Morning Air

8/12/24 6am CT Hour - Gary Zimak/ Emily Jaminet

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about the latest news and the Pledge Drive.

• Gary talks about how God pursues us. Are we ready to answer the call?

• Emily explains why back to school is a good time to take inventory of how we are spiritually and make some adjustments if needed. 

8/12/24 7am CT Hour - Fr. James Wallace/ Kendra Von Esh

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about the Pledge Drive and the latest news.

• Fr. James talks about perpetual adoration and why you should try it if it's been awhile or if you've never gone before.

• Kendra explains how and why we need to start our day and dedicate it to God.

8/9/24 6am CT Hour - Dr. Trina Clayeux/ Kelsey Gillespy/ Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about Kamala Harris talking with the press and Paris Olympics.

• Dr. Trina explains what glossing is and how we can overcome it in the workplace.

• Kelsey talks about the how Mary can seem distant and far away from what we go through but that she had to deal with real life like all of us and takes our hand like a mother.

• Bishop Mueggenborg reflects on this Sunday's Bread of Life discussion with Christ.

8/9/24 7am CT Hour - Mary Hallan Fiorito/ Fr. Joseph Aytona

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about the upcoming Harris/Trump debate in September and the latest from the Paris Olympics.

• Mary shares the  critical work pregnancy centers provide for women and how pro-choice advocates have been attacking them.

• Fr. Joseph encourages parents to bring their children to Our Lady of Champion to learn more about Our Lady and grow in faith.

8/8/24 6am CT Hour - Monsignor James Shea/ Dr. Pat Castle

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about JD Vance and Kamala Harris, Tropical Storm Debbie and play What's That Sound.

• Monsignor explains why Pope Francis is encouraging us all to read more classic literature.

• Dr. Castle explains what the A-Cross America Relay for Life is all about and ow to join in right where you are.

8/8/24 7am CT Hour - Shawn Carney/ Fr. James Kubicki

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about JD Vance and Kamal Harris, Tropical Storm Debbie and play What's That Sound.

• Shawn breaks down how Kamala Harris and Tim Walz stand when it comes to the life issue.

• Fr. Kubicki shares why Dominicans are called God's hounds and how the Dominican order spread across the world.

8/7/24 6am CT Hour - Ashley Noronha/ Will Heller

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about Kamala Harris' VP pick Tim Walz, Team USA in Olympics and back to school shopping for kids.
• Ashley reports on the Pope's recent message, the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows, vacation time in Italy, Sicilian celebration for the Transfiguration and
  feast of St. Lawrence.
• Will talks about his journey into weightlifting, answering the call to the priesthood and the crossover between the two.

8/7/24 7am CT Hour - Bishop Edward Scharfenberger/ Dave Durand

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about Kamala Harris' VP pick Tim Walz, Team USA in Olympics and *back to school shopping for kids.

• Bishop Scharfenberger calls everyone to live out the call of evangelization and shares how simple this can be in our life.

• Dave continues his conversation on what bothers your co-workers like not taking responsibility, taking part in fun or talking behind their back.

In this podcast episode of Morning Air, John Morales tackles a big question: are sports, especially the Olympics, still worth our time? Joining the conversation is Dr. Bill Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College and a former Olympian, live from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sports and Virtue: A Perfect Match? 

St. Pope St. John Paul II loved sports. He saw them as a "school of virtue" and a gift from God. So could the Olympics, with their virtuous roots, still be a great example of excellence and faith today, in spite of all the blasphemy we saw in the Opening Ceremony?

The Controversy: Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony 

Dr. Thierfelder talks about the Vatican’s reaction to the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, which mocked the Last Supper. This outrageous act left you feeling hurt and angry, and that's totally understandable. Dr. Thierfelder argues that it shouldn’t take away from the athletes' hard work and dedication, though. 

A Peek into Olympic History 

Did you know the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) was inspired by a Catholic priest, Fr. Henri Didon? Dr. Thierfelder shares this neat tidbit, showing how the Olympic spirit is all about lifting humanity and reflecting our God-given potential.

Athletes as Faith Role Models 

Despite the controversy, athletes like Katie Ledecky set positive examples. Ledecky, a devout Catholic, prays the Hail Mary before every swim. Isn't that amazing?

Listener Reactions 

Listeners Tracy and Mike call in to share their thoughts. They’ve decided to boycott the Olympics in protest. Dr. Thierfelder respects their decision but also talks about the importance of recognizing the good in sports and suggests writing letters to Olympic organizers to voice concerns constructively. 

Final Thoughts: Be Athletes for Christ 

Dr. Thierfelder wraps up by encouraging Catholics to stay engaged in the world and embody virtues in everything they do, just like Olympic athletes. He calls for action beyond personal boycotts, advocating for public efforts to uphold respect and virtue everywhere.

So, while there are good reasons to question the current state of the Olympics, Dr. Thierfelder believes that focusing on the athletes' virtuous efforts and speaking out can help keep the spirit of the Olympic Games alive. Let’s keep our eyes on higher things and remember, as St. Pope St. John Paul II taught, we can all be athletes for Christ. 

How do you feel about this? Have you decided to boycott the Olympic Games?

8-6-24 6am CT Hour - Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie/ Dr. Bill Thierfelder

• John, Glen and Sarah chat about Kamala Harris' running mate pick, Tropical Storm Debbie, and Lucille Ball's 113th birthday.

• Dr. Grazie breaks down what Amendment 4 in Florida is and what will happen if it passes.

• Dr. Bill talks Olympics and how sports can be a school of virtue. He notes we should protest in some way over the mockery of Christ but not directly on the athletes.