When Oklahoma Catholics discover I have a connection to Oklahoma Catholic Radio, the typical response is “I love Catholic radio!” Those of you who have read the “Are You Listening?” column have heard this endorsement in some of my previous articles, primarily from my fellow Saint Charles Borromeo parishioners like Carmen Santos-Heinen, Mike Murphy and Kathleen Shannon.

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.

The electronic age exploded with ways for people to exchange ideas, share information and learn from one another. For thousands of years, people primarily communicated person-to-person.

In the past when I prepared for a long car ride, I brought a book to read. Now, I sync my phone to the car, download some podcasts and I check the Oklahoma Catholic Radio website for the current program schedule. Deacon Larry Sousa, Al Kresta and Bishop Baron, just to name a few. As I listen, I am prompted to be disposed to God and what he asks of me.

One afternoon when I was in college, I found myself in a discussion with a born-again, evangelical Christian. I was decidedly not in a persuasive position. This fellow aimed the now-familiar challenges to my Catholic faith that many Protestants grow up hearing: Catholics are not real Christians because they don’t know Jesus from the Bible; Catholics pray to and worship saints; Catholics believe they will be saved not by faith but by works.

f there were any doubts in my mind that God uses Catholic radio as a vehicle to increase both faith and the faithful, Carly Rae Van Zant cemented my belief. She is a volunteer for Oklahoma Catholic Radio, who offers a variety of skills and expertise she has acquired from her career in communications and radio broadcasting.

Doctor Chris Edge began listening to EWTN in 2013 when an employee clued him in. He began by listening to “Catholic Answers Live,” and soon he was listening all day to various programs. In an interview on “Make Straight the Way,” Edge told Deacon Larry that all he had been taught about his faith were clarified by listening to Catholic radio. I think that rings true for many of us, myself included, who were raised Catholic. Mother Angelica, Deacon Larry Sousa, Father John Riccardo and many others embody the power of focusing our lives on God through Jesus Christ instead of living for ourselves.

When my five-year pledge to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine was completed this year, I debated on where to direct my charitable giving. I thought about contributing to a new ministry, increasing the amounts given to the current charities and more. Whatever I decided to do, it meant a shift in my habits, more payments to keep track of, maybe a little research on a new ministry... it could get complicated. On top of that, I had an attack of the “what ifs.” What if I experienced an unexpected expense? What if the new charity merged with another that was unknown to me? What if a family member needed financial help? Wouldn’t I want to be prepared to help?

Our Catholic faith honors the rosary as one of the most efficacious prayers for spiritual development. The rosary itself was not prayed by Jesus, or anyone in sacred scripture, nor was it prayed by the disciples as a part of apostolic tradition, but it does find its roots in the Bible.

Our parishes and schools are natural go-to places for volunteering. These communities are worthy of our time, talent and treasure. I do not think I am too far off in my estimate that most of the readers of this column are active in their parish or local school, or both, like myself. The season of Lent has been a catalyst for me to examine how I give of myself, and how I might widen my circle of giving. If you join me in this, I hope you will use Oklahoma Catholic Radio as a resource, but first, let us consider this idea in an example we have in our own archdiocese. The archdiocese just celebrated the dedication of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine on Feb. 17.

As I have come to know Jesus Christ more, I have gradually learned that my life is not about what I achieve or don't achieve. My satisfaction and motivation rests in offering back to God the capacity he has endowed me with in every event and circumstance.

Broadcasts repeat at regular intervals and help listeners retain important details from the shows and advertisements they hear. Announcements of events, organizations and services are in popular demand at OKCR, and there are several methods available to those who want to get the word out to listeners.

There are myriad ways that the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City interacts with each other, conveying and relating to each other as we work to accomplish our mission to go make disciples.

What do you do with the grief and pain when loved ones are senselessly murdered as in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building?

Although I am not a political animal, I do have an appreciation for the faithful Catholics who speak about worldly affairs. On the local level, Catholics like Brett Farley make room for Catholic voices in legislation and opinion.

The Spring Radiothon for Oklahoma Catholic Radio is April 5-6. The radiothon will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. A variety of guests will join the show, including many Oklahomans who have been impacted significantly by Catholic radio. Archbishop Coakley will be live on the air at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5 and at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6.

The Fall Radiothon for Oklahoma Catholic Radio is Nov 11-13. The radiothon will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturday. A variety of guests will join the show, including many Oklahomans who have been impacted significantly by Catholic radio. Archbishop Coakley will be live on the air at 8:30 a.m. and at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.

" I have been listening to "The Miracle Hunter ", an EWTN program, broadcast Saturdays at 6 PM on OKCR,  and it has led me to this question: Do you consider answers to your prayers miraculous? I cannot answer that question without thinking of Bartimeus, the blind man Jesus encountered when he was leaving Jericho.

My sister Katy was named for our aunt, Kathleen O'Brien, who was our mother's best friend and youngest sister. She never married, but she was devoted to my mother and her children. Since her death, Katy has annually hosted "The Grandma and Aunt Katie Haviland China Luncheon" to honor Aunt Katie, our mother, and grandmother. It is a highly anticipated event for me, my daughters, and Katy's friends.

Last month, I told you about the upcoming, expanded, Spring Radiothon, scheduled May 6th - 8th. Not only will the radiothon air over the course of two and a half days, but new equipment will deliver the radiothon beyond the studio confines.