OC Catholic

It's rare when two of our key radio/podcast hosts sit down together in the studio, but it does happen occasionally. With the recent passing of Pope Francis, it was time to bring them together to reflect on his life and legacy. Rick Howick of OC Catholic Radio recently sat down with Fr. Christopher Smith, the Rector Emeritus of Christ Cathedral Parish and host of the Cathedral Square radio show and podcast. You are sure to be edified and encouraged by this captivating conversation - talking about all things Pope Francis.

Who is Our Lady of La Vang? On this episode of “OC Catholic Radio,” host Rick Howick sits down with the creators of “Our Lady at the Center,” a new documentary premiering on May 11 and May 17 in Orange County that explores that question and so much more. Shot in four countries, four languages and featuring dozens of testimonies, “Our Lady at the Center” was produced internally by the Diocese of Orange and OLLV Foundation. The feature-length film promises to be an inspiring journey of a fascinating Marian apparition: a source of pride, hope, healing and miracles. Learn more about screenings and tickets to the premieres at OurLadyatTheCenter.com

This podcast episode is the story of a man, inspired by a newfound faith, who's been charged to “give back.” The story of Peter Hlavin is sure to give you a boost, in unexpected ways. A competitive athlete dating back to his high school days, Peter excelled in track and field and especially the ‘high jump.' He went on to a very successful career in business and financial management. A series of major challenges in his life brought him to his knees, which lead him to a profound encounter with the God of the universe! His travels lead him to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago. Tune in and be sure to share this story with others! 

Each week, we bring you compelling conversation with church leaders and laity. Today, Rick Howick welcomes Amy Cara to the studio. A convert to the Catholic faith, Amy is a writer, a business owner, a wife and a mother to four sons. In this powerful episode of testimony of healing and personal sharing, Amy shares beautifully the story of healing and transformational grace in her life.

Each week, we bring you compelling conversation with church leaders and laity. On this edition of OC Catholic Radio, Attorney Laura Meier joins us in the studio. Laura recently authored a book entitled “Guided by Grace – A Catholic Journey Through Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning.” This book was borne out of a medical crisis with her firstborn son that challenged the Meier family to the core. You are sure to be inspired by her compelling story. Please share this podcast!

Each week, we bring you compelling conversation with church leaders and laity. Today, Rick Howick welcomes one of our favorite neighbors in the Tower of Hope to our radio studios. Her name is Evelyn Garcia; and she plays a key role for the well-known nationwide Catholic ministry called DYNAMIC CATHOLIC. Evelyn is the pilgrimage coordinator for the ministry, so she certainly qualifies for many frequent flyer miles. Also joining our conversation over the phone from Dynamic Catholic's Ohio headquarters is Aileen Schwab. Aileen serves the ministry as development officer. Please share this podcast with a family member, a friend, a neighbor or a co-worker!

Welcome to a very special edition of OC Catholic Radio. We think every edition of OCCR is special, but when we have the chance to sit down with our wonderful Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer, it's always time well spent! On this podcast episode, Bishop and host Rick Howick do a deep dive into all things ‘Jubilee,' as they discuss The Year of Jubilee in 2025. What is this all about? How is it that the faithful can take advantage of tremendous spiritual graces in this jubilee year? Be sure to listen and share!  

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. In the wake of the devastation brought on by the recent fires in LA County, Bishop Vann has called on the clergy, religious and faithful to be generous in spiritual, social and economic support for those suffering from this fire disaster. That is where the good people of the Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) have stepped in to assist. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Kathleen Hurtt to the program. Kathleen is the Executive Vice President of the Orange Catholic Foundation, which is the fundraising arm of the Diocese of Orange. At the request of Bishop Vann, The OCF has established a special Help LA Fund to aid parishes and other reputable Catholic ministries in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as they support those affected by the wildfires.Learn how you can help by visiting www.rcbo.org/Help-LA

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick is thrilled to welcome good friend Gil Alderete back to the studio. Gil is the president of Catholic Men's Fellowship (CMF) of California; and he hosts his own podcast which is called, “Men of Faith.” Our discussion today centers around an upcoming conference for men that's coming to Christ Cathedral's Arboretum on Saturday, March 15th. The theme of this years ‘Super Saturday' men's conference comes from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5, “You are the salt of the earth.” Speakers include Bishop Kevin Vann, Fr. Ben Tran, Deacon Steve Greco, Deacon Charlie Echeverry and Kevin Matthews. Listen and share this podcast!  catholicmen.orgspiritfilledevents.com

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, with your host Rick Howick. On today's episode, we're honored to welcome a distinguished first-time guest, Fr. Ian Gaston. Ordained just two short years ago, Fr. Ian is currently a Parochial Vicar stationed at Christ Cathedral. Listen as he shares his path from growing up as a youngster in Orange County to travelling the road to seminary and eventually the priesthood. And soon Fr. Ian will be featured on his own podcast! Stay tuned. Christcathedralcalifornia.orgRcbo.org

On today's special edition of OC Catholic Radio, Host Rick Howick interviews two guests who come to us from Orange County's groundbreaking “Lestonnac Free Clinic” (whose primary location is in the city of Orange). We are happy to welcome both Ed Gerber (Executive Director) and Andrea Rodriguez (Associate Director). If you are not aware of what this free health clinic is all about, do yourself a favor and listen to the podcast. This is a very special place where many medical professionals have volunteered their time in order to make a huge difference in the lives of many, many people!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, with your host Rick Howick. Today's special in-studio guests are Fr. Al Baca and Kathleen Conway. In November of 2024, the Diocese of Orange hosted a tour of the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The Image is a Catholic Church-authorized digital image of the original Guadalupe tilma that dates to 1531 and is displayed above the main altar at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Tune in for this fascinating discussion; and be sure to share this podcast!https://www.rcbo.org/tilma/ 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, with your host Rick Howick. Today's special in-studio guests are Joan Patten, AO and Sr. Christina Perry, LHC.  In this interview, we will hear Sr. Christina's fascinating vocation story, acknowledging her recent first vows, and her local ties to OC! This is a very timely interview for OC Catholic Radio, as we get ready for Vocation Awareness week (the first week of November).

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today's OC Catholic Radio, Rick welcomes our neighbor at the ‘Tower of Hope' on the campus of Christ Cathedral. It's none other than Fr. Robert Spitzer, president of the Magis Center and host on EWTN's popular TV show, “Fr. Spitzer's Universe.” On this episode, Father shares about his upcoming talk on “Science Medicine and Eucharistic Miracles” taking place at Christ Cathedral. This is part of the LUMEN CHRISTI SPEAKER SERIES – where we do a deep dive on topics within the framework of Catholic tradition, theology and spirituality. https://www.rcbo.org/events/science-medicine-and-eucharistic-miracles-with-fr-robert-spitzer-lumen-christi-speaker-series/ 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. On this podcast, host Rick Howick welcomes an OC-based couple who recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Their names are Cindy and Deacon Angelo Giambrone. For the past 3 years, this lovely and inspired couple have hosted a podcast called Wedding Banns (as part of a Catholic online channel called Spirit Filled Radio). In this episode, Rick sits down with Deacon Angelo and Cindy to talk about the joys and challenges of married life and what they bring to their compelling weekly podcast. They have so much to share!https://www.spiritfilledevents.com/wedding-banns 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. On this podcast, host Rick Howick welcomes Fr. Will Goldin to our studio on the campus of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. Fr. Will serves as Parochial Administrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in La Habra. He holds several master's degrees from a variety of distinguished institutions both in North America and overseas; and he is quite the accomplished opera singer as well! Fr. Will utilizes his education in a variety of ways in serving his parishioners, including events such as “Holy Smokes” and “Catholics Invade the Bar!” Tune in and hear all about it!For more info, please visit: olglahabra.org/cib.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. On this episode, we welcome two distinguished guests to the studio, Fr. Greg Walgenbach and Jeffry Rice. Fr. Greg is the Director at Life, Justice and Peace Ministry in the Diocese of Orange. And Jeffry is the Chapter President for the Orange County Knights of Columbus. Our topic is the annual Walk for Life, which takes place annually on the campus of Christ Cathedral. This year's event will be held on Saturday, October 5th. The morning begins with a rosary, followed by a talk by Jess Echeverry, advocate speaker and podcaster at Mommaletics. The morning will continue with an outdoor Mass, then an inspiring procession around the cathedral. This inspiring event is sponsored by our local chapter of the Knights of Columbus.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. On this episode, host Rick Howick welcomes a first-time guest to the show, Noelle Mering. Noelle is a fellow at the Washington D.C. based think tank, the Ethics and Public Policy Center. She is the author of the book, Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology. She writes on culture, politics, and religion and has published in Newsweek, Daily Wire, National Review, The Federalist, Washington Examiner, Catholic World Report, and National Catholic Register among others. Noelle has an MA in philosophy and is a wife and mother of six children in Southern California.TheologyofHome.com

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. On this episode, host Rick Howick visits with Steven Caswell of "Road to Purity." This ministry is a beacon to those dealing with various types of sexual addictions. Their website shares the following mission statement: This is the path to freedom, trod by thousands before you, this journey is undertaken only by the brave. It develops strength, outwits the enemy, and forges you into who you were created to be. If you're ready to experience freedom, this is how you can find it.For more, go to: roadtopurity.com

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. On this episode, we welcome two distinguished guests to our studio, DJ Bernal and Armando Cervantes. DJ is a leadership consultant, coach and evangelist, while Armando is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Orange. On this podcast, we're going to talk about a new ministry to young men that is just getting off the ground. “Iron Sharpens Iron” is a Catholic young adult men's ministry for those in the 18 to 39 age range. It's focused on understanding God's call on the life of a man, and equipping men with practical tools to thrive in today's world as representatives of Jesus Christ.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. On this episode, we are delighted to welcome Simone Rizkallah to the broadcast. Simone is part of a distinguished speakers series coming to Christ Cathedral in association with the Lumen Christi Institute. Her talk is entitled, “The Loneliness Epidemic: A Catholic Response to the Crisis.” Why is it that so many of us suffer from deep issues of loneliness today? Is it a byproduct of the pandemic lockdowns or is it much more than that? Rick and Simone cover lots of ground in this discussion, so give a listen for some time well-spent. You will no doubt want to share this podcast with a family member or friend! 

Welcome to another episode of OC Catholic Radio featuring your host, Rick Howick.Today, we'll be talking about Catholic social teaching and restorative justice. Joining Rick in-studio are two distinguished guests, Peggy Normandin and Fred LaPuzza. Peggy's name and voice may be familiar to many of our listeners as the former radio host of the popular EWTN radio show, “Call Me Catholic.” These days, she serves as a volunteer in prison ministry. Fred LaPuzza is no stranger to OC Catholic Radio, and he currently serves as the Director of the Office of Restorative Justice for the Diocese of Orange. Our discussion today centers around all things ‘restorative justice.' Have you ever wondered what it's like inside a jail ward in Orange County? Have you ever thought about serving as a volunteer in prison ministry? What are some of the joys and challenges for those who feel the call to serve those who are incarcerated? Join us for this fascinating discussion! 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. We have another very special episode to bring you on today's podcast. Listen as host Rick Howick interviews some of the key people who helped make the beautiful new Marian Gardens into a reality. We also cover portions of the press conference that took place at the site in May of 2024. Come, and experience this gorgeous walk-through experience located behind the Our Lady of LaVang statue on the north part of the Christ Cathedral campus. Each garden is devoted to one category of the Mysteries of the Rosary: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious. Once you see this beautiful space and spend some time here, your experience praying the rosary will never be the same. 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick.On this week's show, Rick welcomes Dr. Erin Barisano back to the program. Dr. Barisano is the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Orange.Our topic of discussion today will center on the state of Catholic education in Orange County. How are things looking as we approach the end of the 2023-2024 school year?And by the way, we are looking for teachers with a heart for Catholic education! Listen to get the details.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's episode, we have brought in some special guests to share about upcoming events on the Chris Cathedral campus. On the first half of the podcast, Rick sits down with guests Fr. Al Baca and Fr. John Monestero to talk about the soon arrival of the St Jude relic to our diocese, and the significance and value of relics. Next, we check in with Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen and Fr. Quang Chu to get the latest update on the progress of the Marian Gardens and its soon grand opening. It's going to be an amazing blessing to all of the faithful!Listen and share this podcast with family and friends!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, we welcome a couple of new friends who are making their first trek to our radio/podcast studio. These two gentlemen are not only recently ordained deacons in the Diocese of Orange (class of '23) but also dear friends. Deacon Pete Morales has a military and business background, and Deacon Joseph Seminara was a police officer who served for many years in all facets of law enforcement. Both men find their greatest joy in service of the church and its people. A great quote from this podcast: “Being a deacon, it's a 5-year training program for the hardest volunteer job you'll ever do.”Listen and share!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, we welcome good friend Katie Dawson back to the studio. Katie is the Director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange. In our discussion, we do a  deep dive on the topic of re-evaluating and re-tooling our methods of evangelization. In 2024, how can we best share our Catholic faith with others?  Listen and share this podcast!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, we're honored to welcome Megan Morris back to the program. She was with us about a year ago, and today we get to catch up on all the goings-on at the Life Center of Santa Ana (where she serves as the Director and Client Advocate). Today we'll hear about an amazing project that came about through the USCCB called the “Walking with Moms Initiative,” formerly known as Pennies from Heaven. Megan shares that this initiative is really taking off in many parishes within the Diocese and the fruits of the Holy Spirit have been very apparent!Listen and share this podcast!  lifecenterofsantaana.org

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today's show, Rick welcomes Matt Garvey to the studio. Matt is a lay evangelist living in OC and he works with Irvine-based Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry. He collaborates with the ministry's Dunamis group, with a special focus on young adult ministry.  He also hosts a podcast called “The Journey,” which focuses on issues facing young adult Catholics and enables them to share their powerful personal testimonies of faith. This episode of OC Catholic Radio brings together two highly educated spiritual and intellectual dynamos. But through it all, it's about brokenness, grace, and God's supernatural love.

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today's show, Rick welcomes Daniella Aquino to the studio. Daniella serves as Assistant Archivist for the Diocese of Orange, alongside Fr. Chris Heath. Among the many fascinating parts of her job, Rick and Daniella talk about a museum quality exhibit that was recently featured on the Christ Cathedral campus to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Fred Swann. Fred was a fixture for many years on the “Hour of Power” television program which was filmed inside the sanctuary of the building formerly known as the Crystal Cathedral. We cover a lot of ground on today's podcast, so listen and share!

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today's show, Rick welcomes a very special priest to the studio. Not long ago, Fr. Glenn Baaten gave up his Anglican holy orders to be received into the Catholic church along with his wife. He talks about that journey in an episode that first aired over five years ago in this space (episode #134). But for today's discussion, Rick and Fr. Glen engage in a lively back-and-forth dialogue about the Christmas season. We've titled today's episode: “Christ Come to Us in These Difficult Times.” You are sure to be moved by this holy and anointed discourse!

It's always a special treat when Fr. Al Baca sits down with host Rick Howick in our OC Catholic Radio studios. Fr. Al is the Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and Inter-religion in the Diocese of Orange. Our topic of discussion for today's podcast centers around the season of Advent here in the last days of 2023. Listen and SHARE this podcast!

On today's podcast, host Rick Howick welcomes a very special guest named Maureen Pratt to the show. Maureen is an award-winning author, conference speaker, and former syndicated columnist for Catholic News Service. She will be the keynote speaker at the “Caring for the Whole Person Training Conference,” being held on Saturday, December 2nd on the campus of Christ Cathedral. What are the best ways to support, care for, and accompany those facing serious life-threatening illness and end-of-life? This conference is sponsored by all four dioceses in southern California: Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego.Register at rcbo.org/familylifeWholeperson.care

Everyone loves a good story... one that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This episode of OC Catholic Radio is unlike any other episode that we've produced before. Joining host Rick Howick in the studio today are four people who, at the time of this recording, had just returned home from their Holy Land pilgrimage experience. And quite frankly, they were fortunate to make it home safely. Our guests today include married couples Pam and Deacon Bernie Ocampo, as well as Elaine and Bill John.This is a powerful story that is worth sharing!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, we leave the safety and comfort of our studio and brave the outdoor elements. Actually, it was quite a lovely day when host Rick Howick and program producer Jim Governale made the outdoor trek to speak to the many faithful who were enjoying their time at the annual Walk for Life event on the Christ Cathedral campus. The morning began with a rosary, followed by a talk by Kathleen Domingo, the Executive Director for the California Catholic Conference. What followed was an inspiring multi-lingual outdoor Mass. Then, it was a procession where the faithful followed behind the Blessed Sacrament while carrying signs promoting respect for human life - from the womb to the tomb. This inspiring event was sponsored by our local chapter of the Knights of Columbus! Share this podcast with those you love!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes both Deacon Modesto Cordero and Benito Medrano to the program. Deacon Modesto is the Director of The Office of Worship for the Diocese of Orange; and Benito is the Young Adults Director for the Diocese of Orange. On October 20th and 21st, the Diocese will host the “I AM” Eucharistic Congress, inviting people from all walks of life to gather in anticipation of the nearness of God. Through powerful speakers, transformative prayer, and Sacramental celebrations, we will experience the life that flows from the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Listen and hear all about this landmark event! rcbo.org/congress

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Rebecca Freeman and Dr. Louise Dunn to the program. Rebecca is the Pastoral Care Ministry Coordinator for the Office for Family Life in the Diocese of Orange. Dr. Dunn is the director of New Hope Crisis Counseling Center. New Hope is a landmark ministry housed in the ‘Tower of Hope' on the Christ Cathedral campus. Our discussion today centers around the tremendous importance of suicide awareness and how we can minister to those who may be dealing with thoughts of ending their own life. This is a powerful program and thoughtful discussion. Be sure to share this podcast with those you love!(714) NEW-HOPECall or text 988rcbo.org/ministry/new-hope-crisis-counseling

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Mark McElrath to the program. Mark is the executive director at the Santiago Retreat Center in the OC foothills. He is also involved in a cornucopia of Catholic ministries, including “Catholics at Work OC.”You'll be inspired by all the wonderful initiatives taking place right now at the 800-acre Santiago Retreat Center, including a new Catholic trade school that has been formed on-site! santiagoretreatcenter.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Debra Tous to the program.Debra Tous is the Executive Director for Horizon Pregnancy Clinic in Huntington Beach, CA. HPC provides ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, parenting classes, abstinence presentations, post abortion recovery programs, adoption and housing referrals to women in a crisis pregnancy. Rick and Debra will discuss what is happening today both nationwide and in our state of California and why it is so important that we take a stand.. for LIFE. horizonpc.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. This is an extra-special edition of the OC Catholic podcast. Why, you ask? Because this entire presentation has very much of a “man on the street” interview vibe to it. Host Rick Howick and Radio Program Manager Jim Governale wade through the crowds of pilgrims experiencing the Marian Days celebrations on the outskirts of the Christ Cathedral sanctuary in beautiful Garden Grove, California. You'll hear testimonies, encouragement, all kinds of emotions and of course, the MUSIC!You are sure to enjoy this audio submission. Be sure to share this podcast with a friend!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes author Michael Heinlein to the program. Michael is editor of Our Sunday Visitors' SimplyCatholic.com and a regular contributor to OSV's periodicals. He has authored a brand-new book which is the primary topic of our discussion today. It is entitled, “Glorifying Christ – The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I.”Cardinal Francis E. George was a native Chicagoan, and he was told as a young man that he would never be a priest because of a physical disability resulting from polio. Not only was he ordained a priest in 1963, he was eventually appointed as Archbishop of Chicago in 1997. A man of pastoral availability, Cardinal George poured out his life in service to Christ and the Church, always attentive to the poor and those on the margins. Be sure to share this podcast with a friend! 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes a fellow broadcaster to the studio for their first recorded chat. Gil Alderete is the president of Catholic Men's Fellowship (CMF) of California; and he hosts his own podcast which is called, “Men of Faith.” Having been involved in many areas of Catholic ministry for the better part of 25 years, there was a period where Gil felt a calling to become a deacon. But things didn't go quite the way he planned. Listen to this fascinating conversation that triggers some powerful emotions. Please share this amazing podcast! catholicmen.orgspiritfilledevents.com

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen back to the studio. Among the many hats she wears, Dr. Nguyen is most notably the CEO of the Our Lady of La Vang Foundation.If you've spent any time at the Christ Cathedral campus or even driven by over the last couple of years, you are likely aware of the Our Lady of LaVang Shrine. It can be seen in all its glory right off Lewis Street. The next phase of this project is an elaborate, beautiful garden that is being completed right behind the shrine (The Marian Gardens). There is so much happening on the campus of Christ Cathedral. Listen in and hear all about this wonderful project!

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today's episode of OC Catholic Radio, Rick welcomes our neighbor at the ‘Tower of Hope' on the campus of Christ Cathedral. It's none other than Fr. Robert Spitzer, president of the Magis Center and host on EWTN's popular TV show, “Fr. Spitzer's Universe.” On this episode, the discussion centers around his recent and enormously popular book, “The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church – A Defense of Her Controversial Moral Teachings.”Many people today, particularly the young, are embarrassed by the Church's moral teaching. For them, it is only an outdated expression of hatred or disgust. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Sin is what degrades man and kills his joy, and a moral life is a life of love. Jesus said, "The truth will set you free." With scientific clarity, this work provides readers everything they need to know to speak credibly, effectively, and persuasively about the most controversial moral issues.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick.On this week's show, Rick welcomes one of our favorite guests back to the program, Dr. Erin Barisano.  She is the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Orange.Our topic of discussion today will be on the just-completed 2022-2023 school year. How have our diocesan schools performed during these challenging times? Tune in and find out! 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Matt Estrade to the program. Matt is the founder of Catholic Aging Ministry, based in Louisiana. He is endorsed by the Archbishop of New Orleans. Today's podcast discussion will center around a talk that Matt is presenting on May 3rd on behalf of the Diocese of Orange. It is called “Your Catholic Faith has Prepared You for this Dementia Journey.” This event is hosted by the Office of Family Life. dementiarosary.com

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Christofer Pereyra to the program. Christofer is the founder and CEO of the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative based in Phoenix, Arizona. Today's podcast discussion will center around a dynamic conference that is coming to the Christ Cathedral campus in November, 2023. The Hour of the Laity is a national conference for all lay Catholics who seek to grow as leaders to influence civil society for Christ. This conference will equip lay people to take on leadership roles in the secular world.For more information, go to: tliprogram.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes two special guests to the program, Fr. Chris Heath and Jennifer Clark. Fr. Chris is the archivist for the Diocese of Orange; and Jennifer is a wellness coach and tour manager with Peter's Way Tours.They recently lead a Holy Land pilgrimage with a wonderful group of people, many of whom did not know one another at the beginning of the journey. But after wrapping up this epic 10-day tour, these pilgrims have now become lifelong friends. It was a life-changing experience for all involved! Listen as Rick, Jennifer, and Fr. Chris paint the pictures of this incredible spiritual experience. For more information, visit “Finding Grace: A Quest” on Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Stephen Holte to our studios, high atop the Tower of Hope. Holte is the founding president of the soon-to-open Cristo Rey Orange County High School in Santa Ana. On this podcast, you will learn about a totally unique approach to education that is distinctive to Orange County. By incorporating a unique work-study model in all its schools, Cristo Rey's mission is to ensure that a Catholic school education is available to students with limited financial resources.That will be the model of the Cristo Rey Orange County High School, the 39th Cristo Rey school, when it takes on its first first-year class in the fall of 2023. cristoreyorangecounty.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes two very special guests to the program, Fr. Bao Thai and Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen. Fr. Bao is the rector at Christ Cathedral parish; and, Elysabeth is the CEO of the recently formed Our Lady of La Vang Foundation.The St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts, located in the cathedral undercroft, will be more intimate than the main sanctuary above, and contain new sacred artwork and burial spaces for bishops. With approximately 11,500 square feet, it will accommodate approximately 250 people and have an altar for Masses. The chapel and crypts are named after the former St. Callistus parish and school in Garden Grove, which closed in 2013.The St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts' architectural style is being described as modern Byzantine, with gold colors akin to what one sees in a European church. The architectural firm is Los Angeles-based Johnson Fain, with sacred art from Granda of Madrid, Spain.Listen in and hear all about this wonderful project! stcallistuschapel.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Chef Bruno Serato from the Anaheim White House Restaurant to the program.For 10 years, Serato has been acting on the inspiration of his late mother, Caterina Lunardi, who urged him to prepare substantial and healthy meals for the many “motel kids” and disadvantaged children in Orange County. He formed the charitable foundation Caterina's Club in honor of his mother. A few years ago, he was honored to receive a blessing from Pope Francis after he presented the pope with a copy of his book “The Power of Pasta.”Chef Bruno is a man of strong faith. Listen in and be inspired! anaheimwhitehouse.com