June 9, 2009

Featured Saint of the Day: St. Ephrem
Congratulations to the Winners of today's tickets to the Catholic Charities' I-Cubs Game: Tom Washington and Barb Graham
Featured National Guest: Gene Monterastelli, APEX Ministries
Featured Local Guest: Kristie Arlt, Communications Director for the Diocese of Sioux City
Featured National Guest: Michael Anderson, Gear Up Iowa
Featured Catholic News: Matthew Bunson, Our Sunday Visitor



Today, Bill and Rich spoke with Matthew Bunson, with Our Sunday Visitor on the Catholic News Front. Matthew shared with us news that Spain is loosening its regulations on Abortion. Already in Spain the age of consent is now 13, but they are moving towards Abortion on demand. The Christian churches in Spain are banding together to fight the new wave of legislation, but we need to keep this situation in our prayers and strive to stay informed.

On a good news front, Our Late Pope John Paul II's cause for cannonization, which opened 5 years ago after his death with the cry of "Sancto Subito" (Saint Immediately), is moving forward. The five year waiting period was waved by Pope Benedict XVI and it is now highly likely that he will be beatified in April of 2010.

Pope John Paul II's predecessor, Pope John Paul I, who was pope for 30 days before he died has recently been submitted with cause for cannonization. He is already attributed with the miraculous healing of a banker with terminal cancer who interceded to him shortly after his death.

Benedict XVI will also be coming out with his third encyclical. So far he has blessed us with "Deus Caritas Est" (God is Love) and "Spe Salve" (Saved by Hope). His newest Encyclical is projected to be out by teh end of the month entitled "Caritas in Veritate" (Love in Truth). In this encyclical he will be focusing on social issues, particularly a look at the economy.



Gene Monterastelli also joined Bill and Rich from APEX Ministires. APEX is a dynamic duo of two jugglers who share the message of the gospel through their juggling antics, sketch comedy and other hilarious antics. A majority of the work they do is at a Diocesan level, they also perform for Parishes and retreats.

Gene and his partner, Brad, both grew up in the same parish with a dynamic youth ministry program. It left them wondering who they could give back to the community. Brad had learned to juggle early in life and Gene picked it up in college to help him study and burn off energy. When comparing notes on life during college, Gene and Brad decided they wanted to reach out as a team through their love for telling stories as well as their juggling.

Gene spoke about serving the young Church. It's easy for parishioners who see the youth minister's name in the bulletin to simply say to themselves "Oh, it's so-and-so's job to minister to the youth." Youth Ministry involves the entire parish, taking an interest in the young people and being present to them. The Youth Minister coordinates these efforts. In their juggling, Gene and Brad focus on gifted-ness and discovering the gifts you have and how to share them with the world.

You can find more information on their website: www.apexministries.com




Kristie Arlt, the Communications Director for the Diocese of Sioux City shared some exciting news. The Diocese of Sioux City is planning their 13th Annual Bishop's Dinner, which will be taking place October 11. An exciting guest of this event will be Cardinal Daniel DiNardo. Cardinal DiNardo was the Bishop of Sioux City for 5 years before he was elevated to Cardinal two years ago, and is now located in Galviston, Texas. Tickets for this event will be on sale in August.

One of the stories Kristie shared about Cardinal DiNardo was when he came back to visit Iowa right after his elevation to Cardinal. Sioux City had done several media outreaches with Cardinal DiNardo leading up to his arrival where he explained that the proper address for a Cardinal is "Your Eminence." A young girl in the line of 2,000 people finally had her turn with Cardinal DiNardo and had one question: "Why do they call you 'Your M&Ms?' Is that your favorite candy?" To which Cardinal DiNardo replied "No, my favorite candy is Snickers so I don't know why they call me 'Your M&Ms.' You can call me Fr. Dan."

Kristie also announced that there is a new Superintendant of Catholic Schools for their Diocese, Dan Ryan. He will be in charge of their 8 Catholic High Schools and 17 Catholic Elementary Schools.

Learn more by going to: www.scdiocese.org


Michael Anderson with Gear Up Iowa joined Bill and Rich for the final interview of the day. He shared with us that Gear Up's mission is to help bridge the gap of college awareness for low-income students and families. They currently reach into 31 schools and help students focus on their early education and college preparations. The unique part of Gear Up is that once these students graduate there is then scholarship money available to them to help them further their education.

The Gear Up Iowa program helps to make this nation and our state a better place by helping these students to contribute. It also helps to break the cycle of generations who haven't attended college. Michael helps students get past all those things that they think are holding them back so that they are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

If you want more information you can check them out through: www.iowacollegeaid.gov

June 8, 2009

Featured Saint of the Day: St. William of York
Congratulations to the Winners of today's tickets to the Catholic Charities' I-Cubs Game: Steve Reed and Margaret Prikl
Featured Local Guest: John Johnson and Crystal O'Conner, J. Johnson Gallery
Featured National Guest: Fr. Jim Kubicki, National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer
Featured Catholic News: Michael Voris, Real Catholic TV




Today, Michael Voris, the Founder and President of St. Michael's Media who will be speaking at KWKY's 2nd Annual Faith Matters Conference, brought some news into the the Catholic Perspective. Today he spoke about a speech delivered by President Obama in Chiro where he put Christianity and Islam on equal footing. The fundamental differences in the beliefs of these religions make such a claim hard to follow through with. We should always keep the door open to dialogue with our Islamic brothers and sisters, but to put them on equal footing points to an "anything goes" mentality and that all religions are the same.



John Johnson and Crystal O'Connor joined Bill and Rich from J. Johnston Gallery on 104th Street in Urbandale. John is working with Hubbel Realty on a project. They're trying to raise money for a low-income housing project for Anawim Housing. Anawim Housing was begun in 1987 by Sister Stella in Omaha and they are begining th eir inaugural project in Des Moines. The project is Hubbel Realty's "9 in 09" where they will build a 9-plex of townhomes in 9 days.

John will be taking pictures of this project during all 9 days. When finished the Anawim Housing will be open for application. Struggling families may apply to live in an Anawim home to help them get back on their feet. It's a useful tool to help people move forward, even if they're on a single income right now.

To support this endeavor John is offering a special deal. He's offering a family portrait or even a Senior Portrait sitting including 1 8x10 for $100. This is half of what a normal portrait sitting costs and the entire $100 will go to the Anawim Housing Project.

You can learn more by going to: www.anawimnhousing.org
Or by visint J. Johnson Studios on line: www.jjjohnsongallery.com



Fr. Jim Kubicki, the National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer joined Bill and Rich to discuss the Holy Father's prayer intentions for the month of June.

• General: Foreign Debt Relief. That international efforts to help poorer nations bring prompt, concrete results to relieve the crushing burden of foreign debt.
• Mission: The Church in Areas of Violence. That local Church communities serving areas torn by violence may be supported through the love and help offered by Catholics around the world.

In the General Intention, the Holy Father calls us to learn more about those countries that are under the affliction of debt. Fr. Kubicki gave us the example of Zambia where to get the country out of debt, every person would owe $750, but as it is the per-capita income of the country is $250 per person. Fr. Jim encourages us to learn more about such countries and to join our Holy Father in praying for them.

The Mission Intention draws back to the Ascension, where Christ calls his apostles to preach the Good News and to Baptize into all four corners of the world. In areas of violence it becomes hard for the Church to stay true to its evangelistic mission. As June is also the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we know that Christ is looking on teh whole world and brining it close to our hearts through our prayers.

For more information go to: www.apostleshipofprayer.org

June 5, 2009

Featured Saint of the Day: St. Boniface
Congratulations to the Winner of today's ticket to the Catholic Charities' I-Cubs Game: Alan Eoriatti
Featured Local Guest: Dr. Greg McKernan, Family Practitioner
Featured Local Guest: George Antonea with the Greek Food Fair, St. George's Greek Orthodox Church
Featured National Guest: Kieth Fimian Chairman and Founder of U.S. Inspect, LLC
Featured Catholic News: Karen Williams, Catholic Edition



Dr. Greg McKernan a Family Practitioner who is an NFP (Natural Family Planning) only doctor spoke today about the why of NFP. We live in a sterilized society. Men and women used to understand that the conjugal act has a high chance of producing a baby. They entered into it with that in mind and felt the natural responsibility with the life that was created. With contraception, the couple do not expect to become empregnated. When a pregnancy comes from the conjugal act, the sense of responsibility is lost. Contraception is the first step down the road to abortion.


Greek Orthodox Church of St. George
1110 35th Street
Corner of 35th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa

Bill and Rich were joined by representatives of the Greek Food Fair who shared samples of the greek food. The Greek Food fair is a great way to spend a Saturday with your family. They even have a drive through if you're pressed for time. Experience the a-la-carte stands as well as the main meal. There will also be a Greek coffee shop.

Keith S. Fimian is Chairman and Founder of U.S. Inspect, LLC, the nation’s leading provider of property inspection services. From its headquarters office in the suburbs of Washington, DC, U.S. Inspect has become the dominant inspection services company in the United States. Keith was the company’s Chairman and CEO from its founding in 1986 until before his run for the United States Congress in 2008. He is currently responsible for the company’s long term business strategy, key client relationships and new business initiatives. Prior to founding the Company, Keith worked for seven years with the international accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick where he did a rotation in the firm’s Executive Offices in New York City and served as Senior Manager. A certified public accountant, Keith received his Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he earned a full four year athletic scholarship and captained the football team. He and his wife are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters and reside in Northern Virginia.

June 4, 2009

Featured Saint of the Day: St Charles Lwanga and Companions
Congratulations to the Winner of today's ticket to the Catholic Charities' I-Cubs Game: Tamera Knupp
Featured National Guest: Steven Greydanus, Decent-Films.com
Featured National Guest: Eric Genuis, Catholic Composer
Featured Catholic News: Michael Voris, Real Catholic TV


Today with Michael Voris, the Founder and President of St. Michael's Media who will be joining Iowans for the 2nd Annual Faith Matters Conference drew a comparison between GM and the Church.



Steven Greydanus of decentfilms.com joined Bill and Rich to give an overview of films from the month of May.

Steven enthusiastically recommended "UP" and "Star Trek".

"UP" is the latest film from Pixar. It's a computer animated film that is an adventure/comedy/heartbreaking love story. It is about a senior citizen and a young boy who go on an adventure to Africa. The old man is a widower and is grieving for his wife. It's a beautiful story and Steven highly recommended it.

"Star Trek" is staged to be the prequel to the original Star Trek series and tells the story of how Kirk, Spock and Bones meet. This movie is for OLDER AUDIENCES, but is also recommmended by Steven. Steven also said that since JJ Abrams, the director is really a Star Wars fan, not really a Star Trek, this movie is accessable to even those who have never seen Star Trek before.

Movies to watch out for and stay away from include: "Angels and Demons" and "National Treasure: Night at the Smithsonian." If you're trying to decide which film to take your children to, definitely go to "UP."

Find more reviews at: www.decentfilms.com



Eric Genuis is a piano compuser and composes music of all kinds. He travels around the country and internationally sharing his music with different solists. He will be performing in Australia soon. Prior to each piece he will give the story behind what inspired it. One of his pieces he wrote for his daughter who has down sindrome.

After playing his music, he gives a philosophically stimulating talk about art and culture. When he goes into the schools to talk to kids, he points out that those who walk around with iPods a majority of the day are filling themselves with music daily. The question becomes, what kind of music. Later he went on to say that the beauty of music is what draws us into an encounter with the Almighty. Indeed, Beauty itself is the language of God. The purpose of Eric's music is to move people closer to God.

Check him out at: www.ericgenuis.com

June 3, 2009

Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. John XXIII
Congratulations to the Winner of today's ticket to the Catholic Charities' I-Cubs Game: Charles Bernhard
Featured Local Guest: Tara Connolly, Executive Director of Development for the Mercy Foundation
Featured Catholic News: Michael Voris, Real Catholic TV



Today, Michael Voris with Real Catholic TV, who will be joining us for the Faith Matters Conference in August spoke with Bill and Rich about Catholic News items. Michael encouraged listeners to keep their eyes open and their hearts and minds steadfast to the teachings of the Church. With the movement in today's politics swinging towards creating a rift, it's even more important that we stay informed, and continue to strive together to learn more and draw deeper into the gift of our Faith.





Tara Connolly, the Executive Director of Development for the Mercy Foundation joined Bill and Rich to promote the Bishop Drumm Golf Tournament.

Bishop Drumm Golf Tournament
Monday, June 8, 2009
Briarwood Golf Course
Benefiting Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

If you need more information you can check out their website or give them a call: 247-3248
www.mercydesmoines.org

Tara also encourages any women who want to get involved with other women of faith to look into the Catholic Women's League. If you're interested in getting involved you can contact Aurora Lumadue at: alumadue@aol.com

June 2, 2009

Featured Saint of the Day: Sts. Marcellinus and Peter
Congratulations to the Winner of today's ticket to the Catholic Charities' I-Cubs Game: Leanne Larsen
Featured Local Guest: Anne Marie Cox, Communications Director for the Diocese of Des Moines
Featured Local Guest: Al Kresta, President of Ave Maria Radio and Host of "Kresta in the Afternoon"
Featured Catholic News: Karen Williams with Catholic Edition



Anne Marie Cox, the Communications Director for the Diocese of Des Moines joined us to speak about some events going on in the Diocese. Deacon Ken Halbur and Deacon George Komo will be ordained into the Priesthood on Friday, June 5, 2009. The mass will begin at 7pm.

Keep an eye out for the Catholic Mirror. Anne and her staff asked people to submit the different ways they pray. It should be an exciting edition of this month's Catholic Mirror.



Al Kresta host of "Kresta in the Afternoon" joined Bill and Rich for the second interview. Al will be joining KWKY during the Iowa State Fair this year. The State Fair is August 13-23. Al's show will be live for all three hours of his programming. Al is excited because with his show he doesn't get to do remotes from this type of event very often.

Featured Saint of the Day: St. Justin
Congratulations to the Winner of today's ticket to the Catholic Charities' I-Cubs Game: Pam Morre
Featured Local Guest: Terri Prenger, Iowans For Life: Pro-Life 101
Featured Catholic News: Michael Voris, Real Catholic TV





During today's Catholic News segment, Bill and Rich were joined by Michael Voris the president and founder of St. Michael's Media. Michael will be joining us for KWKY's Second Annual Faith Matters Conference: Springtime of Evangelization August 28-29, 2009.

The big topic of teh day was that George Tiller, a late term abortionist in Wichita, Kansas, was shot and killed in his Church Sunday. George was an usher for the Reformation Lutheran Church. As a pro-life community, murder is never the answer, we hope that our listeners will join KWKY in praying for the repose of the soul of George Tiller and for his family.

Michael pointed out that this murder raises many questions. The secular media is honing in on the murder taking place in a church and that George Tiller was an usher. Michael's question was didn't the pastor know this man's profession? He wasn't a low-profile parishioner, he was an active member in society. In the Catholic Church, those active in pro-death professions are not permitted to receive communion, because you cannot be Catholic and Pro-abortion. Michael challenges us to watch how the secular media spins this story. It is very telling on how secular media is sold on teh abortion movement.

Michael also approached the subject of Sonya Sotomayor as Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court. Michael pointed out that while she does not seem to have a record of rulings on pro-life cases that doesn't mean that she is pro-life. She ruled in favor of the pro-life movement on two occasions that did not deal with the right to abortion. No one quite has a handle on her positoin on Roe-v-Wade stance, so we should watch her with caution.

Find more on: www.realcatholictv.com





Terri Prenger with Iowans for Life joined us for Pro-Life 101 today. She too commented on George Tiller's murder. Terri said that every single life is precious including the late-term abortionist, George Tiller and murder is never the answer.

Terri also commented on President Obama's speach at Nortre Dame where he asked to meet on common ground. The idea of common ground in the dictionary is termed as "a basis of mutual interest or agreement."

There is nothing that we can mutually agree upon with Pro-Abortionists. We believe that all life is sacred and we can't budge from that conviction one inch. To meet in the middle means that the Pro-Life movement would have to say that some abortions are okay, when they are not. As Terri rightly put it, "We're either totally alive or totally dead."

Terri pointed out that Fr. Pavone says dialogue is important, which it is. We dialogue but we never waiver on the issues where life is concerned. Opening dialogue up to debate. The facts are available and there are many men and women whose lives have been changed by abortion.

For more information you can go to: www.iowansforlife.org