Catholic radio in Sioux City hits the airwaves

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Feb. 21, 2008

After years in planning, Catholic radio in Sioux City is up and running.

According to Jerry "Cal" Calhoun, vice president of the board of directors for St. Gabriel Communications, KFHC - 88.1 FM - hit the airwaves on Feb. 5. During its first days, the Catholic radio station played music as it conducted an equipment test, but it didn't take long to move into its planned schedule of Catholic talk radio from EWTN and Ave Maria.

"We hit the air on Feb. 11 with regular programming," he explained. "It was pretty exciting."

The station, which offers 24-hour programming in a 50-mile radius of its tower located in Jackson, Neb., also recently received an official blessing by Bishop R. Walker Nickless during a prayer service held Feb. 19.

"The church has always felt that it is important to recognize technology," said the bishop in opening comments. "There's nothing in technology that God didn't intend for good in one way or another, if we can just focus it in the right way. Today, we have the technology of radio and what a blessing it is for all of us."

The discoveries of technology, if used properly, Bishop Nickless added, can be of great service to the human family and be used as resources for education, entertainment and even for the building up of the kingdom of God.

The bishop read Scripture from the Gospel according to Mark, which centered on the importance of proclaiming the Gospel to every creature. After Jesus spoke to his followers, he was taken up to heaven to sit at the right hand of God and from there the disciples went on to preach everywhere.

"We were reminded that the last thing Jesus said before he went to heaven was to go out and preach the Good News," said Bishop Nickless. "He certainly couldn't do everything he needed to do - so he left a lot in our hands and those people who are following him. That's where we come in."

He thanked the people for the outpouring of support for the radio station and affirmed those who are directly involved in the ministry.

"We need to continue to do what we can to make sure that God's word is shared throughout the world and for our part, in this little part of God's world in Siouxland, we are doing the best we can and we thank all those responsible for it," said Bishop Nickless. "We pray deeply that God blesses our efforts today, that he keeps this station a beacon of hope and light so that we can speak the truth in love."

After the bishop offered a blessing, he made his way throughout the radio station, sprinkling the walls and people gathered there with holy water.

Following the prayer service, John Fitzsimmons, who is president of the board for St. Gabriel Communication, described the response to the radio station as amazing.

"We are already starting to hear how Catholic radio has been a positive influence in so many families," he said.

Dr. Ken Roach, secretary/treasurer of the board, said ultimately they would like the radio station to evangelize and catechize Catholics as well as non-Catholics.

Through Catholic radio, added Fitzsimmons, they hope to spread the truth of the Catholic faith.

"Every community that has had Catholic radio has found that their vocations have increased considerably," noted Dr. Roach. In addition, priests in those areas have commented about the catechetical value of the programming.

For instance, Catholic Answers is offered weekdays in late afternoon/early evening at drive time. Some of the other regular programs are Father John Corapi at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, followed by Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo, Mornings with Mother and Women of Grace with Johnnette Benkovic.

A favorite for Fitzsimmons is The Doctor is In, featuring Dr. Ray Guarendi at noon. The call-in show offers guidance to parents regarding various parenting issues.

"His main idea is that you are a better parent than you think," said Fitzsimmons.

Along with educational programming, the station features prayerful opportunities as well such as the rosary twice daily, the Mass and Stations of the Cross.

"In the future, we anticipate offering some local programming," said Dr. Roach.

For those who tune to 88.1 in their cars, Calhoun noted that they opted to have the word Catholic appear as opposed to the station call letters - that way people know immediately that they are listening to Catholic radio.

Dr. Roach expressed gratitude to those who have given generously to the station and spoke of the need for continued financial support. He also extended thanks to the late Father Harold Cooper, who had promoted the idea of bringing Catholic radio to Sioux City years ago. Since he was so significant to the project, the call letters for the station - KFHC - were selected in his honor.

Borrowing words of one of the national Catholic radio hosts, Fitzsimmons referred to the words of Scott Hahn who has said that the Catholic faith is like a lion, if you open the cage and let it out, it will defend itself.

"The programs spread the truth of the faith and they speak for themselves," said Fitzsimmons.