As vacations are ending, families are rearranging their lives around the beginning of the school year. The nation’s political life continues to accelerate toward the November elections. At this time of year, our sense of busyness subtly shifts from the summer’s pace to what we know will come with autumn. Here at American Catholic Radio, we want to keep pace with your life!

Our next two programs reflect the world around us. Our series drawn from the U.S. bishops’ document on “Faithful Citizenship” continues. As we all listen to candidates tell us how they will help deliver what is our right as Americans, we also need to hear how they will challenge us to take responsibility for our lives. We hope that our interview guests, as well as our “Saint of the Day” features, will inspire listeners to a deeper sense of responsibility.

In keeping with the beginning of the school year, a special program dedicated to Catholic education will highlight the value of one of our greatest American treasures: the legacy of Catholic schools at all levels. We dedicate this program to St. Angela Merici; her sisters, the Ursulines, educated many of us, including the host of American Catholic Radio and some of our producers. I am grateful to the sisters who taught me, and I know many of your listeners share a similar sense of gratitude to those who helped give us a foundation in our faith!

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:

Edith Stein and Maximilian Kolbe are two contemporary saints whose deaths at the hands of the Nazis marked their entrance into eternal life. The first was a convert from Judaism, and the other, a Franciscan priest who was known for his special devotion to Mary.

Producer Judy Zarick speaks with Alex Vernon, an attorney who graduated from Ave Maria Law School. He works on behalf of rights for immigrants and for the unborn, and does pro-bono work for others whose rights are marginalized.

Father Dan Kroger answers e-mailed questions sent to Letters@FranciscanRadio.org:
• How can I better relate to a newly ordained priest?
• How are flesh-and-blood humans made in the image and likeness of God, who is spirit?

Father Norman Langenbrunner recounts Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus—an essential scene to our “Pauline portrait gallery.”

Producer John Feister visits with Dr. Marie Giblin, a professor of ethics at Cincinnati’s Xavier University, who will help us understand the interplay between rights and responsibilities.

Highlights from this episode include:

St. Angela Merici was an Italian woman who founded a religious congregation—the Ursulines—best known for its work in Catholic classrooms and schools around the world.

Producer Judy Zarick highlights the accomplishments of Mary McConnell, who won one of three awards given for Outstanding Catholic Educator in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. She believes in the value of Catholic education and incorporating faith and morals into the high-school curriculum. Judy interviews Mary as well as Dr. Galey Colosimo, principal of Juan Diego Catholic High School, about her contributions.

Franciscan Father Don Miller answers e-mailed questions sent to Letters@FranciscanRadio.org:
• May Catholics donate their bodies to scientific research?
• Is it ever permissible not to insert a feeding tube?

Father Norman Langenbrunner addresses one of the controversial themes in the writing of Paul—the roles of men and women—and whether the saint’s attitude is sexist.

John Feister talks with Dr. Paul Benson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton (Ohio), who has a passion for how Catholic education—especially at the university level—nourishes the whole person.