Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga welcomes Conventual Franciscan Friar Robert Cook, pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish, and Mark Franzen, director of St. Gregory's Hall, to talk about new unique, geographical parish ministries that emerged out of a Renew My Church unification.

Since 1947, Catholic Charities has been holding a Christmas gift collection for clients who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas Day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Melissa Lucas, Interim Director of Volunteer Engagement and Enrique Alonso, Volunteer Engagement Manager for Cook County to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have been made in the past 74 years, and invite the public to join in this fabulous program for 2022 that exemplifies the Spirit of Christmas.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. St. Nicholas Cathedral School Continues to Help Ukrainian Families St. Nicholas Cathedral School has helped Ukrainian families feel at home since they opened. Since the war in Ukraine began last year, the school has welcomed refugee students and their families. The school has held vigils, distributed signs in support of Ukraine, held fundraisers and continues to seek where they may assist. Currently, St. Nicholas Cathedral School has 65 refugee students with children enrolling weekly. Guest: Anna Cirilli, Principal of St. Nicholas Cathedral School

Fr. Adam McDonald, SVD introduces Sister Skolastika Wea, SSpS, a Missionary Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit (Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters) to co-host Sr. Lovina and to listeners and viewers. Sr. Skolastika is a new member of the Vocations CAVA family. A native of Indonesia, Sr. Skolastika has been in the U.S. since 2014 and professed her perpetual vows in Chicago in 2018. Visit https://www.ssps-usa.org or check out their Facebook page: Facebook Page

Deacon Max Montalvo of Our Lady of Charity Parish in Cicero,IL discusses his involvement in three important ministries: preparing children to receive the sacrament of confirmation, working with parents in the Pan de Vida Program and working as a couple with his wife with other married couples to bring them closer to Christ and His Church.

On this October episode of Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray welcome Cindy Morales, Executive Director of Pro-life Champions to present her short stories about families who chose life against all odds. On the second half of the show, the Respect Life Theme of the upcoming year “Called to Serve Moms in Need” is presented along with a discussion around how to be pro-life from conception to natural death. Dawn and Ray share more about the Walking with Moms in Need Initiative: how it helps all moms in need, how to get involved as well as some wonderful things going on in our parishes.

Fr. Michael Trail talks with Valerie Jennings about the National Black Catholic Congress.

October is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and an important rally is happening on Saturday, October 8th at St. Katharine Drexel Parish to create greater awareness of this crime that affects millions of Americans each year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Chuck Dahm , Director of Domestic Violence Outreach for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Maria Prasek, Intake Specialist for Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Program to discuss this large, upcoming event and the many community organizations joining with Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of Chicago to reduce the impact of domestic violence in Illinois and aid the recovery of victims.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Our guests today are Mayra Flores and Michael Hoffman. The topic for the first half of today's program is “Healing Conversations. The Dallas Charter: 20 years of progress of protecting children and healing victims”. In Dallas, 2002, at their Annual Meeting, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops drafted this landmark document in response to the crisis of sexual abuse of children in the Church. In the second half of this program we talk about The Annual Mass for Hope and Healing is an opportunity for victims-survivors to find a safe space where they can feel supported and loved. In 1992, the Archdiocese of Chicago put in place policies and procedures to address allegations and issues related to sexual abuse of minors. The Office for the Protection of Children and Youth is committed to continuing the important work to protect children and to accompany victims-survivors of sexual abuse. All are encouraged and welcomed to attend the Mass of Hope and Healing on October 15.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Fr. Greg and Mark welcome Fr. Bob Hutmacher, O.F.M., to the studio to talk about the Franciscan Festival and Art Show at St. Peter's In The Loop.

In our continuing exploration of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy looks at the connection that the Liturgy has to Creation. Pope Francis writes at length of how God uses the very things of his own creation to meet us, to encounter us and to transform us in the liturgy and the sacraments. Hosts Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss this theme of the Letter which was issued on June 29, 2022.

Catholic Charities Diaper Depot in Lake County has been a large and incredibly well-run distribution center for more than five years. The Diaper Depot works in tandem with Catholic Charities programs, nearby parishes and a wide range of community organizations to ensure that diapers and accessories are available for low-income, grateful families. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Don Rosanova, Lead Volunteer at Catholic Charities Lake County Diaper Depot, and Lisa Roti, Lake County Regional Director to discuss how this Diaper Depot provides a Basic Need, and more to residents of Lake County.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Fr. Greg welcomes historian and author Dr. Edward Gordon to the program to talk about where things stand with the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic outlook going into 2023.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 16, 19-31 del domingo, 25 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 23 de septiembre de 2022

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Steven A. Denny is a scholar, an attorney, a certified mediator, and an ordained clergyman, originally from Kentucky, who now lives in Oak Park, Illinois. He and his wife Miran have five adult children. Denny runs a private law firm whose motto is “Striving for Justice in an Imperfect World.” He knows Hebrew and several other Middle-Eastern languages, and his maternal grandfather was a Jewish immigrant from Russia. Denny has spent considerable time at the Our Lady of Gethsemani Trappist monastery in Kentucky and credits “The Merton Prayer” for getting him through very aggressive cancer several years ago. Guests: Steven A. Denny and Greg Pierce, President and Publisher, ACTA Publications

Fr. Michael Trails talks with Kiandra Boyd, Tolton Scholar at Catholic Theological Union, about youth and young adults in the Black Catholic Community.

Sharon Tillmon has been tireless in her efforts to help fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities over the past 24 years. She now serves as Senior Program Director of Community Food and Essentials in our “Immediate Access and Basic Needs Impact Area.” Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sharon to The Voice of Charity to discuss her vast experience leading teams of Catholic Charities staff members and personally helping people in need stabilize and start to rebuild their lives, one person at a time.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Events that took place this summer in Kansas that affected the Kansas Catholic Conference. Guest: Chuck Weber, Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. Segment II: Effects of the Legalization of Marijuana. Guest: Ben Court, Chief Executive Officer of Foundry Treatment Center, Steamboat Springs, CO

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 16, 1-13 del domingo, 18 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 16 de septiembre de 2022

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interviewed Trish and Dan Buelow during the show. Married for over thirty five years, the couple has much wisdom to share. Through the ups and downs of their married life, they have maintained a strong sense of their Catholic Faith.

Megan interviews Deacon Don Grossnickle and Deacon Jerry Brennan of Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights. They share the mission work of Microfinance Alliance Africa Projects Foundation. The MAAP Foundation works to lower maternal and infant mortality rates in Uganda through microfinance projects and collaboration with the local Catholic parishes and clinics in rural areas. In the extended interview, they continue the conversation to talk in more depth about how the MAAP Foundation works on the ground in Uganda and provides opportunities to develop the whole community.

Catholic Charities St. Martin de Porres Society is a new forum for dialogue and debate, convening partners, advocates and champions of Catholic Charities and our broader community for meaningful conversations regarding the needs of our region, our nation and the world, and the power of faith in meeting those needs. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Anne Kelly Williams, a member of Catholic Charities Board of Directors, and Matthew McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives to discuss two St. Martin de Porres Inaugural Events planned for this month.

Anthony Holter, President of Empower Illinois, talks to host Joyce Duriga about tax credit scholarships and how one local parish is raising $800,000 in tax credit scholarships for it's sharing school.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Queen of the Rosary Staff Builds a Community. Guests: Kathy McGinn; Rolando "RJ" Gomez.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 15, 1-32 del domingo, 11 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 9 de septiembre de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Catholic Impact Networking Group. Guests: Mary Kay Slowikowski and Tom Wesolowski. Segment II: Helen Reichert Lambin, author of An Empty Space In Your Heart: Reflections on the Death of a Sibling or Best Friend

Co-hosts Ray Pingoy and Blanca Rodriguez spend time talking with their guests about preparing for Respect Life Month which takes place in October. The first half of the program features Joe Lazar, Organizer of Vision 2020 Illinois. In the second half of the program, Ray and Blanca welcome Maria Goldstein and Laura Vandercar, who co-founded NorthWest Families for Life.

It is an exciting time at Catholic Charities as Regional Mission Boards become established in the six Vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago, allowing us to serve client needs in new ways on the local, parish level. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Christopher Torres, South/Southwest Cook Regional Director, Mary Ellen Brabec, South Regional Mission Board Chairperson and Timothy Richards, Southwest Regional Mission Board Chairperson to discuss how this new structure is forming in tandem with parish outreach ministries and community groups.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 14, 25-33 del domingo, 4 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 2 de septiembre de 2022

On the August 4, 2022 co-hosts Deacon Jim Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic welcome Deacon James Maslanka and his wife, Jonalee Maslanka. Deacon James and Jonalee received the 2022 Diaconate Shared Ministry Award. During the broadcast, the couple share how they used devotions to bring parishioners of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish back to the church at the height of the pandemic. They give advice on how others could use devotions to unite and inspire a parish community. They explain how devotions brought the parish closer together and how they hope devotions will create a foundation for the new united parish of Holy Name of Mary, St. John de laSalle, and Ss. Peter & Paul on the Far Southside of Chicago. If anyone has questions or is interested in learning more about how to begin renewing/initiating devotions at their parish you can contact Deacon James and Jonalee Maslanka by email: [email protected]

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, “frequent flyer” guest for Dare to Love co-hosts with Sr. Lovina on this episode. Our guest, Mr. Len Uhal, is the National Director for Vocation Ministry for the Society of the Divine Word. Together with Fr. Adam, they work together with several others on their team. As a married lay person with children who also had initial formation experience in religious life prior to marriage, Len Uhal provides a valuable perspective on the importance of promoting vocation awareness in the community. For more information, visit: https://www.svdvocations.org/

The 2022 reunion of everyone associated with St. Vincent’s Orphanage will be held on Sunday, September 18 at 721 North LaSalle Street. This annual gathering celebrates the life-affirming work that was led by the Daughters of Charity in this building for ninety-one years, until the State of Illinois took over foster care in 1972. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes the Honorable Joseph K. Wood, County Judge of Washington County, Arkansas to discuss his experiences at St. Vincent’s and the inspiring work he has done, nationwide to increase support for adoption and foster care.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The 8th Annual Solemn Vespers for the Protection of our Natural Environment will take place at 7pm on August 31st at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview. The annual Induction Service on the evening of August 31 begins the liturgical year in the Greek Orthodox Church. It is a Greek Orthodox liturgy, to which Orthodox, Catholics, other Christians, and all people of good will are invited to attend. Guests: Dan Olsen, Michael Terrien, Gayle Woloschak, Fr. Jerry Boland, George Nassos

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 14, 1.7-14 del domingo, 28 de agosto de 2022. Viernes, 26 de agosto de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Catholic Scholars Program at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University. In order to enter into an adult relationship with Christ, Catholic Scholars take seriously the commitment to deepen their understanding of faith, pray on a regular basis, serve the needs of others, and provide leadership that is distinctively Catholic. Catholic Scholars are theologically grounded, spiritually alive, articulate in their faith, and joyfully involved in Catholic tradition. Graduates of this program are well‐prepared to serve on parish councils, teach CCD, participate in liturgy committees and lead social justice efforts. In addition they are able to bring Christian principles to their families and careers. Guests: Sr. Belinda Monahan, Moses Diaz-Torres, and Joe Arena. Segment II: The Transformational Listening Conference is set to take place at St. Ignatius College Prep this fall. Joining us to talk about the conference is Dr. John Igwebuike

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson continue delving into Desiderio Desideravi – On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God, Pope Francis’ most recent Apostolic Letter. This month they explore the theme of the Liturgy as the premier way that we encounter Jesus, who longs to eat with us at the Eucharist. They also discuss Pope Francis’ reflection on the importance of Baptism as that which allows us to participate in the Liturgy, “the Christian celebration.” Introduced in last month’s show, future broadcasts of Focus on the Liturgy will continue to explore the themes and nuances of Pope Francis’ letter.

Catholic Charitie Post-Adoption Services serves thousands of people who were adopted from Catholic Charities over the years. We offer registry information, search and reunion services, and support, in addition to providing a variety of services to those who would like to adopt a child now. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Kathy Herrera, Program Director for Pregnancy, Maternity and Adoption Programs, and Lisa Francis, Post-Adoption Specialist to discuss program updates this summer and the upcoming 2022 St. Vincent’s Orphanage Reunion on September 18.

Fr. Michael Trail spends time in conversation with Fr. Carl Gales, SVD. Fr. Gales was just recently ordained a priest.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakwociz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Formerly known as the St. Francis Retreat House in Oak Brook, Illinois, Mayslake Ministries is a lay-led 501.c.3 Catholic Christian Not-for-Profit Spirituality Center founded by Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM, in 1991 as a "retreat house without walls." Since 1991, Mayslake Ministries has served the spiritual needs of Catholic/Christian adult women and men from all walks of life, providing multiple spiritual opportunities for people who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We are proud partners in faith with the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Diocese of Joliet and the Diocese of Rockford. Joining us today to talk about what is new at Mayslake Ministries is Dr. Mary Amore. Segment II: For the next several Saturdays at St. Philip Neri School, schools kids from 7th to 12th grade can attend Project Peace: Youth Leadership for Non-Violence. Participants will: -Learn to change the culture of violence in our schools, homes, and neighborhoods -Form resilient youth against violence skills while practicing in a peaceful learning environment. -Learn techniques to handle difficult confrontations and -Develop and learn leadership skills Guests: Elfriede Wedam, Andre Rawls

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 13, 22-30 del domingo, 21 de agosto de 2022. Viernes, 19 de agosto de 2022

This month Megan meets Sr. Jacqueline Manyi Atabong, a Sister of St. Therese of the Child Jesus from Buea, Cameroon. She is the founder of the SEV Foundation, which stands for Support and Empowerment of Vulnerable Persons, a charitable, religious, socio-pastoral, socio-economic and educational organization. Megan asks Sr. Jackie to share about her ministry experience as a nurse, with the imprisoned and released, and care for women and children who are displaced and traumatized by the violent conflict in Cameroon. Sr. Jackie shares how she finds hope and trust in the midst of all this turmoil and brokenness.

In honor of the Feast of the Assumption, this month’s On the Way is dedicated to a conversation about Our Lady. Host Beth White is joined by José Coronel and Alicja Pozywio, both from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship. They discuss how Mary points us towards Jesus and is a role model for all evangelization efforts. José shares the history and Mexican cultural understanding of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Alicja does the same for the Black Madonna, also known as Our Lady of Czestochowa, who is very important to the people of Poland. Common themes in the conversation are the way in which Our Lady meets people where they are at, hears them, letting them know they belong to her son, all of which leads them into a deeper faith.

Recent studies by the Center for Disease Control show that the number of people experiencing mental health concerns has risen so much in the past two years that this is considered to be a global public health issue. At Catholic Charities, our Behavioral Health Programs are tailored to meet clients where they are at, and our experienced professionals are widely respected for the results they help clients achieve, often using Trauma-Informed Therapy. Join Phil Zepeda as he welcomes Ellen Tannenbaum, Director of Catholic Charities Youth Counseling Programs to discuss how Trauma-Informed Therapy helps identify root causes of many mental health concerns and lead clients to happier times ahead.

Sr. Donna Liette, C.PP.S. discusses her ministry and how women religious are now holding monthly vigils to pray for homicide victims.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Tax Credit Scholarships. Guest: Britta Kreps. Segment II: Marriage and Family., Guest: Carlos Tejada Segment III: HHS Regulation on Section 1557. Guest: Patrick Cacchione

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: This is the season when students are beginning to return to school, which means that campus ministries everywhere are gearing up for a busy fall semester. Joining us for the first segment of today’s program are Father Bradley Zamora, chaplain and director of the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern Universityin Evanston, and his new director of campus ministry, Crystal Serrano-Puebla. Segment II: As of late July, about one hundred thousand Ukrainian refugees have been admitted to the United States as a result of Russia’s ongoing invasion and occupation of Ukraine. Many of those refugees are here in the Chicago area. Recently the Diaconate of Chicago partnered with St. Nicholas Cathedral School to assist some of those Ukrainian refugee families. Joining us for this segment of the program are Deacon James Norman, Vicar for Deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon James Sponder, Chairman of the Diaconate Council in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Anna Cirilli, Principal at the St. Nicholas Cathedral School.

We learn more about how using hip hop culture to engage young people in the journey of faith. We speak with Cortez Watson Jr., founder of the Hip Hop F.I.R.M. about the organization's work in creating curriculum and methodology to help center lives and experiences through an Afrocentric lens.

Casa Catalina, on Ashland Avenue started in 1984 as a Food Pantry for the parishioners of Holy Cross, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Over the years, it has become a vital Catholic Charities service site. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Michelle Ramirez, Casa Catalina Program Coordinate to discuss how this vibrant community center continues to serve the needs of individual clients and the entire neighborhood in an extremely organized, efficient way.

Fr. Michael Trail is the new host of the Black Catholic Initiative program. Today Fr. Trail speaks with Deacon LeRoy Gill and Fr. Bob Kelly, SVD about the annual Sunrise Prayer Service that takes place on the lakefront of Chicago

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Catholic Identity Justice Micro Credential Program. Guests: Dr. Donna Kiel; Dr. Molly Cinnamon. Segment II: New Directors of Inclusive Education and Federal Funds. Guests: Amy Lindel; Michelle Walthers