Fishers of People | East Montana

11/12/24 • 12 min

In this episode we explore how the Catholic Church is good for societal health throughout the vast reaches of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings in eastern Montana. Scattered throughout this territory, which is nearly the size of New Zealand, are small town parishes that are catalysts of compassion. When economies falter, Catholic churches are places of convening, assistance and hope. Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with the Catholic leaders who are committed to building a brighter future in these far-flung communities.

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The Hidden Potential Within the Children of Migrant Farmworkers | Kalamazoo, Michigan

In southwest Michigan, Catholic leaders go outside the “four walls” of the Church to share God’s love among migrant farmworkers and their children. In this episode we hear from Veronica Rodriguez, the program director for Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. She grew up working in the fields alongside her mother. She remembers priests and religious sisters visiting the migrant camps to encourage children to believe in themselves. Today she is a vital part of the Catholic Church’s outreach to 18,000 migrant workers—bringing music, joy and confidence into the hearts of these overlooked families.

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Hope and Beauty in Blackfeet Nation | Browning, Montana

Little Flower Parish on Blackfeet Nation works to help this Native American community rediscover and reclaim the beauty that has been endowed in them by their creator. Mass is offered at the annual four-day Indian Days celebration, wherein people of Blackfeet descent celebrate their heritage with traditional dancing, drumming and games. The parish was involved in the founding of a school that now boasts a high graduation rate and thriving athletics program. Catholic Extension Society has supported Little Flower Parish for 50 years.