Catholic Spirit Radio

Catholic Conversations #199: Rosary Rescue: The Woman Who Restores Prayer Beads and Hearts

Joyce Holm, a rosary repair volunteer from Crystal Lake, shares how she fixes and makes rosaries, gives them away, and supports parish ministries. Through small repairs and custom creations, Joyce restores cherished prayer tools, comforts families, and inspires community service.

This episode explores her story, the spiritual meaning behind ladder rosaries, and how a simple craft became a ministry that connects prayers, memories, and faith.

Being Catholic #402: Does Moral Truth Change? Historicism vs. Catholic Dogma

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn examine historicism — the idea that dogma and moral truth shift with history — using Richard A. Spinello's New Oxford Review essay and the writings of theologians like Lonergan, Rahner, and Herring.

The episode contrasts classicism's claim of an immutable natural law with progressive historicism, considers Vatican II's role, and argues for the enduring nature of human nature and core Catholic moral teachings.

Good News #215 One God, Three Persons: Deacon Al on the Mystery of the Trinity

Deacon Al Lundy explores the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, reflecting on the Sunday readings and the mystery of one God in three persons. He weaves biblical insight with relatable stories—his trip to Las Vegas, family moments with a model train, and parish fundraising—to show God's mercy, love, and call to live in unity.

This episode encourages listeners to recognize God’s presence in daily life, grow closer to Christ through the sacraments, and share peace and forgiveness with others.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Being Catholic #401: The Searchers: Home, Hate, and the Long Road Back

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn review John Ford’s classic The Searchers while exploring deeper questions about nationhood, belonging, and exile. They summarize the film’s plot—Ethan Edwards’s five-year hunt for his abducted niece—and highlight themes of anger, prejudice, and the search for home.

The episode ties the movie to contemporary concerns: cultural fragmentation, Generation Z’s search for belonging, and the Catholic Church’s role in offering stability and community. The hosts invite listeners to reflect on how stories of home and loss resonate today.

Good News #214 Ascension Sunday: From Awe to Action

Deacon Al Lundy explores Ascension Sunday on Good News, walking through the readings from Acts, Ephesians, and Matthew and explaining how Jesus’ Ascension sends the apostles into mission through the Holy Spirit.

He shares a personal reflection on ministry and loss, offers a Memorial Day reminder, and encourages listeners to embrace their call to carry the Gospel with hope and prayer.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Being Catholic #400: How Modernity Challenges Catholic Truth

Bob Johnston and Lynn discuss two New Oxford Review articles that explore communism’s religious nature, Stalin’s daughter Svetlana’s conversion to Catholicism, and how Marxist ideas have resurfaced in modern cultural movements. 

Good News #213 050926: Bears, Baptisms, and Backyard Miracles

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on family news, backyard wildlife, and upcoming travels, then goes through the Sixth Sunday of Easter readings—highlighting Philip the deacon, the role of confirmation, and how the Holy Spirit and living out Christ’s commandments make faith visible in everyday life.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Catholic Conversations #198: Hidden in Plain Sight: Allies Against Trafficking on Catholic Conversations

On this episode of Catholic Conversations, host David Liptak speaks with Wendy, Kelly, and Nancy, co-founders of Allies Against Trafficking, a new Illinois nonprofit. They discuss how human trafficking often goes unseen, the importance of prevention and collaboration with law enforcement, healthcare, schools, and churches, and the warning signs of grooming and exploitation.

The guests share examples of online grooming, labor trafficking, and vulnerable populations, outline their training and community outreach work, and explain how to report suspected trafficking and connect with resources. Visit alliesagainsttrafficking.org or email info@alliesagainsttrafficking.org for more information.

Good News 050226: Emmaus Days: Seminarians, Sports, and a Call to Manhood

Deacon Al Lundy talks with seminarian Jarod Raber about Emmaus Days, a series of retreats for boys and young men to encounter Christ through Scripture, prayer, Mass, and community activities led by seminarians.

The episode also reflects on the fifth Sunday of Easter readings, the meaning of priesthood and baptismal vocation, and how faith shapes daily life.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Good News 042526: House of David and the Real David: An Easter Reflection

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on the Fourth Sunday of Easter readings—Acts, Psalm 23, 1 Peter, and John—focusing on baptism, Christ as the Good Shepherd, and the humanity of King David.

He also critiques cinematic Bible portrayals, praises series like House of David and The Chosen for scriptural accuracy, and shares local Catholic news including Fulton Sheen’s beatification and Catholic Spirit Radio events.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org