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

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.

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

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.

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

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.

Fr. Matt Lowry shares his journey as chaplain of the Holy Trinity Newman Center at Northern Arizona University, where he has led explosive growth both spiritually and financially. He reflects on how his ministry—rooted in prayer, relationship and trust in God’s providence—has transformed from humble beginnings into a dynamic mission field for evangelization. Fr. Matt emphasizes the deep spiritual hunger among college students for beauty, tradition, and authentic encounter, and how presence, personal invitation and incarnational ministry have been key to meeting them where they are. His approach has included both bold vision and day-to-day faithfulness, whether skateboarding across campus or guiding retreats steeped in silence and sacrament.

Fr. Matt also dives into the spiritual side of fundraising, drawing a parallel between inviting someone into relationship with Jesus and inviting them to financially support the mission—it’s the same act of trust and courage. Through stories of sacrificial donors and unexpected blessings, he illustrates how faith and action together fuel mission. Now overseeing a capital campaign and serving as Episcopal Vicar of the North, Fr. Matt remains grounded through daily prayer, mentorship and gratitude. His message is clear: fundraising, like evangelization, begins with mission and continues through relationship, perseverance and a deep trust in God’s timing.

To learn more about the Newman Center’s mission or to support it, visit www.catholicjacks.org.

Guest: Fr. Matt Lowry

Title: Chaplain, Holy Trinity Newman Center

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.

Twelve Wicker Baskets welcomes Bishop James Golka of the Diocese of Colorado Springs for a rich and thoughtful conversation on gratitude, stewardship and Eucharistic living. Bishop Golka reflects on psalm 116 and the act of taking up the cup of salvation and calling upon the name of the Lord as a gesture of profound worship and thanksgiving—an invitation to live a life rooted in the Eucharist.

Bishop Golka shares insights from his own pastoral journey and spiritual formation, shaped by years of service in the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska, where he was ordained a priest in 1994. Raised in a large Catholic family as one of ten siblings, he developed an early appreciation for stewardship as gratitude, and a deep sense of vocation. His background in parish ministry, combined with his early experience as pastor of a large parish and school in Seward, Nebraska, his reflections on how the Eucharist calls each person to offer his or her life in service, gratitude and stewardship.

Appointed Bishop of Colorado Springs by Pope Francis in 2021, Bishop Golka speaks with warmth and humility about the joys and challenges of episcopal ministry. He explores how living Eucharistically transforms one’s perspective on time, resources and relationships—shaping not just personal spirituality, but the communal life of the Church. Throughout the conversation, Bishop Golka’s love for Christ and the Church shines through, inviting listeners into a deeper response to God's abundant grace.

Further resources:

Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict by Esther de Waal

The Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus by Owen Phelps

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.

As the Church entered a celebration of the Jubilee of Teenagers this week, Twelve Wicker Baskets takes time with Mark Hart, the Chief Innovation Officer at Life Teen International, a Catholic youth ministry active in nearly 2,000 parishes worldwide. Mark shares his personal journey from a "typical" Catholic upbringing to a life-changing encounter with Christ during high school, thanks to the Life Teen movement. That experience sparked his lifelong passion for walking with teens, helping them discover the joy of faith through real relationships, vibrant community and Scripture that speaks to their lives today.

Throughout the conversation, Mark emphasizes that reaching today's teens takes more than just good intentions—it takes authenticity, creativity, and a deep trust in God's work. He points out that many teens today are overwhelmed by loneliness and anxiety, and what they really need is connection, not just another class or program. "We need to waste time with teenagers," he says. "Sit with them, enter into their world, and when the time is right, that’s when the real conversations about faith can happen." Mark challenges parishes to rethink what success looks like, lead with joy, and above all, prioritize the salvation of souls over simply maintaining the status quo.

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.

An accomplished educator and musician hailing from his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Stephen Handrigan delves into the topic of openness to the journey set before each of us in life and in fundraising. With degrees in music and education, Stephen’s career spans leadership in Catholic and independent schools. This experience led him to the role that he currently holds as president and head of school at St. Bonaventure’s College in St. John’s. An independent, K-12 Jesuit Catholic school, St. Bon’s was reopened in 1999 to offer again Catholic education in the province after church scandals left the archdiocese bankrupt and unable to maintain the schools.

Through an open discussion, Stephen explores the impact of transparency and trust-building, as well as a rebrand marketing effort that helped locals see St. Bonaventure’s College in a new light. The success of the “What did you learn today?” marketing effort lent way to a new capital campaign effort that played on the theme, now recognizable throughout the community. The What did you give today? Capital Campaign has provided a new learning experience for the St. John’s, Newfoundland, community. As uncomfortable as it is to make the ask, or even receive the ask, for a sacrificial gift can be, it has uncovered the truth that there is no “they” when it comes to supporting our own communities; we are “they” and it is only through educating our own communities about the need that an school, church or nonprofit organization will successfully support a major fundraising goal. Indeed, “sneaky Jesus”, as Stephen affectionately points out, will guide the journey when we are open to laying our plans, needs, resources and communities into the hands of the Lord.

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.

Fr. Bill Gurnee, pastor of St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill, shares his journey from his beginnings in New York and North Carolina to Washington, D.C., inspired by a pivotal question about life’s purpose. St. Joseph's on Capitol Hill has a rich history. Founded in 1868 by German immigrants, it is now a diverse community of 450 families, including many Congressional staffers and young professionals. St. Joseph’s offers daily Masses, marriage preparation, and a welcoming environment for all, from transient interns to high-profile politicians and others.

Fr. Gurnee emphasizes the importance of community, spiritual direction and evangelization, highlighting the role of married couples in faith formation. He reflects on the emotional impact of parishioners moving away and the impact of a community that is always in flux. Additionally, notes the upcoming installation of a new archbishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, which encompasses the US Capitol, stressing the need for pastoral sensitivity in leadership. Finally, he discusses the successes of the parish’s capital campaign. Goals for the campaign include supporting the renovation of the historic organ and the construction of a new parish hall.

Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.