Published: September 23, 2008 05:49 pm            

The Blessing of Catholic radio

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

Whatever is just, whatever is pure,

Whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,

If there is any excellence and

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things.

— Philippians 4:8



When I moved to Zionsville in 2006, I discovered Catholic Radio Indy (WSPM, 89.1 FM). It’s been a blessing and an inspiration ever since.

Catholic Radio Indy is the brainchild of Bob Teipen of Fishers, an accountant who went on a retreat in 1998. While there, he felt a strong call to bring Catholic Radio to Indiana; it existed in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois, but not here.

At the time, Teipen knew nothing about the radio business but quickly learned the industry, met with radio station owners, and went from church to church recruiting anyone who wanted to help get his idea off the ground.

One Sunday at St. Lawrence Church in Indianapolis, Jim Ganley, then managing a Terre Haute radio station, heard Teipen’s talk and told him he’d be happy to help. When Catholic Radio Indy debuted on Ash Wednesday 2004, Ganley was at the helm. Today, the station can be heard in Boone, Marion, Hamilton, Johnson and Hendricks counties. Its listenership is in the thousands, based on donor records and estimates of non-contributing listeners. Recently, the owners petitioned the FCC for an additional frequency that will bring it to Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield and Fishers.

The station broadcasts 24 hours a day with programs predominately provided by Mother Angelica’s Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) out of Birmingham, Alabama, as well as several produced locally. These include “Seeking the Face of the Lord,” with Indianapolis Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and “Faith in Action,” airing Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. Local pastors are also invited to come on to announce parish happenings or record prayers or scripture.

My own pastor, the Rev. Dennis O’Keeffe of St. Alphonsus Liguori, recently offered listeners a prayer mothers might say to their child’s guardian angel and read poetry from Catholic writer Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Teipen said the station’s mission is to broadcast the “beauty and teachings of the Catholic Faith and to inform, inspire and challenge listeners.”

I listen to Catholic Radio in my car and at home a lot. At 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I try to catch Bishop Fulton Sheen tell us why “Life is Worth Living.” I sometimes pray the Holy Rosary at 7:30 a.m. with Mother Angelica. Catholic Mass is broadcast weekdays at 8 a.m. and again at noon.

“Mornings with Mother” (Angelica) at 10 a.m. is an hour filled with the wisdom and humor of a truly holy woman. Johnette Benkovic’s “Women of Grace” follows at 11 a.m. And Dr. Ray Guarendi talks about raising children with Catholic values on “The Doctor is In” at 1 p.m.

College students and young adults might enjoy “The Choices We Face,” “Freedom and Authority,” “Life on the Rock” and even “Web of Faith,” for Internet-savvy listeners.

“Open Line” and “Catholic Answers Live” are call-in shows in the afternoon and early evening. People ask about Catholic teachings on divorce, annulments and remarriage, living together before marriage, the challenges when a Catholic marries a non-Catholic, what happens if you forget to confess some sins, the proper way to receive communion and even what the Church teaches about sex (we’re for it, in marriage only).

What always amazes me – and makes me proud -- are the kindness, gentleness and openness with which the priests receive and respond to all questions. There is no condemnation, no judgment. Nothing but Christ’s love, understanding and encouragement.

I urge you to give Catholic Radio Indy a try. You can listen to live or archived programs on its Web site (www.catholicradioindy.org), as well as find a full program schedule there. There also are opportunities to donate or to purchase its $20 “Small Miracle” personal radio, which provides a clear, strong signal throughout the Indianapolis area.

We might not think the message of Catholic Radio can break through the ugly and inappropriate ones we and our children often receive through other media, but Jim Ganley knows better. “Right now,” he says, “there are two young men in the seminary who have told me Catholic Radio Indy was a factor in their decision.”

God is good. Keep the faith.

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Cynthia DiTallo Starks and her family moved to Zionsville in 2006. E-mail her at cindy.starks@timessentinel.com.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.