Who is Catholic Radio of the Texas High Plains?

Catholic Radio of the TX High Plains dba Saint Valentine Radio is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.  (Your contributions are tax deductible.)  We are members of the nationwide Catholic Radio Association headed by Stephen Gajdosik. You can learn more about the Catholic Radio Association by going to: www.catholicrradioassociation.org.

Why the name Saint Valentine Radio?

The name Saint Valentine Radio was chosen in an attempt to appeal to Christians of all denominations. "Valentino" (or Valentine in English) was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended and sent by the Emperor to the Prefect of Rome who promised Valentino certain things in an attempt to make him renounce his faith but the attempts were of no effect. The Prefect commended Valentino to be beaten with clubs and afterwards to be beheaded. He was executed on February 14, about the year 270.

Saint Valentine Radio is a lay apostolate that pledges to bear witness by broadcasting radio programs that are faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium.

How Long Has Saint Valentine Catholic Radio Been on The Air?

Saint Valetine Catholic Radio began broadcasting on February 14th, 2006.

Who makes up the listening audience?

The purpose of this ministry is first of all to minister to Catholics.  We have also heard from Christians of other faith traditions who listen to learn what Catholics believe concerning the Bible, Jesus, etc.

Incarcerated men and women have the chance to hear Saint Valentine Radio. Those involved in the Catholic apostolate of prison ministry have testified that the availability of Saint Valentine Radio has been the cause of many conversions of those living in prison. We have also received letters from the inmates themselves sharing how Catholic Radio has been a strong influence in their lives.

RCIA directors for the Diocese of Amarillo have testified that since Saint Valentine Radio went on the air, the number of candidates interested in attending RCIA to become Catholic have dramatically increased.

The ill and home bound are glad to hear Saint Valentine Radio. It makes them feel that they are a part of the diocese/Body of Christ, even though their illness or physical disabilities do not allow them to come to Mass or special Diocesan events.
 

Who are the board of directors?

• Dale Artho is the President of the board. Dale and his wife Kathy farm and ranch near Wildorado and attend the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Vega.

• Tom Pauken is the Secretary and Treasurer of the board and is a businessman in the Dallas area. The Pauken family attends Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas.

• John Doucette is a CPA practicing in Amarillo and is a member of the Diocesan Finance Council. John and his wife Phyllis attend St. Mary Catholic Church in Amarillo.

• Bishop Emeritus John W. Yanta is a member of the board by invitation and choice. He lends his support, expertise and experience both spiritually and physically to this lay ministry.

What relationship does the Diocese of Amarillo have with Saint Valentine Radio?

No funds of the Diocese have ever been given to the radio station.

The board members extend to the Bishop of Amarillo the use of Saint Valentine Radio as a tool of evangelization and catechesis for the people of the Church by having the opportunity to present programs as he chooses. Since the Diocese of Amarillo is a rural area, more people can be reached through radio. This is especially true of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are incarcerated and need to hear about "Christ Our Hope."

What type of programming is broadcast?

Saint Valentine radio broadcasts programs from EWTN like Catholic Answers, The Doctor is In, Open Line, Catholic Connection, and others. Many of these programs are "apologetic" in nature and will equip you with simple answers to questions about the Catholic faith as well as the opportunity to know more about your Faith. Other programs include the daily Mass, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.

We also produce some local shows. One is called "Catholics In Action" which airs LIVE every Wednesday from Noon until 1PM, with encores over the weekend. "Alive In the Spirit" with Father Ron Matthews is heard on Saturdays and Sundays, "The West Texas Catholic - The Audio Version" with Chris Albracht can be heard LIVE every Friday at Noon and it encores over the weekend.  "2 Priests and a Book", a 30 minute program with Father Jim Schmittmeyer and Father Tony Neusch is heard on Friday mornings at 11:30 am it too encores over the weekend.

Bishop Patrick Zurek uses Saint Valentine Radio to keep his flock in touch with his activities and important diocesan events.

How is funding provided for the radio station?

As a non-profit organization of lay Catholics, the radio station depend on donations from our listener base.

The most important event we have is our annual radiothon in September.  This is the only time we ask our listeners for money to cover our operational costs.

Thanks to the generosity of our listeners during our past radiothons we have not only been able to keep KDJW on the air, but upgraded from 500 watts to 6000 watts as of June 24, 2010 so that more listeners from all over the diocese are able to hear Saint Valentine Catholic Radio.