Patrick discusses the importance of hope within the Catholic faith, and explores the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, and provides updates on Pope Francis's health condition. He also addresses real-world challenges like remote work in the federal government and the implications of returning to the office—demonstrating how life's complexities can be handled with grace and faith.   Patrick starts the show with an update on Pope Francis’ health (00:58) Matt - Most Catholics don't understand the virtue of hope (03:09) Kip - Does the devil trick us through assurance and rob us of hope of heaven? (18:26) Musk orders US federal workers to report on work by Monday or resign (25:19) Rose - In today's Gospel, Jesus notes that some demons can only be exercised through prayer and fasting. Some bibles just say “prayer” but not “fasting”, why? (34:00) Seumas – Does the Relevant Radio app cost money? The answer, no. (45:23)

Patrick tackles compelling topics with insights into societal trends and timeless truths of the Catholic faith and offers some eye-opening statistics about gender identity in younger generations. Patrick also examines the challenges of religious sacraments with SSPX parishes, balanced by an insightful discussion on maintaining fidelity to Church teachings. A thought-provoking discussion on eternal consequences provides a deeper understanding of grace and truth.   Americans who identify as LGBT have nearly tripled in 12 years to record high (00:35) Nader - I go to SSPX church and the people I want to be the godparents for my child will not go to that Church. What can I do? (09:23) Peter - A lot of the LGBTQ stats are driven by the media and social media. (24:03) Cody - During the homily, the priest gave a paragraph version of the homily and invited the Little Sisters of the Poor to give a vocation talk (31:33) Ray (email) – Question about IVF (39:40) Martha (email) – I used IVF before I knew it was a sin. Should I go to confession whenever my heart aches about this? (41:36) Bill (email) – Why is the only option God gives those who are not saved is eternal torture? (43:24)

Patrick explores crucial questions surrounding the sacrament of baptism, discussing concerns about its validity and the process of conditional baptism. He addresses the significance of intent and form, and how these affect the sacrament’s legitimacy. Additionally, Patrick unravels the meaning of receiving communion, emphasizing the completeness of Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist, whether through the host or the precious blood.   Pat - What could be done if I'm suspecting insufficient form for my daughters’ baptism.  (01:01) Tim - If I give up something for Lent, like Alcohol, should I not go back to it afterward?  If taking the precious blood includes alcohol, should I not take it? (12:39) Elijah (X) – Precious Blood: It seems patently insane and absurd to willfully withhold one of the essential elements of what is believed by most Christians to be the central sacrament of Christianity (19:05) Margaret – If I go to Mass twice on the same day, I am able to receive Communion, but if I went a third time, it would not be permissible for me to receive communion? (35:45) Agnes – Why don’t teachers make kids memorize anything? (46:15)

Relevant Radio is all about "bringing Christ to the world through the media," and that includes reaching those in prison.    The Big News? Relevant Radio has teamed up with Edovo, a nonprofit that provides digital education tools in prisons, to make Catholic content accessible to over 1,100 correctional facilities across the U.S.    Here’s how it works:   Inmates can access Relevant Radio’s content: like Fr. Rocky’s Eucharistic Encounters and The Saints Podcast, right on secure tablets provided through Edovo.    In just one month, 25,000 sessions of Relevant Radio content were accessed by inmates.    Though federal prisons aren’t on board yet, there’s hope this outreach will expand even further.   Why does this matter? Because everyone deserves a shot at grace, even those who’ve lost their freedom. Patrick reminds us of Matthew 25: “I was in prison, and you visited me.” Prison can be a dark, isolating place, and yet, God’s light can still break through the bars.   Patrick shares a heart-touching letter from Michael, an inmate in New Jersey, who listens to Relevant Radio daily. Michael prays the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Drew Mariani and joins in the Family Rosary Across America every evening. He even sent a handmade Christmas card to the team (with some seriously impressive cursive handwriting; Patrick was impressed!).    Michael’s words say it all:   “Relevant Radio has changed my life.”     He and many others are finding community, hope, and a deeper relationship with Christ... right from their cells.   So, next time you tune into Relevant Radio, say a prayer for those listening in the loneliest of places.    Because God’s mercy knows no walls.   

Meet Alyson from League City, Texas: she's a single mom with a big heart, a fierce faith, and a knack for making the most out of every dollar (even when her dad thought she was crazy for it).   It all started with a bold donation. A few years back, during a pledge drive, Alyson took a financial leap of faith and donated $365, a dollar a day, even though her budget was already razor thin. Her dad wasn’t thrilled (“What is wrong with you?”), but Alyson trusted God. And, surprise, surprise (or not), God came through. She unexpectedly received even more money than she had given. Coincidence? Nope. Not in God’s playbook.    Fast forward to today... Alyson reflects on the early days of juggling single motherhood, online school, and side gigs like grocery delivery: driving around in the dark while praying the Rosary. Her constant prayer? “Lord, I need a good job. With good pay. And benefits.” Guess what? He delivered.    Now, she’s got a stable 9-to-5 job, benefits, and even gets to her desk early because, as she told her boss, “I’m boring. I have no life, so I’m here at 7:30.”  She listens to Relevant Radio every morning, prays the Rosary during work, and bows her head during the prayers, even with her office door closed. (Commitment level:)   Her advice? Simple, but powerful:   Stop carrying the weight alone. Christ already did that on the cross.   Offer it up. (Yes, Mom was right all along.)   Figure out your purpose. God’s got a plan for you.   And most importantly... trust Him. Even when it feels like you’re running on empty: physically, emotionally, or financially, He’s got this.   Alyson's story is a beautiful reminder that God works through Relevant Radio because of your generous donation, turning acts of faith into life-changing blessings.   Her final pitch? “Why wouldn’t you want to support something that helps people like me? Pray about it. Trust God. And give if you can, even if it’s just a dollar a day. He’ll take care of the rest.”   

Patrick handles questions about the validity of sacraments post-schism and provides spiritual support for those incarcerated. His discussions highlight the power of prayer and faith, showing the impact of Relevant Radio's outreach, now reaching over 1,100 correctional facilities. A notable listener, Allison, shares how her life transformed through faith and the support of Relevant Radio.   Elva (email) - I would like to share the Lenten lesson and other resources to Spanish speakers, is this available? (1:52) Yvonne (email) - Should I take my special needs daughter out of school or group home 45 min away to go to Mass on holy days of obligation? (2:36) Kathleen (email) - I have been recently troubled by the negative financial & moral revelations concerning some Catholic Charities. Can you advise/direct me to identifying some trustworthy Catholic Charities? (7:29)  Allie (email) – Sometimes you come off as pompous (11:19) Velica (email) - May I get a suggestion for a Bible for teens that you recommend? (13:21) Cyrus shares a letter from a prison inmate: Since the East has separated from the West and no longer looks to or follows the Pope, but rather have their own “Patriarch,” how can we still view their sacraments as being valid? (15:39) Relevant Radio Partners with Edovo Platform to Serve Those in Prison (23:29) Alyson - Who wouldn’t want to support Relevant Radio? Relevant covers all the bases and helps people and you have given us light at the end of tunnel (37:47)

Patrick explores compelling insights on conditional baptism and confession, examining a unique case of a Lutheran baptism's validity and the importance of confession before receiving Holy Communion. He also discusses the value of evangelizing and the impact of guiding family members back to faith. Patrick offers solutions and encouragement in approaching these spiritual and sacramental complexities. Tune in, stay inspired, and strengthen your faith journey with Patrick's unpredictable and enriching conversations.   Susan - Regarding conditional baptism and confession: if someone is baptized a Lutheran as baby and converts to Catholicism but can’t prove Baptism, do they have to go to Confession to get their sacraments? (0:43) Nancy - Does a “dedication” count as Baptism? (12:21) Kay – I want my granddaughter baptized. The parents are not practicing their faith but still want her to receive her First Communion. (20:19) Alvia - Should I say that I am glad that my great-niece is baptized as a Lutheran, given that my niece never chose a religion and was not baptized (27:05) Owen Burns: a 13-yr old hero from Michigan, who saved his 8-yr sister from being kidnapped with a slingshot (35:00) Citi just announced its ending its DEI goals and policies (40:47) Mike - What does it mean to be a chosen one? St. Faustina mentions it a lot. (41:59) Thomas – What’s a good way to evangelize Protestants who are more self-help types? (45:16)

Patrick celebrates the heroic act of a young boy defending his sister with a slingshot and discusses current moral and societal issues like gun control and immigration. He highlights the wonder of the Ignatius Study Bible and its impact on faith. Plus, hear from callers sharing their thoughts and questions, and explore the solace found in sacred music through the Relevant Radio app.   Syl (X) - You applauded the young boy who shot the would-be attacker who thwarted the kidnapping of his little sister. How is this different from the father who's trying to save his family from the Nazis knocking at their door and wanting to take them away? (00:31) Bobby – The Ignatius Bible you recommended is easy to read and it has great footnotes. (06:02) Addison - Do you think that Nazi twitter comment was related to immigration? (10:43) Statement of Bishop Burbidge on President Trump’s In Vitro Fertilization Executive Order (15:22) Health and Human Services releases a statement confirming human life begins at conception Michael - There was a movie called Spencer's Mountain with Henry Fonda that inspired The Walton’s (22:53) Maximillian (email) - What President Trump is doing regarding IVF isn't worth us getting all upset about (24:40) Liz – My book study in church mentions God's name in vain. (29:38) Julie - I really love the Sacred music app on Relevant Radio! Can I use it during Confession? (44:19) Mary – The priest at my parish has 1st assignment that keeps his eyes closed and head down while lay people are doing the readings.

Patrick gets into a topic that often flies under the radar in pro-life conversations, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and why, as a pro-life community, we can’t afford to stay silent about it.   Check out more conversation about this important issue.   Hour 1   Hour 2   Hour 3   Here’s the gist:   Why IVF Is a Moral Minefield   Countless embryos (aka tiny human lives) are lost during the IVF process: whether through selective discarding, freezing indefinitely, or being outright destroyed.   IVF turns the miracle of life into a “lab experiment”, separating conception from the loving marital act God designed it for.   Even in the “best case” IVF scenarios (like creating only one embryo and implanting it), Patrick says it’s still morally wrong because the whole process bypasses God’s plan for life.   Babies on Ice & the Commodification Problem   IVF often results in multiple embryos, leaving some frozen indefinitely, discarded, or used based on “desirable traits” (eye color, gender, etc.).   Patrick compares it to treating children like accessories: “Oh, I want a boy with blue eyes”: making human dignity more like consumer preference.   Being Fully Pro-Life Means All Life   Many in the pro-life camp focus primarily on abortion (which is vital), but Patrick emphasizes: Pro-life isn’t just about stopping abortion; it’s about defending life at every stage. IVF destroys embryos; that’s human life too. Ignoring that reality is being dishonest.   A Loving, Yet Firm Call to Action   Patrick isn’t anti-child; he treasures every life, including those conceived through IVF. But loving these children doesn’t mean endorsing the method that brought them into existence.     He challenges listeners:   💬 “If you call yourself pro-life, you can’t pick and choose which unborn lives to defend. There’s no asterisk in God’s book.”     Speak up, even if it’s uncomfortable. Whether it’s a Facebook post, a chat with friends, or simply staying informed, don’t stay silent.   Bottom Line:   Being pro-life means defending life from the very start, even when that life begins in a petri dish. Patrick’s plea? Stay consistent. Stay courageous. And don’t let the culture water down what it means to be truly pro-life. 

Patrick explores thought-provoking discussions on the morals of IVF, the complexity of pro-life issues, and the truth about in vitro fertilization. He examines the moral considerations behind IVF treatments, the sanctity of human life, and the Catholic perspective on family planning.   Alexandra 11-years-old (email) – How did humankind go on if Adam and Eve only had sons? (0:43) Cyrus and Patrick marvel at the advanced ages (one person over 360 years old) in the social security database (4:36) Maria – I feel Trump betrayed Catholics in regard to IVF (13:26) Patrick comments more on IVF (15:43) Audio: IVF: Man says he always wanted a boy (34:42) Audio: Young woman reflects on being an adult IVF baby with a younger sister who is actually her twin (38:32) Patrick shares the story about an IVF baby that is technically only 2 years younger than the mother (41:42) James –IVF who have potential of surviving vs those deemed not worthy of survival (42:55) Jay – I was invited to a birthday party at a masonic lodge hall. (49:01)