Church Alive

Dr. Thomas McGovern with The Catholic Medical Association explains the moral implications of vaccines being developed to immunize against Covid-19. In this 2nd week of Advent, Fr. Petri teaches on Isaiah, whose prophecies were so accurate, some church scholars think of him more as an evangelist than as a prophet.

Dr. Chad Pecknold details “The Lincoln Proposal,” a pro-life initiative whereby the President of United States would declare the pre-born child a “person” with all rights under the 14th amendment. Mike Aquilina with the St. Paul Center gleans guidance from the Church Fathers in preparation for the season of Advent. Fr. Petri teaches on “Eta Missa Est” at the end of every Mass.

Bishops Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas and Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City, Missouri unpack the United States Conference of Bishops General Assembly, held virtually this past week. Fr. Petri explains why we need the Kingship of Christ now, more than ever.

J.D. Flynn, Editor-In-Chief of EWTN’s Catholic News Agency, delves into The McCarrick Report released this week by the Vatican. Fr. Petri warns against believing the devil’s lie that all is lost at this time of pandemic, political division and the seasonal darkness that precedes winter.

Andrew Walworth, Content Director for RealClear Politics, has Catholic analysis of this week’s presidential election and discusses how this year’s special circumstances might impact the future of the democratic process in the United States. Fr. Petri reminds us, no matter who is in the White House, our homeland will always be heaven.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson shares the excitement and gratitude of The Knights of Columbus for the beatification of their founder, Fr. Michael McGivney. Michael O’Neill, “The Miracle Hunter,” discusses the miraculous healing of an American boy that led to this weekend’s beatification in Connecticut. Fr. Petri talks about becoming good friends with the saints as we celebrate All Saints Day.

John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at RealClear Opinion Research discusses the latest survey of Catholic likely voters for EWTN News just days away from the 2020 presidential election. Fr. Petri highlights the legacy of St. John Paul II after his visit to Denver 27 years ago for World Youth Day, a legacy that still lives vigorously in the Archdiocese of Denver.

Lauretta Brown offers an insightful analysis of the confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett which she covered for EWTN’s National Catholic Register. Fr. Austin Litke, pinch hitting for Fr. Thomas Petri, shares a rich Dominican perspective on the rosary during this Month of the Most Holy Rosary.

The Catholic News Agency’s Ed Condon sorts out the complicated Vatican real estate scandal and its reported ties to the sex abuse trial of Cardinal George Pell. Fr. Petri addresses the death penalty, clarifying the difference between doctrine on the moral life and exhorting on the moral life.

Chris Scalia talks about the enduring friendship between his father, the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in spite of their sharp differences. Fr. Petri continues his series on Catholic Social Doctrine principles, this week, discussing subsidiarity.

Dr. Tim Flanigan, an infectious disease specialist and a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, helped draft guidelines used by many dioceses across the nation for a safe return to Mass and the Sacraments. Fr. Petri teaches about the principle of “The Common Good,” one of the four pillars of Catholic Social Doctrine.

EWTN Radio Personalities Jerry Usher and Debbie Georgianni discuss their new book featuring stories from Catholic parents concerned about their children abandoning their faith. Fr. Petri begins a new series on Catholic Social Doctrine Principles, focusing on The Dignity of the Human Person. TRUSTFUL SURRENDER STORIES OF GRACE AMIDST CRISIS One of the most painful experiences of a Catholic parent is to watch your children grow lukewarm in the Faith or walk away from it entirely. It can lead to feelings of abandonment and despair and turn conversations that were once easygoing into painful occasions of testiness and discord. EWTN Radio Personalities Jerry Usher and Debbie Georgianni present deeply moving stories from listeners whose loved ones have left the Catholic Church. They are stories of heartache and sacrifice, but also hope and redemption.

Msgr. Charles Pope, Pastor of Washington, DC’s Holy Comforter St. Cyprian Parish and host of EWTN’s Morning Glory, recounts his personal, painful experience with Covid-19 and being falsely portrayed in the media. Fr. Petri teaches on the Christian way of confronting someone who has wronged us.

Next week’s feast of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is highlighted along with teaching from Fr. Petri on the value of suffering in union with Jesus. The Catholic News Agency’s Matt Hadro analyzes the Republican National Convention and its emphasis on the life issue.

The Catholic Association’s Ashley McGuire explores the democratic party’s platform, exposing issues that could be problematic for Catholic voters. Fr. Petri explains how the virtue of prudence can help us navigate the many challenges of living in this uncertain time of pandemic.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson recaps the Knights of Columbus 138th Supreme Convention and previews the celebration in October of the beatification of Knights’ founder Fr. Michael McGivney. Fr. Joseph Mary Wolfe, who joined the fledgling Eternal Word Television Network in 1985 as an engineer, shares stories of EWTN’s early days and its miraculous growth into the largest religious media network in the world.

Fr. Petri sees Our Lord’s transfiguration and passion as two sides of the same mystery. Dr. Grazie Christie, offers insight into opening Catholic Schools for in-person learning while keeping everyone healthy during an unprecedented #pandemic. #covid19

Fr. Petri shows us how to find consolation in God’s almighty power during this time when everything seems so uncertain. Philosophy Professor Brad Lewis discusses the importance of finding some common ground in political debates over issues that divide us.

Msgr. William King, canon lawyer and pastor, breaks open the new guidance from The Holy See on parish reform and restructuring of dioceses, focusing outward on evangelization. Fr. Petri encourages us to pray, as King Solomon did, for things that are honorable and God will honor us with answered prayer.

Brad Lewis, Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America discusses the troubling trend of political debate deteriorating into intolerant, personal attacks and even anti-Catholic violence. Fr. Petri says we should espouse to live fully and long enough to need the care of others, countering the culture’s push for assisted suicide and euthanasia.