This week on the Restoring Christian Culture Podcast, hosts Marco Salinas and Dan Sevigny are back for a frank, no-holds-barred conversation about the latest upheaval in Catholic education in San Antonio.
A sudden Catholic school closure has sent shockwaves through the local faithful—causing teachers and families to scramble, and prompting a surprising response from church leadership. Marco and Dan share the behind-the-scenes story of how Lumen Christi Academy was called to stand in the breach, the controversy over diocesan prohibitions, and why authentic independent Catholic education matters now more than ever.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this episode:
A Catholic School’s Sudden Closure: The rapid collapse of a well-known, traditionally-minded Catholic school and the scramble that followed for teachers, families, and options.
Charter School Takeover: Why a public charter school (not even Christian in identity) is moving into a space once built and funded by generations of Catholic donors, and what that means for Catholic identity.
Lumen Christi Academy’s Open Door: How Marco and the team at Sanctus Ranch responded with charity and initiative—offering a real Catholic alternative without diocesan backing or government strings.
Diocesan Pushback: The hosts discuss the Archdiocese’s public prohibition against families choosing independent Catholic schools and explore the real reasons behind this resistance.
Free Speech and Catholic Dialogue: The troubling trend of censorship within Catholic social media groups, moms’ groups, and local forums that suppresses open discussion and parental discernment.
Why Independence Matters: A candid explanation of why Lumen Christi Academy refuses government vouchers and diocesan control—and the practical, sacrificial realities of being truly independent.
The Fruits of Formation: Stories from parents, students, and faculty about the authentic Catholic community and transformation happening at Lumen Christi, from daily Mass to the classical curriculum.
Real Choices for Families: Encouragement and challenges to Catholic parents—your canonical rights, your responsibilities, and the courage needed to seek out the best for your children’s souls.
Special Announcements:
Interested in experiencing the Lumen Christi difference? Visit lumenchristiacademy.org for info, tuition structure, and upcoming open events.
Mark your calendar: June 21 Gala at Sanctus Ranch, featuring Ed Schaefer (The Collegium) and Dr. Peter Kwasniewski!
Support the mission through prayer, donations, or by becoming a Guardian Angel or Godparent for a Lumen Christi student.
Take Action:
Have questions or want to tour Lumen Christi? Reach out via lumenchristiacademy.org.
Share this episode to help spread the word about authentic Catholic education—and the battle for our children’s formation.
Thanks for listening! Please consider rating the show and leaving a review—it helps other faithful Catholics find this important conversation. Prayers and blessings from the Restoring Christian Culture Podcast team!
Connect with Sanctus Ranch and Lumen Christi Academy:
LumenChristiAcademy.org | SanctusRanch.com | TheRcci.org
#CatholicEducation #SchoolChoice #ChristianCulture #SanAntonio #RestoringChristianCulture #LumenChristiAcademy
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.