Catholic Chicago Week in Review

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

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi explore the early history of the Catholic Church with Dr. Ed Gordon. The Voice of Charity looks at healthy ways to deal with holiday stress. The Fully Alive show talks about the upcoming posada in support of immigration reform. And Sister Lovina Pammit spends some time with Fr. Adam MacDonald.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks to a business executive about being forced to cover abortions in the health care packages his business provides employees. Bob Gilligan also visits with Jackie Ingram and Janice Oda Gray, parishioners at St. Agatha parish, about their efforts to bring mental health services to their community. Voice of Charity program hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome two guests who share details on the current status of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement programs. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie, hosts of Built on the Rock, reflect on the importance of humor in relationships. And Mission Matters host Megan Mio and her guest discuss the current state of the Catholic Church in China.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz visit with Dr. Joseph Schmidt and Michael "Mick" O'Rourke of Saint Patrick High School in Chicago. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome guests into the studio to discuss the Celebration of Giving, a Catholic Charities program that provides toys for needy children and families. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi visit with Stan Potempa and Brian Brach about scouting and religion.

To help observe National Vocation Awareness Week, Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview a religious sister with a great vocation story, Sr. Stephanie Baliga. Marie Jochum and Michael Bare discuss homeless-prevention services with three guests from Catholic Charities --- Kathy Donahue, Bob Haennicke and Jerry Castellini. Ryan Lents and Liz Young talk with Fr. Michael Trail about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit and Phil Loftus, Executive Director of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations, discuss how to address student debt as a major obstacle for candidates considering religious life. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Bill Stearns and his wife, Ann, about ministering to people in their faith community.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek about a new docudrama called “Love and Mercy: Faustina.” Voice of Charity Host Brigid Murphy welcomes into the studio Mary Ann Bibat, Catholic Charities Vice President of Senior Social Services. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk about All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Day of the Dead with Fr. Richard Fragomeni.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks to Barbara Lyons of the Patients' Rights Action Fund about the National Council on Disability's recent report on assisted suicide. Bob Gilligan also visits with Rebecca Anzel, a journalist with Capitol News Illinois who previews what promises to be an action-packed fall legislative veto session. Voice of Charities Host Angel Gutierrez features Home Depot executives Gary Hutchinson and Al Stermer along with Nancy Haws of Catholic Charities in a discussion of corporate generosity.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago C-F-O Wayne Magdziarz talk with two students from Holy Trinity High School about a national entrepreneurship competition. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Voice of Charities host Michael Bare visits with Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Catholic Charities Manager of Latino and University Initiatives. And Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie discuss the importance of laughter in our lives and in our marriages.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview guests about Faith and Fellowship. That’s a ministry that helps people with mental illnesses experience the love of God along with their sisters and brothers. Host Brigid Murphy welcomes Stephanie Johnson and Ann Grulecki into the studio to discuss Catholic Charities’ government relations and advocacy efforts. Clarissa Aljentera, host of the Lifelong Journey show, talks with Megan Mio of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Mission Office. And Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi visit with people who are dedicated to promoting non-violence in our society.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago CFO Wayne Magdziarz talk with Fr. Rich Jakubik about a Mass of Remembrance for the Little Ones to be held at Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness. Sr. Lovina Pammit visits with Sr. Nancy Roberta Schramm and Sr. Peggy Quinn about their ministries. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discuss the Cursillo Movement with fellow Deacon Len Marturano.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi talk with their guests about the Maria Goretti Network, a program for survivors of abuse that’s coming to Holy Name Cathedral. Office of Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston and Danielle Noe of Liturgy Training Publications discuss the connection between liturgy and social justice. And Marie Jochum of Catholic Charities and here guests talk about the value of partnering with business leaders.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan visits with Sr. Rosemary Connelly who is celebrating 50 years of overseeing Misericordia. Bob Gilligan also interviews Sr. Jess Lambert, who recently took her final vows as a Franciscan of the Eucharist of Chicago. Three members of the Catholic Charities Junior Board discuss the importance of their volunteer work. Co-hosts of On the Way, Beth White and Jenn Delvaux, invite two guests into the studio to talk about this year’s edition of Holy Fire. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie discuss their recent interview with Martina and Dale about the blessings and challenges of married life. And Megan Mio and Kevin Foy of the Mission Office talk about the significance of this October to their work in the Mission Office.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk with two administrators from St. Viator High School about how they showcase their school to junior high students and their parents. Fr. Greg and Dr. Jim also visit with two guests from Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School about a welcome surprise received by their students. Catholic Charities Communications Director Brigid Murphy visits with attorneys Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch about legal help available to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi co-host a program featuring Brian Leonard who is organizing a retreat based on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si. And Fr. Greg and Mark talk with Fr. Gary Graf about a pilgrimage to Mary that is taking place in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

On our Voice of Charity program, Angel Gutierrez, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement for Catholic Charities, visits with Acting Administrator Kathy Donahue. Sr. Lovina Pammit, host of Dare to Love, interviews Sister Jess Lambert who is about to take her vows with the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic, hosts of Diakonia: A Call to Service, welcome guests from the Kateri Center, the faith-based Native American ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago CFO Wayne Magdziarz talk with organizers of a prayer service marking the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Fr. Greg and Wayne also visit with the gifted historian, author and lecturer Dr. Edward Gordon who talked about the search for the historical Jesus. Catholic Chicago host Mark Teresi interviews Yesenia Maldonado, the Director of Social-Emotional Learning for Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools. And Mark Teresi has a group of guests in the radio studio from the newly formed Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan visits with Dr. MaryClare Birmingham, Executive Director of the Kolbe House jail ministry. Beth White and Jen Delvaux get an inside look at campus ministry from Amanda Thompson of DePaul University. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi co-host a program that features a group called Non-Violence Works. Father Greg and Mark also visit with Barbara Pitts and Elin Schriver of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Stewardship Office.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz get great news from Mary Dempsey, the President of DePaul College Prep High School. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie talk with Martina and Dale about their journey to marriage and the blessings and challenges of married life. Megan Mio of the Mission Office talks about ministering to the needy with two priests… one originally from Poland, the other from South Sudan.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview two Archdiocesan priests who are both excellent authors. First, Fr. Clete Kiley, Director of Immigration Policy for UniteHere International Union, talks about his new book, Chicago Neighbors: A Year in Short Stories. Next, Fr. Louis Cameli, the Cardinal’s Delegate for Christian Formation and Mission, discusses Mary's Assumption based on his book, Mary's Journey. Ryan Lents, the Director of the Human Dignity and Solidarity Office, talks with Phil Andrew, Director of Violence Prevention Initiatives for the Archdiocese, about the most recent outbreak of shootings in El Paso, Dayton, and right here in Chicago. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi visit with people who are part of the TEAM-W ministry… That Every Ability May Worship.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant, Mark Teresi, interview Cliff Barber of the Renew My Church team. Also joining Fr. Greg and Mark is Fr. Tirso Villaverde who promotes the annual Asian Community Mass. And Fr. Greg and Mark visit with local playwright and actor Vicki Quade who’s best known for her plays that focus on Catholic nuns. Sr. Lovina Pammit talks with Fr. Adam McDonald about his discernment to the priesthood. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic interview Deacon Keith Strohm about evangelization.

Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media and Mark Teresi of Holy Name Cathedral interview one of our prolific local authors, Fr. Dominic Grassi. Radio hosts Graz and Mark also talk with two people from the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission about what has become a tremendous annual outreach to young Catholics… Holy Fire. Office of Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston of Liturgy Training Publications discuss the renewal of the liturgical life of the Church. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi tackle the subject of Chicago’s continuing violence with the Director of Violence Prevention for the Archdiocese, Phil Andrew, and the Executive Director of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Fr. David Kelly.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan interviews Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, about the massive expansion of gaming that is coming to Illinois. Deacon John Cook and three of his fellow Deacons discuss the annual Sunrise Mass on Chicago’s lakefront. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with Misericordia’s Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connolly, who has been an inspiring advocate for Misericordia residents and their families for 50 years. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie reflect on what they learned from newlyweds Bart and Jackie Bartosz about blending two independent lives into one. And Megan Mio talks with a missionary priest whose ministry stretches from Kenya to Chicago.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Tom Bednar, President of Guerin College Preparatory High School. Deacon John Cook visits with Bre Bullock, Tara Harris and Shawn Logan. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and Sr. Catherine Ryan, Executive Director of Maryville Academy, discuss a partnership at the Fr. Augustus Tolton Peace Center in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. On the Lifelong Journey program, Clarissa Aljentera and Kenneth Velasquez talk about new learning opportunities in the local church. Mary Amore of Mayslake Ministries, a spirituality center in Chicago’s west suburbs, visits with Catholic Chicago hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Fr. Greg and Mark also visit with Fr. Eric Cruz, Director of Services for Catholic Charities in Bronx, New York.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago Chief Financial Officer Wayne Magdziarz interview Fr. Ramil Fajardo of the Metropolitan Tribunal. Fr. Greg and Wayne also get a Renew My Church update from Fr. Peter Wojcik of the Archdiocese Department of Parish Vitality and Mission and Chief Program Management Officer Marco Oropeza. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with his Manager of On-Line Content and Social Media, Michael Bare. Office of Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston of Liturgy Training Publications talk about Ordinary Time. Wayne Magdziarz visits with former Chicago television news reporter Peter Nolan. And Wayne’s next guest, Author/Professor/Historian Edward Gordon, talks about the rise of hate in America and around the world.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan interviews Pat Winn with Catholic Charities in Rockford about human trafficking and how his organization is fighting it on a county-by-county basis. Deacon John Cook talks to Sean Flynn, coordinator for youth programming at Distinctive Schools. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with longtime volunteer attorneys Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch about the significant impact volunteer attorneys have in the lives of many people. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interview newlyweds Bart and Jackie Bartosz about making a smooth transition to married life. And Megan Mio visits with Fr. Joseph Mulcrone who heads up the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for the Deaf.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg spend time talking with Carrie Spano and Tom Gouterman about Marist High School’s Faith in the Future Campaign. They also get to know the new director of Inclusive Education, Kat McConnell.. Deacon John Cook chats with Professor Ted Williams from Kennedy King College. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with Andrew McKernin and Michelle Medzigian to discuss the Pope Francis Ministry. And Fr. Greg and Graz invite Deacon John and Fr. Claudio into the studio to wrap up the week.

Fr. Greg spoke with Megan Deichl, Dr. Anthony Pagliarini and John Ellgas about the Summer Scripture Conference at Mundelein Seminary. Deacon John Cook talked about advocating for senior citizens with talk show host Clara Hubbard. Monsignor Boland’s guests, Peter Hoy and Angela Brown chatted about the Garden Project at St. Sabina Elders Village. Ryan Lents and Dawn Fitzpatrick had Mary Kate Knorr in the studio to discuss the recent abortion legislation in Illinois. Sr. Lovina Pammit talked vocations with Passionist brother Nicholas Divine. And the Deacons invited fellow Deacon Jim Pauwels to talk about the Rest In His Arms ministry.

Homelessness in Chicago is the topic as Deacon John Cook talks with Abraham Morris of DePaul USA. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland talks about the importance of having a strong and vibrant Board of Advisors with Board Member Emile Johnson and his son, Andrew. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media discuss Muslim-Catholic relations with Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek of the Archdiocese Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and Abdullah Mitchell, Executive Director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. And Fr. Greg and Graz visit with Dawn Fitzpatrick, the Respect Life Coordinator in the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, about abortion legislation being considered here in Illinois.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk about a big victory for St. John Brebeuf students at the Illinois State Science Fair. Deacon John Cook visits with Sister Jamie Phelps who shares practical advice to improve relationships in both the family and church. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss programs coordinated through their regional office on Chicago’s southwest side. Jennifer Delvaux of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship leads a discussion on what it means to be a missionary disciple. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie reflect on a recent interview they did with a couple who had triplets. And Megan Mio, Mission Education and Appeals Coordinator, talks to Franciscan Sister Nancy Schramm about her three decades of missionary work in Brazil.

Catholic Chicago host Graziano Marcheschi interviews the Special Events Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Vocation Office, Shawn Lucas. Graz also talks with Fr. Connor Danstrom, the very talented Director and Chaplain of the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Deacon John Cook visits with Dr. Andrew Prevot, associate professor of Theology at Boston College in Massachusetts. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss the importance of volunteers, in this case, high school volunteers thanks to a partnership with Loyola Academy. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi talk with Fr. Jim Presta, the Pastor of St. Emily Parish in Mount Prospect, about the Month of Mary.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media are joined by a group of brothers for an on-air celebration of Religious Brothers Day. Deacon John Cook talks with Sister Jamie Phelps about everything from the aging process to the significance of bible study. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss services offered at the Catholic Charities Senior Centers and the upcoming Senior Unity Mass. Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ryan Lents visit with Mark Curran, the former sheriff of Lake County, about the Immigration Ministry’s upcoming benefit called Keep Hope Alive. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit and Sister Mary Kay Brooks have a very informative conversation about the plight of immigrants. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic introduce us to Deacon Michael Fekete who is very active with Catholic Relief Services.

Deacon John Cook visits with Christopher Mallett who just took over as head football coach, athletic director and director of community relations and outreach at Hope Academy. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss anti-violence programs and services offered by Catholic Charities. Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, and Liturgy Training Publications Editor Timothy Johnston explain the three days at the end of Lent called the Triduum. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his guests discuss church initiatives to protect our children.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan has a conversation with Kathleen Gallagher of the New York State Catholic Conference about fall-out from that state's passage of extreme abortion legislation. Next, Bob talks with Robert McCoppin, a Chicago Tribune reporter who covered efforts to legalize marijuana. Deacon John Cook visits with Albert Anderson, musician and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss the great ways parishes partner with Catholic Charities. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie help listeners build their marriages on the Rock that is Christ. And Megan Mio, Mission Education and Appeals Coordinator, visits with Jorge Rivera about developing a culture of mission.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and his guests tell us about the Week of the Young Child. Deacon John Cook interviews Naomi Palacios, Outreach Coordinator for Augustus Tolton Catholic Academy. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests stress the importance of volunteers in providing critical services to people in Cook and Lake counties. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz discusses the importance of Child Abuse Prevention Month with Myra Flores, the Safe Environment coordinator for the Archdiocese, and Michael Hoffman, Chairman of the Hope and Healing Committee. And Fr. Greg talks with Cliff Barber, Chief Strategy Officer for the Renew My Church initiative.

Catholic Chicago host Graziano Marcheschi interviews the Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, Fr. Richard Fragomeni. Deacon John Cook talks with Reverend Gerald Jordan about several things, including five black candidates for Sainthood. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss how Catholic Charities and Chicago police work together to help residents in the Austin community. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit visits with Br. Michael Segvich, Coordinator of Retirement for Religious. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic introduce us to Shawn Tiemeier, wife of Chicago Deacon David Tiemeier, about the Women at the Well Prison Ministry.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talks with City Lights Orchestra Director Rich Daniels about his role as President of the Advisory Board of the Immigration Ministry. Fr. Greg also visits with the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon Dan Welter. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss legal assistance for low-income individuals. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz, CFO of Loyola University Chicago, visit with Fr. William Grogan, the Cardinal’s Vicar for Health Care, and a panel of experts on health care for the 65-and-over crowd.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with an expert on abortion law, Attorney Paul Linton, about pending abortion legislation in Illinois. Deacon John Cook visits with Jordan Little about his background, his faith, and a very beneficial app that he created. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie invite Mary and Bob Ploen into the radio studio to talk about how faith helped them raise triplets.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk to Marian Catholic High School Principal Steve Tortorello about the school’s 60th anniversary. Deacon John Cook interviews radio personality Ed Crosby of the Prayze Cafe. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests tell listeners how a partnership with Ladder Up provides tax preparation support for the needy. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi talk to organizers of a well-attended Way of the Cross observation that takes place in the streets of Chicago.

SPRED stands for Special Religious Development, a ministry that helps parishes welcome persons with developmental disabilities into participation in the liturgical life of their parish. Program host Graziano Marcheschi talks with SPRED representatives Sr. Mary Therese Harrington and Joe Quane. Graz also visits with Rachel Fulton Brown, a Mariology expert from the University of Chicago. Deacon John Cook interviews the principal of Augustus Tolton Academy, Phillip Bazil. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests talk about the importance of advocating for the people they have the privilege to serve. The Director of the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, Ryan Lents, speaks with Sajith Silva about the importance of Catholic Relief Services. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic visit with Dawn Fitzpatrick who heads up respect-life initiatives for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University C-F-O Wayne Magdziarz interview Wayne Messmer, the actor who performs in the one-person play, “Damien.” Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland talks about the challenges of meeting the needs of our senior citizens. Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston discuss the Season of Lent. And Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi visit with Mark Schmeltzer, Director of Communications for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with Peter Steinfels, former editor of Commonweal magazine and a religion reporter for the New York Times. Deacon John Cook continues his celebration of Black History Month by talking with Ronald Guhl, hair stylist and foster father of six boys whom raised alone. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests talk about their very successful partnership with Fenwick High School. And Mission Matters host Megan Mio visits with a Dominican sister whose life in ministry brought her from Nigeria to helping people in the Chicago area.