Detroit Stories 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.
(4:34) Mother Mary Therese talks about her certainty, as a young girl, that she wanted to be a “Carmelite” — not necessarily a nun — and how her understanding of the vocation grew as she did. After high school, she joined the cloistered order and found her “forever home”: a 12-acre, picturesque monastery she now calls “heaven on earth.”
(8:06) Mother Mary Therese describes the rhythm of life and patterns of prayer, work, rest and recreation inside the cloistered monastery. She talks about the challenges the nuns face in supporting themselves, and how they seek to keep their primary task — intercessory prayer — at the forefront of their minds.
(13:05) We meet another cloistered nun, Sr. Dominic Maria of St. Michael, the 37-year-old vocations director for the Cloistered Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills, the largest cloistered community in the Archdiocese of Detroit. As a rare younger vocation, Sr. Dominic discusses her path to cloistered life and how some people “are astonished” at the sight of a young cloistered nun.
(15:04) Sr. Dominic and Mother Mary Therese each discuss the misconceptions surrounding modern cloistered life — namely, that it is a drab, isolated life devoid of vibrancy and fun. Both nuns insist nothing could be further from the truth.
(18:46) While silence is essential to the nuns’ prayer — and something the modern, technology-soaked world sorely lacks — Mother Mary Therese says cloistered life is also an active one filled with work, laughter, joy, reading, hobbies, games and celebration.
(24:21) Mother Mary Therese and Sr. Dominic talk about why prayer is so central to the nuns’ vocation, and how cloistered life is a special response to God’s invitation to be close to Him in all things, as radical as it is countercultural. And both say they couldn’t imagine life any other way.
Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn
Lourdes Senior Community, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and established on the timeless principles of the Gospel of Jesus, encompasses 35 acres of serene lakefront property, offering a broad continuum of care for seniors and their families. Their dedicated team, inspired by the spirit of compassion and service, honors the uniqueness of each individual with unwavering respect and dignity. Whether you're seeking worry-free independent apartments, assisted living, memory care, or rehabilitation services, Lourdes is here to help you write your next chapter. Call (248) 886-5600 and schedule your tour today.
Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

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.
(1:52) The narrator discusses the topic of the episode — young adult ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit, particularity in the city itself — and how ministries for this group have been woefully overlooked in past decades.
(4:17) Beth Allison, director of parish mission and operations for St. Aloysius Parish in the heart of downtown Detroit, talks about how the parish has seen a demographic shift since young professionals began moving into the city within the past 10 years.
(12:03) Not every parish, like St. Aloysius, is full of young adults in a transient stage in their life. At many parishes, young adults seem to get lost in a mix of ministries catering to people of all ages and states, including the elderly, established families and children’s ministries. Patrick Howard, young adult ministry coordinator for the Archdiocese of Detroit, explains the challenges.
(16:09) Howard talks about how young adults seek connection with others, which means parishes and ministries must establish robust means of communication, from social media to websites where young adults can quickly and easily find information.
(17:19) Howard reflects on the misperception that to attract young adults, parishes must mimic the culture and provide trendier liturgies and activities. Instead, he says, young adults seek the timeless truths of the Catholic faith and respond to solid catechesis and opportunities to engage in the sacraments.
(20:57) Studies show young adults in today’s generation are experiencing record levels of loneliness, and Howard says this is where the Church has a golden opportunity to evangelize. He suggests parishes and dioceses feel hopeful about the future and seize the chance to provide a sense of belonging for this critical generation.
Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration and script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn
Lourdes Senior Community, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and established on the timeless principles of the Gospel of Jesus, encompasses 35 acres of serene lakefront property, offering a broad continuum of care for seniors and their families.  Their dedicated team, inspired by the spirit of compassion and service, honors the uniqueness of each individual with unwavering respect and dignity. Whether you're seeking worry-free independent apartments, assisted living, memory care, or rehabilitation services, Lourdes is here to help you write your next chapter. Call (248) 886-5600 and schedule your tour today.
Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Parishioners, seminarians and friends recall impact of Detroit pastor, longtime spiritual director who left mark on generations
(0:02) Rose Marshall, a lifelong parishioner and social media coordinator at St. Augustine and St. Monica Parish in Detroit, recalls a drive-through the parish organized during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to lift the spirits of the parish’s pastor, Msgr. Daniel Trapp. Marshall and fellow parishioner Brian McCullough Jr. talk about what the parish meant to Msgr. Trapp — who died in January — and what he meant to them.
(3:01) Other parishioners and friends, including Nick Waller and Karl Finkbeiner, a seminarian who was mentored by Msgr. Trapp, talk about the priest’s ubiquitous presence in the east-side Detroit neighborhood, and his welcoming nature to all whom he encountered.
(6:21) Genevieve Kocourek, evangelization coordinator at the parish, and McCullough talk about Msgr. Trapp’s quiet, persistent approach to evangelization. McCullough, a Baptist convert to Catholicism, talks about how Msgr. Trapp influenced his own conversion.
(10:20) Friends and parishioners recall how Msgr. Trapp looked out for the less fortunate in his neighborhood, including a warming shelter at the parish during the colder months. Kocourek talks about his solidarity with the city’s African-American community and his response to national tragedies impacting the Black community, including the deaths of George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.
(16:36) Marshall relays how Msgr. Trapp became a father figure to her, counseling her as a young person and grieving with her when her grandmother passed away. Waller and McCullough remember Msgr. Trapp’s counsel when he was experiencing a difficult time in life.
(23:46) Finkbeiner recalls Msgr. Trapp’s care and concern for him as a seminarian during spiritual direction. Danielle Center talks about how Msgr. Trapp’s encouragement helped her start a new ministry during a pivotal time.
(27:07) Kocourek talks about Msgr. Trapp’s care and concern for parishioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(29:40) The interviewees each remember Msgr. Trapp’s workmanlike attitude toward the priesthood. Without overdoing it, he had a knack for leading by example and showing Christ-like care and concern for each person he encountered.
(33:12) The interview subjects react to Msgr. Trapp’s passing and reflect on how he’ll be remembered for generations.
Reporting and script by Casey McCorry; narration by Leah Butalid; production by Ron Pangborn
This episode of Detroit Stories is proudly sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan – the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Engage in the practice of the corporal works of mercy within your community! To begin your journey of involvement and compassion, visit CCSEM.org today and select “Get Involved.”
Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Student-athletes, coaches and ADs offer advice for navigating a complex process amidst a changing landscape for recruits
(0:02) Sonny Wilson, a freshman on the University of Toledo’s basketball team, reflects on his recruitment in high school as a standout on the University of Detroit Jesuit High School’s squad. He offers advice for other young players going through the process.
(3:51) The narrator talks about some of the ways in which high school and college sports recruiting has changed, including video highlight reels, transfer portals and NIL (“name, image and likeness”) deals before introducing several interviewees.
(5:55) Dan Rohn, football coach and athletic director at De La Salle High School in Warren, laments the decline in multi-sport athletes at the high school level, which he believes can be attributed to increased pressure placed on athletes who have hopes of playing at the next level. Vic Michaels, director of the Catholic High School League, offers his thoughts on the subject.
(9:19) Mike Watson, athletic director at Marian High School, talks about the impact of video — especially social media — on recruiting. Ava Brizard, a Marian graduate and standout volleyball player for North Carolina State University, talks about how video gave her increased opportunities to stand out.
(14:30) Interviewees discuss the timing of the recruiting process, which begins as early as seventh grade for some athletes. In addition to those above, we hear from Brady Drogash, a De La Salle graduate and quarterback on the University of Cincinnati’s football team; Xavier Thomas, a Brother Rice graduate and University of Toledo basketball player; and Dalton Drogash, a junior on De La Salle’s football squad.
(20:23) Athletes and coaches discuss preparing for the recruiting process, negotiations with interested schools, and how high school coaches and athletic directors can help students and their families navigate the process.
(24:35) Interviewees discuss tips for finding and deciding on the right school, and the factors athletes and their families should consider in making their decisions.
(30:00) Rohn, Watson and Michaels discuss the impact of NIL deals on the recruiting landscape.
(32:49) Athletes offer their advice for other students going through the recruiting process, including pitfalls to watch out for, who to turn to for advice, and how to make the best impression possible.
Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Emily Mentock; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn
This episode of Detroit Stories is proudly sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan – the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Engage in the practice of the corporal works of mercy within your community! To begin your journey of involvement and compassion, visit CCSEM.org today and select 'Get Involved'!
Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

Thinking about the priesthood and nervous about the next steps? Three priests dispel myths about what it's really like in seminary
(0:05) Fr. Jeremy Schupbach, 27, a newly ordained priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit serving at the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, talks about the moment he first heard the call to the priesthood from an early age. The narrator introduces the topic of the episode.
(3:35) Fr. Schupbach talks about his first experience of life as a seminarian — a very human moment in which he found himself three hours late for orientation.
(8:30) Fr. Schupbach talks about some of the misconceptions he had about seminary life, and how they were quickly dispelled when he moved into the dormitories of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
(10:45) Fr. Clint McDonnell, director of undergraduate seminarians at Sacred Heart, and Fr. Craig Giera, director of priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, dispel the myth that seminary life is boring and monastic. Fr. Schupbach emphasizes the fun elements of life in communion with other seminarians, including Sacred Heart’s best-kept secret: a bar called O’Berg’s.
(16:09) Fr. Schupbach addresses the sacrifices priests make when they’re ordained — particularly the sacrifice of marriage and children. He talks about how the seminary encourages seminarians to pray about and wrestle with these sacrifices, and how the life of priesthood is a gift unto itself.
(19:12) Fr. Giera and Fr. McDonnell talk about the process of discernment that happens inside the seminary walls. Both priests emphasize that the seminary isn’t a place where men go only once they’re 100% sure they want to become priests, but a place to ask questions and receive answers. And sometimes the answer is that God isn’t calling a man.
(25:12) All three men talk about how much they love the priesthood, and how seminary life prepared them to fulfill the calling they felt from God. They offer advice for listeners — particularly young men who think they might also be called to the seminary.
Reporting and narration by Michael Stechschulte; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn
The love of family is forever. A lasting gift of love is preplanning your final resting place. Preplanning your burial site brings comfort to those you love. It ensures that your wishes are met and that no financial burden or unnecessary stress remains for those you leave behind. Give yourself and those you love the gift of peace of mind. Speak with a family service advisor at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services today! Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.
Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

How a ragtag band of volunteers launched a global disaster relief organization after Haiti's devastating earthquake in 2010
(0:04) Kelly Anne Ruda, a retired travel agent and teacher, unexpectedly becomes a valuable member of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit assisting disaster-affected communities. Despite lacking typical disaster-relief skills, Kelly embraces the challenging work of hauling debris and using a chainsaw during her deployments, finding fulfillment in contributing to Team Rubicon's mission.
(4:37) Initially started by military veterans in response to the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti, Team Rubicon grew from a small group led by Bro. Jim Boynton, SJ, to a global organization that includes diverse volunteers and provides disaster relief around the world.
(9:33) Bro. Jim describes leading volunteers and medical professionals treating victims during the first hours and days after the earthquake, bandaging wounds and responding to overwhelming needs.
(13:43) Seeing and treating so much pain, Bro. Jim talks about the need for volunteers to decompress and find fraternity among themselves. He describes his appreciation for the military veterans who lent their skills to the effort.
(17:25) After the earthquake, word about the group’s efforts spread. Bro. Jim talks about where the name “Team Rubicon” came from, and how in the years after the earthquake, the effort to respond to natural disasters around the world quickly expanded.
(24:33) Gary Gamble, a 62-year-old Marine Corps veteran, talks about his experiences since joining Team Rubicon after the flooding in the city of Detroit in 2021.
(29:09) Kelly talks about the unity felt among members of Team Rubicon, whose grey shirts serve as a visible sign of their fraternity and common mission. Although the work is exhausting, she says, it’s an unmistakably rewarding experience to help those who’ve suffered regain their lives. She talks about what makes it all worth it.
Reporting by Daniel Meloy; narration by Gabriella Patti; script by Casey McCorry; production by Ron Pangborn
The love of family is forever. A lasting gift of love is preplanning your final resting place. Preplanning your burial site brings comfort to those you love. It ensures that your wishes are met and that no financial burden or unnecessary stress remains for those you leave behind. Give yourself and those you love the gift of peace of mind. Speak with a family service advisor at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services today! Visit cfcsdetroit.org or call (734) 285-2155.
Listen to ‘Detroit Stories’ on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.