Hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie unpack their interview with Bill and Ileene-Marie Mooney

This month Megan sits down with two recently ordained and graduated priests, Fr. Falasiko Matovu and Fr. Peter Walusimbi. These two are from the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana in Uganda. They have been attending the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary for the last five years, with the support of the Global Mission Office. Megan asks them to share some treasured memories from their studies and formation and to share about their experiences of ordination back in May 2021 in Uganda.

Catholic Charities is embarking on a bold, new vision to expand our work on the parish level through Regional Mission Boards in the six vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago. We invite individuals, families, neighbors, friends, and corporations of all sizes to join us as Partners in Mission, Partners in Giving and/or Partners in Prayer and make a positive difference in the lives of people who are suffering. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Matt McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Rene Medina, Regional Mission Board Chairperson for the City Southwest Region to discuss the positive momentum that is building already for this new partner structure.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Dobbs Decision and Roe v. Wade. Guest: Amy Geherke. Segment II: Disability Outreach via Patients' Rights Action Fund. Guest: Ian McIntosh. Segment III: Combating Sin of Racism Workshop. Guest: Veronica Burchard

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 13, 31 – 33ª. 34-35 del domingo, 15 de mayo de 2022. Viernes, 13 de mayo de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz 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 Christian/Catholic adult men and women from all walks of life, providing multiple spiritual opportunities for people who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The programs and services are sanctioned by the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Dioceses of Joliet and Rockford, Illinois. Today we talk with Dr. Mary Amore about the latest offerings from Mayslake Ministries. Segment II: The 49th Annual Summer Scripture Conference is scheduled to take place on the grounds of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary from June 19 to June 24. Joining us to talk about this year’s conference is Megan Deichl and Linda Couri.

Guests: Elizabeth Kos and Joseph Quane

A wonderful team-building initiative was started at Catholic Charities in the fall of 2021, uniting all employees in monthly gatherings that invite staff members to share their opinions and ideas while they meet employees from other service areas and celebrate their shared commitment to helping people in need. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Edward Leiser, Manager, Employee Communications to discuss the objectives of these Employee Gatherings and the positive impact they have had already throughout our large organization.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 10, 27 – 30 del domingo, 8 de mayo de 2022.

Our guests today are Sister Michele Fisher, CSFN, a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth ( www.NazarethCSFN.org) and Brother Tim Smyth, CFC, a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers of the North American Province (www.ercbna.org). Pray the rosary with the CSFNs in Ukraine via Zoom at 1:00 pm central. To join the Sisters for the online Rosary at 9pm (Kiev time), the following ZOOM link can be used: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4394440126…

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two of their brother deacons from the Diocese of Joliet. Joining the show are Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Director of the Joliet Diaconate, and Deacon Victor Puscas, Director of Deacon Formation for the Joliet Diocese. Listen in as the four deacons talk about commonalities between the two diaconates, as well as encourage all the baptized to focus their own lives on emulating Christ the Servant. It is the servanthood of Christ that animates what a deacon does and this servanthood is something all Christians are called to.

Dawn and Ray welcome Brian Butler, Executive Director of DumbOx Ministries on the first half of today’s Fully Alive. They discuss the relationship of Theology of the Body and Dumb Ox Ministries, the upcoming Echo Experience for Young Adults which will be held on June 24-26 in Chicago, and Brian reveals a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! During the second half of the show, Nick Costello from HEAL (Home to Enhance African Life) ministries joins to discuss the mission that he leads in Nigeria to build strong families and children through the love of Christ.

Mothers hold a special place in each of our hearts. As we approach Mother’s Day, we dedicate this show to all mothers, and discuss the many ways that Catholic Charities supports moms in all Seasons of Motherhood, through various stages in their lives. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Angel Gutierrez, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement for this heartwarming conversation.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho, author of Inside the Light: Understanding the Message of Fatima and vice-postulator of the cause for canonization of Sr. Lucia, and Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews, founder of the Broken Mary Project, are the guests for the full hour. Sr. Angela has come all the way from Portugal to Chicago to travel around Cook and Lake counties to speak to audiences about Understanding the Message of Fatima. Guests: Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho and Kevin Matthews.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 21, 1 – 19 del domingo, 1 de mayo de 2022.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Vicar for Religious, talks about how retired religious benefit from the generosity of contributions to the Religious Retirement Fund. Segment II: Bishop Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Vicariate VI, discusses the Men's Conference that occurred recently and gives an update on where things are in the cause for canonization of Father Augustus Tolton.

In the Second Week of Easter, this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy explores this Great Season, this “Week of Weeks,” this 50-day Feast! Co hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss and break open the liturgies, Mass texts and readings of the season which give us direction on how to live, now that we have renewed our baptism at Easter.

Guests: Sean Reilly and Danielle Pitzer

For more than forty years, the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program has been offering compassionate resources for healing to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Founded by Charles T. Rubey, the LOSS Community just gathered for the 31st Annual LOSS Brunch which was a virtual event this year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Emily Tegenkamp, LOSS Program Coordinator to discuss how LOSS has expanded coast to coast in recent months.

We interviewed Bill and Ileene-Marie Mooney during the show. Married for over thirty 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 which bolstered them especially in stormy times.

Megan interviews Fr. José Murcia Abellan, pastor of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish in Chicago, and Alejandro Guevara, currently in formation at the Diocesan Missionary Seminary, Redemptoris Mater in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. Megan asks them about the faith of the people in Ukraine and the role of the church as well. Fr. José and Alejandro share how the people have been impacted by the war as well. Megan asks them to reflect on the vocation of the missionary priest and God's Mission in Ukraine at this time.

This month our host, Jenn Delvaux, speaks with Marcia Lane-McGee and Shannon Wimp Schmidt about their book, Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s. Shannon and Maria shared themes from their book on Easter, Esther, and a (really brief) primer on the Black Church. As they told the story of the genesis of their podcast, Plaid Skirts and Basic Black, along with the process of writing their book they shared personal stories, great joy, and even more laughter. In the final segment of the hour, Sr. Kasia Banasiewicz, a coordinator in the Office for Evangelization, joined to share a few stories from family and friends in Poland helping to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Those who are able to do so, are encouraged to support the relief efforts via the Archdiocesan website and utilize some of the resources to pray for the refugees and all those affected by the war.

The Peace Corner Youth Center is a safe haven for youth on Madison Street in the Austin neighborhood. With parental involvement and support, school-aged children and young adults learn valuable life skills and engage in after-school programming, academic enrichment, civic engagement and a variety of sports and recreational activities. In March, the 13-14 Boys Basketball Team won a division championship for the Westside Sports League in a thrilling victory. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Christie Richardson, Melissa Lucas, Brandon Wilkerson and Sargent Jermaine Harris, of the Chicago Police Department to learn more about the Peace Corner Youth Center, this special team of players and their hard-earned achievement this spring.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Safer Foundation’s Second Chance State Education Act is part of our 6-bill Second Chance State legislative initiative. The initiative aims to reduce crime by responding to the social determinants of justice-involvement, incarceration and recidivism. The philosophy underlying this initiative is that the most effective means of reducing crime is to make returning residents successful and healthy. Guest: Mark McCombs. Segment II: What is going on in Florida? Guest: Michael Sheedy. Segment III: Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems. Guest: Shane Hartman.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 1 – 9 del domingo, 17 de abril de 2022.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Super Team from the Office for Divine Worship break down the elements of the holiest week for Catholics. Guests: Todd Williamson; Wendy Silhavy; Carmen Arroyo.

We learn more about inspiring young adults to go deeper in their faith through the lens of Laudato Si, a Papal Encyclical on the environment. We learn more about the Integral Ecology Retreat co-hosted by the Archdiocese of Chicago alongside Catholic Climate Covenant. We are joined by guests - Anna Robertson (Catholic Climate Covenant), Meg Boyle (Old St. Pat's), and Michael Terrien - Laudato Si Ecumenical and Interreligious Liasion for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The chapel at the University of Illinois at Chicago recently underwent renovations and was dedicated by Cardinal Cupich on Jan. 8, 2022. The chapel renovation was part of a larger renovation of the center that included the addition of a coffee bar and updated gathering space.

During this Holy Week, as we reflect on Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection, we are reminded of the sites in Jerusalem where pilgrims still venerate these events today. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Reverend Edward Harnett, who has led twelve trips to the Holy Land and studied biblical history extensively. Through a virtual Holy Land experience, Fr. Harnett will help us grow in appreciation for all that Jesus endured for us, by learning more about the locations where His divine sacrifice took place.

Host: Melissa Link and Roni Facen. Segment I: Divine Providence Hosts and All-School Service Day. Guest: Lynn Letourneau. Segment II: Early Childhood Language Intense Program at St. Zachary School. Guest: Darlene Potenza

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 23, 1 – 49 del domingo, 10 de abril de 2022.

Sister Mayra Eva Melgar-Lopez, MSCS, originally from Mexico, has been a member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo Scalabrinians for less than six years. Although her family doesn’t practice their Catholic faith and starting out as a self-proclaimed atheist, a Lenten retreat turned things around. A profound experience with the very poor and later some accompaniment with Scalabrinian Sisters led to her joining the community as a member. To learn more about the congregation, visit: Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo Scalabrinians (scalabriniansisters.org)

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Monsignor John Canary, Chicago priest, holder of many honors and offices in the Archdiocese of Chicago and currently Director of the Archdiocese’s Joseph and Mary Retreat House. Listen in as Monsignor Canary discusses what a retreat is, how it helps us in our walk with the Lord and how one can seek to receive the benefits of a retreat even while we stay at home. Also, Monsignor Canary identifies the different kinds of retreats and, in a few concluding minutes, begins a conversation on the spirituality of St. John of the Cross. The website for Joseph and Mary Retreat House is www.josephandmaryretreat.org.

On today’s show, Dawn and Ray interview Father Chuck Dahm about the Domestic Violence Outreach and its upcoming Gala. They also talk with Jeannie Balanda of Amate House regarding the work of Amate House, its fellows and the upcoming Amate Magic Fundraising Event. On the second half of the show, our hosts welcome Kat Talalas, Communication Director of the USCCB’s Prolife Secretariat, to discuss how to support women to have real choices when in an unplanned pregnancy. They also discuss the possibilities of a post-Roe world in the next few months, depending on the outcome of the Dobbs case at the Supreme Court.

Pregnancy can be a joyful time, but if a mother is struggling with substance use while she is pregnant, or adjusting to being a new mother, the health of the mother and her baby are serious concerns. Catholic Charities TRANSFORMING LIVES program helps young mothers deal with this difficult situation so that they and their babies become healthier over the course of the pregnancy and throughout the child’s first year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes LAURA KUEVER, Catholic Charities Associate Vice-President in our Child, Youth and Family Service Area and ALYSAN ANDERSON, the Transforming Lives Lead Doula and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist to talk about this life-affirming program.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Peter’s in the Loop is celebrating their 175th anniversary. Fr. Bob Hutmacher, Guardian of St. Peter’s in the Loop, joins us for the first segment to talk about the ongoing celebration and to promote Holy Week events at the church. Segment II: Kolbe House is the agency of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago that serves individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system. Compelled by the Gospel mandate, “I was in prison and you visited me,” Kolbe House at Assumption BVM — a parish-based jail ministry — is a sanctuary for those impacted by incarceration. Guests: Emily Cortina and Pat Sullivan. Segment III: Mustard Seeds is a small faith community at Holy Name Cathedral. Joining us for the last segment of today’s program to discuss the value of small Catholic Christian Faith communities are three members of Mustard Seeds, LouAnn Burkhardt, Sue Kovacs, and Christine Lawless.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 8, 1 – 11 del domingo, 3 de abril de 2022.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On March 25, 2022, Pope Francis consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart alongside Ukraine, with both countries explicitly mentioned, amid the Russo-Ukrainian War. Joining us to talk about this consecration is the director of the Office for Divine Worship, Todd Williamson. Segment II: On Sunday, April 3rd at 2:30pm, a mass for journalists and their families covering the Ukraine conflict will be held at St. Mary of the Lake church on Chicago’s north side. Joining us for this segment are Michael Puente, journalist and organizer of the mass, and Michael Ruzicki, Music Director at St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Segment III: Vince Gerasole interviews a Chicago woman who is on the front line of helping refugees.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Unlocking Communities equips entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities. Through focusing on entrepreneurship development, water filtration system production, community needs response, and global franchising, UC has impacted over 130,000 people since 2018. Guest: Josh Goralski. Segment II: Each year we follow the passion of Christ in the heart of our city, where thousands of people carry their cross every day. Through choral music, Gospel passages, reflections, and our silent procession, we hope to enter more deeplly into the events of Good Friday and their meaning for us today. We ask to experience the exceptional Presence of Christ among us as a real answer to the needs of our hearts. Guests: Bishop Mark Bartosic, Sepha Skean, Terese Black

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 15, 1-3.11-32 del domingo, 25 de marzo de 2022. Viernes, 23 de marzo de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Linda Nardone is an active parishioner at Holy Name Cathedral and has written a memoir entitled "My Journey to Steadfast Faith." Guest: Lina Nardone. Segment II: For 37 years, Amate House has attracted dedicated and caring young people who are answering the call to not just a year of service, but to the opportunity to grow and become leaders who will go on to change the world long after their year at Amate House.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson address the call of Pope Francis to pray personally and publicly for peace in Ukraine. Timothy and Todd look at the rich collection of prayers, Masses and scripture that speak to the sad human experience of war, exile, and civil disturbance. In a special way, they look ahead to Holy Week in this time of war and suffering in the world.

In this final installment of our two-part series on Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Services, we discuss the Care Coordination that takes place between Catholic Charities departments, and other domestic violence service providers to ensure that victims/survivors receive the assistance they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes BETH KLIEGER, a Domestic Violence Clinical Manager, and MARIA PRASEK, an Intake Specialist who will describe the caring network of support that exists in Cook and Lake counties for those who have had this traumatic experience.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Scholarship Tax Credit. Guest: Anthony Holder. Segment II: School Mask Mandates. Guest: Vito DeFrisco. Segment III: Predatory Lending. Guest: Meegan Dugan Adell

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 28b-36 del domingo, 20 de marzo de 2022. Viernes, 18 de marzo de 2022

If there is one thing that stands out in Dave and Karen Groppel's marriage, it is intentionality. They do everything deliberately: their couple time, their date night and also their parenting. They make their marriage their top priority by investing time and effort on their relationship.

Megan meets Fr. Godwin Kornu, a Comboni priest for over 20 years, who is originally from Ghana. He has ministered in Chad and Ghana as a parish priest and recently joined the Comboni Mission Center in La Grange Park, IL.

In honor of women’s history month, Beth White, welcomes Vinita Hampton Wright, author, retreat leader and retired book editor, to On the Way to discuss her newest book,Set the World on Fire: A four-week personal retreat with the female doctors of the Church. This book is scheduled for release on March 25, 2022 through Ave Maria Press. Vinita discusses the way in which these four very important women influenced our common understanding of God and were incredible contributors to the theology of the Church. This book is designed to help all on their deepening spiritual journey. Beth and Vinita also discussed how going deeper inward should lead us into an outward movement. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day week, On the Way welcomes Fr. Ken Simpson, Administrator of Old St. Pat's Catholic Church in the West Loop of Chicago. Old St. Pat’s hosted Shamrock’n the Block, a new event with rooted in their long tradition of block parties. The event gathered more than 2,000 on parade day. Fr. Ken and Beth discussed how these types of gatherings are wonderful ways to have a presence in the larger community, to engage parishioners as hosts of the party, and to intentionally invite and encourage guests to join upcoming parish offerings. In addition to these social events, Old St. Pat’s has a long history of being focused on the spiritual development of their adults and offers many opportunities to grow in their relationship with Christ and His Church. All are welcome to explore.

We begin a two-part series on Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Services, taking a closer look at our comprehensive programs that help victims/survivors begin a safer, happier chapter in the lives. This show features a discussion about Catholic Charities two Domestic Violence Transitional Housing residences in Cook and Lake counties. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes ANNE GROSKLAUS and AIDA SEGURA, the Program Directors of Catholic Charities House of the Good Shepherd and House of Peace, where healing and hope are found every day.