December 23, 2008

Guest: Jennifer Settle, Certification Course Manger for the Theology of the Body Institute
Featured Saint of the Day: St. John of Kanty

Today Deacon Rick spoke with Jennifer Settle, the Certification Course Manager of the Theology of the Body Institute and co-host of Theology of the Body on KWKY. Jennifer shared with us a refresher on Theology of the Body. It was developed by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday Audiences from 1979-1984 through 129 different audiences. It focuses on living God's plan for the body and our sexuality. It is good to look into TOB, especially during Christmas, when Divine Life took on human flesh. By Christ becoming man, it elevates our humanity.

For Jenifer the discovery of how Thology of the Body relates to all areas of life and the Church stirred a great love of the theology within her. A beautiful concept she spoke of that touched her was the very unrepeatablity of the human person. So that when you fall in love or share a friendship with someone, that which is unrepeatable is what truly attracts.

For more information you can go to the Thology of the Body Intitute website:
www.tobinstitute.org

December 18, 2008

Guest: Bishop Joseph Charron
Buffalo Road Roundup: Miranda Taiber
Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. Anthony Grassi

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Bishop Joseph Charron who returned in early November from a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Bishop Charron spoke of how each day of the pilgrimage was surrounded by prayer and scriptures. He celebrated mass at a different Holy Land sites each day. For him and many of those who journeyed with him on this pilgrimage, entering into the scriptures associated with each place had the most powerful impact on them.

Bishop Charron spoke about how on some of the different sites the traditions attached to them go straight back to the time of Christ, others have been destroyed several times through the strife of that part of the world, and others are general areas where it is believed important moments occurred. Bishop Charron and his companions began their pilgrimage at the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is above the wall of Jerusalem and the mount affords a great view of the entire city. Bishop Charron was able to celebrate Mass on the traditional rock where Jesus prayed in his agony. Afterwards they were afforded a time ot sit quietly and pray, putting themselves with the suffering connected with that place and with the Eucharist.

Bishop Charron spoke of the unique gift of allowing people to be in the places of the Holy Land and ot place themselves in scripture. They also went to Bethlehem and celebrated mass in Shepherd's Field. In Bethlehem they visited the Church of the Nativity where a golden star on the floor marks the place where Christ was born.

Bishop Charron closed by speaking of his experience on the Sea of Galilee. They wen out on a boat into the sea and stopped the engines. From there, Bishop Charron read the scriptures of Christ calming the Sea. An Evangelical group who had joined their boat ride approached the Bishop afterwards and told him how much his reading the scriptures had touched them. They then celebrated mass on the Mount of Beatitudes. The Bishop was facing the people with the Sea of Galilee behind him as the sun was setting. After communion he left his people with these words "You know, my friends, we've spent all day walking where Jesus walked, but it only takes a moment to let him enter our hearts."

Buffalo Road Roundup:

-The Speech Debate 2008 Paradigm went very well for Dowling Catholic and there were people from eleven different states in attendence.

-The Dowling performing arts Magical Dinnners of 2009 will be held January 9-10 at 6:30pm at St. Francis. The Dinners are first come-first serve admitance and will be catered by Christiani's. Call Denise with questions at 222-9047.

-At the November 23 open house there were 403 perspective students on the grounds of Dowling.

-This year's Christmas baskets project speareheaded by the Senior Class was very successful this year. They reached out to many families with the necessary food for a Christmas Dinner, toys, clothes, and Christmas trees with decorations.

-The next We Believe Capital Campaign evenings will be January 12 and January 28 at 5pm. To RSVP or take part you can call 222-1044.

December 17, 2008

Guest: Mike Coughlin, Managing Partner of the Sacred Mint
Featured Saint of the Day: Lazarus

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Mike Coughlin, Managing Partner of the Sacred Mint. The Sacred Mint is an on-line resource for Christian Gifts. They were recently very generous with KWKY Catholic Radio and provided many of the stunning gifts we were able to use as incentives for our Mini-Pledge Drive.

Sacredmint.com is a new endeavor and was launched this year. Planning for the website began in January of 2008 and products were introduced to the website in August of this year. The partners of the Sacred Mint, including Mike, wanted to help further a revival of hope in our society. With all the negativity in our culture and media, they wanted a way of reaching out to those in need of hope. Sacredmint.com is a business and a ministry a unique place where you can see images and find gifts that have meaning in your life.

On sacredmint.com you'll find a variety of different offerings. They have beautiful crosses, reliefs, statues, and jewelry as well as gifts for special occassions like Baptisms. They are hoping ot expand their offerings to include special gifts for other Sacraments. In 2009, they hope to begin feeding the soul as well as providing material gifts. They're brain-storming ways they can reach the community and offer them something spiritually uplifting.

The Sacred Mint is a source for unique Christian Gifts. In this season of Christmas Mike encouraged our listeners to take hope in the celebration of Christ's birth.

To check out some of the Sacred Mint's beautiful and unique offerings you can go to:
www.sacredmint.com

December 16, 2008

Guest: Fr. Jim Kubicki, President of the Apostleship of Prayer
Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. Honoratus Kozminski

Today, Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Fr. Jim Kubicki, the President of the Apostleship of Prayer about our Holy Father's Prayer intentions for the month of December.

DECEMBER

• Culture of Life. That, faced with the growing expansion of the culture of violence and death, the Church may courageously promote the culture of life through all her apostolic and missionary activities.
• Fraternal Witness. That, especially in mission countries, Christians may show through gestures of kindness that the Child born in Bethlehem is the Hope of the world.

Fr. Jim spoke of the importance of examining ourselves in these weeks of Advent on how our choices foster a Culture of Life. To look at our priorities and ask if they truly promote life. To promote life we must be careful not to dehumanize anyone. It can be hard, Fr. Jim shared with us, when we are faced with people that we do not like or who annoy us. It is easier in our thoughts of those people to see them as more of a problem and less as a person. Fr. Jim asked us all to look at those relationships in our lives and reevaluate how we approach them.

When speaking of the Holy Father's Mission Intention, Fr. Jim spoke about Hope. Hope is how God came to save the world, through a tiny child, our beacon of Hope, Christ. Something to ask ourselves, is do we believe that? Do not let the fear of death hold us back from experiencing the hope of Christ. We must see past this life into our eternal destiny. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem points us toward the eternal, it is a promise of new life, and the well of hope that comes with his birth gives us the strength we need to stand against this culture of death in our daily lives.

For more resources from the Apostleship of Prayer you can go to their website:
www.apostleshipofprayer.org

December 15, 2008

Guest: John Putbrese, President of KWKY Catholic Radio
Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. Mary Frances Schervier

Today John Putbrese, President of KWKY Catholic Radio, joined Deacon Rick and Jenny for Rise and Shine. He wanted to thank all of the faithful listeners of KWKY Catholic Radio for supporting us during our Mini-Pledge Drive last week. It was very successful and we met our overall goal for the drive thanks to all of your help. It was beautiful because with four hours of the drive left we were $10,000.00 short of our goal and within those last four hours due to the generosity of many of our listeners we were able to meet our goal.

There are a lot of exciting things going on at KWKY including the announcement of a new studio on the ground floor of the Diocesan Offices on 6th and Grand in downtown Des Moines. We are beginning to plan our Faith Matters Conference for next year as well as anticipating Bishop Pates doing a show with us. The studio in Des Moines will need some work before it is ready, so keep the endeavors of KWKY in your prayers.

The Staff and Board of KWKY feel very blessed to be serving the community of Iowa and we thank all of our listeners for making what we do worth-while.

December 5, 2008

Guests: Sharon Banstra, a Catholic Charities Counselor and Wendy Solawetz with Catholic Charities' A New Beginning Adoption Agency
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Sabas

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Sharon Banstra, a Catholic Charities Counselor and Wendy Solawetz with Charities' A New Beginning Adoption Agency. Wendy shared with us the two facets of A New Beginning. There is the pregnancy counselling side, where they work with women who are deciding whether to parent their child themselves, or if it might be best to put the child up for adoption. Once the decision is made for adoption Catholic Charities encourages the mother to make an open adoption plan.

Wendy gave us some of the details of what an open adoption plan entails. An open adoption enables the mother and her family to hand-select the couple who will be caring for the child. It ensures that the mother and her family will still have contact with the child once it has been placed. The Adopted family retains authority once the adoption has been made, but welcomes visits with the birth family. Having an open relationship between the birth and adopted families allows the child to grow up with a full sense of self, knowing where he came from as well as where he's going. Together, they all love the baby.

Deacon Rick and Jenny also spoke with Sharon Bandstra a Catholic Charities Counselor. Sharon and the counseling staff keep very busy. Sharon spoke of the need for counseling. She said that when people get anxious or stressed, they sometimes can get tunnel vision. With a counselor, they are afforded the perspective necessary to start looking toward the source of their anxiety. Counselors can offer an objective look on life's problems. From there, Sharon helps people discover methods of calming down or broadening their thoughts to see the whole picture when they encounter stress in their daily lives.

For those who maybe have a negative reaction to the idea of counselling, Sharon said that anytime we're struggling it is hard to talk about it. The question becomes, how do we think and process things? Sharon tries to look at the steps that led to where you are, and then discover how to work at it differently. She focuses a lot on finding your strengths and using them to help you deal with some of the things that life throws. Sharon has been working with Catholic Charities for thirty years and has done so because Catholic Charities makes its services available to everyone. It meets them in their need and finds a way to enable them to partake in the counseling services.

December 4, 2008

Guests: Nancy Galesi, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, and Sam Chambers the Co-Chair of the No Room at the Inn Events
Featured Saint of the Day: St. John Damascene

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Nancy Galesi, Executive Director of Catholic Charities and Sam Chambers, the Co-Chair of the No Room at the Inn Events. Sam was very eager to share all of the exciting events that are planned for this weekend.

Friday Night the Pastoral Center will be transformed to house the music, food, fellowship, nativities and the silent auction during their Gala Event. To get tickets you can call 237-5078. The tickets are $38 a person or $76 for a couple.

Sunday will be the family friendly event where all that you need to get into the door is a free-will donation of money or personal care items. There will be cookies from the Highland Bakery as well as Nativity Scenes on display from around the world. There will also be choirs and ensembles who will play and sing throughout the day. A special appearance will be made by Bishop Pates who will be reading the Christmas Story at 1:30pm.

In 2007, there were 15,000 people at the event on Sunday as well as over 250 people at the event on Friday. Between the two, the weekend raised $60,000 for St. Joseph's Emergency Family Shelter. Friday is sponsored this year by St. Jude Health Care and Sunday is sponsored by Mercy Medical Center.

Nancy updated us on how things are going at some of Catholic Charities' other outreaches. Their immigration program is in full swing with educational presentations. Everyone is keeping an eye on the situation in Postville as well, where St. Bridgette's is providing food as well as coming up with money to help people with their rent. There will be a Social Justice Consortium forming to help integrate all the different issues that are prevelant in our society.

For More Information you can Visit Catholic Charities on line.

December 3, 2008

Guests: Joe Hrdlicka, Chair of the Marketing Committee for Catholic Charities
Arvid Huisman, Salvation Army Development Director
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Francis Xavior




Today Deacon Rick and Jenny first spoke with Joe Hrdlicka, the Chair of the Marketing Committee for Catholic Charities. Joe spoke of the great that St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter serves in the Des Moines Community. St. Joseph's Emergency Family Shelter helps approximately 60 families every year, touching the lives of over 500 people.

Joe encouraged everyone to partake of the "No Room at the Inn" Catholic Charities events this weekend. For those who are looking to contribute to Catholic Charities, these events are a fun and easy way to do it.

There is an gala-type event on Friday, December 5 that requires some level of financial contribution to get in the door. The event is from 5pm-8pm. To buy a ticket, call Trish Radke at 237-5078.

On Sunday, the "No Room at the Inn" even runs from 1pm-5pm. Bishop Pates will be there, so if you haven't gotten a chance to meet him, this would be a nice opportunity. Also there will be many different choral groups performing: St. Pius X's Celebration Singers, Dowling Choirs, St. Francis Choirs, Ankeny Community Chorus, as well as John Hannah. Admission is a free-will donation of money or personal care items.

For more information on any of this, you can call Catholic Charities: 237-5078



Also featured this morning on Rise and Shine was Arvid Huisman, the Development Director for the Salvation Army in Des Moines. The Salvation Army raises half of their operating budget from November 1st to January 15th each year. What they need right now are volunteers to ring bells for the red-kettle campaign.

To give of your time to help ring the bells you can go to: www.ringbells.org
Or you can call 282-3599

December 2, 2008

Guest: Tom Ludwig, who works with the St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter
Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. Rafal Chylinski

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Tom Ludwig, who has been working with the St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter since 1990 when it opened. This weekend's No Room at the Inn 2008, a fund raising reception and open house Friday, December 5 and Sunday, December 7, will benefit St. Joseph's Emergency Family Shelter.

Tom described the St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter as a place where they are able to provide a safe and caring place for people who are homeless to get back on their feet, particularly those with children. The St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter is unique because it it accepts mothers and fathers with their children, as well as fathers with children and mothers with children. Most family shelters only accept women and their children.

The St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter is a house in the middle of a residential area, it's homey in that it has a living room, dining room and kitchen. The families who benefit from the St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter have a maximum stay of 30 days, but extensions are made for those who are on the cusp of finding a new place. Families are admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter is always looking for donations, particularly of diapers and usable furniture, as well as phone cards, personal care items, and bus tokens.

Be sure to attend the Catholic Charities, No Room at the Inn this weekend to help support the St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter. You can go to find the Catholic Charities Website here.

December 1, 2008

Guest: Rachel Mabrey, Volunteer and PR Coordinator of the Phoenix House
Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. John of Vercelli

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Rachel Mabrey, the Volunteer and PR Coordinator of the Phoenix House, a Catholic Charities outreach in Council Bluffs, IA. The Phoenix House is a woman's shelter geared toward those who have experienced domestic abuse. The Phoenix House holds eight women and their children at a time and serves the Council Bluffs area as well as some overflow from Nebraska. There are seven full-time staff at the Phoenix House as well as many volunteers who help them man their 24-hour crisis hotline.

When a woman comes to the Phoenix House, she is shown to her room and a basic assesment of the situation is taken, as far as what their immediate needs are. Generally, the woman will then sleep for 24 hours, now that they are in a safe environment. Once a woman has rested, she will work with Catholic Charities to form a plan, setting goals each week of her stay. The women attend classes during the week on parenting and personal economics as well as attending a support group along with the other women at the Phoenix House. Stays are started at thirty days, but are taken on a case-by-case basis. On average the women remain at the Phoenix House for three months.

The Phoenix House's business line is: 712-256-2059
To Volunteer call: 712-256-2059
Their Crisis Hotline is: 888-612-0266

November 26, 2008

Guest: Brother Dominic McManus
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Catherine of Alexandria
Congratulations to the Winner's of Hasbro's Family Game Week Games: Heather Ward and Tamera Knupp

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny enjoyed another day off while Mary Pometto, the Production Director of KWKY and Jon Leonetti, host of Martyrs of the Third Millennium manned the show once again. Today Jon and Mary spoke with Brother Dominic McManus, a native of Des Moines and a graduate of Dowling High School.

Brother Dominic spoke of his strong sense of call from an early age. Whe he got to high school priesthood was still on the radar, but it took root his second semester in college where he joined the Loras College Seminary Program. When he was out of college he joined the Dominicans.

Brother Dominic spoke a little about the difference between a diocesan priest and a consecrated religious. He spoke of the solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He told us of how Chastity dierects human love outward in brotherly charity. Poverty helps them live a simple life as Christ did. Obedience enables them to pour themeselves out as Christ did as a libation for our sins.

Brother Dominic is stationed at the University of Indiana where the Dominicans help run the Newman Center. When speaking of community life, Brother Dominic spoke of journeying together toward God. Sin divides the self, but in community the rough edges of sin are rubbed down by your brothers in Christ.

With Education as a primary focus of the Dominicans many of the brothers get several degrees and even go on to get their PhD. With this in mind, their formation is longer, so that they can better serve higher education.

In closing, Brother Dominc said, "No one discerns anything in a vaccuum." He encouraged listeners who are struggling with discernement to go visit a community and put themselves in the life for a time.

November 25, 2008

Guest: Aaron Stryzeski, Music Teacher at St. Joseph's Indian School
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Columban
Congratulations to Family Game Week's Winner of Cranium: Jeannie Bishop
Congratulations to Family Game Week's Winner of Operation: Julie Dohrmann

Today, Deacon Rick and Jenny enjoyed another in a series of days off. In their place you were joined by Mary Pometto, production Director of KWKY and Jon Leonetti, host of Martyrs of the Third Millennium. Today Jon and Mary spoke with Aaron Stryzeski, a Music Teacher at St. Joseph's Indian School in South Dakota.

St. Joseph's Indian School is a private boarding school for Native Ameircans with troubled backgrounds. They're found in Chaimberlain, South Dakota and are run solely on donations. They're celebrating their 80th anniversary this year. The school was founded by the Priests of the Sacred Heart who had a burden for the Native American culture and wanted to give back to them. One of the first things they did was start the St. Joseph Indian Schol.

Aaron is one of the music teachers at St. Joseph's and shared with us a song that his 8th grade class wrote, performed, recorded, edited and mastered. The students had only been playing their instruments for five months. Aaron offers his students hands on experience, hoping that they will truly grip into what he's teaching them, finding their particular strengths. He offers lessons on fourteen different instruments including Lakota Drums. Aaron hopes through his program to teach kids to love music and for ability to be a bi-product of that love.

For more information or to donate to St. Joseph's Indian School you can go to:
www.stjo.org

November 24, 2008

Guest: Sally Proctor, President of Iowans for Life
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions
Congratulations to the Winner of Hasbro's Monopoly: Charles Hughes

Today, Deacon Rick and Jenny enjoyed a few extra winks of sleep to celebrate the week of Thanksgiving. In their absence Rise and Shine will be hosted by Mary Pometto, the Production Director of KWKY along with Jon Leonetti, host of Martyrs of the Third Millennium. Today Jon and Mary spoke with Sally Proctor, president of Iowans for Life.

Sally shared with us some of the issues relevant to the pro-life movement. In the coming months, Sally urged listeners to pay attention to what is happening with the Freedom of Choice Act, which, if passed, would obliterate any and all regulations on abortion. Along with encouraging senators and congressmen to fight against this act, Sally asked that we turn to the Rosary. The arms of Our Lady are open to all, and when we entrust our intentions to her Motherly care we know that her Son pays particular heed.

Sally also let us know that Iowans for Life will not be accepting any more applicants to join the pilgrimage to the March for Life. They have two full buses and due to the proximity of the inauguration that week, all the hotels are booked. She encouraged those who still want to attend the March to discover an alternate way of going to DC. Sally also mentioned that the prayers for Life rally will be taking place in February this year.

To be pro-life is to have a true appreciation for the human person, from conception to natural death. That includes anyone who may oppose the inalienable right to life. We, as a pro-life people must strive to encounter this opposition with a smile, truly seeing the person before us and proclaiming our message with a smile and with love. For with love we can change hearts and when hearts and minds are changed, then will we see society stop and take notice.

November 21, 2008

Guests: John Gaffney with Erin Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Da'Shawne Smiley and Sam Kouri: Students of St. Theresa's Catholic School in West Des Moines
Featured Saint of the Day: Feast of the Presentation of Mary

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Erin Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Da'Shawne Smiley and Sam Kouri, sixth graders at St. Theresa's Catholic School. These students wanted to share the news of an exciting event: the 6th Grade Charity Basketball Tournament. This is the events 10th Anniversary. The event begins tonight at 5:30 with the first round of basketball games. The tournament continues on Saturday from 7am-5pm. The Championship will be played on Sunday starting at 1pm-5pm.

The sixth grade class at St. Theresa's planned and orchestrated the entire event. It started when they went to the St. Francis Service Fair where twenty-seven different non-profit organizations gathered to give information to the kids. The sixth graders of St. Theresa's narrowed their choices of who to benefit with this event down to the Salvation Army and the Mircale League. Through a class vote, that first resulted in a tie, they decided to give the proceeds of this event to the Salvation Army. Some of the things these students like about the Salvation Army were that htey helped all age groups as well as helping people in many different aspects of care.

The sixth graders will be running this event. The basketball tournament will be between ten different schools. The sixth grad basketball teams will be participating as well as some junior high teams. At the event there will be a concession stand with food provided by the families of the sixth grade class, including three gallons of chile from the Drake Diner. There will also be a raffle for things like gift cards and sporting tickets. In other rooms around the gym there will be games and crafts for the kids that aren't as interested in basketball, including a Wii game room. The sixth graders also designed a t-shirt that is on sale for $15. There will be a $5 entry fee to the event, but you can also buy a weekend pass for your family. There will be Salvation Army Kettles at the event as well as after all the Masses at St. Theresa's this weekend. Park near the jungle gym on the play ground.

November 20, 2008

Guest: Tom Chapman, Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference
Buffalo Road Roundup: Miranda Taiber
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Tom Chapman, the Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference. The Iowa Catholic Conference works to advocate public policy that is in the interest of the common good.

One of the things that Tom is working on is the passage of regulations in the health and human services department. The regulation in motion builds on a law that states that those in the medical profession do not have to get involved with abortion if they don't want to. These regulations strive to make the implications of the law crystal clear.

Tom is also working towards combating the Freedom of Choice Act, an act that would wipe out all restrictions on abortion. A good deal of this struggle against FOCA is still in our hands, we need to make our stance known. Tom is optimistic that this act can be fought, most people want more restrictions on abortion. He encouraged listeners with John Paul II's first words as a Pope, "Be not afraid."

To get more information you can go to the Iowa Catholic Conference's website:
www.iowacatholicconference.org
To stand against the Freedom of Choice Act you can go to their website and click on the Action Center and go to FOCA Alert.

Buffalo Road Roundup:
-November 23, there will be an open house from 11am-2pm at Dowling. Perspective students will be given a tour of the campus including the renovations. For more information you can call the school.
-November 24, there will be a Jazz Ensemble concert at the Adventureland Inn. They've been invited to perform by the Des Moines Big Band and the Des Moines Big Band will be playing after the Dowling students.
-December 10, there will be a Dowling Christmas Band Concert at 7pm. The guest conductor will be Dr. Thomas Lee from Los Angeles, California. Dr. Lee used to direct the band at Dowling and is now directing at UCLA.
-Dowling Renovations are moving along. They've recently moved the math department into new classrooms that will begin to be used after the Christmas Break.

November 19, 2008

Guest: Sr. Rosemary Flannigan
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Agnes of Assisi

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Sr. Rosemary Flannigan. Sr. Rosemary is an 82-year-old Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In 1992 she joined the staff of a bioethical institute. One of the messages Sr. Rosemary wanted to leave with our listeners was that in every hospital there is a group that is prepared to help them think through not what can health care do for them, but what ought they ask their health care to do for them. She also spoke of detachment for our earthly life. Sr. Rosemary impressed the point that man was created for God and at the end of life, death is the means by which we return to Our Father. Sr. Rosemary encouraged our listeners to talk about end-of-life issues within our families before they become an issue.

November 18, 2008

Guest: Brendan Flannery, co-Director of Crossroads
Featured Saint of the Day: Dedication of St. Peter and Paul

Today, Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Brendan Flannery the co-Director of Crossroads. Crossroads is a movement that was started in 1995 by several students from Franciscan University. These students had been to World Youth Day in 1993, when it was in Denver, and took Pope John Paul II's challenge of taking the word of God into the streets literally. Crossroads walks with the intentions of the Pro-Life movement in mind and the walks in America end in Washington, DC for a Pro-Life Rally.

There are three different walks through America and one in Canada. The Northern Walk is from Seattle, Washington to Washington, DC. The Central Walk is from San Francisco, California to Washington, DC. The Southern Walk is from Los Angeles , California to Washington, DC. Each summer there is a group of about 50 young people ages 18-30 who participate in these walks. The groups walk monday through friday and on the weekends they pray at Abortion Clinics as well as visit Youth Groups and different Parishes across the coutnry.

In a story that Brendan shared with us, the group on the Southern Walk was in El Paso, Texas. They had been praying at an abortion clinic and later that weekend were at a church. A man approached them and asked if they had been the group at the clinic. When they told him that they were, he said that he had seen them because he was taking his daughter in for an abortion. Through their witness, both he and his daughter knew that they couldn't go through with it. The father took his daughter that day to the hospital to get a check-up and sonogram. The man found out that he was the proud grandfather of twins. While many of the fruits this pilgrimage bears aren't seen by the walkers, they know that God puts all things to His use.

For more information on Crossroads or to get inovled you can go to their website:
www.crossroadswalk.org

November 17, 2008

Guest: Stephen Tatz, Vocations Specialist for the Diocese of Des Moines
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Stephen Tatz, Vocations Specialist for the Diocese of Des Moines. Stephen challenged our listeners to promote vocations. He told us that vocations are everyone's business and that we need to do things to foster them. In daily application, if you encounter a young man who exemplifies traits that point to a possible vocation you should ask them if they've ever thought about it. Regardless of their answer, you should encourage them by letting them know what traits you see in them that led you to ask the question.

There will be a Second Vocation Evening Wednesday, November 19. It will be held at the Tavern II. Stephen and Fr. Chris Fontanini will be there to speak with young men from 5:30 p.m. to around 7 p.m. It is for men who are over 21 and is open to anyone who is still thinking about priesthood as a second vocation.

Stephen asked listeners to pray for Vocations in our diocese and in the world. Bishop Richard Pates has a goal of 30 Seminarians for our diocese. To help with this, he will be having "Andrew Dinners." The reference to Andrew is attached to the Biblical text wher Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus. Through these dinners, Bishop Pates will meet with candidates in a relaxed dinner setting.

For more information on Vocations in the Des Moines Diocese you can Contact the Vocations office: 515-237-5014 or on line at: www.vocationsonline.com

November 14, 2008

Guest: Patricia Bucalo, Co-Founder and President of Laity for Life
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Gertrude

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Patricia Bucalo, the Co-Founder and President of Laity for Life. Laity for Life is based out of Naples, Florida and strives to provide support for the Pro-Life Movement.

Patricia shared with us the three legs of Laity for Life. The first is that of providing support for those in the Pro-Life movement through looking to the graces available through the Mass. Much of their efforts are geared toward having as many Masses said in as many different states and countries as they can. At this point the movement is in nineteen states and three countries.

Their second focus is on the Youth. Laity for Life sees the importance of ensuring that the Youth are well-informed as well as able to express themselves eloquently on Pro-Life issues. While they have been unable to start their own training program for this, they have begun fund-raising for those already in existence.

The third leg of Laity for Life is encouraging support from the Church for the Pro-Life movement, whether that is financial or spiritual.

Patricia stressed the importance of having Masses said for the Pro-Life Movement. You simply go into your Parish and request to have a Mass said for the Pro-Life Movement. Then once the Mass date is set, to attend with your friends. Laity for Life asks that you mention them in your intentions as well as all those involved with the Pro-Life movement including any local organizations as well.

For more information on Laity for Life you can go to their web-site:
www.laityforlife.org
or e-mail them at: info@laityforlife.org

November 13, 2008

Guest: Ronica Stromberg, Author of "The Time-for-bed Angel"
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
Buffalo Road Roundup: Miranda Taiber

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Ronica Stromberg, the author of "The Time-for-bed Angel." Ronica grew up in Southeast Iowa and attended the University of Iowa. From there a series of turns led her to become an author based out of Lincoln, Nebraska.

The book was inspired by her oldest son, Josiah. When Josiah was three, Ronica had a hard time putting him to bed. She would try several times a night and still he would not go to bed. Finally she asked him once "What about your guardian angel? Don't you think he needs a rest?" While of course that sparked a conversation that led away from bed-time, but it also inspired Ronica with an idea for a children's book. She had been reading stories about friendly monsters, geared toward easing a child's fear of the dark, but hadn't found any that speak of angels. Ronica couldn't think of a more soothing idea for a child than that of being watched over by their guardian angel day and night.

Thus, "The Time-for-bed Angel" follows a very active little boy named Andrew and his guardian angel, Sam. Andrew gets into all kinds of messes and scrapes before bed, but Sam is always there with him. In the end, Sam has the joy of hearing the beautiful sounds of Andrew snoring after a long and busy day.

Ronica also spoke of the struggles she had publishing her story. She first made a list of all the publishers in America she would want to work with. She ordered them from her dream publisher on down to those she would try if she had to. After six years of rejections from the publishers on her list she reached the end of it and a final rejection. Her husband asked her what she would do next, and she simply replied that she would try overseas. She sent the book to two different publishing houses in Brittain. It was picked up by Lion, the largest independent publisher of inspirational book sin the UK. It was released first in the UK and then came to America on September 30, 2008.

Ronica will be in Des Moines for the next few day signing books:

Friday, November 14, she will visit St. Pius X School's kindergarteners as well as kindergarteners from St. Augustine Catholic School.

Friday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.

Pajamarama reading

Barnes & Noble

4550 University Avenue

West Des Moines, IA

Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m.

Reading to children

Borders

4100 University Ave., Ste.115
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Saturday, November 15, 1-3 p.m.

Meet-and-greet book signing

The Learning Post

2761 100^th Street

Urbandale, IA 50322

Buffalo Road Roundup:

-Christmas Basket Project has begun: The Senior Class is connecting with 55 families in need this Christmas. The program will serve 150 kids this year. The greatest needs is coats, hats, and gloves of all sizes. You can contact the Senior Class Moderators for more information.

-Congratulations to the Dowling Swimmers who participated in State: there were two individual swimmers as wella s a relay team.

-Congratulations to the Coaches and Players of Dowling Football on a great season.

-December 5, 2008 will be the Dowling Christmas Luncheon, the location has been moved to the

Hyperian Field Club

7390 NW Beaver Dr
Johnston, IA 50131

November 12, 2008

Guest: Jennifer Miller, Executive Director of Bioethics International
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Josaphat

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke again with Jennifer Miller, the Executive Director of Bioethics International. Bioethics International is a non-profit organization geared toward empowering responsible health care through helping them delve into the Ethics of Health Care.

Jennifer shared some exciting news about Bioethics International today. Bioethics International has been asked to design a training program for a major pharmaceutical company that employs over 80,000 people. They will stick to the framework they already have in place and gear it toward the questions in the pharmaceutical realm. Bioethics International uses six points to guide trainees toward making decisions that are person-centered and for the common good of humanity.

Jennifer also spoke about the necessity to build their training on a consensus as well as common language. Once they are all on the same page, then they can better walk together toward discovering what is most beneficial for the individual and humanity.

She gave us an example of a Diabetic. Seven percent of the population is diabetic and of that seven percent, seventeen percent of them require an amputation, usually foot-related. In her example a woman was prescribed an amputation by a doctor. The woman, became hysterical and refused the amputation. The doctor backed down by reason of respecting her wishes. If the doctor had dug a little deeper into why she had become hysterical, he would have discovered a lot of fears within this woman. She was afraid of being a burden to her family, of being alone, that she wouldn't be able to keep her job as well as other issues. With Bioethic training, the doctor would have been able to delve into those fears and help the woman come to grips with the amputation.

For more information you can go to the Bioethics International Website:
www.bioethicsinternational.org

November 11, 2008

Guests: Fr. Jonathan Fassero OSB, Associate Spiritual Director for St. Meinrad Seminary in Southern Indiana and Stephen Tatz, Vocations Specialist for the Diocese of Des Moines
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Martin of Tours

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Fr. Jonathan Fassero OSB, Associate Spiritual Director for St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and Stephen Tatz, Vocations Specialist for the Diocese of Des Moines about the upcoming "Thinking About Priesthood Day" this weekend. The "Thinking
About Priesthood Day" will be November 15, from 9:30am-5:00pm. The event will take place in Cedar Falls at St. Stephen's, so transportation is being orchestrated by the Diocese.

Fr. Jonathan is a Benedictine Monk who comes to Iowa twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, for the "Thinking About Priesthood Day." He enjoys coming to Iowa for this day, because all four of our diocese pool together for this event. It is an uplifting, cooperative effort to foster vocations. The goal of this event is to help young men find Brothers in discernment: others who are asking themselves the same questions. One of the things that Fr. Jonathan mentioned today was that just because a young man doesn't know if he'll be a priest or not doesn't mean that he shouldn't go to Seminary. Seminary helps young men become more self-aware and grow deeper in their faith.

Something that events like the "Thinking About Priesthood Day" are good for is giving these young men the information they need to further their discernment. They are given the opportunity to ask questions they maybe haven't asked yet about priesthood. A goal of the event is that with the information these young men receive, that any fears they have about the Seminary may dissipate. Something that Pope John Paul II was fond of saying was, "Do Not Be Afraid!" Fear is often the enemy of a lot of wonderful possibilities.

Fr. Jonathan left us with words of encouragement. He told young men that if they want to make a difference in the world in a unique way, they maybe should explore the possibility of the priesthood. He also told young men that spending a day "Thinking About Priesthood..." would not be a waste of time, and possibly the beginning of a new adventure.

Stephen assured young men that no one was going to try to talk you into priesthood. Men who walk away from this day and feel as though Priesthood is not for them still means that the day was a sucess. Stephen also reminded listeners that if they want to take advantage of this great event they ought to contact the Vocaitons Director of their Diocese.

For Des Moines, you can call: 515-237-5014 or go to: www.vocationsonline.com

November 10, 2008

Featured Saint of the Day: St. Leo the Great

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke about St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. The basilica was first built in the fourth century on land donated by the Lateran family. The basilica has grown and changed over the years due to earth quakes, fire, and the ravages of war. Its present structure was commissioned in 1646 by Pope Innocent X.

November 7, 2008

Guest: Jennifer Settle, Certification Course Manager of the Theology of the Body Institute
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Didacus

Today, Jenny was under the weather, so Deacon Rick spent the morning with us. Deacon Rick spoke with Jennifer Settle, the Certification Course Manager of the Theology of the Body Institute. Jennifer recently moved to Pennsylvania from Iowa for this job, she is the co-host on the ever-popular "Theology of the Body" here on KWKY and was the DRE at St. Augustin's before accepting this position. Jennifer spoke with us about all Theology of the Body as well as her new position there.

As the Certification Course Manager, Jennifer orchestrates the courses that take place at the Theology of the Body Institute. They offer Theology of the Body 1 and 2, taught by Christopher West. They also bring in other Theologians to teach other related courses. For example they recently had Dr. Janet Smith to offer courses on "Love and Responsibility" by John Paul II. The only courses that need to be taken consequentially are Theology of the Body 1 and 2, the others you can sign up for without prerequisites. Jennifer is busy planning a Theology of the Body 1 course that will take place January 4-9. They welcome 100 people at a time for these immersion courses.

Jennifer also spoke about the joys of working with the Theology of the Body Institute. Jennifer enjoys watching the light of the truth of Theology of the Body illuminate the hearts of those who experience it for the first time. Once in the light of truth the discovery of the lies that our society feed us about Theology of the Body come to the forefront. The lies of this culture are abounding, they've confused what sex is and also what true freedom is.

Some of the truths that Jennifer shared with us this morning were that our sexuality is not just an ad-on to our existence. We will remain male and female for all eternity. It's who we are, we find our identity as a daughter or son of God through our sexuality. Through this we can then discover who we are in our relationship with God.

For more information, you can visit the Theology of the Body Institute website:
www.tobinstitute.org

November 6, 2008

STUDENTLOANTRUTH.ORG

Guest: Paul Simino, Founder of "studentloantruth.org"
Buffalo Road Round Up: Miranda Taiber
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Nicholas Tavelic and Companions

Today, Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Paul Simino, founder of "studentloantruth.org." Paul started the website as a response to laws that congress changed which triggered a mass exodus of 160 banks from the student loan program. The website has free information and resources about student loans and college payment. There's an FAQ section where Paul answers inquiries directly. Paul's outlook is that there are solutions to every challenge, the goal of his website is to get the students the information and direction they need when they find themselves faced with the question of paying for higher education.

As many of our listeners know, Jenny is working toward her Master's degree in Adult Learning Education. Rick was very interested to discover what helpful hints Paul might have for those in Grad School. Paul said if you're not ahead on student loans when you graduate with a Masters, it might be wise to pitch to a potential employer to add a specific benefit to the employment package. He is currently employing a young lady who asked if he would pay 20% of her student loans every year she worked there if she stayed for five years. This aids both the employer and the employee as the employee gets their student loans paid off and the employer has a steady employee for five years.

Advice that Paul left for listeners was to be informed. Paul told us that wisdom is the application of knowledge, and so it is in our best interest to be and remain informed.

For more information you can check out his website:
www.studentloantruth.org

Buffalo Road Round Up:

-Dowling's Christmas service project will be launching soon. Dowling asks for donatoins of toys and clothing for the 150 children in the program. They are in particular need of coats, mittens and hats.
-Congratulations to the State Cross Country Winners!
-The Liturgy Committee was pleased with the way the All Souls Day Mass went on November 4.
-Dowling is also in need of donations of Dowling t-shirts that they will use the logos from to make a t-shirt quilt for the Dowling auction.

November 5, 2008

Guest: Brad Matsen, author of "The Further Adventures of Shadow Divers, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler: Titanic's Last Secrets"
Featured Saint of the Day: Venerable Solanus Casey

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Brad Matsen, the author of "The Further Adventures of Shadow Divers, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler: Titanic's Last Secrets." "Titanic's Last Secrets" is a book about the untold story of the men and women who built the Titanic. It uncovers an elaborate cover-up by those who built the Titanic. Thomas Andrew, who designed Titanic, orginally mapped out that it would be built with thicker steel and more lifeboats. When these original drafts were presented to the ship-building company they were changed using the Board of Trade Regulations for ship-building, which at the time were twelve years old.

The stimulating factor between uncovering the myth that Titanic sank in one piece was uncovered in 2005 by John Chatterton adn Richie Kohler. They went to the wreckage of the Titanic searching for something different, and discovered two pieces of the bottom of the boat that hadn't been discoverd yet. By taking pictures of these pieces of the Titanic and later studying them, they discovered through the edges of the steel that hte ship had bent into a V one way before inverting the other direction. This caused the whole bottom of the ship to fall out. The Titanic, did then, break in teh middle adn go down in two pieces. This also solves some mysteries as to why it sank so quickly.

The shipping companies at the time had held that the Titanic had gone down in one piece, mostly to save the reputatoin of Brittish ship-making. Because this cover-up passed, there were no charges against the building company for faulty structure. Also the building company was then able to settle the insurence claims for much less than it would have been with these charges.

When Brad was asked to write the book, he asked what the survivors had to say about the sinking. Through his search of a database of inquiries and diving into the words of the survivors, he discovered that many of them said that the Titanic went down "without a ripple." That began this search for the truth, an adventure shared between Brad Matsen, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler. Brad spoke of the rewards of research, to sit down and discover the deeper truth. He phrased it as a "wonderful pusuit that rewards you as you're going along."

While the story of the Titanic doesn't directly correlate to our Catholic Faith, we can draw life from this search for Truth. We as Catholics need to take the intiative in our daily walks of faith to dive deeper into the truth. When we submerse ourselves in the richness of this Faith of ours we become more fully ourselves and are able to see rhyme to the mysteries of life.

November 4, 2008

Guests: Rita Lepeska, Director of Mercy Hospice in Des Moines and Bob Ravenscroft of the Mercy Foundation.
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Charles Borromeo

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Rita Lepeska, Director of Mercy Hospice in Des Moines and Bob Ravenscroft of the Mercy Foundation about Mercy Hospice and how the community can support its ministry. Rita shared with us the joy she has found in working with Mercy Hospice. Hospice is a program for those patients who have illnesses without a cure. When a patient doesn't have a cure that doesn't mean you stop treatment. Hospice provides care for a patient's comfort as well as their spiritual and psychological suffering. Hospice also allows the family to focus on their loved one during their final days by taking care of their physical needs.

To be admitted to Hospice, it requres a physician's order, but a family member can seek the order out. Usually the patients have been given six months or less to live. There are insurences that have Hospice benefits included, and for those who don't have hospice in their plan the Mercy Foundation is there to help. There are twelve rooms available at the Des Moines Mercy Hospice, but a majority of Hospice work is done in the homes of those who need care. Each of the rooms available have a family room adjacent to it.

Mercy Hospice in Des Moines has 65 employees and around 100 volunteers. Volunteers do anything from groundskeeping to sitting with the patients while their families run errands. The act of presence in the ministry of hospice, sometimes means more to the patient then doing something for them.

November is National Hospice Month, and Bob encourages families to talk about the care that they want while they're well before end-of-life decisions must be made. To volunteer you can go to: www.mercydesmoines.org/hospice or get a hold of Mary Kay Casey the Volunteer Coordinator at: 515-643-6147

To donate to Hospice or any of Mercy's ministries you can go to:
www.mercydesmoines.org/foundation

November 3, 2008

Guest: Fr. Jim Kubicki, Director of the Apostleship of Prayer
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Martin de Porres

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Fr. Jim Kubicki, Director of the Apostleship of Prayer. Fr. Jim illustrated for us Pope Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for the Month of November.

General: “That the testimony of love offered by the saints may fortify Christians in their devotion to God and their neighbor, imitating Christ who came to serve and not to be served”.

Mission: “That the Christian communities of Asia, contemplating the face of Christ, may know how to find the most suitable ways to announce Him, in full faithfulness to the Gospel, to the people of that vast continent so rich in culture and ancient forms of spirituality”.

When diving into the General Intention, Fr. Jim highlighted that the Holy Father drew on the lives of the saints to help us live out the Great Commandment to love God with all of our heart mind and strength and to love others as we love ourselves. The question Fr. Jim asked us to consider is: "Who are the heroes in our lives?" The saints are those who lived life with heroic virtue, the kind that we ought to look at and model our own lives on. Fr. Jim also looked at the Great Commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Fr. Jim points out that Jesus never said we had to like all of our neighbors, but simply to will their good. To pray for them and act in charity toward them.

Looking at the Mission Intention, Fr. Jim pointed out that Jesus was Asian. The phrase, "contemplating the face of Christ" points to God's gift of Christ as the human face we can look at. St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face asked to add "and the Holy Face" to her name. To draw upon the strength of the suffering face of Christ. Fr. Jim drew out also that in contemplating on the suffering face of Christ, that the Christians in Asia would be made strong in the midst of persecution.

Fr. Jim encouraged all of us during the month of November to pray for the souls of the Faithful Departed, even those of whom you might have struggled with. He also encourages us to read the lives of the saints and let their example of heroic virtue inspire us.

October 31, 2008

Live Remote From: Divine Treasures: 5701 Hickman Road
Guests: Lisa Fulscher, Author of "My Guardian Angel from Heaven Above", Jannelle Kennedy, Manager of Divine Treasures, and Sr. Lois Burkheart, Owner of Divine Treasures
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Wolfgang of Regensburg

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny broadcast live from Divine Treasures during their 16th Anniversary Sale. They spoke with Lisa Fulscher who will be in Divine Treasures signing her book, "My Guardian Angel from Heaven Above." Her book is dedicated to her daughter, Natalie. If you purchase the book you can also download an audio file of someone reading the book on-line. Lisa has always collected angels and throughout her life has always felt God and the Angels near her. Leading up to her writing this story, she was looking for a bed-time story for Natalie about Angels. She wanted something biblically based and soothing, but she couldn't find anything. The minute she decided to move forward in writing the book, she couldn't get to her computer fast enough to write it out. The artist who illustrated the book made the little girl in the story look like Natalie, Lisa's daughter.

Rick and Jenny also spoke with their daughter, Jannelle Kennedy, the Manager at Divine Treasures. Jannelle reminded us that Tony and Eileen Valdez will be live from Divine Treasures to help kick off the second day of the sale. There are plenty of gift-items for sale right now such as rosaries, saint medals, books and movies. There are also two grand prize drawings going. One is for a bust of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Another is for a three-dimensional plaque of the baptism of Jesus.

Sr. Lois Burkheart, the Owner of Divine Treasures, also spoke with Deacon Rick and Jenny. Lois is still discerning whether to join a new community that is being formed in St. Louis by Sr. Rosalind Moss. The Community is called, "The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel's Hope."

October 30, 2008

Guests: Fr. Michael Amadeo from Holy Trinity Catholic School
Tom Chapman, Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference
Buffalo Road Roundup: Miranda Taiber
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Alphonsus Rodriguez



Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Fr. Michael Amadeo. Fr. Michael is the priest at Holy Trinity. Holy Trinity Catholic School is one of fifty Catholic Schools nationwide to receive the 2008 Blue Ribbon School Award. Holy Trinity's commitment to quality education is showing through its offerings of foreign language classes as well as algebra. Holy Trinity was ranked in the top 10% of Basic Test Scores in Reading and Math which is one of the qualifications for the Blue Ribbon School Award.

Holy Trinity will be having an awards ceremony today at 2:00pm. There will be several speakers as well as an appearance from the State Fair Blue Ribbon. Congratulations to Holy Trinity!



Rick and Jenny also spoke with Tom Chapman, the Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference. Tom recently conducted a Faithful Citizenship Presentation Tour. In this tour he encouraged Catholics to get involved with politics. He encouraged them to delve into the issues through seeking the resources to form their consciences. Then once their consciences are formed and to act on what their conscience dictates.

Tom also spoke about the benefits of donating to Catholic Tuition. There is a Tax Credit Plan in act where you get 65% of your donations as credit for your taxes. These donations go to those students in need across Iowa. They are looking toward expanding these benefits to the corporate level.



Miranda Taiber brought us the Buffalo Road Roundup this morning as well, here's what's going on at Dowling:

-The Dowling Parents Guild Pancake Breakfast is this Sunday, November 2 at the Polk County Convention Center.
-The Fall Play begins tonight and will run through Saturday. The play opens at 7:30 every night and is being held at the Catholic Pastoral Center. There will also be a matinee on Staurday at 2:00pm.
-Congratulations to the Dowling Football team who won the first round of the play-offs against Fort Dodge with a score of: 49-0
-Congratulations to the nine choral students who made it into All State.

October 29, 2008

Guests: RyAnne Folck, Jenny Witt, David Daro and Craig Sanger, the FOCUS Missionary Team at Loras College
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Narcissus of Jerusalem

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny were joined in studio by the FOCUS Missionary Team at Loras College: RyAnne Folck, Jenny Witt, David Daro and Craig Sanger. Craig is from Newton, Kansas. He went to school at Benedictine College before going to Conception Seminary College and then Mount Saint Mary Seminary. He decided to take a temporary leave from the Seminary and was encouraged to check out FOCUS during this time of further discernment. David is from David City, Nebraska. He was introduced to FOCUS through his final year at college. His final year of college was FOCUS's first year there. RyAnne is from Peoria, Illinois and went to Illinois State for college. She became involved with the missionaries there and was planning on becomign a Junior High teacher. After visiting a friend who was a FOCUS Missionary she changed her plan a little. This is her second year as a FOCUS Missionary. Jenny is also from Peoria, Illinois. She worked as a nurse for two years before visiting her friend, RyAnne, and falling in love with the mission of FOCUS.

FOCUS was started by Curtis Martin in 1998. The first FOCUS Missionary team was at Benedictine. It started with two staff members and now, ten years later, there are over 200 Missionaries. FOCUS has a presence on 39 College Campuses across 29 different States. The Missionaries give two years of their life to FOCUS and are sent to campuses in teams of 4. As a team they have a strong commitment to prayer, they come together for holy hours, mass, as well as praying a daily rosary.

Jenny spoke of her FOCUS experience. Their first priority is their personal relationship with Christ, because you can't give what you don't have. The most work they do is during their daily holy hour. As a nurse before becoming a missionary she often struggled with her daily prayer life. Loras offers Eucharistic Adoration, and Jenny finds her joy before the Blessed Sacrament. "To go before the Lord and draw souls there with us," as she phrased it.

Craig told us about the variety of students they encounter at Loras. Loras has 1,500 sudents adn is an NCA division 3 school. A lot of the students go to Loras for athletics, not necessarily because it is a Catholic Campus. FOCUS helps these students recognize the treasures found in their faith. His favorite experiences are to watch the light turn on within the students as they realize that there is hope. When they meet their peers who they can find support from the deception of our culture fades to the background and they are able to draw closer to Christ.

In Dave's experiences as a FOCUS Missionary he finds joy in the gift of bringing students into a relationship with Christ. Teaching students a vision for life that includes Christ. One of his favorite Bible verses is 1Thessalonians 2:8 "Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us." Through living life with students, taking interest in them, he hopes to lead them to choose greatness.

RyAnne spoke of FOCUS's mindset as they approach a college campus. The goal of a FOCUS Missionary is to find two people they can invest in. Jesus had twelve disciples adn three that he took deeper with him. Through FOCUS Bible Studies they find two people they want to invest more time in. Inviting them to spend an extra hour a week with them as Accountability Partners. Through this they build solid friendships based in Christ. These two that the FOCUS Missionaries take time with are then sent out to draw others deeper into the Life of Christ. The Bible Quote of FOCUS is: 2 Timothy 2:2 "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. "

FOCUS has already impacted the nation. Over 3,000 young peopel gathered for the FOCUS Nationwide Conference this summer along with six Bishops and over 100 Priests. Focus has brought 142 Men to Seminary and 42 Women into Religious Life: both from the Staff and the Students.

To learn more about FOCUS or to get in touch with the Loras FOCUS Missionary Team you can follow the links below:
www.focusonline.org
www.loras.edu