Notwithstanding the challenges of COVID-19, the response to natural disasters continues. Join today’s host Deacon Dave Brencic, as he is joined by co-host Deacon Richard Hudzik. They discuss the outreach known as Hope’s On the Way with Chicago Deacons Joe Winblad and John Vidmar, both of whom are deeply involved in serving through Hope’s On the Way. This ministry provides both hands-on assistance in rebuilding those devastated by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters, as well as gathering and shipping cleaning and building supplies to affected areas of the United States, as well as serving locally in the Archdiocese. The deacons and lay people joining together in this work truly put into action the responses to Jesus’ question, “did you visit me when I was afflicted?” You can learn more about Hope’s On the Way, how to participate, and, if able, how to donate by going to their website www.HopesOnTheWay.org. Hope’s On the Way is a ministry that is financially assisted in its ministry by the Archdiocese’s Diaconate Council. Nevertheless, the need remains great.

Today on Fully Alive Dawn and Ray welcome Miguel Salazar from Immigration Ministries to discuss the upcoming virtual Posada. Miguel explains the history of the Posada and how it is a seeking of shelter. The Archdiocese will host a virtual Posada on Friday December 18th at 7AM. Dawn and Ray continue the theme of seeking shelter by relating the search for our final home to our search for our destiny. St John Paul II explains our search as culminating in the heavens with God in our time of Eschatological Man. The Wednesday catechesis continues as Dawn and Ray journey through our time of Historical Man – after the fall and banishment from the garden through the coming of Jesus Christ who reveals our identity as sons and daughters of God and the holiness of our bodies.

For over thirty years, in December, Catholic Charities has hosted The Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball, an elegant gathering in downtown Chicago to raise crucial funds for our programs that benefit children and families. This year, the ball will be a very special, virtual event on December 4th. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Annie Scully Tumpis and Laura Kuever to preview this fabulous online party, and discuss how Catholic Charities Child, Youth and Family Services have developed new and innovative ways to continue to assist clients throughout 2020.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On December 5th, the Catholic Lawyers Guild will be hosting a virtual Advent retreat titled Bringing All We Are Into What We Do: Spiritual Practices in our Work as Lawyers and in our Homes at Christmas. Guests: Jack Shea; Judge Tom Donnelly. Segment II: Dr. Edward Gordon talks about the latest developments in the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marco 13, 33-37, del domingo, 29 de noviembre de 2020. Viernes, 27 de noviembre de 2020

Megan speaks with Jodi Grahl, Director of General and Gynecologic Surgery and Pacemaker Programs, and Rachel McDonnell, Director of Development, for Solidarity Bridge, a medical mission organization that partners with communities in Bolivia and Paraguay to increase access to safe, affordable surgery and other essential health care. They discuss the work of Solidarity Bridge and how the pandemic has affected communities in Bolivia. They also learn about how the medical mission has adjusted their lifesaving work to continue in this challenging time.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the new Year of Grace that begins with the first Sunday of Advent. They break open the theology and spirituality of Advent, exploring the liturgies, the prayers and readings of this great season. They also discuss some of the key symbols of Advent: the Advent wreath, novenas and other devotions, and even Advent hymns.

Catholic Charities 73rd Annual Celebration Of Giving unites people from all over Chicagoland in spreading Christmas cheer, providing 25,000 gifts to our neighbors in need who would otherwise have nothing to open Christmas Day. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Andrew McKernin and Allison Loecke to share how the program is going this year, and how listeners can join in this outpouring of kindness that is filled with the Spirit of Christmas!

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Pope Francis has recently appointed 13 new cardinals, and one of them is a Chicago native. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., will become the first African American cardinal from the United States. Our guests share some stories of their memories of him. Guests: Elaine Gregory Swenson; Fr. Thomas Baima; Fr. Dominic Grassi. Segment II: The music ministry of Old St. Pat's church. Music Director Mark Scozzafave presents music featuring musicians and singers from Old St. Pat's church.

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.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 31-46, del domingo, 22 de noviembre de 2020. Viernes, 20 de noviembre de 2020

Host: Vince Gerasole. Segment I: Dr. Jim Rigg gives an update on Chicago's Catholic Schools. Segment II: St. Patrick High School is Chicago's oldest all-male Catholic high school. The school's current hybrid model ensures the safety, health and well-being of students, faculty and staff while allowing St. Patrick to provide the quality educational experience their families have grown accustomed to in the school's 160-year history. Guests: Mick O'Rourke; Dr. Joseph Schmidt. Segment III: As the largest all-girls school on the north side of Chicago, Resurrection offers a rigorous and challenging education for all students in a supportive environment. Resurrection serves a diverse student population from across the city and suburbs, representing over 100 private and public grammar schools. Guests: Laura Dennis; Dr. Rick Piwowarski.

On the Way focuses on the seasons which are upon us, Thanksgiving and Advent. The first guest who joins Beth White is Kevin Pease, director of Loyola University’s IPS Scripture School to discuss an upcoming Advent Retreat, “When They Saw the Star,” that is available to everyone for free. The retreat takes place over three weeks – two hours a week – on Zoom. For more information visit here. Kevin also shared about how to get involved with the IPS Scripture School. On the second half of the show, Beth White was joined by Michelle Shaffer, Associate Director of the Institute for Lay Formation at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Michelle and Beth discussed gratitude as we look towards Thanksgiving in the midst of a pandemic. Michelle shared some research about how gratitude is incredibly beneficial for us psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Even though these are really hard and challenging times for all of us, it is important that we find a few things each day for which we can be grateful.

Catholic Charities clients in the Refugee Settlement and LOOM programs are some of the most resilient, talented people we know. They have fled very difficult circumstances in their homelands and are now starting over in Chicago. This year has been especially challenging for them. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Elma Kulovic and Rebecca Hamlin Green to discuss how Catholic Charities Refugee Settlement and LOOM programs have adapted during COVID-19 to continue to offer support to immigrant families who are working hard toward stability, safety and a brighter future for their families.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Ryan Burge, assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, talks about how Catholics voted in the 2020 presidential election. Segment II: Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois, Springfield, tallied the dizzying amount of money spent on the "fair tax" ballot initiative, the retention bid of an Illinois Supreme Court justice, and targeted legislative races. Segment III: David Spotanski, COO for the Archdiocese of Atlanta and right-hand man for Archbishop Wilton Gregory during his time in Belleville and Atlanta, talks about the Archbishop's elevation to America's first African-American cardinal later this month. Segment IV: Fr. Mike Meany, pastor at St. John Brebeuf in Niles, talks about the Archdiocese's online photo exhibit honoring his late uncle, WWII chaplain Fr. John Beyenka for Chicago.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 14-30, del domingo, 15 de noviembre de 2020. Viernes, 13 de noviembre de 2020

The November 12, 2020 broadcast has co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discussing an Illinois-based ministry, Nourish for Caregivers, that provides Christ-centered wisdom to assist those who care for others. Joining in the conversation are the two founders of Nourish for Caregivers, Deb Kelsey-Davis and Kelly Johnson, along with one of their board members, Chicago Deacon Mike Fekete. Deb and Kelly explore with the listeners how community, prayer, as well as practical advice will do much to assist those who give care to others at home. In these days, more and more of us find ourselves caring for aging parents, ailing spouses or children. Who can help those who give this care, often quite demanding and never-ending? Look to www.nourishforcaregivers.com. Also, take a look at the recently-released book of practical and spiritual helps from Deb and Kelly—The Caregiver’s Companion: A Christ-Centered Journal to Nourish Your Soul. Available online and elsewhere.

Sister Elizabeth Ann Guerrero, MCDP, Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence Talks about the “Weaving Cultures” (“Entrelezando Culturas”) program based on going beyond the theory of intercultural relationships as Fr. Anthony Gittins, C.Ss.P explains, “living interculturally goes beyond mixing people of different cultures to live together and maybe letting each person cook an authentic meal from their culture once a month. It’s a mutual, authentic and intentional exchange between people. One where we break down the barriers not the differences.” To find out more, visit: Weaving Cultures: Responding to the Signs of our Time Sister Ann T. Oestreich, IHM, reports that the Catholic Sisters curriculum has been completed. “Called and Consecrated is a bilingual online curriculum designed for use with middle and high school students. Units cover what sisters do, how sisters pray, how sisters are called, and more. Llamadas y Consagradas: Explorando las Vidas de las Religiosas: El plan de estudio en línea está diseñado para ser usado con estudiantes de escuela primaria y preparatoria. Las lecciones cubren lo que hacen las Hermanas, cómo oran, cómo es su llamada y más. Visit here: National Catholic Sisters Project

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.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Non-Violence Works is a non-profit organization that focuses on violence prevention in our homes, neighborhoods and wider community. Guests: Elfreide Wedam; Larry Campbell; Phil Bradley. Segment II: Historian and professor Dr. Edward Gordon speaks about the Covid-19 pandemic.

On November 13th, 3 new auxiliary bishops will be ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago: Frs. Kevin Birmingham, Jeffery Grob and Robart Lombardo CFR. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss and explore the theology of the Office of Bishop and unpack the richness and symbolic profundity of the Order of Ordination of a Bishop.

Corporate partners of Catholic Charities provide vital assistance to our work. They offer wise counsel, encourage their employees to volunteer with us and give invaluable financial support that maintains our life-affirming programs and services. Join Brigid Murphy and Philip Buta as they welcome Mike O’Grady, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust to discuss the many ways that Mike, his family and Northern Trust generously collaborate with Catholic Charities to help fulfill the mission of our agency.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Ed Gordon is a member of the Grant Park Monument Commission. Dr. Gordon talks about recent controversies regarding historic statues in public places and the call to remove some of them. Segment II; The annual Keep Hope Alive benefit is scheduled virtually this Thursday at 6:30pm. It's theme this year is "15 years united for Immigrant Justice." The event supports the Archdiocese of Chicago's Immigration Ministry and it's national Pastoral Migratoria initiative, which has become a role model nationally for immigrant support. Guests: Elena Segura; Rich Daniels.

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.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 22, 1-14, del domingo, 25 de octubre de 2020. Viernes, 23 de octubre de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: With the Chicago Marathon cancelled this year because of COVID-19, Father Michael Bradley ran a marathon of his own on Sunday October 11th through the streets of Edgewater where he lives at St. Gertrude Parish. Parishioners lined up at the church and on their front doorsteps to cheer him on as he ran by. This was the 49th Marathon for the 67-year-old priest. He completed the run in five hours and five minutes. Segment II: Election day this year has turned into election season. Millions of Americans, taking COVID-19 precautions, have already voted by mail or in person. It’s not uncommon to find waits of 45 minutes or more at early voting stations. Father Lou Cameli, based at Holy Name Cathedral recently wrote some reflections on the concept of Faithful Citizenship, and the role it plays in the voting process. You can hear his complete reflections on our YouTube channel, Catholic Chicago.

Now in its 73rd year, Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving is one of the most joyful events to happen at Catholic Charities every holiday season. Last year, 25,000 gifts were provided to those who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. This year, many obstacles exist, but the desire is stronger than ever to make this community-building program a success. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Mark Noetzel and Andrew McKernin to discuss the start of the 2020 Celebration of Giving.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, talks about what the Clean Energy Jobs Act will look like after incorporating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's principles for clean energy legislation and when we should look for the bill to be pushed in the Illinois Legislature. Segment II: Chris Ross, a lawyer who works on social policy for Catholic Charities USA, discusses the historically-low refugee cap of 15,000 set by the federal government for the new federal fiscal year that started October 1. Segment III: Pat Winn, director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockford, talks about his nine years at the helm of the social services agency as he prepares to retire. Segment IV: Fr. Mike Bradley, resident priest at St. Gertrude's parish in Chicago and a canon lawyer who works for the Archdiocese's tribunal, tells of how he ran a neighborhood version of the Chicago Marathon in his Edgewater neighborhood to raise money for the parish's Heart to Heart Ministry for senior citizens.

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.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 22, 15-21, del domingo, 18 de octubre de 2020. Viernes, 16 de octubre de 2020

Even for many well-intentioned Catholics, it is easy to be seduced by our secular culture which promotes a culture of death more than a culture of life. In today's show, we are joined by Mary Jo DiRe and Cecilia Klein, two very active women in Respect Life ministry. With their great insights, we delve into ways that families can promote a culture of life consistent with the authentic teaching of the church, instilling in their children a foundational respect for all life.

Megan talks with Sr. Mary Paul Asoegwu, Daughter of Divine Love and Director of Development Ministry, and Fr. Stan Chu Ilo, Research Professor of World Christianity at DePaul University. They discuss this challenging year with a global pandemic, deep-seated social issues such as racism and now a national election. What is the mission we have been called to in this time? Sr. Mary Paul and Fr. Stan present two ways Catholics can respond: World Mission Sunday and Pope Francis' new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship.

Host Clarissa Aljentera speaks with guest Yesenia Maldonado, Director of Social Emotional Learning with the Office of Catholic Schools. They talk about ways that parents can take care of themselves and their families during the pandemic.

Through more than 150 programs at over 170 locations, Catholic Charities serves people in need on a one-to-one basis, allocating staffing and resources to ensure that our guests receive assistance, and have access to professional guidance toward a better life. We occasionally are asked to share what we know with economists who also are working to eradicate poverty. The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is one of these research labs, and Catholic Charities is tremendously grateful for this partnership, and its significant findings that have been hugely beneficial to our work. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Jim Sullivan and Wendy Avila to discuss how statistics are used to reduce poverty and homelessness on the local, state and national level.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: St. Damian School's Creative Teachers. Guests: Jennifer Miller; Lynn Kingsbury; Gail Werr; Josua. Segment II: Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools are 2020 National Blue Ribbon Award Recipients. Guest: Mike Kendrick.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 22, 1-14, del domingo, 11 de octubre de 2020. Viernes, 9 de octubre de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The 9th annual Mass for Hope and Healing is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 10am. The Mass has been hosted by the Office of Assistance Ministry which was created in 1992 to support the healing and reconciliation of victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Guests: Michael Hoffman; Thomas Tharayil. Segment II: The Great Chicago Fire is a Chicago Stories original documentary that premieres Friday, October 9th at 8 pm on WTTW. It explores how Chicagoans faced destruction, rebuilt the city and prepared it for a thriving future. It also examines the anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment of the time that lead Mrs. Catherine O'leary to be unfairly blamed for the blaze. Guest: Dan Protess

On Today’s Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray continue the theme of Wednesday Catechesis by delving further into the reflection on “Original Man” by unpacking the theme of Original Nakedness/Innocence. In the second half of the show, they welcome Mauro Pineda from Immigration Ministries to talk about the event “Keep Hope Alive” on October 29. They also discuss Faithful Citizenship and our call as Baptized Catholic Christians to witness to our faith in the public square and on election Day. Finally, Dawn and Ray review the theme of Respect Life Month – Live the Gospel of Life, and they provide an overview of opportunities to get involved in Respect Life Month and to stand up for life, and all that means, for the coming year.

In Fiscal Year 2018, over 17, 000 reports of abuse were made in the state of Illinois involving seniors and disabled adults. These include numerous types of abuse, neglect, deprivation, confinement, and financial exploitation. Statistics from Catholic Charities Adult Protective Services are part of this statewide tally. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Bette MacLennan to discuss how Catholic Charities investigates and intervenes, as needed, to assist seniors and disabled adults when abuse concerns are brought to our attention.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Bishop elect Fr. Jeffrey Grob. Segment II: Bishop elect Fr. Bob Lombardo, CFR. Segment III: Bishop elect Fr. Kevin Birmingham.

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.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 21, 33-43, del domingo, 4 de octubre de 2020. Viernes, 2 de octubre de 2020

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD gives an update on how his vocation ministry team has collaborated with the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in providing discernment programs during the pandemic and how his community continues to work on JPIC – Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation globally and the ongoing conversation to confront racism and systemic injustice. Fr. Adam also talks about the joyous experience of harvesting the fruits of his vocation ministry labors while witnessing the ordination of Fr. Marlon Vargas, SVD, “Pinoy” priest from the Philippines. Contact the congregation at: www.svdvocations.org

Deacons Dennis Robak and James Norman, who are both employed by the Archdiocese of Chicago, join co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic on the October 1, 2020 broadcast for a discussion on the spiritual value of work. The deacons explore the meaning, purpose and theology of work, how it ties into Catholic Social Teaching and how attitudes shape our views of the kind of work we’re doing. Tune into this conversation to learn how everyone’s seemingly “ordinary” work can really be participating in the creative work of God.

Opioids are a class of drugs that relieve pain. In Illinois, opioid overdoses have killed nearly 11,000 people since 2008, and the annual total has been increasing every year. The opioid crisis is now being called the most significant public health and public safety crisis in Illinois. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Shavon Parker to discuss Catholic Charities Transforming Lives Program, and the many ways it helps expectant women and mothers of young children who are battling this addiction and working towards their own recovery.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Pat Drott, the HIV/AIDS Liaison for Catholic Charities, joins us to talk about the ongoing outreach to the HIV community, and to discuss the upcoming annual Walk-Run to raise funds to help their much-needed ministry. Segment II: Dr. Mary Amore, Executive Director of Mayslake Ministries, joins us to talk about needs and opportunities for people to seek spiritual direction in these turbulent times.

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.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 21, 28-32, del domingo, 27 de septiembre de 2020. Viernes, 25 de septiembre de 2020

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) pick up their periodic series of looking at various parts of the Mass. In this broadcast they explore the first part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist - the preparatory rites. From the presentation of the gifts and the preparation of the altar, through the preparatory prayers and the prayers over the gifts, they discuss and unpack the actions and the texts of the ritual, uncovering a rich and profound theology and spirituality.