Dive Deep

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.

A native of St. Louis, Maria Vargo is an actress, singer/songwriter, director, and Catholic speaker. She most recently starred as St. Faustina in a one-woman North America tour having performed the show over 300 times. But her life wasn’t always faith-filled. Hear what happened, what’s it like working in the film industry, and her connection to the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen in this episode of Dive Deep.

Sean Hussey, a 2013 graduate of Charleston High School, was quarterback of their football team. A First Team All-State selection, he holds several records there and became a quarterback at the University of Illinois. Today, our Catholic faith is his passion. This year he starts as a theology teacher at St. Anthony High School in Effingham, but that passion for our faith wasn’t always there. How one question from one special person made the difference.

It is a dream come true for Father Chris Comerford, pastor of St. James and Patrick in Decatur. A huge baseball fan, he has been combining two of his loves, the sport and our faith, for more than 12 years as Chaplain for the St. Louis Cardinals. Fr. Chris shares funny stories, players he has gotten to know, and what it's like ministering in Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

On May 28, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki ordained two new priests for our diocese, Father Paul Lesupati and Father Zach Samples. Their road to the priesthood took different twists and turns, but hear what ultimately led them to say "yes." It's two great stories.

Losing a loved one is painful. How we handle that loss depends on each person, but are we grieving in a healthy way? What should we say and not say to someone who lost a loved one? What should we do if the pain of a loss is just as apparent today than when it occurred? Dr. Dee Stern, a Springfield Catholic grief therapist authored a new book to help people grieve healthier and better comfort those who lost loved ones. It's called "Comforting the bereaved through listening and positive responding, what are the bereaved trying to tell us?" Dr. Stern offers her advice on Dive Deep.

Dr. Haywood Robinson grew up in Southern California and received specialty training in family practice medicine in Los Angeles. He started performing abortions in 1978 and did "hundreds." Now, he advocates for life, working on the 40 Days for Life project. Dr. Robinson explains the truth of the abortion industry, the lies they are telling to society, what it's like performing an abortion, and the positive signs he is seeing in our culture.

Is one of your Lenten goals to read and learn more about the bible? Dive Deep has you covered as we explore the Gospel of Luke.

How do they prepare a homily? Where do they get their vestments? Where do they go to confession? Dive Deep asks several fun questions about a priest’s life you may have thought before but never knew the answer. You're also guaranteed to laugh in this episode!