Joe Ruff is a News Editor at America Media. He specializes in themes of religion and spirituality, with a focus on Christianity and cultural issues, particularly in the context of Minnesota and the broader Latin American region. Joe's work has been featured in prominent outlets including America Media, Catholic Spirit, and National Catholic Services.
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Joe Ruff's coverage primarily focuses on local Catholic and religious events, announcements, as well as the intersection of government and politics with church-related matters. He seems to be particularly interested in stories related to culture & society, family & relationships within the context of the Catholic Church.
When reaching out to Joe Ruff, consider providing insights or access to local figures involved in these events or announcements within the Catholic community in Minnesota. Additionally, experts who can provide commentary on how government policies intersect with religious institutions may find an audience through his reporting.
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By: Joe Ruff
Bishop Kevin Kenney, after revealing he was the man in the Santa Claus suit, addresses those gathered for breakfast and a Christmas celebration Dec. 23 at the Little Sisters of the Poor’s Holy Family Residence in St. Paul. COURTESY MORIAH SCHROEDER | LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
By: Joe Ruff
The technical producer of the “Practicing Catholic” radio show, Paul Sadek, demonstrates his skill on the autoharp for the program airing at 9 p.m. Dec. 27 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.
By: Joe Ruff
Archbishop Bernard Hebda delivers his homily Dec. 28 at the opening Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis for Jubilee Year 2025. The archbishop presided at a second opening Mass Dec. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. The Masses were held on the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. JOE RUFF | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Heather Lage, 48, who for years has been part of a small group for parents at Holy Name of Jesus parish and school in Medina, said she still felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to start a new small group under a model called Parish Evangelization Cells System (PECS) that is being encouraged by Archbishop Bernard Hebda.
By: Joe Ruff
A member of St. Joseph in Rosemount, St. Paul Police Officer Charlie Redmond, received the department’s Life Saving Award Dec. 23 for acting while off duty when he saw a vehicle parked in a wooded area in June and stopped to give assistance.
Reach for two or three actionable goals, making sure in the process to draw closer to God in prayer and to help others in Christ’s name.
By: Joe Ruff
Regardless of heat or sun, rain, cold, snow or wind, about a dozen people gathered every Thursday (unless it fell on a holiday and instead, they would meet on a Wednesday) for three years near a Planned Parenthood facility in Woodbury that has now closed. From left, Paul Prior of Transfiguration in Oakdale took a photo during one winter with Frank Schultz of St. Peter in North St. Paul, Mike Schilling and Sean Willy, both of Transfiguration, among those holding signs. COURTESY PAUL PRIOR
Jason Adkins, executive director and general counsel of the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) and Maggee Hangge, policy associate at MCC, invited The Catholic Spirit into the conference’s offices in St. Paul to talk about Minnesota’s 2025-2026 legislative session, which opened Jan. 14. The conference is the public policy arm of Minnesota’s Catholic bishops, which includes Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishops Michael Izen and Kevin Kenney of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
By: Joe Ruff
Concerned about the harmful effects of online sports gambling on young people, families and the broader society, Minnesota’s Catholic bishops wrote an open letter to Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders Jan. 14 urging them to reject proposals that would legalize the practice in the state.
By: Joe Ruff
Archbishop Bernard Hebda, left, talks with Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi of Ukraine during a visit to the Archdiocesan Catholic Center Jan. 15. DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
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