The Catholic Morning Show

Why May is dedicated to Mary Tradition of May Crownings Mary as the one who brings Christ to the world Understanding Marian devotion and honoring vs. worship The Regina Coeli and Marian hymns in the Church Mary’s role in salvation history Feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1) Book recommendation: The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander Call to imitate Mary by bringing Christ to others

#MonthOfMary #MarianDevotion #BlessedMother #CatholicTradition #MayCrowning #CatholicTeaching #StJoseph

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Catholic Youth Camp at the St. Thomas More Center Located in Panora, Iowa on Lake Panorama Retreat registration opening for 2026–2027 school year Summer camp opportunities for elementary through high school Activities: zip line, ropes course, archery, swimming, campfires Daily Mass, prayer, and sacraments included Counselor opportunities for high school and college students Learn more or register: https://www.stmcenter.com

#CatholicYouthCamp #YouthMinistry #CatholicRetreat #IowaCatholic #FaithFormation #CatholicLife #SummerCamp

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Reflection on John 14 “There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house” Seeing the Father through Jesus Christ God reveals Himself through the Incarnation Called to follow Christ as the way to eternal life Living in relationship with God now, not just in heaven Pastor of All Saints Parish in Des Moines

#GospelReflection #SundayGospel #CatholicTeaching #FrChrisReising #EasterSeason #John14 #CatholicFaith

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Gospel reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Easter with Fr. Chris Reising Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life” Catholic Youth Camp retreats and summer opportunities Located at the St. Thomas More Center in Panora, Iowa Learn more or register: https://www.stmcenter.com Entering into May as the Month of Mary Traditions like May Crownings and Marian devotion Call to bring Christ to others through our daily lives

#CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicFaith #GospelReflection #CatholicYouthCamp #MonthOfMary #MarianDevotion #EasterSeason

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Why the First Commandment is often ignored Modern “strange gods” (technology, money, success) How distractions impact prayer and relationships The First Commandment as the foundation Practical ways to put God first daily Reordering priorities for a Christ-centered life

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Iowa Catholic Radio Networ...

Biography of Bishop William Franklin His leadership style and belief in subsidiarity Navigating the clergy abuse crisis Personal stories from family and colleagues His impact on future Church leaders The evolving Church in the Midwest

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

Overview of Acts 6 and the early Church Division between Hebrews and Hellenists The appointment of the first deacons The role of deacons then and now The call for all believers to serve Faith as obedience, not just belief

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Iowa Catholic Radio Ne...

Deacon Randy Kiel previews Sunday’s readings (Acts 6) The early Church faces division and responds with service The origin of the diaconate Every believer is called to mission Remembering Bishop Emeritus William Franklin His life, leadership, and pastoral presence Navigating challenges in the Church A legacy of mentorship and faith Living the First Commandment Identifying “modern idols” in daily life Why putting God first orders everything else Practical ways to refocus your priorities

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John Huynh explores how Catholic social teaching addresses the anxiety many people feel in today’s world. Rather than ignoring real struggles, it offers a framework rooted in human dignity, solidarity, and love.

He explains the difference between optimism and Christian hope, emphasizing that hope is grounded in God’s presence even in difficult circumstances. The conversation encourages listeners to focus on small, local acts of service and engagement, highlighting opportunities through Catholic Charities to make a tangible impact.

Show Notes

Deacon Mark Campbell discusses the ongoing mission of Iowa Catholic Radio and the importance of expanding its reach across the state. He explains current efforts to strengthen signals in areas like Ames and the long-term vision for broader coverage in Iowa.

He also shares insights from listener feedback, highlighting how Catholic radio often plays a role in conversions and reverts to the faith. The conversation underscores the importance of donor support, new team members, and upcoming initiatives that will help sustain and grow the mission.

Show Notes

This episode brings together mission and meaning. Deacon Mark Campbell discusses the continued growth of Iowa Catholic Radio, including signal expansion in underserved areas like Ames and future opportunities across the state. He highlights how Catholic radio plays a key role in evangelization, often leading people back to the Church through unexpected encounters.

In the second half, John Huynh reflects on Catholic social teaching as a response to modern anxiety and global challenges. He explains how Christian hope differs from optimism and encourages listeners to live out their faith through small, local, and relational acts rooted in...

Focus on Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy at Dowling Catholic High School Goal: form servant leaders through action Students lead service projects throughout the year: Book drive for children “Do Good December” service initiatives Can/bottle drive for those in need Biggest event: Year-end carnival Free event for young kids and families Games, prizes, face painting, fun Students gain: Confidence Leadership skills Sense of community Strong connection to Catholic values: Serving others Putting others first Living out faith in daily life

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Former Anglican (Episcopal) priest who became Catholic Entered the Church through the Anglican Catholic Ordinariate Ordinariate created by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 Unique experience: converted with an entire parish community Process involved years of study and discernment Key topics studied: Papal authority Marian teachings Catholic doctrine vs. misconceptions Insight: gap between Anglicans and Catholics can be “small but deep” Influenced by John Henry Newman Anglican traditions (liturgy, spirituality) still shape his priesthood

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Conversion as both a personal and communal journey The richness of Catholic unity with diverse traditions The importance of intentional service and leadership formation Living faith through both vocation and action

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

What the Emergency Pastoral Response Team is and who is involved Origins of the team following the Greenfield tornado Structure: priests and deacons trained for crisis response How and when the team is “activated” by diocesan leadership Real examples of recent activations (including Ankeny incident) The team’s focus on spiritual care, not physical disaster recovery Importance of presence, listening, and prayer in traumatic situations Collaboration with counselors and emergency personnel How visible signs (clerical collars, vests) help people seek support The role of military experience in organizing and responding effectively Supporting both individuals and parish communities in crisis How parish...

Overview of the Seven Sisters Apostolate and its structure (7 women, 1 priest, 1 day each) Importance of praying specifically for a priest’s intentions Growth of the apostolate as an international grassroots movement Introduction to Fasting Brothers and how men can participate through sacrifice Explanation of Elijah’s Helpers praying for anonymous priests in crisis Why priests need spiritual support and face unique challenges Jeanne’s personal journey into the apostolate The role of the “anchoress” as a coordinator How prayer is an intentional act of the will, not just passive reflection Encouragement for individuals and couples to get involved Practical steps to start a...

Jeanne Thill explains the Seven Sisters Apostolate and how seven women commit to praying one day a week for a specific priest The role of Elijah’s Helpers in praying for priests in crisis anonymously How spouses can participate together through the Fasting Brothers initiative Why intentional, focused prayer is essential for supporting priests spiritually Simple ways to start a Seven Sisters group in your parish Deacons Robb Stark and Eric Pugh introduce the Emergency Pastoral Response Team (EPRT) How the team was formed בעקבות the Greenfield tornado and growing pastoral needs What happens when the team is “activated” during emergencies The team’s m...

Overview of The Power of Prayer and the Building Blocks of Faith series Using visual storytelling (building blocks) to teach Catholic truths Prayer as a daily relationship with God rooted in humility Practical ways to introduce children to prayer: Morning offerings Mealtime prayers Guardian angel prayers Nightly examination of conscience Introduction to Catholic devotions: Rosary Divine Mercy Chaplet Liturgy of the Hours Teaching children about indulgences and sacramental life Importance of repetition, practice, and family prayer habits Encouragement to engage kids deeply in the faith through creativity

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Launch of Pope Leo Village in Des Moines Ground blessing event and community involvement Six new homes as part of a national initiative (200+ homes) How Habitat for Humanity supports families through: Affordable mortgages Homebuyer education “Sweat equity” participation Opportunities for volunteers of all skill levels History of Habitat for Humanity (founded by Millard & Linda Fuller) Local impact and partnerships with Catholic schools and parishes How service inspires faith in action and community transformation Where to sign up and get involved

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Reflection on the Good Shepherd passage from Gospel of John Biblical and historical context of the shepherd image (including King David) How Jesus seeks out the lost and carries them back to the flock The reality of spiritual “brokenness” caused by sin Learning to recognize and follow the voice of Christ The Good Shepherd as a model of mercy, restoration, and intimacy Invitation to deeper trust in Christ during the Easter season

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Christ’s mercy as the Good Shepherd Living faith through acts of service Building strong Catholic families through prayer The importance of community, formation, and discipleship

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

Overview of the Serra Club of Des Moines mission Supporting seminarians, priests, and vocations Importance of prayer and community support for clergy Events like priest appreciation and vocation awareness efforts Opportunities for laypeople to get involved Emphasis on sustaining and strengthening the future of the Church

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Founder of If You Love Me and author of God’s Recipe for a Wonderful Life A personal challenge led to rediscovering the Ten Commandments Reframing commandments as a path to joy and freedom, not restriction Each commandment points toward virtue and right relationships Practical ways to live the commandments daily Encouragement to display and reflect on the commandments regularly

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Deacon Randy Kiel – Sunday Readings Reflection

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If you woul...

Today’s Show:

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Benedictine Sisters founded in 1874 Charism of perpetual adoration Growth in young people seeking religious life Daily rhythm of prayer and Eucharist Production of altar breads and goods Monastic experience weekend (early May) Opportunities for vocation discernment

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#ReligiousLife #Vocation #BenedictineSisters #EucharisticAdoration #CatholicFaith #Discernment #CatholicLife #PrayerLife #IowaCatholicRadio

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Celebrating 25 years of Blessman International 100th well recently completed “Saving footsteps” by bringing water closer to villages Hygiene kits program for girls Job creation through local sewing initiatives Golf Fundraiser – July 13 (Grimes, IA) Meal packing events with Meals from the Heartland Mission trip opportunities

Links:

#BlessmanInternational #CatholicMissions #FaithInAction #CleanWater #ProLife #CatholicCharity #IowaCatholicRadio #ServeOthers

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Blessman International celebrates 25 years of ministry Over 100 wells drilled in South Africa Hygiene kits helping girls stay in school Golf Fundraiser – July 13 (Grimes, IA) Meal packing events with Meals from the Heartland (Week of May 18) Benedictine Sisters’ charism of perpetual adoration Monastic experience weekend (early May)

Links:

#CatholicMorningShow #CatholicRadio #FaithInAction #CatholicMissions #Vocations #ReligiousLife #CatholicFaith #EucharisticAdoration #IowaCatholicRadio

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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A Legacy of Quiet Generosity (Dan Russo)

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Mary’s Meals & Race to Feed Kids (Ellen Miller)

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Today’s show highlights two powerful ways faith is lived out—through global charity and local generosity.

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Tim Glemkowski, Executive Director of Amazing Parish, joins the show to discuss his new white paper Rebuild My Church—a call to rediscover the Church’s mission in a changing world.

Drawing inspiration from Saint Francis of Assisi, Tim explains why true renewal isn’t about programs, but about holiness, leadership, and a return to the Gospel. He shares key insights from working with over 1,100 pastors, including the urgent need for strong parish leadership teams, the role of the laity in mission, and how parishes can overcome burnout and cultural challenges.

As the Church navigates a post...

New Catholic convert Dennis Hogan from Ascension Parish in Boone County shares his powerful journey into the Church following the Easter Vigil. Raised largely secular, Dennis describes how personal reflection, cultural events, and a search for moral grounding led him to explore Catholicism.

Inspired by the writings of Saint Augustine, Dennis found a deep intellectual and spiritual home in the Church—discovering truth through Scripture, tradition, and the lives of the saints. He reflects on his experience of RCIA (OCIA), the beauty of the sacraments, and how practices like the Rosary and parish life are shaping his da...

On this episode of Catholic Morning Show, we explore powerful stories of conversion, renewal, and the mission of the Church today.

First, new Catholic convert Dennis Hogan shares his journey into the Church after the Easter Vigil. Coming from a largely secular background, Dennis reflects on the moment that sparked his search for truth, the intellectual depth he discovered in Catholicism, and how the writings of Saint Augustine helped lead him home. His story highlights the beauty of the sacraments, the richness of tradition, and the personal transformation that comes from encountering Christ.

Then, Tim...

Chris Massaro, president of Biking for Babies, shares how this unique mission combines faith, physical challenge, and pro-life advocacy to transform hearts and communities.

Through cycling pilgrimages and local events, young adults are invited into a deeper encounter with the Gospel of Life while supporting pregnancy centers and maternity homes across the country. Chris explains how the mission fosters personal conversion, builds community, and empowers participants to witness to the dignity of every human life.

Listeners will also learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved and support this growing movement.

Jason Gale, VP of Content and Production for TAN Books, discusses Living the Little Way: Six Keys to the Spirituality of Saint Thérèse by Father Joseph Spence.

The conversation explores the depth behind St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s spirituality, moving beyond a surface-level understanding of the “Little Way” to uncover key elements like her devotion to the Holy Face, spiritual childhood, and radical charity. Jason highlights how this book makes her profound insights accessible for modern readers seeking practical ways to grow in holiness.

This segment is perfect for anyone looking to deepen...

Father Chris Reising joins the Catholic Morning Show to reflect on the Road to Emmaus Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter. He explores why the disciples failed to recognize Jesus at first and how their eyes were opened in the breaking of the bread.

Drawing a powerful connection to the Mass, Father Rising explains how Christ is revealed through both Scripture and the Eucharist, inviting us into a deeper encounter with the Risen Lord. This reflection challenges listeners to consider whether they truly recognize Christ in their own lives and respond with the same urgency and...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show, we reflect on the transforming power of encountering the Risen Christ, dive into the timeless spirituality of St. Thérèse, and explore a dynamic pro-life mission in action.

First, Father Chris Rising joins us for a Gospel reflection on the Road to Emmaus, unpacking how the disciples’ encounter with Jesus in the breaking of the bread mirrors the Mass and challenges us to recognize Christ more deeply.

Then, Jason Gale from TAN Books introduces a new work on the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, highlighting six prac...

Introduction to Saint Isidore of Seville and his scholarship The symbolic and theological meaning of numbers in Scripture Why numbers in the Bible are intentional and meaningful The concept of “one” as unity and its connection to God Integration of theology, philosophy, and science in early Christianity The Benedictine tradition of study and sacred reading (lectio divina) The importance of intellectual formation in the life of faith

The translation of St. Isodore's writings 

#BiblicalSymbolism #SaintIsidore #CatholicTheology #SacredScripture #Benedictine

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Definition of sacred places in canon law Churches, chapels, oratories, and cemeteries as sacred spaces How sacred spaces are established through blessing and dedication Differences between canon law and civil law regarding property The faithful’s right to access sacred places for worship Why sacred spaces are protected and not easily altered The role of canon law in ordering the Church’s life toward worship

#CanonLaw #SacredSpace #CatholicTeaching #ChurchLife #FaithAndLaw

Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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