Catholic Spirit Radio

Good News #180 053125: Ascension Sunday: Celebrating Jesus' Journey to Heaven

Welcome to Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio, hosted by Deacon Al Lundy. Join us as we explore the relevance of the gospel of Jesus Christ in today's world. This special episode focuses on Ascension Sunday, discussing its cultural shift from Thursday to Sunday, allowing more Catholics to celebrate this important day.

Deacon Al shares insights on the quiet yet impactful role of the new pope and delves into the misconceptions surrounding antichrists, cautioning listeners to discern teachings against Christ.

In a lighter segment, Deacon Al humorously recounts his gardening adventures thwarted by rabbits, leading to a reflection on recognition and vigilance against pervasive "antichrists." He also shares a personal request for prayers as his family navigates a significant change, emphasizing the power of prayer in difficult times.

Additionally, Deacon Al answers listeners' questions about purgatory and encourages Catholics to strengthen their faith through ongoing education and participation in church programs, preparing them to evangelize confidently.

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

Good News #179 052425: When Church Meets Challenges: Keeping Faith Alive

Join Deacon Al as he navigates the intertwining journeys of faith and community in "Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio." Explore the themes of church sustainability and the role of generosity in maintaining a welcoming parish environment. As Deacon Al recounts the humorous yet challenging event of replacing a 33-year-old AC unit during a crucial church ceremony, hear lessons on service, community support, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit. This episode provides a profound insight into how everyday church challenges can test and strengthen the faith of believers.

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

Being Catholic #375: Unveiling AI: The Mind vs. Machine Debate

Welcome to "Being Catholic with Bob Johnston" on Catholic Spirit Radio, where thoughtful discussion meets faith-based insights. In this episode, Bob and his wife Lynn delve deep into the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and the human mind, emphasizing the limitations of AI and the unique capabilities of human intellect that transcend material boundaries.

Join the conversation as they explore philosophical perspectives, referencing notable thinkers like Aquinas and Edward Fazer, to argue that a religious viewpoint offers a rational understanding of the universe. As the discussion unfolds, they address the implications of relying on AI, cautioning against the overconfidence in technology to solve humanity's deepest issues.

Tune in as Bob and Lynn share their thoughts on current societal concerns, prayerful reflections for leadership and peace, and the importance of maintaining a mindful approach towards technological advancements in a rapidly evolving world.

Good News #178 051725: Embracing God's Creation: Wildlife Wonders in My Backyard

Join Deacon Al Lundy on this episode of "Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio" as he brings insights into the gospel of Jesus Christ and its relevance in our daily lives. Discover the beauty of God's creation through wildlife encounters in Deacon Al's backyard, where serenity and prayer meet. Get inspired by his thoughts on the significance of a personal space for contemplation and the importance of connecting with God.

Delve into the history of Pope Leo XIV and explore the connections to Deacon Al's personal life, as he shares interesting parallels. Experience a call for participation in the women's Cursillo, an enriching spiritual retreat that welcomes Christians from all denominations, enhancing their relationship with God.

Furthermore, Deacon Al extends blessings to graduates, wishing them a future led by the Holy Spirit. He addresses common questions and misconceptions about Mary's role in salvation, reiterating her significance without equating her to a deity. As he reflects on the readings from the Acts of the Apostles, Revelation, and the Gospel, Deacon Al highlights the core message of love and unity as emphasized by Jesus, portraying it as a foundational pillar of the Christian faith.

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

Catholic Conversations #173: Healing Through a Catholic Lens: Conversations with Justin Brown and Sister Claire

In this enlightening episode of Catholic Conversations on Catholic Spirit Radio, host Paul Garcia is joined by two esteemed guests, Justin Brown, a licensed clinical social worker, and Sister Claire of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. They delve into the significant topic of Catholic counseling.

Justin Brown, operating Rest in You Counseling, shares his unique approach to Catholic integrated therapy, focusing on understanding and healing the human heart through a Christian perspective. Sister Claire discusses her experiences both as a receiver and facilitator of Catholic counseling, highlighting its distinct approach to combining spirituality and therapy.

The episode explores the differences between Catholic and secular therapeutic methods, practical strategies for healing, and the transformative effect of Christ-centered therapy on individuals, families, and communities.

Being Catholic #374: AI: A New God or Just Hype?

In this episode of Being Catholic with Bob Johnston, Bob and his wife Lynn delve into two intriguing topics. They begin by discussing the recent appointment of a new pope from North America, specifically Chicago, exploring the significance and implications of this groundbreaking event for Catholics worldwide. Questions about the new pope's affiliations, background, and potential impact on the church are pondered, bringing a sense of excitement and anticipation to the faithful.

The discussion then shifts to the fascinating yet controversial world of artificial intelligence. Bob addresses the pervasive hype and fear surrounding AI, particularly the notion that it could one day replace God or lead humanity toward a dystopian future. By examining the limitations and realities of AI, Bob debunks the exaggerated claims while considering its ethical aspects. The episode offers listeners a balanced perspective, urging them to discern the truth amidst the AI frenzy.

Being Catholic #373: The Future of America After Christianity

In this episode of "Being Catholic with Bob Johnston," Bob and his wife Lynn delve into pressing issues affecting contemporary society and the Catholic Church. The show opens with an appeal for support for Catholic Spirit Radio, emphasizing the importance of listener contributions to sustain the station's operations.

The discussion transitions to a poignant exploration of America's evolution in a post-Christian era. Bob responds to a listener’s critique concerning his views on the judicial system and goes on to examine how Christian principles have historically underpinned societal norms and laws. The program highlights the gradual decline of Christian influence in public life, posing critical questions about the future of American freedoms and governance.

Lynn offers a passionate introduction about the current state of the Catholic Church and society, urging listeners to pray for a spiritual awakening among leaders. Together, they analyze cultural phenomena such as the rise of pagan-like practices and moral relativism, emphasizing the necessity of returning to Christian values to preserve America's foundational ideals.

Good News #177 051025: Celebrate the New Pope: A Historic Announcement and Reflections on Faith

Welcome to Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio! In this insightful episode, Deacon Al Lundy brings you the joyous news of a new pope, Pope Leo XIV, a local boy with roots in the Chicago area. As a dual citizen of the USA and Peru, he brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church.

Join us in exploring the historical and spiritual significance of the papal conclave and the characteristics that define a good shepherd for the Church. Deacon Al shares his hopes and prayers for the new pope, offering a heartfelt prayer for his success as a joyful leader promoting the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As spring unfolds, Deacon Al reflects on the beauty of nature and personal discoveries, from planting butterfly gardens to bird watching in his backyard. These experiences serve as a beautiful metaphor for the rejuvenation and growth within the Church and our personal faith journeys.

Don't miss the Gospel readings and reflections as we continue celebrating the Easter season with insights from the books of Acts, Revelation, and John. This episode offers hope, guidance, and encouragement for embracing the new leadership in the Church while appreciating the wonders of the season.

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

Good News #176 050325: Rebounding Faith: The Spirit of Catholic Radio's Care a thon

Join Deacon Al Lundy as he reflects on the recent success of Catholic Spirit Radio's Carathon, an event that aimed to raise $65,000. With over $62,000 already pledged, the support from listeners across the country is paving the way for future growth and outreach.

In this episode, immerse yourself in the joy of seeing more families return to the Mass and listen to reflections on the readings of the third Sunday of Easter. Discover the powerful themes of restoration, witness, and the call to serve within the Catholic faith. Through engaging storytelling, Deacon Al navigates through the significant increase in attendance, evident growth in the community, and the excitement of new beginnings as witnessed during the Easter season.

Tune in to deepen your understanding of how spiritual and financial growth are intertwined within the Catholic community, and how every contribution helps spread the message of the Gospel. Don't miss the heartfelt stories of faith, familial bonds, and inspirational progress towards a vibrant religious future.

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

Being Catholic #372: Exploring Holy Week: Traditions and Renewals

Welcome to "Being Catholic with Bob Johnston" on Catholic Spirit Radio. In this episode, Bob and his wife Lynn delve into the significance of Holy Week, the most solemn week in the Catholic liturgical calendar. As they discuss the spiritual observances from Palm Sunday to Easter, listeners gain insight into the rich traditions that mark this sacred time, including the Holy Eucharist, the Last Supper, and the Resurrection.

Bob also explores the evolving landscape of global politics and the role of Christianity in shaping modern Western civilization. Reflecting on the reshuffling of world order and the renewed emphasis on Christian history, Bob highlights the intersection between faith and governance, drawing connections to recent political shifts in both the United States and Europe.

Join them in considering how these changes impact the Catholic Church's role in the contemporary world, as well as the importance of unity and tradition in fostering societal renewal.