Kresta in the Afternoon

Chris Vitale grew up in a Catholic home, but then went on a long journey through militant atheism and borderline mysticism before returning to the Church. He joins us to share his story and how he discovered a personal relationship with Christ through the Eucharist.

Bryan Topham is a recent convert to Catholicism, which gives him a different perspective on the faith than someone who was raised in the Church. He joins us to share his story and how he is using YouTube to reach others.

Since the election of Pope Francis, there’s been a lot of discussion about what it means to be “pastoral.” Pope Francis gave us an insight into his own understanding of the word last year, when he advised us to look to St. Augustine’s treatise De Pastoribus. Terence Sweeney joins us to discuss what St. Augustine would have told us about being pastoral.

A recent poll from the Wall Street Journal gives data to back up trends we have suspected for years. There has been a sharp decline in people who have a high regard for “Traditional American Values” such as patriotism, religion, and family. While the poll has its issues, it does illustrate a deeper shift in American society: our loss of community. We take a closer look with Mark Movsesian.

One of the great distinctions between the modern and ancient worlds is the absence of sacrifice. Ritual sacrifices were a part of everyday life to the Romans and other ancient civilizations, but are almost nowhere to be found today. But we cannot forget the importance of sacrifice when it comes to the Eucharist. Tyler Graham joins us with more.

In 2021 the Vatican issued a Responsum saying that the Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions. Al looks back at that document and what new DDF prefect Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández said about it.

The human person is the crown of creation. We are created to live and thrive as sons and daughters of God. We’re all dealing with wounds from our past – but healing and freedom aren’t found in the shallows. We talk with Heather and Jake Khym about finding restorative healing in Jesus.

Our societal shift away from community to individualism also increases the challenge to ‘meet people where they are.’ As good stewards we are called to invite more people to be open to a relationship with Christ. Terry Poplava joins us with some steps to take.

When American writer Walker Percy was asked why he was converting to Catholicism, his response was simple: “What else is there?” In fields as diverse as philosophy, social outreach, art, literature, science, politics, law, healthcare, and education (to name just a few), the contributions of Catholic individuals, institutions, and religious orders have been decisive, even world-shaping. We talk more about it with Dr. Brett Salkeld.

One of the most common questions we get from listeners is how to help their kids and grandkids remain faithful to the Church. It begins with preaching a full, vibrant Gospel instead on the watered-down one we so often see. Rachel Herbeck joins us.