Marriage as an institution is certainly under siege in our society today. The divorce rate has been popularly quoted at 50 percent, although statisticians figure it more accurately at 41. Even so, that’s a sad story of failure—and it represents a lot of pain and disappointment. The divorce rate led one priest-friend of mine to tell couples at their weddings to “cheat and steal,” which he goes on to explain as “cheat the odds of your marriage failing, and remember to constantly steal time to be together and make your marriage work.” Good advice. We’ll have more inspiration about making marriage work on American Catholic Radio’s “Living Faith” segment as Judy Zarick visits with Julie and Kurt Carrick. They share the challenges as well as the faith that have carried them through their lives together. For those who have trouble praying, the Carricks will also address the topic of intercessory prayer in a follow-up interview.

Forgiveness is an important part of the marriage relationship, or any relationship, and forgiveness is one of the gifts we’re given by God in the sacramental life of the Church. In ACR’s “Exploring Our Faith” segment, producer John Feister visits with Msgr. Joseph Champlin about the sacrament of forgiveness—the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Church is eager to support all of us in the promotion of human life through the national office of the U.S. bishops, the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. Producer John Feister speaks with Deirdre McQuade, Director of Planning and Information for the Pro-Life Secretariat, about ministry to women in crisis pregnancies.

For information and inspiration, make sure American Catholic Radio is part of your Catholic radio ministry.

Fr. 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. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Julie and Kurt Carrick use their music ministry to share their Catholic faith. (Part I)

Does Genesis 3:15 refer to Mary? Did Jesus initiate the practice of monogamy? Give a resource for learning the history of how the Bible was put together.

Pre-Cana Programs

Deirdre McQuade, USCCB pro-life coordinator, discusses ministry to women in crisis pregnancies.

Highlights from this episode include:

St. John Neumann

Julie and Kurt Carrick use their music ministry to share their Catholic faith. (Part II)

Why do Catholics use a common cup for Communion instead of individual ones? Please explain the purpose of receiving Reconciliation on a monthly schedule.

Intercessory Prayer

Msgr. Joseph Champlin talks about rediscovering Reconciliation as a Catholic believer and about the power of this sacrament for conversion and growth in holiness.