Catholic Spirit Radio

Being Catholic #361: Exploring the Communion of Saints and Just War Theory

Join Bob Johnston and his wife, Lynn, on this episode of "Being Catholic" on Catholic Spirit Radio as they delve into the significance of November in the Catholic Church. The discussion highlights the importance of praying for the deceased, exploring the concept of plenary indulgences, and the interconnectedness within the Communion of Saints. Learn about the roles of the Church Militant, the Church Suffering, and the Church Triumphant in Catholic belief.

The episode also touches upon the recent Fall Appeal success, thanking listeners for their generous support. Bob and Lynn encourage continued donations to keep Catholic Spirit Radio thriving.

In the second half of the show, Bob Johnston addresses the ongoing war in Ukraine, offering insights from an article by retired Lieutenant Colonel David L. Sonier. The conversation examines the principles of the just war theory established by St. Thomas Aquinas, questioning the moral justification of proxy wars and emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions.

Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion on faith, community, and global issues, enriched by Catholic teachings and traditions.

Good News #159 10/26/24: Finding Faith: Bartimaeus and the Vision of Christ

Join Deacon Al Lundy on this episode of Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio as he delves into the relevance of the gospel in our lives. This week, Deacon Al shares his insights from the 30th Sunday of ordinary time, focusing on the intriguing story of Bartimaeus, the only named person healed in the Gospel of Mark.

Deacon Al reflects on the powerful faith of Bartimaeus, a blind man who, despite his circumstances, recognized Jesus as the Messiah and called out to him for healing. The episode explores themes of faith, perseverance, and spiritual vision, encouraging listeners to seek a deeper relationship with Christ.

Additionally, Deacon Al shares his recent experiences at the St. Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat Center, offering insights into the value of silent retreats and spiritual growth. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of prayer, community, and seeing Christ more clearly in our daily lives.

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

Being Catholic #360: Understanding History and Faith in Modern Times

In this episode of "Being Catholic with Bob Johnston," Bob and his wife Lynn delve into various topics that intersect with Catholic faith and modern societal issues. The show begins with a reflection on the importance of community support for Catholic Spirit Radio, emphasizing the station's reliance on listener donations to continue its mission.

The discussion moves to the controversial topic of Columbus Day and its rebranding as Indigenous Peoples Day. Bob shares his perspective on historical narratives, questioning the notion of anyone being truly indigenous to North America and highlighting the complexities of human migration and history.

Next, Bob and Lynn address the political climate, discussing how figures like Donald Trump are often scapegoated in media and politics. They critique the current administration's tendency to blame predecessors for ongoing issues, advocating for accountability and leadership.

The episode also touches on cultural shifts and the perceived erosion of American values, with Lynn expressing concern over the loss of a cohesive national identity. The conversation underscores the need for Catholics to remain steadfast in their beliefs amidst societal changes.

Bob concludes by reading an article from Touchstone Magazine by Douglas Farrow, which critiques the modern secular state's encroachment on individual freedoms and the church's role in resisting this trend. The episode wraps up with a call for Catholics to uphold their faith and values in the face of growing state influence.

Good News #158 10/19/24: Faith, Sacrifice, and Salvation: A Journey with Deacon Al

Join Deacon Al Lundy on Catholic Spirit Radio's "Good News" as he delves into the relevance of the Gospel in the lives of teens and almost teens. In this episode, Deacon Al shares his personal experiences with the challenges of harvest season and reflects on the sacrifices made by farmers to feed the world.

As Catholic Spirit Radio prepares for its annual fundraiser, Deacon Al invites listeners to consider supporting the station's mission to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout Central Illinois. He emphasizes the importance of prayerful giving and highlights how even small sacrifices can make a significant impact.

Explore the readings from Isaiah, Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark, as Deacon Al discusses the profound love of God demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice. Discover the call to serve others and the true meaning of salvation, not based on our deeds, but on the immeasurable love of Christ.

Tune in for an inspiring reflection on faith, sacrifice, and the call to live a life dedicated to serving others, just as Jesus did. Join the conversation, ask your questions, and deepen your understanding of Catholicism with Deacon Al on "Good News."

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

Good News #157 10/12/24: Finding Wisdom and Faith in Everyday Life

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio, hosted by Deacon Al Lundy. This episode invites teens and almost teens to explore the relevance of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. Deacon Al shares personal stories, reflections on current events, and practical insights to strengthen your faith journey.

Join us as we delve into the weekend's gospel readings, focusing on the value of wisdom, the challenges of living a Christian life, and the importance of putting Christ first. Discover how a heart of a child can lead us closer to God and how true wisdom can guide our choices.

Deacon Al also shares personal anecdotes, from tackling home projects to the challenges of finding a new car, illustrating how everyday life can be infused with faith and purpose. Tune in to hear about the exciting projects happening at his parish and the inspiring stories of those converting to Catholicism, demonstrating the courage and commitment it takes to follow Christ.

Stay tuned for more Good News, and remember, your questions about faith and religion are always welcome. Email Deacon Al at goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org to join the conversation.

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

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.