Program Synopsis

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In Accord

In our world today there are challenges for social justice. How do we deal with immigration, labor, or people suffering from natural disasters? Jesus does speak to us about how to help our hurting world. These issues are explored in In Accord, with Fr. Wilfred Raymond, CSC, Director of Family Theater. Fr. Mike probes with this guest how we, in our own way, can respond. Fr. Willie. one of twelve in a religious Catholic family in Maine, talks about how light came to him about his own life in surprising ways. He was inspired by others who lived the principles Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25.The two priests get into an interesting discussion about what part the Church should play in controversial issues as immigration, health care, feeding the poor of the world--challenging topics for challenging times!

You Have Been Chosen

Remember how you felt when you were chosen for a team, or selected for a job, or chosen as a husband or wife by your spouse? That is indeed a special feeling, and rightfully so. In this session, Fr. Mike speaks of Jeremiah and Isaiah in the Old Testament, being chosen by God to do extraordinary things for him. Then in the New Testament There is the choosing of Peter, Matthew, and Simon the Zealot. These men certainly don't seem like the most likely candidates to be "chosen" by God, do they? It is difficult for us to realize that we, too, are chosen. We, too, are loved by God and empowered to help do God's work here and now. We tend to concentrate on our failings and sinfulness. God looks at our goodness and asks us to help change the world. Can we accept that?

Divine Dimension

The Fifth Dimension was a wonderful group of singers in the 60's and 70's who flooded the world with excitement and talent. Florence La Rue, a member of the Fifth Dimension, is Fr. Mike's guest in this episode. Raised in Glenside, Pa, Florence taught Sunday School and sang in the choir, but she was, in her own words, a closet Christian at first. As her career grew, fame and fortune was all she was interested in having. She got away from going to Church, when her career blossomed. Then about ten years ago, the Lord spoke to her spirit and her life has changed since then.
Fr. Mike and Florence discuss how songs can be like parables, teaching us about God in a "secular" way, as it were, coming in through the back door. Florence now has a One Woman Show entitled Just As I am, which she feels really speaks to people where they are. The show ends with a beautiful rendition of If I Could by Florence La Rue.

My Awakening                                  
How does the Church, any Church, deal with the young people? What makes them want to come to Church and be in community with others? Fr. Mike discusses all this with Erika Martinez, a young lady who has gone through issues of rejecting the Church, professing atheism, and then come around again. Born in Mexico, the only daughter among three sons, Erika and her family moved to the US when she was very young. Perhaps part of her rebellion stemmed from being the only daughter.
She had problems with her back, went through depression, and refused to speak with her parents. Then something happened that turned her life around, not in ten minutes but over a length of time. She now knows that God is very near and cares for her.

Blood In Blood Out

Our world today is filled with gangs and violence, especially in our inner cities. Is it beyond us to do something when we feel so helpless? What can we as Christians do to bring about change? Art Blajos was deeply involved with gangs. He explains in this interview with Fr. Mike just how this came about in his life. He found his identity within the gang. They became his family. He was accepted by them and they became his role models. He spent over seventeen years in prison because of assaulting a police officer. This became a status symbol for his and won him praise from other gang members. It looked as if God –and others -- had given up all hope for Art.Then something happens. God steps in and turns his life upside down and inside out. Art was a “hit” man and was hired to kill this other man. Don’t miss this exciting story that sounds like the plot of a TV mystery.

Deep in My Heart

 Fr. Mike states that one of the things he wants most in life is Joy – deep in his heart. Don’t we all? We desire that deep joy that no one can take from us. How do we get that? In the midst of all that is going on around us, real joy is sometimes difficult to have. Fr. Mike talks of the joys of watching sports, having a baby, being released from prison after proven innocent through DNA. These bring some of us joy, but how can we attain deep joy in all our lives? Fr. Mike goes on to talk about how this can be, what we have to do. Quoting Zephaniah, the prophet, and St. Paul in the letter to the Philippians, he explores with us the keys to lasting joy. What a great gift that is indeed!

 What will make Jesus the center of my life? In this show, Fr. Mike looks at how Jesus can be the answer; how Jesus can really become that center? Fr. Mike explains that there are so many things in our world drawing me away from Jesus. There are so many things that have happened in the past that can disturb me, take away my peace, and lead away from Jesus. The killing of other people is so difficult to understand. Yet this has happened again and again. With his strong love for Jesus, Fr. Mike looks at Jesus and the ways that he is the real force to bring about peace. He gives four different ways. Oh, how wonderful it would be if we could do these four things and really have Jesus as the center of our lives!The show ends with Ralph and Victoria Mohutsky singing There Will Be Bread.

Stolen Lives Regained

“No one shall be held in slavery or servitude.” We all believe this, don’t we? But, do we believe that 17,500 human beings are enslaved in the USA each year? 700,000 to 2,000,000 women and children are trafficked throughout the world each year. It seems unbelievable, doesn’t it?In Stolen Lives Regained survivors tell their story. We hear and see them because now they are free and safe from their masters and want to help save others from this same fate. In this short documentary, Fr. Mike explains the situation here in the states and how CASTLA helps to change this dreadful scene. The staff of the Coalition Against Slavery and Trafficking, Los Angeles (CASTLA) talks about their work and gives direction of what to do if you suspect someone is enslaved. They give clues to look for that will help to determine if it is something that needs reporting.
Fr. Mike ends by saying “Knowledge is power. Educate yourself.”

Rock to Rock
What could be more antithetical than a person who is a lawyer, a punk rocker, a radio show host AND a devoted Christian? That is who Joe Escalante really is. On Rock to Rock, Fr. Mike talks to Joe about how this all came to be. In the late 70’s Joe belonged to this punk rock bank that was anti-authority and anti-hippie. He went to UCLA and later went on to study law at Loyola.
This is indeed a fascinating story. He tells of how his family switched to a parish of holy priests, the Oblates of Virgin Mary, and he finds himself studying the Bible and even the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. What a long road this man has come!

Your Higher Power

A young Jewish girl experiences God in a special way which challenges her to bring others closer to God. Your Higher Power is a very interesting interview with Dr. Judith Turian, PhD, raised in Philly in a secular Jewish family. She remembers a time, at a very young age, when an angel told her that she would “be something special”. That thought has helped her through many difficult times. As a teenager, she visited Italy, Spain and France and was intrigued by the cathedrals and religious art. Then in college, she wanted to pledge a sorority, was turned down by a Jewish one, so joined a Christian sorority. The girls in this one were fine that she was Jewish, but the National organization said that she must be a Christian Jew. So, in the 60’s, they protested.
As Fr. Mike continues the interview with Dr. Turian, many other incidents are revealed that finally led her to Jesus. She pursued her doctorate and now has people of all faiths in her practice. She helps them “find their own understanding of God”. Dr. Turian is the author of God - A Relationship Guide.

Gratitude Attitude

Have you ever gone out of your way to help someone and never received thanks for it? It’s difficult to have that happen. Fr. Mike in Gratitude Attitude looks at the blessing of thanking. Being appreciated and being appreciative of others are real gifts. Fr. Mike looks at all the ways we thank one another. Then he examines how we thank God, our Creator and Sustainer. Why is it hard to be grateful? What holds us back? What are we really thankful for – and should be thankful for? Fr. Mike looks at how we can “get into the habit” of thankfulness, of always being grateful for each day and each breath. What a wonderful way to live!

Passing the Torch

The disciples had one to three years experience of the Risen Lord. Then He was gone. What do you do when God is gone?Fr. Mike in Passing the Torch talks about the event of the Ascension of Jesus (Acts I:6 ff). When Jesus left the disciples, he promised them that they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to do what Jesus had done. What an amazing thing! They were so used to Jesus being with them, as their source of joy and peace. How life would change for them now.! Are we open to the reality of losing Jesus in our own lives? Fr. Mike goes on to explain the many ways we can “lose” Jesus. He then explores our reluctance to empower others in our lives even though we have been empowered by Jesus ourselves.
The show ends with the beautiful song, "Feed My Sheep" sung by Ralph and Victoria Mohutsky.

Jesus Heals

We all know what it is to be sick in body, mind and soul. Is there a God who will bring healing to us? Fr. Mike believes that there is. He asks us to “hang in” with him on this topic. In Jesus Heals, he talks about all the ways we try to avoid sickness. Sometimes things happen to me over which I have no control and my body is in pain or my soul is hurting because of memories, mistakes or fears. Is it possible that God wants to enter into my life and bring healing? Fr. Mike looks at the scriptures and shows how Jesus did just that. He answers the questions of a news reporter about healing in Jesus’ life: Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Jesus does want to heal me of whatever is troubling me right now.

True Story Song

How does a country “rocker” go from drugs and drink to Jesus to the Catholic Church? W. Keith Moore tells his story to Fr. Mike in True Story Song. At the beginning of the show, Keith sings “Our Souls Won’t Rest”. He then tells of his youth on a 60 acre cattle ranch in Mississippi. When his parents divorced, he and his mom ended up in a 600 sq. ft. apartment in Meridian. Then his rebellion began which lasted for several years. But he made it back to churches of different denominations. After a scandal in a charismatic church in Nashville, he was ready to renounce any organized religion. Find out what happened to Keith and how he found his way back to God and to Jesus. He even ends up working with homeless people trying to spread God’s love. The show ends with Keith singing “Will of Fortune”.

Marked for Christ

One of the challenges of religion is how to touch men, how to use their fire and giftedness to help change the world. Tracy Cooke in this interview with Fr. Mike tells how it happened to him. Tracy, a definite Type A personality, has a story filled with immense sorrows, one after the other. It is difficult enough to survive one, but almost impossible to do with what Tracy had to deal with in his life. He was abandoned by his father, his girl friend died of injuries received from a rape, just to name two of them. He “shut down” emotionally twice in his life. Anger took control and he was ready to kill. What changed this man? Find out in Marked for Christ. It is a story you will not forget, a story worth telling the men in your life.

Healed From Hate

Depression can sap our strength, rob us of hope, and strip us of confidence. How does one cope with such a state? How can God be real when we are experiencing such tough times? In Healed From Hate Barbara Kouba shares her personal story with Fr. Mike. She went from a happy-go-lucky young adult to a depressed person who hated God for what had happened to young children she visited. It was a long process “back home” but now she realizes that each day we are given a gift and we have to turn it into a miracle!

TRIUMPHANT ENTRY

Fr. Mike celebrates the Mass for Palm Sunday with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. As part of the series of The Mass Explained, Experienced, he begins with a short explanation of the word Eucharist. Then as he moves through the ritual, words of explanation reveal the various parts of the Mass.Fr. Mike then explains the gospel of the day (Luke 4:1 - 13). We know how enthusiastic we can become at a basketball game or some over event that excites us. That is what happened to the people as they saw Jesus. They picked palm leaves and waved them in enthusiastic joy on his entry into Jerusalem. But we know what happened. Some times enthusiasm like this can be very shallow. We pray that our enthusiasm and passion will lead us out of ourselves to help others in need.

Challenge of Change

Everyone is talking about change. Politicians talk about change in trying to get elected. Weight loss companies talk about change in diet or lifestyle. What does it mean in the context of Jesus to really achieve change? In this session Fr. Mike begins with the monumental change that happens to us when we are born into the world. He then moves on to how we get used to things, find our comfort zones and don’t want to change. What is it about our habits and/or addictions that hold us back and keep us from the freedom that is ours and that we so desire?Fr. Mike explores the Challenge of Change and shows us how we can become a fuller human being by meeting this challenge. He explains this brand new dimension of change that can help set the direction of our lives.

A Mother’s Cry

What is more painful than the pain and shock experienced at the death of a son or daughter? A Mother’s Cry, the interview of Ethel Gardner by Fr. Mike, is a heart-wrenching but hopeful story. Born and raised in Cleveland with nine other siblings, Ethel had a tragic life filled with disappointments, rejection, and abandonment that left her hopeless. Through her younger sister, she came back to God only to find that not all her problems went away. She discovered that she had to go through a real process of transformation.The greatest tragedy of her life was the death of her son, at age 17, in an auto accident. He was a wonderful son, patient, kind, football player, and an all A student. He even fed the homeless in his spare time. He was everything to Ethel. She says: “When he died, I died.” She went through a devastating period when she was so angry with God. She couldn’t pray or trust God any more. Then her life changed.Don’t miss this emotional inspiring story of a mother who lived through the death of a son and ended up with strong hope that inspired her to reach out and help others.

Is there any connection between cooking and Jesus? Fr. Mike in this interview talks about how important food was in the life of Jesus. The opening scenes show a luscious sausage skillet dinner and other delectable dishes arrayed beautifully. Fr. Jude Eli, OP, talks about his journey from a public school education to the priesthood, and finally to preaching the gospel through cooking. Quite an adventure. His themes are faith, family and food.

What can be done when a couple, who were once in love, fall apart and no longer want to be together? As we all know, this happens more than we would want. Fr. Mike explores this issue with Fr. Walt Bracken, SVD, who has been the chaplain for Retrouvaille since 1988. Retrouvaille means “re-discovery”. This organization works with couples with serious marriage problems. The leading couple teams hold weekend retreats for others in trouble. The team shares their story with the couples which gives hope to them. Often we think that no one else knows the pain we are going through. This program shows that others are in the same boat – or have experienced similar difficulties. “A problem shared is half a problem.” Over the last twenty-one years, Retrouvaille has had many successes and now operates in twenty-four countries.

Marriage Retrieval Part 2

If a marriage is irretrievably broken, is there a chance that the couple could ever come back together again? It would seem not. Fr. Mike interviews Julie and Frank La Boda about their story and how this really happened to them. These two, both with strong personalities, looked at life in different ways. Then came the breaking point and a strong confrontation. One even landed in jail.It would seem that this marriage could never be retrieved. But that isn’t what happened! Don’t miss this very moving story of how this couple overcame mounting odds – financial struggles, loss of car, lawsuit – you name it. Along came Retrouvaille and now Julie and Frank are helping others save their marriage.
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Faiths Reconciliation

Do you believe in Jesus? There are many who don’t care. What are you doing about it? Sometimes we excuse ourselves and say: What can I do? The problems of the world are so vast. There are so many divisions.
In Faith’s Reconciliation, Fr. Mike looks at scripture, especially Paul’s letter to the Colossians 1:15 -20. There we hear that “through him (Jesus) God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things …” Jesus is the source of reconciling all problems and divisions of our world. Fr. Mike goes on to explain further these powerful words of scripture. He becomes very practical in suggesting ways that we can help bridge understanding among Christians, Jews and Moslems.
The program ends with a beautiful song entitled “Forgiven” sung by Ralph and Victoria Mohutsky.

The Wolf, the Cow and Lupe

Nothing is more delightful than watching a little child entranced by the Christmas manger scene. In The Wolf, the Cow and Lupe, Fr. Mike gives a child’s insight into the birth of Jesus through the story as told by eyewitnesses: the wolf, the cow and Lupe. Sometimes we need a new perspective to look anew at familiar mysteries. This show helps to do just that.

Wings of Faith

Have you ever heard of a pilot who flies his airplane to the remotest parts of our country to bring clothing, food and toys to the poor people there? Dale Whinery is that man. Dale has been a pilot since he was 14 years old. Flying is his life. He never dreamed that he would end up doing what he is doing now. God’s ways are strange ways indeed! In this interview by Fr. Mike, Dale reveals that the story of the martyrdom of the five missionaries in Ecuador in 1956 changed his life. So, as it turned out, he established Wings of Faith in 1975 that now has about 20 volunteer pilots. Their planes now fly to Mexico, Central American and especially southwestern USA (Nevada, No. California, Arizona) to service the native Americans in those states. Dale’s compassion shines forth as he speaks of these forgotten people. He strives to know the people, share their deep hurt, and get to know their culture. It is a wonderful journey.

Ministry of Politics

How does one reconcile the challenges of Jesus with politics? That is a difficult one. Fr. Mike’s guest, Mayor Pat Morris of San Bernardino, explores this question in his own life. He found that his faith developed through serious conversations, retreats, study, and church. With the pressures of his job now, he takes time to reflect and pray. He then explores how he got to this stage. John F. Kennedy’s death had a tremendous impact on his life that has lasted until now. Mayor Morris believes that the power of the law can change people’s lives for the better, if the laws are crafted to do that. See how he has worked with other organizations to help others change in a lasting way.

Light on Eucharist Part 1

What is the Catholic Mass all about? Sometimes the Mass seems strange and mysterious to Protestants and Catholics alike. The Eucharist or Catholic Mass opens the door to the mystery of who God is. Fr. Mike, in Light on Eucharist , explains the Mass as Gods last will & testament. He explores what God wants to leave us in this Eucharist, the Greek word for Thanksgiving. He explores how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is with us in this ritual on Sundays that Catholics call the Eucharist and how important it is to celebrate with the community. Fr. Mike then goes on to explain the Mass as a time of prayer to adore God, say we are sorry for our sins, give thanks and ask for what we need.

Light on Eucharist Part 2

Fr. Mike continues the three-part series on the Catholic Mass. This time he explains that the Eucharist can be expressed in many different ways: from Latin to dancing and drums. He then explores the “ritual” of the Mass linking it to the daily rituals that we all experience. Moving on to the “things” used at Mass, he shows and explains the chalice, the paten, alb, stole, chasuble, etc.
During different parts of the Mass, the priest and assembly perform different actions from the sign of the cross to genuflecting, standing and kneeling. Fr. Mike tells us the meaning of all these actions. He then explains the three year cycle and how this covers the four gospels, the Hebrew bible, and epistles.

Light on Eucharist – Part 3

In this final of the series on the Catholic Mass, Fr. Mike explains the beauty of the Mass by going through it step-by-step. He begins with the entrance procession, the sacred altar, the acknowledgement that we are sinners (the Greek kyrie eleison), the Gloria, and other prayers. He takes them one by one explaining their place in the Mass and the meaning both in the past and now.
For those familiar with the Eucharist, this is a good review and a reminder of the sacredness of what we do. For others, it is an enlightening lesson on exactly what it is that Catholics do on Sunday mornings.

Anchoring Marriage, Part 2

After things go wrong with a marriage and the couple is back together again, how can they sustain that relationship? In Part 1 of Anchoring Marriage we heard of the anguish and heartache of the broken marriage of Gavin & Patti MacLeod. This time they go further in telling how they now sustain their love.
They both reveal further stories of their lives and how faith has nourished them. You will be fascinated by what these two movie stars say and no doubt helped in your own relationships. They tell of the two most important things that have saved them.

Anchoring Marriage Part 1

Sometimes in our fantasy we think that all glamorous people have successful marriages. They can afford big beautiful houses, wonderful vacations, and all those things that make us happy. In Anchoring Marriage Gavin MacLeod tells the story of his rise to fame and success and subsequent divorce. You may remember Gavin as Murray on Mary Tyler Moore Show and then as Captain Stubing on Love Boat. He had really made it in the TV world. But he was unable to cope with success and became an alcoholic. His wife, Patty, says that underneath perhaps he was saying to himself: “What can I do to mess things up? I don’t deserve all this.” They openly discuss how their marriage fell apart and how they were able, through faith, to put it back together.

Mary Moments

Have you ever wished you lived at the time of Jesus and his Mother? What would that have been like? Mary Moments begins with a panoramic view of the towns where Mary lived - in Karem – the site of the Visitation – Mary’s well, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. While on tour in the Holy Land in February 2008, Fr. Mike celebrated the Eucharist at these holy places, places of deep experiences of hope and love. In his homilies there, Fr. Mike speaks of the humanness of Mary, that she is a woman similar to us, tough, faithful, someone we can relate to. The beautiful story of the Visitation gets to the heart of what it means to be a Christian, putting others’ needs above your own.

 Mirroring Mercy

Is there anything done by another person against you that you could never forgive? Perhaps someone really hurt you deeply and you can’t face them any more? Perhaps the murder of a loved one? Or the rape of yourself or a member of your family? What is it that you could never forgive?This interview with Charlie Osburn by Fr. Mike answers that question in Charlie’s life. He had a very horrible experience and began to hate everyone. He especially hated God for over eight years. How he came back to recognizing that God really does love him is a truly inspiring story for each of us.

Teresa of Avila and Intimacy

At first glance, you might be tempted to say, “What does Teresa of Avila born in 1515, the saint and Doctor of the Church, have to say about intimacy?” This week, Fr. Mike explores this seeming paradox, using his own poems.
St. Teresa lists six ways of growing in intimacy with others, with God and with ourselves. Doing this brings peace, joy, and understanding to our lives. We can be really honest, intimate with ourselves, facing our weaknesses and talents, really knowing who we are. He looks at Abraham, Moses, and David and how they were intimate with God. Fr. Mike examines humility, obedience, detachment, solitude, suffering and generosity as ways of growing in intimacy. You will be surprised how this can happen.

Freedom Behind Bars

In Matthew 25:31 we are told that we encounter Jesus when we visit those in prison. WOW! How difficult that is. If people are in prison, they obviously have done something wrong. Why should I visit them? It’s a frightening thing to do. Yet some do just that. In the interview Freedom Behind Bars with Betty Mayne, Fr. Mike explores with her all that is entailed in prison ministry. Betty is a licensed psychotherapist, so she has special gifts to share with others, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t help out.
Her own personal story has something to say to us as well. Her son, Tim, age 19, was killed by a drunk driver in an automobile accident while Betty herself was driving him. This tragedy has helped her in her own ministry of helping others and has even strengthened her faith in a loving God, as difficult as that is.

Bible Women

What does the wife of a Catholic deacon do? She goes through much of the training as her husband but then what happens?
As it turned out for Sheila Walsh-Vargas, she became very involved in helping her husband with baptisms and funerals, but then discovered her own ministry is teaching about the women in the Bible in a very unique way. She opens up the history of the women in the Old and New Testament in one act plays by telling their stories especially as they apply to today’s problems.

When you hear Gaza, West Bank, Palestinians, what comes to your mind? Fr. Mike, in this show, challenges us to bring the love and peace of Jesus to those despairing. Thomas Garofalo, the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Director in those regions, explains what is happening there now and how CRS is trying to answer the crying needs there. Fr. Mike asks Tom what we can do about this complex situation. The answers are simple but challenging. Fr. Mike uses the story of Jonah to help us see that we, too, can take the risk.

Sex and marriage. How can sex and marriage give glory and praise to God? With forty years of counseling, Fr. Marty Padovani has much to say about ex, emotions, and our humanness placing these in the context of who we are. In this interview by Fr. Mike, Fr. Marty explores emotional intimacy and why we fear it. Quoting Martin Sheen, who said “Our humanness is God-like”, Fr. Marty goes on to explain how Jesus displayed emotions, how the Old Testament, especially the Song of Songs, tells of God’s deep love, passion even, for his people. When we think of , or speak of passion, we want God out of it. But, as he explains, our feelings are basically good and our human emotions help us to pray to God. Don’t miss this fascinating interview and learn more about how to handle our deepest feelings and emotions.

When we read the Bible, we realize that Jerusalem is very significant in the life of Jesus. Why not go to Jerusalem and experience it with your heart and soul? You can do that by watching Part 2 of My Holy Land. See the Mount of Olives, the Kidron Valley, the Valley of Judgment. See the places where it is believed that Jesus suffered the Agony in the Garden, the judgment of Caiaphas, the way of the cross, and the crucifixion. The Upper Room is particularly moving since it was the site of the Last Supper as well as the experience of Pentecost. The incredible views of the Holy Land with its excavations and modern sites are very helpful in prayer and meditation providing the “composition of place” recommended by spiritual guides.

How very moving it is to see the Kedron Valley, the Garden where Jesus spent those agonizing hours, to visit the Church of All Nations which holds the rock believed to be the very spot where Jesus prayed, and to see similar trees whose thorns bored into the head of Christ.Fr. Mike takes us through these events and shows these holy places in Israel. He stresses that Jesus did not want to die; he did NOT want to die. But he did because it was the will of his Father. An experience such as this touches the marrow of our bones and challenges our faith in the God Who is. We are called to do challenging things. We can do it because Christ did it before us.