Eyes on Jesus with Archbishop Vigneron

Latest Episodes:

Episode 16: Human Dignity Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron, Mike, and Mary discuss the meaning of “inherent dignity”, and how we, as Catholics, are called to uphold the truth that all people are created in the image and likeness of God.

(0:49) Archbishop reflects on his last month, how we’ve been living the reality of the pandemic for a full year, and his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

(2:12) Mary asks Archbishop what the Church means when referring to the inherent dignity of all people, and Archbishop responds with the very first revelation that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. The three discuss the sacrifice of Jesus, that his death for all people reaffirms this inherent dignity.

(7:47) Archbishop Vigneron reviews what specific issues fall under the Church’s teaching of human dignity, such as abortion, racism, treatment of immigrants, and capital punishment.

(14:00) Mike asks how we, as Catholics, should respond to certain assertions that people have a right to things like abortion or euthanasia, and how we can practically respond. Archbishop indicates that we should make our own case and treat others with respect, bearing witness to their dignity.

(15:29) Archbishop discusses how we can discern where God wants us to act, and how nobody can do everything, but that we’re all called to take some form of action, which will likely be different from the way another person is called, but that our duty is to still uphold the truth.

(21:35) Mary asks Archbishop about what it means for an issue to be “pre-eminent” especially in the context of life issues like abortion. He discusses the idea that an idea is preeminent because it touches the most foundational element of human dignity.

(26:11) Mike, Mary, and Archbishop reflect on the strangeness of an inability to gather for March for Life, but Archbishop reminds us that God is with us in this effort, and if he allowed it to happen this way, good will come of it.

(30:05) Archbishop shares what we can do to further the cause of pro-life issues and pro-life organizations, even during social distancing.

(31:19) Archbishop answers questions from the faithful about scripture reflection, communal penance, and his favorite books. Archbishop closes with a blessing.

Episode 15: Sacred Scripture Jan 25, 2021

Show notes

In conjunction with the release of his new pastoral note The Power of the Word of God, Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the Church’s teaching on Sacred Scripture and the graces and wisdom it holds for our lives.

(0:32) Archbishop reflects on the different nature of this Advent and Christmas season prepared to most, and what the beginning of the new year brings. Mike, Mary, and Archbishop discuss the March for Life in Washington DC that would usually be happening and the alternative ways people are supporting the pro-life mission from home.

(12:06) Mike introduces the Archbishop’s new pastoral note on Scripture, The Power of the Word of God, which was released Sunday, January 24th, which is this year’s commemoration of the Sunday of the Word of God, established by Pope Francis.

(15:24) Archbishop Vigneron gives an overview of what the Catholic Church teaches about Scripture, specifically that the Bible has two authors: the human author and the divine author, and the relationship between the Scripture and the liturgy.

(20:34) Mike and Mary share their relationships with sacred Scripture as well, and the three reflect on Archbishop’s call to the faithful to be renewed in zeal of the Scripture and to teach it, even to the very young.

(25:10) After Mary shares her family’s experience sharing and studying the Scripture at home with 52 Sundays, Archbishop Vigneron asks her and Mike how they see the Holy Spirit coming to the hearts of their children through the Scripture.

(29:58) Archbishop shares the meaning of his reference to Scripture as a “dialogue of love,” sharing how important it is to God that we enter into conversation with him through the sacred Scriptures. Mike also addresses the pastoral note acknowledging that we need to not only read the Scripture, but also respond to it.

(32:10) Archbishop discusses the practice of Lectio Divina, what it is, how it has affected his life, and how it can help us engage in “response” to the Scriptures, rather than just passive study.

(40:43) Mary mentions Pope Francis’s establishing the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time as ‘Sunday of the Word of God,’ and Archbishop Vigneron reflects on what this distinction means, and how it transitions us between the celebration of the Lord’s birth in Christmas through to the celebration of his Passion during Lent and Easter.

(43:10) Archbishop shares some of his favorite Scripture passages and the effect the Word of God had on his education and priestly formation.

(52:00) Mary and Mike share questions from the faithful with the Archbishop, including some practical Families of Parishes questions, a question of progress in the archdiocese since Unleash the Gospel was published, which saint or pope Archbishop would have dinner with, and how to approach brothers and sisters who struggle with deviating from the Church.

(1:04:54) Archbishop shares prayer intentions and closes the podcast with a blessing.

Episode 14: The Next Step for Families of Parishes Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron, Mary Wilkerson, and guest host Erik Coules discuss the transition to Families of Parishes, including its impacts on parish staff and clergy, and what went into identifying family groupings.

(1:30) Archbishop Vigneron gives brief updates on how his month has been, the work he and his leadership team have been doing to help mitigate the virus, and the continued work towards the transition to Families of Parishes. He also reflects on the holiness of the month of November.

(3:20) Archbishop discusses other successes and challenges that have arisen over the past month and shares a bit about his Thanksgiving and the blessings we can find in unconventional celebrations.

(9:23) Mary refreshes our memories of the announcement to move our archdiocese to a Families of Parishes structure, and Archbishop shares more about why the decision was made, what a ‘family of parishes’ is, and where the inspiration for this shift came from.

(14:20) Archbishop discusses more of the specific process behind identifying parish groupings and the sorts of considerations that were made in determining families.

(18:36) Mary asks about the effect the groupings will have on the presence of clergy within the parishes, and Archbishop overviews what plans there are for the waves of the transition and whether he anticipates the movement of any priests.

(20:53) Next, Erik asks about the possible effects on parish staffs. While recognizing that there is no one model by which every family can make these adjustments, Archbishop discusses a playbook that has been developed to help pastors and families navigate the changes.

(25:00) Archbishop discusses this transition as a fruit of the Synod and our calling to evaluate all of the structures we currently have in place for the mission. Mary overviews the pastoral note Led by the Spirit on Mission and how it can help the faithful prepare for this move, and Archbishop reflects on how the move carries out Jesus’ Great Commission.

(29:38) Erik asks Archbishop Vigneron what key message he hopes readers of Led by the Spirit on Mission will take away from the note, and Archbishop answers simply: courage.

(33:40) Archbishop shares his vision of how our coming together as families of parishes is part of the work of being joyful missionary disciples and sharing the Good News.

Episode 13: Turning to the Eucharist Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron and his co-hosts discuss the Holy Eucharist as “a foretaste of Heaven” and a medicine for the faithful – especially during the pandemic, encouraging the faithful to turn to the Eucharist as their source of hope, healing, and love.

Tune in every month as Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron shares his vision for the missionary transformation of the Church in Southeast Michigan and talks about the early fruits of our movement to Unleash the Gospel.

Archbishop Vigneron is joined by hosts Mary Wilkerson, parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Livonia and Michael Chamberland, parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington Hills. The name of the podcast, Eyes on Jesus, comes from the Archbishop's apostolic motto, ASPICIENTES IN IESUM.

Introduction 0:40

After expressing their collective weariness of the pandemic and all that it involves, Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about his celebration of All Saints and All Souls Day. The Archbishop talks about the special Covid Mass he offered for those who lost their lives because of the virus.

Turning to the Eucharist 05:02

This segment begins with Mary stating the focus of this podcast, the Church encouraging members of the faithful, when at all possible, to return to Mass and the general dispensation that is currently in effect. The Archbishop states that as long as we are able, we should attend Mass. This leads to a discussion of the extra measures clergy, church staff and volunteers have taken on to ensure the safety of their congregations and the success parishes are having bringing the faithful back.

As the talk turns to the Eucharist and how, by following the direction of the parishes, we show how much fraternal love we have for each other. Mary pivots the conversation to the importance of actually participating in the Eucharist as opposed to a virtual expression. The Archbishop reminds us that the Holy Eucharist is an action, "something Jesus does". He encourages us to honor that action by active participation. He tells us that, "the heart of a Christian longs to be united with Jesus in praising the Father", and that our longing to be in His presence is another way of worshipping God.

In this upcoming Advent season, the Archbishop reminds us that God has always kept His promises and that even in this 2020 Advent season, God will continue to be with us.

Reflection and Prayer Requests 44:07

The Archbishop asks us to lift up our brothers and sisters faced with challenging health issues in this Covid time.

Archbishop's Blessing 45:04

Episode 12: The Sacraments Sep 17, 2020

Show notes

How can you allow the Sacraments to move you to a place of evangelization and confidence in God? Join Archbishop Vigneron and hosts Mary Wilkerson and Mike Chamberlain as they dive deep on all-things Sacraments.

Introduction: 00:10

Mike begins by asking Archbishop Vigneron about his recent retreat and how he goes about spending time alone with God. Mary continues by asking about the "different reality" faced this year by our Catholic School teachers and students. Mike asks about the two recent feast days to Mary, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin and the celebration of the Holy Name of Mary. The conversation pivots to the recent situation with the wording of the Baptism ceremony, and its effect on the lives of a diocesan priest and members of the faithful. The Archbishop talks about the great injustice of the situation and how the Archdiocese needs to do whatever it can correct it.

The Sacraments 09:29

Archbishop Vigneron explains how the Sacraments are specific rituals instituted by Christ that "accomplish what they express". Mary mentions her wonder at how God has entrusted humankind with these Sacraments in spite of our ability to mess things up. Archbishop Vigneron talks about the incomparable generosity of God and the "ecology of the entrustment of these great divine realities to us frail human beings." Mike asks about the purpose of the Sacraments and Mary continues by asking how we can allow the Sacraments to move us to a place of evangelization and understanding of our role in the Kingdom of God.

The Archbishop closes this segment by suggesting that we can take a kind of "confident humility" that Christ is in our midst in spite of our limitations and that the true power of the sacraments is not dependent on the minister.

Questions From the Faithful 40:34

The segment includes an inquiry into the role of college students in the life of the Church, Archbishop Vigneron's favorite religious and non-religious movies, how does one know if God has placed something on their heart and finally, how does the Archbishop deal with the pressures of his office.

Reflections and Prayer Requests 54:04

Archbishop Vigneron asks for prayer for teachers and students not only in Catholic schools, but in all schools, and that this year will be a blessing to all.

Archbishop's Blessing 55:21

Episode 11: Cultivating Hope Aug 13, 2020

Show notes

Truly, we were born for such a time as this! Archbishop Vigneron and hosts Mary Wilkerson and Mike Chamberlain reflect on the difference in being optimistic and hopeful, and how we can find hope during the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Introduction 0:10

Mike begins by asking Archbishop Vigneron about his summer vacation activities. Mary asks about the ongoing implementation of Families of Parishes. The Archbishops talks about how we’re moving forward based on the work of the Synod and encourages all of us to “get out of the boat” and trust Jesus and the workings of the Holy Spirit.

Mike asks about Archbishop Vigneron’s 24th anniversary of his ordination as an auxiliary bishop and what surprises he experienced becoming a bishop. He mentions how being a native son of SE Michigan has helped him in his ministry.

Cultivating Hope 11:40

Mary kicks off this segment by asking about the multiple uncertainties we’re all experiencing and the Archbishop’s statement that this is God’s appointed time and we are his people. The conversation continues talking about the differences between optimism and hope. Archbishop Vigneron talks about how his belief in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead gives him the the strength to let God be God and simply be “a part of his project.” Mike asks the Archbishop to elaborate on how hope is tied to the other theological virtues of faith and love. Mary wonders what we should hope for as Catholic Christians. The Archbishop councils that we will have tough times and that God will use these challenges to get us ready for an “eternity of bliss with him.” Mary asks for guidance for families returning to Sunday mass. The Archbishop suggests that, as stated in the parable, Jesus is disappointed if we don’t show up for his banquet. The conversation moves to a discussion of Unleash the Gospel and the progression of “encounter, grow and witness”. She asks how we can witness hope to others in these challenging times. The Archbishop responds by giving an example of witnessing in “concentric circles’ to our immediate family, our friends and the world at large.

The Archbishop ends this segment by asking the faithful to express appreciation to their priests for all the extraordinary things they are doing to give pastoral care in this very unusual time.

Questions from the Faithful 47:25

Collected from all over the Archdiocese, this month’s questions include wondering about the Church’s take on tattoos, how to deal with the challenges facing faith formation leaders as our children return to school in the midst of the pandemic, suggestions for teaching the faith to preschool age children and how can we insure hospitalized and hospice patients have access to the Sacrament of the Sick.

Reflections and Prayer Requests 01:08:52

The Archbishop asks that we pray for prudence and that God will give us good judgement as we move forward with forming our parishes into families.

Archbishop’s Prayer and Blessing 01:09:03

Episode 10: Families of Parishes Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the newly announced Families of Parishes plan for the Archdiocese of Detroit — how it was developed and how it will be implemented to benefit our shared mission.

Archbishop Vigneron is joined by hosts Mary Wilkerson, parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Livonia and Michael Chamberland, parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington Hills. The name of the podcast , Eyes on Jesus, comes from the Archbishop's apostolic motto, ASPICIENTES IN IESUM.

Introduction 0:18

Archbishop Vigneron begins by invoking Blessed Solanus Casey's admonition to thank God in advance for all the good He's going to bring out of this pandemic. Mike asks about the upcoming priest and deacon ordinations and the unique format they will take this year. The discussion pivots to the situation going on in our nation and our city with the protests and unrest. The Archbishop acknowledges the great hurt shared by George Floyd's family, their community and African Americans in general. Mary brings up the process of reopening our churches, how it's being monitored and how the Archbishop came to the decision to resume public masses.

Families of Parishes 15:56

Archbishop Vigneron explains the newly announced Family of Parishes plan, how it was developed and how it will begin to be implemented. Mary asks how FOP will differ from previous merging and clustering of parishes. The Archbishop goes on to explain how we must remain a missionary church in spite of fewer available resources. Mike wonders about the effect on parish culture and the Archbishop reminds us that even the Apostles and St. Paul had their plans changed and how God was able to do a great work through them as they adapted. Archbishop Vigneron asks us to remain in prayer so that the Kingdom of God can grow, "from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Southeast Michigan."

Questions from the Faithful 43:04

Collected from all over the Archdiocese of Detroit, this episode includes questions about the current Mass restrictions, masks, social distancing, etc., what the Church has to offer African Americans and how it can help that community, and how the laity can support the transition to Families of Parishes.

Reflection and Prayer Requests 50:47

Archbishop Vigneron asks us to pray that we remain faithful to the inspiration of the Synod and for the implementation of Families of Parishes.

Archbishop's Blessing 51:20

Racism and the Catholic response in Detroit Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

Amid the civil unrest traversing the nation in the wake of racial violence in Minnesota, Archbishop Vigneron is joined for this special episode by guest host Fr. John McKenzie. They examine the sin of racism and how Catholics are called to respond.

Archbishop Vigneron is joined by our regular host Mary Wilkerson, parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Livonia and our guest host, Fr. John McKenzie, Associate Pastor at Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak. The name of the podcast, Eyes On Jesus, comes from the Archbishop's apostolic motto, ASPICIENTES IN IESUM.

Description 0:10

After greeting Archbishop Vigneron and introducing Fr. John McKenzie, our guest host, Mary Wilkerson begins the conversation talking about the Archbishop's recent message to the faithful on racial injustice in our society. Archbishop Vigneron talks about the Church's teaching on racism and how it hurts the diginty of the individual and their community.

The Archbishop ask Fr. John about the usefulness and importance of expressing solidarity coupled with a commitment to change and then asks Mary, as a mother of mixed race children, what her hopes and fears are for them as members of the Church.

The discussion continues by touching on the Archdiocese of Detroit's history with racial attitudes, Fr. John mentions the Mass For Pardon and how much it meant to him that the sin of racism was included. Mary asks about raising her children to acknowledge culturally where things once were, while celebrating how far we've come. The Archbishop suggests giving thanks to God for instilling in a culture "an unquenchable thirst for freedom".

Talk turns to the USCCB's position on racism, Mary asks how the lay faithful can begin rooting out the sin of racism from our hearts and our communities. Fr. John talks about his time in Seminary and his experiences with cultural touchstones like food and music as a seminarian. Mary closes with an expression of hope and a belief that the Holy Spirit wil touch us even in these difficult times.

Closing Prayer and Blessing 01:02:01

Episode 9: The Intercession of Mary May 14, 2020

Show notes

Hail, full of grace! This month, Archbishop Vigneron discusses the origin of dedicating the month of May to Mary, and how we can specially honor her during this month and beyond.

Archbishop Vigneron is joined by hosts Mary Wilkerson, parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Livonia and Michael Chamberland, parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington Hills. The name of the podcast , Eyes on Jesus, comes from the Archbishop's apostolic motto, ASPICIENTES IN IESUM.

Introduction 0:13

Archbishop Vigneron talks about trusting the Lord in this time of trial. He goes on to say how proud he is of his priests and the creativity they've shown in ministering to the faithful. Mike asks about Catholic schools and the Archbishop expresses his gratitude for the flexibility and investment of the entire Catholic schools community.

The Intercession of Mary 13:48

Mike asks about the origin of the dedication of the month of May to the Blessed Mother. Mary asks the Archbishop if he has any special ways to honor Mary this month. This leads to a discussion on the meaning and role of Mary as intercessor. The Archbishop goes on to talk about our baptism covenant with God the Father and how, because we are Christians and disciples of Jesus, we belong to Mary and she belongs to us.

Questions From The Faithful 37:50

From all over the Archdiocese, today's questions reference King David's relationship with God, the struggle to maintain a pro-life stance in these times and how can we support our brothers and sisters dealing with sexual sin in our secularized culture.

Reflection and Prayer Requests 50:43

The Archbishop asks for prayer for the pastors and priests working diligently to be of service to God's people and prayers for our seminarians about to be ordained to the priesthood.

Archbishop's Blessing 52:17

Episode 8: Holy Week and Easter in a time of crisis Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

As the coronavirus pandemic necessitates the suspension of public Masses, Archbishop Vigneron and co-hosts reflect on how to approach Holy Week and Easter in a time of crisis and isolation.

Introduction - 0:13

Holy Week and Easter in a Time of Crisis - 15:50

Questions From the Faithful - 40:50

Reflection and Prayer Request - 50:41

Archbishop's Blessing - 52:08