Father James Burns, President of St. Mary's University of Minnesota, discusses the mission of Catholic higher education, emphasizing the integration of psychology and theology in priestly formation and the importance of donor relationships in sustaining Catholic educational institutions. He highlights the centrality of faith, human formation, and virtue development to the university’s mission, and how storytelling and authentic engagement inspire philanthropic support. Fr. Burns advocates for a faithful engagement with Church teachings while encouraging sincere inquiry and dialogue grounded in the truth of Christ as the way, the truth and the life.

Addressing contemporary challenges with students and society, Fr. Burns underscores the inseparability of fundraising from the mission of Catholic education, stating, "The ultimate purpose of fundraising is to support student flourishing, virtue formation, and the mission of the Church." He emphasizes the importance of authentic, ongoing relationships with donors, deep listening, trust-building and understanding individual motivations, which foster a cycle of human flourishing for both giver and recipient.

Guest: Fr. James Burns
Title: President, St. Mary's University of Minnesota

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Dr. Eric Westby, Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona, and longtime catechist, discusses the essential connection between catechesis and evangelization in the latest episode of Twelve Wicker Baskets. Dr. Westby traces his own journey into catechetics, inspired by mentors and shaped by decades of parish ministry and academic study. He explains the importance of the kerygma—the initial proclamation of the Gospel—as the foundation for catechesis, which deepens conversion and provides roots for discipleship. In today’s post-Christian culture, he emphasizes, the Church must adapt its methods and reclaim a catechumenal model that begins with encounter, fosters conversion and forms missionary disciples.

Highlighting how catechesis and evangelization relate to stewardship and fundraising, Dr. Westby notes that authentic generosity flows from a genuine encounter with Christ and a clear sense of mission. Drawing from both parish life and his role with seminarian formation, he suggests that when people understand themselves as missionary disciples, their financial support follows naturally as a joyful response. The episode underscores the need for diocesan and parish leaders to align fundraising efforts with the mission of evangelization, forming communities where stewardship is understood not as obligation but as a fruit of discipleship.

Guest: Dr. Eric Westby

Title: Director, Institute of Catholic Theology

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In this episode of Twelve Wicker Baskets, Dr. Dan Ryan, President of Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, discusses the transformative power of servant leadership in Catholic education and fundraising. With over two decades of experience in Catholic school leadership, Dr. Ryan has served in roles ranging from special education teacher to diocesan superintendent. Since 2017, he has led Dowling Catholic through strategic enrollment growth, expanded diversity initiatives and a visionary capital campaign. His leadership is rooted in collaboration, humility and a commitment to forming students not just academically but spiritually and communally.

A devoted Catholic often described as a servant leader himself, Dr. Ryan emphasizes that leadership grounded in mission and trust can inspire both institutional change and generous support. “It’s really not a lack of funds; it’s a lack of vision or storytelling,” he explains, reflecting on how authentic relationships and student-centered narratives drive meaningful donor engagement. With servant leadership woven into Dowling’s mission and graduate profile, Ryan champions a model of education that forms confident, Christ-centered leaders prepared to serve the common good.

Guest: Dr. Dan Ryan

Title: President, Dowling Catholic High School

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