FAQ'S
Who is Catholic Radio of the Texas High Plains?
Catholic Radio of the TX High Plains dba Saint Valentine Radio is a non-profit corporation. We have an IRS 501(C) 3 recognition as a non-profit entity so that contributions are tax deductible.
Why the name Saint Valentine Radio?
The name Saint Valentine Radio was chosen in an attempt to appeal to Christians of all denominations. Valentine 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, on finding all his promises to make him renounce his faith ineffectual, commended him to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards, to be beheaded, which was executed on February 14, about the year 270.
Saint Valentine Radio is a lay apostolate that pledges to bear witness by broacasting radio programs that are faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium.
Who makes up the listening audience?
This ministry is to Catholics and so many Catholics do listen to the shows.
But also, we have heard from Christians of other churches who listen, curious as to what Catholics believe concerning the Bible, Jesus, etc. We have received notes stating that many Christians enjoy listening to Father John Corapi, SOLT. As one person stated, "He preaches like a good Baptist Minister."
Men and women incarcerated have the chance to hear Saint Valentine Radio. Those involved in the Catholic apostolate of prison ministry have testified to us that the availability of Saint Valentine Radio has been the cause of many conversions in the lives of those living in prisons. 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 has testified that since Saint Valentine Radio went on the air, the number of candidates interested in attending RCIA to become Catholic has dramatically increased.
Who are the board of directors?
•Dale Artho is the President of the board. Dale & Kathy farm and ranch near Wildorado and attend the Immaculate conception Catholic Church in Vega.
•Tom Pauken is the Secretary and Tresurer of the board and is a businessman in the Dallas area. The Pauken family attends Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas.
•Jake Richards is CEO of Amarillo Gear Company and a CPA. Jake & Mary Ann are members of St Mary Catholic Church in Amarillo.
•John Doucette is a CPA practicing in Amarillo and is a member of the Diocesan finance Council. John and 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 of expertise and experience both spirituall 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 record the Bishop's own program as he chooses. Since the Diocese of Amarillo is a very 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 rebroadcasts EWTN programming via direct satellite feed. Radio programs that can be heard are Catholic Answers, The Doctor is In, Open Line, Catholic Connection, etc. Many of the radio programs are "apologetic" in nature bringing the availability of tools to equip you with simple answers to questions about the Catholic faith that others can understand as well as the opportunity to know more about your Faith. Other programs include daily Mass, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
We also currently produce a couple of local shows. One is called "Catholics In Action" which airs live every Wednesday from 11 AM until Noon and encores on Saturdays from 11 AM to Noon and 4 PM to 5 PM and again on Sundays from 4 PM to 5 PM; and "Alive In the Spirit" by Father Ron Matthews studying the letters of Saint Paul during this special year dedicated to the great Evangelist.
In the past, Monsignor Michael Colwell and Seminarian Carmelo Morales hosted a show for young people, "Stayin' Alive". Unfortunately Monsignor Colwell decided to suspend the show due to his many responsibilities in the Diocese. Seminarian Carmelo Morales is presently studying in Rome.
Bishop Emeritus John W. Yanta hosted a "Bishop's show" to keep the diocese in touch with his many activities and important issues that we needed to hear about and how to respond as faithful Catholics.
In the future we hope that Bishop Patrick Zurek will also use Saint Valentine Radio to keep his flock in touch with his activities.
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.
We also host an annual radiothon every September to raise money for the operational costs as well as toward the upgrade of the station from 500 watts to 6000 watts.
Currently we have raised about 1/3 of the money necessary for the upgrade.
Thanks to the generosity of our listeners during our past 2 radiothons, we have purchased land which will be used to build the 5-tower array for the upgrade.
Surveying of the land and the planning of where each of the 5 towers will go have been completed.
Why the upgrade of the station?
KDJW - 1360 AM operates with a daytime signal strength of 500 watts and nighttime of 100 watts. During the daytime hours, the signal strength reaches a radius area of approximately 50 miles of the city and outlying areas. But during the nighttime hours, the signal strength only covers the northern part of the city. Not even the entire city can enjoy Saint Valentine radio during the late evening and night hours. In the height of winter, the daytime hours shorten considerably and most of our listeners lose the signal after 5 pm.
The board members and advisory committee are committed to providing Catholic Radio to the entire Diocese of Amarillo. Therefore the board members submitted a request to the FCC for permission to upgrade the station from 500 watts to 6000 watts. That permission was granted. In order to upgrade, about $550,000.00 will be needed to complete the project. Thus far one-third of the goal has been reached.