Bring Catholic Radio to South Bend Indiana

If Saint Paul were around today - he would be on the Radio.

South Bend, Indiana is a vibrant city with a dynamic Catholic community. South Bend is home to over 265,000 people and includes 19 Catholic parishes. The city is part of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese with a Catholic population of over 160,000. Additionally South Bend is home to Our Ladys University the University of Notre Dame. There is however very little Catholic programming on the radio and no full-time Catholic radio station.

We the undersigned support the growth of Catholic radio programming in South Bend. Our desire and goal initially is to bring more Catholic programming to existing area stations. Our ultimate objective is to have a full-time Catholic radio station broadcasting to South Bend, Notre Dame and Michiana.

You can learn more about our efforts at: www.SouthBendCatholicRadio.com

"Radio offers perhaps the closest equivalent to what Jesus was able to do with large groups through his preaching. Radio is an intimate medium which can reach people on the street, in their cars or in their homes. Radio may well be the most cost effective means of reaching large numbers of people who may not want to read or may lack exposure to Catholic publications, but will be willing to 'evesdrop' on Catholic radio stations." (Pope John Paul II, addressing Catholic Media Association, 1997)

Catholic Radio is a tool to fulfill our Lord's command to "Go make of all disciples." The power and impact of Catholic Radio is presented in The Catholic Radio Associations publication Catholic Radio: THE Instrument of the New Evangelization The Association Press Kit answers the question Why Catholic Radio? (Available at www.catholicradioassociation.org)

"How might the media work with God rather than against Him?" (Pope John Paul II)

Catholic radio is experiencing phenomenal growth. In 1996 there were only 7 U.S. Catholic radio stations. Today there are over 100 - a fourteen-fold increase. One new Catholic network - Relevant Radio (www.relevantradio.com) includes 14 stations and 12 affiliate stations. The Relevant Radio network reaches an estimated 26 million people across 14 states and includes stations that reach listeners in the top 25 markets. Catholic radio has been the catalyst for multitudes of conversions and reversions to the Catholic faith.

The Second Vatican Council in the document "Inter Mirificia" urged establishment of new radio and television stations:

"Likewise, decent radio and television programs should be effectively supported, especially those suited to the family. Ample encouragement should be given to Catholic transmissions which invite listeners and viewers to share in the life of the Church and which convey religious truths. Catholic stations should be established where it is opportune..." (No. 14)

"It would be shameful if by their inactivity Catholics allowed the word of God to be silenced or obstructed by the technical difficulties which these media present and by their admittedly enormous cost. For this reason the Council reminds them that they have the obligation to sustain and assist Catholic newspapers, periodicals, film-projects, radio and television stations and programs." (No. 17)

Catholic radio brings people home. We want to help spread the Word and bring Catholic radio home to South Bend. When was the last time you heard the morning radio person remind you of the Rosary Mysteries of the day?

"The very evangelization of modern culture depends to a great extent on the influence of the media." (Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio, 1990)

"The split between the faith which many profess and their daily lives deserves to be counted among the more serious errors of our age" (Pope Paul VI, Gaudium et Spes). Catholic Radio helps bridge this gap and aids in bringing the faith to everyday life.

NOW is the time for Catholic Radio. NOW is the time to bring Catholic Radio to South Bend, Michiana and Notre Dame.