Dive Deep

Pope Leo XIV was elected the new Pope! Bishop Thomas John Paprocki reacts to the election of the new Holy Father.

What happens behind the scenes at the Papal conclave? How does a pope actually get elected? Burning of ballots, verbalizing names, and politicking behind the scenes. Is all that true? Father Chris House breaks down how a pope is elected, what goes on during a papal election, and the rules and unwritten rules. #news #pope

She is saving lives as biomedical engineer and she is also a religious sister! The crazy story of Sister Pieta Keller, a sister from the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, based in Alton.

Father Marty Smith joins Dive Deep to discuss what is the number one thing he is seeing that even practicing Catholics are not doing as good of a job as they should be. How should we be taking to youth? What really is the role of Catholic education?

Darren Price of Springfield converted to the Catholic Church in 2019. Just a few months later, he went on a trip to the Holy Land where he almost died. His incredible story of walking the streets of Jerusalem in severe pain, needing the US Embassy to get involved, and money wire transfers needing to happen all sound like a movie script, but it was his reality. How his story gave him a new appreciation for Christ and suffering.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. But, this is a big loss for those who value human life and consider themselves pro-life. The main problem is human embryos are destroyed in the process. Our Father Christopher Trummer, S.T.L, breaks down why IVF is immoral for several reasons. Father Trummer is an associate delegate for Health Care Professionals, associate chaplain of the Springfield Chapter of the Catholic Physicians Guild/Catholic Medical Association, and has a license in Sacred Theology in Moral Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy.

There is more than just sticking out your hand or tongue when receiving our Lord in the holy Eucharist. Father Marty Smith spells out the do's and don'ts when preparing for holy Communion, receiving holy Communion, the time after holy Communion, and even before you even leave for Mass.

Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Orange, California was born in Springfield, IL, became a priest there, and then received the call to become an apostle of the Church. On this Dive Deep, he's back home and we interview him at Blessed Sacrament Church on Sept. 13, 2024, where he first started as a priest, became pastor, and received "the call" to become a bishop. Enjoy this conversation with Bishop Vann.

Father Chris House answers Google's questions on Catholicism! Is the Catholic Church the one true church? Do Catholic priests still perform exorcisms? Why are Catholics obsessed with Mary? Who do Catholics believe can go to heaven? Why does a priest where a collar? Why does the Catholic Church baptize infants? Do Catholics believe in cremation? Why do Catholics believe in Purgatory? Do Catholics believe in the rapture? Why do Catholics not eat meat on Fridays? Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest? Why are Catholics against birth control? How did Catholics respond to the protestant reformation? Why does the Catholic Church have a Pope? Is the Catholics religion strict? How do Catholics get to heaven? Why are Catholics called Catholic? Why do Catholics exhume bodies? Why do Catholics call priests “father?” Is the Catholic Church dying or growing?

Dive Deep presents 25 not impossible Catholic Trivia questions about Christmas! Take the quiz and let us know how many you get right in the comment section!

Angels, guardian angels, the devil, demons. What can they spiritual powers do and not do? How can they impact our lives for the better or worse? What about being possessed and needing an exorcism? Father Chris House, who has given a presentation on angels and demons breaks it down.

Is speeding a sin? What about white lies? What about lying to protect someone? Father Peter Harman and Father Christopher Trummer, both Moral Theologians, come on Dive Deep to answer those questions and more.

Pope Francis weighed on the American presidential election on Sept. 13 when he said this on board the papal plane saying, “One must choose the lesser of two evils. Who is the lesser of two evils? That lady or that gentleman? I don't know. Everyone with a conscience should think on this and do it. To send migrants away, to leave them wherever you want, to leave them … it's something terrible, there is evil there. To send away a child from the womb of the mother is an assassination, because there is life. We must speak about these things clearly.” Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois weighs in.

The Catholic faith is full of rich traditions, some of which have gone away and some of which are making a comeback. Fr. Chris House breaks down seven traditions of the Catholic faith you may have never heard of and the symbolism behind them.

Does it seem like God is not hearing your prayers? Can prayer change God's mind? Do more prayers help? What can we be doing better when we pray? Does being a holier person mean God listens to that person more? Father Chris House explains how prayer actually works, and it may change your entire outlook on prayer.

Bishop Robert Barron is one of the Church's leading theologians. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is one of the Church's leading Canon lawyers. They are both some of the Church's best teachers of the faith. Dive Deep sits down with both of them to get their thoughts on the number one things about their own struggles with God, how to deepen your faith, how to improve your relationships, being a bishop, and more.

Marriage, raising kids, navigating life, and knowing the intentions of your spouse is difficult and messy! How should you navigate it all so you can stay madly in love with your spouse and have a beautiful marriage? Dive Deep is pleased to talk to Beth Sri, a Catholic speaker and author and mother of 8 children. She serves as the Denver chapter coordinator for Life-Giving Wounds, a Catholic ministry for adult children of divorce. She is also the co-author with her husband of the award winning book, “The Good, The Messy and The Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life.”

Kelsey Skoch had a pornography addiction. How she overcame it, how you too can avoid temptation and addiction, advice for you on how to live with freedom from impurity, and how can we convince young women to save sex for marriage. The Catholic speaker, author, mentor, and life-coach sits down with Dive Deep.

How well do you know our faith, the history of the Church, the sacraments, the bible, Catholic tradition, and more? Take the test!

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois says, "God bless Harrison Butker for speaking the truth." This, in response to Butker's commencement speech at Benedictine College in May. Bishop Paprocki responds to Butker's speech that has caught the conversations of America.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki's May 8 viral video titled, “President Biden Mocks our Catholic faith,” is receiving tens of thousands of views (it received 21,000+ views alone in the first 24 hours). We sit down with the bishop to explain it all and what we should take from his message.

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.

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!

Millikin University's head basketball coach, Kramer Soderberg, is passionate about our Catholic faith. But it wasn't always that way. What led him to write a book called Fill your cup for Christ, what's the message for every day Catholics, and how can parents better equip their children so they don't leave the faith? Dive Deep with Coach Kramer Soderberg.  

10 years ago, Chicago radio personality Kevin Matthews found a statue of the Virgin Mary broken and lying by a dumpster. His life would never be the same. His incredible story led him to bring the statue and give a talk in Springfield last October. Hear the story of "Our Lady of the Broken."