As one of the most important national elections in recent history draws near, the U.S. bishops have issued a statement entitled “Faithful Citizenship: The Challenge of Forming Consciences.” This important teaching document guides American Catholics in doing just that—forming their consciences—before they cast their vote. American Catholic Radio is beginning a multi-part series that will continue until the November elections. We’ll address the values that the bishops’ document singles out as “guideposts” for making responsible choices. Our “Exploring Our Faith” interviews will query Catholic experts familiar with these values. Our first interview is with Franciscan Father Joe Nangle about how our faith calls for social responsibility.

In addition, we’ll be keeping things light with a look at the spirituality of summer leisure activities and vacations. We hope you find some time to enjoy them!

Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

Use the links below to preview the shows or download them in MP3 format for broadcast.

Highlights from this episode include:

St. Pedro de San José Betancur is known as the “St. Francis of the Americas.” This 17th-century saint came from poverty himself and was renowned for relating to both rich and poor.

Producer Judy Zarick talks with David Golemboski, recipient of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership in fighting poverty and injustice in the United States. He's in his first year at Harvard Divinity School.

Scripture scholar Franciscan Father Hilarion Kistner answers e-mail questions:
• Where in the Bible is the Trinity explained?
• What do we know about the Essene movement?
• Did the same person write the Gospel of John and the Letters of John?

Father Norman Langenbrunner tells us about a whole group of New Testament letters attributed to Paul. But scripture scholars tell us not all of these were actually written by the saint.

Producer John Feister talks with Franciscan Father Joe Nangle about political- and social-responsibility issues. Father Nangle serves as co-director of the Franciscan Mission Service in Washington. Among his books are Birth of a Church, a Catholic Press Association award winner, and Engaged Spirituality: Faith Life in the Heart of the Empire, published by Orbis Books.

Highlights from this episode include:

St. Isidore the farmer was a 12th-century Spanish farmer with a love for the poor and an intense prayer life. He is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of farmers.

Producer Judy Zarick talks with Allen Hunt, a former Methodist minister who hosts a talk show on an Atlanta radio station. He blends faith with contemporary issues. The Catholic belief in the real presence of the Eucharist was instrumental in bringing him to the Catholic Church.

Ask a Franciscan
ACR host Franciscan Father Greg Friedman answers e-mail questions:
• Is the Church’s primary teacher the Holy Spirit or the Magisterium?
• What is the Magisterium?

Father Norman Langenbrunner tells us about the contrast in the letters of Paul between observance of the Jewish law and “life in Christ.”

Producer John Feister talks with Dr. Susan Saint Sing, who holds a doctorate in sports history and philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. She’s written a book entitled Spirituality of Sport: Balancing Body and Soul. She will help us find a spirituality to connect with our summer leisure activities.