September 30, 2008

Featured Saint of the Day: St. Jerome

Today we were unable to reach Danny Abramowicz, host of a new show on EWTN called "Crossing the Goal." Rise and shine will however, reschedule the interview. Deacon Rick and Jenny promoted the movie "Fireproof," a pro-marriage film that is in theaters. We also listened to some Sandi Patti as well as Michael Franks. Rick and Jenny wanted to remind everyone to participate in a Life Chain near them!

September 29, 2008

Guest: Bishop Richard Pates of the Diocese of Des Moines
Featured Saint of the Day: Feast of the Archangels: Gabriel, Raphael and Michael

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Bishop Richard Pates of the Diocese of Des Moines about the document issued by the Conference of Catholic Bishops on Faithful Citizenship. Bishop Pates outlined the document for us this morning.

Bishop Pates told us that there are two main aims to this document. The first being to stress the importance of solemnly forming your conscience. This is done through the Natural Law, the Ten Commandments, the teachings of the Gospels, and through the ongoing teaching of the Magisterium. The second aim of the document is to address the question "How does my conscience affect my vote?"

Bishop Pates told us that the Conference of Catholic Bishops drew upon seven themes for this election to consider. The first and most fundamental theme is that of the Right to Life. From this issue all others find their value. The second theme is that of the Family through community participation. The third theme is that of Rights and Responsibilities. This theme is based on the dignity of the human person, and that all persons ought to have their rights preserved. The fourth theme is that of service to the Poor and Vulnerable of our society. Bishop Pates called upon the words of Pope Benedict XVI who in Deus Caritas Est said, "Love for the (poor) is as essential as preaching the Gospel." The fifth theme is one of the Dignity of Workers and the Right to Work. Bishop Pates reminded us that the economy exists for human need, not the other way around. The sixth theme is that of Soliderity with our brothers and sisters around the world. The final theme is that of caring for God's Creation.

These themes reflect our Christian identity. Bishop Pates noted how politicians these days draw their votes from what people think they need. He said that there is a need for politicians to move toward a more selfless approach to lobbying for votes. This document from the Conference of Catholic Bishops points to the hope that change is possible. It is a document that reflects on our falues of a common good, and as such it is a document meant for all. In this document the Bishops don't tell you how to vote, but merely how to consider the issues through divine light.

If you would like to read the document or find out more on voting you can go to:
www.faithfulcitizenship.org

This weekend October 5, 2008 is the Life Chain. To find a Life Chain near you you can go to:
www.lifechain.net

Upcoming Guests

Monday, September 29: Bishop Pates will be calling in to talk about Faithful Citizenship

Tuesday, September 30: Danny Ambramowicz, Host of EWTN's new show "Crossing the Goal"

Wednesday, October 1: Lois Berens from Birthright

Thursday, October 2: Fr. Jim Kubicki, National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer

Friday, October 3: Monsignor Bognanno of Christ the King will share his thoughts on Faithful Citizenship

September 26, 2008

Guest: Sol Varisco-Santini: Program Coordinator of Migration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities in Des Moines
Featured Saints of the Day: Sts. Cosmos and Damian

September 25 was the Night of 1,000 Conversations, an event organized in DC to promote conversations about immigration across the country. Last night 1,000 conversations went on in different towns across the country. One of them was Des Moines.

Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Sol Varisco-Santini the Program Coordinator of Migration and Refugee Services for Catholic Charities in Des Moines. Sol co-hosted the Night of 1,000 Conversations in Des Moines with Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Ever since the Raid that went on in Marshalltown in 2006, Catholic Charities has been preparing the immigrants of Des Moines for the possibility of raids. Both how to be sure that they have their paperwork in order as well as how to provide for any kids that get shuffled and forgotten by the autorities. Through organizing Des Moines they will help duplicate the procedures in other cities in Iowa.

Sol shared that a scary aspect of these raids is that people who only want the right to work are being criminalized. There are 56,000 Visas available in our country for immigrants who want to work seasonally. There are only 5,000 Visas in the country for those immigrants who are non-professional.

Sol encouraged listeners to step up for those most vulnerable in our society. The need to reach out to these people and to discover them as individuals is great. Every person deserves to live their life with dignity. Sol encouraged people to look toward a solution and to continue to talk about this subject in society.

September 25, 2008

Guest: Angela Pometto: Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministry of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Virginia
Buffalo Road Round Up: Miranda Taiber
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Elzear and Bl. Delphina

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Angela Pometto, Assistant Coordinator of Youth Ministry of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Virginia. Angela originated from Iowa and after attending Franciscan University she moved to DC. She worked with the Arlington Catholic Herald for a time as a staff writer and photographer before stepping into Youth Ministry.

As a Youth Minister she has participated in Work Camp. In Work Camp the youth are split into crews of people they've never met before. In these crews they not only learn how to make lasting friendships, but they offer their services to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. They do anything from painting to maintenance for the house on their site. Angela has been privileged to play piano at the youth rallies for these events in the Music Ministries and on several occasions has played with Steve Angrisano. Angela has been involved in Music Ministry since she was in 5th Grade. The importance of music in the mass, and moreover, music that compliments the mass has been a daily discovery for Angela. She enjoys finding songs that coincide with the readings and the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church.

Angela has also been attending the March For Life for many years. She started going with Franciscan University while in college and has continued to participate through her years in the DC area. While she worked for the Arlington Catholic Harold she would often cover the different events of the March for Life. Angela always enjoys joining the throngs of people who gather to share in and celebrate the values of Life in DC. Including a Youth Rally and Mass at the MCI Center that can house 20,000 people. Last March For Life Angela snuck into the mass with her group since they arrived late. With the help of an inside friend, they became honorary volunteers at the Mass. She is always impressed by the mass amounts of youth present at the March for Life. It bodes well for the future of America that so many youth hold true to the values of life.

Angela shared that the biggest thing that helped her become who she is today is praying the rosary daily. She grew up in a strong Catholic Family in Iowa and they prayed the rosary together daily. And while she skipped beads and sped the prayers along with the best of them, over time those times of family prayer are what has helped shaped her life. Her family also introduced her to the Steubenville Youth Conference where she experienced first hand the reality of Christ in the Eucharist. Once she discovered for herself that Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist and he desired a relationship with her, her faith took off and solidified. She encourages the youth of our age to truly take the time to discover Christ in the Eucharist and to allow Him to have the personal relationship He desires with you.

Buffalo Road Round Up:

Miranda Taiber hosted the Buffalo Road Round Up to tell us the exciting things going on with Dowling. Here are some of the things she shared with us:

-Dowling came in 5th in the Valley West Mall Cash Competition and received a $500.00 check. Dowling appreciates all its shoppers.

-There are three dowling students who received special commendation with the National Merit Scholars for their scores in the PSATs.

-The Art Club finished their Peace Pinwheels, a project that has been going on since 2005 as a non-political statement about peace.

-Dowling congratulates its Entreprenual Studies Class for its recycling efforts. They have recycled 100 tons of home improvement material that would have otherwise polluted the environment.

-Dowling's VIP Service Club is planning a Service Trip to Cedar Rapids September 27, 28, and 29.

-Dowling's 2008 Fall Project will take place on October 12, 2008.

September 24, 2008

Guest: John Putbrese, President of KWKY Radio
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Pacifico of San Severino

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny had some fun with John Putbrese, the President of KWKY Radio. John shared with our listeners his gratitude for their support during the Fall Pledge Drive. It is clear that Catholic Radio is flourishing in Iowa through its listeners. He also wanted to share a few things that are coming up in the KWKY calendar.

Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, the President of Human Life International is coming to Des Moines on Friday, October 10. This free event will take place at St. Augustin's in Des Moines at 7:00pm. His topic for the evening will be "The Fight for Life Around the World."

On Saturday October 11, the Saints John and Paul Knights of Columbus will be holding a Fish Fry to benefit both KWKY Radio and their St. Vincent de Paul fund. The Fish Fry begins at 4:30pm and will go until 7:00pm. The cost for a meal of: baked or fried fish, choice of potato, salad, and ice cream is:
$10 for Adults
$5 for Children
$30 for Families

KWKY is also announcing a New Schedule that can be found on their web-site. The changes made are:
Fr. Corapi; 9:00am, 2:00pm, 12:00am
Christ is the Answer with Fr. John Riccardo; 11:00am
Heart Mind and Strength: will no longer be airing on KWKY
Local Programming; Has been moved from 2:00pm to 1:00 pm

You can call the station with your questions. 515-223-1150

September 23, 2008

Featured Saint of the Day: St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke about many different facets to our Catholic Faith. One of which was to commemorate this the feast of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. St. Padre Pio was an Italian friar who bore the wounds of Christ, known as the Stigmata. He first received the gift of the Stigmata while praying before a Crucifix in the choir loft of his monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo. The Crucifix came to life in a horrifyingly real vision of the Crucified Christ. When Christ departed an angel pierced St. Pio with the wounds of Christ. St. Pio was a humble man and was known to tell those who would come in droves to see him that he only wished to be a Catholic Friar who prayed all day. St. Pio was given many gifts from God during his ministry where he touched thousands in his small monastery. The wounds of Christ that St. Pio bore, though painful, were said to smell of roses, another gift was St. Pio's gift to read consciences in the confessional. A more extraordinary gift was that St. Pio was known to bilocate on different occasions. He is also credited with miraculous healings for those who pray to him. St. Pio was born in 1897 and died on September 23, 1968: he was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. In March of 2008 he was exhumed from his tomb and found to be incorrupt. Above is a picture that was taken of St. Pio after this discovery.

Also today Deacon Rick lead us through several minutes of reflection with Steven Curtis Chapman through his music. We listened to "The Journey" and then to "Be Still and Know." It was a calming way to center yourself on God for the coming day.

Also discussed was the success of Catholics Come Home who have produced radio and television ads to encourage Catholics to come home and embrace their faith. You can go to their website to view some of the commercials or listen here on KWKY to hear them throughout the day. www.catholicscomehome.org

Deacon Rick then spoke to us about some of his homily from the weekend. Saying that not only are we to seek Christ in our daily life, but as Christians we know that Christ also seeks us. Christ seeks us in the Gospel, in the Sacraments, and through the Magisterium of the Church. This lead him to talk about Bishop Pate's request that all priests and deacons preach this coming weekend on "Catholic Citizenship." More importantly on how to form your conscience as a Catholic in terms of voting. The document that was issued was formed by all the committees of bishops in America. They then voted on the document and it was overwhelmingly supported. The document focuses on the importance of the life issues when discerning how to vote.

Jenny wanted to encourage anyone who is interested to participate in the Alzheimer's Memory Walk that is taking place this Saturday, September 27. It begins at 9am. Jenny invites anyone interested to join her team on the walk, "Helen's Angels." You can e-mail her at riseandshine@kwky.com

September 22, 2008

Guest: Mike Patin
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Mike Patin after a busy week for the Fall Pledge Drive. Mike Patin is going to be at St. Joseph's in Des Moines this week for a Parish Mission Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mike's talk this week are going to stem from Reality TV and the question of whether TV reflects or creates reality. On Monday his talk will be entitled "Amazing Race" a study on Prayer. Tuesday's talk will be called "Extreme Makeover" focusing on Relationships. Wednesday's talk he calls "The Apprentice" which will encourage people to become Jesus Christ's apprentice.

On today's show one thing that he said in response to what God has taught him in his life was to kill the automatic pilot. To not go through life out of habit. To live in the moment and choose to live for God in each moment of your life. In the future look for a book that will be coming out by Mike Patin a compilation of his favorite prayers entitled "A Standing Invitation."

For more information on Mike Patin you can go to his website: www.mikepatin.com

September 11, 2008

Guests: Christine Kirkman and Stephanie Becker heads of Pure Fashion in Des Moines
Buffalo Road Round Up: Miranda Taiber
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Cyprian

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with the heads of Pure Fashion in Des Moines, Christine Kirkman and Stephanie Becker. Pure Fashion is an international faith based program designed for girls 14-18 to help young women re-discover and re-affirm their innate value and authentic femininity. Girls who sign up spend a year with Pure Fashion, meeting once a month to talk about style, modesty, etiquette, and the beauty of being a woman. At the end of the year the girls have a fashion show to highlight the things that they have learned during the year. Christine and Stephanie spoke of the changes they have seen Pure Fashion make in the lives of the young women they've worked with.

Applications for this year's Pure Fashion program are due by September 24, 2008. To apply or to look at sponsoring Pure Fashion you can go to : www.purefashion.org
or you can call Stephanie Becker at 515-371-6996

In the Buffalo Road Roundup with Miranda Taiber, we learned:
-The VIP Service Club along with the Mercy Foundation are planning a service trip to Cedar Rapids to help those still in need.
-Dowling Boys' Golf won the Ankeny Invitational this week.
-Operation Smile and Habitat for Humanity have recently made donations in the community.
-The Dowling Fall Project will take place on October 12. Dowling students will help with the upkeep of playgrounds as well as bush removal.
-The Dowling Drumline placed 7th recently in a competition and one of the snare-drum players placed 1st for a snare drum solo.

Visit Dowling on line to learn more: www.dowlingcatholic.org

September 10, 2008

Guest: Dave Durand, President and Owner of Pro Balance Inc.
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Thomas of Villanova

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Dave Durand, the President and Owner of Pro Balance Inc., and author of best-seller "Perpetual Motivation: How to Light Your Fire and Keep It Burning in Your Career and in Life." Dave told us that although he had been intent on discovering how to perfect Time Management, he did not discover the fullness of Time Management until his conversion experience. He had grown up Catholic, but in his younger years labeled himself as a "cosmetic Catholic." After his conversion experience he discovered that the Church has the playbook for human nature, which filled in the gaps of his research.

When looking at the question of what makes someone a "Top Performer" Dave saw that Top Performers had balance. He described it as six plates spinning at once: faith, family, finance, physical health, social life, and continued education/vocation. Top Performers are able to keep all of the plates spinning at the same time without thinking about it. To achieve this sort of balance, Dave encourages people to work on all these areas of our lives separately until it becomes part of our daily routine to keep all of them spinning at once. A habit to the point of being uncomfortable when you neglect one of the plates.

To help with that Dave developed what is called a "Balander." The Balander is a mix between Balance and Calander, it integrates all of the plates that we are trying to spin at once. It also has a unique feature of the a "Tomorrow to do list." This list is where you write down those things which occur to you as you are working, so that you do not have to stop your current task to do something else. Then by the end of the day you have a list of things to do for the next day. While it only takes a few minutes to learn how to use a Balander properly, it will have an impact on your organization, time management and subsequently, your life.

Dave left us with these words, "Faith is not merely another file for a cabinet, faith is the cabinet that contains all the other files of life."

For information or resources on Time Management you can go to Dave's website:
www.davedurand.com

September 9, 2008

Guests: Linda Echelmeyer of the Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts and Kevin Akers, Assistant Scout Master for Troop 71
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Peter Claver

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Linda Echelmeyer of the Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts and Kevin Akers, Assistant Scout Master for Troop 71. Linda informed us that Boy Scout recruiting nights will begin soon and that boys should be getting flyers for a troop in their area at their schools. If your son has not received a flyer and you are interested in learning more about Boy Scouts you can call their office at: 515-266-2135.

Kevin spoke of the joys of going through the Boy Scouts with his son. He expressed that through gaining knowledge, fun, comraderie, and the outdoor experiences the Boy Scouts offer young men a well-rounded experience. He mentioned that Eagle Scout Projects are a response to anywhere in the community that has a need. The intended Eagle Scouts do all the planning for these projects, as well as ordering supplies, and executing it with the help of their troop.

Both of our guests were sure to remind us to keep our eyes open for the coming Popcorn Sale from the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts.

To learn more about scouting you can go to: www.bsa-ia.org

September 8, 2008

Feast Day: The Birth of Mary

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny had a laid back morning of music and laughter. To help us enter into the feast of the Birth of Mary, Deacon Rick played "Ave Maria," "The Bells of St. Mary's," and "Mary Queen of Peace.

Jenny spoke of the upcoming "Thinking about Priesthood" night, for young men who want to learn more about the priesthood. This will take place on September 17 at 5:00pm at the Catholic Pastoral Center on Grand Avenue in Des Moines. For more information you can call Stephen Tatz: 515-237-5061.

Deacon Rick was inspired to end the show with a surprise song by the Beatles, "Eleanor Rigby."

September 5, 2008

Guests: Tom Chapman: Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference and Christopher and Ophelia de Serres: Founders of (Wo)men Speak Out
Featured Saint of the Day: Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Tom Chapman the Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference and Christopher and Ophelia d Serres the founders of (Wo)men Speak Out. Tom spoke with us about the political plan that the Iowa Catholic Conference is working on during this political season. Tom said that they want to promote adoption funds in a pro-life effort as well as a focus on flood relief for those who are still not back in their homes after the floods of 2008. There are resources on their website on how to form a Catholic Conscience so as to vote well in this next political season. Also on October 9, Bishop Charron will be joining Tom Chapman and they will be giving talks at St. Francis about forming your conscience as well as the politics involved in this election.

Christopher and Ophelia de Serres spoke with us about (Wo)men Speak Out. They are a non-profit organization that started a year ago, and they are focused on educating people about sexual abuse. Ophelia dn Chris said that at the root of abuse is fear. It is becaus people are afraid if it that they are not well informed about the statistics. (Wo)men Speak Out works to combat ignorance. Ophelia and Chris also gave us some helpful information for parents whose children are off to college. They said that parents should know and be sure that their kids are informed of campus security. They also said that if something doesn't sit well with you regarding campus security, to break the silence and let the college know.

For more information on the Iowa Catholic Conference you can go to: www.iowacatholicconference.org

For more information on (Wo)men Speak Out or to read their minizine you can go to: www.everytwominutes.com

September 4, 2008

Guests: Miranda Taiber with the Buffalo Road Roundup and Chaplain Graham Glover advocate of America United in Prayer
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Rose of Viterbo

Buffalo Road Roundup: Miranda Taiber gave us an inside look at Dowling Catholic High School. Friday September 5 is the celebrated Dowling vs. Valley game to be held at Valley. The Maroon Crew is advocating a "White Out" where all spectators rooting for Dowling wear white to the game. The new library and media center was dedicated this week. The drama department at Dowling has selected their fall play and will be performing Mac Beth on Halloween. The Dowling art department is creating custom photo boxes to raise money for a new kiln. Each box will be unique and original. In athletics, Dowling has experienced victory in Swimming and Diving, Boy's Golf and Volleyball. The celebrated pancake breakfast as been set for November 2, 2008 from 7:30am-1:30pm.

Chaplain Graham Glover stationed at Ft. Stuart in Georgia with a Field Artillary Unit is advocating days of prayer for our soldiers and for this country. These days of prayer will be on Sunday September 7, 2008 and again on September 11, 2008. The goal of this day of prayer is to unite the peole of this country in prayer, all religions and beliefs. For the people of this country to appreciate the sacrifices soldiers and their families have to make in order for them to enjoy the comforts America has to offer.

You can go to America United in Prayer's website to find a prayer that Chaplain Graham wrote for these days of prayer: www.americaunitedinprayer.com

September 3, 2008

Guest: Mary Pometto, Production Director for KWKY
Featured Saint of the Day: Pope St. Gregory the Great

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Mary Pometto the new Production Director. Mary shared her faith journey which started with a summer camp called Eagle Eye Summer Institute. This camp in Illinois with the Brothers of St. John sparked her zeal for Christ which carried through her college years at Franciscan University.

September 2, 2008

Guests: Bob Ravenscroft, president of the board of directors for the Mercy Foundation, and Tom Eggum, President of Hope for Kids International.
Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. John Francis Burte and Companions

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Bob Ravenscroft, the president of the board of directors for the Mercy Foundation and Tom Eggum, president of Hope for Kids International. Bob Ravenscroft shared with us the different services the Mercy Foundation offers to the community. His visit shall be the first of monthly visits from members of the Mercy Foundation. Bob told us that the Mercy Foundation was an extension of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, rooted in the heritage fo the Sisters of Mercy.

Tom Eggum, president of Hope for Kids International talked with us about his ministry. Hope for Kids international is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. It is a missionary effort focused on kids and what they need to survive. The biggest problem Tom sees in places like Africa is the need for clean water. Hope for Kids International strives to raise money to build wells and to gain supplies to care for the needs of these children. Tom has also recently co-authored a book with his sister, Rachel Eggum, "God, Why Don't You Hear Their Prayer."

For more information on the Mercy Foundation go to: www.mercydesmoines.org
For more information on Hope for Kids Internaional go to: www.hope4kidsinternational.org

August 29, 2008

Guest: Fr. Gregary Ketcham
Featured Saint of the Day: Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Fr. Gregary Ketcham, the director and head chaplain of St. John's Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois. Fr. Gregary shared with us some of the exciting things going on at St. John's Catholic Newman Center in this their, 80th year of campus ministry. Fr. Gregary told us that they just finished building the Catholic Residence Hall pictured above. This residence hall has 600 rooms on site, food service, house keeping, maintainance, computer labs, a fitness center, choir rooms and 24-hour acces to the main chapel. Fr. Gregary also spoke about the three doors into the ministries of the Newman Center. the first is the FOCUS missionaries that are present at the Newman Center. The second is the retreat program they have started. The third is through the orthodox liturgy presented. It is encouraging to know that when your kids go off to college, if there's a Newman Center, they will be taken care of.

For more information on St. John's Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois:
www.sjcnc.org