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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.