2025

Finding the Bones of the Fisherman

Very interesting; kept me captivated

Could listen to Fr. Jim  for a long time; great teacher

You offer wonderful programs. Thank you for your enormous effort.

Encountering GOD on Death's Doorstep

Love your programs. Very inspiring.

Enlightening - a blessing.

The Shroud Encounter - Russ Breault

Very informative. I knew about the carbon dating, but not the anomalies.

Great presentation!  Is there a connection to Divine Mercy image?

Great events! Well organized

The Shepherds For Whom We Pray - Fr. John Girotti

I wanted to reach out to you and let you know how much I enjoyed the Fr. Girotti presentation.  I was not able to attend in person, but I did open the email and clicked on the link late Saturday night.  I had only intended to listen to part of it that night and finish the remainder another night, but I could not stop listening to it.  Fr. Girotti is a wonderful speaker and he keeps your attention so well! The presentation was absolutely amazing. Early Sunday morning, I was up and forwarding the email to many of my family and friends so they could hear Fr. Girotti's special message too.  Thank you to your group who continue to have these presentations at Xavier and also a special thank you for providing the link in an email for those of us that cannot be there in person. Keep up the great works of our friend, Dear Fr. Mike.

2024

God's Healing through Music, Story & Art  - Brian Keliher, Bob Kroll & Luke Spehar

Another fruit from Monday’s gathering at Xavier for the CIA - Faith Mission Operatives was when a gentleman shared how effective it is to hear someone’s story (and for Brian/ArsDeo’s “beginning story” on Monday it was powerful).  In the experience ~ it allows the Lord to reveal things on our own hearts.  The gentleman went on to share some more beautiful fruits of the night and how it helped him.  This.Truly.Is.God’s.Work +

Thank you CIA-Faith Mission Operatives for all you do as a volunteer organization to help the community and beyond!  Wonderful meeting people from the Baraboo, Waupaca, and other areas. 

Cast the nets ~ far and wide … truly CIA Faith Mission Operatives is doing God’s work +

You will know a tree by it’s fruit!

Matthew 7:16-20

“By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”

A continuous “Thank you” to all for the love, encouragement, and support-because as a friend shared so beautifully with me last night as we gathered for the one year death anniversary of another good friend’s passing … “It’s not easy putting yourself out there regarding what has happened and is happening.  That takes a lot of vulnerability.”

Yes, and clearly the Lord wants us to trust Him with everything … especially when it comes to suffering and the goodness that can come of it +

Dr. Edward Bayer

We appreciate your information and courage to speak it!

Keep up the great work!  Been coming for years.

Thank you for these presentations

2023

FR. Michael Warden

Love Father; Great priest-person-Pastor 

It was great to hear a talk about Benedict XVI, who is a bit of an unsung hero.  Well done!

Father Mike is a great speaker.  Thank you! 

Mike Iversen

Very reliable and pertinent .  This is the second time I have heard Mike (Iversen), and he is so knowledgeable and understandable.

Good and worthwhile presentations. I love coming to hear the speakers. God bless you.

Fantastic, mind blowing presentations.

Love these events!

I have really enjoyed this year's lineup of speakers and topics!

Roy Schoeman

I am so thrilled to hear this speaker about whom I have heard so much on Patrick Madrid's radio show.

Roy (Schoeman) is very simply, brilliant and easily understood. I envy , sort of, his encounters with the Lord and His Mother. I say sort of as envy is not a good thing. But to have seen Them, what a blessing he has had. 

2020

MISHA - The Russian Orphan

Thanks so much for sharing this!  It’s exactly what I (and the whole world) need to hear right now.  Lizzie’s artwork is amazing and helped me become totally immersed into the story.  Of course Father Mike’s storytelling has a way of doing that already, but the artwork is a bonus!  He really did have such a way sharing God’s message so that EVERYONE could get something out of it. Love, love, LOVE!  

Liz Lonergan

I want to tell you that I have played this homily video for each of my classes as an opening prayer, followed by them journaling about it.  Every one of them was very touched by this story and some have said they would like to hear more from this priest. 

St. Mary Central High School Teacher

You certainly did!  It was AWESOME!  The background music was PERFECTLY timed!  You couldn’t have made it any better.  I’ve sent it to people in other states and they have loved it too.  Kleenex stock is going up because we all get teary-eyed when we hear it.  ;)

GREAT JOB!!!  The perfect Christmas gift! 

RoseMary Wilhelm

The Dragonfly

Thank you so much for this wonderful rendition of Father Mike and the Dragonfly story.  I remember vividly the day he told this story at Mass.  I was pregnant with my 3rd child after having lost my 2nd child to SIDS.  It was an extremely difficult time for me and I had not been to church for sometime.  Father Mike had such a way of making you feel that he was speaking directly to you even in a church full of people.  This story touched my heart so much that dragonflies continue to have special meaning in my life.  I have told others the story, but will be forwarding this beautiful message in Father Mike's voice to many.

Barb Lu Maye

Well done!

Sandy Vosters 

I was ever so touched to hear his voice and be reminded of this message. I lost my mom suddenly last year so Fr. Mike's homily was very comforting. I'm going to pass the Dragonfly Parable along to others who need to hear this. 

Kris Patzner Sprangers

2018

This is one of the best things going on in our diocese!

Bishop David Ricken

Your support is changing how youth feel about the Catholic faith - That must feel good!  You're making a difference in the lives of thousands!  We've been praying for each of you so let us know if there's anything we can help you pray for - It's the only way we can truly show our thanks for your commitment to us.

The Spiritus Missionaries

This organization provides CCE (Continuing Catholic or Christian Education). I personally haven't partaken of something like this since graduating from a Catholic High School.                        

Dr. Phil Vogt

This is a 'gift from God' ministry- Faith nurturing!

 Patty Parker

We love this ministry.  It has been life changing for both of us.

 Jane Pilarski

I find myself inviting others to attend speakers because I know they will be profound and thought provoking.

Melissa Vandenhouten

I liked & appreciated & learned from all the presentations I attended.  They make me stronger in the work I do.

Sister Marie Goretti

Wonderful opportunity for people to learn.  Solid subject matter.  I don't know of anything else like it in the diocese.  Always willing to drive down from Green Bay.  Fills in gaps in my faith.  Catechesis was never well formed even with 8 years at Catholic grade school.

 Anonymous

Thank you for all CIA-FMO does to provide educational opportunities to increase the faith and Catholic knowledge of more people in our community.  I was able to attend your event this past Monday, with speaker Tina Poppe, and really enjoyed her presentation.  Thank you for making her presentation available for so many people to hear.  I know it will make an impact in the lives of many.  It was great to see the great numbers our Good Shepherd called to the event!   May God Bless your Ministry.

Roxanne Van Hammond 

St. Pius X Healing Ministry

2017

Kudos again to Catholics in Apostleship--Faith Mission Operatives (CIA-FMO). This is one of the best, if not the best, lay led local mission organizations I have encountered. I told them they need to franchise! Parishes all over the country need groups with as much motivation and organization.

 Russ Breault 

Shroud Encounter                      

You know what is best about these seminars?  Men want to attend.  My husband finds the topics interesting and therefore I do not have to encourage him to attend, he wants to go.  Men never want to go to anything that is religious, so I find it amazing that you can get them to go to these.  Whatever you folks are doing, it's working. 

Pat VonHaden

Canonical Services, Chancery Secretary

Thank you so much for the wonderful programs you brought to our area this year!  I have so appreciated attending them myself and also inviting parish members to attend.

Anna Donnermeyer  - Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry , St. Thomas More Parish

2016

I stand in amazement of your wonderful ministry to the memory of Fr. Mike--what a tribute to him & his love for the Lord.

 Bishop Robert Morneau

Thank you - Each and every evening was amazing - thanks for all of your planning to have such awesome speakers.

Karen Geerts

Thank you for all you do for Catholics!

Cindy Weth 

 I am amaze and pleased at the variety, topic-wise, that has been offered.  The Holy Spirit through you is alive and well.

  Sharon Salm