June 7, 2026 | Nurturing faith in young hearts

June 7, 2026 | Nurturing faith in young hearts

Host Rita Buettner speaks with Christopher Wesley, executive director of Marathon Youth Ministry, about faith, family and raising the next generation of Catholics. Drawing on more than two decades of youth ministry experience, Wesley discusses how parishes can help young people find belonging, purpose and identity, while encouraging parents to build strong faith-centered communities around their families. Wesley also shares insights on the vital role fathers and other trusted adults play in nurturing faith, the challenges facing lay ministers and the importance of creating welcoming parishes for young people. Host: Rita Buettner Guest: Christopher Wesley, Marathon Youth Ministry News Anchor: Kevin J. Parks Producer: George Matysek Jr.

May 31, 2026 | Bishop Adam J. Parker takes more listener questions in "Ask a Bishop"

Bishop Adam J. Parker, auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, returns for another installment of Catholic Review Radio's popular "Ask a Bishop" series. In this episode, Bishop Parker takes on a wide range of listener questions gathered from Catholic events across the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He offers practical advice for college students on peer-to-peer evangelization, guidance on approaching friends struggling with underage drinking and tips for defending the Catholic faith with confidence and humility. A father of a seminarian asks how to encourage vocations — and Bishop Parker's answer is both personal and pastoral. Other topics include whether Catholics should kiss the bishop's ring, what drives Bishop Parker's ministry and what he does on a day off (hint: pack your hiking boots). Host: George Matysek Jr. Guest: Bishop Adam J. Parker Producer: George Matysek Jr.

May 24, 2026 | From Russian prince to American frontier priest

In the early years of the Catholic Church in the United States, few figures were as unlikely — or as fascinating — as Prince Demetrius Augustin Gallitzin. Born into Russian nobility with Catherine the Great as his godmother, Gallitzin became a Catholic priest on the American frontier, earning the title "Apostle of the Alleghenies." Catherine O’Donnell, a historian at Arizona State University, joins host George Matysek to discuss the extraordinary life of one of the most fascinating figures in the early U.S. Catholic Church. Gallitzin arrived in Baltimore in the late 18th century and came under the guidance of Bishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the United States. After serving briefly at St. Joseph in Taneytown, he ministered in even more remote areas of rural Pennsylvania. O’Donnell discusses Gallitzin’s unusual upbringing, his difficult relationship with his strong-willed mother and the deep faith that drew him to the priesthood. The conversation also explores his tensions with Bishop Carroll, his efforts to build a distinctly Catholic community in frontier America and his writings defending the faith. Guest: Catherine O'Donnell Host: George P. Matysek Jr. Producer: George P. Matysek Jr. Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

May 17, 2026 | Saying yes to God's plan

Gregg Landry, founder of Blue Rock Productions and president of the Catholic Business Network of Baltimore, didn't set out to be a faith leader. He came to UMBC to play baseball and ended up doing suicide crisis counseling and working in Baltimore's most troubled neighborhoods. Looking back, he sees God's hand in all of it. Mark Viviano talks with Landry about how saying yes has shaped everything since. They discuss how a single reflection question at a men's faith group — what have you said no to that could have been a blessing? — led Landry to eucharistic ministry at Good Samaritan Hospital and, eventually, prison ministry. Whether filming celebrities, praying with hospital patients or gathering teammates before an ultimate Frisbee tournament, Landry's message is the same: bring Christ into every interaction. Guest: Gregg Landry Host: Mark Viviano Producer: George P. Matysek Jr. Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

May 10, 2026 | Why a world-class pianist gave up a promising career to become a priest

He was once a rising concert pianist, performing for audiences around the world—until he answered a call he could not ignore. Catholic Review Managing Editor George Matysek speaks with Sulpician Father Paul Maillet about his journey from the concert stage to the priesthood. A former student of the legendary Leon Fleisher, Father Maillet reflects on the discipline and demands of a professional music career – and how a vocation first sparked in high school gradually took hold through prayer, service and discernment. Now a faculty member at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Roland Park, he continues to integrate music into his life and ministry, describing it as a powerful form of prayer. He also previews his upcoming concert at the Baltimore Basilica and offers practical insight on listening for God’s call and finding lasting peace.