OC Catholic Radio

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s episode, we have brought in some special guests to share about upcoming events on the Chris Cathedral campus. On the first half of the podcast, Rick sits down with guests Fr. Al Baca and Fr. John Monestero to talk about the soon arrival of the St Jude relic to our diocese, and the significance and value of relics. Next, we check in with Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen and Fr. Quang Chu to get the latest update on the progress of the Marian Gardens and its soon grand opening. It’s going to be an amazing blessing to all of the faithful!

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Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, we welcome a couple of new friends who are making their first trek to our radio/podcast studio. These two gentlemen are not only recently ordained deacons in the Diocese of Orange (class of ’23) but also dear friends. Deacon Pete Morales has a military and business background, and Deacon Joseph Seminara was a police officer who served for many years in all facets of law enforcement. 

Both men find their greatest joy in service of the church and its people. 

A great quote from this podcast: “Being a deacon, it’s a 5-year training program for the hardest volunteer job you’ll ever do.”

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Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, we welcome good friend Katie Dawson back to the studio. Katie is the Director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange. In our discussion, we do a  deep dive on the topic of re-evaluating and re-tooling our methods of evangelization. In 2024, how can we best share our Catholic faith with others? 

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Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, we're honored to welcome Megan Morris back to the program. She was with us about a year ago, and today we get to catch up on all the goings-on at the Life Center of Santa Ana (where she serves as the Director and Client Advocate). 

Today we’ll hear about an amazing project that came about through the USCCB called the “Walking with Moms Initiative,” formerly known as Pennies from Heaven. Megan shares that this initiative is really taking off in many parishes within the Diocese and the fruits of the Holy Spirit have been very apparent!

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lifecenterofsantaana.org

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today’s show, Rick welcomes Matt Garvey to the studio. Matt is a lay evangelist living in OC and he works with Irvine-based Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry. He collaborates with the ministry's Dunamis group, with a special focus on young adult ministry.  He also hosts a podcast called “The Journey,” which focuses on issues facing young adult Catholics and enables them to share their powerful personal testimonies of faith. This episode of OC Catholic Radio brings together two highly educated spiritual and intellectual dynamos. But through it all, it’s about brokenness, grace, and God’s supernatural love.

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today’s show, Rick welcomes Daniella Aquino to the studio. Daniella serves as Assistant Archivist for the Diocese of Orange, alongside Fr. Chris Heath. Among the many fascinating parts of her job, Rick and Daniella talk about a museum quality exhibit that was recently featured on the Christ Cathedral campus to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Fred Swann. Fred was a fixture for many years on the “Hour of Power” television program which was filmed inside the sanctuary of the building formerly known as the Crystal Cathedral. We cover a lot of ground on today’s podcast, so listen and share!

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today’s show, Rick welcomes a very special priest to the studio. Not long ago, Fr. Glenn Baaten gave up his Anglican holy orders to be received into the Catholic church along with his wife. He talks about that journey in an episode that first aired over five years ago in this space (episode #134). But for today’s discussion, Rick and Fr. Glen engage in a lively back-and-forth dialogue about the Christmas season. We’ve titled today’s episode: “Christ Come to Us in These Difficult Times.” You are sure to be moved by this holy and anointed discourse!

It’s always a special treat when Fr. Al Baca sits down with host Rick Howick in our OC Catholic Radio studios. Fr. Al is the Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and Inter-religion in the Diocese of Orange. Our topic of discussion for today’s podcast centers around the season of Advent here in the last days of 2023. Listen and SHARE this podcast!

On today’s podcast, host Rick Howick welcomes a very special guest named Maureen Pratt to the show. Maureen is an award-winning author, conference speaker, and former syndicated columnist for Catholic News Service. She will be the keynote speaker at the “Caring for the Whole Person Training Conference,” being held on Saturday, December 2nd on the campus of Christ Cathedral. What are the best ways to support, care for, and accompany those facing serious life-threatening illness and end-of-life? This conference is sponsored by all four dioceses in southern California: Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego.

Register at rcbo.org/familylife

Wholeperson.care

Everyone loves a good story... one that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This episode of OC Catholic Radio is unlike any other episode that we’ve produced before. Joining host Rick Howick in the studio today are four people who, at the time of this recording, had just returned home from their Holy Land pilgrimage experience. And quite frankly, they were fortunate to make it home safely. Our guests today include married couples Pam and Deacon Bernie Ocampo, as well as Elaine and Bill John.

This is a powerful story that is worth sharing!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, we leave the safety and comfort of our studio and brave the outdoor elements. Actually, it was quite a lovely day when host Rick Howick and program producer Jim Governale made the outdoor trek to speak to the many faithful who were enjoying their time at the annual Walk for Life event on the Christ Cathedral campus. The morning began with a rosary, followed by a talk by Kathleen Domingo, the Executive Director for the California Catholic Conference. What followed was an inspiring multi-lingual outdoor Mass. Then, it was a procession where the faithful followed behind the Blessed Sacrament while carrying signs promoting respect for human life - from the womb to the tomb. This inspiring event was sponsored by our local chapter of the Knights of Columbus! 

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Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes both Deacon Modesto Cordero and Benito Medrano to the program. Deacon Modesto is the Director of The Office of Worship for the Diocese of Orange; and Benito is the Young Adults Director for the Diocese of Orange. On October 20th and 21st, the Diocese will host the “I AM” Eucharistic Congress, inviting people from all walks of life to gather in anticipation of the nearness of God. Through powerful speakers, transformative prayer, and Sacramental celebrations, we will experience the life that flows from the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Listen and hear all about this landmark event! 

rcbo.org/congress

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Rebecca Freeman and Dr. Louise Dunn to the program. Rebecca is the Pastoral Care Ministry Coordinator for the Office for Family Life in the Diocese of Orange. Dr. Dunn is the director of New Hope Crisis Counseling Center. New Hope is a landmark ministry housed in the ‘Tower of Hope’ on the Christ Cathedral campus. 
Our discussion today centers around the tremendous importance of suicide awareness and how we can minister to those who may be dealing with thoughts of ending their own life. This is a powerful program and thoughtful discussion. Be sure to share this podcast with those you love!

(714) NEW-HOPE

Call or text 988

rcbo.org/ministry/new-hope-crisis-counseling

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Mark McElrath to the program. Mark is the executive director at the Santiago Retreat Center in the OC foothills. He is also involved in a cornucopia of Catholic ministries, including “Catholics at Work OC.”

You’ll be inspired by all the wonderful initiatives taking place right now at the 800-acre Santiago Retreat Center, including a new Catholic trade school that has been formed on-site! 

santiagoretreatcenter.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Debra Tous to the program.

Debra Tous is the Executive Director for Horizon Pregnancy Clinic in Huntington Beach, CA. HPC provides ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, parenting classes, abstinence presentations, post abortion recovery programs, adoption and housing referrals to women in a crisis pregnancy. Rick and Debra will discuss what is happening today both nationwide and in our state of California and why it is so important that we take a stand.. for LIFE. 

horizonpc.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio. This is an extra-special edition of the OC Catholic podcast. Why, you ask? Because this entire presentation has very much of a “man on the street” interview vibe to it. Host Rick Howick and Radio Program Manager Jim Governale wade through the crowds of pilgrims experiencing the Marian Days celebrations on the outskirts of the Christ Cathedral sanctuary in beautiful Garden Grove, California. You’ll hear testimonies, encouragement, all kinds of emotions and of course, the MUSIC!

You are sure to enjoy this audio submission. Be sure to share this podcast with a friend!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes author Michael Heinlein to the program. Michael is editor of Our Sunday Visitors' SimplyCatholic.com and a regular contributor to OSV’s periodicals. He has authored a brand-new book which is the primary topic of our discussion today. It is entitled, “Glorifying Christ – The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I.”

Cardinal Francis E. George was a native Chicagoan, and he was told as a young man that he would never be a priest because of a physical disability resulting from polio. Not only was he ordained a priest in 1963, he was eventually appointed as Archbishop of Chicago in 1997. A man of pastoral availability, Cardinal George poured out his life in service to Christ and the Church, always attentive to the poor and those on the margins. 

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Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes a fellow broadcaster to the studio for their first recorded chat. Gil Alderete is the president of Catholic Men's Fellowship (CMF) of California; and he hosts his own podcast which is called, “Men of Faith.” 

Having been involved in many areas of Catholic ministry for the better part of 25 years, there was a period where Gil felt a calling to become a deacon. But things didn’t go quite the way he planned. Listen to this fascinating conversation that triggers some powerful emotions. Please share this amazing podcast! 

catholicmen.org

spiritfilledevents.com

Welcome to another episode ofOrange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen back to the studio. Among the many hats she wears, Dr. Nguyen is most notably the CEO of the Our Lady of La Vang Foundation.

If you’ve spent any time at the Christ Cathedral campus or even driven by over the last couple of years, you are likely aware of the Our Lady of LaVang Shrine. It can be seen in all its glory right off Lewis Street. The next phase of this project is an elaborate, beautiful garden that is being completed right behind the shrine (The Marian Gardens). 

There is so much happening on the campus of Christ Cathedral. Listen in and hear all about this wonderful project!

Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On today’s episode of OC Catholic Radio, Rick welcomes our neighbor at the ‘Tower of Hope’ on the campus of Christ Cathedral. It’s none other than Fr. Robert Spitzer, president of the Magis Center and host on EWTN’s popular TV show, “Fr. Spitzer’s Universe.” On this episode, the discussion centers around his recent and enormously popular book, “The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church – A Defense of Her Controversial Moral Teachings.”

Many people today, particularly the young, are embarrassed by the Church's moral teaching. For them, it is only an outdated expression of hatred or disgust. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Sin is what degrades man and kills his joy, and a moral life is a life of love. Jesus said, "The truth will set you free." With scientific clarity, this work provides readers everything they need to know to speak credibly, effectively, and persuasively about the most controversial moral issues.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick.

On this week’s show, Rick welcomes one of our favorite guests back to the program, Dr. Erin Barisano.  She is the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Orange.

Our topic of discussion today will be on the just-completed 2022-2023 school year. How have our diocesan schools performed during these challenging times? Tune in and find out! 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Matt Estrade to the program. Matt is the founder of Catholic Aging Ministry, based in Louisiana. He is endorsed by the Archbishop of New Orleans. 

Today’s podcast discussion will center around a talk that Matt is presenting on May 3rd on behalf of the Diocese of Orange. It is called “Your Catholic Faith has Prepared You for this Dementia Journey.” This event is hosted by the Office of Family Life. 

dementiarosary.com

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Christofer Pereyra to the program. Christofer is the founder and CEO of the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative based in Phoenix, Arizona. Today’s podcast discussion will center around a dynamic conference that is coming to the Christ Cathedral campus in November, 2023. 

The Hour of the Laity is a national conference for all lay Catholics who seek to grow as leaders to influence civil society for Christ. This conference will equip lay people to take on leadership roles in the secular world.

For more information, go to: tliprogram.org

Welcome to another episode ofOrange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes two special guests to the program, Fr. Chris Heath and Jennifer Clark. Fr. Chris is the archivist for the Diocese of Orange; and Jennifer is a wellness coach and tour manager with Peter’s Way Tours.

They recently lead a Holy Land pilgrimage with a wonderful group of people, many of whom did not know one another at the beginning of the journey. But after wrapping up this epic 10-day tour, these pilgrims have now become lifelong friends. It was a life-changing experience for all involved! Listen as Rick, Jennifer, and Fr. Chris paint the pictures of this incredible spiritual experience. 

For more information, visit “Finding Grace: A Quest” on Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Stephen Holte to our studios, high atop the Tower of Hope. Holte is the founding president of the soon-to-open Cristo Rey Orange County High School in Santa Ana. 

On this podcast, you will learn about a totally unique approach to education that is distinctive to Orange County. By incorporating a unique work-study model in all its schools, Cristo Rey’s mission is to ensure that a Catholic school education is available to students with limited financial resources.

That will be the model of the Cristo Rey Orange County High School, the 39th Cristo Rey school, when it takes on its first first-year class in the fall of 2023.

cristoreyorangecounty.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes two very special guests to the program, Fr. Bao Thai and Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen. Fr. Bao is the rector at Christ Cathedral parish; and, Elysabeth is the CEO of the recently formed Our Lady of La Vang Foundation.

The St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts, located in the cathedral undercroft, will be more intimate than the main sanctuary above, and contain new sacred artwork and burial spaces for bishops. With approximately 11,500 square feet, it will accommodate approximately 250 people and have an altar for Masses. The chapel and crypts are named after the former St. Callistus parish and school in Garden Grove, which closed in 2013.

The St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts’ architectural style is being described as modern Byzantine, with gold colors akin to what one sees in a European church. The architectural firm is Los Angeles-based Johnson Fain, with sacred art from Granda of Madrid, Spain.

Listen in and hear all about this wonderful project!

stcallistuschapel.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Chef Bruno Serato from the Anaheim White House Restaurant to the program.

For 10 years, Serato has been acting on the inspiration of his late mother, Caterina Lunardi, who urged him to prepare substantial and healthy meals for the many “motel kids” and disadvantaged children in Orange County. He formed the charitable foundation Caterina’s Club in honor of his mother. 

A few years ago, he was honored to receive a blessing from Pope Francis after he presented the pope with a copy of his book “The Power of Pasta.”

Chef Bruno is a man of strong faith. Listen in and be inspired!

anaheimwhitehouse.com

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Dr. Dorothy O’Neill to the program.

Dr. O’Neill is and Orange County based Catholic therapist. She will be offering a day-long workshop for couples at St. John Neumann parish in Irvine. The Reconcilable Differences Marriage Enrichment Workshop will be held on Saturday, February 25 from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm in the St. John Neumann Parish Hall.

Listen in to this fascinating conversation!

sjnirvine.org

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes James Day to the program.

James is literally our ‘next door neighbor’ at OC Catholic Radio, located in the Tower of Hope on the campus of Christ Cathedral. His primary role is the Operations Manager for EWTN’s west coast studios. James has also authored several books, including “Father Benedict.” 
Join us as we talk about the life and legacy of our recently departed Pope Benedict XVI.

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Megan Morris to the program.
Megan is the Director and Client Advocate atLife Center of Santa Ana. Listen as Megan shares all about the comprehensive services that are offered to moms and babies at this life-affirming center in Santa Ana, CA.

Their mission statement reads: “With perfect love, we turn the fear and doubt about a new pregnancy into a vision of hope for the future.”

lifecenterofsantaana.org 

Welcome to another episode of "OC Catholic Radio" featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, we welcome longtime resident of Orange County, Michael Villani. As a working actor and voice over artist, Michael has been affiliated with the field of entertainment since graduating from the University of Missouri with a Broadcast Journalism degree in 1970. After 15 years in radio at stations like KEZY in Anaheim, Mike started his career in Hollywood as a Page at NBC, where he worked on some classic programs, like The Tonight Show, Laugh In, and Hollywood Squares.

His career has brought him to co-starring roles with the likes of Robert Redford, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman and Jim Carrey.

All the while, Michael’s Catholic faith has always been of the utmost of importance to him. 

Give a listen to this fascinating discussion!

Originally broadcast on 12/17/22

Welcome to another episode of "OC Catholic Radio" featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, we are thrilled to welcome the new vicar general of the Diocese of Orange, Fr. Angelos Sebastian.

In addition to this role, Fr. Angelos continues to serve as pastor at St. Kilian in Mission Viejo. These are two very big hats to wear! Rick will ask Fr. Angelos how he is able to navigate these roles with his abundant faith-filled energy and, always with a smile!

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. On this week’s show, Rick welcomes Patrick Rivera to the studio. Patrick is an Orange County resident and independent film maker. He’s also an active parishioner at St. Kilian’s in Mission Viejo. He recently put the finishing touches on a short film with a powerful pro-life perspective; and, it’s all from the point of view of a young woman who finds herself in a crisis pregnancy. It’s called, “Lead Me to the Cross.”