YORK COUNTY — Those who listen to programming on the Catholic radio station called the Presence Radio Network are apt to notice some recent programming changes.

Presence Radio Network is joining forces with Relevant Radio. Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland spokesman Dave Guthro said the radio station will continue to offer Maine listeners inspiring and relevant programming that helps bridge the gap between faith and everyday life. The change has the support of Bishop Robert P. Deeley and Presence Radio Network’s Board of Directors.

The Presence Radio Network has filed with the Federal Communications Commission to transfer all radio licenses to Relevant Radio, which Guthro said will assume all operating expenses and revenues moving forward. However, he said Maine’s only Catholic radio network will continue to be funded by the generosity of local listeners through donations and four annual pledge drives conducted by Relevant.

Locally, Presence Radio, which began operations in 2010, is broadcast over 105.7 FM in Sanford and Springvale and 106.7 FM in Portland. The station also broadcasts in Bangor, Augusts, the Bath/Brunswick area, Fort Kent and in far northern Maine. It is also available online at www.thepresenceradio.org, on smartphones by downloading the Presence Radio app, or by calling 605-475-8037 to listen on a cell phone.

“We are keeping the local hour at 6 a.m., which includes “The Holy Rosary with Bishop Deeley,” “Word on Fire,” and “Food for the Journey,” but the remainder of the schedule will be what is heard coast to coast on Relevant Radio,” said Cynthia Nickless, executive director of Presence Radio Network, who is joining the national board of directors for Relevant Radio. “Several hours of programming each day will be hosted by priests, which is always received well by our audience. We are convinced that by joining Relevant, Catholic radio in Maine will be bigger and stronger than ever before.”

Many current Presence Radio shows like “Morning Air,” “The Patrick Madrid Show,” and “The Drew Mariani Show” will continue, while new shows like “Family Rosary Across America,” “A Closer Look,” “The Joe Sikorra Show” and “St. Joseph’s Workshop” will now be offered. The new schedule is effective immediately.

“We want to thank our listeners for their extraordinary generosity over the years, and we hope they’ll continue to support the Presence Radio, now as part of Relevant Radio,” said Nickless. “Catholic radio offers a unique means of bringing the saving message of Jesus to those who have not heard it, and of deepening the faith of those who have.”

“Through new programming and this exciting partnership, more listeners will be brought to a deeper knowledge and practice of the Catholic faith,” said Bishop Deeley in a statement. “We pray for God’s grace that Relevant Radio faithfully assists us in promoting the beauty and truth of the Gospel.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].