Dive Deep

Ephesians 5:22 says, “Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as to the Lord.” That verse has caused a lot of people to scratch their heads. But what does this verse mean? Kara Johnson is a professor of Sacred Scripture and Theology of the Body at Ave Maria University in Florida, she is a PhD candidate, and writing her dissertation on this scripture passage and joins Dive Deep.

Fr. Augustine Tolton had to overcome many things in life - slavery, racism, prejudice, and hatred. Despite that, his love for God and neighbor makes him a model for us to follow. Learn about the incredible story of Fr. Tolton from slave to the nation's first black priest, an update on his cause to sainthood, and what Fr. Tolton teaches us today so we can live a more virtuous life.

Fr. Mike Schmitz, the host of the popular podcasts The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year, joins Dive Deep to discuss what many Catholics don't realize about their faith, how faithful Catholics can get our lukewarm brothers and sisters back to the faith, what we should do if God "doesn't answer our prayers," and so much more.

Jason Evert has traveled to six continents to bring the message of purity to millions of people for more than 20 years He has a masters in Theology and degrees in Counseling and Theology. He is a best-selling author of more than 15 books, and he and his wife run Chastity Project and its website, chastity.com, the podcast “Lust is Boring,” and lead an international alliance of young people who promote purity in more than 40 countries. He joins Dive Deep to discuss Contraception, transgenderism, dating, relationships, and more.

Springfield’s own, Ashley Noronha, has an amazing journey from the classrooms of Christ the King School and Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield to the halls of the Vatican working for Popes Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Join Dive Deep as she shares stories and insights about working at the Vatican.

On June 9, 2021 on I-55 just outside Springfield, three sisters from the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George based in Alton, were driving to Alton from Rock Island. Traffic came to a sudden stop in a construction zone and their van was struck at high speed from behind, sending them into the two cars in front of them. Their van was later described as a crushed soda can or an accordion. Looking at the situation, a common thought was… “no one survived that.” But, by a miracle – they all did. We talk with Sister M. Clementia Toalson about her escaping death and what she learned about surrendering to God her suffering.

In March of 2022, the Diocese of Springfield announced plans to create The Evermode Institute in Springfield. What will it entail and how will it benefit Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and even across the country? We talk with Father Augustine Puchner, the Prior of the new Springfield based community of Norbertine Fathers who are leading this exciting endeavor.

He grew up a non-Catholic. Marriage was "on the horizon." Then he had this "crazy thing." The Story of Father John Titus, pastor of Immaculate Conception in Mattoon and St. Colmcille in Sullivan, is a road not taken too often to priesthood.

A native of St. Louis, Maria Vargo is an actress, singer/songwriter, director, and Catholic speaker. She most recently starred as St. Faustina in a one-woman North America tour having performed the show over 300 times. But her life wasn’t always faith-filled. Hear what happened, what’s it like working in the film industry, and her connection to the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen in this episode of Dive Deep.

Sean Hussey, a 2013 graduate of Charleston High School, was quarterback of their football team. A First Team All-State selection, he holds several records there and became a quarterback at the University of Illinois. Today, our Catholic faith is his passion. This year he starts as a theology teacher at St. Anthony High School in Effingham, but that passion for our faith wasn’t always there. How one question from one special person made the difference.