Living Bread Radio Network celebrates 20 years of Catholic broadcasting in Stark

JACKSON TWP. − Mother Angelica would be proud.

The Canton-born nun who built the world's biggest Catholic media company, would be pleased to see how WILB, the Living Bread Radio Network, has thrived for 20 years.

The largest Catholic radio network in Ohio, the Living Bread Radio Network was started by Barbara Gaskell in 2004, and features faith-based talk shows, Masses, prayers and music.

There will be a celebratory Mass and open house at 11:30 a.m. June 26 at the St. Raphael Center, 4365 Fulton Drive NW, which Gaskell also started.

Living Bread Radio's operations, which are housed in St. Raphael Center, broadcasts local and nationally syndicated programming through radio station 1060-AM, which covers Canton, Akron and Cleveland; station 94.5-FM in Canton, and station 89.5-FM in Youngstown.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with our listeners and supporters,” Gaskell said. “Our three stations are supported by the generosity of our listeners. We receive no diocesan or government financial support. We depend on the providence of God.”

Betty DeMarco, a member of the network's board of directors, described the network as "a lifeline."

“For the past 20 years, Living Bread Radio has been more than just a radio station − it’s been a lifeline, a source of inspiration, and a platform for our Catholic faith to be heard," she said in a news release.

The nonprofit network, which has an estimated 2 million listeners and has been heard in two dozen states, has a small staff but relies heavily on an army of about 75 volunteers such as Pam Kelley, Susan Huston and P.J. Chavez, co-host of "Catholic Challenge 2.0."

"They're very supportive of the stations," Molly Roman, WILB's director of development said of the volunteers. "With all of the parishes being so supportive, we don't have enough manpower."

Huston, who also volunteers as a docent at the Mother Angelica Museum at St. Raphael, said she moved to Stark County in 2016 to be closer to her grandchildren. She attends Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Massillon.

"I'm blessed to be here," she said. "This is a station that is so unique. It's a blessing to all ages. I have it on the first thing every morning. I learn something every day. There's just an awesome variety of people and things. I just like talking about the events and educating people."

Huston likens Gaskell to Mother Angelica, the Canton native who founded ETWN, the world's largest Catholic media network.

"Barb has the gift Mother Angelica had," Huston said. "We're blessed to have her."

Kelley said she likes to help spread the word about the Living Bread Network by passing out information at various local and diocesan events.

"To mirror what Susan said, I've learned a lot over the years," said Kelley, who attends Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Green. "It's helped me to learn my faith in a deeper way."

Over the past 20 years, the network has grown from a single 5,000-watt AM operation to an increased signal strength of 15,000 watts, which covers the state. In 2012, WILB was awarded a low-power FM signal that covers Youngstown and surrounding suburbs 24 hours a day.

Kelley said she was even able to listen to the network during visit to Africa, thanks to its app.

P.J. Chavez co-hosts "Catholic Challenge 2.0," a family-friendly quiz show that also is broadcast on about two dozen other Catholic radio stations around the country.

Chavez recalled that he and his twin brother Miguel competed on the show when they were younger. Today, his own three sons enjoy to the program and keep score.

"I'm honored to co-host 'Catholic Challenge 2.0,'" he said. "It's an easy way to learn about our faith and the history of it. It's a fun, creative and competitive way to teach the faith."

Chavez noted that Living Bread Radio gives local Catholics an avenue that didn't exist before.

"I know so many people who don't have cable, who don't watch TV, but they do listen to the radio," he said. "I think it's a real way to make an impact."

Chavez said Living Bread's online schedule benefits busy families, and those who want to raise their children in the faith.

"There are some stations, the music and the conversations on them, that I don't want my kids listening to," he said. "This is something I never have to worry about. It's family friendly, with great content."

Subsequent Living Bread Radio anniversary events include a banquet in October and broadcasts of interviews with station founders, long-time local supporters and community members.

To learn more, visit livingbreadradio.com.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Living Bread Radio Network at St. Raphael Center turns 20