The Catholic Morning Show

The Catholic Morning Show - 04/27/2026

Episode Summary

Today’s Catholic Morning Show highlights the real, active power of prayer and presence in the life of the Church. Jeanne Thill introduces the Seven Sisters Apostolate, a growing global movement of women (and fasting men) committed to praying for priests, especially in times of spiritual struggle. Then, Deacons Robb Stark and Eric Pugh share how the Diocese of Des Moines is responding to real-world crises through the Emergency Pastoral Response Team, offering spiritual care, prayer, and compassionate presence in the aftermath of tragedy. Together, these conversations reveal how both quiet, hidden prayer and visible, on-the-ground ministry play essential roles in strengthening the Church and supporting those in need.

Episode Notes

• Jeanne Thill explains the Seven Sisters Apostolate and how seven women commit to praying one day a week for a specific priest
• The role of Elijah’s Helpers in praying for priests in crisis anonymously
• How spouses can participate together through the Fasting Brothers initiative
• Why intentional, focused prayer is essential for supporting priests spiritually
• Simple ways to start a Seven Sisters group in your parish
• Deacons Robb Stark and Eric Pugh introduce the Emergency Pastoral Response Team (EPRT)
• How the team was formed בעקבות the Greenfield tornado and growing pastoral needs
• What happens when the team is “activated” during emergencies
• The team’s mission: providing prayer, presence, and listening—not physical recovery work
• Real-life examples of ministering to individuals after traumatic events
• How the Church complements mental health and emergency services with spiritual care
• Why visible signs like clerical collars and vests matter in crisis response
• How parish priests and diocesan leadership coordinate activation of the team
• The importance of being a spiritual “bridge” between crisis and long-term healing