We’ve all had that moment – you’re driving in the car, maybe on the way to work, maybe on the way home, and you hear that familiar jingle. Just as you start to wonder, “Is Spirit FM really playing the Macarena?” you realize it is not a 90’s dance, but rather, our very own pastor, Father Gary, coming across the airwaves! A few weeks ago, two lucky students had the opportunity to travel to Spirit FM with “Hey, Father Gary” himself to see what life is like behind the microphone.
Joseph Millheim and Adam Myerscough, both seventh grade students at Our Lady of Lourdes, joined Father Gary and Principal Fulford on the journey to South Tampa. When they arrived at the station, located on the property of Christ the King Catholic Church, the four budding radio stars entered the elevator and rode to the top floor of the Mary Martha Center, where they were greeted by a number of Spirit FM staff members.
“The staff members were really nice,” recalls Joseph, “they took us on a tour of the entire building. We saw the green room, where famous people sit on couches and wait to be interviewed on the air. We also saw the lunchroom. Jamie from The Way Home told us that all of the ‘big ideas’ happen in there!”
The OLL crew was at the station to celebrate a special Mass on the air. “I think it was the smallest Mass in the history of the world,” remarked Adam. “There were only 11 people there, and one had to stand in the hallway! Everyone stood the whole time and our voices sounded super loud because of the radio acoustics in the room. It was awesome.” Eric Hoegestrom, OLL’s Life Teen Music Director, played guitar and sang for the special Mass.
After Mass, Jamie from The Way Home surprised the boys by sitting them down for an on-air interview. The interview can be found at Spirit FM’s website, www.spiritfm905.com. When asked what was the best part of their experience, both boys remarked, “Going to lunch at Five Guys with Father Gary after Mass!” How blessed we are to have a pastor and diocese so committed to our young people, affording them opportunities to grow in their faith every day.
