Catholic Spirit Radio

Deacon Al Lundy discusses recent news about Pope Leo's surgery and offers reflections on prayer, suffering, and trusting God's will. He shares personal stories from his life — including caring for sick friends and sorting through decades of woodworking projects — to illustrate mortality and Christian hope. The episode also reviews the readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Isaiah, Paul, an...

Bob Johnston explains how Catholic tradition shaped Western civilization and warns that abandoning it — in favor of scientism and secular ideologies — is leading to social unrest, loss of meaning, and weakened moral responsibility. He reviews the Church's historical contributions to science, education, and law, and examines modern challenges like materialism, AI, and political movements that echo...

Deacon Al shares his retreat experiences and a personal medical update, then walks through the Scripture readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time—from Isaiah’s promise of salvation, to Paul’s lesson on contentment, to Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast—emphasizing God’s universal invitation and the call to remain faithful. Email your questions to Deacon AL:     goodnews@catholicspiritradio.o...

Deacon Al shares personal stories about trees and tools, then leads listeners through the 27th Sunday readings—Isaiah, Philippians, and Matthew—unpacking the vineyard parable and its call to repent and bear fruit for God. The episode connects everyday life to Scripture, urging teens to reflect on their role in the "vineyard" and to return to Christ with love and commitment. Email your questions to...

On this episode of Being Catholic, Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn discuss why the Bible should be taught in public schools, how the Scriptures were handed down through Catholic tradition, and how tradition informs interpretation on issues like the sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty. They also touch on recent news items (a claimed Noah's Ark excavation), the Texas curricu...

Monsignor Richard Soseman, vice postulator for the cause of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, discusses the long canonization process, the collection of testimonies and archival research, and the rigorous investigation of miracles including the Engstrom baby case. He also explains relics, the location of Sheen’s remains in Peoria, the upcoming beatification celebration, and how ordinary devotion and per...

Bob and Lynn Johnston celebrate the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, sharing memories of his preaching and local connections. They discuss debates over reparations and slavery, offering historical context and reflecting on immigrant hardships and generational struggles. They critique recurring public crises—from climate alarms to the latest AI fears—and call listeners to return to Catholi...

Deacon Al reflects on the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen and explores the 26th Sunday readings — Ezekiel, Philippians, and Matthew — focusing on the twin themes of repentance and humility, highlighted by the parable of the two sons. He mixes scripture study with personal stories (hummingbirds and a bathroom remodel), encourages listeners to live humbly and repent, and invites teens to submit fai...

Deacon Al shares lighthearted stories about backyard wildlife, updates on Fulton Sheen's upcoming beatification and local events, and positive news about RCIA growth in his parish. He then explores the weekend readings from Ezekiel, Romans, and Matthew, focusing on loving correction—our duty to warn others out of care and to live love as the fulfillment of the law. Email your questions to Deacon A...

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, tying together readings from Jeremiah, Paul, and Matthew to urge listeners to think and act like Christ rather than conform to the secular world. He shares personal stories — a wedding he officiated, recent travels, and a local house explosion — to illustrate how sin can creep in and why the sacraments (Eucharist, penance, anointing) an...

Host Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn discuss how seemingly small transgressions of social norms — from traffic habits to cultural idiosyncrasies — can accumulate and weaken society, drawing on the "broken windows" idea and Herman Melville's Billy Budd to illustrate the need for law and order. They also examine the modern housing crisis, arguing that inflated prices, zoning limits, and changing valu...

Deacon Al Lundy welcomes teacher Mary Stratman to Good News on Catholic Spirit Radio. They share stories from recent trips (including a close encounter with a grizzly in Alaska), discuss Mary’s return to fourth-grade teaching, and highlight local news like the upcoming beatification of Fulton Sheen. The episode then turns to the Sunday readings (Isaiah, Romans, and Matthew), exploring themes of Go...

In this episode of Being Catholic, Bob Johnston (joined by his wife Lynn) examines the growing influence of democratic socialism and communism in American politics, critiques 'woke' cultural trends, and reflects on the Catholic Church's role in defending Western civilization, family, and faith. Drawing on historical examples and contemporary commentary, the show warns of the economic and spiritual...

Host Bob Johnston discusses politics and culture from a Catholic perspective, criticizing the lack of substantive Democratic policy on issues like housing, spending, and immigration. He also reads and reflects on a Chronicles Magazine article about winning the AI race with China — stressing that America must lead in technology while ensuring AI is aligned with American values and the nation’s mora...

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn reflect on a Chronicles Magazine piece remembering Bishop Fulton Sheen, America’s first televangelist. They discuss Sheen’s life, his philosophy of “Americanism,” and his warning that loss of faith and rising secularism can open the door to Marxism/socialism. The episode highlights Sheen’s belief that true independence depends on dependence on God, the spiritual root...

Deacon Al Lundy reflects on the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, combining Independence Day gratitude with readings from Zechariah, Romans, and Matthew. He explores Christ’s peaceful kingship, Paul’s message about life in the Spirit, and Jesus’ promise of rest with a yoke tailored to each believer. The episode also addresses current concerns about unity in the Church and invites listeners to pray, le...

Host Stan Ketcik talks with Father Michael Driscoll—priest, hospital chaplain, and author—about his books on demons and angels, Catholic teaching (including St. Thomas Aquinas), and how faith, prayer, and the sacraments shape our approach to the spirit world. They discuss the rarity of possession, the comforting role of guardian angels, cautions about occult and sensational media, and practical st...

Deacon Al shares travel stories and reflections on the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, exploring how kindness, baptism, and the costly call to discipleship flow from sacrificial love. Email your questions to Deacon AL:     goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn discuss pressing social issues like the housing shortage and its political consequences, then turn to a thoughtful exploration of consciousness—examining the Shroud of Turin, near-death experiences, and how science and faith intersect. This episode blends personal stories, scientific speculation, and Catholic reflection on the mystery of the mind and the meaning thes...

Deacon Al Lundy shares a personal storm-and-flood anecdote, reflects on Scripture readings (Jeremiah, Romans, Matthew) about suffering, the redemptive value of the cross, and trusting God, and encourages listeners to practice small acts of love in everyday life. He also includes local parish news, radio announcements, and invitations to community events. Email your questions to Deacon AL:     good...

Bob Johnston and his wife Lynn explore the origin of consciousness, reading an Epoch Times article and drawing on Scripture, near-death reports, and modern physics theories like string theory and wormholes. They discuss NDEs, life reviews, gamma-wave bursts in dying brains, pre-birth memories, and how science and faith may intersect in explaining consciousness and the afterlife.

Deacon Al shares a personal week of storms and a friend’s funeral to show how God’s love appears in suffering. Using readings from Exodus, Romans, and Matthew, he reflects on Christ’s saving love, the call to discipleship, and the comfort of the sacraments. Listeners are invited to turn hardships into growth, to serve others without reward, and to trust the promise of eternal life as they live mor...

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 pas...

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: ...

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...