Busted Halo Show w/Fr. Dave Dwyer

Father Dave welcomes veteran filmmaker and Catholic René Echevarria to discuss his latest project called "The Faithful: Women of the Bible." René is a television writer and producer best known for his work on "Star Trek," "Castle," "Dark Angel," and more. "The Faithful" is a three-part series on Fox that centers on five well-known matriarchs of the Old Testament.

A listener named Peg asks Father Dave about the Gospels. "While listening to or reading the Gospel readings during the Lenten season, I wonder about the actual time between the stories. Is it months, weeks or days? Can you help us understand the timeline?"

Service is a cornerstone of our Christian lives, and Father Dave welcomes Kerry Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, to discuss a new museum that showcases this virtue. "People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors" is a traveling storytelling museum that highlights the impact of being present for others. The mobile museum begins its three-year journey around the United States starting this week in New York City.

A listener named Kelly asks Father Dave a question about receiving the Eucharist from lay ministers.

A listener named Carol asks Father Dave about the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. She says, "As someone with an autoimmune disease called lupus, every couple of months when the Anointing of the Sick is offered after Mass, I go up for the anointing. Am I abusing the Sacrament by doing this because I'm not critically ill?"

Father Dave welcomes Anthony P. Carter to discuss living out his faith throughout decades of work in corporate communications. Anthony worked in senior roles for two Fortune 100 healthcare companies as well as Chief Diversity Officer for Johnson & Johnson. He also served as press secretary for New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins and U.S. Congressman Edolphus Towns. He details these experiences and more in his new book, "This I Know: Principles for a Life of Faith and Optimism."

A listener named Theresa asks about different postures at Mass. She asks, "How many times do we kneel and stand at Mass, and why?"

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave welcomes Anne Kertz Kernion to help us better understand the connection of body, mind and soul. Anne is a former college professor with a graduate degree in theology and a background in science, engineering, and neuroscience. She writes about these topics in her latest book "The Four Connections: How to Flourish by Aligning Your Beliefs, Body, Brain, and Bonds."

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave welcomes Catholic composers and musicians Sarah Hart and Steve Angrisano. Steve, Sarah, and fellow Catholic composer Curtis Stephan recently set 220 antiphons to contemporary music in a new project called, "Let Us All Rejoice."

While broadcasting from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Father Dave talks with the event's keynote speaker, Alessandro DiSanto. Alessandro is a co-founder of the Hallow prayer and meditation app, although he began his career on Wall Street and later worked as a private equity investor. His keynote at LA Congress was called, "The Currency of Mercy: Renewing Hope Through Faith and Prayer."

As Lent begins this week, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Father Patrick Mary Briscoe to discuss his new devotional, "Witness: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation." Father Patrick is a Dominican friar now serving in Rome, and he was recently appointed General Promoter for Social Communication for the Order of Preachers.

We all walk through different seasons of life, and Father Dave welcomes Sister Colleen Gibson to discuss accompanying those in times of grief. Sister Colleen belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and co-hosts the "Beyond the Habit" podcast. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Pastoral Care at St. John-St. Paul Catholic Collaborative in Wellesley, MA, where among many things she helps run a bereavement ministry called "Seasons of Hope."

As Lent begins next week, Father Dave welcomes back Catholic speaker and author Mary Lenaburg to discuss a new program and challenge for this penitential season. Mary is an ambassador for Ascension's "Crux: A Lenten Journey of Surrender" program, which invites participants to surrender to God through the adoption of four daily challenges.

A listener named Lisa asks Father Dave about music during Mass. She says, "I was at a different Catholic Church last weekend, and during communion, the hymn was by an evangelical Christian. Can this happen? I was really disappointed."

Father Dave welcomes Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Rian Johnson to discuss his latest movie "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," whose fictional story takes place in a Catholic parish. Rian's directing credits include "Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi," "Looper," "Poker Face," episodes of "Breaking Bad," and many more. The latest film in the "Knives Out" murder mystery series, "Wake Up Dead Man," stars Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc who teams up with a priest (Josh O'Connor) to investigate a crime at the small-town church.

A caller named Tammy asks Father Dave about attending Mass at different parishes in her area. She asks, "If I go to different parishes for convenience's sake — say, this Mass time works better for me at this other church instead of the parish that I belong to — and it seems like the majority of the time I'm attending Mass at a different church than my parish that I belong to, is that a sin? Is that something I need to confess, that I need to be at my own parish more often?"

We often feel God's presence in a breathtaking sunset or magnificent cathedral, and Father Dave welcomes actor, director, and producer David Henrie to discuss how beauty can be a path to the divine. David leads viewers across Italy to find the intersection of faith and culture in the new series, "Seeking Beauty," streaming now on EWTN+.

We all experience times of uncertainty in our lives, and Father Dave welcomes Matt Kresich to discuss his new book "The Path of Discernment: Hearing God's Call."

As many struggle to stick to their New Year's resolutions, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Kathryn Whitaker to help him overcome roadblocks to cleaning out his office. Kathryn is the co-host of the weekly show "Strong Voices" on the Catholic Channel, host of the "NICU Babies Parent Support" podcast, and author of "Live Big, Love Bigger: Getting Real with BBQ, Sweet Tea and a Whole Lotta Jesus." She is also in the midst of her annual "Purge and Reset," where she cleans out her entire home with her husband and six children.

In an exciting Team Busted Halo announcement, Brett Siddell surprises Father Dave and Krista with news that his wife Brittany is expecting their first child. For more than 19 years, Brett has served the show in a variety of roles, including phone screener, producer, and now co-host. Father Dave, Brett, and Krista reflect on his growth over the years and excitement about becoming a father.

A listener named Randy asks Father Dave a question about the history of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. "Could you explain the Baltimore Catechism?" Randy asks. "My dad would always talk about it, but never gave an explanation of what it was. Is it still in effect, or is there a new Catechism?"

As we share meals with those we love this holiday season, Father Dave welcomes Emily Stimpson Chapman to discuss her new book "Around the Catholic Table: 100+ Simple Recipes for Family and Friends."

The holiday season can be a lonely time for singles seeking marriage, and Father Dave welcomes back speaker and author Emily Wilson Hussem to discuss her new Catholic dating app SacredSpark.

A listener named Kay asks a question about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. "When going to confession, do you have to detail every instance [of sin]?" She asks. "For example, if you tend to embellish the truth, do you describe every time you lie? Or if you have been promiscuous, do you have to detail every instance?"

Father Dave welcomes friend of the show Greg Willits to discuss how the writings of Saint Louis de Montfort have impacted Greg's mental health journey. He is the founder and executive director of RosaryArmy.com, as well as the host of the Rosary Army podcast with his wife, Jennifer. Greg is the author of "God Doesn't Hate Me, After All: Discovering Louis de Montfort's Love of Eternal Wisdom."

As Advent begins, Father Dave welcomes back co-founder and CEO of the Hallow App, Alex Jones, to discuss their offerings for the season. Hallow's Advent prayer challenge this year is called "Pray25: Be Still," and features Chris Pratt, Jonathan Roumie, Gwen Stefani, and many more.

Advent starts this weekend, and Father Dave welcomes Father Mike Schmitz to discuss preparing our hearts this season. Father Mike is the host of Ascension's "The Bible in a Year" and "The Catechism in a Year" podcasts, as well as the new series "Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz."

Krista asks Father Dave for advice on wanting to serve the poor while also tending to her young children.

We're all called to spread the Gospel, and Father Dave welcomes back Franciscan friar Father Casey Cole to discuss his new evangelization mission and book. Father Casey and two fellow young friars moved to Charlotte, NC to found SEARCH, which stands for Seek, Encounter, Accompany, Renew, Convert and Heal. He is also the author of the new book, "Sent: How to Evangelize Wherever You Are, Whoever You Are."

We all can experience a rut in our prayer lives, and Father Dave welcomes Lisa Hendey to discuss how we can invite Christ into our everyday moments. Lisa is the founder of CatholicMom.com and her new book is called "Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way: A Weekly Devotional."

Through the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican recently published a document called "Mater Populi Fidelis," or "Mother of the Faithful People of God," which clarifies different titles for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave explains the purpose of this document, specifically in reference to the Vatican's rejection of labeling Mary "co-redemptrix" or "co-mediatrix."

Father Dave welcomes back veteran tour guide Joan Watson to discuss the benefits of going on a pilgrimage. Joan is the pilgrim formation manager for Verso Ministries and the author of the new book "Making a Pilgrimage: A Companion for Catholics."

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about finding time to go to Confession. "My parish only offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturdays 30 minutes before Mass. This one time makes it very difficult [for me] to go to Confession. In fact, I've been avoiding it due to the schedule," Michael begins. "Is it rare or commonplace to ask a priest for a private confession? We have two priests for 3,500 families so they are super busy; I feel guilty adding to their work load. All the parishes in my diocese have similar schedules."

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and Father Dave welcomes Dominican friar Father Gregory Pine to discuss how it is also the key to our very identities. Father Gregory is professor of dogmatic and moral theology at the Dominican House of Studies and the author of "Your Eucharistic Identity: A Sacramental Guide to the Fullness of Life."

As we continue move through the month of the Rosary, Father Dave welcomes Shannon Wendt to discuss finding time in our hearts and schedules for prayer. Shannon is the Founder and CEO of ChewsLife.com and the author of the new book, "The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life."

A listener named Linda wonders about our relationship with the Lord and asks, "Can you explain fear of God?"

Visiting the imprisoned is a Corporal Work of Mercy, and Father Dave welcomes Father Dustin Feddon to discuss accompanying those who are imprisoned, both during their sentences and after their releases. Father Dustin is a priest inof the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the author of "More Than Half Way Home: A Story of Accompaniment in the Shadows of Incarceration."

Recently, the Saint Paul the Apostle Church choir in New York City had the exciting opportunity to perform an original song called "Love More" at Pope Leo XIV's general audience. Father Dave lives and serves at Saint Paul the Apostle, and he discusses the profound moment with the song's composer, J. Oconer Navarro.

A listener named Amy asks Father Dave about praying the Rosary. She explains that she started praying a Rosary at Church before Mass began, but did not have time to finish. "[Later] I went to Communion, and I said my prayer back at the pew, then I decided to finish the two decades of the Rosary and the closing prayers while everyone was finishing going to Communion," she says. "I started to wonder if this is what I should be doing, or am I not participating and being present for the other people still receiving Communion and for the Eucharist that was still present on the altar?"

Father Dave welcomes Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent for Crux, who recently conducted the first extensive papal interview of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. The wide-ranging two-part interview was in research for her papal biography, "Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century." The book is now available in Spanish by Penguin Peru and will be published in English in 2026.

A listener named Michael asks Father Dave about a prayer during Mass. "During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, there are certain things that the rubrics tell the priest to say quietly or inaudibly," Michael says. "I'm wondering why that would be, particularly because one of them says, 'By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.' That, to me, is like wow. That's where the lightning strikes, like the meeting of heaven and earth; that is the Mass. So why would that be said inaudibly?"