One of the programs unique to Oklahoma Catholic Radio is "Around the Archdiocese ".  You won't hear it if you listen strictly to EWTN or Catholic radio via Sirius XM (TM). Listening to Oklahoma Catholic Radio is akin to shopping or eating local, and "Around the Archdiocese " is a local, audio calendar, if you will, of liturgical and community events of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City  and the diocese of Tulsa. Fred Pope and Deacon Larry Sousa host the program, providing basic "who, what, when, where" of parish and diocesan activities and services. Groups such as Willow, Knights of Columbus, and the  Benedictine monks at St. Gregory's Abbey have all extended invitations on "Around the Archdiocese ". 
 
I want to highlight one of these events because it is sponsored by Oklahoma Catholic Radio.  Deacon Larry Sousa and Father Christopher Brashears are hosting a pilgrimage to EWTN and the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Irondale Alabama. They have picked a pleasant time of year for travel, September 23 - 28, with an itinerary that feeds the soul, pays homage to the historical, and refreshes the body with a variety of recreation, including stops in Arkansas and Tennessee as part of the journey.
 
Although this trip is billed as a pilgrimage, the means of travel is a luxury motorcoach equipped with expansive touring windows, comfortable, adjustable seats, and temperature - controlled atmisphere. Deacon Larry and Father Brashears have engaged the expertise and enthusiasm of Melani Roewe / Travel Overtures, to guide them on the pilgrimage. Melani has led pilgrimages to EWTN before, so she knows what sites make the trip memorable, when to start and end the day, and how to personalize the travel experience. "I usually provide a Continental breakfast on the coach, the first day," Melani confided. "The seat next to me is my kitchen!"
 
Specific details of the trip are available at travelovertures.com or by calling (405) 293-2003. I spoke to Melani in early April and she already had close to twenty people signed up for the trip. I am writing about the trip now because after June 22nd, payment is due in full for the entire trip.
 
"Radioactive" (Deacon Larry and Fred Pope frequently use the term to describe OKCR listeners) travelers can expect electronic and social media to be part of their experience. They will be part of the live audience for an episode of "EWTN Live ".  There will also be updates and pictures on Facebook (TM), and ... on our new website which is up and running! There is lots to explore from global happenings to our own turf in Oklahoma.
Check out the easy navigation at www.okcr.org. Let me know how you like it.
 
The website is also your source for participating in the OKCR Spring Radiothon, April 30th and May 1st. The board members and other volunteers look forward to your calls, questions, donations and perspectives. We delight in the interviews from the religious community, business sponsors, and more. A spirit of gratitude rules this Spring Radiothon because generous donors at our annual benefit luncheon provided the seed money to fund our Radiothon challenge grant. If you have tuned in to a previous radiothon, you know how much fun it is to have a financial goal and share the suspense and satisfaction of achieving the financial match. Matching funds have made a significant contribution to the steady retirement of OKCR debt.