Catholic Spirit Radio

Being Catholic #359:The Rise of Wokeism: America's New Puritanism

Join Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn on Catholic Spirit Radio's "Being Catholic" as they dive into the intriguing parallels between historical Puritanism and today's woke culture. Broadcasting across Central and Northern Illinois, Bob and Lynn explore how modern-day "wokeism" mirrors the old Puritanical principles, with its rigid moral dichotomies and societal pressures.

The episode kicks off with Lynn reflecting on the recent natural disasters affecting the southeastern United States, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of community support. The conversation then shifts to the relaxing joys of birdwatching, a pastime that offers a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Bob delves into a thought-provoking discussion on the cyclical nature of religious revivals in America, drawing insights from an article by Alex Pennelly. He examines how the fervor of the Great Awakening has transformed into today's cultural battles, where the new Puritans seek to reshape society according to their standards of virtue and morality.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the enduring themes of human nature and the quest for moral perfection, as Bob and Lynn highlight the Catholic perspective on finding balance, joy, and sanity in a complex world. Tune in for an engaging exploration of history, culture, and faith on "Being Catholic" with Bob Johnston.

Truth, Culture, Life With Royce Hood 10/05/2024: Heart of a Servant: A Call to Support Faith-Inspired Cinema

Join Royce Hood on this enlightening episode of Truth Culture Life as he delves into a heartwarming discussion about the new documentary, "Heart of a Servant," which tells the extraordinary story of Father Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town. Featuring an exclusive interview with Jonathan Rumi, who is both the executive producer and narrator of the film, and Rob Kazmark, the director from Spirit Juice Studios, this episode celebrates the power of faith-driven storytelling.

Discover the inspirational journey of Father Flanagan, whose life's work in caring for vulnerable children continues to impact lives worldwide. The film, set for a one-night theatrical release on October 8th, serves as a testament to his legacy and a call to action for audiences to support wholesome, faith-based films. Royce passionately urges listeners to buy tickets and fill theaters, advocating for more stories that uplift and inspire.

In addition to the film discussion, the episode features insights on the broader cultural significance of such films, the role of media in spreading positive messages, and the importance of supporting Catholic cinema. Tune in to be inspired by the incredible achievements of Father Flanagan and learn how you can contribute to the growing demand for meaningful, faith-based content.

Being Catholic #358: The Power of Truth: Preserving Our History and Culture

Join Bob Johnston on "Being Catholic" as he delves into the critical importance of preserving accurate history and language for a cohesive society. Broadcasting from Catholic Spirit Radio, Bob and his wife Lynn discuss the recent hurricane's devastating impact and the media's role in shaping public perception. They emphasize the necessity of truth in reporting and the dangers of distorting historical events.

This episode explores how a society's unity and stability depend on shared culture, language, and accurate historical information. Bob critiques the manipulation of language and history, highlighting how these distortions can weaken a society, leading to division and vulnerability. Drawing on insights from notable writers and recent articles, Bob warns against the erosion of traditional values and the rise of divisive ideologies.

Listen in as Bob and Lynn underscore the need for a common identity and shared values rooted in Christian principles to maintain a functional democracy and society. This thought-provoking discussion calls for awareness and action to protect the integrity of our culture and history against the forces of division and misinformation.

Good News #156 10/05/24: Navigating Faith and Life: Understanding Scripture and Modern Challenges

Welcome to "Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio," a program dedicated to helping teens and almost-teens discover the relevance of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. Join Deacon Al Lundy, a permanent deacon of the Peoria Diocese, as he explores the weekly Mass readings, their historical context, and how they apply to our everyday experiences.

In this episode, Deacon Al delves into the theme of family and marriage as foundational elements of Christian life. He addresses the topic of divorce, discussing both the church's teachings and the realities faced by many today. With an emphasis on understanding the sacrament of matrimony and its significance, Deacon Al offers guidance and support for those navigating the challenges of marriage and divorce.

Amid humorous anecdotes about potholes and car troubles, Deacon Al provides listeners with insights into the importance of participating in civic duties like voting. He encourages thoughtful engagement with societal issues, underlining the need for informed decision-making during elections.

Tune in for a blend of spiritual wisdom and practical advice, as Deacon Al shares the enduring truths of Scripture and how they can illuminate our path in these complex times.

Catholic Conversations #159: Expanding Faith: The Power of Community and Catholic Radio

Join host Paul Garcia on Catholic Conversations as he delves into the inspiring journey of expanding Catholic Radio in Central Illinois. Discover how community, faith, and technology came together to bring Catholic Spirit Radio to more listeners.

In this episode, meet Bill Spencer, who spearheaded efforts to improve Catholic Radio reception in Clinton and Wapella, and Peggy Price, the founder of Holy Family Catholic Radio in Champaign-Urbana. Judy Weber-Jones shares her experiences from her decade-long involvement in running the station.

Together, they share their stories and the vital roles they played in making Catholic Radio accessible to many.

Explore the importance of Catholic Radio, its impact on communities, and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to spread its message. Don't miss this captivating discussion on the power of faith and community in advancing Catholic Radio's mission.

 In addition to those noted in the podcast, Judy and Peggy would also like to thank:  Catholic Daughters of the Americas Champaign County Court #1070 and the Knights of Columbus of Champaign County for their financial support over the years.

Being Catholic #357: Exploring the Mystery of Consciousness and the Supernatural

Join Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn on this episode of "Being Catholic" as they delve into the intriguing topic of consciousness and its mysteries. Broadcasting from Catholic Spirit Radio, Bob explores the fascinating idea that our consciousness might be connected to a supernatural realm, which he speculates could coexist with our natural world but operate at a different speed.

Lynn shares her thoughts on how ancient beliefs about the brain and modern scientific discoveries intersect with Catholic teachings about the soul and the nature of life. Together, they discuss the implications of new studies that challenge the brain-death narrative and reveal that many patients in so-called vegetative states may still possess consciousness.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that combines science, philosophy, and faith to explore the profound mysteries of the human mind and the possibility of a supernatural dimension.

Catholic Conversations #158: A Journey of Faith and Resilience: Micah Hardy's Double Lung Transplant Story

Welcome to "Catholic Conversations" on Catholic Spirit Radio! In this episode, host Paul Garcia welcomes back Micah Hardy, who shares his incredible journey of battling sarcoidosis and undergoing a successful double lung transplant. Micah, a devoted husband and father of seven daughters, opens up about his recovery, the role of faith in his journey, and the overwhelming support from his family, church, and community.

Micah reflects on the challenges he faced, including moments of doubt in his faith, and how his community's support helped him and his family through difficult times. He also discusses the profound impact of a silent retreat and the wisdom he gained through prayer and introspection.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, and the power of community support. Don't miss this heartfelt episode of "Catholic Conversations" on Catholic Spirit Radio.

 

Good News #155 09/28/24: Embracing Faith: Understanding Scripture and the Power of Matrimony

Welcome to Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio, a program designed to help teens and almost teens understand the relevance of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. Join Deacon Al Lundy as he answers your questions about faith and religion, providing insights and guidance on how to navigate your spiritual journey.

In this episode, Deacon Al delves into the common question about contradictions in Scripture, explaining why the Bible is inerrant and infallible in matters of faith and morals. He offers clarity on different versions of Genesis and emphasizes the importance of reading Scripture with an open heart to understand God's message.

Deacon Al also touches on the significance of wealth and luxury in our lives, urging listeners to prioritize their relationship with God over material possessions. He highlights the eternal consequences of our choices and the importance of living a Christ-centered life.

Additionally, Deacon Al provides a glimpse into the upcoming discussions on the sacrament of matrimony, stressing the beauty and strength that come from a blessed union in the Church. He shares compelling statistics on the benefits of sacramental marriage and encourages listeners to seek the graces that come from this sacred commitment.

Tune in to Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio to deepen your understanding of faith, Scripture, and the transformative power of living in accordance with God's will.

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

Truth, Culture, Life With Royce Hood 09/21/2024: From Faith to Action: Catholic X and The Little Office

Welcome to Truth Culture Life, hosted by Royce Hood. In this episode, Royce shares exciting updates about his move to Florida and his new role as CEO of Action for Life. He also introduces guest hosts, Will Anselm and Diana Henry, who are prominent content creators on X (formerly Twitter). They discuss their journey in creating Catholic X, a vibrant online community focused on prayer, faith, and Catholic content. The episode features highlights from their flagship show, Coffee Hour, including a segment from The Alabama Inquisition and a heartfelt "Dear Willie" letter. Tune in for an inspiring blend of faith, community, and humor.

Catholic Conversations #157: Faith Renewed: Transformative Stories from the National Eucharistic Congress

Hello listeners, and welcome to Catholic Conversations on Catholic Spirit Radio. I'm your host Paul Garcia, and today we have a truly inspiring episode lined up for you. We're diving into the National Eucharistic Congress, a monumental event that took place this year in Indianapolis, drawing Catholics from across the nation to deepen their faith and celebrate the Eucharist.

Beyond the grandeur of the event, today's conversation will explore the personal, transformative experiences of those who attended. Joining me in the studio are three incredible guests, Amy Myers-Carmouche, a devoted Catholic who found her faith renewed at the Congress, and Christy and Phil Olinger, a married couple who experienced this pilgrimage together. Each of them has a unique story to share, moments that touch their hearts and strengthen their connection to the Eucharist. We hope these stories not only inspire you, but also bring you closer to the heart of our faith.

Later in the episode, we welcome three more guests: Ray and Mary Jane Sheldon, a couple who experienced the Congress together, and Jess Elliott, who has an extraordinary story to tell, one that involves a healing she believes occurred after a prayer session at the event. These are stories of faith, transformation, and the power of the Eucharist that you don't want to miss.