4 Powerful Ways Catholic Radio Evangelizes Between Programs

Have you ever noticed the ways in which Catholic radio differs from other news, music, or sports radio stations? Station breaks are not filled with commercials for cars, food, insurance, or health and beauty products. 

 

Instead, the time between programs on Catholic radio is intentionally filled with content that supports the mission of the station. That includes catechesis (teaching the Faith), evangelization, ministries that serve God’s people, and those that encourage Catholic faith-based living. 

 

 

1. Catholic Radio Includes Network Promotions and Program Previews 

 

If you haven’t had a chance to check our programming schedule, between programs or during station breaks you will hear about upcoming shows, special broadcasts during the liturgical year, and podcasts. 

 

Catholic Radio Network is an EWTN Radio affiliate. That means it airs mini-trailers and previews for: 

 

• special discussions on Catholic theology with people like Dr. Scott Hahn 

 

• current events and interviews with Fr. Robert McTiegue 

 

• call-in shows 

 

• Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders focuses on answering questions about Catholic teaching and engaging in Protestant-Catholic dialogue. 

 

• Catholic Answers Live, is an apologetics program that delves into the depths of the Catechism, Sacred Scripture, and Sacred Tradition. 

 

 

• Catholics Coast to Coast is a weekly digest that highlights Catholic podcast content from across the country. 

 

• Conversations with Consequences focuses on current events and cultural issues through a Catholic lens. 

 

• Fr. Spitzer’s Universe, hosted by Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., tackles the complexities of the relationship between faith and reason. 

 

• The Journey Home with Marcus Grodi features powerful interviews of those who converted to Catholicism or found their way back after an absence. 

 

 

2. Apostolates and Ministries Are Supported by Catholic Radio 

 

“Apostolate” (from the Greek “apostellein” meaning “to send forth”) refers to an activity, calling, or mission with the purpose of fulfilling Christ’s directive to make disciples (Matthew: 28:16-20). 

 

During programming breaks on Catholic radio, you will hear promotional spots, but these are not typical commercials. These short segments introduce apostolates and ministries that serve the faithful through education, evangelization, pro-life work, and spiritual formation. They are invitations to learn more and become involved as workers in Christ’s vineyard. 

 

You may hear about: 

 

• Heartbeat International, a global network of crisis pregnancy centers that equips people for pro-life ministries. 

 

• Preaching ministries and retreats, like the Fathers of Mercy. 

 

• Religious orders like the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate or the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. 

 

• Saint of the Day by Franciscan Media. 

 

• Women of Grace, founded by Johnnette Williams, that in addition to its weekly EWTN radio and television program, provides outreach to women through conferences, spiritual formation, book studies, and retreats. 

 

• Word on Fire, founded by Bishop Robert Barron, which produces books and media that aim to engage the culture through the Truth and Beauty of Catholicism. 

 

 

3. Listeners Support Catholic Radio by Purchasing Items from Religious Catalogs and Catholic Publishers 

 

Do you have a Catholic gift store nearby? Where can you go to purchase books and devotional items to aid you in learning more about your faith and praying more deeply? 

 

Between programs you’ll hear promotions for the EWTN Religious Catalogue. This online store offers books, DVDs, devotional items, religious art, rosaries, and sacramentals. These recommendations are not merely to sell a product but equip those seeking to learn and grow in Catholic understanding. 

 

Catholic publishers like Ignatius Press and Sophia Institute Press are sometimes in strategic partnerships with EWTN Catholic radio. They provide a wide array of resources including apologetics, spiritual classics, and theology titles. There are also books recommended for personal growth in Catholic Christian living as well as family resources. 

 

Art, books, and sacramentals serve as holy reminders to continue seeking God after a Catholic radio program ends. 

 

 

4. Catholic Radio Invites Listeners to Join in the Mission of Evangelization 

 

Perhaps one of the most important distinctions about Catholic radio is that unlike secular radio stations, Catholic radio is listener supported. There are no corporations with an agenda to persuade you to a particular way of thinking. 

 

Catholic radio exists simply to fulfill the Great Commission (mentioned above) in a world that is increasingly hostile to religion in general and Catholic Christians in particular. 

 

Catholic radio relies on generous donors. Periodically there are seasonal appeals, special campaigns, or year-end giving opportunities. Listeners are invited to make a one-time gift, a recurring monthly donation, or even to become a supporter of a local Catholic radio station affiliate. Including giving in estate planning is a special way to share in Catholic radio’s apostolic mission. 

 

Money aside, prayer and evangelization are the heart of appeals. Listeners can participate and submit prayer requests for personal intentions, the Catholic Church, and world culture. 

 

 

Take A Break with Catholic Radio 

 

Rather than tuning out the space between programs, tune in to see what’s up and coming with EWTN and Catholic Radio Network. 

 

You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.