Catholic Spirit Radio

Good News #203 01242026: Apology, Prayer, and Removing Last Week's Episode

Deacon Al opens with a heartfelt apology for a previous on-air personal opinion and announces the removal of last week’s episode, then leads a prayer for the potential beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

He reflects on this Sunday’s readings from Isaiah, Psalm 27, Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, and Matthew, emphasizing the theme of spiritual journey, Christ as our light, unity in the Church, and the call to follow Jesus.

The episode closes with practical invitations to prayer, resources about the Sheen cause, and encouragement to use the sacraments and Mass to stay on the path of faith.

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

Catholic Conversations #189: Harp at the Bedside: A Hospice Nurse’s Song of Comfort

On Catholic Conversations, host Stan Ketick speaks with Patty Kaczor, a retired hospice nurse and Secular Franciscan who taught herself to play a ten‑string harp and now volunteers to play for hospice patients. They discuss how music, prayer, and compassionate presence bring comfort during the end of life.

The episode covers the hospice experience versus palliative care, practical advice for families and volunteers, stories of bedside ministry, and the spiritual lessons learned from caring for the dying.

Being Catholic #394: When the American Dream Breaks: Affordability and the Church

Host Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn discuss Ryan Newhouse’s "America’s Affordability Crisis," exploring how decades of policy choices—immigration, corporate managerial culture, and misplaced metrics like GDP—have left many young Americans unable to afford homes, marriage, or stable family life.

They connect this governing crisis to the health of churches and communities, arguing leaders must prioritize family formation, wages, and rooted neighborhoods to restore trust and prevent political extremes.

Being Catholic #393: Slouching Toward Bethlehem: Yeats, Christmas and a Post‑Christian America

Host Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn reflect on William Butler Yeats’ poem "The Second Coming" and what a waning Christian influence means for Western civilization. They connect Yeats’ warning to recent social unrest, cultural polarization, and the erosion of civility seen during the Christmas season.

The episode explores the need for a countercultural return to Christian values, practical ways to restore goodwill and community, and a reminder to keep hope alive as the new year begins.

Good News #201 01102026: From Jordan to You: Why Jesus Chose Baptism

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on this weekend’s readings (Isaiah, Acts, and Luke) and explains why Jesus—though sinless—was baptized, how baptism prepares us for a life with Christ, and how the Trinity is revealed at the Jordan.

He shares personal stories from parish life (a 99‑year‑old’s funeral and longtime friends), news about parish dalmatics and Curcio retreats, and an invitation to consider baptism, OCIA, and living out the graces of baptism in daily life.

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

Catholic Conversations #187: The First Night of Christmas & Catholic Joe

On this episode of Catholic Conversations host David Liptak speaks with Mike Bohl and illustrator Nancy Johnson about The First Night of Christmas — a child-centered retelling of Christ’s birth born from family loss, self-publishing challenges, and a mission to give back to anti-trafficking charities.

Later, author Stephen Thomas discusses his novel Catholic Joe, the role of suffering and adoration in spiritual growth, and the call for Catholic men to lead by faith and compassion. The show highlights storytelling, community outreach, and living faith in daily life.

Good News #199 121325: Gaudete! Advent Joy & Preparing the Stable — Deacon Al’s Reflection

Deacon Al Lundy welcomes listeners to an Advent-themed episode filled with personal Christmas memories, light-hearted anecdotes about decorations (and a mischievous cat), and a preview of upcoming nativity stories.

He reflects on Gaudete Sunday and explains the readings from Isaiah, James, and Matthew — highlighting the signs of the Messiah, John the Baptist’s questions, and Jesus’ reassurance that God comes in love and salvation.

The episode closes with a call to prepare our inner “stable” for Christ’s coming and an invitation for listeners to submit faith questions to the show.

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

Catholic Conversations #185: Why Fulton Sheen Should Be a Saint Now — A Call to Action

On Catholic Conversations host Stan Ketcik speaks with Dr. Peter Howard about his open letter and campaign to advance Venerable Fulton Sheen’s beatification and canonization. They discuss the approved miracle, the unexpected diocesan delays, and why Sheen’s preaching and daily holy hour are urgently relevant today.

The episode explains how listeners can help—prayer, contacting the Diocese of Peoria, sharing resources—and points to FultonSheenInstitute.com and FultonSheenMovement.com for more information, recordings, and ways to get involved.

 

 

 

Good News #198 120625: Facing Death with Faith: A Deacon’s Advent Reflection

Deacon Al Lundy shares the recent loss of his mother-in-law and how her peaceful, faith-filled passing highlighted the Catholic focus on resurrection, hope, and the dignity of dying.

He ties this personal story to the second Sunday of Advent readings (Isaiah, Romans, Matthew), calling listeners to repentance, unity, and bearing good spiritual fruit as they prepare for Christ and make use of the sacraments.

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

 

 

Good News #197 112925: Advent Awakening: Make Room for Christ

Deacon Al reflects on Thanksgiving, family traditions, and the start of Advent, urging listeners to prepare both their homes and hearts for Christ’s coming through worship, repentance, and hope.

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