Fr. Mike Schmitz, the host of the popular podcasts The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year, joins Dive Deep to discuss what many Catholics don't realize about their faith, how faithful Catholics can get our lukewarm brothers and sisters back to the faith, what we should do if God "doesn't answer our prayers," and so much more.

Jason Evert has traveled to six continents to bring the message of purity to millions of people for more than 20 years He has a masters in Theology and degrees in Counseling and Theology. He is a best-selling author of more than 15 books, and he and his wife run Chastity Project and its website, chastity.com, the podcast “Lust is Boring,” and lead an international alliance of young people who promote purity in more than 40 countries. He joins Dive Deep to discuss Contraception, transgenderism, dating, relationships, and more.

Springfield’s own, Ashley Noronha, has an amazing journey from the classrooms of Christ the King School and Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield to the halls of the Vatican working for Popes Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Join Dive Deep as she shares stories and insights about working at the Vatican.

On June 9, 2021 on I-55 just outside Springfield, three sisters from the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George based in Alton, were driving to Alton from Rock Island. Traffic came to a sudden stop in a construction zone and their van was struck at high speed from behind, sending them into the two cars in front of them. Their van was later described as a crushed soda can or an accordion. Looking at the situation, a common thought was… “no one survived that.” But, by a miracle – they all did. We talk with Sister M. Clementia Toalson about her escaping death and what she learned about surrendering to God her suffering.

In March of 2022, the Diocese of Springfield announced plans to create The Evermode Institute in Springfield. What will it entail and how will it benefit Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and even across the country? We talk with Father Augustine Puchner, the Prior of the new Springfield based community of Norbertine Fathers who are leading this exciting endeavor.

He grew up a non-Catholic. Marriage was "on the horizon." Then he had this "crazy thing." The Story of Father John Titus, pastor of Immaculate Conception in Mattoon and St. Colmcille in Sullivan, is a road not taken too often to priesthood.

A native of St. Louis, Maria Vargo is an actress, singer/songwriter, director, and Catholic speaker. She most recently starred as St. Faustina in a one-woman North America tour having performed the show over 300 times. But her life wasn’t always faith-filled. Hear what happened, what’s it like working in the film industry, and her connection to the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen in this episode of Dive Deep.

Sean Hussey, a 2013 graduate of Charleston High School, was quarterback of their football team. A First Team All-State selection, he holds several records there and became a quarterback at the University of Illinois. Today, our Catholic faith is his passion. This year he starts as a theology teacher at St. Anthony High School in Effingham, but that passion for our faith wasn’t always there. How one question from one special person made the difference.

It is a dream come true for Father Chris Comerford, pastor of St. James and Patrick in Decatur. A huge baseball fan, he has been combining two of his loves, the sport and our faith, for more than 12 years as Chaplain for the St. Louis Cardinals. Fr. Chris shares funny stories, players he has gotten to know, and what it's like ministering in Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

On May 28, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki ordained two new priests for our diocese, Father Paul Lesupati and Father Zach Samples. Their road to the priesthood took different twists and turns, but hear what ultimately led them to say "yes." It's two great stories.

Losing a loved one is painful. How we handle that loss depends on each person, but are we grieving in a healthy way? What should we say and not say to someone who lost a loved one? What should we do if the pain of a loss is just as apparent today than when it occurred? Dr. Dee Stern, a Springfield Catholic grief therapist authored a new book to help people grieve healthier and better comfort those who lost loved ones. It's called "Comforting the bereaved through listening and positive responding, what are the bereaved trying to tell us?" Dr. Stern offers her advice on Dive Deep.

Dr. Haywood Robinson grew up in Southern California and received specialty training in family practice medicine in Los Angeles. He started performing abortions in 1978 and did "hundreds." Now, he advocates for life, working on the 40 Days for Life project. Dr. Robinson explains the truth of the abortion industry, the lies they are telling to society, what it's like performing an abortion, and the positive signs he is seeing in our culture.

Is one of your Lenten goals to read and learn more about the bible? Dive Deep has you covered as we explore the Gospel of Luke.

How do they prepare a homily? Where do they get their vestments? Where do they go to confession? Dive Deep asks several fun questions about a priest’s life you may have thought before but never knew the answer. You're also guaranteed to laugh in this episode!

Millikin University’s head basketball coach, Kramer Soderberg, is passionate about our Catholic faith. But it wasn’t always that way. What led him to write a book called Fill your cup for Christ, what’s the message for every day Catholics, and how can parents better equip their children so they don’t leave the faith? Dive Deep with Coach Kramer Soderberg.

 

10 years ago, Chicago radio personality Kevin Matthews found a statue of the Virgin Mary broken and lying by a dumpster. His life would never be the same. His incredible story led him to bring the statue and give a talk in Springfield last October. Hear the story of "Our Lady of the Broken."

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on a state of Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks. This past summer, lawyers for Mississippi asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. What will happen? Dive Deep interviews Peter Breen with the Thomas More Society to discuss that and the rulings from 2021. (Note, this episode was recorded before Texas passed their law).

Father Rob Johnson and Father Mark Tracy of our diocese both attended the University of Illinois. Priesthood wasn't even a thought. Then God introduced them to certain people and sent them to certain events which ultimately led them to a radical decision - the priesthood. 

Bishop Carl Kemme grew up in Effingham County. After becoming a priest, he spent many years in several parishes across our diocese. Then in 2014, he received a call that changed everything. Pope Francis had appointed him Bishop of Wichita. Dive Deep catches up with Bishop Kemme to see how he’s doing, what he misses about our diocese, how often he comes back, and what life is like as a bishop.

Dr. Kevin Vost of Springfield has a wild faith journey. Growing up Catholic, he later became an atheist. What drew him to become a non-believer and what ultimately brought him back? Dr. Vost shares his incredible story and discusses his field of psychology and how it ties to our faith.

A graduate of Christ the King and Sacred Heart Griffin H.S. in Springfield, Kansas City Chiefs coach Brendan Daly discusses the interesting job of coaching at the highest level in football and how he has leaned on our Catholic faith throughout the ups and downs, constant job stresses, and moving his family several times all over the country.

Going to Confession can be scary. There are plenty of false ideas about Confession that may be holding you back from receiving the grace of this sacrament. Dive Deep debunks 10 myths and offers advice and encouragement to receive God’s mercy.

On the heels of Pope Francis’ announcement of restrictions to the Latin Mass, Dive Deep explores the history, differences, and traditions of the Latin Mass.

Groundhogs Day. Cappuccino. Lay Cardinals. The Easter Bunny. Dive Deep explores those things and more in this episode that will make you say, “I didn’t know that about Catholicism!”

Fathers Michael and Chris Trummer, two brothers from Effingham County. Their stories to the priesthood involve a funny story. Dive Deep sits down with the Trummer brothers.

Scientists and theologians have debated the free will question for centuries. Hear what scientists discovered and how you can answer this question from a Catholic theological perspective in this episode of Dive Deep.

There can be negative associations with fostering. Dive Deep sits down with a Petersburg couple that explains the fostering process, why all those negative things you hear about are not only not true, and how fostering has shaped their lives for the better. 

Fathers Marty Smith and Wayne Stock of our diocese have interesting vocations stories. In fact, they involve Big Foot. Oh, and you’ll want to listen to the end to hear a story from Fr. Marty that will bring a tear to your eye – a story that convinced him to become a priest. 

Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal just over 100 years ago. Her message holds true today. So, what did she say, and what about all the miracles and other signs associated with these visions? Dive Deep interviews a Marian expert on all things Our Lady of Fatima.

They have been priests for less than a year but have only known priestly life during a pandemic. How are our new priests coping? What has been the biggest challenge and biggest reward? Dive Deep sits down with Fathers Dominic Vahling (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield) and Michael Meinhart (St. Boniface in Edwardsville). 

A January instruction by Bishop Paprocki instituted no more communion blessings across the diocese. Dive Deep tells you what happens now when someone approaches the priest with their arms crossed and why hearing these certain words, “Receive Christ in your heart,” will make a big impact.

Eight steps to spiritual and physical fitness – that’s the theme of Bishop Thomas John Paprocki’s new book, Running for a Higher Purpose, now available for purchase at holygoalie.net. Perfect for runners, Bishop Paprocki joins Dive Deep to explain why the book may be exactly what you need to give your spiritual and physical well-being a boost. Also, don't miss your opportunity to learn how you could win a free, signed copy of the book!

This year, you hear from the Gospel of Mark at Mass. But who is Mark and what should we know about his writings? Dive Deep explores the many interesting facts, pious legends, and fun insights about the shortest gospel in the bible. 

He served in WWII. He was married for nearly 75 years. Dive Deep sits down Jasper Madonia of Springfield as he gives us 100 years of wisdom, and how our Catholic faith has kept him going. 

Why fast? Why 40 days? Why purple? Why ashes? Why no meat on Fridays? Lent is full of symbolism, rooted deep in Catholic theology. While Lent 101 sounds like an introductory class, Dive Deep will teach you things about Lent you’ve never heard before.

Dive Deep brings in the women to begin the year by diving deep into our fears. We are taking 4 weeks to examine what we are calling the 4 pillars of fear and how the feminine genius is a great antidote to fear. Part 4 – We conclude our podcast on fear with Comparison, the thief of joy.

Dive Deep brings in the women to begin the year by diving deep into our fears. We are taking 4 weeks to examine what we are calling the 4 pillars of fear and how the feminine genius is a great antidote to fear. Part 3 – Fear of Failure is the third pillar of fear we tackle today.

Dive Deep brings in the women to begin the year by diving deep into our fears. We are taking 4 weeks to examine what we are calling the 4 pillars of fear and how the feminine genius is a great antidote to fear. Part 2 – Pillar of Fear we dive deep into today - Regret

Dive Deep brings in the women to begin the year by diving deep into our fears. We are taking 4 weeks to examine what we are calling the 4 pillars of fear and how the feminine genius is a great antidote to fear. Part 1 – Pillar 1 - Pain.

There many Catholic Church teachings surrounding preparing for and entering into marriage. Many of these teachings our culture would say, “The church is wrong on marriage.” But is the church wrong?

No, this isn’t a list to condemn you, but a friendly reminder to stop doing these 11 things and do the opposite because we want you to grow in your relationship with Christ!

Did we come from Adam and Eve or animals? What does the Catholic Church have to say about evolution? Is the Big Bang Theory compatible with our faith? How literal are we to take the creation story? Dive Deep, the official podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, tackles those questions and more.

Father James Kurzynski, a priest from Wisconsin, joins Dive Deep to share an incredible story about an experience he’ll never forget while praying at a cemetery.

Gary Zimak, a dynamic Catholic evangelist and best-selling author, joins Dive Deep to discuss how to overcome anxiety, how you should think and act differently in your faith and secular life, and five ways to build faith over fear.

Gather your facts before you vote! Listen to this episode of Dive Deep and hear what ALL Catholics should be doing prior to voting!

In part three of our series “Real World Questions, Real Catholic Answers,” we explore these questions from a pastoral perspective, giving you a concise understanding of what the Church teaches and hoping they can prepare you for these challenging conversations with family and friends.

In part two of our series “Real World Questions, Real Catholic Answers,” we explore these questions from a pastoral perspective, giving you a concise understanding of what the Church teaches and hoping they can prepare you for these challenging conversations with family and friends.

In part one of our series “Real World Questions, Real Catholic Answers,” we explore these questions from a pastoral perspective, giving you a concise understanding of what the Church teaches and hoping they can prepare you for these challenging conversations with family and friends.

On today's Dive Deep, hear from the staff at Catholic Charities as they share how Covid-19 has impacted the clients they serve as well as the organization.

The debate to return to school has circulated the internet far and wide. Today, we Dive Deep with Dr. Bill Moredock, principal at Little Flower Catholic School in Springfield and a clinical psychologist, on the return to school, the impact of major societal issues circulating around around our children and how it impacts them!

Every year, there are new priest assignments. While parishioners can sometimes feel angst about the future of their parish with a new priest, what do priests think? Do they like moving so much? Why does the Catholic Church move priests to different parishes in the first place? We take those questions and more to two priests in Dive Deep, the official podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

Join us for this special edition of Dive Deep, the official podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, as we celebrate Bishop Paprocki’s 10 years in the diocese (June 22 was his 10 year anniversary). Hear inside stories about him being named a bishop, funny stories from his time in the diocese, and insights about him that will surprise you. In this wide ranging interview, hear Bishop Paprocki as you’ve never heard him before.

Eight men - the largest class of new priests in our diocese since 1964! Listen to the fascinating journey of two of these men, Deacons Peter Chineke and Michael Berndt, as they are about to be ordained priests June 19. Hear how an Amtrak ride made a vocational impact on Deacon Berndt and why working in the secular world didn't fulfill him. Also, hear why Deacon Peter originally wanted to become a doctor, what led him to pursue the priesthood, and how his life path to Springfield first took him all over the world. Join us on this episode of Dive Deep as we also celebrate the class of 2020.

On the last episode of Dive Deep we got answers to 5 common questions our Protestant friends ask us. Today, get 5 more in the second half of our two part series. Saints and Mary, Good Works vs. Faith Alone, the sacraments, indulgences and bible vs. oral tradition. It can sometimes be difficult defending our faith when non-Catholics question you about these topics and more.

The Eucharist, infant baptism, confession, papal infallibility, the sacraments, purgatory. It can sometimes be difficult defending our faith when non-Catholics question you about these topics and more. Join Dive Deep as we explore 10 questions non-Catholics will ask Catholics and how you can arm yourself with information to defend and teach the faith to others. May 15th's episode explores five questions with the remaining five coming out May 29.

Join Dive Deep, the official podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois on May 1, as you'll hear the amazing story of our own Father Scott Snider, pastor of Mother of Dolors in Vandalia and St. Joseph in Ramsey. What ultimately led him to the Catholic faith and to the priesthood, what is it like being a married priest, what does he think about the issue of married priests in general, and what is his connection to Pope Benedict XVI?

It is important to control your consumption of negative news! Check out today's podcast and hear something positive coming out of this situation!

Hear how a simple invitation brought Effingham's Rebecca McIntire to Catholicism, how her first year as Catholic has been going, what she loves most about the faith, and the message she has for all of us.

In today's podcast we Dive Deep into the Catholic Response to the Coronavirus.

The abortions left her cold and feeling worthless. She felt no one loved her. Springfield’s Betty Parquette shares her incredible story of how confession and a special retreat brought her freedom and healing.

In today's Dive Deep Podcast we feast on the Impossible Whopper, can you eat it during Fridays in Lent, and what should our Lent really look like?

In today's podcast learn about Just War: what is it and what justifies war?

On Tuesday, January 8, 2020, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki sat down for a live Q & A with high school students from across the diocese. Topics included: advice for how to stay Catholic in college; what is the church in our diocese doing to increase vocations; how many miles does Bishop Paprocki drive and many many more!

Today's podcast is keeping you informed! Illinois Catholics take a listen to Zach Wichmann about upcoming legislation to watch out for.

We had the great pleasure of Diving Deep with Teresa Tomeo in today's podcast. She is a Catholic Talk Show Host, Author, Speaker and true Evangelist of the Faith!

10 things you may not know about the Mass. Listen to today's Dive Deep podcast and see how many you know!

Unfortunately for us there is no fast pass to heaven, but there are some helpful tips. Listen to the latest Dive Deep Podcast and find out what they are.

January 1st Marijuana is legal and gambling expansion is happening...we know what the state thinks on these matters, what does the Church say?

Can you imagine 9 kids, 2 parents and 1 bus every day all day? Listen to Deacon Patrick O'Toole's radical discipleship story!

Why is the date for Christmas December 25? What happened to Jesus' original crib? How did Christmas trees come about? Were there more than three Magi? David Bertaina from the University of Illinois, Springfield sits down with Dive Deep to answer these questions and more about things you may not know about Christmas.

On Dec. 21, Peoria area native Archbishop Fulton Sheen was scheduled to be beatified by the Catholic Church, or officially declared “Blessed.” On Dec. 3, it was announced it was going to be postponed, shocking the Catholic faithful. Why was it postponed, what’s next, and what are we to make of all of this?

What is an annulment, how does it work, and why is it necessary in the Catholic Church if someone who is divorced wants to get remarried?

This week's podcast Dives Deep into the last 4 things: Death, Judgment, Heaven or Hell.

Kicking off Season 2 of Dive Deep with the Church's teachings on Ghosts and Aliens! You do not want to miss!

Hear how three generations of the Hoefler family felt a unique calling to serve the church and how each of them feed off each other for help and support in their vocation.

What happens during an exorcism? How often does the Catholic Church perform one? How can someone become possessed?

Do you think Papal Infallibility means the Pope is perfect? Listen to today's podcast and find out what Papal Infallibility really means!

Curt Tomasevicz Olympic bobsledder and former Nebraska football player joins us to talk about faith and athletics. You won't want to miss "Your Catholic faith at 93 mph"!

Join us as we talk about the canonization process for Fr. Augustine Tolton and the process of becoming a saint.

Women Deacons? Priestly celibacy? We explore these issues and the history surrounding them.

You will not want to miss this incredible story of one woman's journey to the faith. Hear how Deegee Kienstra from Edwardsville found the Catholic faith.

In this episode, we are going to get into the death penalty and review Pope Francis' announcement where he said that the death penalty was no longer admissible under any circumstance. We are going to look at what Pope Francis actually did.

In the first episode of Dive Deep, we explore the question of why does God allow bad things to happen, evil to happen, natural disasters to happen. Fr. Christopher House sits down with us to discuss this question.