As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina arrives, our focus turns to the work being done by residents and volunteers to the region devastated by the storm. Anna Goeppinger, from St. Michael Parish in Sharonville, Ohio, talks about a mission trip her parish took this summer to help St. Gabriel’s parishioners in New Orleans.

Catholic volunteers literally go everywhere. We’ll meet with Patrick Tam, a lay minister to Eskimo youth and young adults in Northern Alaska. Patrick went to Alaska in 1981—and stayed there.

Theologian Richard Gaillardetz discusses suffering and its meaning in our lives, a timely topic. And Jesuit Father Jim Hug, the current president of the Center of Concern in Washington, D.C., talks about social justice and its implications for Catholic life. The Center was founded by the Jesuits in 1971. Its goal is “to provide individuals and organizations with basic tools to address these universal questions: What are the root causes of human suffering in the world today? How can we change the system to increase social justice and offer hope?” The Center’s scholars offer information, analysis, practical suggestions and faith reflections on justice issues.

We do a lot of that as well here at American Catholic Radio. Let us share our passion for Catholic life with your listeners!

Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

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Highlights from this episode include:

Blessed Frederick Ozanam and St. Vincent de Paul

Anna Goeppinger talks about a mission trip this summer with teens and adults from her parish to help St. Gabriel’s parishioners in New Orleans.

What’s the truth about Mary Magdalene? Why do we honor Jesus as the Infant of Prague? Does a Sunday evening Mass count for Sunday or for Monday?

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Theologian Richard Gaillardetz talks about the meaning of suffering.

Highlights from this episode include:

Hildegard of Bingen

Patrick Tam is a lay minister to Eskimo youth and young adults in Alaska. He arrived there as a Jesuit volunteer in 1981 and has been there ever since.

How can I find sacramental records for a closed parish? May a non-Catholic minister officiate at a Catholic wedding? What does the Church teach about limbo?

Our Understanding of Social Sin

Jesuit Father Jim Hug, president of the Center of Concern in Washington, D.C., shares some of his passion for justice.