CONFESSION

An interview with Jim Wahlberg, author of The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid's Story of Addiction and Redemption. His book is a no-holds-barred, sometimes brutal, story of a redeemed life and a family’s healing.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Fr. Chris Alar explains the significance of Ash Wednesday, and the penitential sacrifices associated with it and the season of Lent. And learn about the service work of St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in Buffalo, New York.

7 DEADLY SINS: SLOTH (VS. ZEAL)

One of the most misunderstood of the 7 Deadly Sins is Sloth. It’s not just laziness – even a workaholic can neglect his spiritual life and family, but the virtue of zeal can fire our passion and make us more productive.

7 DEADLY SINS: GREED (VS. GENEROSITY)

The deadly sin of greed, or avarice, is the inordinate love of having possessions or riches. Today, Fr. Chris Alar explains how the greedy person can take on the sense of self-sufficiency and independence of God.

7 DEADLY SINS: ANGER (V. PATIENCE)

If the sin of anger is so deadly, why does the Catechism call it “noble” and St. Paul call it “virtuous?” Fr. Chris Alar explains how patience helps us preserve our peace of mind in the midst of difficulties and trials.

7 DEADLY SINS: LUST (VS. CHASTITY)

One of the most pervasive of the deadly sins is Lust. To live a virtuous life, we need self-mastery aided by the virtue of Chastity. Plus, Fr. Chris interviews actress Maria Vargo about her role as St. Faustina Kowalska.

7 DEADLY SINS: GLUTTONY (VS. TEMPERANCE)

Fr. Alar explains the deadly sin of Gluttony. If desires, cravings, wants and needs go unchecked by temperance, they can lead to our destruction and that of others. He relates this to the idea of reproductive freedom.

7 DEADLY SINS: ENVY (VS. GRATITUDE)

Fr. Chris Alar looks at Envy, and how we can overcome this most troublesome of the Seven Deadly Sins. Envy is a mortal sin, directly opposed to charity and mercy, and Gratitude is the virtue that can help defeat it.

7 DEADLY SINS: PRIDE (VS. HUMILITY)

In the first of this series, Fr. Chris Alar examines the Deadly Sin of Pride. He notes its close proximity to attributes like self-esteem and confidence, but it can also be deceptive, even masquerading as a virtue.

THE MEANING OF THE HOLY MASS

The three greatest acts of God’s mercy – Creation, Redemption, Sanctification - are all present in the perfect prayer of the Mass. See how our hopes, dreams, joys and sorrows are channeled into this offering back to God.

HOW CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS CAME TO BE

Ever wonder how certain Christmas traditions originated? Fr. Chris Alar tells you the story behind everything from Christmas trees to candles in the window and separates fact from fiction with regard to “St. Nick.”

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Fr. Chris explains the significance of the apparitions at Guadalupe, and casts a spotlight on “A Mom’s Peace”, a group that provides funeral services and consolation to families who have experienced a miscarriage.

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Fr. Chris Alar explains the Immaculate Conception and how it fits within Sacred Scripture. And Danielle Bean, from CatholicMom.com talks about the challenges of motherhood, and instilling Catholic faith in your children.

THE POWER OF HEALING

We all know the power of the Lord to heal what ails us, but do we know the proper way to seek His intercession? Today, Fr. Alar explains what to do, and how to understand it when we or our loved ones are not cured.

MEANING OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is not just about shopping, eating turkey and watching football. Fr. Chris Alar reminds us of the Judeo-Christian traditions of the holiday, and how the pilgrims sought the religious freedom we value today.

THE END TIMES: THE TRIUMPH PT. 3

A discussion of eschatology, the study of the End Times from a Catholic perspective. Learn how the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart fits into this prophecy and the era of peace which precedes the Second Coming of Christ.

THE END TIMES: 3 DAYS OF DARKNESS PT. 2

Professor Daniel O’Connor discusses the End Times with Fr. Chris Alar. They talk about predictions of three days of total darkness, and how blessed candles will provide the light while enemies of the Church will perish.

THE END TIMES: THE 5 SIGNS PT. 1

Parousia refers to the second coming of Christ, when He will return to judge humanity at the end of the world. Today, Fr. Chris Alar talks about the five signs of the end times that must happen before that will occur.

GHOSTS: WHO ARE THEY?

Just in time for Halloween, Fr. Chris Alar explores the many occurances of ghosts in the Bible. Learn about the three kinds of ghosts, where they come from, how we should relate to them, and why some could be demonic.

ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II

Take a look back at the life and legacy of one of our most consequential popes. Fr. Chris Alar welcomes papal biographer George Weigel, and profiles a new book illustrating the profound vision of St. John Paul II.

HOPE AFTER SUICIDE

Fr. Chris Alar explores the heartbreaking subject of teen suicide. Learn how the Church’s teaching on this issue has changed, and hear from two mothers who recently lost their daughters to this terrible tragedy.

ST. FAUSTINA AND THE ANGELS

In this conversation with Sr. Gaudia Skass, learn the 25 tenets of spiritual warfare that Jesus shared with St. Faustina, and how the message of the Angels who were sent to her aid was a message of trust in the Lord.

ST. THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS

Pope Pius X called her “the greatest saint of modern times.” Meet St. Therese of the Child Jesus, a model of sanctity for Catholics, known for the simplicity and practicality of her approach to the spiritual life.

SAINT PADRE PIO

Fr. Alar examines the life of Padre Pio, the great Capuchin and mystic who’s one of the Church’s most beloved saints. And meet Fr. Frank Cancro, a priest with a unique ministry. He’s a chaplain to circus performers.

THE SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY

The 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of Christian tradition. Fr. Chris Alar goes through each in detail, providing advice on how to put them into practice to help our neighbors with their spiritual needs.

9/11 AND THE HOLY NAME OF MARY

Fr. Alar remembers the tragedy of 9/11, and the important day that follows. The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary encourages all to pray for her intercession to deepen our love of Christ and our relationship with the Lord.

PLENARY INDULGENCES

Fr. Chris Alar explains the history, meaning and significance of plenary indulgences and the “big four” methods of receiving them. And we take a look at how equine therapy can bring healing to wounded hearts and minds.

BRINGING LOVED ONES BACK TO CHURCH

Sooner or later, we all seek advice on how to bring a loved one who has strayed back to the Church. Today, Fr. Chris Alar interviews Brandon Vogt from Word On Fire Ministries, a best-selling author, on that very subject.

MARIAN CONSECRATION

An exploration of the ways God provides for us, especially through His mother, the Virgin Mary, and the Marian Consecration. Fr. Chris Alar explains what Mary means to us and turns the spotlight on singer, Anna Nuzzo.

TRUST

In difficult circumstances, we must always trust in the Lord. The proof lies in the incredible story of four 7 year old children, who overcame nearly insurmountable medical odds in the tiny Michigan farm town of Pewamo.

THE TRANSFIGURATION

Fr. Timothy Nelson, and Cynthia DeLeon Thelen from the Council of Catholic Nurses, join Fr. Chris Alar on the program. Together, they discuss the Transfiguration and expound on the similarities between Jesus and Moses.

MEANING OF MASS

Learn about the three greatest acts of God’s mercy, and why the Mass is considered the greatest act of worship, when Fr. Chris Alar sits down with Bishop William Byrne to discuss and debate the meaning of the Holy Mass.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Satan and his fallen angels are determined to destroy man by destroying the Church and the family. Today, Fr. Chris Alar welcomes Fr. Don Calloway and Dr. Paul Thigpen to discuss the realities of spiritual warfare.

MOUNT CARMEL AND THE BROWN SCAPULAR

Fr. Chris explains the scapular’s significance to the Carmelite order and the laity of the Church. Plus, five Catholic friends make a pilgrimage 120 miles on foot from Boston to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy.

THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

Fr. Chris Alar explains how the Devotion to the Precious Blood is different from all others. This is not just some element of Christ, it is Christ Himself, so because of that, we can rightly worship the Precious Blood.

THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

In today’s Living Divine Mercy, Fr. Chris Alar focuses on the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He explains what the First Five Saturdays Devotion is, and how it’s related to the Fatima Message and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Fr. Chris Alar talks about the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and how it relates to the Divine Mercy of Jesus. Then, meet the Visitation Sisters whose charism is the Sacred Heart, to learn about the life of a cloistered nun.

SAINT JOSEPH

Fr. Chris Alar and special guest, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, enlighten us on the mystery man, the enigma who is Saint Joseph, and the unique and important role Saint Joseph plays in the story of our Catholic faith.

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Fr. Chris discusses the central mystery of our faith, the Most Holy Trinity, the source of all other mysteries and the light that enlightens them. And he interviews Chris Ice, former president of Ave Maria University.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Fresh off his role in the new movie Father Stu, Mel Gibson talks about making a religious film in Hollywood. And Fr. Chris Alar discusses the most misunderstood and underappreciated part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

WHAT DOES THE CHURCH TEACH ABOUT SPORTS

Fr. Chris Alar interviews former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz. They talk about the value of sports, what the Church teaches about them, and what kind of place should we allow it to have in our lives as Catholics.

BAPTISM

Fr. Chris Alar discusses Baptism, and answers the question, “Is it needed for salvation?” Then, he talks to Nermine Rubin about her efforts to bring lifesaving water to Africa through her apostolate, Water 4 Mercy.

THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

Theological virtues of faith, hope and love are put in action at Brother Andre’s Café in Pittsburgh. This gourmet coffee and cookie shop provides employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

THE GRACES OF DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Fr. Chris Alar talks about how Mary’s spiritual motherhood affects all believers, and shows how one organization, Mary Garden Showers, brings that spiritual motherhood to women who are experiencing crisis pregnancies.

THE PRIESTHOOD

Fr. Chris Alar interviews actor Mark Wahlberg about his new movie “Father Stu.” He takes the opportunity to talk about the priestly vocation, and the special calling God has entrusted to those who wear the collar.

THE GRACES OF DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Today, we cast our spotlight on Jerry Bauman and his Divine Mercy food truck ministry. And Father Chris Alar explains how we can receive the graces of Divine Mercy Sunday, and why this special day is so important.

THE TRIDUUM

Fr. Chris Alar discusses the three days of prayer known as the Triduum. And after his near death experience, Paul Zucarelli recounts his story of being brought back to life, and the way his faith was changed by it.

THE HOUR OF DIVINE MERCY

Author Vinny Flynn discusses the Hour of Divine Mercy with Fr. Chris Alar. And we turn the spotlight on singer Michael Bethea who overcame kidney disease, and recently recorded the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song.

THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

It’s one of the most powerful prayers we have in the Church. Fr. Chris Alar talks about how in the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, you can offer the Son to the Father through your common sharing of the priesthood of Christ.

THE NOVENA OF DIVINE MERCY

Father Chris Alar examines the Novena of Divine Mercy with author Vinny Flynn. They discuss Vinny’s new book, “7 Secrets of Divine Mercy,” and turn the spotlight on meteorologist & theology teacher, Mike Roberts.

THE IMAGE OF DIVINE MERCY

Fr. Chris Alar reveals miraculous events attributed to Divine Mercy, including the story of Ugo Festa’s healing from multiple sclerosis and epilepsy before a Divine Mercy image. Plus, the 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy.

FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY

Today’s topic is the Feast of Divine Mercy, and the theology behind it. Fr. Chris Alar interviews Vinny Flynn about his new book “7 Secrets of Divine Mercy” and looks back at Divine Mercy Sunday events over the years.

ASH WEDNESDAY

In today’s Divine Mercy lesson, Fr. Chris Alar talks about the history and theology behind Ash Wednesday traditions, and explains for Catholics some of the disciplines of the Lenten season.

CONFESSION PT. 2

Vinny Flynn presents a whole new way of going to confession in his new book “Seven Secrets of Confession.” He joins Fr. Chris Alar to show Catholics how to begin an exciting personal journey to healing and holiness.

CONFESSION PT. 1

It’s a sacrament that is very much misunderstood and often forgotten. Fr. Chris Alar walks you through the Sacrament of Confession, explaining why we have it and the beautiful graces that God offers us through it.

LOURDES

Father Chris Alar discusses Lourdes, the most visited Marian site in the world which attracts millions of pilgrims each year, and he interviews Marie Romagnano, founder of Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy.

ANGELS

The existence of angels has been revealed to us directly by God in Sacred Scripture and Tradition. Learn about encounters others have had with angels, and the teaching of the Church surrounding their important role.

THE DOMESTIC CHURCH

See how faith is enriching the lives of families in Westphalia, Michigan, as Fr. Chris Alar discusses the centrality of the famly as the “domestic Church” and explains how their faith drives this small Midwestern town.

PRO LIFE

It’s the one right the Church calls non-negotiable. Fr. Chris Alar explains how the right to life, one of the most basic and important human rights, must be protected and respected. Otherwise, no other right is secure.

WEDDING AT CANA

Fr. Chris Alar uses Christ’s first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana to illustrate how the junk and the riches of the world can leave us feeling empty. We must fill our hearts with God’s love to truly be satisfied.

EPIPHANY

One of the oldest and most important Christian feasts is also one of the most forgotten. Fr. Chris Alar explains the Epiphany, and how it was originally linked with four other important moments in the life of Christ.

CHRISTMAS

An interview with Steve Ray about what brought him to the Lord, and how his love for the Catholic Church continues to grow. Fr. Chris talks about the timing of Christmas and debunks the idea of it being a pagan holiday.

FORGIVENESS

Fr. Chris Alar explains the importance of forgiveness, a lesson that includes an interview with Rachel Muha. Her son was kidnapped and murdered in 1999, and she speaks passionately about how she learned to forgive.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

In his Divine Mercy series, Fr. Chris explains the Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and how Mary was preserved free from original sin. Plus, an interview with Danielle Bean, Band Manager for Catholic Mom.

ADVENT

Fr. Chris Alar teaches about the season of Advent, especially its penitential aspect. Plus he interviews Kevin Dougherty about working with the media, and Teresa Tomeo about her re-conversion to the Catholic faith.

THANKSGIVING

As we gather at this time of year to celebrate Thanksgiving, Fr. Chris Alar fills us in on the history and Christian roots of this holiday. Plus, an interview with Wes Baker about his family’s woodworking apostolate.

SEVEN SECRETS OF THE EUCHARIST PT. 2

Catholics and non-Catholics alike will appreciate Vinny Flynn’s new book on the Eucharist. He joins Fr. Chris Alar to reveal 7 secrets that will infuse a new appreciation of the way Jesus is present in the Sacrament.

SEVEN SECRETS OF THE EUCHARIST PT. 1

Pope John Paul II called the Holy Eucharist “the greatest treasure of the Church,” but many Catholics lack understanding of this powerful sacrament. Vinny Flynn’s new book, "7 Secrets of the Eucharist" aims to change that.

PURGATORY

Purgatory has been the subject of much debate within the Catholic Church. Fr. Chris explains what it is and why it’s necessary. Plus, an interview with Barbara La Porte, whose son was killed in the Virginia Tech shooting.

HALLOWEEN

Fr. Chris Alar sits down with Zachary King, who spent 26 years as a Satanist before experiencing an intense and immediate conversion. They discuss Halloween, what it’s about and whether Christians should celebrate it.

THE SAINTS

Fr. Chris Alar sits down with Fr. Dan Cambra to discuss who the saints are and the reasons we should honor them. Then, learn about the story of Courtney Lenaburg, an example of God’s mercy in the midst of suffering.

FATIMA AND DIVINE MERCY

Explore the connection between Fatima and Divine Mercy with Fr. Chris Alar. Includes an interview with Fr. Joseph Roesch and a spotlight segment on Leon Kennebeck, who began making rosaries after retiring from farming.

ST. FAUSTINA

Fr. Chris Alar explains who St. Faustina was and why God chose her as an example for us today. His guests are Michelle Faehnle and Emily Jaminet who share a devotion to St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy.

HOW TO PRAY

Today’s teaching lesson focuses on the importance of prayer in our search for God’s mercy. Through the act of praying, we become one with God, and his mercy flows to us because of his deep, unconditional love for us.

SUFFERING

In his teaching series on Divine Mercy, Fr. Chris Alar digs into the mystery of suffering, and tries to answer a common question. If we have a merciful God, then why does he allow so much suffering in the world?

THE DIVINE MERCY DEVOTION

In this latest episode of his teaching series, Fr. Chris Alar explains the meaning behind the Divine Mercy devotion, and shows us how to incorporate its concepts into our daily lives.

THE MESSAGE OF DIVINE MERCY

Fr. Chris Alar, Director of the Association of Marian Helpers, discusses the challenges and opportunities of living Divine Mercy in today’s crazy world.