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How does the Catholic Church foster a consistent ethic of life that honors human dignity from conception to natural death? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes Faye Roch, Director of Pro-Life Ministries for the Diocese of Covington. Roch outlines how the diocesan pro-life office carries out the USCCB's four pillars of pro-life ministry: education, pastoral care, public policy advocacy, and prayer and worship. She explains the essential link between pro-life advocacy and Catholic Charities, framing the corporal works of mercy as vital responses to modern "throwaway culture." Highlighting key events during Respect Life Month, Roch shares details about an end-of-life bioethics seminar with Josef Zalot of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, the annual 8th-grade pro-life essay contest themed "Mary, Mother of Life," and an upcoming community baby shower in Florence, Kentucky. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do prayer and sacrifice unite to form the most powerful force in human history, and how can we apply this principle to daily life? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., online at fatherboniface.org and co-author of Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father's Love. Reflecting on the Feast of Pope St. John Paul II, Fr. Boniface unpacks the late pontiff’s profound declaration that "prayer joined to sacrifice constitutes the most powerful force in human history." He explains how aligning our value hierarchy with God prevents legitimate earthly goods from becoming destructive idols. Fr. Boniface explores how Jesus modeled the ultimate union of prayer and sacrifice on the Cross, drawing on Pope Benedict XVI's insight that sacrifice (sacrum facere) means "to make holy" rather than to destroy. He concludes by showing how St. John Paul II lived out this self-offering to transform modern history and combat atheistic humanism. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can parishes create an accessible, welcoming environment for those entering the Catholic Church without overwhelming them with doctrine or replacing personal relationships with screen time? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Matt Swaim welcomes back Michael Gormley, co-host of the podcast Every Knee Shall Bow and a presenter for Ascension Press's OCIA program, Invited. Gormley emphasizes the importance of balancing Orthodox teaching with authentic pastoral care, noting that seekers are often on a quest for healing and happiness rather than purely academic debate. He explains how Invited prioritizes human accompaniment by using concise 8-to-12-minute video segments designed solely as supplements for room catechists and sponsors. Drawing on Marshall McLuhan and Church teachings on media, Gormley and Swaim discuss how incarnational ministry and local parish communities remain the true engine of evangelization. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did a nine-day pastoral visit by a Polish Pope spark the collapse of European communism and proclaim the true dignity of the human person? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Matt Swaim welcomes Courtney Brown, Executive Director of the Ruah Woods Institute, to celebrate the Feast of Pope St. John Paul II. Drawing on George Weigel's biography Witness to Hope, Brown explores John Paul II’s historic 1979 return to his communist-ruled homeland. She highlights how his visit—from his foundational homily at Victory Square in Warsaw to his Pentecost vigil invocation—reclaimed the Polish people's identity and human dignity in Jesus Christ rather than through political diplomacy. Brown reflects on the famous crowd response, "We Want God," showing how John Paul II’s teachings continue to offer a profound response to modern secular humanism through the Theology of the Body. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does Psalm 132 foretell the coming of a Messiah who unites the roles of Davidic King and High Priest in the eternal Covenant? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Matt Swaim welcomes back Catholic apologist, author, and speaker Gary Michuta, host of Hands on Apologetics and author of Messiah: Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ. Michuta explores the messianic promises within Psalm 132, highlighting its unique focus on the Ark of the Covenant, the Davidic throne, and the high priestly imagery of the Temple. He breaks down key verses—such as the "horn" sprouting for David, the "lamp" prepared for the Anointed One, and the blossoming crown—showing how these natural and supernatural symbols point to a King who also fulfills the Melchizedekian high priesthood. Together, Swaim and Michuta discuss how Christ fulfills these ancient longings by offering Himself in the true Holy of Holies and dwelling perpetually in the Tabernacle. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of Pope St. John Paul II! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Rita Heikenfeld to share some Polish recipes to celebrate JP2’s feast day. Other guests include pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast on October and the Pope’s monthly intention regarding mental health, and Courtney Brown from Ruah Woods on how Pope John Paul II’s commitment to Christian anthropology is the basis for his apostolate. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… listen live! ***** A Prayer of Pope St. John Paul II O God, You are our Creator . You are good and Your mercy knows no bounds . To You arises the praise of every creature. O God, You have given us an inner law by which we must live. To do Your will is our task . To follow Your ways is to know peace of heart. To You we offer our homage . Guide us on all the paths we travel upon this earth. Free us from all the evil tendencies which lead our hearts away from Your will . Never allow us to stray from You. O God, judge of all humanity, help us to be included among Your chosen ones on the last day. O God, Author of peace and justice, give us true joy and authentic love, and a lasting solidarity among peoples. Give us Your everlasting gifts. Amen. ***** RECIPES FROM RITA: CITY “CHICKEN” City chicken originated with the Polish and Ukrainian communities who immigrated to the Great Lakes region during the Depression. Cleveland and Pittsburgh were known for city chicken. The main meat used was veal or pork since chicken was expensive and reserved for special occasions! The chunks of meat were threaded onto skewers to resemble chicken legs. Today pork is the most economical choice for city chicken since veal is so expensive and hard to find, and using pork tenderloin works. The important thing here is not to over bake the skewered, breaded pork once it goes into the oven.I used 4” skewers but 6” ones are OK too. Ingredients2 pounds pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, cut into 1-1/2” cubes6-8 skewers, 4” eachSeasoned salt or regular saltFreshly ground pepper3 cups Panko bread crumbs1 tablespoon Italian seasoning3/4 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional but good)5 eggs1/3 cup milk (I used evaporated but any kind works)Oil for frying InstructionsThread 3 or so cubes of pork onto each skewer. Be sure and leave a bit of space between each piece of meat so that it cooks evenly.Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.Mix together bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder. Set aside in shallow bowl.Whisk eggs until blended. Whisk milk into eggs and blend well. Pour into shallow bowl.Dip each skewer into egg mixture, turning to coat all sides, then roll into crumbs.Dip again in egg mixture and crumbs.Now you can brown them in 1/2” hot oil right away or cover and refrigerate several hours.Your goal is to simply get the skewers golden on both sides, which takes a few minutes only.Preheat oven to 350.Place skewers on wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake about 20 minutes or until meat registers 140 or so. Carry-over cooking occurs as it sits and raises the temperature 5 or so degrees. ***** Full list of guests Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What were the culinary habits of Pope St. John Paul II, and how did Polish-American immigrants adapt their traditional cooking during the Great Depression? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Matt Swaim welcomes back culinary expert and herbalist Rita Heikenfeld from AboutEating.com to celebrate the Feast of St. John Paul II. Heikenfeld reflects on the humble eating routine of the Polish-born pontiff—from his simple breakfasts of bread and butter to his fondness for native Polish comfort foods, Italian variations like tortellini and bomboloni, and the famous "Pope's Cream Cake" (Kremówka Papieska). She also breaks down the history of "City Chicken," a classic Midwestern Polish and Ukrainian Depression-era recipe that skewer-breads pork tenderloin to mimic chicken drumsticks. Heikenfeld walks listeners step-by-step through her recipe for crisp, oven-baked City Chicken. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do the greatest commandments quoted by Jesus during Holy Week connect back to Moses in Deuteronomy and forward to our daily battle against temptation? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Dr. John Bergsma, author, illustrator, and co-author of A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament. Dr. Bergsma explains why the Pharisees and Sadducees attempted to trap Jesus in the Temple with controversial legal questions just days before His crucifixion. He breaks down Jesus' response—loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves—showing how it draws directly from the ancient Shema prayer in Deuteronomy 6. Bergsma highlights the striking parallel between Moses summarizing the law before his death and Jesus, the "New Moses," doing the same. Finally, he connects Jesus' trial in the Temple to the Garden of Eden, showing how loving God with our whole heart overcomes the original temptation to distrust the Father's love. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Catholic families navigate the heartbreak and complexity of caring for a loved one with severe mental illness while maintaining proper boundaries and personal health? On Driving Home the Faith, host Matt Swaim welcomes back pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast during Respect Life Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Prendergast addresses the profound impact of severe conditions—such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance addictions, autism, and dementia—on entire family ecosystems. Drawing on Church teaching on charity and human fragility, he discusses how families can navigate lack of insight, recognize functional impairment, and seek support through organizations like NAMI, the Alzheimer's Association, Al-Anon, and Nar-Anon. Prendergast explores the delicate balance between respecting personal autonomy, bracing for relapses, and practicing "detaching with love" when safety or burnout requires healthy distance. Finally, he calls on parish communities to offer prayerful support and practical accompaniment to overwhelmed caregivers. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is St. Jude Thaddeus known as the patron saint of hopeless cases, and how does devotion to Christ's apostle bring hope to those facing impossible trials? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Fr. Frank Donio, SAC, Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and Pallottine priest. Fr. Donio shares the rich history of the National Shrine of St. Jude in Baltimore, Maryland, which has been cared for by the Pallottine Fathers since 1917 and became a dedicated shrine in 1989. He discusses the perpetual novenas, daily confessions, live streams, and digital petitions that connect pilgrims from around the world to the shrine (stjudeshrine.org). Fr. Donio also shares a deeply personal story of St. Jude’s intercession in his own family, while explaining the iconographic symbolism of St. Jude—including the image of Christ, the club of his martyrdom, and the flame of the Holy Spirit that inspires unwavering Christian hope. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a 12th-century miracle in Northern Italy point to the deep connection between the Incarnation, the Paschal Mystery, and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Shaun McAfee, author of The 25-Pound Compendium of Eucharistic Miracles (TAN Books). McAfee shares the story of the 1171 Eucharistic Miracle of Ferrara, Italy, where during the fraction of the Host by Fr. Pietro da Verona, blood emerged from the consecrated Host with such force that it sprayed onto the chapel's apse ceiling. Alongside the miraculous bloodstains—which remain visible today on preserved frescoes—the congregation witnessed a crimson glow and a vision of the Infant Jesus above the chalice. McAfee and Mitchell examine historical documentation dating back to 1197, papal recognition, and how the manifestation of the Christ Child at the altar links the manger of Bethlehem directly to the sacrifice of the Mass. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does God permit spiritual dryness, and how can Christians maintain a steady heart when feelings of divine consolation fade? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Deacon Nathan Beiersdorfer, permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and president of The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori (gscmontessori.org). Concluding their study of St. Francis de Sales' classic Introduction to the Devout Life, Deacon Beiersdorfer examines the purpose of spiritual dryness. Drawing on Psalm 63, the Canticle of Canticles, and the insights of St. John of the Cross, he explains how God uses periods of dryness to purge believers of presumption, complacency, and attachment to worldly comforts. Deacon Beiersdorfer outlines four practical steps recommended by St. Francis de Sales to navigate spiritual barrenness: humbling oneself before God, calling upon His grace in prayer, opening one's soul to a confessor, and embracing "pious indifference" by remaining faithful to prayer and duty for God's sake rather than emotional reward. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Catholic men trade reactive, emotional decision-making for divine wisdom and heroic humility? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Matt Swaim welcomes back Bear Woznick, author of Men of Grit and Grace: Daily Challenge for a Catholic Man and founder of the School of Manliness (schoolofmanliness.com). Reading an excerpt from his best-selling daily devotional, Woznick uses dynamic analogies from big-wave jet-ski rescue surfing and ocean sailing to illustrate what it means to look at life from "God's perspective." He and Swaim discuss how divine wisdom relies on spiritual discipline, preparation, and self-restraint rather than impulsive reactions. Quoting James 1:5, Woznick highlights how true humility stems from "hero worship" of God, emphasizing that placing the Lord at the center of life equips men to face daily trials with courage, prudence, and grace. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the International Theological Commission (ITC), how do its members get appointed, and what role does it play in the development of Catholic doctrine? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Matt Swaim welcomes back Fr. Philip Michael Tangorra, pastor, canon lawyer from New Jersey, and author of This Is Our Faith. Fr. Tangorra explains that members of the ITC are nominated by the Prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) and officially appointed by the Pope. He breaks down how this body of elite theologians examines complex, unresolved theological topics—ranging from past studies on women in the diaconate and the salvation of unbaptized infants to current ethical questions surrounding frozen embryos. While the ITC's consensus documents are not ex cathedra dogmatic definitions, Fr. Tangorra highlights how their work establishes critical theological foundation that informs the Magisterium, episcopal conferences, and the ongoing development of Church teaching—including open questions regarding the sacramental character of the diaconate. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the difference between simply following rules and living a genuinely virtuous, ordered life? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Dr. Ken Craycraft, host of Driving Home the Faith on Sacred Heart Radio and author of Staying Sober, One Story at a Time. Unpacking the introductory chapter of his book, Dr. Craycraft shares his personal journey as a "highly functional alcoholic"—someone who externally met all professional, family, and religious obligations while internally living a life dictated by alcohol rather than directed toward God. He and Mitchell discuss how real virtue requires more than superficial compliance; it requires adopting habits, practices, and a overarching narrative that orient the soul toward the Good. Drawing from Scripture and Catholic moral theology, Dr. Craycraft explains how God forms His people not through isolated commands, but through the ongoing story of salvation—from Abraham to the Exodus—teaching believers to embrace God's law out of love rather than mere obligation. Stream now to listen! Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.