Catholic Chicago Week in Review

Cardinal Blase Cupich reflects on the challenging year that just ended. We hear about the upcoming annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity We hear about a New Year's Eve tradition at Gibson's Steakhouse. And January is a busy and important month for Respect Life activities.

The Catholic Conference Hour explores moral guidance as it relates to the Covid-19 vaccines. We hear about the upcoming Midwest Tour of the March for Life Chicago. The Voice of Charity hears about the Holy Land from a local priest. And we get to know the 2020 winner of the USCCB’s Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award.

Catholic Schools Today speak with a first year teacher who continued to teach his remote classroom even as his house was on fire. Catholic Charities featured an inspiring family of volunteers. And Built on the Rock spoke with a couple about their faith journey.

The Voice of Charity highlights the Celebration of Giving which is now underway. Fully Alive co-hosts Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ray Pingoy explored how Mary and Joseph’s journey applies to our own lives. And on Diakonia, A Call to Service, we hear from the deacons about how Hope Is On The Way!

We hear stories about Cardinal Elect Wilton Gregory from people who have been close to him in his life. We listen to the beautiful music of Old St. Pat’s Church and learn about the music ministry there. And the Voice of Charity highlights the Celebration of Giving that is now underway.

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan and his guest talk about how Catholics voted in the 2020 presidential election. The Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship Office look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday during the pandemic. And the Catholic Schools Today program looks at the Catholic high schools placement exam by highlighting two of Chicago’s Catholic high schools.

A historian and professor shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the recent movement to remove statues of historical figures from public spaces. The theology of the Office of Bishop is discussed on Focus on the Liturgy. And Non-Violence Works, a non-profit organization that offers education and training in character development and non-violence is highlighted.

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan and his guests talks about what the Clean Energy Jobs Act will look like after incorporating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's principles for clean energy legislation. They also discuss the historically-low refugee cap of 15,000 set by the federal government for the new federal fiscal year that started October 1 Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi took some time to chat with Fr. Michael Bradley. With the Chicago Marathon cancelled this year because of Covid-19, Fr. Mike ran a marathon of his own on Sunday, October 11th through the streets of Edgewater where he lives at St. Gertrude Parish. Fr. Greg and Mark also spent some time with Fr. Lou Cameli. They talked about the concept of Faithful Citizenship and the role it plays in the voting process.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk about creative news ways to engage students during the pandemic with representatives from St. Damian School in Oak Forest. Dr. Jim and Fr. Greg also talk about Chicago Catholic Schools that recently won U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards with the principal of one of the award winning schools. The Lifelong Journey program explores ways that parents can take care of themselves and their families during the pandemic. And Mission Matters explores living life on mission.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi speak with the HIV/AIDS liaison for Catholic Charities, Pat Drott. Dr. Mary Amore with Mayslake Ministries talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about needs and opportunities for people to seek spiritual direction during these turbulent times. The Voice of Charity responds to the opioid crisis in Illinois with Shavon Parker and the Transforming Lives Program. And the Deacons talk about the spiritual value of work on Diakonia.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan visits with Sr. Stephanie Baliga of the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels about how she ran a marathon on a treadmill. Bob also talks with Aid for Women Board Member Molly Perry about their upcoming virtual benefit dinner. Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy of Catholic Charities talks with Joseph Glunz, Jr. and Carla Gutierrez about the Lake County Family Self-Sufficiency Program. And Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Tim Johnson of Liturgy Training Publications have a lively liturgical discussion on Focus on the Liturgy.

St. Francis de Sales High Schools welcomes a new principal and CEO on Catholic Schools Today. The Voice of Charity highlights pop-up food pantries. And we hear from a missionary who serves in Jamaica on Mission Matters.

Catholic Charities Post Adoption Services helps people from all over the country learn more about their ancestry. The Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago sponsor an annual sunrise prayer service to pray for the end to the violence in our neighborhoods and the protection of our children as a new school begins. And the Illinois chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is sponsoring a virtual lecture series called Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration.

Sr. Helen Prejean, best known for her 1993 memoir Dead Man Walking, talks about her latest book, River of Fire. Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS support services and the 2020 AIDS Run & Walk, Chicago are discussed on the Voice of Charity. Archdiocese of Chicago Vocations Director, Fr. Timothy Monahan is a guest on Dare to Love. And the deacons discuss Charismatic prayer on Diakonia.

Sr. Stephanie Baliga talks about her treadmill marathon to raise funds for the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park. The disproportionate rate of Covid-19 infections in the Latinx and Black communities is discussed on the Voice of Charity. We hear uplifting music from the St. Agatha Contemporary Gospel Choir. And we learn about an organization called Unlocking Communities, a group that equips entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities.

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan talks with Matt Dietrich with the Illinois State Board of Elections about “vote-by-mail”. We hear about how regional food pantries are faring during the Covid-19 pandemic on the Voice of Charity. And Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandra Labouvie return from hiatus to discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has adjusted our priorities on Built on the Rock.

Sally Blount recently assumed the role of President and CEO of Catholic Charities. She visited with Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on the Voice of Charity radio program. Two newly appointed bishops were guests on our Catholic Chicago program. First up was the new bishop of Peoria, Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka who talked with Fr. Greg Sakowicz, Rector of Holy Name Cathedral. Next, Fr. Greg talked with the newly-installed bishop of Belleville, Michael McGovern.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi hear about a groundbreaking Catholic video game on Catholic Chicago. Fr. Lou Cameli, Cardinal Cupich’s delegate for Christian Formation and Mission, talks about coping spiritually with the pandemic, social unrest, and violence in our neighborhoods. And Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ray Pingoy talk with an old friend about an event that celebrates the legacy of Francis Cardinal George.

Non-Violence Works discuss promoting peace in our neighborhoods on Catholic Chicago. The Voice of Charity looks to raise awareness of domestic violence with Fr. Charles Dahm and Deborah Hammond on the Voice of Charity. Award-winning author and speaker Amy “AJ” Cattapan talks with Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi about staying busy during the Covid-19 pandemic. And Fr. Greg and Mark wrap up the week with a conversation with ACTA Publications publisher, Greg Pierce.

The Catholic Conference of Illinois director Bob Gilligan leads a discussion about the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the Trump administration’s decision to end the DACA program. The Voice of Charity talks about Catholic Charities Health Fairs and the free health services they offer to vulnerable populations Health protocols and spiritual connections are explored on Focus on the Liturgy And Catholic Chicago co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi bid farewell to Brother Michael Segvich.

Catholic Schools Today gives an update on the re-opening of Catholic Schools in the Fall. The Voice of Charity pays tribute to outgoing president and CEO, Kathy Donahue. And Catholic Chicago highlights some good works being done at St. Mary of the Lake parish in Chicago’s Buena Park neighborhood.

Catholic Chicago hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Dr. Edward Gordon, an internationally recognized historian, researcher and author. On our Lifelong Journey program, Clarissa Aljentera visits with Emily Cortina of the Kolbe House Jail Ministry. The Renew My Church initiative continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi get an update from Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s delegate to Renew My Church, Strategic Planning and Implementation. And Fr. Greg and Mark visit with Kevin Foy, the Director of the Office of Lifelong Formation.

The Voice of Charity takes a look at the long-standing relationship between Catholic Charities and Loyola University. On Fully Alive, the Office for Human Dignity and Solidarity explores appropriate responses to the times we live in. And Diakonia explores the important work of Emmaus Ministry.

Todd Williamson leads a discussion about the reopening of our churches for public Mass. St. Joseph parish in Libertyville hosts “drive-in Mass” for senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems. Dr. Mary Amore talks about what Mayslake Ministries is doing during the pandemic. And Vicki Quade hosts a virtual Christmas Bingo: Summer Edition with proceeds benefitting the Daughters of St. Paul.

The Catholic Conference Hour looks at the relevance of the 2018 pastoral letter on racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.” Bishop Ron Hicks, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, talks about the reopening of our churches for public Mass. The Voice of Charity addresses racial disparities and ensuring that individuals and communities continue to have their basic needs met. And racism is discussed by Beth White and Ryan Lents on the program On The Way.

St. Hubert students were winners at the recent Chicago Student Invention Convention. Catholic Charities serves clients in Lake County and promotes the 2020 Art of Caring event. Fr. Greg and Mark Teresi talk with representatives of Nonviolence Works. And we hear about the importance of exercise and how to add a spiritual twist to your exercise routine.

Cardinal Blase Cupich talks about the struggles the entire country is facing right now, and the Catholic response Fr. Matt O’Donnell gives a first-hand perspective on how communities of color are affected by both the pandemic and the death of George Floyd And the Dare to Love program checks in with part of the vocation team with the School Sisters of Notre Dame

Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, discussed the challenges and beauty found in the special ministry of anointing the sick during the COVID-19 pandemic with Fr. Wayne Watts. Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston talked about the last days of the Easter Season on Focus on the Liturgy. And on Catholic Chicago, co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi welcomed Fr. Richard Fragomeni to the program.

On the Catholic Conference Hour, Bob Gilligan spends time with bishop-elect Lou Tylka. Bob also talked with the producer of the film, Blind Eyes Opened. Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, had a lively discussion with the director of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Radio/Television, Jim Disch. On the Way host Beth White spent time focusing on how our parishes and Archdiocese are reaching outward in love during the pandemic. She also talked about “A Call to Prayer”, a ministry for those who would like to pray with someone during this time. And on the Mission Matters program, host Megan Mio chatted with Fr. Pius Kokose.

On Catholic Schools Today, Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz get to know the valedictorian of St. Francis de Sales High School. Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, visit with a couple of guests about mental health strategies and behavioral health initiatives offered by Catholic Charities of Chicago for the growing number of people who are searching for counseling during this challenging time. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and co-host Mark Teresi talk with Fr. Larry Sullivan, Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago, about on-line field masses that will be held on Memorial Day.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with registered nurse Jennifer Junis about an important partnership during the COVID-19 crisis. Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, visit with a couple of guests about how Catholic Charities is responding to the needs of its client needs during these challenging times. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss how Catholics can experience the richness of the Easter Season despite stay at home orders. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and co-host Mark Teresi talk with Dr. Edward Gordon about pandemics, epidemics and the Church.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg discuss E-Learning during the COVID-19 crisis with guests Dr. Molly Cinnamon, Jackie Sulton and Christine O'Connor. Brigid Murphy talks with guests from Catholic Charities who are involved with the LOSS program, which promotes hope and healing to survivors of suicide. On the Way co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux talk with Tom Howard from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and Kim Haggerty from St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish about reaching out to their parishioners and beyond. And Megan Mio of our Mission Matters program visits with Sr. Alice Vandenoever about how the global health emergency is affecting our brothers and sisters in mission areas.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Communications Director, Mark Smelzter, about how that organization has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis Author Mary Doyle talked about her book, The Alzheimer's Spouse: Finding the Grace to Keep the Promise. And guest host Brigid Murphy led a conversation about changes in Holy Week services in Chicago with Father Gerard Kelly, Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities. Mary Ellen Kastenholz, professor at Loyola University and Staff Writer of Keenager News, also participated in the conversation.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Greg Pierce, Publisher of ACTA Publications, about what community organizations in Chicagoland are doing to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, Fr. Greg and Mark Teresi talk with Kay Metres, author of the book "After the Fear, Come the Gifts: Breast Cancer's Nine Suprising Blessings." Also joining the conversation is Brigid Gerace, one of the narrators of the audio version of that book. For 41 years, Catholic Charities LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. LOSS Founder and Director Fr. Charles Rubey joined Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy with details of this year’s virtual Blossoms of Hope event. And Ryan Lents visits with Sr. Pat Bergen and Sr. Kathy Sherman from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph for a discussion on Caring for God’s Creation and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in light of COVID-19.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with the Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, Mary Jane Doerr, about how her office is impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. And in Focus on the Liturgy, Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Liturgy Training Publications Editor Timothy Johnston discuss how Lenten liturgical observances are being impacted by the health crisis.

Voice of Charity host Marie Jochum chats with Catholic Charities Director of Communications, Brigid Murphy, about how the organization has been working to adjust operational protocols to follow public health directives while continuing to support its clients. Beth White, host of On the Way, talked with Ryan Lents and Todd Williamson about how the Archdiocese is being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk to two student athletes who will soon compete in the national finals of a 3on3 basketball tournament. The Voice of Catholic Charity highlight a service that provides free legal advice for low-income individuals and families. And Mark Teresi discusses the Chicago Polish Ministry with Fr. Marek Smolka.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi interview Fr. Hans Zollner and Juan Carlos Cruz about safeguarding children. Marie Jochum and Michael Bare talk with their guests about Ladder Up, an organization that offers free tax preparation services to thousands of people in need. Ryan Lents and Dawn FitzPatrick from the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity talk with Christopher West, founder of the Cor Project. And Deacon Richard Hudzik visits with Deacon Gerry Keenan, Director of Operations with Renew My Church.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz gets into the Lenten spirit by talking with two men who are in charge of fish fries at local parishes. Fr. Greg keeps the Lenten theme going by visiting with Brian Brach of the Radio-TV office about Lenten reflections that are available via social media. Marie Jochum and Michael Bare of Catholic Charities visit with Alessandro DiSanto, an active member of Catholic Charities Junior Board and co-founder of Hallow, currently the most popular Catholic app in the nation. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston engage in a timely discussion on the theology and spirituality that guide us during Lent. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi invite Mark Schmeltzer into the studio to discuss Mercy Home for Boys and Girls’ annual March for Kids. And Fr. Greg and Mark talk with Josh Goralski, founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with Bishop David Malloy of the Diocese of Rockford who recently became Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace. Next, Bob visits with Anthony Holter, executive director of Empower Illinois, the scholarship-granting organization in charge of most of the Tax Credit Scholarships granted to students attending Catholic schools throughout the state. Catholic Charities career experts Mitch Siegel and Jacqueline Small join Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare to discuss how Catholic Charities assists veterans who are pursuing new job opportunities. On the Way co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux welcome guests into the studio to talk about their work with Catholic Relief Services. Beth and Jenn also visit with Juan Pablo Padilla and Maria Aranda from the Young Adult Engagement team. And Built on the Rock co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interview a married couple about faith and family.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Catholic Schools superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg discuss the upcoming Annual African American heritage prayer service with Shaka Rawls, Dr. Denise Spells and Felicia Horton. Fr. Greg and Dr. Jim also talk to a nationally recognized teacher from St. Hilary School. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Debra Davis and Toyia Baker into the studio to discuss clothing programs at Catholic Charities. Clarissa Aljentera sits down with Todd Williamson and Wendy Silhavey to discuss the spiritual journey of RCIA catechumens during Lent. Fr. Greg and Mark Teresi wrap up the broadcast week with the importance of archives in the parishes, and the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview the publisher of ACTA Publications, Greg Pierce. Fr. Greg and Mark also have the pleasure of speaking with Helen Reichert Lambin, author of “An A-Z Guide to Letting Go." Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Jalisa Blue and Nancy Morrison into the studio to discuss Adult Day Care Centers. that are increasingly popular with seniors and their families. Ryan Lents and Corinne Woodruff from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity talk with Michael Rabbitt about his efforts to promote racial justice in his parish and throughout the archdiocese. On Dare to Love, Sr. Lovina Pammit visits with Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Vicar for Religious for the Archdiocese of Chicago. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic visit with Deacon Bob Puhala, the Director of the Institute for Diaconal Studies at St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview three guests about Mary Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge and that parish’s partnership with a priest from Zambia to establish a parish in the harsh wilderness of Africa. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare visit with Lakisha Dykes and Mary Johnson, two members of the Catholic Charities Mobile Outreach Program. And Catholic Chicago host Mark Teresi talks with Chicago Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Big Shoulders Fund CEO Josh Hale about an historic agreement that will help ensure the continuing mission of 30 schools for the next ten years.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with Jill Rauh from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops about an initiative for the 2020 election year. Bob Gilligan also interviews State Representative La Shawn Ford about a bill that would limit the use of solitary confinement in state prisons. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare and their guests discuss how Catholic Charities benefits from the First Look for Charity preview night at the Chicago Auto Show. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson explore the Introductory Rites of the Catholic Mass. And Catholic Chicago host Mark Teresi visits with Patrice Touhy and Phil Loftus about their efforts to promote vocations.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Mark Teresi celebrated Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy and Fenwick High School on Catholic Schools Today. The Voice of Charity program welcomed a couple of “lobby heroes” who talked about the importance of the first point of contact for the clients, visitors, employees and volunteers who walk through the doors at Catholic Charities. The Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship discussed “discernment” and reaching non-Catholics who enter our parishes and our lives. Megan Mio of the Missions Office talked to Deacon Michael Neba from Cameroon on Mission Matters Live.

Voice of Charity co-hosts Michael Bare and Noreen Russo welcome guests into the studio to discuss the importance of D’Vine Affair to the Catholic Charities Self-Sufficiency Programs. Clarissa Aljentera, Senior Coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago, visits with Eric Wandrey, Senior Coordinator of Young Adult Engagement, about School of the Spirit. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi co-host a program that focuses on Christian Unity. Following that conversation, Fr. Greg and Mark visit with Mike O’Loughlin, national correspondent for America Magazine and the host of the new podcast, "Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church."

In Catholic Chicago’s annual year-in-review program, Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz interviews Dawn Fitzpatrick, Senior Coordinator in the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, about upcoming respect-life activities. Fr. Greg talks with the acting Administrator, President and CEO of Catholic Charities, Kathleen Donahue, about helping the needy during the winter months. And Fr. Greg finishes the year-in-review program by visiting with Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s Delegate for Renew My Church. On Dare to Love, Sr. Lovina Pammit visits with Sister Connie Bock. Finally, Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Don Maiers about foster care for children.

We celebrate the week of Christmas with music from our Catholic Chicago and Focus on the Liturgy programs.

Bob Gilligan interviews an abortion survivor who will be the keynote speaker at the March for Life Chicago in January. The Voice of Charity spends time with Acting Musical Director at Holy Name Cathedral, David Jonies. Bishop Alberto Rojas was a guest with the On The Way radio team. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie reflect on their year hosting Built on the Rock.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz feature a group of students from St. Damian School who were able to celebrate their diverse backgrounds with a Culture Fair. The Director of the Office of Violence Prevention, Phil Andrew, joins Marie Jochum and Michael Bare of Catholic Charities in a discussion about making Chicago a safer place to live. Lifelong Formation Host Clarissa Aljentera and her guests discuss the Immigration Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago C-F-O Wayne Magdziarz talk with Ron Polaniecki and Elizabeth Kohlbeck about Chicago Shares. Fr. Greg also teams up with Mark Teresi in a conversation with the Musical Director of the City Lights Orchestra, Rich Daniels