Theresa Chambers talks with Fr. David Richardson of Epiphany Parish about his vocation story and a powerful rosary sign that led him to the priesthood.

They also walk listeners through Catholic funeral rites—Mass, prayers, anointing of the sick, apostolic pardon, burial procedures—and discuss cremation, green burial options, and how to plan a Catholic funeral in advance.

The episode emphasizes pastoral care, grieving together, and practical steps families can take to prepare wills and funeral arrangements.

Deacon Al explains the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, reflecting on John 6, the real presence of the Eucharist, and why this teaching calls for a personal choice of faith.

He also connects Scripture to everyday life—stewardship, the beauty of creation, and current events—and invites listeners to pray and reflect on what they truly believe.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    [email protected]

Joyce Holm, a rosary repair volunteer from Crystal Lake, shares how she fixes and makes rosaries, gives them away, and supports parish ministries. Through small repairs and custom creations, Joyce restores cherished prayer tools, comforts families, and inspires community service.

This episode explores her story, the spiritual meaning behind ladder rosaries, and how a simple craft became a ministry that connects prayers, memories, and faith.

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn examine historicism — the idea that dogma and moral truth shift with history — using Richard A. Spinello's New Oxford Review essay and the writings of theologians like Lonergan, Rahner, and Herring.

The episode contrasts classicism's claim of an immutable natural law with progressive historicism, considers Vatican II's role, and argues for the enduring nature of human nature and core Catholic moral teachings.

Deacon Al Lundy explores the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, reflecting on the Sunday readings and the mystery of one God in three persons. He weaves biblical insight with relatable stories—his trip to Las Vegas, family moments with a model train, and parish fundraising—to show God's mercy, love, and call to live in unity.

This episode encourages listeners to recognize God’s presence in daily life, grow closer to Christ through the sacraments, and share peace and forgiveness with others.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    [email protected]

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn review John Ford’s classic The Searchers while exploring deeper questions about nationhood, belonging, and exile. They summarize the film’s plot—Ethan Edwards’s five-year hunt for his abducted niece—and highlight themes of anger, prejudice, and the search for home.

The episode ties the movie to contemporary concerns: cultural fragmentation, Generation Z’s search for belonging, and the Catholic Church’s role in offering stability and community. The hosts invite listeners to reflect on how stories of home and loss resonate today.

Deacon Al Lundy explores Ascension Sunday on Good News, walking through the readings from Acts, Ephesians, and Matthew and explaining how Jesus’ Ascension sends the apostles into mission through the Holy Spirit.

He shares a personal reflection on ministry and loss, offers a Memorial Day reminder, and encourages listeners to embrace their call to carry the Gospel with hope and prayer.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    [email protected]

Bob Johnston and Lynn discuss two New Oxford Review articles that explore communism’s religious nature, Stalin’s daughter Svetlana’s conversion to Catholicism, and how Marxist ideas have resurfaced in modern cultural movements. 

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on family news, backyard wildlife, and upcoming travels, then goes through the Sixth Sunday of Easter readings—highlighting Philip the deacon, the role of confirmation, and how the Holy Spirit and living out Christ’s commandments make faith visible in everyday life.

Email your questions to Deacon AL:    [email protected]

On this episode of Catholic Conversations, host David Liptak speaks with Wendy, Kelly, and Nancy, co-founders of Allies Against Trafficking, a new Illinois nonprofit. They discuss how human trafficking often goes unseen, the importance of prevention and collaboration with law enforcement, healthcare, schools, and churches, and the warning signs of grooming and exploitation.

The guests share examples of online grooming, labor trafficking, and vulnerable populations, outline their training and community outreach work, and explain how to report suspected trafficking and connect with resources. Visit alliesagainsttrafficking.org or email [email protected] for more information.