What does a diocese look for in a man who wants to become a priest? What are red flags? What evaluations occur? What about the cost of education and what exactly do seminarians learn? Becoming a priest is a lot more than than an application and going to school. Dive Deep sits down with Brian Alford, Director of the Office for Vocations for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Buddhists make up 1% of the US population, but what about Buddhists who become Catholic? Who knows, but you know it's tiny, yet Dive Deep found one of them! Deena Bell of Springfield joins Dive Deep to share her conversion story from Buddhism to Catholicism.
Father Chase Hilgenbrinck had everything, at least in terms what the culture says - professional athlete, cool lifestyle, and fame. But that life didn't make him fulfilled. The now Diocese of Peoria Vocation Director shares why ultimately he left life as a professional athlete to become a professional servant of God.
You’ve seen in the movies the extremeness of an exorcism. But, did you know, Confession is more powerful? Fr. Ambrose Criste, O.Praem., who has performed exorcisms, dives deep into the Rite of Exorcism, what he has experienced as an exorcist, why Confession is more powerful, and tips for how we can fend of evil.
Dr. Scott Hahn joins Dive Deep to discuss topics such as what habits practicing Catholics need to change; why was Dr. Hahn “anti-Catholic” before he converted; how John’s Gospel changed his entire outlook on faith; how we can have Eucharistic amazement; and what should we lean on when we’re facing hardships. Dr. Hahn joined Dive Deep from the BOS Center in Springfield on Oct. 28, 2023 when he was the featured speaker at the Eucharistic Congress.
Fr. Michal Rosa, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Effingham, became a U.S. citizen July 7. It's a journey he would have never imagined, growing up in Poland. So how did this all happen, how did Bishop Paprocki play a role, what does Fr. Rosa think of America, what does he miss the most about Poland (besides family), and what aspects of our faith does he wish America prioritized more? We Dive Deep with Fr. Michal Rosa.
It's one of the deepest theological questions - judgement. What is the particular judgement and the last judgement? Will we know everything in heaven? Will we know if our loved ones are in hell? Ultimately, what does the Church say about what will happen at your judgement? Father Peter Harman, who holds a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Catholic University of America, joins Dive Deep.
Indulgences are a great treasure of the Church that too few take advantage of. But, you may be confused on how they work, what you have to do, what’s the point of doing them, and where you can find out what indulgences are available. Fr. Chris House answers all things indulgences.
Sometimes you don’t need a priest, a theology professor, or even your spouse to get you inspired about our Catholic faith. You can look to children who are excited to live out our faith. But why do they live it joyfully? How do they get this way? What suggestions do they have for parents? Matthew and Thomas of Springfield join Dive Deep to inspire us.
Thousands have watched our documentary, God is Alive | Incredible stories of faith and miracles, and it has inspired them and impacted their relationship with God in profound ways. How did this project even come about? What was the inspiration, how was it filmed, what happened behind the scenes, and what were some funny moments? After listening to this conversation, watch the documentary at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4Zq8y27ljU&t=14s
It is one the most prestigious marathons in the U.S., the Boston Marathon. Runners must quality for it. Our Father Dominic Rankin not only competed, but completed it in under three hours (6 minutes and 35 seconds per mile)! How did he do it? We discuss with him the physical and spiritual components of running the Boston Marathon.
Think Jesus isn’t present in the Eucharist? We got proof. Fr. Luke Spannagel of the Diocese of Peoria joins Dive Deep to discuss eucharistic miracles where the scientific findings will shock you. The findings also beg the question, "Does this mean we have Jesus' DNA?" Fr. Luke is one of 58 National Eucharistic Preachers who have been commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to increase the fire of devotion to the Eucharist.
Ephesians 5:22 says, “Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as to the Lord.” That verse has caused a lot of people to scratch their heads. But what does this verse mean? Kara Johnson is a professor of Sacred Scripture and Theology of the Body at Ave Maria University in Florida, she is a PhD candidate, and writing her dissertation on this scripture passage and joins Dive Deep.
Fr. Augustine Tolton had to overcome many things in life - slavery, racism, prejudice, and hatred. Despite that, his love for God and neighbor makes him a model for us to follow. Learn about the incredible story of Fr. Tolton from slave to the nation's first black priest, an update on his cause to sainthood, and what Fr. Tolton teaches us today so we can live a more virtuous life.
Fr. Mike Schmitz, the host of the popular podcasts The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year, joins Dive Deep to discuss what many Catholics don't realize about their faith, how faithful Catholics can get our lukewarm brothers and sisters back to the faith, what we should do if God "doesn't answer our prayers," and so much more.
Jason Evert has traveled to six continents to bring the message of purity to millions of people for more than 20 years He has a masters in Theology and degrees in Counseling and Theology. He is a best-selling author of more than 15 books, and he and his wife run Chastity Project and its website, chastity.com, the podcast “Lust is Boring,” and lead an international alliance of young people who promote purity in more than 40 countries. He joins Dive Deep to discuss Contraception, transgenderism, dating, relationships, and more.
Springfield’s own, Ashley Noronha, has an amazing journey from the classrooms of Christ the King School and Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield to the halls of the Vatican working for Popes Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Join Dive Deep as she shares stories and insights about working at the Vatican.
On June 9, 2021 on I-55 just outside Springfield, three sisters from the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George based in Alton, were driving to Alton from Rock Island. Traffic came to a sudden stop in a construction zone and their van was struck at high speed from behind, sending them into the two cars in front of them. Their van was later described as a crushed soda can or an accordion. Looking at the situation, a common thought was… “no one survived that.” But, by a miracle – they all did. We talk with Sister M. Clementia Toalson about her escaping death and what she learned about surrendering to God her suffering.
In March of 2022, the Diocese of Springfield announced plans to create The Evermode Institute in Springfield. What will it entail and how will it benefit Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and even across the country? We talk with Father Augustine Puchner, the Prior of the new Springfield based community of Norbertine Fathers who are leading this exciting endeavor.
He grew up a non-Catholic. Marriage was "on the horizon." Then he had this "crazy thing." The Story of Father John Titus, pastor of Immaculate Conception in Mattoon and St. Colmcille in Sullivan, is a road not taken too often to priesthood.