The Catholic Morning Show
Dr. John Huynh Wins National Catholic Media Recognition for His Catholic Mirror Column (+ more) | The Catholic Morning Show - 07/29/2026
Episode Summary
On this July 29, 2026 episode of The Catholic Morning Show, Bo Bonner and Alexia Baker celebrate Dr. John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, who earned national recognition in the 2026 Catholic Media Awards for his Catholic Mirror column, Theology 101. Belle Marasco, Iowa Catholic Radio's Director of Business Development, explains legacy giving and a free My Catholic Will offer available during the station's fall fundraiser. The show also previews Katie Patrizio's Sunday Dive on the feeding of the five thousand, shares Diocese of Des Moines parish events, and previews the Iowa State Fair grandstand ticket giveaway and the upcoming Fathom Entertainment release of "American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story."
Episode Notes
In This Episode
- Dr. John Huynh on his national Catholic Media Award recognition for the Catholic Mirror
- Belle Marasco on legacy giving and a free Catholic will
- Sunday Dive preview with Katie Patrizio: the feeding of the five thousand
- Diocese of Des Moines news, Gospel reflection, sports, and weather
National Recognition: Dr. John Huynh Dr. John Huynh, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Charities, joins to talk about his Catholic Mirror column, Theology 101, which earned recognition in the 2026 Catholic Media Association awards. He shares how everyday moments — car rides, waiting in parking lots, sitting in silence — become reflections on hope, faith, and God's presence in ordinary life, including his family's story of fleeing Vietnam. Learn more about the Diocese of Des Moines' social justice resources and Catholic Mirror subscription at DMDiocese.org.
Legacy Giving & a Free Catholic Will: Belle Marasco Belle Marasco, Iowa Catholic Radio's Director of Business Development, breaks down legacy giving and how it keeps the station's Gospel-centered programming on the air. As a thank-you during the fall fundraiser, Iowa Catholic Radio is offering listeners a free, faith-based online will through My Catholic Will (a $180 value), which takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. To start a confidential letter of intent, email belle@iowacatholicradio.com.
Also on Today's Show
- Sunday Dive Preview: Katie Patrizio previews this week's episode on Matthew 14:13–21, the feeding of the five thousand, tying it to the Bread of Life discourse and Old Testament manna. Live at 8 a.m. Central right after this show, or catch it anytime at SundayDive.com.
- Diocese of Des Moines News: Anne Marie Cox shares two parish food events this weekend — the International Food Festival at Saint Boniface Church in Waukee (Sunday after the 10:30 a.m. Mass until about 1 p.m.) and the 81st Annual Chicken Dinner at Immaculate Conception Church in Saint Marys (kicks off with prayer at 12:30 p.m., carryout available).
- Gospel Reflection: Fr. Nick Smith, pastor of St. Patrick's in Perry, reflects on the Feast of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
- Headlines: U.S. and Saudi airstrikes on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq; Pope Leo XIV's "Canticle of Peace" prayer service with Andrea Bocelli at Castel Gandolfo, marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's death (aired live on NBC); the 45th anniversary of Blessed Stanley Rother's martyrdom; "American Pickers" filming in Iowa and Illinois this September; and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand's proposal to restrict social media for minors.
- Sports: Mark Amadeo covers the Iowa Cubs and previews Iowa Catholic Radio's 50th straight year broadcasting Dowling Catholic High School football, kicking off Friday, August 28 against Valley.
Save the Date
- "American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story" — This Martin Sheen-narrated documentary on Blessed Stanley Rother comes to the Des Moines Metro August 25–26 via Fathom Entertainment, including Cinemark Altoona and Jordan Creek, and Marcus theaters in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Tickets and theater details at FathomEntertainment.com.
- Iowa State Fair Grandstand Ticket Giveaway — Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Rod Stewart (Fri., Aug. 14), Alabama (Fri., Aug. 21), or Josiah Queen (Sun., Aug. 23). Five winners per show; no purchase or donation necessary; must be 18+. Entries close August 9, winners announced August 10. Official rules at IowaCatholicRadio.com.
- Visit the Iowa Catholic Radio tent at the Iowa State Fair, just west of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, for prayer, confession, and fellowship.
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