Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church

A listener named Becca asks Father Dave about how to approach an interfaith interaction. Becca says, "[Sometimes] Mormons come to my property; I ask them to leave and they get a bit bothered. They ask if they can pray with me, and I say 'No, thank you.' Am I wrong for saying no?"

May is National Mental Health Awareness month, and Father Dave welcomes Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro to discuss how we can improve our relationships through better listening. Dr. Bottaro is the founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and author of "The Power of Listening Well: How Holy Curiosity Can Build Trust and Restore Relationships." 

Father Dave welcomes Ann Koshute to discuss how we can support Catholic couples facing the hardship of infertility. Ann is the co-founder & executive director of Springs in the Desert, a Catholic ministry dedicated to accompanying those experiencing infertility and loss through community, spiritual resources, and faith-based support. Springs in the Desert and Ascension also collaborated on a new prayer and reflection series called "Scripture and Saints for the Path of Infertility" now available on the Ascension app.

A listener named Mark asks Father Dave about the Easter season in the Catholic Church. "I'm a new Catholic. How long is the Easter season?" Mark asks.

In April, Busted Halo ministries celebrated its 25th birthday with a show in front of a live audience in New York City! As part of the festivities, Father Dave welcomes NBC veteran journalist Anne Thompson to discuss covering religious affairs in the last quarter century.

The Church celebrates Saint Catherine of Siena's feast day on April 29, and Father Dave welcomes Scripture teacher and veteran tour guide Joan Watson to discuss how this doctor of the Church can inspire us today. Joan is the pilgrim formation manager for Verso Ministries and the author of the new book "Coached by Saint Catherine: Lessons of Charity."

It is a sadly common phenomenon for parents to become estranged from their adult children, and Father Dave welcomes Dr. Kathy Koch for tips on nurturing these relationships. Dr. Koch is a Christian speaker, author, podcast host and the founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc. Her new book is called, "Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children: Strategies and Conversations that Work."

A listener named Brenda asks Father Dave about the content of a homily. "One Sunday, a priest was giving his homily and began to explain something. He added, 'The homily should not be academic,'" Brenda says. "I thought that 'academic' meant 'instructional.' Am I wrong to think that it is fine for a homily to be teaching us something? I really appreciate it when the priest gives us background information such as common practices in biblical times. The more I can learn, the happier I am."

As the War in Iran continues, Church leaders including Pope Leo XIV have voiced strong messages for peace. This past Sunday evening, President Donald Trump posted disparaging words about Pope Leo XIV on social media, who then responded to those criticisms aboard the papal plane on Monday. Father Dave unpacks what events led to these tensions and what the Church teaches about war.

As we continue in the Octave of Easter, Father Dave welcomes speaker and author Laura Kelly Fanucci to discuss how we can celebrate all 50 days of this season. Laura is the founder of "Mothering Spirit," and her new devotional is called, "Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection."