Catholic Review Radio

As Box of Joy approaches the milestone of delivering one million gift boxes to children in need around the world, host Rita Buettner speaks with Michele Sagarino, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, about the ministry’s remarkable growth and enduring impact. Sagarino shares how a simple idea sketched on a napkin evolved into a nationwide Catholic outreach effort that invites families, parishes and schools to pack shoebox-sized gifts filled with toys, school supplies and daily necessities, along with a rosary and the story of Jesus. She explains how the program fosters service, faith and solidarity among participants while bringing joy to children who often receive no Christmas gifts.

Sagarino also reflects on her own call to Catholic relief work, the challenges of global poverty and the power of small acts of generosity. Together, they discuss how ordinary Catholics can make a meaningful difference, one child and one gift at a time.

For more on Cross Catholic Outreach, click here.

Host: Rita Buettner

Guest: Michelle Sagarino

Producer: George Matysek

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

Dorothy Day was a journalist, Catholic convert and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement who devoted her life to serving the poor, welcoming the homeless and advocating for peace and social justice. On this edition of Catholic Review Radio, her granddaughter, Martha Hennessy, talks with George Matysek about Day’s life, faith and enduring legacy.

Hennessy, who is active in the Catholic Worker Movement, shares personal memories of her grandmother and discusses how the Eucharist and prayer fueled Day’s commitment to serving others. She explains how Catholic Worker houses of hospitality continue that mission today and why Day’s witness remains relevant amid war, poverty and political divisions. Hennessy also discusses her grandmother’s potential sainthood, the Catholic teaching on the dignity of all human life and the importance of embracing nonviolence and the works of mercy.

Host: George Matysek

Guest: Martha Hennessey

Producer: George Matysek

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

In a new episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Christopher Gunty talks with two authors who discuss ways to live a Catholic life these days.

In the first segment, Gunty, associate publisher and editor of Catholic Review Media, speaks with Tom Corcoran, associate to the pastor at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Md., and co-author of “Jesus, the Rich Young Man and the Meaning of Life.” Together, they explore the Gospel story of the rich young man and its enduring challenge: What must we surrender to follow Jesus fully? Corcoran explains that the young man’s question concerns both eternal life and the longing for meaning, even amid worldly success. They discuss how money, possessions, and other good things can become obstacles when they take priority over God. Corcoran offers practical habits for spiritual growth, including repentance, generosity, detachment, and seeking God’s kingdom first. He also describes how the book can inspire personal prayer, self-reflection, and parish discussion. This thoughtful conversation invites listeners to examine their attachments and rediscover the freedom and joy of following Christ.

In the second segment, Jeff Lukich shares his remarkable journey away from the Catholic Church and back home. After drifting from faith for nearly 40 years, he returned to Mass on Christmas Eve 2022, rediscovering a sense of belonging and peace. In this segment, Lukich talks about his book, “The Long Way Home: A Catholic Return to Faith,” and explains how his distance from the Church developed gradually, why shame and uncertainty can keep fallen-away Catholics from returning, and how one simple step can begin the journey back. He discusses reconciliation, the Eucharist, finding a welcoming parish, and relearning the Mass after years away. Lukich also shares practical advice for reconnecting with parish life, including speaking with a priest, visiting different parishes, and serving according to your gifts. His story offers hope to anyone who feels distant, hesitant or unsure where to begin. The conversation is an invitation to remember that returning home is possible, one faithful step at a time, and that God’s mercy is always waiting there.

Host: Christopher Gunty

Guests: Tom Corcoran and Jeff Lukich

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

Soccer is the world's most popular sport, teaching teamwork, discipline, perseverance and respect. In the Archdiocese of Baltimore, those lessons reach nearly 2,000 young athletes each season through the Archdiocesan Parish Soccer Program's 156 teams.

Host George Matysek explores how the league combines competitive soccer with Catholic values. President Steven Bartomioli and Vice President Bradley Gracey discuss efforts to foster sportsmanship, inclusion and faith-centered character formation for players of all skill levels. They share how new initiatives, including the St. Sebastian Recognition Coin and division names honoring former parish programs, help reinforce the league's Catholic identity while celebrating acts of compassion and integrity on and off the field.

The conversation also highlights the program's continued growth across the Baltimore region, its commitment to affordability and accessibility, and its vision of forming young athletes who carry the values of humility, respect and service into their schools, communities and future lives.

Host: George Matysek Jr.

Guests: Steve Bartomioli and Bradley Gracey

Producer: George Matysek Jr.

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Christopher Gunty speaks with Missionary of Jesus Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, about immigration, poverty and the Catholic call to welcome the stranger.

Sister Norma describes her decades of service at the southern border and explains how Catholic Charities supports vulnerable families. The organization provides emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and support for people facing homelessness; and addresses food insecurity, housing insecurity, and family separation.

She explains that immigration is only one part of Catholic Charities’ broader mission. The agency also works with other faith communities, civic groups and local organizations to respond to disasters and address the needs of struggling families.

The conversation explores why safe and legal immigration pathways matter. Sister Norma shares the dangers migrants face when crossing the Rio Grande and discusses the importance of protecting human dignity throughout the immigration process.

She also speaks about the Church’s responsibility to defend every person made in God’s image. For Sister Norma, healing the divisions surrounding immigration begins with faith, compassion and a willingness to see immigrants as neighbors, brothers and sisters.

In advance of Sister Norma’s visit to Maryland as keynote speaker in the Catholic Charities of Baltimore symposium Oct. 21 at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, this episode offers a thoughtful look at Catholic social teaching and the work of serving people in need.

Host: Christopher Gunty

Guest: MIssionary of Jesus Sister Norma Pimentel

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Rita Buettner explores the life, legacy, and enduring spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi as the Church marks the 800th anniversary of his death. Through conversations with Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine, provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, and Conventual Franciscan Friar Gary Johnson, vicar provincial, listeners gain fresh insight into one of Christianity's most beloved saints.

Father Heine reflects on the dramatic conversion of St. Francis, from the son of a wealthy merchant to a follower of Christ who embraced poverty, simplicity, and service to the marginalized. He discusses Francis' deep love for the Gospel, creation, and peace, as well as the saint's continuing influence on Franciscan life and ministry today.

Later, Friar Gary Johnson shares how Franciscan friars inspired his own vocation and explains the spiritual themes that continue to attract people to St. Francis centuries later. He highlights Francis' profound love for Jesus, his commitment to gratitude, fraternity, and care for others, and his vision of peace in a divided world.

Together, the guests reflect on Franciscan spirituality, the significance of the Transitus of St. Francis, and why the saint's message remains as relevant today as it was 800 years ago. This inspiring conversation invites listeners to discover how the spirit of St. Francis can transform lives today.

Host: Rita Buettner

Guests: Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine and Conventual Franciscan Friar Gary Johnson

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

In the latest episode of Catholic Review Radio, Catholic Review Managing Editor George Matysek talks with Father Steven Roth, director of vocations and associate vicar for clergy for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, about the current state of priestly vocations, why more men are discerning the priesthood, and how the Church is supporting them. The conversation covers the growth in seminarians, the variety of backgrounds among new entrants, and the role of prayer, family, and parish life in encouraging vocations.

With 66 men in formation this year, up from 60 last year, Father Roth emphasizes that the quality of the men matters as much as the number. Five men were ordained this past year, helping fill parish assignments that had gone without associate priests for years.

New seminarians come from a wide range of backgrounds, including high school, college, teaching, biology and secular work. Their ages range from 17 to 36.

Many vocations are sparked by the example of priests, eucharistic adoration, confession, and a strong relationship with the Lord. Father Roth describes a resurgence of interest among young people, especially around adoration, confession and Mass attendance at universities.

Growth in vocations does not mean the need for prayer or outreach is over. Priests are still needed for evangelization, family ministry, and creative parish work. He said families are encouraged to talk about priesthood as a normal vocation option from an early age, without pressure.

Seminary is described as a discernment process, not a guarantee of ordination. Some men discover they are called instead to marriage and family life. Informational and inspiration programs such as Quo Vadis and Quo Vadis Beyond help young men reflect on vocation through prayer, talks, recreation and interaction with seminarians.

Host: George Matysek Jr.

Guest: Father Steven Roth, director of vocations

News break: Kevin J. Parks

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

Christopher Gunty of Catholic Review Media talks with Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, about Archbishop Sheen’s life, his rise as a pioneering Catholic broadcaster, and the miracle that led to his beatification. Monsignor Gray also explains how Archbishop Sheen’s Midwest roots, prayer life and clear teaching style shaped a ministry that reached millions.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Archbishop Sheen’s background in Peoria and how his Midwest upbringing formed his humility and common sense
• His work as a scholar, teacher, diocesan priest, missionary fundraiser and Vatican II participant
• How obedience to his bishop led him from parish work back into teaching and eventually into broadcasting
• Why the radio show “The Catholic Hour” made Archbishop Sheen a national figure, reaching more than 4 million households
• How “Life Is Worth Living” on television drew more than 30 million viewers with a simple chalkboard, cassock, and ideas that resonated
• The response to Sheen’s ministry, including fan mail, mission donations, and the Emmy that now sits in the Sheen Museum in Peoria
• Why authenticity and substance matter in Catholic media today, especially in a crowded media landscape
• How miracles function in the canonization process as divine confirmation of heroic virtue
• The story of the miracle attributed to Archbishop Sheen’s intercession involving a child born without vital signs who later recovered fully
• Archbishop Sheen’s lifelong eucharistic holy hour and how prayer shaped his preaching, writing, and evangelization
• What comes next after beatification, including the search for a second miracle for canonization

Host: Christopher Gunty

Guest: Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director, Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Christopher Gunty, editor, talks with Greg Farno, chancellor for education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron, superintendent of Catholic Education, about the start of the school year, what makes Catholic schools distinctive, and how they support students academically, spiritually and socially. They also discuss enrollment trends, parent partnership, leadership development for educators and the role of Catholic schools in forming the whole person.

Farno and Sister Patricia describe the energy of the first day of school, from students running into classrooms to teachers and administrators welcoming nervous newcomers. They explain why Catholic schools emphasize that children are loved, especially through Christ-centered relationships among teachers, staff, and students.

The discussion highlights three common reasons families choose Catholic schools: faith, academic rigor, and safety, with opportunity and personal growth added as a major fourth value.

Host: Christopher Gunty

Guests: School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron, superintendent of schools; Gregory Farno, chancellor for education

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

George Matysek goes behind the scenes of Notre Dame football with Holy Cross Father Nate Wills, the team’s chaplain and author of "Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football." Ordained in 2006, Father Wills is also an education professor at Notre Dame and a national speaker on artificial intelligence in Catholic education.

Father Wills discusses his ministry of accompanying players and coaches through both the highs and difficult moments of football, including injuries and personal struggles. He explains the century-old tradition of giving players saint medals before games, the spiritual meaning of the team’s victory walk and how Catholic traditions are welcomed by players of different faiths.

Father Wills also shares the meaning of the team’s “choose hard” philosophy and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and constant digital distractions. He offers practical reflections on prayer, attention, silence and faith, and discusses what nearly a decade with the team has taught him about simply showing up for others and living faith boldly.

Host: George Matysek Jr.

Guest: Holy Cross Father Nate Wills

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media