Latest Radio Appearances:
Patrick Reilly, founder and president of The Cardinal Newman Society, joins Epiphany to share his experience in Rome for the declaration of St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church and co-patron of Catholic education. He reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s call for educators to form students as “pathways of the mind toward God,” the growing movement of faithful Catholic schools, and the Society’s upcoming print edition of The Newman Guide.
Kevin Murphy, Chief Content Officer for the Cardinal Newman Society, joins Ave Maria in the Afternoon with Dr. Marcus Peter to celebrate the Feast of St. John Henry Newman and reflect on his lasting influence on Catholic education. Murphy highlights a “second spring” among Newman Guide schools, where fidelity and enrollment are growing even as secular institutions decline. He explains how Newman’s vision of integrating faith and reason is inspiring a renewal in Catholic learning and urges parents to seek schools that form both intellect and soul in the light of Christ.
Kelly Salomon on EWTN Catholic Radio
EVERY Tuesday at 10:30 AM ET on Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo
How Newman Guide Colleges Are Leading the Renewal
Listen to recent episodes below:
Patrick Reilly and Kelly Salomon of The Cardinal Newman Society join Catholic Connection to discuss how faithful Catholic education forms students to lead with integrity in a confused culture. They highlight the lasting impact of strong Catholic identity in schools and colleges, the success of Newman Guide institutions, and the urgent call for parents and educators to work together in shaping future saints.
Patrick Reilly and Kelly Salomon from The Cardinal Newman Society join Catholic Connection to discuss challenges facing Catholic education, from loss of identity to cultural confusion on campuses. They share how Newman Guide Recommended schools are leading a renewal grounded in faith, integrity, and the pursuit of truth.
Kevin Murphy, Chief Content Officer for The Cardinal Newman Society, joins Catholic Connection to discuss the state of the Catholic education brand and how inconsistency has weakened it. He explains how schools can reclaim their identity by centering every subject on Christ, strengthening collaboration from K–12 through college, and adopting strong policies rooted in Catholic teaching. Murphy also highlights the Newman Guide’s expansion to include K–12 and graduate programs, giving parents confidence in finding authentically Catholic schools.
Kelly Solomon, director of Newman Guide programs, joins Catholic Connection to discuss troubling reports of contraceptive “womb services” and mock Masses on Catholic campuses, urging parents to understand today’s campus culture. She shares encouraging news of record growth among Newman Guide colleges and celebrates the upcoming declaration of St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church.
Kelly Solomon, director of Newman Guide programs, joins Catholic Connection to address the controversy over a Catholic school teacher involved in surrogacy. She explains the Church’s teaching, the importance of mission-fit faculty, and the vital role of Catholic educators as witnesses of faith. Solomon also shares the story of a student’s conversion at a Newman Guide school and celebrates the announcement that St. John Henry Newman will be named a Doctor of the Church on All Saints Day.
Patrick Reilly, president of the Cardinal Newman Society, joins Catholic Connection to reflect on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and the memorial that drew hundreds of thousands in person and millions online. He highlights Kirk’s courage and faith, drawing parallels to St. John Henry Newman’s vision for a well-formed Catholic laity. Reilly warns of the growing hostility on college campuses, including many so-called Catholic institutions, and underscores the urgent need for authentic Catholic education. He and VP John Sherman emphasize forming young people in faith and reason so they can stand confidently for truth in a culture marked by confusion and persecution.
Kelly Salomon of the Cardinal Newman Society joins Catholic Connection to discuss the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and recent school shootings, contrasting secular indoctrination with the faithful response of Newman Guide colleges. She highlights how these institutions are calling students to prayer, fasting, and renewed commitment to Catholic education, noting increased Mass attendance and interest in Newman Guide schools as signs of hope amid cultural turmoil.
Kelly Salomon of the Cardinal Newman Society joins Catholic Connection to highlight the success of Newman Guide colleges, including the University of Mary’s record-breaking incoming class. She explains how faithful Catholic colleges are thriving despite national enrollment declines, pointing to programs like tuition-free academies and strong Catholic formation as models attracting families nationwide.
Kelly Solomon of the Cardinal Newman Society joins Catholic Connection to share details on the upcoming Newman Guide Virtual College Fair, held October 9 on the Feast of Cardinal Newman. She highlights the growth of the Newman Guide, now including colleges, K–12 schools, and graduate programs, all committed to strong Catholic identity. Families and students can explore Newman Guide colleges, connect with admissions, and hear from keynote speakers on academics, faith, and campus life.
Kelly Salomon of the Cardinal Newman Society joins Newman Guide News to discuss the growing controversy over biological males in women’s sports—and how faithful Catholic schools can lead with clarity and courage. She also highlights inspiring updates from Newman Guide colleges, including Franciscan University’s renovated chapel and University of Mary’s full-tuition scholarships. Plus, a look at how Catholic education forms students in truth amid today’s cultural confusion.
Kelly Salomon of the Cardinal Newman Society joins Newman Guide News to discuss the University of Scranton’s troubling decision to hire pro-abortion Senator Bob Casey Jr. as a student mentor—raising questions about Catholic identity on campus. She also shares practical advice for students heading to college, including how to live chastely, avoid binge drinking, and choose friendships that foster faith and virtue.
Kelly Salomon of the Cardinal Newman Society joins Newman Guide News to unveil the latest Our Catholic Mission magazine, focused on building the Newman Guide pipeline from school to college. She shares inspiring stories of educators, parents, and youth ministers dedicated to lifelong Catholic formation—and explains why choosing faithful Catholic education at every stage is more crucial than ever.
Kevin Murphy of the Cardinal Newman Society joins Newman Guide News to discuss how COVID changed perceptions of education—and why families are turning to authentically Catholic schools. He shares how the Newman Guide helps parents avoid woke ideologies, protect their children’s formation, and find schools rooted in truth. Plus, a revealing story of one family’s legal battle with a Catholic school that compromised its mission.
Kelly Salomon joins Newman Guide News to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Bill Thierfelder, who led Belmont Abbey College for 21 years. She shares how his vision of sport and virtue shaped her own family’s journey and why Belmont Abbey stands as a model of faithful Catholic education.
Kelly Salomon offers practical tips for Catholic families and educators on forming children in the faith. She discusses how a truly Catholic education helps students become saints, and why schools must reflect the truth and beauty of Christ.
Kelly Salomon shares why truly Catholic education must be rooted in the Church and directed toward eternity. She explains how formation in truth and virtue equips students to live their vocations and transform the world.
This episode shares the testimony of a young woman who faced intense peer pressure and spiritual attack in college. Kelly Salomon discusses how authentic Catholic education helps students find healing, courage, and clarity in a world that often opposes virtue.
This episode features a student’s story of gender ideology and anti-Catholic bias in residence life at a college that identifies as Catholic. Kelly Salomon shares how the Newman Guide helps families avoid institutions that promote harmful ideologies and choose colleges that truly uphold Catholic identity.
This episode features a student’s story of gender ideology and anti-Catholic bias in residence life at a college that identifies as Catholic. Kelly Salomon shares how the Newman Guide helps families avoid institutions that promote harmful ideologies and choose colleges that truly uphold Catholic identity.
This episode shares more details from the college experience of Emily Torres, as recounted by Kelly Salomon. It highlights how faculty and campus culture at a nominally Catholic university undermined Church teaching—reinforcing the critical need for families to seek truly faithful Catholic colleges.
This episode recounts the experience of Emily Torres, a student who faced anti-Catholic hostility, gender ideology, and drag shows at a college claiming to be Catholic. Her story, shared by Kelly Salomon, underscores the vital role of the Newman Guide in helping families identify truly faithful institutions.
This episode encourages families to begin the college search early, take advantage of Newman Guide summer programs, and use Catholic education to cultivate virtue and discernment. It also addresses Pope Leo XIV’s remarks on the isolation of youth and how Catholic schools counter this with authentic formation—and explores concerns over AI shortcuts replacing true learning.
This episode spotlights Notre Dame students petitioning for a campus-wide pornography filter and broader efforts to uphold chastity and human dignity in Catholic higher education. It also announces the 2025 Newman Guide Scholarship winner and highlights available resources and financial aid for families seeking faithful Catholic colleges.
This episode reflects on the excitement of Newman Guide college students present in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s election and installation. It also explores the crisis in Catholic education—including widespread school closures—and how faithful schools are leading a hopeful revival through vocations, strong formation, and innovative models.
Latest Video Appearances:
Lucas Koach came to faith as a teenager through Young Life, and pursued a call to ministry, entering Denver Seminary. That trajectory eventually led him to the Anglican Church of North America, where he served as an ordained priest for several years. Drawn by Catholic Social Teaching, a desire for Christian unity, and the thought of St. John Henry Newman, Lucas eventually became convicted of the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith. He now serves as Senior Fellow for Program Development at The Cardinal Newman Society.
Jan 21, 2025
When we pray, what are we seeking? In some cases, it’s clear, such as when we’re bringing a specific petition or request to God. But in giving Him praise, or engaging in meditation or contemplative prayer, what are we hoping that does to our relationship with the Lord? What is our motivation?
JonMarc Grodi is joined by Lucas Koach, a former Anglican priest who now serves as Senior Fellow for Program Development at The Cardinal Newman Society, to look at what some of the great spiritual masters have said about what should motivate our prayers, and what to do when we don’t feel that motivation or desire to pray.