On the first Sunday of October each year, our Church in the U.S. celebrates Respect Life Sunday. The theme that the bishops have given us for 2006—a theme to be carried out over the next 12 months—is “Created, loved and redeemed by God.” That phrase sums up all that God has done for each human being ever conceived. The fact that God creates, loves and redeems us makes each of us unique, a life to be cherished from conception to death. American Catholic Radio will offer your listeners some ways to reflect on this theme. Producer Judy Zarick will talk with Dr. Daniel Greene, a gynecologist who employs Natural Family Planning in his practice. He believes strongly in the culture of life and the Church's teaching on human sexuality. John Feister interviews Bishop Gabino Zavala, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, who will talk about Catholics and the death penalty.

In the spirit of the All Saints Day, we’ll talk with Father James Martin, S.J., author of My Life With the Saints, who presents his favorite saints and tells how they’ve influenced him.

Happy autumn to you and to your listeners!

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. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Dr. Daniel Greene, a gynecologist, talks about employing Natural Family Planning in his practice.

Does the Church approve of living wills and directives? What does the Church teach about capital punishment?

First Friday Observance

Bishop Gabino Zavala, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, speaks about Catholics and the death penalty.

Highlights from this episode include:

St. Teresa of Avila

Katherine Andes, a freelance writer and mother, talks about Halloween and how Catholics should use it as a time of evangelization.

What is meant by Baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire? How can we believe in purgatory when the Bible doesn’t mention it? Did Joseph intend to divorce Mary before their marriage? Did Jesus have siblings?

All Hallows Eve

James Martin, S.J., well-known author and an editor at America magazine, talks about saints and holiness. (Part I of II)