Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 1, 26-38, del domingo, 24 de diciembre de 2023. Viernes, 22 de diciembre de 2023

Doctor Tom Sullivan, DDS, is an accomplished medical practitioner in the Chicago area, a pastoral musician, a medical missionary, leader of the parish men's club, and a member of the parish council, among other activities. The conversation with Dr. Sullivan inquires as to the meaning of living the Christian life fully and how he responds to the "universal call to holiness."

Deacon Tom Lambert from the Chicago Archdiocese Commission on mental illness discusses the challenges many have during the advent and Christmas season, as well as, how we can support them during this season of expectation and joy.

For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago has led a Christmas gift program, spreading Christmas cheer to those who are struggling during the holiday season. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Dody Hickey, Mario Serrano, and Cookie Krupa to discuss how parishes, schools and corporations across Cook and Lake counties have come together again, in inspiring ways to continue the Celebration of Giving and help families in need this Christmas.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz talks with Dr. Mary Amore about her new book titled Everyday with Jesus.

This month Megan sits down with two representatives of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a missionary organization that transforms the lives of vulnerable children in Central and South America and the Caribbean both inside and outside of NPH homes, ensuring that they have a safe and nurturing place to live and a strong family support system. Megan meets Juan Manuel Pineda, a musician who grew up in the NPH home in El Salvador, and Heather Anderson, the Director of Donor Relations for NPH USA here in their Chicago national office. They discuss the history and current work of NPH, and Juan Manuel tells his story of tragedy and resilience and what brought him to live at the NPH home in El Salvador.

Senior Services is one of Catholic Charities largest Impact Areas, serving more than 80,000 older adults in Cook and Lake counties each year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Meisha Lyons, Vice President – Seniors, and Umekia McIntosh, Senior Director – Care Coordination to describe the many ways Catholic Charities continues to help seniors embrace healthy aging and thrive in their homes, safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

In his first ever opportunity to host "Dare to Love" alone, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD invites us to reflect upon the meaning of the Advent season and also the "Simbang Gabi" tradition, now celebrated widely throughout the Archdiocese. Fr. Adam's guest is Sr. Maria Brizuela, a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart who shares with us some thoughts and reflections on what Advent means to her, recollections of celebrating Simbang Gabi in her native Philippines, and her unique vocation story as well as some words of encouragement to those who feel God may be calling them to consider religious life. Truly Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of the Lord, but it's also a time to act in responding to God's call!

Welcome to our December Fully Alive program with your host, Raymund Pingoy. This episode places focus on our young adults in the ministry and the importance of intentionality in building up community life. Kevin O'Gorman joins us to talk about his experience so far as an intern for the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity and as a fellow from Amare House. Happy Advent Season to everyone!

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz spends the hour talking with Dr. Edward Gordon about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic and also the Israel/Hamas War.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. The Knights of Columbus are Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend. They share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and role models and to put charity and community first. The Knights of Columbus Council #12173 is made up of current and former police officers. Also known as "The God Squad", they assemble and maintain the Nativity Scene in Daley Plaza.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz interviews Michael Jolls, the director of the documentary, "Holy Ground"

Since early 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak started, and devastated thousands of families in Chicago, Catholic Charities has received an increasing number of calls and emails asking for Burial Assistance. Especially during the height of the pandemic, loved ones were passing away at an alarming rate, leaving families unable to plan for funeral costs. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Tracey Blackburn, Senior Program Manager, Charities Hub to discuss how Catholic Charities has been expanding its Burial Assistance program to help Chicago families provide dignified burials that honor and celebrate the life of each deceased family member.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25,31-46, del domingo, 26 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 24 de noviembre de 2023

Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston break open the Season of Advent and the new Liturgical year.

Host Fr. Michael Trail invites Kimberly Lymore on to the program to talk about the Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union (CTU).

The 20th Annual Catholic Charities Thanksgiving Lunch will be held Thursday, November 23 at 721 North LaSalle Street, from 11am-1pm. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to our supper guests, and remind them that we care about them, on the holidays and throughout the year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Noreen Russo, Associate Director of Special Projects, and Abigail Behrend, a Lead Volunteer at the Catholic Charities Supper Program to provide a preview of this year’s Thanksgiving celebration.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ and in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism and Declaration on Non-Christian Religions, the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs works to foster Christian unity and to deepen our relationships with Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of other religions through initiatives that resonate on a local and global scale. Joining us for today’s program from the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs are Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 14-30, del domingo, 19 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 17 de noviembre de 2023

Deacon Joe Winblad and Deacon John and Vidmar share their experiences and blessings, leading Hope’s On The Way serving as second responders helping people rebuild their lives after natural disasters and organizations restore their physical spaces to deliver their mission.

Catholic Charities Christmas Gift Program in Lake County is bringing kind-hearted people together again to provide toys and basic needs to vulnerable children and families this holiday season. This special Christmas project is in full swing in Cook County, as well. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Jim Wogan and Sue Fowler, Co-Chairs of the Lake County program to discuss the wonderful stories that are emerging this year as generous donors and volunteers unite to spread Christmas cheer.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 1-13, del domingo, 12 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 10 de noviembre de 2023

Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi have a conversation with Holy Name Cathedral parishioner, Linda Nardone, about her latest memoir, We Are The Sheep.

This month Megan meets with Mother Leena Cherian, Superior General of the Benedictine Sisters of Christu Jyothi, who minister in India, and Mr. Victor Kuchar, a lay missionary from the U.S. who has visited India more than 20 times to work with many local Church leaders. They join Megan to share about the difficult realities of the most vulnerable in India, and how the Benedictine Sisters and other missionary leaders have worked to protect and affirm the dignity of so many in India. The Benedictine Sisters have committed themselves to caring for the poor and the weak. Vic tells his own story about how he felt called to work for the betterment of his brothers and sisters in India.

Host Fr. Michael Trail has a conversation with Shannon Schmidt about November being Black Catholic History Month.

Catholic Charities 34th Annual Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball is fast approaching on Friday, December 1st. This gala is one of the largest, and most glamorous events of the Christmas season in Chicago, raising critical funds for Catholic Charities programs in Cook and Lake counties. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Tom Ricketts, 2023 Ball Chair, who will offer a preview of this gala, and Aida Segura, Director of the House of Peace who will describe how Ball proceeds will help all Catholic Charities clients, including those who have experienced serious trauma, and are now striving for stability, and self-sufficiency in their lives.

Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi spend time talking to Sr. Stephanie Baliga about the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels and how she raises money for the mission by leading a team that runs annually in the Chicago Marathon.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 23, 1-12, del domingo, 5 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 3 de noviembre de 2023

Today’s guest is Ana Paula Panzarini, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation at Holy Name of Jesus-St Gregory the Great Parish in New York, is a consecrated member of the Focolare Movement. We honor All Souls Day and Remember those who have passed on before us: Fr. Mike Scherschel, Bishop Kevin Birmingham, and Sr. Patricia Crowley, OSB. November 5 to 11 is National Vocations Awareness Week . Ana Paula talks about her community’s founder, Chiara Lubich, and their charism. She also introduces their international all-women band, Genverde founded over 50 years ago, when Chiara handed over a green colored set of drums to a group of “Focolarinas. And they haven’t stopped making music since. Other useful links for you to check out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TQGfmeYXSrI?si=PrnDpzkitKa99njv https://youtu.be/16gQagcOkSA?si=pAefaAhs8wDoXMei https://youtu.be/Uf4y7af9wxY?si=4Z4pGRQmCpMuH0Ad https://youtu.be/pzFUJNOZv98?si=TYxJOWDTm_uwxXTT

Take a listen to our OHDS - Fully Alive show! On the 1st segment, our host, Raymund Pingoy, talks with Dani Bodette about the 2023 CCHD collection that is scheduled for the weekend of November 18 and 19. For over 50 years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has been working in partnership with community organizations to address the root causes of poverty in the United States. One community organization that the Archdiocese of Chicago's CCHD has partnered with is the Alliance of the Southeast. Amalia Nieto Gomez is the Executive Director of the Alliance of the Southeast (ASE) has joined us for the conversation. The 2nd segment features the Keep Hope Alive Benefit event coming up on November 30, 2023. Join Mauro Pineda and Raymund Pingoy as they talk about how this great event supports the mission of our Immigration Ministry.

Host Joyce Duriga spends time talking with Beth White about the recent Archdiocesan Day of Renewal.

For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving has supported children and families throughout Cook and Lake counties, providing holiday gifts and basic needs to those who are economically vulnerable. Last year, more than 15,000 individuals received presents from this heartwarming program. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Noreen Russo to share details about how Chicagoans get help spread Christmas joy throughout our region this year.

Host Mark Teresi spends time talking with the Executive Director of Mayslake Ministries, Dr. Mary Amore, about the latest offerings at Mayslake Ministries for the Autumn and Advent seasons.

Host Mark Teresi has a conversation with Prior Peter Funk about what life is like as a monk at the Monastery of the Holy Cross.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 22,34-40, del domingo, 29 de octubre de 2023. Viernes, 27 de octubre de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Synod on Synodality is a three-year process of listening and dialogue. The synodal process will conclude in 2024. The guests for this segment are Fr. Lou Cameli and Monsignor Patrick Pollard.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Todd Williamson with the Office for Divine Worshop spends time talking to Fr. Greg and Mark about All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Three important days in the life of the Church are the topic for this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy: The Day for Prayer for Peace in the World, All Saints, and All Souls Day. Pope Francis has called to world to unite itself in prayer, October 27th, in order to pray for Peace in the face of the wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson explore this day as well as the celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Host Fr. Matt O'Donnell talks with retired auxliiary bishop Joseph Perry about his 25 years in ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, and his family recently gave a $5 million gift to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The gift is in memory of Sister Joyce Dura, O.S.F., Jim’s late cousin who was a Franciscan nun serving in the greater Chicago area for nearly 50 years. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Steve Campbell, Vice President of Communications and External Affairs for the Indianapolis Colts and Sister Judith Ann, Major Superior for the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis to discuss Sister Joyce Dura’s inspiring legacy, and the impact that this extraordinary gift will have on the work of Catholic Charities in the years to come.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Mike Bradley recently ran his 50th marathon. When Fr. Mike runs, he raises money for the Heart to Heart Ministry at St. Gertrude parish on Chicago's north side. Fr. Mike and Sr. Susan Quaintance are the guests for this first segment. Segment II: Sticking with the theme of priests running to raise money, Fr. Robert Shultz, Pastor of Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish in Schiller Park, also ran in the Chicago Marathon and raised money for his parish. Fr. Robert also recently participated in the Iron Man Triathlon. The guests for the second half of today’s program are Fr. Robert Shultz, Marlene Bacha, and Zerlina Kirchen.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 22, 15-21, del domingo, 22 de octubre de 2023. Viernes, 20 de octubre de 2023

Deacon Christopher Weiland, Director of Campus Ministry at Benet Academy shares his experiences and perspectives on youth ministry and youth evangelization

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interview Justin and Katie Yap about their relationship and the role that their faith plays.

Host Beth White talks with Mary Hermanson and Elizabeth Kos about the recent Archdiocesan Day of Renewal.

Host Joyce Duriga talks with Fr. Mike Bradley, who raises money for the Heart to Heart Ministry at St. Gertrude's parish by running. Fr. Mike just ran in his 50th marathon.