Holy Family Radio Podcasts (AM 720 - WHYF)

Is Halloween okay for Catholics? What does it really mean to be a saint—and is it actually possible for ordinary people?

In this episode of Rooted in Rising, Julie Shore and Father Michael Pray dig into the deeper meaning of Halloween as All Hallows’ Eve, the vigil of All Saints Day. They explore how these days (together with All Souls) form a kind of “odd Triduum” that confronts our culture’s fear of death and points us toward eternal life.

Father Pray shares:

• A clear Catholic lens on costumes, candy, and “scary” imagery
• Why the Church historically placed a holy feast over older pagan practices
• The true definition of a saint (it’s simpler—and more hopeful—than most people think)
• Practical ways to grow in holiness: radical love of God, daily prayer “even when it’s hard,” patience, forgiveness, and standing up for the truth

They also pray for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery and reflect on joy in suffering, the universal call to holiness, and how Advent invites us into patient waiting.

Whether you’re navigating Halloween with kids, wondering if sainthood is “for someone else,” or just needing a reminder that God’s mercy is bigger than your past, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and a challenge to choose the light—one small step at a time.

Listen now and join the conversation.

 

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.

SHOW TITLE: The Surprising Truth About Faithful Citizenship After The Election

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, Eric Failing, executive director of the PA Catholic Conference, discusses the importance of faith, prayer, and humility in navigating post-election challenges for Catholics. He emphasizes the role of adoration, understanding God's will, and maintaining focus on Christ beyond politics.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 46:10

1. SPOTLIGHT: St. Oscar Romero

RESOURCES: www.hbgdiocese.org/voter-resources

 

Friends see each other across hallways.  Friends see each other in different rooms.  Friends see each other through locked doors.  But people who are other than friends often miss what’s right before their eyes.  Is Jesus your friend?  Do you see yourself as His?  If you’re tired of settling for relationships that feed your loneliness but can’t nourish your hunger, if you’re tired of settling for friendships that are either in your phone or are your phone, then plug in this week with Eleanor, Brenda, and Randy, and set yourself up to be restored by the Living Water that seeks to breathe life back into your life.

This week's guest is Jarrod Carpin.

This week's guest is Jason Holland.

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.

 

SHOW TITLE: Why Kids Need Laughter Before They Can Hear the Gospel

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

 Author, musician, and comedian Chris Padgett shares his inspiring journey to Catholicism, the importance of authenticity in faith, and how joy and suffering are intertwined in the Christian life. This episode offers practical insights for parents, youth, and anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus.

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12:9

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

RESOURCES:

Christ the King Celebration of Youth Event - https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/christ-the-king-celebration-of-youth/

Chris Padgett Website - https://chrispadgett.com/

 

This week's guest is Dr. Maderia.

This week's guest is Jamie Benadict from Bright Star.

Join Julie Shore and Father Michael Pray for a thoughtful, hope-filled conversation on what it really means to live a culture of life—especially as we enter October, Respect Life Month.

Fresh off the Pennsylvania March for Life in Harrisburg, Julie and Father Pray share what it was like to stand with thousands of people of every age and background: students, families, seminarians, bishops, and everyday Catholics quietly but powerfully witnessing for life. From the packed cathedral Mass to chance conversations on the street (including one young man’s unexpected journey from delivering pizzas to Planned Parenthood to standing for the unborn), they reflect on the quiet strength of simply showing up.

The discussion goes deeper than politics. Father Pray explains why the Church begins with human dignity rather than electoral cycles—why every person, from the unborn to the elderly in nursing homes, carries infinite worth because they are made in the image of God. Together they explore the loneliness epidemic, the danger of self-centeredness, and the small, daily ways we can notice, encourage, serve, and walk with others. You’ll hear practical starting points (including a simple Family Culture of Life Challenge) and a reminder that every moment is an invitation to turn toward God and toward the people right in front of us.

Whether you’re already active in pro-life work or simply wondering how to live this more intentionally in ordinary life, this episode offers both inspiration and concrete next steps.

Tune in, reflect, and consider: where is God inviting you to protect and celebrate life—right where you are?

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.

 

SHOW TITLE: How Blessed Stanley Rother’s Final Choice Became a Feature Film

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

 

In this episode, Gary Gasse of Coronation Media, shares his journey from childhood filmmaking to creating faith-based films, including the upcoming feature about Blessed Stanley Rother. We explore how faith influences storytelling, the challenges of balancing commercial and artistic goals, and the importance of authentic human portrayals of saints.

SCRIPTURE: John 10:11

RESOURCES:

https://rothermovie.com/

https://www.coronationmedia.com/

Simple Yes is a 30-minute show hosted by Melanie Rossi and Jess Wolfe. Join them as they explore the many ways God calls us into a deeper relationship with him, whether it be at home or in your community. No matter the ask, we are all called to open the ears of our hearts so that we can respond “yes” to whatever God asks of us. 

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Is your God all knowing?  Is your God all powerful?  Can your God make Himself so small He can fit himself inside a cracker?  If you’ve been finding yourself wondering at night why any God big enough to create a universe 90 billion light years across would squeeze himself into a space smaller than a Saltine, hop on board with Eleanor, Brenda, and Randy and boldly go to visit the awesome, gargantuan God, who would make himself a single cell if it meant living and growing inside of you and, ultimately, making you His child.

 

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.

 

SHOW TITLE: A Journey Home: Dori and Dale Ludwig's Conversion    

SHOW DESCRIPTION: Faith is a journey, and for Dori and Dale Ludwig, that journey to Catholicism lasted over 30 years! Listen as they share their experiences with Catholic education, the Catholic faith, and the home they found at Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:17-20

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Augustine of Hippo

 

Featuring Volunteer Tricia Anthony