The Catholic Morning Show

Jason Collins, OCIA Director at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines, joins the Catholic Morning Show to discuss the remarkable growth in adult conversions to Catholicism and the powerful experience of Easter Vigil. Jason shares insights into: The modern OCIA process Why more adults are becoming Catholic The role of evangelization in today’s culture The beauty of Easter Vigil and sacramental initiation...

Fr. Chris Reising from All Saints Parish joins the Catholic Morning Show to reflect on the Ascension of the Lord and the profound mystery of Jesus bringing humanity into heaven through His glorified body. Fr. Chris discusses: The meaning of the Ascension Christ’s ongoing intercession for humanity The mission to evangelize and make disciples The beauty of sharing in divine life through Christ Learn...

On this Friday edition of the Catholic Morning Show, Bo Bonner, Alexia Baker, and Ayden Pugh welcome Fr. Chris Reising for a powerful reflection on the Ascension of the Lord and Christ’s invitation to share in divine life. Later, Jason Collins, OCIA Director at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines, discusses the surge of adult converts entering the Catholic Church and the joy of Easter Vigil celebratio...

Ed Van Buskirk returns to the Catholic Morning Show to continue his Ten Commandments series with a discussion of the Third Commandment: “Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.” Ed reflects on: The spiritual importance of Sunday rest Modern culture’s loss of Sabbath rhythms Balancing work, worship, and family life How rest helps us reconnect with God Practical ways to reclaim Sundays This thoughtful...

Dr. Marcus Peter joins Bo Bonner on the Catholic Morning Show to discuss his new book, Not Finished Yet: How God Keeps His Promise to Complete His Work in You . A convert from evangelical Christianity, Dr. Peter shares how the Catholic understanding of grace, sanctification, and spiritual growth transformed his faith journey. The conversation explores: God’s ongoing work in our lives The Catholic...

Deacon Randy Kiel joins the Catholic Morning Show to preview the readings for Ascension Sunday, focusing on the Book of Acts and Christ’s command to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” The conversation explores: The historical richness of Acts The meaning of being a witness to Christ The mission of evangelization in daily life The role of the Holy Spirit in the Church Bringing the Gospel...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show, Bo Bonner, Alexia Baker, and Ayden Pugh welcome Deacon Randy Kiel for a powerful preview of the upcoming Ascension Sunday readings and the missionary call found in the Acts of the Apostles. Dr. Marcus Peter joins the show to discuss his new book, Not Finished Yet: How God Keeps His Promise to Complete His Work in You , exploring conversion, sanctification, grace,...

Dr. Andrew Swafford, professor of theology at Benedictine College, joins the Catholic Morning Show to discuss his new book, Next Stop the Afterlife: Unveiling the Truth of Heaven and Hell with C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce . Drawing from Lewis’ classic work, Dr. Swafford explains the Catholic understanding of heaven, hell, purgatory, and personal transformation. The conversation highlights how God...

John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Des Moines, joins Bo Bonner for his monthly segment on spiritual growth and discipleship. Together they explore how God speaks through Scripture, prayer, silence, relationships, and the sacraments, while discussing practical ways Catholics can cultivate a deeper attentiveness to the Lord. The conversation touches on Lectio...

On today’s Catholic Morning Show, John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Des Moines, reflects on how God speaks to us through Sacred Scripture, silence, holy desires, relationships, and the sacraments. Bo and John discuss Lectio Divina, learning to “listen with the ear of the heart,” and why modern Catholics are rediscovering the importance of silence and spirit...

Julie Curry and Dodie Baumann from the Des Moines chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians join the Catholic Morning Show to discuss the role of sacred music in Catholic worship and liturgical formation. They share how NPM supports parish musicians through education, fellowship, and spiritual growth while helping foster meaningful liturgical experiences across the diocese. The int...

The Catholic Morning Show reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s May prayer intention asking the faithful to pray and work so that everyone might have food. The discussion examines local and global hunger, the impact of war and poverty on food access, and how Catholics are called to respond through charity, stewardship, and practical service. The team also shares ways listeners can support local food banks, C...

This episode of the Catholic Morning Show centers on Pope Leo XIV’s May prayer intention that “everyone might have food,” leading to a thoughtful discussion on hunger, food insecurity, Catholic social teaching, and practical ways to help families both locally and globally. The team reflects on the importance of generosity, stewardship, and supporting organizations that care for those in need. Late...

Marion Scott, music director at Saint Augustin in Des Moines, joins the Catholic Morning Show to discuss an upcoming Corpus Christi concert featuring sacred works by Bach, Mendelssohn, and William Byrd. The conversation explores the rich tradition of sacred Catholic music, the importance of beauty in worship, and how music composed for the Church helps deepen devotion to the Eucharist. Marion also...

Peter Kiernan joins the Catholic Morning Show to remember his uncle, Fr. James Kiernan, whose tenth anniversary memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Ambrose Cathedral. Peter shares stories about Fr. Jim’s fifty-six years as a priest in the Diocese of Des Moines, his dedication to parish life, his influence on countless Catholics across Iowa, and the simple but profound spiritual lessons he sh...

On this episode of the Catholic Morning Show, Peter Kiernan joins the program to remember his uncle, Fr. James Kiernan, ahead of the tenth anniversary memorial Mass at Saint Ambrose Cathedral. Peter shares stories from Fr. Jim’s fifty-six years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines, his influence on vocations and Catholic life across Iowa, and the personal spiritual wisdom he passed on...

Maggie DeWitte, Executive Director of Pulse Life Advocates, joins the Catholic Morning Show with a pulse update on pro-life advocacy across Iowa. She discusses recent legislative efforts to strengthen safeguards surrounding abortion pills and reflects on the ongoing challenges facing the pro-life movement after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Maggie also previews the upcoming Iowa March for Life o...

Fr. Chris Reising joins the Catholic Morning Show to offer a Gospel reflection for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Reflecting on Jesus’ words, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” Fr. Reising explores the relationship between love, sacrifice, obedience, and authentic freedom. Using examples from family life, sports, and the witness of the saints, he explains how God’s commandments are not...

On this episode of the Catholic Morning Show, Fr. Chris Reising joins the show for a Gospel reflection on the Sixth Sunday of Easter. He discusses Jesus’ words, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” and explains how the commandments are not burdens, but pathways to authentic freedom, holiness, and deeper union with Christ. Drawing from sports analogies and the witness of the saints, Fr....

Ed Van Buskirk returns to the Catholic Morning Show to continue his Ten Commandments series with a discussion on the Second Commandment: honoring the name of the Lord. Ed explains why names matter, why God’s name is holy and sacred, and how blasphemy and perjury damage both our relationship with God and our witness to others. He discusses the cultural misuse of God’s name, hypocrisy in Christian l...

Curtis Brown joins the Catholic Morning Show to talk about the upcoming Des Moines Meeting, a gathering inspired by the spirituality and charism of Communion and Liberation. The event will feature music, conversation, testimony, and reflection centered on beauty, faith, work, and the living reality of Jesus Christ. Curtis shares the origins of Communion and Liberation through Servant of God Luigi...

Deacon Randy Kiel joins the Catholic Morning Show to prepare listeners for the upcoming Sunday readings from Acts chapter 8. He reflects on the early Church after the Resurrection, the martyrdom of Stephen, and Philip’s mission to proclaim Christ in Caesarea. Deacon Randy discusses how the Holy Spirit transformed hearts, brought healing, and freed people from pride and egoism. He emphasizes that t...

On this episode of the Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Randy Kiel reflects on Acts chapter 8 and the incredible growth of the early Church following the Resurrection. He explores Philip’s evangelization, the role of the Holy Spirit, and how every Christian is called to proclaim the Gospel through lives of humility and obedience to Christ. Curtis Brown joins the show to discuss the upcoming Des Moine...

Why May is the Month of Mary Understanding Theotokos (Mother of God) and its importance The meaning of “full of grace” in Scripture How Marian teachings point us to Christ A fascinating look at microchimerism and its spiritual implications Practical ways to grow in Marian devotion Steve Ray’s resources, pilgrimages, and Marian film 🌐 More from Steve Ray: https://catholicconvert.com #MonthOfMary #...

Overview of the Lectio Divina with the Spiritual Masters series Why praying with the saints enriches Scripture reading Why the Book of Daniel was chosen for this volume Themes of trust, suffering, and God’s sovereignty How Saint Jerome helps interpret difficult biblical passages Making Lectio Divina accessible for everyday Catholics Upcoming books in the series (Luke, Romans, Job, Ecclesiastes) 📚...