiocese of Detroit’s new auxiliary bishop, Archbishop Paul Russell. He then closes the episode with the Archdiocese’s prayer for priestly vocations and a blessing.