Verso l'Alto

Verso l'Alto

Welcome to Verso l'Alto, Faith on the Field Podcast. Join Fr. Burke Masters, priest of the Diocese of Joliet and chaplain to the Chicago Cubs and Bishop James Wall of the Diocese of Gallup, while they explore the Catholic Faith through Scripture, the saints, and the thrill of sports.

Episodes

October 28, 2026 • 45 mins

Back to basics in baseball, the role of a spouse, and the Beatitudes.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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Baseball, football, and the greatest commandment.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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October 15, 2026 • 54 mins

Early season NFL, NFP, and rendering unto Caesar.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

Links mentioned: 
Paul VI Institute: https://saintpaulvi.com/
Rachel's Vineyard: https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/
Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html
Theology of the Body Institute: https://tobinstitute.org/

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October 7, 2026 • 47 mins

Examining the True Presence, the parable of the messianic banquet, and a quick look at baseball standings.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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A discussion about supporting Catholic athletes and the tenants of the vineyard.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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September 23, 2026 • 44 mins

A conversation with the former MLB pitcher on apologetics, tax collectors, and the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's controversial.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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September 16, 2026 • 46 mins

Catching up on baseball, early NFL predictions, and the parable of the laborers.

"From Christendom to Apostolic Mission": https://bookstore.umary.edu/MerchDetail?MerchID=1638495

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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A conversation on being ready to meet God, and why forgiveness is a constant practice.

Mike's son Donovan's speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=tfDqnhpEtO8

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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Plus: a look at how to engage in fraternal correction.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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August 26, 2026 • 45 mins

A discussion of baseball standings, good spiritual books, and kids with smartphones.

Books mentioned:
"The Lamb's Supper" by Scott Hahn: https://catholic.market/books/the-lambs-supper-the-mass-as-heaven-on-earth-paperback/

"Confessions" by St. Augustine: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3296/3296-h/3296-h.htm

"The Restless Flame" by Louis De Wohl: https://ignatius.com/the-restless-flame-rfp/

"Wild at H...

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A conversation with the sports reporter about memorable athlete encounters and the importance of the Papacy.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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Baseball, the Japanese art of "Kintsugi", and the Canaanite woman who followed Jesus.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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August 5, 2026 • 53 mins

Baseball trades, a heart-stopping lifeguard rescue, and walking on water.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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July 30, 2026 • 49 mins

How athletes can find identity beyond the game, and the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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July 22, 2026 • 50 mins

Final World Cup thoughts, baseball trades, and a look at the parable of the "Pearl of Great Price".

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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July 15, 2026 • 50 mins

Catching up on the World Cup and baseball, and a look at the upcoming parables of the mustard seed, weeds, and leavened bread.

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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July 9, 2026 • 44 mins

Catching up on the World Cup Round of 8, summer travels, and the Parable of the Sower.

Catholic Sports Camps: https://www.catholicsportscamps.org

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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July 1, 2026 • 46 mins

A discussion on supporting kids in sports, World Cup predictions, and the meaning behind Jesus' use of yokes and burdens.

Catholic Sports Camps: https://www.catholicsportscamps.org

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney welcome guest Caroline Dolehide for a conversation on how to maintain faith and mental fortitude while competing at the highest athletic levels.

Links:
https://www.carolinedolehide.com/donate

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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Mark as Played

Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss the NBA Finals, the World Cup, and laying down your life to follow Christ.

Links:
Enthronement of the Sacred Heart:https://files.kofc.org/download/assets/Enthronement+Booklet/541498da9d8511f08d21221c26c50bba
Bishop Wall on X: https://x.com/BishopWall

Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.

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Mark as Played

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