In this edition of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with David Thielen, Executive Director of the Romero House in Ames — a Catholic Worker ministry dedicated to serving the homeless and those in spiritual and material poverty.

Topics covered in this episode include:

David Thielen’s personal journey from corporate life to a radical rediscovery of faith, reconciliation, and mission

How the Romero House embodies Dorothy Day’s principle of “radical hospitality” — welcoming guests not just for services but for fellowship, dignity, and relationship

The reality of homelessness in Ames and the challenges and misconceptions surrounding it

The pushback and zoning battles faced in opening Romero House — and how hearts in the community have begun to change

How the House works in cooperation with local resources like the public library and Food at First

The spiritual transformation that takes place not only in guests but also in volunteers, students, and future seminarians who serve there

The teachings of Pope Leo and Pope Francis on the preferential option for the poor, and how true Christian discipleship must include solidarity with those on the margins

The Romero House welcomes volunteers, partners, and supporters seeking to live their faith in concrete ways, offering showers, meals, laundry, and — most importantly — human connection and hope rooted in Christ.

To learn more:
Search “Ames Romero House” online for contact information, details on volunteering, and opportunities to support their mission.

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• Be Not Afraid with Fr. PJ McManus
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• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulus
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

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