In this episode, Father Ben Little, our pastor, and Adrian Sanchez, director of marketing and communications, reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis following his passing on Easter Monday. Through their Mount Rushmore "draft", they share personal memories and highlight the most significant contributions from Francis' papacy: from his missionary vision in Evangelii Gaudium and his inspiring leadership during the pandemic to his tender devotion to the forgotten and his deep connection to Our Lady and the saints. Join us in this heartfelt conversation that balances Easter joy with thoughtful remembrance as the Church prepares for a new chapter.

If you enjoy the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5-star rating and a short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

In this episode of the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, Father Ben Little, our pastor, sits down with Spencer and Heidi Frothinger as they share their inspiring journey of faith, family and friendship. This episode was recorded as Spencer was preparing to be baptized and welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. The Frothingers reflect on their story—from childhood friendship to building a faith-filled family at Saint John the Baptist and beyond.

Join us as we explore the transformative power of faith, the importance of community, and the beauty of walking together in Christ. From navigating life’s challenges to nurturing faith in their children, Spencer and Heidi offer a great testimony of love, grace and the joy of becoming whole as a family in the Catholic Faith.

Whether you're seeking inspiration, encouragement, or simply a glimpse into the lives of real families living out their faith at Saint John's, this episode will uplift and inspire. Tune in and continue to celebrate the joy of Easter with us!

If you'd like to learn more about becoming Catholic or receiving your sacraments, visit our website!

If you enjoy the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5-star rating and a short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

Join us for the latest episode of the Friends of the Bridegroom Podcast, the podcast of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church and School in Savage, Minnesota. Hosted by Father Ben Little, this episode features a conversation with our school principal, Mary Ziebell, as they discuss the vital mission of Catholic education, the challenges facing non-public schools in Minnesota and the importance of nurturing faith, intellect and virtue in our students.

Discover how Saint John’s continues its legacy of forming faith-filled, intelligent leaders for the common good, and learn about the proposed elimination of state aid for non-public schools, which impacts essential services like transportation, counseling, nursing and special education. Mary and Father Ben share insights on how this proposal affects families and the broader mission of Catholic education.

Stay tuned for practical ways to help advocate for this funding, including reaching out to legislators through the Minnesota Catholic Conference and participating in Eucharistic Adoration at the State Capitol. Together, we can be a voice for the future of Catholic education and the well-being of our children.

For more information and resources, visit the Minnesota Catholic Conference website. Thank you for your support, prayers and commitment to this vital mission.

Key Topics:
🎙️ The mission and legacy of Catholic education at Saint John’s.
🎙️ The impact of proposed state budget changes on non-public schools.
🎙️ How to advocate for Catholic education in Minnesota.
🎙️ The role of faith in forming well-rounded, virtuous leaders.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with our parish and school community. St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

If you are enjoying the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5 star rating and short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

Join in the conversation as Fr. Ben, Pastor of St. John the Baptist, highlights current events happening at the parish and school. Fr. Ben also speaks to a topic on everyone's minds- his upcoming change in assignment. Stay to the end for some trivia revolving around French saints, St. Paul, and the Outdoor Report.

If you are enjoying the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5 star rating and short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

Grow in your ability to live out the Jubilee Year of Hope in this episode of the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast. Listen as Father Ben Little and Brenda Sevcik sit with a recent Angelus address from Pope Francis and discuss the implications of Pope Francis' question, “Do we recognize that He is the bearer of a proclamation of salvation that no one else can give us?”

Be brought up to speed on Current Reality Study of the parish with the assistance of Emmaus Partners. The main take away: it's an exciting time to be at St. John the Baptist as the Holy Spirit continues to push us "out into the deep" for a great catch of souls.

Finally, hear about Father Ben's great catch of fish on his yearly fishing trip to Lake of the Woods.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Catholic School's Week & Skateville

3:33 - Prayer and Jubilee Year History

9:37 - Jubilee Doors in the Major Basilicas

11:16 - Angelus Adress - Jesus as our Authority and Salvation

18:16 - Current Reality Study at St. John the Baptist

34:25 - Wrap-up and Outdoors Report

LINKS

Vatican News Article referenced in the Podcast: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-01/pope-francis-angelus-sunday-word-of-god-catechesis.html#:~:text=sacred%20scripture-,Pope%20at%20Angelus%3A%20Jubilee%20an%20opportunity%20to%20renew%20our%20encounter,renew%20our%20encounter%20with%20Christ.

Angelus Address postings from the Vatican: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2025.index.html

Vatican Jubilee Website: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html

Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Jubilee Information: https://www.archspm.org/jubilee2025/#:~:text=The%20Church%20celebrates%20an%20Ordinary,pilgrimages%20and%20the%20Jubilee%20Indulgence.

USCCB Jubilee Information: https://www.usccb.org/jubilee2025

If you are enjoying the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5 star rating and short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

In this episode of Friends of the Bridegroom, Adrian Sanchez and Brenda Sevcik delve into various aspects of the Sacrament of Baptism, using a recent homily from Father Ben Little as a launching point. Catch up on current events at St. John the Baptist, as well as a live edition of the fishing report from the Pastor during his time fishing for fish.

Timestamps
0:06 - Introduction and current events at St. John the Baptist
5:59 - Baptism of the Lord Homily recordings
14:40 - We are part of the story
18:20 - Words matter in the Baptism Rite
23:15 - Three-fold blessings
29:33 - Finding the homily after mass & bulletin update
33:30- Conclusion and Fishing report

Homily recordings can be found on the parish website: https://stjohns-savage.org/homilies

If you are enjoying the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5 star rating and short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

Host Father Ben Little, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School, is joined by Adrian Sanchez, Director of Marketing and Communications. Adrian shares a powerful testimony to the ways the Lord has worked in his life thus far, his discernment and journey in coming to work here at St. John the Baptist, and his love for proclaiming the Gospel through digital creation. The episode concludes with the Outdoors Report, of course!

If you are enjoying the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5 star rating and short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!

Host Father Ben Little, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School, comments upon an article titled "History confirms that for US bishops, immigration isn't political." The article was written by John Allen and published on the Catholic news site The Crux on December 1st, 2024. Joined by Brenda Sevcik, a round of trivia and an outdoors report close out the episode.

Article from the Crux: https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2024/12/history-confirms-that-for-us-bishops-immigration-isnt-political
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School: https://stjohns-savage.org/

People and Podcast mentioned in the trivia portion:
Companions of Christ: https://www.companionsofchrist.org/
Pints with Aquinas: https://www.youtube.com/@pintswithaquinas
Word on Fire Show: https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/wordonfire-show/
Bishop Barron performing Bob Dylan: https://youtu.be/t6_Gg33MKaY?si=ZJJMxTXTVuelaw2Q
Tammy Peterson Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/user/tmrpeterson
Father Brian Park's Podcast: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/9n29i-50a26/Father-Brian-Park%27s-Podcast
This Eucharistic Life: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/sjnpod/episodes/In-the-Light-of-Christ-e2b3cue?fbclid=IwAR0f9-uL3e2Z7hw2RFMwNy6Cn2JaQy_Wpnul_HdKr-yI0IjAjcsimDtKg1U
Catholic Stuff You Should Know: https://catholicstuffpodcast.com/
All Things Catholic with Ed Sri: https://www.edwardsri.com/all-things-catholic/
Abiding Together: https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/
Poco A Poco: https://www.spiritjuice.org/pocoapoco/
Brother Isaiah's music: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXI4XKRle_gHogMwCuKPwloixeiiu8iKf
Restore the Glory: https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/
JP II Healing Center: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/
This Whole Life: https://martincenterforintegration.com/podcast
Praystation Portable: https://sqpn.com/podcasts/praystation-portable/

If you are enjoying the Friends of the Bridegroom podcast, be sure to leave a 5 star rating and short review telling us what you enjoyed! Blessings to you!