On this episode of Catholic Conversations host David Liptak speaks with Mike Bohl and illustrator Nancy Johnson about The First Night of Christmas — a child-centered retelling of Christ’s birth born from family loss, self-publishing challenges, and a mission to give back to anti-trafficking charities.

Later, author Stephen Thomas discusses his novel Catholic Joe, the role of suffering and adoration in spiritual growth, and the call for Catholic men to lead by faith and compassion. The show highlights storytelling, community outreach, and living faith in daily life.

Deacon Al Lundy welcomes listeners to an Advent-themed episode filled with personal Christmas memories, light-hearted anecdotes about decorations (and a mischievous cat), and a preview of upcoming nativity stories.

He reflects on Gaudete Sunday and explains the readings from Isaiah, James, and Matthew — highlighting the signs of the Messiah, John the Baptist’s questions, and Jesus’ reassurance that God comes in love and salvation.

The episode closes with a call to prepare our inner “stable” for Christ’s coming and an invitation for listeners to submit faith questions to the show.

Email your questions to Deacon AL: goodnews@catholicspiritradio.org

On Catholic Conversations host Stan Ketcik speaks with Dr. Peter Howard about his open letter and campaign to advance Venerable Fulton Sheen’s beatification and canonization. They discuss the approved miracle, the unexpected diocesan delays, and why Sheen’s preaching and daily holy hour are urgently relevant today.

The episode explains how listeners can help—prayer, contacting the Diocese of Peoria, sharing resources—and points to FultonSheenInstitute.com and FultonSheenMovement.com for more information, recordings, and ways to get involved.