In this episode, Father Ben Little, our pastor, discusses his upcoming transition from Saint John the Baptist Parish to become a spiritual director at Saint Paul Seminary. He explains what spiritual direction involves—helping individuals deepen their prayer life and discern God's will—and how it differs from counseling or therapy.

Father Ben shares insights about seminary formation, including the 7- to 9-year journey seminarians undertake, and the crucial role spiritual directors play in guiding these men. He reflects on how his parish experience will benefit seminarians who ultimately hope to serve in parishes themselves.

The conversation also explores the broader concept of vocational discernment, with both Father Ben and Adrian Sanchez, director of marketing and communications, offering personal perspectives on accompanying others on their spiritual journeys. They discuss the importance of affirming the gifts we see in others rather than simply asking if someone has considered priesthood or religious life.

Father Ben closes by reassuring parishioners he plans to maintain connections with the parish despite his new assignment, viewing this transition as "pausing" rather than ending parish ministry.

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 Father Ben Little, our pastor, and Brenda Sevcik, our director of music ministry, as they unpack the parish pilgrimage through some of France's most sacred Catholic sites. From the healing waters of Lourdes and its moving candlelight processions, to the historic papal palace in Avignon, to the spiritual treasures of Paray-le-Monial where the Sacred Heart was revealed to Saint Margaret Mary. Father Ben shares meaningful moments at the shrines of Saint Bernadette, Saint John Vianney, and his confirmation patron, Saint Vincent de Paul, while weaving in spiritual reflections on faith, wine-making, and what makes a true pilgrimage. Plus, hear about the pilgrims' excitement when white smoke appeared in Rome, announcing Pope Leo XIV!

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, Brenda Sevcik (director of music ministry) and Adrian Sanchez (director of marketing and communications) reflect on the joy of Easter, the excitement of Pope Leo XIV's election and what it means to truly be friends with Christ.

The podcast explores how friendship with Jesus forms the foundation of our parish community and spiritual lives. Through personal stories and insights, Adrian and Brenda discuss how the Eucharist connects us not just to Jesus, but to each other as fellow parishioners. Whether you're curious about Catholic traditions, seeking deeper faith connections, or simply enjoy heartfelt conversations, this podcast offers spiritual nourishment for your journey.

Tune in as we strive to seek friendship with Christ in our time, and discover how this relationship transforms our everyday lives and prepares us for eternity.

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, 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 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!

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 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!