Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent with Fr. James Downey - 12/12/2025

Links in the Episode notes below!

Today on The Catholic Morning Show, Deacon Randy Kiel of Kardia Counseling explores how our human tendencies can shape the way we perceive God — and how learning the difference between reason and understanding brings us…

Kristan Hawkins, CEO of the Pro-Life Generation and President of Students for Life of America, joins the show to discuss the growing momentum of young Catholics and Christians standing for life. She shares how college an…

Bishop William Joensen joins the show to share exciting updates and moments of grace from across the Diocese of Des Moines. From parish life to community outreach and new initiatives, Bishop Joensen reflects on how the H…

Today on The Catholic Morning Show, we welcome Bishop William Joensen to share updates and stories from around the Diocese of Des Moines — moments of grace, growth, and mission that continue to strengthen our Catholic co…

Author and Catholic advocate Leigh Snead joins the show to share her personal journey and her new book, Infertile but Fruitful: Finding Fulfillment When You Can’t Conceive. Leigh opens up about finding spiritual fruitful…

Architect Samantha Fernholz shares how her faith and vocation intertwine as she designs sacred spaces that elevate the heart and reflect God’s beauty. She discusses her inspiration, her work on St. Cecilia’s in Ames, and…

Fr. Chris Reising reflects on the Gospel for All Souls Day. Fr. Chris offers insight into how this passage calls us to deeper discipleship and genuine charity in our daily lives.

Today on The Catholic Morning Show, we celebrate All Hallows’ Eve with prayerful reflections and inspiring conversations. Fr. Chris Reising helps us prepare for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time by exploring the spiritual…

Dr. Dan Guernsey introduces a free online course from Ave Maria University titled “The Foundations and Future of Catholic Education,” exploring how Catholic schools and educators can rise to meet the challenges of our ti…

Rose Walker takes us on a journey through the Grotto of the Redemption in Iowa — a pilgrimage site unlike any other — explaining its origin, the devotion it inspires, and how it serves the Church and community today.

Dcn. Randy Kiel guides us through the Gospel for next Sunday, helping listeners approach the readings with open hearts and discover how Scripture calls us to humility, service, and trust in God’s mercy.

On today’s show we begin with Dcn. Randy Kiel offering a thoughtful reflection on next Sunday’s readings, inviting listeners to deepen their encounter with God’s Word. Then Rose Walker, Director of Operations at the Grot…

John Huynh offers a preview of Pope Leo XIV’s new apostolic exhortation Dilexi te, showing how love for the poor is inseparable from Christian faith and how the document challenges all believers to renewed solidarity.

Dr. Angela Costley helps us explore how Catholic identity finds its roots in Jewish tradition, and how her book From Sinai to Rome guides readers to a richer understanding of what it means to be Catholic.