We know that God creates every single one of us for a specific purpose, one that only we can uniquely fulfill. For most, that calling is to be married and raise children. For some, it’s to follow the Lord’s voice to a priestly or religious vocation. In either case, bringing children into the world is supposed to include on the part of parents an understanding and generosity that they belong first and foremost to God, and that they (parents) are to guide them carefully toward the fulfillment of their calling. It’s not always easy for a mother or father to “let their child go” when he or she senses a calling to priesthood or religious life. Have you gone through this with a son or daughter? Were you able to actively encourage them on that path? Or was that more difficult for you for any particular reason? Jerry and Debbie look forward to your takes on this topic Wednesday.

Animals have been kept as pets virtually forever. They can provide companionship and support in a variety of ways. The Church recognizes this and even has an order for the blessing of animals in the Book of Blessings. This often takes place on October 4 – the Feast of St. Francis. There are amazing stories of how pets have made people’s lives better. Do you have a take to share with Jerry and Debbie? Call and join the conversation on Tuesday.

On Monday, Debbie is back on the show with Jerry. They will welcome Bai Macfarlane to the program to talk about the harmful effects of no-fault divorce. Bai is the founder of Mary’s Advocates, an organization that upholds true marriage and provides helpful resources to those who are seeking to counter the negative impact of no-fault divorce. Call with your takes and questions for Bai on Monday.

Do you talk to yourself? If so, do you do it out loud or just internally in your mind? Has anyone ever overheard you talking to yourself? What was their reaction? Were you embarrassed? While some people fear that an individual talking to himself is a sign of psychological or spiritual problems, recent studies have actually shown that certain types of self-communication are not only beneficial, but are signs of a high intellectual capacity. This is the topic on Friday’s show. And, unless you call in, Jerry will have to spend the hour talking to himself LOL, because Debbie will be traveling with her husband, Marty. So, be sure you spare Jerry a very lonely hour and call with your takes about this interesting topic!

The Church has a beautiful practice of providing sponsors for those who are inquiring into becoming Catholic. We’ve just entered the final phase of preparation for many of those people, who will be baptized or received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil celebration. Are you presently helping someone on this joyful journey? Have you done so in the past? What motivated you to take a significant amount of your personal time to walk alongside someone as they learned about Catholicism and made the important decisions that are part of experiencing the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults? How was your own faith deepened by being a part of this program? Would you do it again? This is what we’ll talk about – as always, with your takes leading the way – on Thursday. Be sure to join us!

The great spiritual masters in the history of the Church have always made sure to keep their earthly mortality in front of their eyes. Some have done this by keeping a skull on their desk or near their bed, and taking time each day to meditate on the fact that soon they would die and face judgment. This doesn’t have to be a morbid thought, especially since no one who is born will get out alive. We all will exit through the same door. So, the question for our listeners is: Do you ever spend even a little bit of time thinking about your mortality and the short time we have here on this earth?

In today’s world, people are freer than ever to leave home, move to distant places, try to make it on their own. It’s very understandable. It’s built into our nature. But we all come from a certain “place,” often a place where our families have established long, deep roots. Not infrequently, after trying to make it “out there,” we find that “there’s no place like home.” Have you taken that solo journey, only to find that you longed to return to be close to your family and friends? Share your take with Jerry and Debbie and the world on Tuesday.

It can happen at work. In traffic. In the home when your kids drive you crazy. Life presents us with all sorts of opportunities to act like Jesus in the midst of very challenging circumstances. When our patience is tested, our faith is tried, and we just want to give the world a piece of our mind. Inevitably, those around you will either be blessed or scandalized by your reaction or response.  Join us for this fascinating discussion by calling, 1-800-585-9396.

WE ARE LIVE: Take 2  travels to Anaheim, California to broadcast LIVE from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

Almost all of us can recall that special teacher that left a positive impact in our lives.  Saturday’s LIVE broadcast is the perfect show for you to honor that special person in your life.  Some teachers, coaches, scout leaders have literally changed the future of young lives just by their devotion to those that they lead.  An encouraging comment, a show of concern may be just what a student needs to feel empowered to explore their God-given gifts and talents.  Teachers are invaluable and this show will focus on their important role in the formation of our youth.  Call 1-800-585-9396 to be on the show.