When I hear conversion stories on Catholic radio, or even hear about someone’s faith revival because of Catholic radio, I get a little shower of grace. It touches my heart with gratitude, knowing I have experienced that kind of boost to my faith, too.

Sometimes that grace peels away some of my assumptions and conclusions and presents me with a fresh perspective to recharge my faith. I had that nudge from the Holy Spirit as I began writing this column in advance of the upcoming radiothon, set for May 14-15, on Oklahoma Catholic Radio.

Where I once envisioned us, the listeners, as the givers in the radiothon appeal, I came to realize we are actually the receivers. Even before we open our wallets and pocketbooks, God is sharing his love and his work for us in the efforts of producing the radiothon. We benefit, getting to know other Catholics and their stories throughout the state just by tuning in.

Think of that from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days and take the opportunity to hear local, Oklahoma voices, beginning with Archbishop Coakley at 8 a.m. May 14.

OKCR has titled the radiothon “Oklahoma Days,” since most of the interviews, conversations and callers will be fellow Oklahomans with whom we share our enthusiasm for expressing our faith in Jesus Christ via Catholic radio. Interviews will feature archdiocesan priests, such as Father Rex Arnold and Father John Herrera; those on the frontlines of ministry in the archdiocese, like Jace Palmer, director of the Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry office.

Memories of past radiothons create wonderful thoughts of people calling in, inspired to donate because an Oklahoma mom or ministry director or parish priest just shared the part Catholic radio played in transforming his or her life. I’ve enjoyed OKCR president Jeff Finnell or Deacon Larry Sousa or Father Danny Grover broadcasting the pledges, building excitement for more pledges.

I carry warm memories of OKCR board members and volunteers accepting radiothon assignments: reaching out to gain interviews; scheduling for two days of continuous, compelling air time; taking incoming phone calls and recording contributions; the loyal hosts lending their voices continuously to fill and orchestrate the air time which appears to be a glamorous job, but is actually grueling and tedious at times.

Then there’s the impact of programming. What Father Zachary Boazman may humbly share in his on-air discussion may be a life-giving insight into our faith for someone listening. Someone else might gain a glimmer of hope for a personal, despairing situation when a conversion or reversion story is part of the radiothon line-up.

Once again, OKCR will continue the Apostle Sponsorship, in which any donor of $1,000 or more adopts an Apostle. Let’s hope for at least 12 Apostle sponsors.

Whether you listen online or tune into one of the OKCR stations, be ready to receive. Enjoy “Oklahoma Days” and experience God’s love and mercy. Allow gratitude to fill your heart for this gift. Then, let your heart direct you to giving.