Dr. Ryan Allen: Igniting Inclusion for Kids with Disabilities in Catholic Schools (+ more) | The Catholic Morning Show - 08/21/2026

Bo Bonner and Deacon Mark Campbell wrap up a blessed week at the Iowa State Fair on the Memorial of Saint Pius X, patron of the Diocese of Des Moines, with Mass today at 8:30 a.m. at Visitation Parish in Stacyville (89.3 FM). Making his first appearance on the show, Deacon Dan Rouse of St. Patrick's Parish in Cedar Rapids (Archdiocese of Dubuque) previews this Sunday's Gospel, Matthew 16:13-20 — Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Christ. Drawing on a 2023 pilgrimage to the site of Caesarea Philippi (Banias) in the Holy Land, Deacon Dan unpacks why Jesus chose a former pagan "Gate of Hell" shrine to declare that Peter is the rock on which he'll build his Church, and asks listeners not just who they say Jesus is, but why. Dr. Ryan Allen, president of the FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa (Families for Inclusive Religious Education, also known as Ignite the Fire), shares how the birth of his daughter Sawyer, who has Down syndrome, sparked a mission to include students with disabilities in Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Sioux City. Ryan explains the foundation's major grants (due each January, funding positions like interventionists and special-education resource teachers) and micro-grants (up to $1,500, available year-round for curriculum, technology, and staff training), and invites listeners to the 6th Annual Ignite the Fire fundraiser at a new venue — the Sioux City Distilling Company — on Wednesday, September 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets and more info at FIRE Foundation of NW Iowa. Legendary Iowa Catholic Radio voice Mark Amadeo joins to mark a double milestone: 50 years of Iowa Catholic Radio and his own 45th season calling Dowling Catholic football. Mark previews a Dowling defense and offensive line loaded with Division I talent, breaks down the season opener — the Battle of West Des Moines against Valley at Valley Stadium, Friday, August 28, pregame around 6:20 p.m. and kickoff at 7 p.m. — and looks back on how the broadcast has evolved from press-box phone jacks in 1981 to today's internet and cell connections. Sponsorship opportunities for the Dowling broadcasts are still available; reach out to Mike at IowaCatholicRadio.com to learn more. Also in this episode: a preview of Bishop Johnson's Making It Personal (airing Saturday at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.), featuring seminarians Duncan Kyle and Parker Corwin on their propaedeutic year of silent retreats, poverty immersion, and life without technology; and a lighthearted look ahead to The Uncommon Good's take on the rising belief in UFOs (UAPs) — including a new survey showing 54% of younger Americans are more inclined to believe in aliens after recent news coverage. Listen live weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio, or catch up anytime at IowaCatholicRadio.com. #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #IgniteTheFire #FireFoundation #DowlingCatholic #CatholicEducation #DownSyndrome #IowaStateFair #SaintPiusX #CatholicPodcast Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Catholic Morning Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode — and if this one was worth your time, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. It takes ten seconds and it's the single best way to help more people find the show. 🎧 LISTEN LIVE Catch The Catholic Morning Show live, weekday mornings on Iowa Catholic Radio. Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.