Merry Christmas! In this Christmas reflection, Kristyn Russell explores the radical inclusivity of the nativity story. From shepherds on the margins to a spork named Forky, the manger reminds us that God’s love is for everyone—especially those who feel overlooked, broken, or out of place. The birth of Christ is heaven’s open invitation: no fences, no exclusions, just grace and welcome. As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not only come and see, but make room for others—because if the shepherds were welcomed first, then everyone is welcome. Always.

---

Kristyn is a Midland native who attended St. Brigid Catholic School before heading to Jefferson and Dow High School. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Villanova University and in Strategic Communication from Michigan State University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theology with a minor in Communication from Aquinas College. When she’s not at work, she’s usually with her dog, Caspian, kayaking a new river, hiking through the woods, or sitting by a campfire reading a book.

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, Julie Davis reflects on the love candle and the quiet, steadfast strength of St. Joseph. Chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph shows us that holiness is found in humility, hard work, and trust in God’s plan. Through personal stories of family and faith, Julie reminds us that love is revealed in ordinary lives lived with extraordinary care. As we prepare for Christmas, let’s follow Joseph’s example—cherish one another, listen for God’s voice, and embrace his direction in our daily lives.

---

Julie is a native Midlander and a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. BSP played a key role in her faith journey, It was there that she was baptized, received her first communion, was confirmed and married her husband of 45 years, George who is also a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament. Their two children, Justin and Elizabeth celebrated their sacraments there as well. The children attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and their daughter married her husband Gordon at BSP. Their first grandson Gibson attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and received his sacraments there as well. Julie and George were blessed with two additional grandchildren Nate and Olive.

Julie worked in a professional capacity for the Catholic Church for over 25 years most under the leadership and example of Bishop Ken and so many amazing women and men that gave her a broader understanding of God and our role as leaders in the church and in the world.

Julie worked in the Faith Formation Department at Blessed Sacrament, the Education Formation Department at the Diocese of Saginaw, the Education Formation and Pastoral Department at St Helen Parish and the Education Formation Department at St. Brigid Parish.

Julie studied Theology in the Undergraduate Program that was offered at the diocese by Siena Heights University and studied Religion and Youth Ministry at Marygrove College in Detroit. She completed certification in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and successfully completed the requirements for the Dominican Center for Religious Development Graduate Program in Spiritual Direction. She currently volunteers in the Christ Renews program.

Corinne Cathcart invites us to walk alongside Mother Teresa in the slums of Calcutta and discover the power of love expressed in simple acts. Through stories of courage, compassion, and perseverance—even in the midst of spiritual darkness—Corinne connects Mother Teresa’s life to Isaiah’s promise of deserts blooming with joy. As we approach Christmas, this episode challenges us to pour great love into small things and create something beautiful for God. If you would like to learn more about the four Teresas, check out this podcast episode!

--

Corinne was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has been a member of the Blessed Sacrament community for 14 years. She earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, where she met her husband of over 25 years, and a Master's in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She was a second grade Catholic school teacher in Cincinnati before moving here when her husband started working for Dow Chemical. She loves working with the littles of the Blessed Sacrament family as the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator. When she's not at work, you'll find her with her nose in a book or learning something new!

Jean Thiele shares her personal journey of faith, family, and spiritual growth. From her roots in a family shaped by hardship to her deepening relationship with God through community, ministry, and centering prayer, Jean reminds us that each of us carries a unique story and a divine spark within. Explore how vulnerability, perseverance, and the gifts of the Spirit guide us toward hope, love, and co-creation with God. This is an invitation to ignite the flame of faith and bring hope to others.

---

Jean Thiele was born and raised in Iron Mountain Michigan and attended St. Mary and St. Joseph grade school. In 1978, she graduated from Iron Mountain High School. She attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor in Nursing and in 1992 with a Masters in Geriatric Nursing. She later received a certificate to become a Lay Minister in the Saginaw Diocese and after 4 years became a Spiritual Director from the Dominican Center in Farmington Hills Michigan. She is a grief facilitator, centering prayer practitioner, and retreat leader. She loves biking with her husband, Scott, golf, and traveling with family and friends. Faith to Jean is service from a trinitarian spirituality, having the freedom to make a choice to co-create with our Loving God.

Mary Shaughnessy invites us to pause amid the holiday rush and rediscover the true meaning of Advent. While the season often feels consumed by shopping lists, decorations, and deadlines, Advent calls us to something deeper—preparing not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth but for His coming again. Through personal stories and powerful imagery, Mary reminds us that life’s most significant moments—birth, death, and meeting Jesus face-to-face—are known only to God.

This reflection challenges us to put as much energy into preparing our hearts for eternal life as we do for Christmas Day. With practical encouragement and a prayerful spirit, Mary inspires us to let Christ’s light guide our lives and shine through all we do this season.

---

Mary and husband Kevin have been members of Blessed Sacrament for 45 years where they raised their children. Their family now consists of 4 children, each of their spouses and 10 grandchildren! Mary has been involved in Faith Formation, Christ Renews and Small Faith groups for several years. She is a commissioned Lay Eccesial Minister and is currently involved in the Hospital Ministry and other Liturgical ministries. She has been volunteering at the Toni and Trish Home for the terminally ill for the last 17 years as well as serves on the Board of Directors there. She graduated from MSU with a BSN and worked in several areas of nursing. Go Green! She and Kevin enjoy traveling at home and abroad in their spare time.

In this powerful reflection for the Feast of Christ the King, Stacey Trapani reads one of Bishop Ken Untener's homilies where he explores how Jesus redefined kingship—not through thrones and triumph, but through humility, suffering, and love. Though instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, this feast invites us to look beyond worldly images of royalty and embrace Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the New Adam, and the one who leads us not by force, but by example.

Through vivid contrasts—crowns of thorns, a cross as a throne, and oil instead of swords—we’re reminded that following Christ means walking in his way of life. Every “Amen” we say is a commitment to live with love, even in the face of suffering. On this final Sunday of the Church year, we’re invited to look at the sweep of history and recommit ourselves to Christ at the center of it all.

---

Stacey has been a Blessed Sacrament parishioner for more than 35 years. She grew up in Lansing and attended Central Michigan University where she earned a degree in journalism. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from CMU and a master’s in Communications from MSU. For most of her career, Stacey owned Trapani Communications, Inc., in Midland. She recently “retired” to become executive director of Little Books, creators of the Little Black Book and other daily reflections. Stacey is also a commissioned Lay Minister and is in her final year of a three-year Spiritual Director training program. She has been married to Chuck for 39 years and has two daughters both with awesome spouses. She is overjoyed to soon welcome their first grandbaby.

---

Kenneth Edward Untener was born in Detroit on Aug. 3, 1937 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1963 for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He served as rector of St. John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth from 1977 until he was ordained as the fourth bishop of Saginaw in November 1980.

Described as a “Hungarian Gypsy” by his predecessor, Bishop Untener made headlines when he sold the bishop’s residence shortly after coming to the diocese and moved 69 times from parish rectory to parish rectory, living as a roommate with his diocesan priests and somewhat from the trunk of his car.

He took the Diocese of Saginaw global with his legacy of seasonal "Little Books" of prayer for Lent, Easter and Advent/Christmas. First released in 2000, more than 3 million copies are sold annually worldwide, with books making their way into the hands of Catholics as far away as Australia.

In addition to the ministry of his vocation – and despite his need for a prosthetic leg after losing part of his leg to a birth deformity – Bishop Untener also had a love for hockey. He was known to sometimes show up at the Nouvel Catholic Central High School team’s early morning practices and challenge goalies.

Saginaw’s spiritual leader for more than 23 years, Bishop Untener died March 27, 2004 from leukemia.

Corinne Cathcart invites us into a joyful and imaginative reflection on Psalm 98, weaving together scripture, childhood memories, and a call to live out God’s justice in the present moment. From reading her children’s Bible in the front yard to picturing King David dancing before the Ark, Corinne shares how sacred imagination can help us envision God's kingdom on earth.

As the liturgical year draws to a close and Advent approaches, this episode challenges us to consider what it means for the Lord to rule the earth with justice—not just in the future, but here and now. Through music, mercy, and movement, we’re called to be instruments of God’s grace and to let our joy shine like rivers clapping and mountains shouting.

Let this reflection inspire you to dance like no one’s watching, live with compassion, and dream boldly of heaven on earth.

---

Corinne was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has been a member of the Blessed Sacrament community for 14 years. She earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, where she met her husband of over 25 years, and a Master's in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She was a second grade Catholic school teacher in Cincinnati before moving here when her husband started working for Dow Chemical. She loves working with the littles of the Blessed Sacrament family as the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator. When she's not at work, you'll find her with her nose in a book or learning something new!

In this episode, Melissa Kato shares her personal journey of faith—from a teenager committed to caring for her body as a temple of God, to a young adult who slowly drifted away from spiritual nourishment. Life’s busyness, marriage, and motherhood led her to unintentionally starve her spirit. But through intentional choices—returning to Mass, finding a church community, and discovering peace in scripture—Melissa found her way back to a full and joyful spiritual life.

Her story is a powerful reminder that caring for our spirit is just as vital as caring for our body, and that our presence at Mass can be a gift to others in ways we may never realize. Join us as Melissa invites us to recognize God’s presence in our lives and become vessels of his grace to those around us.

---

Melissa is our Coordinator for High School Youth Ministry and has been a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish since 2008. She married Wayne in 2013, has four grown children and one grandchild. When she is not at work or with her granddaughter, she is usually at home working in her young orchard, refinishing an old piece of furniture, or playing with her dog-Lucky.